Author: Xiao Yifeng
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
A tangible shockwave of force erupted from the point of impact, sweeping across the deck. Alvida was blasted backward at a speed far greater than her charge, crashing through a group of her own unfortunate pirates who were sent scattering like bowling pins.
Even with Bai Ye shielding him, the sheer pressure of the blast forced Luffy back several steps. He clamped a hand down on his straw hat, his eyes wide with curiosity rather than fear.
When the dust settled, Bai Ye stood calmly where the iron mace had struck, his entire body bathed in a dazzling golden light. The Golden Light Curse, a foundational technique of his Daoist arts, had effortlessly repelled Alvida's attack. A thrill shot through him. Not only had he successfully converted his internal energy into innate qi, but he had also unlocked the first stage of the legendary protective art from Longhu Mountain. It was just the barest surface, but it was enough.
He turned to face the stunned Alvida, a confident smirk on his face. "Did you really think you could lay a hand on my captain so easily?"
Luffy bounced over, his curiosity piqued. "Whoa, Bai Ye! What is all this? You're all shiny! Did you eat a Devil Fruit like me? Are you a Gold-Gold Man?"
Bai Ye raised an eyebrow. "A Devil Fruit? Luffy, I've told you before. I'm a Daoist priest."
Luffy, completely misinterpreting the distinction, beamed. "A Daoist priest? That sounds awesome!"
Koby, watching from the side, couldn't contain his own wonder. "A Devil Fruit? Is that the legendary treasure of the sea? Can it really grant such incredible powers?"
"Yep!" Luffy declared proudly, demonstrating by stretching his arm ten feet to snatch a piece of railing. "I ate the Gum-Gum Fruit, so now I'm a rubber man!"
Bai Ye watched, a knowing look in his eyes. He was aware that Luffy's power was far more profound than the simple Gum-Gum Fruit, that it was a legendary Mythical Zoan, but that was a truth for another time. For now, he just watched Koby marvel at the impossible sight.
Alvida, however, was not one to be marveled at. Scrambling to her feet, she let out a furious roar, her face purple with rage. "You little pests!" She charged again, swinging her heavy iron mace in a wild, furious arc.
This time, Bai Ye didn't just stand his ground. He moved. With effortless grace, he sidestepped her clumsy attack, the mace smashing into the deck and splintering the wood. The more Alvida missed, the more enraged she became.
"Stop hiding like a coward and fight me head-on!" she shrieked.
A playful smile touched Bai Ye's lips. "I'm not hiding. You're just too slow."
Incensed, she swung again, and again he avoided it with contemptuous ease. "What kind of cheap trick is this?!" she screamed, her frustration boiling over. "Fight me properly!"
"The time for play is over," Bai Ye declared, his voice suddenly cold. He raised a hand, and the golden light around him intensified. In the next instant, he vanished.
"Where did you go, you brat?!" Alvida roared, swinging her mace blindly.
Suddenly, Bai Ye reappeared directly behind her. There was no grand windup, just a single, precise strike. His fist, glowing like a miniature sun, connected cleanly with the back of her head.
Alvida's vision blurred and went dark. Her last conscious thought was a string of curses as she crumpled to the deck in a heap, utterly defeated.
Bai Ye looked down at his handiwork, then turned to Luffy and Koby with a smirk. "And that's how it's done."
Luffy's eyes were shining with admiration. "So cool! Bai Ye, you're super strong! I can't believe I found such an amazing first mate right after setting sail!"
As the sun began to set, a cheerful atmosphere settled over the ship. Luffy, true to form, decided there was only one way to celebrate their victory.
"Alright! Let's have a banquet!" he exclaimed.
A bonfire was lit on the deck, and food and drink were laid out. Amidst the festive air, Bai Ye watched Luffy entertain everyone with his rubbery antics and couldn't help but smile. This new journey, this chaotic world of One Piece, was proving to be more interesting than he ever could have imagined.
Eventually, Luffy turned to more serious matters. He talked about their next steps, about needing more powerful crewmates—a chef, a navigator, and, most importantly to him, a musician.
As he listed his dream crew, Koby hesitantly interjected. "Um... guys? If you're looking for a powerful partner, I think I might know someone."
"Oh yeah? Who is it, Koby?" Luffy asked, his attention immediately captured.
Koby swallowed, his voice a mix of fear and awe. "They call him the 'Pirate Hunter.' A bounty hunter so skilled with swords they say he's like a demon. His name... is Roronoa Zoro."