The system alert chimed, and Luffy's grin widened even more.
He scanned the remaining pirates on the ship, as if observing a group of frazzled fools.
The frightened pirates instinctively took a step back at the intensity of his gaze.
"Quick! Remove the planks!" one sharp-minded pirate shouted.
Those nearest the connecting boards scrambled to unlock the latches, flinging the planks into the sea with desperate speed.
"Hurrah!"
The pirates on the ship cheered at the splash. Luffy watched them, amused at their clumsy celebration.
He stepped onto the railing, pushed off lightly, and leapt roughly ten meters, landing silently behind the jubilant pirates.
"Excuse me, what's got everyone so happy?"
Luffy's voice was sweet, almost childlike, as he addressed them.
The sudden quiet and his unwavering gaze caused the pirates to shrink back, and a few even chose to jump overboard from sheer panic.
Several of the more aggressive pirates, armed and ready, were shoved forward by their comrades.
Step by step, Luffy approached, and the pressure in the crowd reached its limit.
"Help! He's not human! He's a demon!" one yelled.
"Kill him and survive!" another shouted.
Some of the pirates regained courage, raising their weapons again.
"This is more interesting," Luffy muttered, watching those who dared resist.
If they had all submitted quietly, he might have hesitated. But since they chose to fight, he had every reason to neutralize the threat.
Glancing at his experience points, he realized clearing this group would push him to level 13.
The corner of his mouth curled into a mischievous smile.
Seeing Luffy's expression, the remaining pirates could no longer bear it. One shouted, "He's just a kid! Attack him!"
Over thirty pirates surged forward, encircling Luffy.
"Don't hesitate! Strike together!" one seeming leader commanded.
Swords, axes, and spears all aimed at Luffy instantly.
Luffy stood firm, slightly puzzled. Only this many came? This barely seemed enough to level up.
He didn't hesitate. He would deal with them first.
"Bang!" A bullet whizzed toward him, but he twisted effortlessly out of the way.
He grabbed a sword swung at him, spun, and threw it aside.
Though untrained in weapons, his sheer strength sent those struck staggering or falling over one another.
In a blink, nearly ten pirates were neutralized.
Luffy continued forward when someone attacked from behind.
The strike hit him as if against steel, incapable of penetrating.
Checking his health, he saw only a minor loss.
Over the past days, Zoro hadn't woken, but his increasing stats steadily boosted Luffy's own strength.
Luffy turned and struck a pirate preparing to attack. The force sent him flying into three others.
After this exchange, roughly half of the thirty-odd pirates had been incapacitated.
The remaining dared not continue.
People must be accountable for their actions. Wielding a weapon meant accepting the risk.
After controlling a few more, the others began scattering. Those near the edge jumped overboard, and Luffy ignored them.
Wasting time for minimal experience wasn't worth it.
"Ah! Demon! No! Stop!"
After subduing the immediate threats, Luffy's eyes scanned the trembling pirates at the stern.
An older man with graying hair stepped forward, kneeling.
"P-P-Master, we were forced here by the Hammer Chaos Pirates. We're not real pirates! Please spare us!"
The others echoed, claiming they were ordinary folk pressed into service.
Luffy raised his voice. "Enough! Silence!"
When the group quieted, he assessed his experience—just over a hundred points shy of leveling up.
"Now, point out the one who causes the most trouble among you."
The pirates hesitated, whispering.
"Quickly!" Luffy shouted again.
Several immediately pointed at one individual.
Luffy approached, and the others made way.
The man fell to the floor, bowing frantically.
"Master! I was wrong! Please forgive me! I'll change!"
Luffy didn't speak. He placed his hands lightly on the man's shoulders, incapacitating him with a controlled hold.
[Ding! Host neutralized a rebellious pirate, gained 45 experience points.]
Luffy's eyes lit up. "Next, select another troublemaker."
The pirates quickly complied, pointing to another individual.
Luffy restrained him similarly, neutralizing the threat without unnecessary harm.
The first man stepped forward again, pleading. "Master, we're honest folk. Even when forced, we haven't harmed anyone—only minor chores."
"Alright, stand up. I'm not reckless with innocents," Luffy said, waving them off.
'Should've prevented those few from jumping earlier,' he thought with a pang of regret.
Gradually, the pirates rose. The lead man stepped forward. "Thank you for rescuing us."
"Don't mention it. By the way, anyone skilled with charts?"
The older man bowed. "I was a navigator on a merchant ship."
"Good! Help me chart the fastest route to Cocosia Village!"
He looked stunned. "Master, at our current speed and heading, we'll reach Cocosia Village by tomorrow morning."
Luffy smiled. "Really? The storm actually helped us. Full speed ahead!"
Turning to the others, he said, "Since you're ordinary folks, I won't trouble you. Call me Luffy."
A wave of relief spread—they knew they were truly safe.
But fate rarely allows complete peace.
As they began cleaning the deck, a pale young man shouted, "You're a demon!"
His friends tried to cover his mouth, but Luffy calmly said, "Let him speak."
He cried, pointing at Luffy. "You're a killer! My father—he fought to protect me, and you..."
Luffy approached, lifting the youth's head gently.
"I'm sorry..." he said softly. "I truly am sorry you believed I was harmless."
He restrained the youth carefully, immobilizing him without causing injury.
[Ding! Host neutralized a rebellious pirate, gained 25 experience points.]
[Ding! Experience full—level up initiated.]
[Ding! Host leveled up. Current level: 13.]
Silence fell across the deck.
Luffy jumped back to his small boat, lifted Zoro, and returned to the pirate ship, dragging him toward the cabin.
Pausing, he instructed the older man, "Full speed to Cocosia Village. Notify me when we arrive tomorrow."