501-505

Chapter 501: The Underworld Alliance Meeting Room! 

Yoru sat at the head of the table, with Nouus beside him. 

On the left, in the most prestigious seat, sat the New World magnate, "Sea Transport King" Umit. He was a gloomy-faced man with a curly mustache, the head of the New World's largest shipping company! 

Right next to him was another New World magnate, the old timer of the warehousing industry, "The Hider" Giberson! His warehousing business covered the entire New World! He looked like an arrogant and cunning old man with a big beard, a long nose, and a tall hat. He seemed to love his drinks! 

Finally, there was a man with small sunglasses, appearing sinister and cunning, puffing on a cigar like a godfather. This was the Loan Shark King, "God of Fortune" Du Feld! 

These three secretly ran operations in resource smuggling, energy sales, and weapons trafficking. They were Yoru's excellent new partners! 

On the right, sat five men who looked like mafia godfathers! They were from the five major families of the West Blue, monopolizing the weapon manufacturing business there, and they were extremely interested in the artificial Devil Fruit trade. Judging by the lingering anger on their faces and how they glared at each other, they had just had a massive argument over profits. But since they had calmed down, it meant they had reached an agreement! 

"Heh heh, I'm sure everyone here understands my principles!" Yoru said, taking a sip of tea. "Why not make money together, right?" 

In the entire room, he looked the weakest, the most harmless. But, he was actually the most terrifying man there! Even these normally lawless, arrogant magnates were incredibly subdued. 

"Of course!" 

"Heh heh, doing business with Captain Yoru means our safety is guaranteed now!" 

"It's a new era, the underworld has found its strongest king!" 

The three New World magnates praised him effusively, even trying to curry favor with Yoru. They were indeed big shots, but in front of Yoru, they were just mere subordinates! A "Sea Emperor" wasn't just a title; it signified a transcendental status, absolutely above these magnates! 

"Of course..." Yoru subtly glanced at the big shots present. "If I find out anyone harms the alliance's interests, don't blame me for being impolite!" 

"My sword is very sharp, you know!" 

His sharp gaze was like a blade, making the magnates present involuntarily shiver and promise in unison, "We will absolutely not harm the alliance's interests or betray the unified front of the alliance!" 

Yoru laughed heartily upon hearing this: "I naturally trust everyone's integrity." 

"Come, let's toast! I'll use tea in place of wine to wish our alliance prosperous business and flourishing success!" 

The magnates dared not delay and quickly raised their cups. 

After seeing the magnates off, Yoru stood by the sea, hands clasped behind his back. He turned his head to look at Nouus, who was approaching, and asked, "Are you confident you can control them?" 

Nouus narrowed his eyes upon hearing this, giving a bitter smile. "Captain, that question puts me in a tough spot." 

"It's like a king asking his powerful minister, 'Are you confident you can control my kingdom?'" 

"You're openly enticing me to reveal my ambition!" 

"And then you can rightfully get rid of me!" 

"I don't want to be labeled a usurper and then die!" 

Hearing this, Yoru burst into laughter. "Do you think I would do that?" 

Nouus walked forward and stood shoulder to shoulder with Yoru: "No, you wouldn't!" 

Chapter 502: The Grand Expo 

Norres looked out at the vast ocean ahead. "Captain," he began, "are you planning to leave the Lightning Pirate Group once we reach the Final Island?" 

Yoru was a bit surprised by the question, then nodded. "So you found out! For this world, I'm just a passerby." 

Norres sighed. "This vast ocean isn't enough to satisfy your ambition?" 

Yoru glanced at him, then looked up at the sky with a nostalgic expression. "It's not about ambition. The sea is certainly vast enough to contain my ambition. It's just that this place isn't my true home." 

"Then where is your true home?" Norres asked curiously. "A world beyond the sea?" 

Yoru's nostalgic look faded as he replied, "My home is wherever my heart feels at peace. Can you understand that?" 

Norres just shrugged. "Clearly, I can't!" 

Yoru patted his shoulder. "If you can't, then don't worry about it; it doesn't really matter. Anyway, it's about time to head to that place!" 

Back in the center of the island, after checking the chosen site for Caesar's research institute, Yoru gave Norres some final instructions. Then, with the three high-ranking members watching him go, he left. 

As for Yoru's departure from Night Island... 

It didn't cause any stir. The various powers across the sea were currently focused on the impending battle between the Straw Hat Crew and Big Mom, as well as Yoru's alliance with several underground forces, becoming the new Joker. So, Yoru leaving truly went unnoticed. After all, no one would have thought Yoru would leave Night Island at a time like this. Logically, he should be presiding over matters on Night Island right now. 

"Bananaso Island, hehe, what a gathering of power!" 

"Barrett, it's been a while. I wonder how much stronger you've gotten? Don't you dare disappoint me!" 

Riding a small boat, Yoru wore a mask, hiding his true identity. Disguised as a lone wolf, he sailed towards the distant Bananaso Island. 

The 'Navigational Expo' (also known as the 'Grand Expo') was about to begin! That's where Yoru aimed to find the Eternal Pointer! 

"The Eternal Pointer, what a tempting item! This treasure is mine! I have to get my hands on it!" "Hehe, a battleground where so many forces gather, it must be quite lively. How could I possibly miss out on something like this!" "It's also a good chance to round up these evil criminals. No time to lose, let's go!" "I heard there's a lot of gold treasure in this event? That's not bad; it'll make for good operating funds for us!" 

The Seven Warlords, the Four Emperors, the Supernovas, the Revolutionary Army, the Marines, and even other pirates... all were flocking towards the power-gathering Bananaso Island. Their motives varied, but it was clear this would be a truly grand gathering! 

"Hmph hmph hmph, they've all arrived, how wonderful!" "Come on, let this grand event eliminate these scumbags of the sea! The Great Pirate Era doesn't need ants interfering!" 

Barrett, with his tower-like build, said with a sinister grin. He was already impatient, eager to deal with these scumb"Man, this reminds me of the Chunin Exams, where everyone's trying to get ahead! Here's what went down:" 

Chapter 501: The Underworld Alliance Meeting Room! 

Yoru sat at the head of the table, with Nouus beside him. 

On the left, in the most prestigious seat, sat the New World magnate, "Sea Transport King" Umit. He was a gloomy-faced man with a curly mustache, the head of the New World's largest shipping company! 

Right next to him was another New World magnate, the old timer of the warehousing industry, "The Hider" Giberson! His warehousing business covered the entire New World! He looked like an arrogant and cunning old man with a big beard, a long nose, and a tall hat. He seemed to love his drinks! 

Finally, there was a man with small sunglasses, appearing sinister and cunning, puffing on a cigar like a godfather. This was the Loan Shark King, "God of Fortune" Du Feld! 

These three secretly ran operations in resource smuggling, energy sales, and weapons trafficking. They were Yoru's excellent new partners! 

On the right, sat five men who looked like mafia godfathers! They were from the five major families of the West Blue, monopolizing the weapon manufacturing business there, and they were extremely interested in the artificial Devil Fruit trade. Judging by the lingering anger on their faces and how they glared at each other, they had just had a massive argument over profits. But since they had calmed down, it meant they had reached an agreement! 

"Heh heh, I'm sure everyone here understands my principles!" Yoru said, taking a sip of tea. "Why not make money together, right?" 

In the entire room, he looked the weakest, the most harmless. But, he was actually the most terrifying man there! Even these normally lawless, arrogant magnates were incredibly subdued. 

"Of course!" 

"Heh heh, doing business with Captain Yoru means our safety is guaranteed now!" 

"It's a new era, the underworld has found its strongest king!" 

The three New World magnates praised him effusively, even trying to curry favor with Yoru. They were indeed big shots, but in front of Yoru, they were just mere subordinates! A "Sea Emperor" wasn't just a title; it signified a transcendental status, absolutely above these magnates! 

"Of course..." Yoru subtly glanced at the big shots present. "If I find out anyone harms the alliance's interests, don't blame me for being impolite!" 

"My sword is very sharp, you know!" 

His sharp gaze was like a blade, making the magnates present involuntarily shiver and promise in unison, "We will absolutely not harm the alliance's interests or betray the unified front of the alliance!" 

Yoru laughed heartily upon hearing this: "I naturally trust everyone's integrity." 

"Come, let's toast! I'll use tea in place of wine to wish our alliance prosperous business and flourishing success!" 

The magnates dared not delay and quickly raised their cups. 

After seeing the magnates off, Yoru stood by the sea, hands clasped behind his back. He turned his head to look at Nouus, who was approaching, and asked, "Are you confident you can control them?" 

Nouus narrowed his eyes upon hearing this, giving a bitter smile. "Captain, that question puts me in a tough spot." 

"It's like a king asking his powerful minister, 'Are you confident you can control my kingdom?'" 

"You're openly enticing me to reveal my ambition!" 

"And then you can rightfully get rid of me!" 

"I don't want to be labeled a usurper and then die!" 

Hearing this, Yoru burst into laughter. "Do you think I would do that?" 

Nouus walked forward and stood shoulder to shoulder with Yoru: "No, you wouldn't!"ags of the sea. The sea of the new era was a paradise for the strong! The weak had no right to compete! 

"Who knows," he mused, "I might even meet a few old acquaintances!" "That guy must also be very interested in this Eternal Pointer. Uniting the underground forces and becoming their king, typical Yoru!" 

Barrett narrowed his eyes, his grin growing wider. His eyes were filled with an intense fighting spirit, soaring to the sky and creating a suffocating pressure. 

Chapter 503: Landing  

“Jie jie jie! The Maritime Expo, an unprecedented grand gathering!”  

“If this event pulls off successfully, the world will surely remember my name forever!”  

“Jie jie jie, I’m so excited! I wish it could start right now!”  

The planner of the Maritime Expo, Festa, known as the ‘Celebration Master,’ laughed wickedly, his face twisted in a menacing grin.  

“Three days!”  

“In three days, this grand event will officially kick off. You ready, Barrett?”  

“This is a special stage I’ve crafted just for you!”  

Festa glanced at Barrett, a towering, sharp-featured man standing beside him like an iron fortress.  

“Heh…”  

Barrett smirked. “Of course I am!”  

…  

“We’re finally here!”  

“Sailing’s no joke, huh? One wrong turn, and you’re off course!”  

Yoru sipped his tea, gazing at the island ahead, decked out in colorful lights and dazzling splendor. He let out a sigh of amazement.  

He glanced at the nervous man beside him. “Thanks, man. Without your help, it might’ve taken me days to get here.”  

He tossed a bag of gold coins to the guy. “Here’s your payment. You’re free to go.”  

The man caught the coins, didn’t even count them, and bolted off the ship like he was escaping a disaster.  

To him, Yoru might as well have been a monster.  

“Huh, wasn’t that ‘Genius Navigator’ Dudi?”  

“I heard he’s got a 212 million Berry bounty. Who’s this masked guy that’s got Dudi so scared?”  

On the island, someone witnessed the scene and muttered in surprise.  

Some even chased after Dudi, asking about the masked man’s identity.  

But Dudi, visibly shaken, snapped, “You’d better not ask that question, and don’t get curious. Otherwise, you’re as good as dead!”  

Naturally, that only sparked more curiosity.  

For someone as fearsome as a Supernova to act like that, the masked man must be terrifying.  

In the shadows…  

“This guy… he gives me a really bad feeling.”  

Smoker, a Marine who had infiltrated the island early, watched the masked man who had just landed and taken a seat at an open-air bar not far away. His expression was grim.  

His beast-like instincts screamed at him.  

This man was not to be messed with.  

Smoker could only conclude that the seas were indeed full of hidden powerhouses.  

Soon enough…  

Word about the masked man spread across the island.  

“Heh, drawing attention already? Bit of a hassle, huh?”  

Yoru took a sip of his fruit wine.  

Hmm, a bit light on flavor, but it’s got a strong kick. Not quite as tasty as Aunt Shao’s brew.  

Smoker wasn’t the only one keeping an eye on Yoru.  

The Revolutionary Army’s Sabo! 

The Warlord Trafalgar Law! 

The Warlord Buggy! 

The Supernova Capone Bege! 

The Supernova Hawkins!  

…  

Not a single person who had arrived on the island in the past two days was ordinary. 

All of them were watching the newcomers, especially the strong ones.  

Yoru, however, acted as if he didn’t notice their stares, staying calm and unbothered.  

But there’s always someone bold—or reckless—enough to test the waters.  

And sure enough…  

Trouble came knocking.  

“Hey, you! I like this spot. Move it!”  

A tall, bare-chested man loomed over Yoru, who glanced at him dismissively. “You’ve got three seconds to get lost, or I won’t hold back.”  

The man was over two meters tall, a sword hanging at his waist.  

His face was fierce, marked by a scar, with short yellow hair.  

His gaze was venomous, like a snake’s, making people uneasy.  

Hearing Yoru’s arrogant words, he lost it.  

Leaning in close to Yoru’s face, he growled, “Do you even know who I am? I’m—” 

Chapter 504: Fifth Emperor Luffy  

"One!" 

Yoru interrupted the man, who instantly flared up. "You’re really pissing me off, you punk!" 

He swung his fist, aiming straight for Yoru! 

"Two!" 

Yoru calmly counted, setting down his drink. 

The crowd around them turned curious eyes toward the scene, eager to gauge Yoru’s true strength. 

"Three!" 

With an expressionless face, Yoru raised his hand and unleashed a single palm strike. 

Buzz! 

A terrifying, overwhelming force erupted from him. 

It was horrifyingly powerful, effortlessly shattering the man’s defenses. 

Boom! 

The man had no chance to resist. Like a sandbag, he was sent flying, crashing into a building in the distance. 

The crowd looked over… 

There he lay, eyes rolled back, unconscious in the rubble. 

"The 'Golden Beast' with a 167 million Berry bounty… taken down that easily?" 

"This guy’s kinda strong, huh?" 

"What was that power just now? He took down the Golden Beast from a distance!" 

The onlookers buzzed with shocked discussions. It was downright terrifying. 

"Advanced Armament Haki… Conqueror’s Haki!" 

"Could this guy be…?" 

Smoker’s pupils shrank as he stared at Yoru, his heart racing with turbulent thoughts. 

From what he knew, there weren’t many people on the seas with such mastery of Armament Haki! 

A bold guess formed in his mind. 

But… 

He couldn’t bring himself to believe it was true! 

The truth was a bit too shocking! 

"Dasqi, let’s go!" 

Smoker decided this intel needed to be reported to headquarters. 

Trafalgar Law, Hawkins, and the other Supernovas felt a heavy weight in their hearts. 

Another monster, no less formidable than them. 

"This expo is really crawling with big shots!" 

They averted their gazes, wary of drawing the man’s attention and sparking unnecessary trouble. 

"Did you hear? The Straw Hat crew caused a ruckus on Whole Cake Island! Not only did they rescue their crewmate 'Blackfoot Sanji,' but they also got Jinbe, the Knight of the Sea, to join them!" 

At that moment… 

From a nearby seat, someone spoke in a hushed, mysterious tone, dropping a bombshell on their companion. 

"No way, the Straw Hat kid’s gotten that strong?" 

The listener was floored by the news. 

"It’s true! A friend of mine who works at the news agency told me. You’ll see soon enough whether it’s real or not!" 

"And get this—Katakuri, the top Sweet Commander, was defeated by the Straw Hat kid!" 

The mysterious man dropped another bombshell. 

"No way, Katakuri lost to…?" 

His companion shot to their feet in shock, drawing the attention of those nearby. 

The person quickly sat back down, covering their face with a newspaper, and whispered urgently to their friend, "Is this for real? Katakuri lost to the Straw Hat kid?" 

The man, letting out a hiccup from his drink, grinned confidently. "You bet. If you don’t believe me, check tonight’s paper!" 

Their voices were quiet, but they couldn’t escape the ears of the powerful figures around them. 

"Took down Katakuri, huh? Nice one, Straw Hat kid!" 

Yoru’s lips curled into a smirk as he set down his glass and walked away. 

The Supernovas, though calm on the surface, were reeling inside. 

What kind of joke was this?! 

The Straw Hat kid broke through Whole Cake Island and defeated Katakuri? 

It was almost too unbelievable. 

But by evening… 

The news birds swooped in, scattering papers across the city. 

And the front-page headline was a jaw-dropping bombshell. 

The fifth Emperor of the Sea—'Fifth Emperor' Straw Hat Luffy! 

Bounty: 1.5 billion Berries! 

Chapter 505: Gathering of Heroes  

The title of "Emperor of the Sea" instantly drew the attention of countless heroes. 

And when they read the detailed accounts below, every single one of them was left in shock. 

The report described how the Straw Hat crew boldly stormed Cake Island and successfully rescued Blackfoot Sanji. 

The news they’d just heard was actually true! 

The Straw Hat kid had really pulled off a victory on Cake Island. 

"Hey, hey, hey, what’s going on here? When did he get this strong?!"  

Captain Eustass Kid’s voice roared as he stepped off the port, clutching a newspaper with a grim look on his face. 

"What a terrifying guy!"  

The strange monk Urouge grinned, but his eyes were filled with wariness. 

"Hmph, all thanks to me. Otherwise, how could that Straw Hat kid have succeeded?"  

Capone Bege smirked to himself, swelling with pride. 

"That Straw Hat guy…"  

Smoker’s expression darkened even further. 

On this island…  

The atmosphere was growing tense, and the situation was spiraling out of control. 

"No surprise there, Luffy. You’ve gotten this strong, huh?" 

"Ace would be thrilled if he knew!"  

Sabo from the Revolutionary Army muttered to himself with a smile. 

"Luffy, you may be strong, but this time, I’m not holding back!"  

A freckled, sunny boy tipped his hat with a wide grin. 

Meanwhile, on the other side… 

"There’s a lot of people here, huh?"  

Yoru’s gaze swept over the crowd, taking it all in as he thought to himself. 

Among them, he spotted quite a few notable sea heroes. 

"This is shaping up to be a pretty interesting event!"  

He stood up and left, uninterested in wandering around the expo, and checked into an inn instead. 

"Who is that guy?"  

Yoru’s departure sparked a wave of speculation among the others. 

A mysterious powerhouse like that naturally piqued everyone’s curiosity. 

Over on the Navy’s side… 

"Hey, hey, hey, is it true? A suspected Yonko, the Lightning Killer, has shown up? That’s insane!"  

Smoker reported his suspicions to the operation’s commander, Admiral "Kizaru" Borsalino. 

As expected…  

Kizaru’s face took on his usual "oh, how scary" expression. 

But his demeanor quickly turned serious. 

There was no way it couldn’t. A Yonko’s involvement meant their plans had gone awry, and they needed urgent adjustments. 

"Are you sure, Smoker?"  

Borsalino pressed him. A matter this big couldn’t afford any mistakes. 

"There aren’t many people with Armament Haki that terrifying!" 

"And the build matches too!"  

Hearing Smoker’s reasoning, Borsalino frowned. "Now, Smoker, that’s not enough to prove it’s the Lightning Killer. You’re putting me in a tough spot here!"  

Plenty of people on the high seas had advanced Armament Haki! 

To claim that masked man was the Lightning Killer just based on his build and Haki prowess? 

That was too hasty!  

"Better to be safe than sorry!"  

Smoker’s voice was firm and serious. "If something goes wrong, I’ll take responsibility. Admiral, please send reinforcements!"  

Borsalino’s lips curled into his usual carefree smirk. "Got it, got it!"  

His original plan was to have Smoker gather more evidence or do further reconnaissance before sending reinforcements. 

He hadn’t expected Smoker to be this urgent! 

…