Chapter 685: SFDI - 685
Ochoku placed great importance on the item aboard this warship, so the subordinates he assigned to guard it were all quite strong pirates.
Nearly all of them had mastered both forms of Haki, and many were Devil Fruit users. No wonder the Blackbeard Pirates needed the Rocky Port incident to bring Ochoku down.
A burly man, nearly three meters tall, swung a large cleaver at Drake, but Natsu kicked him away mid-swing.
Drake didn’t even glance at the attacker, his gaze fixed on the warship before him.
It was indeed a ship of the Navy’s Special Science Unit; it looked unlike any ordinary warship, with various mechanical structures that gave off a distinctly high-tech feel.
Just as Drake was about to board the ship, he suddenly sensed a powerful aura rapidly approaching.
Drake looked up and saw a figure descending from the sky, blocking his path.
It was an old man with many wrinkles on his face and white hair and beard. He wore a magnificent, ancient-style robe with wide sleeves and a square-shaped crown on his head.
With his hand on the long-handled sword at his waist, the old man looked like a character stepped out of a historical drama Drake had watched.
Although this was his first meeting, Drake immediately guessed the man’s identity. He was Ochoku, a former executive of the Rocks Pirates and a great pirate from the same era as Whitebeard.
Drake had discussed the Rocks Pirates with Whitebeard before.
Whitebeard had complex feelings about Rocks. He held a degree of respect for his former captain.
However, he also said that Rocks was a man whose ambition had driven him to madness, which was why he chose to leave the Rocks Pirates after their defeat at God Valley.
When discussing his former crewmates, Whitebeard simply stated that there were no real comrades on that ship. Everyone had their own ambitions; trust was nonexistent.
It was only because Rocks held them together by force that the Rocks Pirates could exist. This was also why the Rocks Pirates collapsed so easily.
Ochoku was also one of the few people Whitebeard spoke of favorably. According to Whitebeard, Ochoku was a pirate who possessed both strength and intellect.
His greatest strength, however, was his immense charisma. Even in the brutal, eat-or-be-eaten environment of the Rocks Pirates, he thrived and gained considerable support.
However, Drake suspected he wouldn’t experience that charisma firsthand, as the current Ochoku, with his pride deeply wounded, looked at Drake with eyes full of rage.
"Brat, I know who you are! Fairy Tail, who’s been causing such a ruckus on the seas lately! But if you’re looking for amusement, you’ve come to the wrong place.
This is my territory. If you leave now while I still have some patience, I might let you go!"
Ochoku glared at Drake. He was aware of the recent turmoil on the seas.
Unlike other simple-minded pirates who would only question, he had accurately assessed the strength of Fairy Tail. Therefore, he preferred to avoid conflict if possible.
Drake stretched his neck and said, "Well, I should thank you for your magnanimity. But I’m sorry, this isn’t about personal grudges; it’s our job!"
Honestly, Drake was a little disappointed. Pirates were supposed to greet each other with fists and swords.
Ochoku’s attitude only showed that he was indeed getting old; the twilight of a hero’s life always evokes a sense of melancholy.
However, Ochoku didn’t disappoint Drake further. He reached for his massive sword and said, "It seems there’s no other way. Let this old man see what gives you the audacity to be so arrogant on my territory!"
At this moment, Ochoku displayed the spirit befitting a great pirate, like a slumbering tiger awakening.
Drake assumed a boxing stance, signaling his own attitude.
Something in the port was detonated amidst the chaos. The instant the loud explosion sounded, both men charged at each other.
Seeing Drake enter his attack range, Ochoku directly swung his Haki-wrapped straight sword.
Drake summoned his innate Spirit Armor, smashing forward with his armored forearm.
After a crisp sound, the ground beneath them instantly cracked. Drake lowered his blade and delivered a flying kick towards Ochoku.
But Ochoku twisted his wrist, maneuvering the blade in an arc that perfectly blocked Drake’s attack.
Drake’s eyes lit up with interest. Whitebeard had mentioned that Ochoku was a great swordsman and had highly praised his unique Five Peaks Sword Style.
Experiencing it firsthand, Drake also felt the wonder of his swordsmanship.
"Let me see more!"
Drake used the force from Ochoku’s sword to leap up, flipping and smashing down with a punch.
Ochoku roared, "Arrogant brat, then let this old man make sure you fall under my sword without regret!"
Ochoku stepped back and swung his blade in a diagonal upward slash towards Drake.
Unlike the mainstream swordsmanship of this world, which pursued speed and power, Ochoku’s Five Peaks Sword Style was not fast. Each move was grand and sweeping.
Although not fast, his blade covered all directions of offense and defense, and each swing was incredibly powerful, like an earthquake.
Drake’s fists and Ochoku’s blade clashed repeatedly, the resulting shockwaves tearing apart and scattering the debris piled around the port.
Ochoku roared, his cry like a tiger’s roar, and the greatsword he swung with it gained even more power.
Suddenly erupting, Ochoku swept Drake away, then stomped on the ground, charging at Drake like a battle chariot.
Black-red lightning flashed in Drake’s eyes, and his innate Spirit Armor was covered in black-red flame patterns.
Facing the charging Ochoku, Drake threw a punch.
"Haoshoku Coiling?!"
Ochoku narrowed his eyes. He naturally recognized the technique Drake was using. By now, he knew he couldn’t refer to his opponent as a mere "brat."
Mastering Haoshoku Coiling meant he was undoubtedly a powerhouse, no weaker than himself.
Drake’s punch struck Ochoku’s blade, and the charging Ochoku was sent flying back by the immense force, having to plant his sword in the ground to stop his retreat.
At this moment, Drake had already closed in, throwing another punch.
Ochoku drew his long sword with his backhand, also using Haoshoku Coiling to attack.
Fist and blade clashed from a distance, black lightning sparking in the air, capturing the attention of everyone in the port.
Both retreated simultaneously. Drake stabilized himself and said, "With this level of Haki, you truly are a treasure that hasn’t dulled with age!"
Ochoku calmed his surging blood and replied, "It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a young man like you!"
Both their eyes burned with intensity, and they charged at each other again.
Flames swirled and gathered on Drake’s leg, released towards Ochoku along with Haki.
Ochoku stepped forward, raising his long sword and slashing down. The battle resumed!
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