chsdbacks Chapter 55 The Emergence of an Empire
Chapter 55 The Emergence of an Empire
The nameless island where Kaido and King resided gradually acquired a new name among pirates and ambitious individuals in the surrounding waters due to the growing fearsome reputation of its masters—"The Nest of Beasts".
With his terrifying strength, near-immortality, and domineering personal charisma, Kaido attracts, like a magnet, those in the New World who crave power, seek chaos, or are driven to desperation.
Pirate ships kept breaking through the waves and arriving at this coast, including many notorious figures who were well-known on the wanted posters.
These newcomers are diverse in background and have different purposes.
Some are simply drawn to power, yearning for protection and status under the command of a great pirate.
Some were defeated by Kaido and, awed by his absolute power, willingly submitted to him.
Even more so, some people saw the enormous potential shown by the Beasts Pirates and wanted to seize a place on this giant ship that had just set sail.
On this day, the coastline was once again bustling with activity.
A pirate ship flying a skull and crossbones flag and sporting a giant spider statue on its prow slowly approached the shore.
As soon as the boat came to a stop, a figure eagerly leaped off, crashing heavily onto the beach and kicking up a cloud of dust.
It was a giant man who was unusually tall and obese, wearing a metal jaw, with a pair of long, curved horns, and a lewd and ferocious smile.
He had two swords at his waist, and his whole body exuded an undisguised ferocity.
"Hehehehe! Is this the 'Nest of Beasts'?"
The giant let out a strange laugh, looked around, and finally fixed his gaze on Kaido, who was drinking alone on a huge rock in the middle of the beach. "You're 'Kaido of the Beasts'? I've heard you're strong. I'm 'Hell Spider' Buck George, with a bounty of 3 million Berries! I've come to talk business with you!"
Kaido didn't even lift his eyelids, just took a swig of sake and said in a gruff voice, "Talk business? You? I have no interest in doing business with the weak."
George's smile froze, a flash of anger crossing his eyes: "Hehehe! Don't be so arrogant! I'm..."
Before he could finish speaking, a blazing blade of light, like a crimson lightning bolt tearing through space, appeared beside him without warning. The cold blade, carrying intense heat, was already pressed against his neck, and the smell of burning flesh instantly filled his senses.
George's laughter stopped abruptly, cold sweat instantly soaking his back; he hadn't even seen where the attack came from.
King appeared beside him like a ghost, his longsword "Flame" radiating a chilling heat. His gaze was icy as he stared at George: "This is the territory of the Beasts Pirates. Watch your tone. If you want to do business, prove you have value to stay."
A terrifying killing intent mixed with the oppressive aura of a conqueror enveloped George as if it were a tangible force, making his entire body stiff and unable to move even a finger.
He was then horrified to discover that the tall, silent young man standing beside Kaido like a shadow was also incredibly powerful.
"Hehehehe!"
Kaido then put down his sake jug, seemingly quite satisfied with King's performance. He looked at the pale-faced George and grinned, "My ship doesn't keep trash. Want status? Sure! Earn it with your strength! See those guys over there?"
Kaido casually pointed to the other side of the beach.
There, some standing and some sitting, were a dozen or so fierce-looking figures, all of whom were pirate captains who had recently joined or been recruited. Each of them had a fierce look in their eyes, and they were all scrutinizing and hostile towards each other.
"They are all newcomers."
Kaido's tone was casual, yet carried an undeniable cruelty: "I don't have time to test you one by one. You all fight it out yourselves, and the three who are still standing at the end will be qualified to stay and become my 'real fighters'! As for you..."
Kaido's gaze returned to George, a hint of mockery in his eyes: "If you survive, then we can talk about your 'business'! Hehehehehe!"
He imitated George's laughter, but it was full of sarcasm.
George's face turned pale and then red, but the burning blade against his neck and Ember's icy gaze left him no room for argument.
He gritted his teeth, a fierce glint in his eyes: "Fine! I'll show you!"
King slowly sheathed his sword and returned to Kaido's side, as if he had never moved.
Soon, a fierce battle broke out on the other side of the beach.
Roars, the clash of weapons, and screams filled the air.
In order to prove their worth to Kaido and gain a foothold in the Beasts Pirates, these new pirates fought each other mercilessly.
Kaido and King, like emperors watching a gladiatorial contest, coldly observed the bloody battle below.
Kaido would occasionally offer a few comments, showing interest in certain outstanding pirates, while King remained silent, quietly assessing the strength and character of these potential subordinates.
The battle lasted for about an hour, and dozens of people lay dead on the beach, their blood staining the sand.
In the end, only three people were still able to stand.
Besides Buck George, the "Hell Spider" who persevered to the end thanks to his strong physique and excellent swordsmanship, there was also a strong fishman who was skilled in fishman karate and had a muscular build, as well as a female pirate who used strange toxins and was as agile as a snake.
All three were seriously injured and panting heavily, but the ferocity and ambition in their eyes burned even brighter.
"Hmm, not bad! It's starting to look promising!"
Kaido stood up, his massive shadow looming over the three of them. "From today onwards, the three of you are my 'real fighters'! Remember my rules: Might makes right, loyalty is paramount! Anyone who dares to betray me will suffer the consequences!"
He casually punched a rock several meters high next to him.
"Boom!"
The reef instantly turned to dust.
The three men were all startled and quickly bowed their heads in submission: "Yes! Captain Kaido!"
As time went by, the Beasts Pirates' power grew like a snowball.
Besides the "real fighters" selected through a bloody selection process, there are also some individuals with exceptional strength or special abilities who are directly recognized by Kaido or King and given higher status.
In addition to recruiting from outside, the Beasts Pirates also began to take the initiative to absorb smaller pirate crews in the surrounding area or conquer forces that were unwilling to submit.
Jin began to make frequent appearances, wielding "Yan" and transforming into "Yan Calamity." Wherever he went, raging flames filled the sky, and those who resisted were either reduced to ashes or chose to submit to his absolute power.
"The Nest of Beasts" is no longer just a deserted island; rudimentary camps, docks, and even training grounds have begun to be built.
Noisy, chaotic, and wildly growing, it is full of the vitality and danger unique to pirates.
The outline of a vast pirate empire is taking shape at an astonishing speed in this chaotic sea.
Standing atop the newly built watchtower, Jin looked down at the ever-expanding camp below, his heart filled with turbulent emotions.