Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 215: Loguetown, Ace!

After dealing with his first target, Uchiha Yi continued sweeping through the well-known pirates of the East Blue.

He used the same method he had applied to Buggy—modifying their memories so that two years later, they would become stepping stones for Nami's growth.

Alongside the many high-quality AI subordinates he had stationed in the East Blue, working in the shadows to pave the way for her, Uchiha Yi had ensured that every detail was accounted for.

If, even after all of this, he still failed this insane mission, then he would truly have nothing left to say.

"The East Blue should be settled."

"For someone with a Mythical-Tier Trait like Nami, these are nothing more than appetizers."

"The real challenges will be the Grand Line and the New World."

Loguetown—the final stop before entering the Grand Line.

A ship, neither a merchant vessel, a pirate ship, nor a noble's yacht, docked in the harbor.

Uchiha Yi and Nojiko disembarked.

After spending so much time at sea, staring at nothing but the horizon, it was refreshing to step onto solid ground and breathe in the air of a bustling town.

The rest of his AI crew remained on board, guarding the ship.

Looking at the medieval European-style architecture, Yi found it quite novel—it was a stark contrast to the modern cityscapes he had seen in his past life.

"Nojiko, if you want to buy anything, just tell me."

"Money is just a meaningless number to me."

He declared magnanimously.

"Then I won't hold back!"

Nojiko giggled.

She was well aware of why Yi was so "wealthy" and saw no need for restraint.

Since Yi had nothing particular to shop for, he accompanied Nojiko as she wandered through the bustling streets of Loguetown.

Along the way, they passed by many pirates, bounty hunters, and marines, all coexisting in a tense but stable equilibrium.

Yi had no interest in disrupting it.

"Sigh, women really do have endless stamina when shopping…"

Watching Nojiko excitedly go on a spree, Yi began regretting his decision to offer to accompany her.

Thankfully, his Painting Fruit's abilities were convenient.

He simply created a few AI assistants to carry the shopping bags, sparing himself from suffering.

"Hmm?"

Yi's gaze locked onto a familiar figure.

"Ace?"

After a brief moment of recall, he realized that the timeline lined up—this was about the time Ace had set out on his journey.

Lately, he had been so focused on his mission that he hadn't given it any thought.

"Forget it, what does Ace have to do with my mission?"

"I have no interest in interfering with his life."

"Besides, without him, Marineford wouldn't happen."

"And Nami needs to witness events like that."

Having decided to ignore him, Yi continued strolling with Nojiko.

However, Ace seemed to have a unique instinct—he suddenly turned his head, as if sensing someone observing him.

His eyes locked onto Yi, and his expression lit up as if he had just discovered treasure.

Excited, he walked straight toward Yi, blocking his path.

"Hey! I'm Ace, captain of the Spade Pirates!"

"Interested in joining my crew?"

Ace asked enthusiastically, flashing his trademark grin.

"Ace, you can't just invite random people onto the crew without knowing who they are!"

His first mate, Deuce, protested.

Having only recently joined Ace, he still hadn't fully adapted to the way his captain recruited people.

"Don't worry, Deuce! I have a good eye for people!"

"I can tell this guy would be a great crewmate!"

Ace declared with absolute confidence.

"Fine…"

Deuce sighed.

Ace's unwavering belief in his instincts was what had convinced him to join.

If their captain was so sure, then maybe he was onto something.

"I refuse."

Yi rejected him instantly.

Without even a moment's hesitation, he and Nojiko simply walked past Ace.

"…"

Ace stood stunned.

He hadn't expected such an immediate, blunt rejection—not even a second of consideration.

But just like his brother Luffy, Ace never gave up easily.

He quickly recovered from the shock and chased after them.

"Hey, what's your name?"

Ace called out.

"Uchiha Yi."

Yi replied without looking back.

"Uchiha Yi, huh? Never heard of that surname before!"

"But why did you reject me so quickly? You don't even know me."

Ace asked, genuinely curious.

"Because you're too weak."

"I wouldn't even take you in as one of my subordinates."

"Let alone become your crewmate."

Yi smirked.

"WHAT?!"

"You haven't even fought him, so how do you know he's weak?"

Deuce snapped in protest.

"Oh?"

"How strong is he?"

Yi smirked playfully.

"I'll fight you with my hands in my pockets."

"If you can defeat me, I'll join your crew."

Unconsciously, they had wandered to an open field outside of Loguetown.

Yi had already seen through Ace's persistence—the only way to get rid of him was to beat him down.

Only when Ace experienced the power gap firsthand would he give up.

"That works for me!"

Ace grinned.

Trying to convince someone with words wasn't his style.

Fists and strength were the only language he respected.

"Go, Ace! Teach that arrogant bastard a lesson!"

Deuce cheered from the sidelines.

"You make the first move."

Yi said casually, hands still in his pockets.

"Damn, you're cocky!"

"Don't start making excuses when you lose!"

Ace charged forward, throwing a powerful punch.

Although annoyed, he still held back—after all, they weren't fighting to the death.

Yi watched calmly, tracking the trajectory of Ace's attack.

With a slight shift of his foot, he effortlessly sidestepped.

The next moment, his knee slammed into Ace's stomach.

Even though Yi was holding back, Ace's body wasn't strong enough to withstand it.

His entire body curled like a shrimp, his knees buckling, and he collapsed to the ground.

His face turned pale as he struggled to breathe.

Even his stomach acid threatened to come up.

Ace had never been hit this hard before.

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