Rocks Band: I have 48 Imperial Arms.

Kaido is the leader of the Beasts Pirates, known for his immense strength (0.6) and ruthless nature. His territory is filled with traps and dangers, but this is not a problem for Locke.

He traversed treacherous terrain and finally arrived before Kaido's palace. Kaido sat on his throne, a cup of fine wine before him. He looked at Locke and gave a cold laugh.

"Kid, you've come looking for death," Kaido said.

“I challenge you,” Locke said without fear.

Chapter 330: Frost Sword!

Locke didn't answer; he continued his all-out attack. He discovered that Boa Hancock was far stronger than he had imagined; her swordsmanship was exquisite, each move a deadly attack. But Locke didn't give up. He constantly observed Boa Hancock's attack patterns, trying to find her weakness.

After a period of fighting, Locke finally discovered Boa Hancock's weakness. Using his speed and skill, he dodged Boa Hancock's attacks and launched a fatal blow, striking Boa Hancock in the waist.

Boa Hancock staggered back a few steps in pain, but she didn't give up. Suddenly, she revealed her true power, unleashing her ultimate attack. Her attack was like a raging storm, making Locke feel extremely oppressed.

Locke knew he had to find a solution within 27 hours. He observed Boa Hancock's attack patterns, trying to find a way to counter them. Suddenly, he noticed that although Boa Hancock's attacks were like a raging storm, there was a tiny gap between each attack.

Locke seized the opportunity, quickly closing in on Boa Hancock and punching her in the chest. Boa Hancock staggered back in surprise, not expecting Locke to find her weakness.

Locke didn't stop attacking; he relentlessly assaulted Boa Hancock. Boa Hancock was equally formidable, her swordsmanship becoming even more ferocious, forcing Locke to remain constantly vigilant. Their battle intensified, their attacks and defenses becoming increasingly precise and efficient.

“Your swordsmanship is impressive,” Locke said, panting, “but my fist techniques are not to be underestimated either.”

“Your fist technique is powerful, but my swordsmanship is superior,” Boa Hancock replied.

Their conversation did not halt the battle; they continued their fierce exchange. Locke's punches grew increasingly powerful, and Boa Hancock's swordsmanship became ever more refined. Their attacks and defenses approached their limits, and the air was thick with intense aura and energy.

"That's enough for both of you!" Suddenly, a voice rang out.

The two men stopped attacking at the same time. They saw a woman dressed in gorgeous clothes walking towards them, holding a book in her hand.

“I am the king of this land, why are you fighting on my territory?” the woman asked.

“We’re just trying to prove our strength,” Locke said.

“I don’t want to see you fighting on my territory,” the woman said. “But I can give you a chance to duel in my courtyard.”

Both men nodded upon hearing this. They followed the woman into the courtyard, ready to begin their duel.

“Only one of you will survive this duel,” the woman said. “You two must give it your all.”

443 Locke and Boa Hancock resumed their battle. Their attacks were even more ferocious, seemingly reaching their limit. Their figures darted rapidly through the courtyard, sword energy and fist shadows clashing, the air thick with energy and aura.

Boa Hancock did not give up. She launched a series of attacks with her longsword, but Locke was very fast. He easily dodged the attacks and used his physical strength and boxing skills to launch a series of deadly attacks.

Boa Hancock sensed Locke's power and began to take the battle seriously. She decided to use her strongest move—the Frost Sword.

Chapter 331: I love you, Locke!

She raised her longsword, and the surrounding temperature began to plummet, chilling the air. She let out a shrill cry, and the icy power on her sword intensified, freezing the entire island.

Locke felt the powerful chill and knew he had to end the fight quickly. He doubled his punches, rapidly closing the distance to Boa Hancock, attempting to break her frost sword.

The two engaged in a final duel on the icy island, their attacks intertwining to create a series of astonishing sounds. Locke used his speed and skill to relentlessly strike Boa Hancock's frost sword, attempting to break its power.

Boa Hancock sensed Locke's determination, and her attacks became even more ferocious.

She unleashed her final move—Ten Thousand Snakes Freezing Cold.

The frost on her sword grew even stronger, coiling around Locke like a thousand snakes and completely enveloping him. Locke felt the chill in the air and knew he had to break free of this power as soon as possible, or he would be frozen solid.

He exerted all his strength, attempting to break free from the bindings of the Thousand Serpents' Frost. He struggled, unleashing a powerful aura from his fists, finally breaking free from Boa Hancock's attack and delivering a fatal blow.

Boa Hancock collapsed to the ground, clutching her chest in pain, knowing she had lost. She looked at Locke and smiled, "You're very good, Locke. I lost."

Locke looked at Boa Hancock lying on the ground, his heart filled with excitement and the joy of victory. He knew this battle was one of the toughest challenges he had ever faced, but he also knew he had passed the test and proven his strength and courage.

Boa Hancock slowly got up, looking at Locke with a hint of shyness and admiration: "You're really amazing, Locke. I've never met an opponent like you before."

Locke smiled and replied, "Thank you, Boa Hancock. You are also a very good warrior."

“I like you, Locke,” Boa Hancock suddenly said. “I like your courage and strength. Would you consider being with me?”

Locke hesitated for a moment. He knew Boa Hancock was a very beautiful and powerful woman, but he didn't have any special feelings for her. "I'm sorry, Boa Hancock, I don't want to be with you," he said. "I'm just a free traveler, and I don't want to be tied down by anyone."

Boa Hancock's face showed shame, anger, and disappointment. "I know you are a free person. But if one day you need my help, I will always be by your side."

“Thank you, Boa Hancock,” Locke replied with a smile. “I also hope we can become good friends.”

Boa Hancock nodded, then suddenly turned and left. Tears welled in her eyes, but she didn't let Locke see them.

Locke watched her departing figure. He knew he had hurt her feelings, but he also knew he had to stand by his beliefs and values.

Locke left the frozen island and continued his journey. During his travels, Hawkeye invited Locke to his tavern for drinks.

Locke was somewhat surprised to hear Hawkeye's invitation. He knew Hawkeye was a Marine Admiral, but he didn't think he had anything in common with him.

Chapter 332: Hawkeye and Locke!

However, he also knew that Hawkeye was a very powerful opponent, so he decided to go and see what Hawkeye was up to.

So Locke followed Hawkeye out of the tavern and into a quiet place. Hawkeye poured two glasses of wine from his flask and handed one to Locke: "Here, have a drink."

Locke took the glass, smelled it, and discovered it was a wine he had never tasted before. He looked up at Hawkeye and found his eyes to be incredibly deep, giving off an involuntary sense of pressure.

“This is a very precious wine,” Hawkeye said. “I hope you enjoy it.”

Locke smiled, then raised his glass: "Thank you for your hospitality, Hawkeye. I'll savor the 443 flavor of this wine."

The two drank the wine at the same time, and Locke felt a warm current flow into his body, which gradually warmed up.

“This wine is excellent,” Locke said. “I have never tasted such a delicious wine.”

“You’re a very interesting person,” Hawkeye said. “I enjoy talking to you.”

"Thank you." Locke smiled. "I also think you're a very interesting person."

Their conversation deepened, and Locke discovered that Hawkeye was actually a very intelligent and thoughtful person. They discussed many topics related to justice and freedom, and Locke found that he and Hawkeye had a lot in common.

However, as he drank more, Locke began to feel somewhat drunk. He started saying inappropriate things and provoking Hawkeye.

“You are a naval admiral, but you don’t understand true justice,” Locke said. “You are just a slave brainwashed by the government.”

Hawkeye frowned slightly upon hearing this, knowing he couldn't tolerate Locke's disrespect. However, he remained calm and tried his best to avoid getting emotional.

“Locke, you have courage, but what you say is not correct,” Hawkeye said. “I believe that the government exists to uphold peace and justice, and our duty is to protect the safety and interests of the people.”

“Protecting the people?” Locke scoffed. “Your so-called protection is nothing more than oppressing the people and depriving them of their freedom and rights. The Pirate Kings are the true embodiment of justice; they represent the power of freedom and justice.”

"The Pirate King?" Hawkeye sneered. "They're just a bunch of pirates. Their so-called freedom and justice are nothing but excuses to cover up their crimes."

“You don’t understand!” Locke said. “The significance of One Piece goes beyond your imagination. They represent a spirit and a belief. They do not submit to any regime or oppression. They live and travel freely and fight for their dreams.”

"So what are your dreams?" Hawkeye asked. "Is it just to defeat the government and the navy?"

“No, our dreams are much deeper,” Locke said. “We hope to find true freedom and justice, and we hope to change the world so that everyone can live freely and pursue their dreams.”

Hawkeye remained silent for a moment, knowing that the differences between him and Locke were irreconcilable. But he still hoped to get Locke to understand his position.

“Locke, I’m not what you think. I have my own dreams and beliefs,” Hawkeye said. “I believe in freedom and justice, but I also believe in the power of government and the military. We have different stances, but we both hope to bring a better future to this world.”

Chapter 333: Dreams are just empty fantasies!

“I know you’re a very thoughtful person,” Locke said. “We may never reach an agreement, but I think we can be friends.”

"Friends?" Hawkeye smiled. "Then let's be friends!"

Hawkeye was silent for a moment, then suddenly stood up, his face turning cold and ruthless: "Locke, your words are utterly ignorant. Do you think you can fight for justice and orthodoxy like me? You're just a lowly pirate, not worthy to be compared to me at all."

“What are you talking about?” Locke frowned. “I have never considered myself an incompetent person. I have always strived to pursue my goals and dreams.”

"Then why are you still a pirate with no background or power?" Hawkeye mocked. "Your dream is just an empty fantasy; you'll never achieve it."

A flash of anger and defiance crossed Locke's eyes; he would not allow anyone to question his strength and his dreams.

Locke remained silent, drawing his sword, ready to fight Hawkeye. Hawkeye said nothing more, slowly drawing his sword, a powerful killing intent emanating from him.

The two began to fight fiercely, their swordsmanship swift and sharp, each clash producing a piercing metallic clang. Their figures crisscrossed in the air, each attack precise and powerful.

Locke found his opponent to be formidable; his swordsmanship was concise and effective, each attack imbued with ruthless killing intent. He struggled to resist Hawkeye's attacks, but he gradually felt his stamina and strength waning.

Hawkeye saw this and intensified his attack, leaving Locke breathless. Although Locke was struggling to resist, he had reached his limit and knew he had to find a way to break Hawkeye's offensive.

He suddenly stopped attacking, leaped backward, and swung his sword diagonally. Hawkeye hadn't expected Locke to do this; he was caught off guard and forced to retreat a few steps.

At that moment, Locke seized the opportunity to attack, swiftly swinging his sword at Hawkeye. Hawkeye barely dodged the attack, but his robes were ripped. His expression grew even colder; he knew he had to end this fight as quickly as possible.

·· ······Requesting 0 flowers ······

He charged towards Locke with lightning speed, his sword gleaming brightly. Locke, equally unyielding, gripped his sword tightly, meeting Hawkeye's attack head-on.

Their swords clashed with a deafening roar, and their figures vanished instantly in the flash of sword light. Their battle grew increasingly fierce, each attack scorching the surrounding air.

 …

Locke felt his strength dwindling, and he knew he had to defeat Hawkeye as soon as possible. He gathered all his power and launched a fierce attack on Hawkeye.

Hawkeye calmly dodged Locke's attacks. He spotted Locke's weakness and suddenly launched a fatal attack.

“Locke, you’ve lost,” Hawkeye said, his sword already pressed against Locke’s throat.