Chapter 78: Shiki’s Escape
Rocks' unparalleled Conqueror's Haki overwhelmed even Golden Lion Shiki, who had unleashed his own. The sheer force of it left Shiki gasping for breath, unable to properly control his Float-Float Fruit powers. Even his seawater attack was completely negated by the dark curtain of Rocks' abilities.
Realizing the vast difference in strength, Shiki immediately manipulated his pirate ship to rise into the sky, retreating from the battlefield. This act only solidified Rocks' interest in him—an ability like the Float-Float Fruit was worth recruiting.
Bloodfist Skaredo watched Shiki, his expression heavy. Their captain might talk tough, but this storm, combined with the sheer disparity in power, left them with no real options.
Today, the Flying Pirates had only two choices—surrender or be utterly annihilated like so many others in the New World.
"Captain Shiki, you are a lion of the skies. You shouldn't be weighed down by weak crewmates like us. One day, you'll gather stronger subordinates and sail freely across these seas again."
Skaredo understood well—numbers meant nothing in the New World. Only powerful officers made a crew formidable. These large pirate fleets, assembled from strays across the four seas and the Grand Line, crumbled instantly before true might.
"No, Captain Shiki, please don't abandon us! We should join the Rocks Pirates together. With your strength, you can become one of Rocks' strongest officers!"
A young officer pleaded in fear, glancing between Shiki and Skaredo. Was Skaredo really suggesting their captain flee alone and leave them behind to die?
Shiki looked at his crew, pained. Maybe he should have taken a different approach from the start. Managing a grand fleet was a waste of time and effort, yielding little in combat strength. Worse yet, the loyalty of such a crew was never guaranteed.
"That's right, Captain! You recruited us in Sabaody. You're responsible for keeping us safe!"
These pirates had just witnessed the sheer terror of Rocks D. Xebec. Even looking at him sent shivers down their spines, as if his gaze alone could crush them.