After returning to his cabin, Chu Qiye stretched lazily as he prepared to open the door.
Just as his hand was about to touch the handle, a terrifying pressure suddenly surged from the other side.
The oppressive force was so overwhelming that it caused tangible destruction—fine cracks began spreading across the wooden cabin. Even Chu Qiye couldn't help but take a step back.
"What overwhelming Conqueror's Haki!"
Unwilling to be outdone, Chu Qiye released his own Conqueror's Haki to counter it.
The two waves of supreme will collided. The surrounding space began to distort, and black lightning crackled in the air.
In this clash of Conqueror's Haki, Chu Qiye was clearly at a disadvantage.
He had only awakened his Conqueror's Haki last month during a spar with Edward. Having just awakened it—and facing someone whose Haki was on a higher level—it was only natural that he couldn't compete.
Boom!
At last, the cabin could no longer withstand the pressure of the two clashing forces. It exploded like popcorn.
When the dust settled, Chu Qiye finally saw his visitor.
Though he already knew who it was, he still felt a flicker of surprise upon seeing him in person.
The man before him was none other than the strongest figure on the seas—the Pirate Overlord, Rocks.
His hair rose high like twisting tentacles. Slightly shorter than Edward, he stood around four to five meters tall, with a large scar across his forehead.
Rocks wore a black coat and was seated in Chu Qiye's chair, legs crossed, fingers interlaced over his knee—every bit the posture of a supreme boss.
The moment their eyes met, both men withdrew their Conqueror's Haki.
"As expected of the famed Pirate Overlord, Rocks. Seeing you in person truly lives up to the reputation," Chu Qiye said politely.
Rocks chuckled. "The Black Devil isn't lacking in fame either. Only a 500-million bounty, yet they say you're the finest pirate doctor in the entire New World—perhaps even across the seas."
Chu Qiye smiled lightly. "Are you here for treatment, Lord Rocks? Hard to imagine someone like you getting injured."
"Enough small talk."
Rocks rose from the chair and began walking toward Chu Qiye, step by deliberate step.
"I've formed a pirate crew. Right now, I'm short one ship's doctor. The best pirate crew naturally needs the best doctor. You understand what I'm saying."
They stood face to face, the distance between them shrinking with each step. Even before Rocks, Chu Qiye's expression did not change.
Rocks was strong—very strong—but Chu Qiye would never bow to anyone. Not now. Not ever.
"I can consider your proposal. But I prefer being a pirate—not a doctor," Chu Qiye replied calmly.
Rocks stopped directly in front of him, looking down from above. "You don't have the right to consider. Being a pirate requires strength. Do you have it?"
When dealing with others, Rocks might begin with temptation. But Black Devil was the wealthiest pirate on Hachinosu—even richer than Rocks himself. So this time, Rocks opted for force from the start.
Chu Qiye's lips curled upward. "I'd like to try."
"Very well. I'll give you the chance."
The instant the words fell, Rocks threw a punch.
The speed and force tore through the air, a sonic boom exploding outward.
"So fast!"
Even though Chu Qiye had foreseen the attack with Observation Haki, the speed was overwhelming—there was no dodging it. He could only defend.
Crossing his arms and coating them in Armament Haki, he braced himself.
Bang!
Chu Qiye was blasted backward, flipping midair before barely managing to steady himself upon landing.
He had endured the punch—but both arms were completely shattered, trembling violently.
"Not bad. That punch was at seventy percent power. Even a Giant would be gravely injured or dead taking it head-on. The fact that you're still standing proves you're no weakling."
Rocks nodded with satisfaction. "I acknowledge you. Heal up, and when your arms recover, report to my crew."
With that, he turned as if to leave.
"Heh…"
Chu Qiye suddenly laughed. "Lord Rocks, don't be in such a hurry. We're only just getting started."
Rocks frowned slightly.
A red aura began rising from Chu Qiye's arms. Within seconds, the red qi dissipated—and his arms were fully restored.
Rolling his shoulders, Chu Qiye grinned. "Did you forget? I'm a doctor."
"Interesting! Very interesting!"
Though he had heard rumors of Black Devil's abilities, this was the first time Rocks had witnessed it himself. He had assumed the stories were exaggerated.
Now it seemed they had understated the truth.
Surprised—and exhilarated—Rocks' eyes gleamed. One Black Devil was worth three billion-berry-class pirates.
Imagine it: a pirate crew where no one remained injured, where everyone maintained peak combat condition at all times. How terrifying would that be?
As the thought formed, the way Rocks looked at Chu Qiye changed completely—his eyes shining like a rogue staring at peerless beauty.
Seeing that gaze, Chu Qiye felt his scalp tingle.
I'm not some beauty—and definitely not your type.
"Chu Qiye, there's no need to continue fighting. Join the Rocks Pirates, and your position will be second only to me—effectively vice-captain. What do you say?" Rocks offered seriously.
"Heh… I've heard that line countless times. And my answer has always been the same."
Chu Qiye coated his arms and legs in Armament Haki and assumed a fighting stance.
"If you want me to join your crew—make me submit from the bottom of my heart!"
Deep down, Chu Qiye understood that joining the Rocks Pirates was inevitable.
But this battle? He would never give it up.
"Hahaha… Good! I like your spirit!"
Rocks crooked a finger at him and smiled faintly. "Come. Show me what you're worth."
"As you wish!"
Chu Qiye charged forward, his legs exploding with power as he leapt high into the air. With full force, he delivered a devastating hooking kick.
Rocks' eyes sharpened. Raising his right arm—already coated in Armament Haki—he blocked the strike.
BOOM!!
The instant the kick connected, the ground shattered. With Rocks at the center, a circular crater four to five meters wide collapsed outward.
"Impressive force! I truly underestimated you."
For the first time, Rocks' gaze turned serious.