Chapter 37: Fujitora's Terrifying Strength

"Young friend, you are different from other pirates. Among all the people I've met, you are the most friendly and kind," Fujitora said warmly. "However, I must decline joining your pirate crew."

It's clear that in Fujitora's mind, Lin Yan was a pirate he could admire.

"Oh, I didn't expect you to rate me so highly!" Lin Yan replied with a smile. "Just so you know, the last person I invited said the same thing as you, and now he's a member of my crew."

Fujitora's curiosity was piqued. "Oh? Who was that?" he asked.

"Former Navy Admiral, Black Arm Zephyr!" Lin Yan responded calmly.

Inviting a former Navy Admiral was indeed something to brag about for a long time. As expected, when Fujitora heard the name Black Arm Zephyr, his heart stirred. The former Navy Admiral had joined Lin Yan's division? He knew Zephyr to be someone who hated pirates, and yet...

At this moment, Lin Yan continued, "Fujitora, you are drifting around as a ronin. The Navy is a place where background matters. If you join rashly, I can assure you that you won't achieve much in the short term. Are you willing to let your skills go to waste?"

Fujitora remained silent, pondering Lin Yan's words. In the Navy, it was indeed as Lin Yan said. He listened quietly.

"Now, an opportunity is before you," Lin Yan continued. "Join my Seventeenth Division. I won't promise you the best, but I can provide a platform for you to display your talents. It's up to you whether to seize this opportunity or let it go."

Lin Yan's sincere words resonated in Fujitora's heart. Listening to Lin Yan's encouraging words, Fujitora couldn't deny that he was moved.

Seeing this, Lin Yan added, "Fujitora, I'm serious! The world needs you, and our Seventeenth Division needs you too!"

For many years, Fujitora, although a ronin, had been seeking direction. What was the result? Repeated setbacks, repeated failures. Now, Lin Yan gave him hope, igniting a spark within him.

"I heard you once swept through the entire Whitebeard Pirates single-handedly?" Fujitora asked in a deep, solemn voice.

Lin Yan replied confidently, "So what?"

"Let's have a duel. If you win, I'll join your Seventeenth Division and even give you a gift!" Fujitora proposed earnestly.

Lin Yan's face was serious, his eyes bright. "Are you serious?" he asked.

...

"Ain, find a nearby island!" Lin Yan instructed. On the Grand Line, islands are abundant. Soon, the Seventeenth Division docked at a deserted island. In the island's center, mountains crisscrossed, valleys and ridges stretched far and wide.

The landscape was vast, lush, and vibrant. In the wilderness, birds and insects chirped incessantly. Lin Yan and Fujitora stood opposite each other. Fujitora closed his eyes and slowly drew the sword hidden in his cane. His Observation Haki flowed, and the air surged outward.

Lin Yan stood opposite Fujitora, silently waiting. When the atmosphere was charged and ready, the battle began.

"Whoosh!" The sound of a sword cutting through the air filled the space as Fujitora made the first move.

"Slash!" His sword swung toward Lin Yan with unmatched power.

"Dragon Claw!" Lin Yan's hand was covered with dense white electric currents. He grabbed at Fujitora's slash with a claw.

"Clang!" The dragon claw, covered in lightning, caught Fujitora's sword. One blade, one claw—the two collided. Violent electric currents and slashing sounds filled the air. The energy burst from the two dispersed the surroundings.

Thick red lightning bolts fell from the sky, hitting the ground, rocks, and forests. The wind surged, disturbed and uneasy. The mountains and vegetation around them flattened from the impact of their battle. This was just their first clash! The shockwave alone was terrifying, let alone the combatants.

Zephyr's students were alarmed at the scene before them. When they learned that their captain was about to fight this blind man, they were excited. They had heard of their captain's feats but had never seen him in action. Now, with the opportunity right in front of them, they were eager to witness the spectacle. They were curious about how a top-tier New World combatant would fight.

However, what they saw left them stunned. The first clash between the two was so earth-shattering that they gasped in shock. They admired their captain's incredible strength. Yet, they were even more astonished that Issho matched their captain blow for blow. This blind man was exceptional!

Before they could think further, Lin Yan and Issho's battle continued. After the first clash, they exchanged a hundred rounds, one after another. There were no flashy moves or skills—just pure displays of power. After a hundred rounds, Issho was forced to retreat. After so many clashes, his hands were shaking, and his arms were trembling as he gripped his blade. Sweat dotted his forehead. Lin Yan's strength was immense.

On the other side, Lin Yan also frowned slightly. Issho's strength wasn't inferior to Jozu, the captain of the third division of the Whitebeard Pirates. And his swordsmanship was on par with Vista. In terms of swordsmanship, Issho had come far.

His strength surpassed even Zephyr's.

"Let's continue!" Issho raised his sword and attacked again.