One Piece: Obtaining the Black Dragon King Fruit at the Start

Chapter 216 The Battle of Lacuna Island

In a vast and mysterious sea, surging waves crash against a seemingly calm island that harbors turbulent undercurrents.

This island is the joint headquarters of the Whitebeard Pirates and the Roger Pirates. On ordinary days, it is a happy haven for pirates, filled with an atmosphere of freedom and passion.

However, the atmosphere that day was unusually oppressive, like the calm before a storm, making it hard to breathe.

Minos, this mysterious and powerful being, slowly set foot on this land, bringing with him his chilling aura.

He was tall and slender, his black cloak of justice fluttering in the wind, and a playful smile on his face, as if he had everything in the world under his control.

His eyes were deep and cold, like a sharp blade in the cold night, capable of easily piercing the heart.

Minos saw the serious Roger and Whitebeard and the others, and a slight smile appeared on his lips as he let out a low laugh: "What, are you here to welcome me?"

His voice wasn't loud, but it resonated like a booming bell in the silent space, carrying a hint of mockery and disdain.

"If that's the case, then it would be my honor."

Minos continued, his tone full of mockery. He walked forward leisurely, each step steady, as if this land were his own.

After saying this, Minos keenly noticed that Whitebeard and the others' expressions were becoming increasingly grim.

Their eyes were filled with anger and vigilance, like wild beasts whose territory had been invaded.

The white-bearded man's brows were furrowed tightly together, like two mountain peaks about to collide. His originally kind face had become extremely cold and stern, like a volcano about to erupt.

Roger, however, had a determined look in his eyes. He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white, ready to meet the challenge that was about to come.

Seeing this, Minos not only didn't back down, but instead became even more arrogant and provocative, saying, "You all seem a little unwelcoming to me! But that's not up to you." His voice carried an undeniable domineering tone, as if declaring his absolute authority.

"Hand over a guy named Ace! Otherwise, you're all dead." Minos's gaze swept over the crowd, finally settling on Whitebeard and Roger, a hint of ruthlessness in his eyes.

Upon hearing Minos's words, Whitebeard and the others were instantly filled with rage. Their faces contorted with fury—the fury of being openly provoked, and the unwavering determination to protect their comrade.

That's outrageous! Minos not only invaded their territory without permission, but he's also demanding they hand over their people. This is utterly outrageous!

Just as Minos was getting impatient and was about to urge him again, Roger's solemn voice rang out.

His voice was steady and powerful, as if carrying a reassuring strength: "Minos, it's our first meeting, and you're trying to steal our people like this. Don't you think you're going too far?"

Roger looked directly into Minos's eyes, his gaze showing no fear, only unwavering commitment to justice and protection of his comrades.

Upon hearing Roger's words, Minos glanced up at him and smiled dismissively. He said, "Roger! It is indeed our first meeting, but I do not believe you have the right to tell me what to do."

He tilted his head slightly, his eyes filled with arrogance, as if Roger were nothing more than an insignificant nobody in his eyes. "And your former status as the so-called Pirate King is nothing but bullshit in my eyes."

Minos mercilessly belittled Roger, seeing him as nothing more than a hypocrite. The title of Pirate King was merely an empty name, not worth mentioning.

Roger wasn't angry at Minos's words; his gaze remained firm and calm. He continued in a deep voice, "Minos? I've long heard of your sharp tongue, and seeing it now, it's certainly true!"

Roger's words carried a hint of sarcasm as he responded to Minos's provocation in a calm manner, demonstrating his magnanimity and composure as the Pirate King.

Whitebeard, standing beside Roger, then picked up where Roger left off, his voice deep and resonant like muffled thunder: "Minos, enough talk, what exactly are you planning to do at our base?"

Whitebeard gripped the Murakumogiri tightly, its blade gleaming coldly in the sunlight, as if telling of its master's anger at that moment.

"If it's about handing over Ace, that's absolutely impossible." Whitebeard's eyes revealed unwavering determination, his words were resolute and left no room for negotiation.

For the Whitebeard Pirates, Ace was not just a member, but family, someone they were willing to protect with their lives.

Minos first glanced at Roger with a hint of contempt in his eyes, then shifted his gaze to Whitebeard's face.

Now, Whitebeard had returned to his middle-aged state, and his signature mustache had turned golden. The golden mustache shone brightly in the sunlight, as if symbolizing Whitebeard's former glory and power.

Looking at the solemn-faced white-bearded man, Minos said calmly, "So it's Whitebeard! It's been many years. You've regained your youth. You're very lucky."

“However, you seem to have forgotten the pain I inflicted on you back then!” Minos’s eyes turned cold, and he said coldly, “There’s no point in saying more. Today I’m here to take Ace away.”

“But since you’re all looking for death, I have no choice but to send you to hell.” After saying this, Minos waved his right hand lightly.

In an instant, twenty-five figures appeared around him. These figures were of different shapes and sizes; some were tall and imposing, while others were agile, but without exception, they all exuded a powerful aura.

Among them were 20 figures, exuding the aura of high-ranking generals. An invisible pressure seemed to emanate from them, making it difficult for anyone to look directly at them.

The other five figures exuded the aura of early-stage King-level beings. These five figures were even more mysterious and unpredictable, their eyes revealing a wisdom and power beyond that of ordinary people.

For a moment, Whitebeard, Roger, and the others stared at this scene with pale faces and horror.

They hadn't expected Minos to have such a powerful fighting force. Those powerful auras surged towards them like tangible waves, making it difficult for them to breathe.

The weaker pirates were even more terrified, unable to speak. Their legs went weak, they could barely stand, and their eyes were filled with fear and despair.

Minos looked at the horrified Whitebeard and the others, a disdainful smile flashing across his face.

He enjoyed the feeling of being in control of everything, as if he were the master of this sea.

Then, with a gentle wave of his right hand, the puppet army charged towards Roger and his men. Like a surging tide, the puppets charged towards the pirates with unstoppable momentum.

Seeing the menacing puppet army, Roger and Whitebeard finally snapped out of their shock. They knew there was no turning back now; their only option was to fight to the death.

Roger roared, "Men, it's time to fight to the death!" His voice was full of passion and fighting spirit, as if injecting a powerful force into everyone present.

Whitebeard roared in response, "Fight for our families, fight for our freedom!"

He raised the Murakumogiri sword high in his hand, the sunlight reflecting off the blade illuminating the entire battlefield, as if bringing a glimmer of hope to the pirates.

And so, a breathtaking war broke out. Shouts of battle, the clash of swords, and roars mingled together, echoing throughout the entire island.

The pirates picked up their weapons and charged towards the puppet army, their eyes filled with determination and fearlessness. Even if there were mountains of knives and seas of fire ahead, they would not back down.

As Minos stepped onto the battlefield, he looked ahead and saw two figures waiting for him. These two figures were none other than Whitebeard and Roger.

They stood side by side, their eyes filled with determination and resolve, as if declaring their challenge to Minos.

"Minos, as long as I kill you, all problems will be solved." Roger raised his Supreme Grade Sword Ace and pointed it at Minos, saying in a deep voice.

The Supreme Grade Sword Ace gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight, seemingly containing boundless power. This sword was Roger's symbol and his belief.

While Whitebeard remained silent, he pointed his Murakumogiri at Minos.

The blade of Murakumogiri exuded a chilling aura, as if yearning for clash with its enemy. Whitebeard's eyes revealed a calm and resolute expression; he knew this battle would be incredibly difficult, but he would never back down.

Minos smiled when he saw Roger and Whitebeard's actions.

He hadn't expected that Whitebeard and Roger would actually team up to fight him. In his view, although the two were powerful, it was simply wishful thinking for them to defeat him.

"Just the two of you?" Minos said disdainfully. "You seem to underestimate me." Minos's eyes were full of contempt, as if he could already see Roger and Whitebeard's defeat.

Thinking of this, Minos's gaze turned cold, and he muttered, "In that case, let's deal with Roger and Whitebeard first!"

After speaking, Minos walked step by step toward Roger and Whitebeard. His steps were steady and powerful, and with each step, the ground seemed to tremble slightly.

At the same time, a powerful aura erupted from his body, like surging waves, each wave stronger than the last, and with each step Minos took, the aura on his body grew even stronger.

Minos's aura only gradually subsided when it reached the intermediate level of the King rank.

That powerful aura was like an invisible mountain, pressing down on the surrounding air as if it had solidified, giving everyone present an unprecedented sense of oppression.

Seeing Roger and Whitebeard stunned by his imposing presence, Minos smiled slightly, his smile full of arrogance and confidence: "Since you two aren't going to make a move, then I'll make the first one."

As soon as he finished speaking, Minos moved like lightning, disappearing from his spot in an instant. His speed was so fast that it was almost impossible to catch him, leaving only a blurry black shadow.

In the blink of an eye, Minos had appeared behind Roger like a ghost. A ruthless glint flashed in his eyes as he raised his right hand, gathered all his strength, and struck Roger hard on the back.

This punch contained Minos's immense power; the air whistled sharply as the force of the punch ripped through it, as if it were being torn apart.

With a deafening bang, like a bolt from the blue, Roger was sent flying by Minos's sudden punch, crashing to the ground like a cannonball and rolling around.

Roger's body left deep marks on the ground, raising a cloud of dust.

Whitebeard, who was standing to the side, looked extremely shocked when he saw Minos suddenly appear beside him.

But he was, after all, a legendary figure who had been through countless battles, and even in such a critical situation, he still reacted instinctively.

Whitebeard gripped the Murakumogiri tightly with both hands, unleashing all his power as he slashed at Minos. This strike contained the Haki and power Whitebeard had accumulated over many years, and a dense layer of Haki light surrounded the blade, as if it could shatter everything in its path.

As the Murakumogiri was already swinging down, Minos's lips curled up slightly, revealing a disdainful smile.

In an instant, a deep purple aura of flowing cherry blossoms appeared in his hand. The aura of flowing cherry blossoms seemed alive, swirling and shimmering in his hand, radiating a mysterious and powerful aura.

Minos, with his right hand imbued with the power of Ryuo Haki, steadily caught Whitebeard's powerful blow.

A loud clang rang out, the sound of metal clashing echoing across the battlefield. The powerful impact created visible ripples in the surrounding air, spreading outwards.

Immediately afterwards, Minos pushed hard with his hand, and a powerful force rebounded back along the blade of Murakumogiri.

Whitebeard felt an overwhelming force surge towards him, his feet carving two deep furrows in the ground, and he was knocked back several steps.

Minos, however, pressed his advantage and, taking advantage of Whitebeard's momentary lapse in concentration, instantly appeared before him.

His eyes were filled with murderous intent. He raised his right fist high and then slammed it into Whitebeard's chest with tremendous force. The punch was incredibly fast and incredibly powerful, as if it would pierce through Whitebeard's chest.

With another loud bang, the white-bearded man was sent flying like a kite with a broken string by a powerful punch. He arced through the air before crashing heavily to the ground, rolling around repeatedly.

The dust that rose from the ground instantly buried the white-bearded figure, making it impossible to see his condition.

……