Rocks Band: I have 48 Imperial Arms.

"Oh, so you're the kind of self-important guys," Smoker sneered. "I'd like to see if you so-called pirates have any real strength."

“Then come on, Smoker.” Locke’s eyes gleamed with a challenge. “We are not afraid of any challenge.”

Locke and Smoker engaged in a fierce battle, their fists clashing with a deafening roar. Smoker's punches were incredibly powerful, each strike carrying astonishing destructive force, but Locke's reflexes and skills were equally impressive. He constantly dodged Smoker's attacks, searching for an opportunity to counterattack.

"Hahaha, it seems you pirates have some skill after all." Smoker became excited upon seeing Locke's performance. "But you still can't defeat me."

·· ······Requesting 0 flowers ······

"We won't lose to you!" Sanji shouted.

“That’s right, we will never give up!” Usopp also joined the battle.

Smoker was quite surprised by the unity and courage of Locke and his pirate crew. He hadn't expected that these seemingly barbaric and disorderly pirates would have such unity and fighting power.

 …

Smoker intensified his attack, eager to end the battle quickly and demonstrate his strength and honor.

However, Locke and the pirate crew's counterattack grew stronger. They found a weakness in Smoker's attack and began to launch a counterattack.

Zoro wielded a massive sword, while Sanji and Usopp fired rockets and guns continuously. Nico Robin cleverly used her abilities to keep Smoker from catching a glimpse of her.

The battle lasted a long time, and in the end, Locke and his pirate crew emerged victorious. Although they were injured, they were all in high spirits and showed no signs of discouragement.

"It seems I still have a lot to learn," Smoker said, panting, also marveling at his opponent's strength.

Chapter 344: The Vanity of a Naval Admiral!

“Yes, everyone has their own weaknesses and shortcomings, but as long as we work hard to cultivate, we can continuously become stronger,” Locke said with a smile.

"You pirates are always a bunch of unreasonable guys," Smoker said, still dissatisfied despite his defeat.

“Heh, we will always uphold our beliefs and ideals, and will not be swayed by anyone,” Locke replied. “443”

"Locke, I heard you spoke with the captain of the Red-Haired Pirates?"

Smoker suddenly asked, piquing Locke's interest, "You mean Shanks?"

"That's right, it's him. I heard he once had a completely different negotiation with a naval admiral, are you aware of that?"

"Of course I know, it's a very classic story." Locke recalled the scene and marveled at the mystery and charm of that legendary pirate.

"So how do you think Shanks did it? I've always thought that pirate was amazing."

"Shanks is indeed very capable. He is a genius navigator and fighter, and his negotiation skills are also very strong. In that negotiation, he cleverly used his wisdom and negotiation skills to finally get the admiral to acquiesce to his demands."

"Oh? How exactly did you do that?"

"It's actually very simple. He exploited the vanity and self-interest of the admiral, making him feel that he had gained some benefits. Then, he used his prestige and reputation to make the admiral abandon his original idea."

“Wow, that’s amazing,” Smoker exclaimed. “But I don’t think this is a good thing for the Navy.”

"That's true, but what Shanks did wasn't just for his own benefit, but also to protect the vulnerable and free maritime trade. He was a true pirate with his own beliefs, ideals, and pursuits."

“You’re right. Although I’m a soldier in the Navy, I also believe that everyone should have their own beliefs and ideals.”

"Yes, that's also our pirate crew's belief. We're not just fighting for ourselves, but also to protect those who are exploited and oppressed..."

“That sounds impressive, I admire you guys,” Smoker said. “Although we are enemies now, I think there are ways we can get along better.”

“Yes, I think so too. Although we are enemies at sea, we can cooperate and communicate in other areas.” Locke nodded. “After all, we are all pursuing our own beliefs and ideals, but we have different views and positions on this issue.”

“That’s right, we can respect each other’s views and positions, and learn from and exchange ideas with each other,” Smoker agreed.

They continued talking for a long time, discussing the relationship between pirates and the Navy, the balance between freedom and justice, and their respective beliefs and pursuits. Although they represented different factions, they shared many common ideas.

Finally, they shook hands, expressing mutual respect and friendship. Although the conversation was brief, it was a rare and inspiring exchange of ideas for Locke and Small.

Chapter 345: The Rules of the Pirate King Tournament!

Locke and his group continued onward when suddenly the Buggy Pirates appeared ahead. They said provocatively, "Oh, looks like the Straw Hat Pirates' underlings. I wonder if you dare to challenge us, the Buggy Pirates?"

"It seems you don't know the rules. We are Luffy's subordinates, the Pirate King. You'd better not mess with us," Locke replied.

"Hmph, that depends on whether you have the ability!" the leader of the Buggy Pirates taunted.

Locke frowned slightly. Although the Buggy Pirates weren't particularly strong, they were cunning and adept at using various methods in battle. He decided to use his Imperial Arms to face the 27 challenges.

“Alright, don’t worry, I’ll make it easy for you to defeat this Buggy Pirates,” Locke said, then took out his Imperial Arm.

With a gentle wave, he released a powerful energy from his Imperial Arm, enveloping the entire sea in light. The Buggy Pirates were immediately terrified and dared not continue their provocation.

"This is my Imperial Arm. It can unleash powerful energy, allowing me to easily defeat any opponent," Locke said.

The Straw Hat crew was very surprised. They hadn't expected Locke to have such power, capable of defeating the enemy with a single blow.

The leader of the Buggy Pirates was furious and shouted, "This isn't fair! You defeated us using that Imperial Arm, that doesn't count!"

"Who says you can't use Imperial Arms in battle? That's a rule of the Pirate King Tournament," Locke replied coldly. "You lost, so you have to accept the result."

The Buggy Pirates had no choice but to leave silently, knowing they had lost.

Locke and the Straw Hat crew continued their journey and arrived at a small village called Koya. This village was originally a peaceful fishing village, but recently it has been taken over by a bandit gang called Arlong, and the residents have suffered great oppression and exploitation.

Usopp decides to step forward and lead everyone to rescue Koya Village. However, Arlong's strength is so great that Usopp feels somewhat powerless.

Upon hearing Usopp's request, Locke agreed without hesitation. "No problem, we will help you rescue Koya Village and defeat Arlong!" Locke said solemnly.

"Great, thank you!" Usopp said happily, pulling out his pistol. "Let's go!"

“Wait, Usopp, you’re going to fight alongside us, this pistol is clearly not enough,” Locke said, pointing at Usopp’s pistol. “However, I have a suggestion. To help you fight better, I can transfer my Teigu Power 443 to you.”

"What?! You're willing to teach me?!" Usopp exclaimed in surprise. "Doesn't that mean I can become as strong as you?"

“Not entirely. My Imperial Arms was developed based on my physique. Everyone’s physique is different, so the way Imperial Arms exert their power will also vary. However, I believe you can also master some techniques and tricks to enhance your combat power,” Locke explained.

Usopp nodded, then sat down with Locke and began learning how to use the power of the Imperial Arms. Under Locke's guidance, Usopp quickly mastered some techniques and methods.

Chapter 346: No Mercy!

On their journey, the Straw Hat crew encountered Arlong. Arlong was a swordsman from the East Blue, whose swordsmanship was extremely fierce. It is said that even the Pirate King Luffy was once defeated by his swordsmanship.

"So you're here to rescue people too?" Ah Long said coldly. "This is none of your business."

"We're not just here to rescue people, we're here to defeat you!" Locke taunted. "Don't want to fight? Then let's go!"

Instead of leaving, Ah Long drew his sword, ready to fight Locke.

Locke stared at Arlong, and the two faced off in silence for a moment, the atmosphere growing tense. Usopp also watched vigilantly from the side, ready to support Locke at any moment.

“You guys are always interfering in other people’s business, it’s really annoying!” Ah Long finally spoke up, “But since you’ve come to challenge me, I won’t hold back.”

“Very well, let’s have a fair fight.” Locke drew a broad, double-edged sword from his waist, its blade gleaming with a blue light. “Let’s begin!”

"Be careful, my swordsmanship is not as simple as you can imagine!" Ah Long also drew his sword, and his body began to exude a dangerous aura.

The two began to fight, their swords clashing in a fierce and impressive display. Locke's Imperial Arms enhanced his attacks, making them even more lethal, while Arlong also displayed his superb swordsmanship, shrouding the entire battlefield in an intense atmosphere.

"You can't beat me!" Aaron shouted, his sword transforming into a bolt of lightning as he slashed at Locke.

“You’re not strong enough either!” Locke retorted, his double-edged sword transforming into a blue light as he slashed fiercely at Aaron.

The two men clashed violently, producing a series of ear-piercing metallic clangs. The surrounding crowd was startled by their attack and took a few steps back.

"This battle is really intense!" Usopp watched excitedly, and the villagers around him were also shocked by the fight between Locke and Arlong.

"This is just the beginning!" Locke shouted, his double-edged sword began to spin, and with a sudden swing, a sword aura flew towards Aaron.

Not to be outdone, Ah Long's sword transformed into a bolt of lightning, slashing towards Locke. The two beams of light met in mid-air, and a blinding burst of light instantly dissipated.

"what?"

Suddenly, a dark shadow darted past and blocked Ah Long's attack.

“What’s going on?” Locke frowned, sensing that the shadowy figure’s aura was very unusual.

After the shadowy figure landed, a person slowly emerged. It was a man dressed in a black robe, with a gloomy face, holding a black longsword that looked extremely powerful.

"Who are you? Why are you interfering in our battle?" Locke asked warily.

"Hahaha, my name is Nightblade, and I'm the mercenary leader here," Nightblade sneered. "What happens here is none of your business. You'd better leave now."

"Mercenaries?" Locke frowned. "Could it be that you're also here for the treasure of Koya Village?"

“Indeed, we’ve accepted a commission from a mysterious client to find the treasure in Koya Village,” Nightblade said without hesitation. “However, I don’t want to waste any more time with you. Now, let me show you my swordsmanship!”

Chapter 347: No, you really are strong!!

Nightblade's sword gleamed coldly as he slashed fiercely at Locke. Locke did not back down; instead, he met the attack with his double-edged sword, and their swordplay clashed.

Usopp nervously observed the battlefield, knowing the fight was becoming increasingly dangerous. He tried to find an opportunity to strike, but Nightblade's attacks were too fierce, leaving him no chance.

Locke also felt the terror of Nightblade. His Imperial Arms power was countered by Nightblade, forcing him to defend against Nightblade's attacks while trying to find a way to break through the opponent's sword moves.

"Damn it, this guy is too strong!" Locke gritted his teeth. He knew that only by going all out could he possibly defeat Nightblade.

Usopp saw Locke's struggle and knew he had to intervene. He swiftly drew his pistol and fired wildly at Nightblade.

Nightblade hadn't expected Usopp to suddenly attack. His attack was disrupted by Usopp's shot, and after a slight hesitation, Locke seized the opportunity to launch a fatal blow.