431-435

Chapter 431: Recruitment from All Sides 

“Mamamama~! How could we possibly let a powerhouse like that slip away? Katakuri, take some people and bring him here,” declared Big Mom—Charlotte Linlin, one of the Four Emperors of the New World. 

“That kind of strength? No way we let some other pirate crew snatch him up! He belongs with the Beast Pirates—our monster HQ!” 

“Jack, King, I’m sending you both—go get it done!” 

Kaido, the “Strongest Creature,” another of the Four Emperors, also had his sights on Yoru and her crew. 

All the major powers of the New World understood one thing clearly… 

Whoever could recruit a powerhouse like Yoru would gain a massive boost in strength—and fast. 

Naturally, no one was willing to let that kind of opportunity pass them by... 

Lightning Island. 

“Captain, a bunch of people have been trying to join us lately. Should we accept some of them?” Nous asked Yoru, who was training with her sword by the shore. 

“Take some of them in?” 

Yoru paused for a moment. “We can consider it… but no one with a bounty under 100 million. Don’t even bother.” 

Their next enemies were going to be Four Emperor-level. 

Strength in numbers would be a huge advantage against Emperor-class pirate crews! 

“Understood!” 

Nous nodded and headed off to handle it. 

Meanwhile, at the other port of Lightning Island, dozens of pirate ships were docked—crews waiting to join Yoru's fleet. 

They couldn't get into a Yonko’s crew. 

But the Lightning Pirates? They still had a shot. 

Marine Headquarters. 

“Damn those Five Elders… look what your brilliant decision has led to. Happy now?” 

Fleet Admiral Sakazuki (Akainu) was in a foul mood. 

If those fools hadn’t insisted on threatening Yoru, she never would've been kicked out of the Shichibukai. Now, she was a full-blown enemy of the Marines. 

And of course, she was actively recruiting. 

Her influence, already rivaling that of the Yonko, was now growing even faster. 

In the end, the Marines had just earned themselves another deadly enemy. 

The worst part? If she were to ally with Charlotte Linlin or Kaido, it would be catastrophic! 

That would be a lineup strong enough to plunge the Marines into despair—stronger even than the Whitebeard Pirates! 

The entire world would tremble at such a force. 

And even more damning? This move didn’t even achieve its original purpose. They still couldn’t stop Yoru from pursuing the Poneglyphs and unraveling the true history. 

All in all, the Five Elders’ decision… was outright idiotic. 

Elsewhere… 

“Wet-Haired Caribou Brothers! Older brother Caribou, bounty: 210 million berries. Younger brother Coribou, bounty: 190 million berries!” 

“Sky Island Savage—Bagenda! Bounty: 170 million berries!” 

“Cold Blade Agadeth! Bounty: 111 million berries…” 

As Nous handed over the list of newly recruited pirates, Yoru grinned. 

“So the first half of the Grand Line still has some decent fighters after all.” 

Sure, in the original story Caribou didn’t make much of a splash—got knocked out by Luffy in one punch and even got beaten by Franky. 

But that was because all the enemies he faced had Haki. 

In truth, Caribou, a Logia user, had serious potential. If he ever learned Haki, his strength would shoot up dramatically. 

The Swamp-Swamp Fruit isn’t easy to deal with. 

With proper training, he might even reach admiral-level strength one day. 

“With a crew like this, it should really help me in my search for the Poneglyphs,” Yoru mused. 

She knew one thing very clearly: 

No matter how strong you are—if you're alone, you're still just one person. 

Chapter 432: Admiral Fujitora 

“There’s strength in numbers.” That saying might not always be entirely accurate, but there’s some truth to it. After all, even ants can bite an elephant to death if there are enough of them. 

Why are the Yonkō able to reign supreme over the seas? 

Is it just because of their overwhelming individual power? That’s only part of the reason. 

The real core of their dominance lies in the sheer size and strength of their pirate crews—countless elites, giving them a crushing advantage over other pirates. 

That’s why Yonkō crews rule the New World and look down on the entire ocean. 

“Well then, it’s about time we set sail.” 

Once Yoru had recruited enough crew members, she wasted no more time—she was finally ready to head for the New World. 

New World— 

“Wahahaha! What a dangerous sea! I nearly lost my life out here!” On a turbulent stretch of ocean, Bashas chuckled with lingering fear in his voice. 

“So this is the New World… It’s incredible.” Nouss stared ahead, eyes shining as he took in the massive waves and dark, stormy skies. 

To him, the New World radiated freedom—a vast, untamed world begging to be conquered. 

But just then— 

“This is as far as you go, Lightning Pirates!” 

A fleet of Marine battleships appeared up ahead, blocking their path. 

At the front of the lead ship stood a tall, broad-shouldered man with a calm presence. He seemed blind, dressed in an unusual dark indigo outfit. Two brutal scars crossed the lenses of his sunglasses. 

Behind him stood high-ranking Marines like Onigumo and Momonga—and of course, Vice Admirals Momousagi and Chaton were also present. 

“Kyahahaha, Marines? Perfect timing! Now we can show the Captain what we’re made of!” 

“Wahahaha! What, you still haven’t learned your lesson after the beating we gave you last time?” 

Bashas grinned savagely. All he needed was a word from Yoru, and he’d throw himself into the enemy ranks without hesitation. 

“Captain, just give the order!” 

“That’s right! I’m ready to go!” 

“Let’s go, Captain! Lead us into battle!” 

Behind Yoru’s flagship, the Mandevus, a massive fleet of subordinate pirate crews stretched back hundreds of meters. It was a formidable sight. 

But today, Yoru didn’t charge. 

Instead, she stood still, her expression dark as she stared at the blind man ahead. 

“You Marines really think highly of me… sending an Admiral to deal with me personally?” 

“W-What?! An Admiral?!” 

The rowdy, bloodthirsty pirates instantly fell silent, gasping in disbelief. Their earlier arrogance vanished, replaced by stunned, horrified stares directed at the blind swordsman in the dark indigo robe. 

“Hehehe…” 

The blind swordsman chuckled softly. “Lightning Killer… First time we meet. I am called Isshō.” 

This was no ordinary blind man—he was Fujitora Isshō, the newly appointed Admiral of the Marines. 

A man even Sakazuki called a “monster.” His power was immeasurable. 

His signature move? Summoning a searing meteorite from the sky—an attack so devastating it could obliterate an entire island in one blow. 

He was a man who believed in righteous justice above all. 

“Didn’t expect someone like you to show up personally. Guess the Marines really aren’t taking any chances…” Yoru’s voice was heavy with tension. 

And for good reason—Fujitora’s powers posed a direct threat to her. 

Gravity. A natural counter to someone like Yoru, who specializes in aerial domination. 

Chapter 433: Starting Off with a Finisher 

“Heh, Lightning Killer, you give this old man too much credit. I'm just an ordinary person, nothing more.” Issho, known as Fujitora, responded to Yoru's compliment with a humble smile. 

But Yoru wasn’t letting his guard down even a little. 

This man was dangerous—on a whole other level. Very few people on the seas could defeat him. 

“Lightning Killer, your end is here!” Behind Fujitora, Vice Admiral Momousagi (Peach Rabbit) stepped forward with a stern expression. 

“‘The end,’ huh?” 

Yoru chuckled at her words. “Funny, wasn't it you who ran away in disgrace last time? Now you’ve got an admiral backing you, and suddenly you’re getting cocky.” 

That remark hit Momousagi right where it hurt. Her face darkened immediately. Having someone bring up such a humiliating memory in public—no one could stay calm after that. 

“Vice Admiral Momousagi, no need to waste time talking with him. Let’s take him down!” A female marine behind her urged her to act. 

Momousagi turned to Fujitora. The final decision was in his hands. 

Shing! 

Fujitora gave his answer through action—he drew his sword. 

The moment the blade came out, an overwhelming pressure fell upon everyone. Even Burgess and Nous visibly tensed up. 

To their senses, Fujitora suddenly felt like a wild beast that had opened its eyes—a deep, dark abyss with no bottom. 

A true monster. 

They all reached the same conclusion at once. 

“Watch out!” Seeing Fujitora draw his blade, Yoru called out a warning. 

“This guy is even more dangerous at sea than Sakazuki or Aokiji. His ability is gravity!” 

Just as Yoru was explaining, the sky above them turned crimson. 

A massive flaming meteor—hundreds of meters wide—crashed down from the heavens. The air warped and collapsed under the weight, turning hazy. 

“Don’t let his attack hit the Mandevs! If we lose the ship, we’re done for out here!” 

With that warning, Yoru leapt into the sky, transforming into a blazing phoenix as he soared upward—charging straight at Fujitora. 

Shing! 

His razor-sharp talons, clad in high-level Busoshoku Haki (Armament Haki), clashed fiercely against Fujitora’s blade. 

“Phoenix Feather Slash!” 

With a strong flap of his wings, Yoru kicked off and pushed himself back, then launched another sharp, slicing attack. 

“Gravity Blade: Ferocious Tiger!” 

Fujitora swung his sword, unleashing a massive wave of gravity sideways like a beast pouncing. 

BOOM! 

Yoru felt like an entire mountain had slammed into him. A muffled groan escaped his lips—he could barely hold on. It felt like his entire body was about to be crushed, the air squeezed from his lungs. 

"No wonder they call him a monster... he's insanely strong!" 

Spreading his wings, Yoru broke free from the pressure, soaring even higher. He swung his wings again, releasing a slash that carried a terrifyingly sharp force, slicing through the falling meteor and scattering it to pieces. 

“Phoenix Radiant Sun!” 

Yoru clearly didn’t plan on dragging this battle out. 

Behind him, a blazing sun materialized—blinding and searing in intensity. 

In that moment, a wave of unbearable heat swept over the area. The warships started smoking, then exploding, some even beginning to melt. 

The marines on board screamed in pain. Their skin cracked and blistered, burned horrifically by the heat. 

“Get in the water!!” 

Vice Admiral Onigumo shouted, Haki swirling around him as he charged toward Yoru. 

“Get in the water?” 

But hearing that, Nous just smiled.  

Chapter 434 – Fierce Battle 

"Well then... perfect!" 

Nous transformed into a massive bird wreathed in terrifying lightning, like a thunder god incarnate. Bolts of lightning as thick as arms crackled through the sky, tearing the sea apart with overwhelming power. 

"This is bad!!" 

The marines who had plunged into the ocean turned pale the moment they saw this. 

But— 

It was already too late. 

In an instant, the lightning fused with the ocean, turning the sea into a chaotic festival of electricity. 

"Aaaaahhhh!!!" 

Screams echoed across the battlefield as the marines in the water were electrocuted, their cries shaking the very heavens. 

Meanwhile, the charging Vice Admiral Onigumo was forced back by Yoru. 

Not only that, he was also burned by the intense heat radiating from Yoru's body. 

"Charging in alone, huh? You've got guts, Vice Admiral Onigumo." 

"But that was a poor decision!" 

With a flap of her wings, Yoru launched herself straight at Onigumo. Behind her, a scorching sun blazed, making Onigumo’s pupils contract in fear. 

He had no doubt—if that sun touched him, it would burn him to a crisp and leave nothing but a charred corpse. 

That’s exactly how Blackbeard died! 

"Gravity Blade..." 

Seeing this, Fujitora tried to step in and assist. 

But someone wasn't about to let him. 

"Dark Vortex!" 

Ruri swiped at the air toward Fujitora, summoning a swirling black mist in her hand. A terrifying gravitational pull burst forth, targeting the cane-sword in Fujitora’s grip. 

"Heh... Trying to take my sword so I can't use my powers?" 

"Too bad. I won’t let you succeed!" 

Despite the immense gravitational force, Fujitora stood firm like a mountain, holding his sword steady with unshakable will. 

(Note: In this version, Fujitora’s cane-sword has eaten a Devil Fruit.) 

"How troublesome... Having someone around who can counter Devil Fruit abilities." 

"This fight won’t be easy, that’s for sure!" 

Fujitora raised his sword, seemingly unfazed, and declared: 

"Gravity Blade: Gravitational Suppression!" 

BOOM! 

In the next moment, Yoru and Nous—who had been soaring through the air—were suddenly slammed down as if crushed by a higher-dimensional force, plummeting toward the ocean below. 

"A perfect opportunity!" 

Seeing this, Momousagi (Pink Rabbit) and Chaton (Brown Pig) lit up with excitement. With a Soru and high-speed Geppo, they shot toward Yoru and Nous. 

These two were the core combat power of the Lightning Pirates. 

If they were taken out, the remaining pirates wouldn’t pose much of a threat. 

"Hōō Kōjitsu!" (Phoenix Radiant Sun) "Ikazuchi no Yari!" (Spear of Thunder) 

Faced with the sudden charge of Momousagi and Chaton, Yoru and Nous... smiled. 

In the next instant, a blazing crimson sun burst into the sky, causing both Momousagi and Chaton to grunt in pain. 

The heat was overwhelming—so intense that even Armament Haki couldn’t block it. They were scorched immediately, their strength to advance seeming to melt away, unable to get close to Yoru. 

"You two—fall back!" 

Seeing this, Fujitora shouted loudly. 

He swung his sword with effort, altering the gravity around Momousagi and Chaton. By manipulating the gravitational field, he pulled them out of the sun’s burning radius. 

BOOM! 

Just as Fujitora pulled them away, a thunderous bolt—like a divine spear thrown by Raijin himself—pierced the sky. 

It split the air, shattered the sound barrier, and slammed into the ocean with immense force. 

BOOM!! 

It was like a massive underwater explosion—a mushroom cloud erupted in the water, the shockwave rippling out and hitting nearby ships. 

Even the steel-clad marine vessels shook and cracked from within. 

The marines onboard were thrown into chaos, tossed about like ragdolls, groaning in confusion and pain. 

Chapter 435: All for Nothing 

But that wasn’t the end of it—waves as massive as apocalyptic tsunamis came crashing down from the sky, engulfing the entire area where the warships were stationed. 

The waves were so immense that they could annihilate an island in an instant. Even Onigumo’s expression changed dramatically. 

If that hit, they’d lose at least half their forces—minimum! 

This wasn’t just seawater—it carried force enough to obliterate a mountain. 

Let alone human bodies of flesh and blood. 

“Gravity Manipulation!” 

Luckily, Fujitora was there. Just as the waves surged forth, the suppression from Ruri’s Devil Fruit ability vanished. 

In that instant, Fujitora used his powers to lift all the surrounding warships into the air, dodging the thunderous onslaught. 

“Gravity Blade: Reverse Strike!” 

Lifting the ships was just step one. Fujitora swung his sword again, sending several purple gravitational shockwaves into the sky. 

And then—something incredible happened. 

The lightning that had been raining down was reflected upward, exploding in the air instead. 

“Tch… as expected of an admiral. What a pain,” Nous, standing aboard the Mandevs—which was shielded by Caribou’s swampy powers—grumbled in frustration. 

“You think floating in the sky will save you?” Yoru, now back in human form, chuckled coldly. 

“Ruri, Nous—get going!” As he spoke, fiery wings spread from his back, and he drew the sword at his waist—Hamon. 

He pointed the blade straight at Fujitora. 

“Watch out!!!” Mouseman’s face turned pale when he saw that. 

He knew exactly how terrifying Yoru’s sword attacks could be. 

“Crush them, Hamon.” Yoru’s tone was eerily calm. 

The next second, Hamon sliced forward like a beam of light. 

Shnk! The blade pierced straight through the warship where Fujitora and the others stood. 

Thud! Thud! Thud! Before Fujitora could react, it was over. In the blink of an eye, Momousagi, Chaton, Onigumo, and Mouseman were all struck in the chest. 

The attack was so fast that aiming precisely was difficult—only Onigumo was nearly hit in a vital spot. 

The others suffered only flesh wounds—not enough to take them out, but enough to reduce their fighting strength. 

Whoosh! Yoru vanished the next instant. 

This sent Mouseman and the others into a panic. They immediately activated Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki) to avoid a sneak attack. 

“Flash Annihilation!” 

But Yoru’s target wasn’t them. 

He aimed for the other warships—and the marines on them. 

BOOM!! 

With a single slash, the heavens split! 

Wind and clouds spiraled as a soul-chilling sharpness burst forth, sending a wave of dread through every heart present. 

The next second— All the warships, except the one Fujitora was standing on, split cleanly in half. 

Marines screamed in terror as they lost their footing, plummeting toward the sea below. 

“Well then… goodbye, everyone!” 

Yoru gave a dazzling smile before leaping into the air, transforming into a blazing fire phoenix and diving down toward the Mandevs. 

And Fujitora… 

He raised his blade, using gravity to cushion the falling marines so they wouldn’t be injured from the drop. 

But by doing so—he could no longer chase after Yoru. 

“Set sail, everyone!” Yoru shot toward the Mandevs like a falling star, issuing the retreat order. 

And don’t ask why they were retreating. 

Because the answer was simple: They couldn’t win! 

“Aye aye, Captain!” 

Even though a top Marine admiral had personally tried to cut them off, in the end he couldn’t stop them. 

So even though the Lightning Pirates were pulling back, the whole crew felt an overwhelming sense of triumph.