Chapter 63: The Roar of the Fierce Tiger! Deathmatch with Silver Axe
Lotte and Whitebeard parted ways with the Red Count midway.
When he heard about his new title, Lotte couldn't help but become inwardly vigilant.
Though "Azure Emperor" sounded far better than the previous "Tree Demon,"
As the saying goes: "To wear a crown, one must bear its weight."
Carrying the title of Azure Emperor essentially placed him in opposition to most pirates and would attract countless challengers.
If that were all, it would be fine.
After all, once the Rocks Pirates disbanded, his strength would surely be worthy of such a title.
But the most important thing right now was how Captain Rocks viewed it.
Lotte didn't even need to think—
He could almost certainly conclude this was an open scheme from Marine Headquarters.
But no matter what, even if Rocks harbored suspicions toward him, he absolutely wouldn't act against him now. Lotte's combat power was still useful to him.
A cold smile curled on Lotte's lips.
Putting that aside for now, that Blood-Hand Silver Axe on the ship had to be killed no matter what!
Today, not even Rocks—let alone Jesus—could save him!
Whitebeard Newgate also sensed something off about the title
And couldn't help but frown.
Just as he was about to speak and warn Lotte, the other glanced at him.
"Enough, Newgate. I already understand what's going on."
"Steel Bone Kong really is an old fox."
Seeing that Lotte understood,
Newgate let out a small sigh of relief.
As the ship drew closer,
The pirates of the Rocks Pirates spotted the returning duo.
They immediately shouted in excitement.
"It's Lord Lotte and Lord Newgate! They're back from Sabaody Archipelago!"
"Looks like we're having another banquet tonight—this is a rare chance. They really showed off this time!"
"Hahaha! They made the Marines eat dirt again!"
Soon after,
Lotte and Newgate boarded the ship.
The long-waiting Golden Lion Shiki stepped forward, patted Lotte on the shoulder, and grinned.
"Kid, you really made waves this time."
"Even Marine Headquarters seems to have accepted your 'Azure Emperor' title."
"This is the first time they've done something like this."
As the words fell,
Lotte gave Shiki a helpless glance.
"Enough, Shiki. My strength hasn't reached that level yet—don't exaggerate."
"And I came back this time because I have serious business to attend to."
"We'll chat after I'm done."
He needed to take advantage of his current high reputation on the ship to deal with Blood-Hand Silver Axe as quickly as possible.
Otherwise, the next time he went out, that guy would definitely stab him in the back again.
This time had been lucky.
He had encountered Red Count Redfield, and Sabaody was his home field.
That was how he managed to escape Garp and Admiral White Fox.
Otherwise,
Just him and Whitebeard would have been in serious trouble.
Hearing that Lotte still had business upon returning, Golden Lion Shiki looked puzzled.
They were already back on the ship—what else was there to handle?
He turned curiously to Newgate.
"Newgate, what else do you two need to take care of?"
Whitebeard simply held Murakumogiri behind him calmly, not answering.
The other pirates exchanged glances.
Just as they were confused,
BANG!
Lotte suddenly stomped the deck. A lion-like roar echoed across the entire ship.
"Silver Axe! Get out here right now—we're having a deathmatch!!"
"Today, only one of us will leave this ship alive. You're not scared, are you?!"
As the words fell,
The entire ship fell deathly silent.
All the pirates widened their eyes in unison.
Deathmatch.
By definition, a fight to the death between two parties.
It was also the only permitted method of killing within the Rocks Pirates.
A deathmatch had to be witnessed by Captain Rocks himself, and no matter how much the opponent begged for mercy, the loser had to die.
Only one could survive.
Even among these vicious pirates on the ship, deathmatches were extremely rare!
Let alone a deathmatch between cadres—that was completely unprecedented!
After shouting, Lotte looked toward Rocks at the bow.
"Captain, you'll witness this deathmatch—no problem, right?"
He spoke calmly,
As if killing Silver Axe would require no effort at all.
Rocks stared at Lotte for a moment, then nodded faintly and replied indifferently.
"Hm. As long as Silver Axe—as a cadre—agrees."
"Then this deathmatch will begin."
As these words were spoken,
A smile slowly curled on Lotte's lips.
He glanced toward the figure approaching in his Observation Haki perception.
Silver Axe, tightly gripping the handle of his massive axe, stepped out from the crowd, face twisted in a cold sneer as he stared at Lotte.
"A brat like you actually coming to die on your own—truly regrettable."
He never imagined the other side would be foolish enough to do this!
A deathmatch was one-on-one—no one could interfere.
Without that bastard Whitebeard's protection,
A mere Lotte challenging him was simply courting death!
Lotte's gaze gradually turned ice-cold.
"A guy like you who sells out his comrades' information—I have to kill you today no matter what."
"If not for you snitching, why would Admiral White Fox and Elite Vice Admiral Garp have arrived early at Sabaody with their forces waiting?"
"Don't tell me you really thought Admirals are that free?"
As the words fell,
Whether the ordinary pirates on the ship or the other cadres, all were stunned.
One of the iron rules on Rocks' ship was never to betray comrades. If Silver Axe had really done such a thing, he was digging his own grave!
If that was the case,
It was completely understandable why a genius like Lotte would challenge Silver Axe.
Silver Axe naturally refused to admit it. He snorted coldly, gripped his axe handle tightly, and said in a deep voice.
"You're just greedy for my position as a veteran cadre. I've seen plenty of greedy young pirates like you!"
"I, Silver Axe, am not the kind of person who betrays comrades!"
Lotte calmly gripped the hilts at his waist and abruptly drew both blades!
Swoosh!
Flame King and Shodai Kitetsu sliced through the air.
Dazzling blade light flashed.
Lotte stood holding his dual swords, staring coldly at Silver Axe, his entire aura razor-sharp.
"I never expected a backstabbing coward like you to admit it anyway."
"Do you have the guts to face me in a deathmatch or not?"
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