Leo gripped the Seven-Star Sword tightly. Under Maya's horrified gaze, a visible green mist drifted out from the sword's blade, surging towards his body.
"Leo, throw the Seven-Star Sword away now!!" Maya urgently shouted to stop him.
In the centuries-old legends of Asuka Island, whenever the Seven-Star Sword appeared, it inevitably incited war.
Simultaneously, as the sword's dark power was released, it would influence the wielder's mind, turning them into its puppet, acting according to its will.
Watching the green mist about to enter Leo's body, Maya's face turned deathly pale.
"Don't worry, Maya. You have to believe in Brother Leo," Vivi patted Maya's shoulder, comforting her softly.
Robin also offered a gentle smile. "Maya, our Captain is very strong."
She had her reservations initially, but seeing Leo's confident demeanor, she relaxed.
Having followed Leo for so long, she knew he never fought a battle he wasn't sure of winning.
If he said he could do it, then he definitely could.
The girls' reassurance brought a bit of color back to Maya's face, but she still wrung her hands nervously.
"Just a demon sword that can influence ordinary minds, and it dares act recklessly before me?" Leo remained unmoved, allowing the green mist to invade his body.
Instantly, a will filled with darkness, slaughter, and savagery began raging wildly inside him, attempting to supplant Leo's own will and seize control of his body.
Someone with a weaker will would instantly become the sword's puppet.
At that moment, a strange red glint flashed in Leo's pupils.
"Seeking death!!!" Leo's gaze sharpened. A Conqueror's Haki as vast as the sea erupted abruptly, accompanied by serpent-like red lightning that crackled out, occupying most of the space.
The green mist emanating from the Seven-Star Sword, upon touching the red lightning, scattered like rats seeing a cat, frantically trying to escape its imposing might.
"And this dares to call itself the Invincible Sword?!!" Leo sneered. Simultaneously, the Conqueror's Haki within him burst forth without reservation, completely dispersing the green mist pouring from the sword.
"This... this is impossible?!!" Maya covered her mouth in shock, her eyes filled with disbelief.
The scene before her was completely contrary to the legends.
At the same time, Leo channeled this domineering, aggressive Conqueror's Haki directly into the blade of the Seven-Star Sword.
The Conqueror's Haki flooding into the sword swept through like a hurricane, suppressing the sword's dark and evil will with thunderous force.
The Seven-Star Sword began to tremble violently, its green blade flickering, seemingly trying to break free from Leo's grasp.
"A mayfly trying to shake a mighty tree—overestimating its own strength!!" Leo snorted coldly. As he poured the full force of his Conqueror's Haki into the blade, the sword trembled even more intensely. Wisps of thick green smoke drifted out from it, finally dissipating into nothingness.
Time ticked by.
One minute passed.
The Seven-Star Sword's reactions gradually ceased, slowly calming down. The green glow on its blade was noticeably dimmer than before.
"This... this can't be?!!" Maya was utterly stunned, her mouth agape in a cry of astonishment.
She simply couldn't explain what had just happened using her own understanding.
Not only was Leo unaffected by the dark power within the sword, he had actually suppressed it?!!
The other girls also sighed in relief, exchanging smiles.
Although they believed in Leo's strength, Maya's earlier铺垫 (build-up) about the sword's power had inevitably caused some worry.
But now it seemed their man was simply more powerful.
Whatever Seven-Star Sword, Eight-Star Sword, they were all little brothers before Leo.
Leo toyed with the Seven-Star Sword in his hand. Now, he could no longer feel even a trace of dark power.
It proved the saying once again: Haki reigns supreme.
But he had to admit, the sword did have its诡异 (bizarre) aspects.
It was the first sword he had encountered that possessed its own consciousness.
Used well, it could be a divine weapon.
"Leo, you really... really subdued the Seven-Star Sword?!!" The still-shaken Maya walked over with graceful steps, asking uncertainly.
Everything happened too fast; she still felt it was unreal.
The Seven-Star Sword, which had incited numerous wars and claimed countless lives, was so easily subdued by Leo?!!
Maya felt dizzy, her head spinning.
"It's indeed a good sword, but not as exaggerated as you said." Leo smiled at Maya and offered her the sword.
Maya instinctively stepped back, looking at the sword with fear.
She didn't have Leo's immense strength. What if the dark power corrupted her?
"Don't worry. The will residing within the Seven-Star Sword now is mine." Leo gave Maya a reassuring look.
"I'll do it." Tashigi, who loved swords dearly, stepped forward and took the Seven-Star Sword from Leo's hand in full view of everyone.
"There is indeed a powerful force inside it," Tashigi carefully sensed.
The next moment, Tashigi raised the sword high and slashed towards a distant mountain peak.
An energy beam intertwining red and green shot out, crossing hundreds of meters in an instant. With a boom, it shattered the distant peak.
Boom!
Boom!
Countless rocks tumbled down, the sound reverberating, dust filling the air.
"So powerful?!!" Tashigi's eyes widened in surprise as she looked at the sword in her hand. She hadn't used much strength in that slash.
"The Seven-Star Sword is indeed a fine blade. Its power is no less than a Great Grade Sword," Leo commented from the side, giving high praise.
As for the title 'Legendary Sword,' that was somewhat overstated.
One could only say that Asuka Island was remote and unaware of the wider world.
Just like Arlong, who could only bully Cocoyasi Village.
"It's really fine..." Maya stared blankly at Tashigi returning from testing the sword. She seemed no different from before.
Her eyes were clear, her behavior normal.
Wait a minute.
Maya held her head, feeling confused.
She rubbed her eyes hard and looked again. It was undoubtedly the Seven-Star Sword.
But... it was just subdued like that?!!
Were the legends all false?!
Leo walked over smiling and gently patted Maya's head. He knew she must be bewildered.
After all, centuries of legends had subtly taken root in the minds of Asuka Island's people.
For them, the power of the Seven-Star Sword was an unshakeable truth; its emergence inevitably brought disaster and mutation.
Only the three sacred jewels could seal its power.
And now, in just one minute, Leo had suppressed it. Anyone would question their reality.
Maya opened her mouth, gathering her courage. "I... I want to hold the Seven-Star Sword."
Under Leo's示意 (signal), Tashigi handed the sword over.
Maya swallowed nervously and cautiously took the Seven-Star Sword.
One second.
Two seconds.
Another minute passed.
"Huh?!! I really don't feel anything!!" Maya's eyes lit up, her worries vanishing.
According to the legends, anyone who touched the sword would have its dark power automatically released, corrupting their will.
But now... there was truly no reaction.
"Leo, you... how did you do it?!!" Maya found it utterly incredible.
In her understanding, only the three sacred jewels could seal the sword's power. Yet Leo had done it alone?!!
It was simply unbelievable.
Leo looked intently at Maya, speaking earnestly. "Maya, Asuka Island is too small. The Seven-Star Sword you've feared for centuries is just a legend from a remote corner. There are many who can suppress it."
"I know your mission is to seal the sword. Now it will never bring disaster or war again. Will you consider my earlier invitation to join my pirate crew?!!"
"This..." Maya hesitated.
She felt her mind was still in a fog.
Seeing Maya didn't refuse immediately, Leo pressed his advantage. "Maya, think about it. If you're not by my side, what if one day I lose control of the sword's dark power and release its will?"
Hearing this, Maya's expression changed. She stammered, "Leo, maybe... maybe you should just put the sword back. It would be better for everyone."
"No!" Leo shook his head, refusing outright.
He finally found a treasured sword; how could he return it?
Besides, that was just his excuse to persuade Maya. With his strength, how could he fail to suppress it?
Maya fell silent, her face troubled.
If Leo truly wanted to take the sword, she couldn't stop him.
Seeing Maya still hesitating, Leo immediately shot a pleading look to the other girls.
This move had never failed him before.
The girls rolled their eyes helplessly, then approached Maya one by one.
In truth, Maya was already somewhat动摇 (wavering). Under the girls' verbal onslaught, she quickly capitulated.
She felt something was off, but couldn't quite pinpoint it.
"Leo, I... I'm willing to join your crew."
Thoroughly charmed by Robin and the others, Maya looked at Leo and spoke softly.
Leo immediately gave the girls a 'well done' look and said seriously, "Maya, from now on, stay by my side. Watch over the Seven-Star Sword with me."
Maya clenched her small fists and nodded firmly. "Don't worry, Captain. I will definitely work hard to watch over the sword and never let its evil power escape."
Behind Maya, the girls covered their mouths, stifling their laughter.
"Captain, now that we have both the sword and Maya, shouldn't we leave this place?!!" Nami looked at Leo with a knowing smile.
"Ha... have?!!" Maya looked at Nami, puzzled.
Nami's smile froze, and she scratched her head awkwardly.
Leo shot Nami a sharp glare, then smiled slightly. "To welcome Maya aboard, let's have a banquet tonight!!!"
"A banquet?! Great! It's been so long since we had one!!" Kaya smacked her lips, practically drooling.
"Banquet?!! Captain, you're playing favorites! Why didn't we have a banquet when I joined?!!" Doberman put her hands on her hips, puffing her cheeks angrily, her assets bouncing with the motion.
"It seems the Captain really likes Maya," Robin said, crossing her arms and squinting at Leo.
Maya lowered her head shyly, stealing a glance at Leo.
Did he really like her that much?!!
She could clearly sense Robin and the others seemed... jealous.
Ignoring the girls' pointed looks, Leo stored the Ark Maxim and summoned the luxurious airship.
"Let's go, my beautiful crew. Let's find a place with no disturbances to hold our banquet." Leo very绅士 (gentlemanly) invited the girls onto the deck one by one.
With a roar, the airship shot up to 10,000 meters.
At 10,000 meters, the girls divided the tasks.
Some prepared ingredients, others handled the meat, some set up the grill, others got the drinks... Everyone was busy all afternoon.
Amid the laughter and chatter, Maya quickly integrated.
As dusk fell.
"Ladies, the banquet begins!!"
With Leo's cheerful shout, a lit torch was thrown onto the prepared pyre.
Instantly, bright flames dyed the dimming sky a crimson red.
Leo and the girls gathered around the bonfire.
Clink!
The crisp sound of clinking cups rang out continuously on the deck.
"Wahahaha... Makino, the wine you brew is truly excellent~" Leo drained his cup. Even after drinking it many times, he couldn't help but praise.
Makino gave Leo a gentle smile. "I'm glad you like it, Captain."
"I want some too! Pour me a cup!" The angel Conis looked on eagerly, fluttering her wings.
"Big Sister Carmen, the food you made smells so good." Maya's nose twitched as she inhaled the drifting aroma, her face陶醉 (enraptured).
"Wahahaha... Maya, Carmen is a famous chef from the East Blue. Ordinary people can't taste her cooking," Nojiko gave a thumbs-up towards Carmen.
The other girls nodded in agreement.
Carmen's culinary skills had thoroughly satisfied their discerning palates.
Facing the praise, Carmen simply smiled and continued skillfully flipping the items on the grill.
Vivi and Robin ate specially prepared diet meals, enjoying the festive atmosphere.
It had to be said, holding a banquet was a truly joyful thing.
So comfortable!
Leo and the girls happily drank and made merry. In high spirits, they even sang and danced.
Girls like Vivi and Tashigi danced with gentle, graceful movements.
Meanwhile, bold types like Sara, Doberman, and Kalifa danced in bikinis, their moves sexy and fiery, inciting wild cheers from the others and pushing the banquet to a高潮 (climax).
It was worth mentioning that during this time, several girls invited Leo to dance with them.
But his clumsy moves earned him a round of mock disdain from the girls.
By the time the bonfire was nearly extinguished, everyone lay sprawled inelegantly on the deck in a circle.
Leo, hands behind his head, gazed at the sky, his eyes and mouth curved in a contented smile. "After we go to the New World and recruit all the beauties, I'll take you all on a world tour and help you fulfill all your dreams."
The girls were stunned, turning their heads to look at Leo.
A smile played on Nami's lips. She cupped her hands around her mouth like a megaphone, looked up at the sky, and shouted, "Leo, don't forget! I want to map the whole world!"
Following her lead, the girls began模仿 (imitating) her.
Robin: "I want to decipher the Poneglyphs and find the truth of the Void Century!"
Tashigi: "I want to collect all the famous swords in the world!"
Vivi: "I want to sail everywhere with Brother Leo!"
Kaya: "I want to help more people overcome illness!"
Nojiko: "I want to grow an even bigger tangerine grove!"
Makino: "I want to brew even more delicious wine!"
Carmen: "I want to become the greatest chef on the seas!"
Goldenweek, Sara, Valentine: "We want to become the best baristas!"
Conis, Laki: "We want to become the best baristas too!"
Doberman: "I want the Captain to favor me more! Three times a day!"
Kalifa: "I want four times a day! No one can have more than me!"
Maya: ??
The other girls: ??
Ahem... "Maya, what's your dream?" Leo quickly changed the subject.
"My dream?" Maya came back to herself and thought carefully. "I want to watch over the Seven-Star Sword!"
Just as Leo secretly sighed in relief, Maya suddenly asked, confused, "Captain, what did Big Sister Doberman mean by 'favor'? Is it something wonderful?!!"
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T/N :
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