Ruchiqa strode ahead with an air of arrogance, flanked by a group of fierce-looking henchmen. Behind them, the three bound captives from Meishan were slumped, dragged along on the deck of the Viper. The group moved with giddy anticipation, as if victory was already within their grasp, hurrying toward the nearby Silver Dragon.
On the deck of the Silver Dragon, Big Pan was the first to notice the approaching intruders. His eyes widened, and he stared at Ruchiqa's group with curiosity, calling out excitedly, "Hehe, Captain! Look! Those guys are heading straight for us! They don't look friendly!" His voice carried an unmistakable thrill, as if he were anticipating a spectacular clash.
By his side, Kuri rushed to the rail when he heard Big Pan, squinting at the newcomers. When he recognized them, his eyes flickered with a warrior's fire. He cracked his knuckles and told Captain Lin Yi, "Captain, let me go! I'll teach them a lesson and show these arrogant fools that our Dream Exploration Adventure Crew is not to be trifled with!"
Since awakening his Observation Haki, Kuri had longed to prove himself in combat, to show the crew that he was more than just an onlooker. He had trained relentlessly, and now, confident in his abilities, he could barely wait to test them in real battle.
Lin Yi watched the eager pair with a weary smile. "You two, calm down. You're not novices anymore, so don't be reckless. We don't even know who they are yet. Maybe they have a personal grudge with those three captives. Remember, we are peaceful travelers. No need for unnecessary fighting…"
Before Lin Yi could finish, Ruchiqa's voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "Hey! You worthless people from Qinghai! If you know what's good for you, hand over your ship and all your treasures to the great Lord Enel! Otherwise… hm hm hm!"
Big Pan and Kuri, initially ashamed by Lin Yi's scolding, glanced at each other with wide, innocent eyes when they heard Ruchiqa's brazen threat. Their gaze immediately turned toward Lin Yi, silently asking for guidance.
"Kill him, but leave one alive," Lin Yi said with a hint of irritation.
"Got it!" Big Pan and Kuri practically vibrated with excitement, ready to spring into action. But before they could move, an invisible force suddenly yanked Ruchiqa and his men into the air, suspending them midair. Terrifyingly, thin lines of blood appeared around the necks of Ruchiqa's companions, widening rapidly as they struggled. Soon, blood gushed out like a broken dam, forming several horrifying fountains.
The scene was gruesome and shocking, freezing everyone in their tracks.
Ruchiqa, witnessing his men's demise, went pale as paper, trembling uncontrollably. Sweat streamed down his forehead, mixing with urine that had soaked his legs. The once-arrogant man had been utterly broken by fear.
"Fiona, you're too cruel, not leaving a single one alive," Big Pan complained, a mixture of disappointment and awe in his voice.
Kuri also felt regret, but he dared not confront Fiona.
"Sorry, couldn't resist. And they were too slow," Fiona replied, casually, almost smugly.
The group erupted into laughter at Big Pan's frustrated expression, their voices echoing like waves across the deck.
Robin crossed her arms, smiling faintly at Lin Yi. "Captain, looks like we accidentally provoked someone quite formidable this time."
Lin Yi waved dismissively. "Haha, hopefully this one can at least take a hit or two."
To Lin Yi, Enel was hardly a concern. In his eyes, Enel merely guarded treasures he did not know how to wield. Defeating such an opponent was like cutting through fruit.
Lin Yi signaled Fiona with a glance to pull Ruchiqa closer. She nodded and, with a subtle motion, drew the terrified Ruchiqa down from the air. He was drenched in humiliation and fear, his pants soaked, reeking unpleasantly.
"What's your name?" Lin Yi asked, disdain in his eyes.
Ruchiqa stammered, "M…my lord… I… I'm Ruchiqa, a lowly squad leader of Lord Enel's White Beret unit…" Fear dominated his every word.
Lin Yi raised an eyebrow. "I see. Enel's influence has really expanded, hasn't it?"
Ruchiqa, desperate, dropped to his knees. "My lord, I was blind and rude to you heroes. Please spare me! I'll give everything I know to make amends!"
Lin Yi ignored his pleas and asked, coldly, "Where is Enel now?"
Ruchiqa shuddered. "I… I don't know. We only follow the orders of his four priests during missions." His eyes darted nervously at Lin Yi's unchanging expression.
Lin Yi pressed further, "Do you know the special abilities of Enel's four priests?"
Ruchiqa trembled, stammering, "I… I only know that they're extremely powerful. Our department head once fought one of them and was defeated in just a few moves."
Sweat poured from his forehead, knowing this information might not satisfy the cold, calculating man before him. He feared the worst.
Lin Yi's expression hardened. "Ignorance is worthless. Guards, take him and kill him."
Terrified, Ruchiqa suddenly remembered something. "Wait… wait! There's a place with vast amounts of gold! If you spare me, I'll reveal its location!"
Lin Yi's eyes flickered with interest. Could this be the legendary Golden Land? He leaned forward, intrigued. "Tell me more."
Ruchiqa's voice quavered with fear and hope. "It's in Sandora City! I found it by accident. Enel knows about the exposed gold, but deep underground lies far more."
Lin Yi stroked his chin, pondering. That made sense. Enel might be too lazy to investigate further.
"Fine. I'll temporarily believe you. You may go," Lin Yi said.
Ruchiqa nearly fainted with joy, thanking Lin Yi profusely before leaping into the clouds, heading back to his transport. Yet a shadow darkened his thoughts, vowing revenge on the "Qinghai people" once he reported this.
"Captain Lin Yi, really letting him go? That's uncharacteristic," Fiona remarked in surprise.
"Relax. He's not a good person," Lin Yi replied with a knowing smile.
Fiona frowned. "Then why spare him?"
Lin Yi didn't answer directly, instead signaling Leiku. A moment later, Ruchiqa collapsed in the clouds, dead from a silent, lethal poison Lin Yi had planted.
"Let's go meet Gan Forl," Lin Yi said, leading the way.