Chapter 22: The Foolish Interception – Kuro's Crew Meets the Straw Hats
The Freedom Rider sailed smoothly toward its next destination. Every day, the crew followed their intense training regimen, refining their abilities under Lucky's strict discipline. No one slacked off—strength was mandatory on this ship.
Luffy had reached Admiral-Intermediate level, Lucky was already at Admiral-Peak, and Zane and Coby had climbed to Rear Admiral-Peak, each mastering their Devil Fruits at a high level. Zoro was still behind at Rear Admiral-Beginner, but his rapid improvement was undeniable. Nami, having recently received her Wind-Wind Fruit, was already Captain-Peak, adapting to combat at a terrifying pace.
One morning, while they were finishing their training, Lucky suddenly stopped moving, his keen senses picking up something unusual.
"We've got company," he muttered.
Luffy grinned, cracking his knuckles. "How many?"
"A full pirate crew," Lucky replied. "Judging by their approach, they think we're easy prey."
Nami rolled her eyes. "Let's just sink them and move on."
Zoro smirked, placing a hand on his sword. "Let them come."
As the enemy ship drew closer, the crew onboard was laughing and jeering. Jango, the hypnotist, stood at the front, spinning his rings, while Shiki, a swordsman of decent skill, looked on with boredom. The rest of the crew was eager for an easy battle.
"They don't even have their cannons ready! What a joke!" one pirate laughed.
Jango grinned. "Let's make this quick."
The pirates launched their attack, boarding the Freedom Rider with overconfidence.
The Battle Begins
Before the first pirate could set foot on deck, Lucky was already moving. He appeared in front of the leading pirate in an instant, slamming a fist into his gut with bone-crushing force, sending him flying back onto his own ship.
"What the—?!" Jango's eyes widened.
Zane let out a powerful roar, transforming into his King Kong form, his massive frame smashing through enemy ranks like a rampaging beast. Pirates were flung into the air like ragdolls as he bulldozed through them.
Coby, tapping into his Water-Water Fruit, controlled the surrounding moisture, creating high-pressure water blades that sliced through weapons and defenses. His speed and precision made him nearly untouchable as he weaved through enemies.
Zoro unleashed a devastating flurry of sword strikes, cutting down anyone who came near him. Though he wasn't at his peak yet, his technique was deadly, and he fought with pure determination to improve.
Luffy, nearing Admiral level, barely had to exert himself. A single flick of his arm sent men crashing into the sea.
Nami, still adjusting to combat, used her Wind-Wind Fruit to manipulate the air, sending out sharp gusts that knocked enemies off balance. She wasn't the strongest physically, but her precision and control over wind made her a dangerous opponent.
In minutes, Kuro's crew was utterly destroyed.
Jango attempted to hypnotize himself, but Lucky was too fast, knocking him unconscious before he could act.
Shiki, a swordsman of decent skill, tried to duel Zoro—but Zoro was already beyond him. Shiki fought well, but Zoro's rapid growth was too much. Within moments, Shiki was disarmed and defeated.
The remaining pirates surrendered or were knocked unconscious.
New Recruits
Lucky sighed. "What a waste of time."
Luffy stretched. "That was fun!"
Coby and Zane, still in their transformed states, shook off the last bits of battle energy.
Nami crossed her arms. "Idiots."
Jango, Shiki, and the remaining pirates stared in fear. They knew they had no escape.
Lucky smirked. "You've got two choices. Stay here in the middle of the ocean… or work under us. No fighting, just ship duties."
Jango hesitated. "Y-You're serious?"
Luffy grinned. "Yeah! We could use extra hands."
Shiki, realizing this was a far better deal than floating helplessly at sea, nodded. "Fine. We'll work."
Ten other pirates agreed.
Lucky gave them a hard look. "You screw up, you're gone."
The Freedom Rider continued on its path, now with 12 new crew members—Jango, Shiki, and ten others.
As the ship sailed toward Syrup Village, Lucky smirked. Everything is falling into place.