Author: Xiao Yifeng
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
Zoro, with his trio of blades, assumed a ready stance, locking eyes with the unicycle-riding Cabaji before him. Although Cabaji, a famed pirate in the East Blue, was familiar with the fearsome reputation of the pirate hunter, he hadn't given Zoro much thought. However, observing Zoro's single slice on the bomb, Cabaji found himself slightly disoriented. Especially considering the three swords.
Simultaneously, animal tamer Mohji and his fierce lion Richie encircled Bai Ye. They found themselves even more bewildered than Cabaji. Zoro's sword skills, although impressive, were still within their realm of comprehension. But Bai Ye and Luffy's abilities were another story.
Despite Luffy's denial, Mohji suspected that Bai Ye, like their captain, possessed Devil Fruit abilities. "He's no longer simply human!" he pondered.
Bai Ye, ever the calm one, queried: "Shall we begin?"
Despite their own uncertainty, the rest of the Buggy Pirates cheered their top executives on, confident in their victory against the newcomers. They circled the battlefield, waving flags and chanting, "Go Captain Mohji! Show that long-haired kid a lesson!" and "Chief of Staff Cabaji, dazzle that green-haired fella with your sword skills!"
Meanwhile, Mohji and Cabaji internally grumbled, "Please stop, you're not helping!"
Nevertheless, maintaining morale and reputation meant the duo couldn't back down now. Even amidst Bai Ye's teasing gaze, Mohji clenched his teeth and pressed forward.
"Attack, Richie, let's take this kid down!" he roared, justifying to himself, "Richie and I are a team; if he fights, it's as good as me fighting."
Richie, less complicated in thought, charged at Bai Ye. Yet, a moment later, the pirates and Mohji lost sight of him. He seemed to vanish, only for his voice to float from behind Richie: "This 'kitty' is quite a comfy ride."
Richie's inner self grumbled: "Who're you calling a cat?!" He rolled, attempting to squash Bai Ye, but the mysterious man had already teleported next to Mohji, lightly patting his shoulder.
Mohji, initially startled, rapidly retaliated with his whip, only striking air. After a moment's confusion, Bai Ye was back where he'd begun.
Despite the lack of supernatural force, Mohji found Bai Ye's agility, and the ease with which he toyed with Richie, deeply unsettling. There was a sense that Bai Ye could snap his neck instantly if he wished.
Wudang Tiyunzong
An elite movement technique from Wudang Sect had advenced to a higher level after Bai Ye cultivated Inner Qi. He believed his movements rivaled, if not surpassed, the Navy's Rokushiki Shave and Moonwalk.
Why hadn't Bai Ye ended them swiftly? He was testing a new method.
Maoshan Mystery Talisman
Talismans are not only used to make paper figurines. Bai Ye's talismans spanned three categories: auxiliary, defensive, and offensive.
Auxiliary talismans acted like game buffs, enhancing one's abilities or hindering an opponent's. Such as a talisman to increase speed or immobilize an enemy.
Defensive talismans, as you might guess, fortified defenses.
And offensive talismans? Well, like those Bai Ye applied to Richie and Mohji, their purpose was self-explanatory.
Lightning Talisman · Start!
Explosive Flame Talisman · Start!
With a mere whisper from Bai Ye, Richie the lion crackled with unexpected electricity, sizzling his fur into a crisp-tender state, causing nearby pirates to wail in dismay. Simultaneously, flames enveloped Mohji, blasting him away and leaving him severely injured, if not worse.
"Hmm, not too shabby?" Bai Ye appraised his talisman's effect and nodded contently. For being among the simplest talismans in his arsenal, the results were quite satisfactory.
Meanwhile, Nami, watching Bai Ye conjure thunder and flame from mere paper, pondered deeply about something. However, her thoughts were interrupted as battles unfolded around her.
In the original tale, a gravely injured Zoro managed to beat Cabaji. Now, in prime condition, he could easily manage the task. Meanwhile, Luffy's confrontation with Buggy concluded with the latter's head amusingly sent flying, leaving him unconscious.
Only then did Nami, with a tad delayed realization, notice the triumphant stance of the pirate trio she had somewhat reluctantly aligned with. Even the formidable Buggy and his crew, boasting a 16-million-bounty in the East Blue, were no match for them.
A collective gasp swept through the remaining pirates, witnessing Richie's fried form, Mohji's charred state, a defeated Cabaji, and their headless Captain Buggy, unconscious.
"Are we... vanquished??" It was time for the pirates to swallow the bitter pill of reality.
As Bai Ye leisurely approached, they decided for the wisest action available. Thud! All knees hit the deck, foreheads pressed firmly to the wooden planks.
"Big bro, we bow to you!"
Bai Ye, beholding the scene, found himself slightly amused and perplexed. "Are these guys really Buggy's crew?" he mused, an odd expression flickering across his face. "Perhaps one of you can answer my question?"
Casually stroking his chin, Bai Ye inquired, "Buggy must have some treasure stashed away, no? Care to share where it is?"
Even though Nami had searched the ship for a total of four million Bellys, Bai Ye found the sum meager for a pirate group of Buggy's stature. Knowing Buggy's affection for treasures, Bai Ye was certain not all of the wealth was kept there.
Crucially, he recalled from the original comics that Luffy extracted half of Buggy Pirates' treasure to assist in rebuilding Orange Town – a entire five million Bellys. So, a minimum of six million was still not discovered.
After pondering for a while, regardless of any butterfly effects, there could only be only one answer.
"Big bro, I know…" piped up a pirate.