39 Chapter 39 How did you become a Shichibukai?

In the meeting room of the Holy Land Mariejois, Pangaea Castle, the five old elders were stunned as they watched the live broadcast before them.

"Didn't Magellan stop these guys? Damn it!" one of them exclaimed.

"Stussy, Gismondal, and Joseph are also missing!" another added.

"It seems they were dealt with, isn't it? But it's normal considering the people they're up against. All are former legends," a third elder commented.

"That damn Buggy the clown, he hid it so well! What's his ambition? Is he just aiming to become one of the Four Emperors?" another elder wondered.

"Who knows? I even asked Kaido to take care of the Red Hair, but it seems things didn't go as planned! Damn it, these scumbags always manage to make headlines! The Marines are useless, they're a bunch of waste!" the fifth elder exclaimed in anger.

The furious outburst from the five elders left the surrounding CP0 exchanging glances of confusion.

The situation unfolding shocked everyone present. It turned out that the clown Buggy possessed the ability to gather these legends under his command. If these individuals truly formed Buggy's crew, they would be more formidable than any of the Four Emperors' groups.

Meanwhile, the battle situation in Marineford began to shift. After Crocodile, Luffy and others left for the battlefield, the Marines' high-end combat power was being suppressed. Even though top players like Redfield, Gabban, Bullet, Doringo, and Sunbell were yet to Start their fights, Marine's high-end forces seemed insufficient.

However, it wasn't feasible to call upon the three Admirals. Additionally, the Admirals were currently engaged and couldn't easily disengage from their opponents. Kizaru was being pursued by Marco the Phoniex, and Aokiji couldn't quickly settle the score with the formidable Diamond Jozu. Not to mention Whitebeard, who could keep Akainu occupied indefinitely if it were just the two of them fighting.

Consequently, the battlefield reached a stalemate.

"Shichibukai, what are you hesitating for?" Marine Admiral Sengoku's roar broke the tension in the air.

Upon hearing Sengoku's voice, the Shichibukai, who was leisurely fishing, finally took action. Surprisingly, the first one to leave the battlefield was the usually indifferent Hawkeye, which caught Sengoku off guard.

Garp, who understood Hawkeye's terrifying combat power better than anyone else, grew somewhat anxious. Hawkeye was a man capable of rivalling the Red-Haired Shanks—a true Emperor-level combatant. Observing Hawkeye approach Luffy, Garp's heart ached.

They witnessed the destructive power of Hawkeye's terrifying sword technique, cleaving the battlefield into pieces. If not for the assistance of Ivankov, Jinbei, and Crocodile, Luffy would have been gravely injured by Hawkeye. However, it was apparent that Hawkeye was merely putting on a show. If he truly intended to kill Luffy, he wouldn't need to stand several kilometres away to deal a devastating blow.

Despite Buggy providing Luffy with some guidance on mastering the Nika fruit's power, Luffy's Haki was still inadequate, making it impossible for him to utilize Gear Fourth. Consequently, Luffy found himself evading Hawkeye's attacks desperately.

Hawkeye's overwhelming power became evident as he single-handedly held off several experts from Buggy's side with apparent ease. Witnessing Hawkeye's terrifying sword aura, both Marines and pirates trembled in fear. How could someone seemingly kilometres away possess such terrifying strength?

"He's the world's greatest swordsman?" Redfield's eyes gleamed with excitement.

"Are you interested to fight him?" Gabban raised an eyebrow and asked seriously.

"This guy might be even stronger! Let me handle it. My big axe is hungry and thirsty! I can handle him easily," Gabban declared confidently.

"We have capable fighters too," Bullet said, licking his lips excitedly.

"I'm ready for anything," Doringo responded casually. "Buggy, I'll do whatever you need. You're our captain now."

"Count me in," Sunbell grinned at Buggy.

Redfield, Gabban, and Bullet turned their attention to Buggy.

Buggy chuckled and replied, "For now, Mr Redfield and Mr Jabba, don't worry about it. The Admirals are my responsibility. I understand your concern. Let Garp and Sengoku, two old-timers from your generation, deal with you."

Upon hearing Buggy's words, both Redfield and Gabban couldn't help but grow gloomy. They had forgotten about this two marine idiots were also present.

"As for Bullet, go assist Jozu in dealing with Aokiji. Doringo go help Marco take on Kizaru. Sunbell, eliminate Gekko Moria, the man controlling zombies."

Buggy proceeded to assign tasks to each member, then grinned and said, "As for Hawkeye, leave him to me. It just so happens that my fruit ability counters swordsmen. Whether he's the world's greatest swordsman or not doesn't matter!"

Sanjuan Wolf, who had been listening attentively, grew increasingly confused as he realized Buggy hadn't mentioned his role. "Hey, Captain Buggy, what about me?" he asked in doubt.

"Hahaha Sanjuan don't worry. Guard the ship for us," Buggy replied, patting Sunjuan's cheek while sitting on his shoulder. "Retreat is crucial, and we can't allow anyone to damage our ships. Can you handle it?"

Hearing this, Sanjuan Wolf narrowed his eyes and replied solemnly, "You can count on me, Captain Buggy!"

Buggy laughed and spread his arms wide, exclaiming, "Let the battle commence, everyone!"

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

Following Buggy's command, Bullet and the others swiftly rushed forward, and Buggy himself flew through the air. Within moments, Doringo and Sunbell arrived at their respective battlefields.

Meanwhile, Luffy and his group were struggling against Hawkeye's overwhelming might. However, as Buggy arrived, Hawkeye seemed to sense something different this time, and his attacks became even more brutal.

Suddenly, a brilliant white light descended from the sky, and a figure floated above the void, radiating power.

Scoff!

Recognizing the familiar voice, Ivankov and Luffy watched as the previously fearsome blue sword energy transformed into blue-white specks of light, dissolving into the air. Hawkeye's dignified voice broke the silence:

"Buggy the Clown, is this your true strength?"

"Hehehe," Buggy chuckled, retracting his outstretched right hand from his pocket and examining his split palm. With a faint smile, he replied, "I should ask you the same question, Hawkeye. How did you become a Shichibukai?"

"A single random strike from you possesses the power of an Admiral-level attack—it's truly terrifying!"

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