Clang!
Wang Zhi scanned the battlefield, his expression grim as he thought to himself, We've lost!
Once Ike stopped watching and joined the fight—
It had turned completely one-sided.
Although Wang Zhi was not weaker than Newgate—
He still made the most rational decision.
"Retreat! Retreat!"
"Yes!"
"Captain!"
The pirates of the Five Peaks Pirates struggled to their feet and followed Wang Zhi as they withdrew.
Ike and Newgate had no intention of pursuing.
There was no point.
To fight to the bitter end?
Not worth it.
Since Wang Zhi chose to retreat, that was already the best outcome.
"Phew…"
Letting out a breath, Ike said, "It's over. Big brother, how was Wang Zhi's strength?"
"Gurararara~~~"
Newgate laughed loudly. "Still a bit weaker than me!"
Ike didn't argue with that and instead gave orders, "Take the injured back. Have the ship doctors treat them immediately."
"Yes!"
The crew carried the wounded away, leaving only six men behind with Ike and Newgate.
The group of eight quickly reached the peak of Pineapple Island.
"This should be it, right?" Newgate looked around. "Ike, is this the place?"
"Let me check…"
Ike took out the treasure map, glanced through it, and nodded. "No problem. This is the spot. According to the map, it should be right here."
He walked around slightly to confirm the exact position, then stopped at the center of the peak.
"Right here. Dig."
"Yes!"
The six subordinates began digging with their tools.
As they dug—
The smell of pineapple filled the air, that strange sweet-and-sour scent making their teeth ache.
"…Ugh."
Ike and Newgate both instinctively stepped back.
"We found something!"
"Whitebeard!"
"Lord Ike!"
"Found it!"
After digging about thirty meters down, the crew uncovered a large box and shouted excitedly.
"Bring it up," Ike called out.
Very soon—
A massive blade box, over eight meters long, was hauled up.
Seeing it—
A wide smile spread across Ike's face.
The reason was simple.
Among the Twelve Supreme Grade Blades—
The longest one was Murakumogiri, a naginata.
Just from the size, it was obvious.
"Big brother." Ike teased, "This should be the most suitable Supreme Grade blade for you. Don't forget—you lost the bet."
"Tch!"
Newgate clicked his tongue and strode forward, unconcerned about the wager.
Creak!
As the box opened—
A gleam appeared in Newgate's eyes.
A massive naginata lay within.
"One of the Twelve Supreme Grade Blades… Murakumogiri!"
"The only naginata among them!"
"Big brother."
"How does it feel?"
Ike stood behind him, smiling.
Newgate grasped Murakumogiri and lifted it.
As Armament Haki flowed from his body into the blade—
Murakumogiri seemed to absorb it.
Then—
The Haki flowed back into Newgate's body.
Watching this, Ike couldn't help but think—
It was similar to how Zoro tamed Enma.
"Just as I thought," Ike mused internally. "Top-tier blades… especially the Twelve Supreme Grade ones… all seem to have the ability to absorb the user's Armament Haki. It's probably a way of recognizing their master."
After all—
If they weren't acknowledged—
The blade would drain the user dry.
In that case—
It wouldn't be the wielder using the sword.
It would be the sword consuming the wielder.
"Gurararara~~~"
Newgate swung Murakumogiri, executing a smooth flourish, and burst into laughter. "Ike! Ike! This is incredible! Murakumogiri is perfect for me!"
He was beyond excited.
He wasn't a swordsman, nor a great swordsman—
But as someone who wielded a naginata, finding a weapon that suited him perfectly—
That feeling was indescribable.
"Alright, alright." Ike smiled. "So? This 'free' treasure map wasn't bad, right?"
"No problem at all!"
Newgate turned and gave Ike a thumbs-up, unable to stop admiring Murakumogiri.
Ike's smile deepened.
For his big brother—
A Supreme Grade blade like this would significantly boost his strength.
"Looks like…" Ike said with amusement, "my intuition was pretty accurate."
"Tch!"
Newgate grinned awkwardly and waved his hand. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. I'm not the type to go back on my word. A bet's a bet."
"Heh…"
Seeing his reluctant expression, Ike couldn't help but laugh.
"Gurararara~~~"
Newgate laughed along.
The six subordinates, seeing their captains in such high spirits, joined in as well.
This was a Supreme Grade blade—
A weapon worth at least 7 billion Beli on the black market.
Of course they were happy.
"Alright."
"Let's head back."
Ike waved his hand, signaling it was time to leave.
This treasure hunt—
Had been more than worth it.