"Isn't it just two years... Fine, I agree!"
Ace's expression changed, and he looked straight at the man in front of him; he clenched his fists and gritted his teeth as he gave his answer.
He was stubborn and arrogant, but he was not incapable of adapting.
He knew that this was the only chance for him and his crew to survive.
No matter what the reason, the loser had no rights.
But he was very proud and was willing to agree to this bet, not because he was forced, but because he refused to believe that in two years, he would still be weaker than the Four Heavenly Kings of the Netherworld Pirate.
After all, he had heard that two years ago, Obask Luke had been only seventeen years old and had nearly taken down his so-called grandfather, Garp.
More importantly, he had only recently acquired his Mythical Zoan fruit.
Ace firmly believed that once he fully mastered his Devil Fruit ability, trained harder, and dedicated himself to training, he would easily surpass Gin and catch up to the Four Heavenly Kings.
"From today onward, we're all on the same side!"
Beside him, Gin laughed.
"Hmph, don't misunderstand. I'm only temporarily joining the Netherworld Pirates..."
Ace scoffed, then looked at Luke and said calmly: "I just hope that when the time comes, you won't go back on your word!"
"Haha, don't overestimate yourself. Luke-sama isn't like those pirates who rely solely on tricks and schemes..."
Before Luke could even respond, Gin smirked disdainfully and said: "Two years ago, we broke into the world's deepest-sea prison and took away some of the most fearsome prisoners in history, those once locked away in level six, Eternal Hell."
"Patrick Redfield, Byrnndi World, and Douglas Bullet were all infamous in history and powerful enough to compete with the admirals from the Marine Headquarters. Yet Luke-sama made them follow him with just a few words..."
"Even if you somehow manage to defeat the Four Heavenly Kings in two years, at best, you'll only be comparable to those three criminals."
"So what makes you think we'd be afraid of you?"
He naturally knew.
In such matters, Luke always keeps his word. He doesn't even bother to go back on his word, let alone play any conspiracy in such matters. Even if Ace wins the bet by chance in the future, what will happen?
They are the Netherworld Pirates!
Their target has never been other pirate forces, let alone the Marines that were once known as the overlord of the sea, but the World Government that has firmly ruled this sea for hundreds of years and has an unfathomable background!
They don't take the Whitebeard Pirates, Big Mom Pirates, and Beast Pirates seriously, so would they be afraid of the Spade Pirates?
"Okay, no need to say more..."
Luke laughed and waved his hand to stop Gin.
Then he hooked his finger at the young and energetic Ace.
"What's the matter?" Ace came over in surprise.
Bang!!
The next moment, his whole body flew out like a cannonball and smashed through the wall of the warship, scaring the pirates around.
"Was that... Ace?"
"What just happened?"
"Gin-sama..."
"No need to panic."
Gin said while stepping forward and stopping the pirates who had rushed over.
"Dammit... you bastard!"
Ace covered his bleeding nose and glared furiously at Luke, who walked out of the cabin at a leisurely pace.
He thought the other party wanted to discuss something with him, but he punched him in the nose for no reason.
"Luke-sama!?"
The pirates around were naturally shocked to see Luke appear here and hurried forward to salute.
"You should remember."
Luke said indifferently, ignoring the murmurs of the pirates around. "Up until just now, you were a prisoner. The Netherworld Pirates didn't take you in to treat you like some big shot..."
He cast an emotionless glance at Ace.
"Since you've joined the Netherworld Pirates, even temporarily, you are now part of us."
"So, know your place. Don't go throwing you around so casually. Show some respect. From now on, when you address me, use honorifics."
Ace clenched his fists, clearly frustrated. He wanted to say something, but when his eyes met Luke's, he suddenly felt an overwhelming, chilling pressure.
He couldn't help but shiver instantly. A chill surged from the soles of his feet to his forehead, and he felt his scalp turn numb.
Just facing this man, he inexplicably had the idea that if he said half a wrong sentence, he would be killed instantly.
What... What kind of monster is this?
"Gurgle!"
For a moment, he couldn't help swallowing his saliva and retreated subconsciously.
After forcing down his pride, he stiffly muttered: "Luke… sama!"
"You're not convinced? Then turn this unyielding spirit into motivation... and work hard!"
Shadow surged, then, with a final glance at Ace, Luke's figure slowly dissolved into the shadows.
In the blink of an eye, he was gone, vanishing as if he had never been there.
"Huff... Huff..."
Ace collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath as if he had survived a disaster.
His back was drenched in cold sweat.
"Is this the real strong man?"
He muttered absentmindedly: "Huh, it feels like I have found a way out!"
At that moment, Luke only gave him a look. But it made Ace feel like he was almost dead and brushed shoulders with death.
If he hadn't experienced it personally, he would never have believed that he would be scared by a mere look. He had been out at sea for so long, and this was the first time he had encountered such a frightening existence.
He was sure that it had nothing to do with personal courage and will but came from the instinct of the body.
Just like those creatures at the bottom of the food chain, facing a creature at the top of the food chain, they instinctively felt fear.
It was simply a monster among monsters.
"Hey, are you scared?"
Gin came over, patted his shoulder, and said with emotion: "Even we don't know how strong Luke-sama is!"
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I just got out of the hospital today, guys. Here's the update, and I'm sorry for not posting updates over the past few days.
I love your get-well messages, everyone; I appreciate them. Thank you.