Chapter 224: Healing Aishi – Forming Pirate Crews
Early the next morning, Luo Han bid farewell to Whitebeard and set sail back for Ark Island.
…
Meanwhile, back on Ark Island—
At the mountaintop plaza, Aishi , Sister Shao, and Tucker's crewmates had all risen early. Their gazes were fixed on two massive figures battling high above.
Clashing silhouettes crisscrossed the sky, their fierce impacts echoing across the entire island.
Clang clang clang!
Despite the ferocity of the battle, everyone remained calm—this was nothing new. For the past four years, this kind of training had been routine.
One of the towering figures resembled a humanoid mantis—it was Tucker.
The other was a muscular human form—Cole.
Tucker blinked across the air at incredible speeds, repeatedly launching sneak attacks at Cole's back. But Cole, with his Observation Haki fully unleashed, countered each strike with perfect timing.
CLANG! Cole swung his arm back, colliding with Tucker's slicing hand, generating a powerful shockwave.
Tucker retreated, vanished into thin air, then reappeared 100 meters away—only to blink behind Cole and slash again with both hands crossed.
But Cole had sensed it coming. He lifted a leg and kicked, catching Tucker's twin blades mid-swing.
CLANG! A shuddering clash rang out as the two locked in place.
BOOM! They both disengaged and pulled back.
This time, Tucker didn't follow up.
"Huff... Cole-boss, that's... my fastest blink strike yet..." Tucker panted.
Blink attacks took a massive toll on stamina—even his monstrous endurance could only handle it for so long. But helping Cole grow was worth it.
"Mhm. I can keep up now." Cole nodded, then added, "You don't need to spar with me anymore."
"What?! Wait—does that mean your Observation Haki reached the 'see the future' level Luo Han talked about?!"
"No," Cole said plainly. "But it's enough."
Although his Observation Haki hadn't reached that peak, he could now react to Tucker's blink attacks. That was sufficient.
He had focused these four years on refining his physique and Devil Fruit powers—his true strength lay in Armament Haki and physical dominance.
Exactly as Luo Han had advised.
"Yeah, makes sense." Tucker nodded in admiration. "No one can even break through your defense anyway."
Indeed, after years of sparring, what impressed Tucker the most was Cole's nearly invincible defense. Especially that strange psychic armor mode like Luo Han's—any attack, even energy slashes, would be absorbed and reflected with greater force.
"Let's head back," Cole said, uncharacteristically excited. "Luo Han called yesterday. They'll arrive around noon. Let's prep the feast!"
"Right!" Tucker slapped his forehead. "Gotta get his favorite dishes ready!"
Together, they descended back to the plaza.
…
By noon, the sun shone bright.
Large tents had been set up at the plaza, packed with delicious food and wine. Everyone lounged around, enjoying the banquet.
Luo Han and his companions arrived just in time.
The feast was relaxed—after all, they held one every month. After four years, the novelty had worn off.
"It's time for Tucker and the others to head out," Luo Han thought. "I've kept them cooped up here for four years... Even I'm going stir-crazy."
Still, he didn't bring it up until the meal was over.
…
After the banquet, Luo Han and Aishi took a walk through the forest.
He had decided—it was time to remove the implanted will seed in her spirit.
But first, he had to pay the "utility bill."
"After all, we only get a few days together each month. Better make it worthwhile, or she might not want to come along next time…"
As he imagined certain pleasant images, Luo Han's lips curved into a smile.
Not long after—
In the depths of the island forest, atop a thick tree branch, Luo Han and Aishi leaned into each other.
…
Huff… Huff…
They both took deep breaths. Luo Han sat on his discarded clothes, with Aishi resting against him. Her flushed face and heavy breathing showed she was still basking in the afterglow.
They sat in peaceful silence.
Luo Han gently embraced her—but his mind had already entered her spiritual world.
"Whew… Thankfully it hasn't grown much."
The implanted will seed had only increased slightly in the past four years—no major changes.
"Looks like its influence hit its ceiling long ago."
That made sense—the seed only helped Aishi understand Akatsuki's family love. It didn't conflict with her core values.
It wasn't like the type used to impose absolute loyalty, which would grow until it overwrote someone's soul entirely.
"Still, better to remove it, just in case."
This ability had originated from that ancient mermaid princess—Luo Han remained wary of her. Better safe than sorry.
"Let's try using 'Kotoamatsukami Power'..."
He activated the special energy within his soul, what he'd dubbed "Kotoamatsukami Power."
Because Aishi trusted him completely, the energy slipped into her spirit with no resistance.
He wrapped it around the implanted will seed—
It melted away like snow under a blazing sun.
"Wow, that was... easier than expected."
No resistance, no reaction—it just vanished. That left him a bit uneasy.
He searched deeper, just to be sure.
An hour later—still no trace.
"Guess Kotoamatsukami really is that strong."
He had a theory now. Since the power worked by naturally evolving someone's own will, it could seamlessly override external influences.
Compared to forcibly replacing someone's mind (like the old will seeds), this was cleAnne and untraceable.
Even someone with spiritual perception, like Ellis , couldn't detect the difference.
And neither could Luo Han himself—he couldn't even tell Sora had been affected, despite being the caster.
This was perfect.
"Maybe I don't need to worry so much about that ancient mermaid princess…"
As he thought that—
"Hey… what are you doing?" Aishi asked softly.
Luo Han twitched as he felt something being grabbed.
Nope. Not again. Gotta stay focused.
He gently pulled her hands away. "Let's go back. I've got something important to tell everyone."
"Right now? Does it have to be today?" Aishi pouted.
"It's a big deal," Luo Han said, already pulling on his pants. As for his shirt? Nature would do just fine.
"Here," he added, handing Aishi her clothes. She grumbled but dressed anyway.
Moments later, they soared toward the Penguin.
…
On the grassy deck of the Penguin, the group gathered:
Ellis , Akatsuki, Sora, Sister Shao, Cole, and Tucker.
Three men, five women.
Luo Han didn't start with "the big news." Instead, he quietly used Kyoka suigetsu to whisper to Sister Shao: Aishi 's will seed was gone.
Relieved, Sister Shao let out a deep breath and shot Luo Han a thankful look.
He smiled back—then noticed sharp pain in his waist.
Aishi was giving him a warning pinch.
Don't flirt with the big sis… or else.
"Ahem," Sister Shao cleared her throat, interrupting their silent exchange. The others chuckled softly.
Blushing, Aishi pretended nothing happened. "Come on, Luo Han—get to the point already."
Everyone settled down.
Luo Han chuckled, then grew serious. "After four years of training, it's time to begin the Ark Island transformation plan."
"It's finally happening?!" Tucker shouted, thrilled. "We've been waiting forever!"
Luo Han grinned. "Step one—dominate the New World."
"Dominate… the New World?" Sister Shao frowned. "You don't mean to follow Rocks' path, do you?"
That road would surely draw the full wrath of the World Government—especially given Luo Han's shortened lifespan.
Everyone shared her concern.
Luo Han nodded slowly, then explained:
"I understand. That's why the task will fall to Cole and Tucker—Sora will assist them."
"This isn't about becoming rulers—it's about securing key islands rich in steel and stone for Ark Island."
"To do that, we'll need to build a powerful front. Not just one crew—but several."
"I have a question!" Tucker raised his hand. "What's our pirate crew called? We don't even have a flag!"
"Good point!" Everyone realized Luo Han's group had no official name.
"I vote for 'Beast Demon Pirates'!" Tucker exclaimed. "It combines 'Demon' from Blue Demon and 'Beast' from Beast King Cole!"
That actually sounded pretty good.
But Luo Han shook his head.
"I never planned on founding a pirate crew. For now, let's call the overall force Evernight."
The others agreed.
Luo Han continued: "Cole and Tucker will form their own pirate crews. This will also help divert the World Government's attention."
"Eventually, we'll unite under the Evernight banner."
"Tucker already has his own group. As for you…" he turned to Cole. "Don't feel pressured. Do what you love."
Cole scratched his head and grinned. "I just wanna eat and fight!"
"How do I do that?"
Luo Han sighed.
"Form a gourmet pirate crew!" Aishi cut in. "Make all your crewmates chefs! You'll eat well every day—and there's plenty of fighting in the New World."
Cole's eyes sparkled. Drool streamed down.
"Then it's settled! I'll make the Beast Pirates!"
"Captain Cole—Beast King! So cool!" Tucker cheered.
Luo Han smiled, glad to see Cole excited.
But this wouldn't be enough. The New World had monsters—Whitebeard, Shiki, Red Count, Roger, Kaido, Big Mom…
Even adding Sora, it wasn't enough.
His gaze shifted to Akatsuki.
With her future-sight Observation Haki, powerful Logia, and body as tough as Big Mom's…
"Akatsuki," he said. "You and Sora will form a crew too. You'll lead. Pick the name yourself."
"This will help prepare for moving the fishmen to Ark Island."
"I have no objection," she replied calmly. "But… you're sure about Sora?"
The tension between them still lingered.
"I don't mind," Sora replied flatly before Luo Han could speak.
Akatsuki shot Luo Han a look: You call that 'no objection'?
"It'll be fine," Luo Han reassured them. "You two together give me peace of mind."
He believed Sora, under the influence of Kotoamatsukami, would settle down with time.
"What about us?" Aishi asked.
"We'll go look for what I need," Luo Han replied.
"Really? I can go with you now?!"
"Yes. We'll be together from now on."
"Heehee!" Aishi beamed and hugged his arm.
"I guess it's time I reopened my bar," Sister Shao said with a smile.
"Big Sis…" Aishi 's joy turned bittersweet.
She knew Sister Shao had stayed by her side all these years, and that she'd sacrificed her own path for her sake.
Sister Shao smiled warmly but said nothing. Her eyes flicked to Sora—there was still one thing to settle.
She glanced at Luo Han, ready to speak—but before she could, he whispered in her ear:
"I know about Sora's CP0 identity. I have my reasons. You don't need to worry—she won't hurt anyone."
Sister Shao sighed.
"Alright," Luo Han said. "Everything's settled. We begin tomorrow."
"First stop: Warship Island. We'll clean up Ochoku (Wang Zhi)and Kyo (Silver Axe) . After that, Cole, Akatsuki, Tucker, and Sora—do your thing."
"I'll escort Sister Shao to Sabaody with Aishi and Ellis . Then we set off to the Four Seas."
Everyone nodded.
And so, the next morning, three ships launched toward Warship Island.
(END CHAPTER)
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