One Piece: My Crew is from Other World

Chapter 164: Challenge Letter!

If it were just an ordinary pirate crew, the Golden Lion wouldn't have given them a second glance.

But these guys came from the East Blue...

"Hmm... Maybe it's worth checking them out for fun."

A playful glint sparkled in Golden Lion Shiki's eyes.

"Captain, are we really going after this 'Dragon Hunter Pirates' crew?"

"But judging from their bounty... and their connection to the Whitebeard Pirates—"

"Could it be...?"

Indigo frowned as he stared at the intelligence in Shiki's hands.

"Newgate?"

Shiki burst out laughing.

"Jihahahaha... Even if I run into an old friend, I won't back down!"

"Let's go! I want to meet this guy myself!"

As he gave the order, the entire ship lifted into the sky.

At the same time, the island that had recently crashed into the sea also began to rise.

In no time, it vanished into the clouds above.

It had to be said—Golden Lion Shiki still had terrifying mastery over his Devil Fruit powers.

And just like that, the legendary pirate disappeared once again.

---

Half a day later.

Aboard the Extremely Evil Warship...

"Captain, the news just came in from the News Bird."

"I think you'll be interested."

Najenda walked up, handing over two pieces of intelligence.

Ryuunosuke took them without a word.

One was clearly public news—something broadcast to the world.

The other was specifically addressed to him.

"Something happened in the East Blue?"

He scanned through the report and chuckled.

"Morgans... you really do have eyes everywhere."

According to the report, an entire island in the East Blue had disappeared overnight—without a single trace.

Accompanying the intel were a series of photographs, personally taken by Morgans himself.

In the photos, a massive island plummeted from the sky, smashed into the ocean—and then, somehow, floated back up again.

Ryuunosuke narrowed his eyes.

Only someone like Morgans, the Sky-Eyed Reporter of the Sea, could've captured something like this.

"Captain, I remember... you're from the East Blue too, right?"

Najenda looked concerned.

"Could this have happened near your hometown?"

Though Ryuunosuke always seemed cold and distant, Najenda knew he was fiercely protective of his people.

It didn't matter whether they were a core member or just a deckhand—he always took responsibility.

That's why she brought the news straight to him.

"It'll definitely have an impact," Ryuunosuke muttered.

"And while I'm not sure why, that bastard didn't run into Luffy and the others."

"But now? Looks like it's my problem to handle."

He tossed the intel into a nearby brazier, watching it burn.

Najenda blinked. "Captain... You already know who it is?"

"Yeah."

"One of the last monsters from the old era. A member of the Rocks Pirates. He once shared a ship with Whitebeard himself."

"Golden Lion Shiki."

Ryuunosuke's voice was calm, but his eyes sharpened with determination.

He had seen the Strong World movie.

In his opinion, Luffy beating Golden Lion was nothing but plot armor.

Shiki's true strength was far more dangerous.

But thanks to his arrival in this world, the Straw Hats' journey had been altered.

It made sense they never crossed paths with Shiki now.

"A relic from the old times, huh..." Najenda murmured. "If he can pull off something like that island stunt, he's no pushover."

"But Captain—you can do that too, right?"

"I can," Ryuunosuke nodded. "But I'm still lacking precision."

"When the time comes, I'll test myself against him."

He flashed a grin.

---

"Coo—"

Another News Bird swooped down, squawking as it delivered a fresh update.

"Golden Lion spotted heading for Whiskey Peak!"

Ryuunosuke frowned.

"That bastard. Is he really coming for me?"

Since the rise of the Dragon Hunter Pirates, Whiskey Peak had become a peaceful, thriving hub.

Not only had the locals found stability, but travelers flocked there from all over.

It was the only territory officially claimed by the Dragon Hunters.

The more famous Ryuunosuke became, the more Whiskey Peak prospered.

Even tourism was booming.

"Captain, why would he target the East Blue in the first place?" Najeta asked.

Ryuunosuke leaned back.

"Maybe it's because Roger died there."

"In Golden Lion's twisted mind, the East Blue—being the weakest sea—isn't worthy of being Roger's final resting place."

"So maybe, just maybe... he's doing this as a final sendoff to his old rival."

Najenda's eyes widened in shock.

Once again, Ryuunosuke's insight left her speechless.

The amount of knowledge he had was frightening.

"News Bird," Ryuunosuke said suddenly, "I want you to deliver a challenge letter to Golden Lion."

"If he thinks the East Blue is weak—well, I'm from the East Blue."

"If he's coming after my territory, he can deal with me directly."

He swiftly penned the challenge and tied it to the bird.

This kind of thing wouldn't work on a scumbag like Blackbeard.

But Shiki?

Ryuunosuke was confident—Golden Lion would take the bait.

As for the location, he chose Benkejes Island.

It was rugged, remote, and uninhabited.

The entire island looked like a massive ship, and with the surrounding sea currents and rocky terrain, it was nearly impossible to navigate.

But as a battlefield?

It was perfect.

"What about the Navy?" Najenda asked cautiously.

"If you fight Golden Lion now, it won't be a short battle."

"If we miss the war at Marineford…"

Ryuunosuke shrugged.

"The Navy?"

"They've got bigger problems right now."

"I've already asked Morgans to spread news of my upcoming duel with Golden Lion—and the tragedy in the East Blue."

"They're probably panicking more than we are."

He stood, brushing dust off his coat.

"Besides... it's Blackbeard they've captured now, not Ace."

"And Whitebeard's health is improving."

"The Marineford War... might not be Whitebeard's funeral this time."

"Instead—it might be the Navy's rebirth."

Marine Headquarters, Marineford.

"Golden Lion... Shiki!?"

Garp slammed his fist onto the desk, his face frozen in disbelief.

"After vanishing for twenty years, why show up now!?"

He scanned the document again.

The intel came from none other than Ryuunosuke himself.

And now, the Dragon Hunter Pirates were about to clash with Shiki's crew.

"This is..."

"Garp," Sengoku interrupted, massaging his temples, "Do you think we should get involved?"

"The return of Golden Lion could be a serious threat..."

"But... so could that battle."

Sengoku looked visibly haggard.

The operation against Blackbeard was nearing its climax.

Any unexpected variable could throw everything into chaos.

And now, one of the most unpredictable variables of all had reappeared.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Check my Pâtreon for (40) advanced chapters

Pâtreon .com/Fanficlord03

Change (â) to (a)

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Discord Link Here:

https://discord.gg/MntqcdpRZ9