Rocks Band: I have 48 Imperial Arms.

Locke and Luffy both felt the pressure of the darkness, and their attacks became increasingly sluggish. They knew they had to find a way to break free from the darkness's hold.

"We need to unite and launch an attack together!" Luffy shouted.

Locke nodded; he knew this was his only chance. He used his Imperial Arm to manipulate the flow of time, slowing Crocodile's attacks down. Luffy then unleashed his final attack—King Kong Gun.

The combined attacks of Locke and Luffy created a massive shockwave that instantly shattered Crocodile's defenses. Crocodile was sent flying, crashing into the palace wall.

“You actually…” Crocodile said with difficulty, “You actually defeated me…”

“Your ambition will only lead to your destruction,” Locke said calmly. “Darkness is not the most powerful force; only courage and faith are true power.”

Crocodile's body gradually disappeared into the darkness, and his ambition vanished with it.

Locke and his Straw Hat Pirates received gratitude from Princess Vivi of the Sand Country, who in turn gave the Straw Hat Pirates new strength for their journey. However, a new challenge arose—an assassin organization.

The Assassins are a ruthless organization whose members are all trained killers. Their target is the Straw Hat Pirates, who have become a powerful force in the New World.

Locke and his Straw Hat Pirates learn of the Assassins' plans and must stop them.

Locke successfully rescued an important figure kidnapped by an assassin organization, but in doing so, he attracted their attention. The leader of the assassin organization, a mysterious assassin, appeared before Locke, his gaze cold and ruthless, radiating a murderous aura.

"Who are you?" Locke asked.

“I am the leader of the Assassins’ organization. You are not worthy to know my name,” the assassin said. “You have become our target, and now you only have death to face.”

Locke felt immense pressure, but he did not back down. He knew he had to fight to the end, or he would be unable to protect those he cherished.

“Let’s have a fair fight,” Locke said.

The assassin nodded; he knew very well that Locke was not an easy enemy to deal with. A fierce battle ensued, with Locke using his flaming sword to deflect the assassin's attacks.

However, the assassin's attacks grew increasingly vicious; he seemed determined to kill Locke 523 at all costs. Locke also sensed his own inadequacy and knew he had to devise a way to defeat this powerful enemy.

"I must unleash my true power." Locke thought of his former master, a renowned swordsman.

He began to manipulate the flow of time, making his body more agile. His swordsmanship also became more and more proficient, and he began to unleash his signature move—the Flaming Sword Dance.

Locke's sword dance transformed into raging flames, instantly engulfing the assassin. The assassin felt immense pressure, but instead of retreating, he attacked Locke even more frantically.

Chapter 411: Finally...it's over!

Their attacks intertwined, creating a sea of ​​fire. Locke knew this was a life-or-death duel, and he had to give it his all to defeat the assassin.

He launched his final attack, a burst of flame shooting into the sky and sending the assassin flying. The assassin's body slammed heavily into the ground, shaking the entire hall violently.

“You’ve already lost,” Locke said. “Put down your weapon.”

The assassin struggled to his feet, his body covered in wounds. Yet, his eyes still shone with determination and resolve.

"I will never lay down my weapon. I am a member of the assassin organization, and I fight for them!" the assassin roared.

Locke felt a sharp pain in his chest; he knew the battle was inevitable. He and the assassin clashed fiercely once more, their attacks and defenses blending seamlessly into a unique aesthetic.

Their sword dance transformed into a tapestry of flames and darkness, illuminating the entire hall. Locke felt the power surging within him; he knew he had to give it his all to defeat this enemy.

"I will not back down!" Locke shouted. "For those I cherish, I must fight to the very end!"

He unleashed his final move—the Fiery Sword Waterfall. His swordsmanship transformed into a massive waterfall of fire, instantly engulfing the assassin within.

The raging flames engulfed the entire hall, the heat surging and the firelight reflecting off Locke's face. He felt his body had reached its limit, but he didn't stop; instead, he launched an even more frenzied attack.

Suddenly, the flames and darkness vanished simultaneously. Locke was astonished to find that the assassin had disappeared, leaving only a pile of black ashes.

Locke was panting heavily; he knew the battle was over. He slowly sheathed his flaming sword, his body utterly exhausted.

"Finally... it's over," he murmured to himself.

Suddenly, he felt dizzy and his body began to sway. He managed to support himself, but he still collapsed to the ground.

"What's going on?" He felt his consciousness beginning to blur.

He heard footsteps approaching. He struggled to open his eyes and saw a familiar figure.

"Zoro?" he murmured to himself.

“Yes, it’s me.” Ronoa Soron walked to Locke’s side. “Are you alright?”

“I… seem a little weak,” Locke said.

“Your fight just now was truly spectacular,” Zoro exclaimed. “I had no idea you had grown to this level.”

Locke smiled. He knew he would always be Zoro's disciple. But he also knew he had gained a lot from this battle, not only in terms of improved strength but also in terms of self-awareness.

“Thank you, Zoro,” Locke said. “Without your help, I might still be an immature child.”

"Don't be so polite." Zoro patted Locke on the shoulder. "We're brothers, it's only natural for us to help each other."

Locke nodded; he knew he would never feel alone with Zoro by his side.

"So, what should we do next?" Locke asked.

“We need to get out of here quickly, the assassin organization will send more people to hunt you down,” Sauron said. “I’ve already arranged a boat; we can leave this place in it.”

Chapter 412: The aura of Imperial Arms' power!

Locke looked at Zoro with gratitude, knowing that with a friend like Zoro, no difficulty was insurmountable.

“Let’s go, brother.” Locke stood up and took a firm step toward the future.

Locke and Zoro left the assassin organization's base and sailed towards the New World. During the journey, Locke and Zoro discussed their next plans.

"Where should we go?" Locke asked.

“I’ve heard that there’s a mysterious Sky Island in the New World,” Zoro said. “It’s said to be a place that the Pirate King Roger explored when he was alive, but no one has been able to find it to this day.”

"Sky Island?" Locke felt he didn't know much about this place. "Is there anything special about it?"

"It's said to be an island that leads to the sky, and only those with the power of the Imperial Arms can reach it," Zoro said. "I really want to go there and see it."

"Imperial Arms power?" Locke asked. "What is that?"

“The power of the Imperial Arms is a power that allows one to control the natural elements,” Zoro explained. “Its power is extremely strong, but only a very few people can master it.”

Locke felt that his understanding of this world was still very superficial, so he decided to follow Zoro to explore the new world and search for the power of the Imperial Arms. Perhaps in the process, he could find his own path.

During their journey, Locke and Zoro met a mysterious figure—Enel. He was an extremely powerful adventurer who could control the power of wind and clouds. It was said that he had been to Sky Island and mastered a portion of the power of the Imperial Arms.

Locke and Zoro were drawn to Enel's power and mystery, and they asked Enel to help them reach Sky Island and find the power of the Imperial Arms.

Enel agreed to their request and explained the secret to Sky Island, telling them that they needed a special item called "Sky Wing" to get there. Locke and Zoro, after hearing this, decided to follow Enel to the location of Sky Wing.

They encountered various dangers along the way, including pirate attacks and storms. However, with Enel's help, they always managed to overcome these difficulties and gradually approach their destination.

Finally, above a mysterious sea of ​​clouds, they found the location of the Skywing. The Skywing is a unique bird capable of flight; its feathers are made of a special material that can withstand extremely high temperatures and pressures.

Enel showed them how to use the Skywing, and Locke and Zoro, riding on this mysterious bird, began their journey to Sky Island.

Sky Island sits above the clouds, completely enveloped in them, giving it a mysterious appearance. When Locke and Zoro arrived at Sky Island, they sensed a powerful energy—the aura of the Imperial Arms.

They proceeded along a narrow mountain path, and Enel warned them that not only were the guardians of Sky Island present, but also other dangerous creatures.

As they continued along the mountain path, Locke suddenly sensed a dangerous aura. He looked ahead warily and saw a huge monster rushing down from the mountaintop. It was the guardian of Sky Island and possessed a portion of the power of the Imperial Arms.

Locke and Zoro prepared to face the enormous monster, knowing the importance of this battle and that they had to win.

Chapter 413: The True Secret of the Imperial Arms' Power!

"Locke, let's fight together!" Zoro shouted.

“No problem!” Locke replied.

The two attacked together, their strikes intertwining to create sparks and arcs of electricity. Locke used flaming swordsmanship, while Zoro employed the Three-Sword Style; their attacks merged perfectly.

The monster's attacks grew increasingly ferocious, using wind and lightning to counter Locke and Zoro, showcasing the power of its Imperial Arms. However, Locke and Zoro did not give up; they used their skills and strength to deflect all of the monster's attacks.

The monster grew increasingly enraged, transforming itself and gaining even greater power. Locke and Zoro also intensified their attacks, their bodies becoming faster and their swordsmanship more refined.

Their figures darted through the mountains, their attacks intertwined with flames and lightning, making the entire mountain range scorching and crackling. Locke and Sauron's attacks escalated, their coordination constantly improving, perfectly repelling every attack from the monster.

However, the monster grew increasingly powerful, unleashing a powerful storm from one of its Imperial Arms powers that caused the entire mountain range to tremble. Locke and Zoro realized they could no longer defeat the monster on their own, so they began to support each other and launch a coordinated attack.

While using his Flame Sword Technique, Locke transferred his own flame power to Zoro, making his attacks even hotter and more powerful. Zoro, in turn, transferred his wind blade power while using his Three-Sword Style, making his attacks even sharper and faster.

Their attacks grew increasingly powerful, and finally, after a perfect coordinated attack, Locke and Zoro's strikes converged into a beam of light, directly hitting the monster's weak point. The monster screamed in agony and was defeated.

The entire mountain range returned to silence. Locke and Zoro stood beside the enormous monster's corpse, panting heavily.

"That's fantastic! You defeated the Guardians!" Enel walked over, his expression excited.

“Thank you for your help, Enel,” Locke said. “Without you, we might not have been able to defeat the Guardians.”

“This is the result of the combined efforts of the three of us brothers,” Zoro said. “Each of us made our own contribution.”

·· ······Requesting 0 flowers ······

Enel nodded, his eyes filled with admiration. He knew that these young people hadn't achieved such strength through luck or talent alone; they had to put in countless hours of hard work and effort.

"What should we do next?" Locke asked.

“We are now close to the aura of the Imperial Arms’ power,” Enel said. “I will take you to a place where people who wield the power of the Imperial Arms gather.”

..... .. ...