Mariejois, Pangaea Castle.
Sengoku stood before the grim faces of the Five Elders, feeling a cold sweat form on the back of his neck.
"Honored Elders, on behalf of the Navy, I offer our deepest reflection on this failure."
"For a cunning and ruthless criminal like Caelan, we will pursue him to the ends of the earth. He will not escape justice!"
Sengoku bowed his head deeply, his tone humble.
"Spare the rhetoric. What are you going to do about the two Marines who killed the Celestial Dragons?"
Saint Saturn cut him off coldly.
"Gion and Tokikakke committed a grave error by killing the Celestial Dragons. It is indeed inexcusable. However, they are both key assets of the Navy and have made considerable contributions over the years."
Sengoku maintained a respectful tone as he attempted to plead on their behalf.
"Sengoku, execute them!"
Saint Saturn's voice was sharp and absolute, allowing no room for discussion.
Sengoku's heart sank. The worst-case scenario had come true.
Whether for personal reasons or for the sake of the Navy, Sengoku could not accept the execution of Gion and Tokikakke.
Their contributions were clear to all. The activation of the Buster Call had been official protocol. By standard procedure, no fault lay with them.
If any mistake was to be found, it would be in the World Government's own overly permissive procedures for launching the Buster Call.
If not for the Celestial Dragons' special status, Sengoku would have considered docking their pay for a few months at most.
"They had no intention to commit such a crime. I believe this isn't an offense worthy of death…"
Sengoku tried to argue, but was cut off again.
"Sengoku, you should know full well—anyone who sheds the blood of a Celestial Dragon must die, regardless of who they are."
Saint Nasujuro wore a cruel grin.
A chill ran down Sengoku's spine. In a world where the rulers were ruthless, all he could do was resist in turn.
"Since Vice Admiral Tokikakke neglected his duties, and Vice Admiral Gion was the commanding officer for the Buster Call, and is now missing after being abducted by Caelan, her life or death is unknown…"
"I propose we place a bounty on her immediately. The criminal who murdered the Celestial Dragons must die!"
"As for Tokikakke, he will be demoted one rank and have his pay suspended for six months."
Sengoku spoke firmly and decisively.
In any case, Gion had already been taken by Caelan. If the World Government wanted her, they would have to deal with him first.
"You…!"
The Five Elders glared at Sengoku, their expressions dark.
But he had already made a move that fulfilled their demand while giving a "reasonable" punishment. They couldn't press further without overstepping.
"Then what about Vice Admiral Garp? He let Rayleigh escape and cost the World Government 3.8 billion Berries! How do you intend to punish him?"
Saint Saturn growled.
"Rayleigh was taken by Caelan. Vice Admiral Garp was defeated and will be fined three months' salary."
Sengoku stood his ground and defended his old comrade.
Now that everything had been pinned on Caelan, it was only natural to pass off this incident as well.
In truth, Caelan had deliberately let Rayleigh escape to further humiliate the World Government.
"Excellent. You really are a splendid Fleet Admiral!"
Saint Nasujuro laughed in rage, his bloodlust rising.
He was ready to draw the first-generation Kitetsu and kill Sengoku where he stood.
But most of the Navy's command structure came from Sengoku's and Garp's faction. Killing Sengoku would risk an immediate Navy-wide mutiny.
Sengoku remained silent, enduring the killing intent of the Five Elders.
"Very well. We'll proceed as you said. Also, Caelan's bounty will be raised to 4 billion Berries. Vice Admiral Gion's bounty will be set at 3 billion!"
"All Marine units are ordered to execute both without mercy!"
Saint Saturn restrained his fury and dismissed the meeting with a wave.
Caelan's new bounty was fair. Though he had yet to reach the New World, his strength warranted the figure.
But Gion's bounty was clearly exaggerated—nothing more than a punishment directed at the Navy.
"Thank you, Five Elders."
Sengoku gave a small bow and turned to leave Pangaea Castle.
After he left, the Five Elders resumed discussions about selecting a new Fleet Admiral. Akainu was the most likely candidate.
This time, they intended to mold the Navy into a loyal dog, one that would attack wherever they pointed, without resistance.
Caelan's plan to divide the World Government and the Navy had mostly succeeded at this point.
…
The next morning, the News Coo delivered the latest edition of the World Economic Journal to every corner of the world.
It not only recorded Caelan's latest exploits, but also included the Marine-issued bounty announcements.
> One Man Battles Three Admirals Alone—Unmatched Across the Seas!
> Shocking! The Strongest Bounty Hunter in History, Caelan, Hunts Down Two Celestial Dragons! The Nobles' Prestige Crumbles!
> The World Government's Number One Enemy! The Lawless God of War—The God-Slayer Caelan, Bounty: 5.5 Billion Berries!
> Stained by the Blood of the Creator's Descendants! Former Vice Admiral Gion, Wanted: 3 Billion Berries! Weak but wealthy—interested hunters, step right up!
On an uninhabited island…
Gion sat with a newspaper in hand, reading it again and again.
Each headline was more outrageous than the last. The 3 billion Berries bounty placed on her made her eyelid twitch.
"Miss Gion, it's such a shame you can't be a Marine anymore!"
Caelan sat nearby, casually fanning the flames.
"Shut up! This is all your fault!"
Gion's beautiful eyes burned with anger as she shot him a glare.
"Yes, it's all my fault."
"But the World Government still placed a bounty on you, a candidate for admiral. Cold-blooded, isn't it?"
Caelan smacked his lips and sighed on her behalf.
Gion looked downcast and dispirited.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru probably had no other choice."
She understood them well. They would never have made such a decision unless they were forced to.
She didn't blame Sengoku. As a senior officer, she understood the pressure he was under.
But the World Government had truly disappointed her. She had shed blood and sweat for them, stood as a pillar of the Marines.
All that service, all her merits, and not even a sliver of leniency?
She had only carried out a Buster Call by the book. The Celestial Dragons had died due to Caelan's trick, not by her hand.
Yet the World Government sought to execute her, no questions asked.
"What are you going to do next?"
Caelan asked casually, watching her melancholic profile.
"Follow you."
Gion answered plainly.
"You've thought it through?"
Caelan turned to look toward the sea, where a ship was approaching.
"Hmph, like you'd ever let me go."
Gion rolled her eyes, exasperated.
"Don't worry, more Marines will join me eventually. Aokiji, Zephyr, Ain, Hina…"
Caelan patted her on the shoulder, speaking seriously.
"Admiral Aokiji wants to be Fleet Admiral. Instructor Zephyr's obsessed with killing pirates. No way they'd join you."
"As for those last two female officers? If you get them to fire on the Celestial Dragons, maybe."
Gion replied flatly, mocking Caelan as she spoke.
"Just wait and see."
Caelan didn't refute it. He intended to prove it through action.
A ship slowly approached the shore. It was the one Gecko Moria had recently acquired.
"Let's go."
Caelan pulled Gion aboard, and together, they set course for Alabasta.
When countless News Coo delivered the reports about Caelan across the world, the entire sea was in an uproar.
No one could believe so many events had taken place in just two days.
Caelan defeated Silvers Rayleigh, attacked the Celestial Dragons, fought Borsalino, Sakazuki, and Garp, and even kidnapped a Marine Admiral candidate.
Each of these events alone would be enough for a pirate to boast about for a lifetime.
Yet, all of these feats were accomplished by a single bounty hunter in just two days.
No, he was no longer a bounty hunter. He was now the number one enemy of the World Government — the God Slayer!
No one could believe that someone would actually dare to attack and kill the Celestial Dragons.
The Celestial Dragons enjoy absolute privilege and cannot be offended!
Once offended, the Marines will respond with full force, even dispatching an Admiral personally.
This is a widely held understanding throughout the sea regarding the so-called "descendants of the Creator," the Celestial Dragons, who are known as the world's nobles.
But no one expected that Caelan, who had previously hunted pirates, would ignore the World Government and ruthlessly kill the Celestial Dragons.
Even more unexpected, despite the Marine Headquarters dispatching three top-tier fighters, Caelan escaped unscathed and even abducted a Rear Admiral candidate, dealing a heavy blow.
"Those Celestial Dragons are arrogant and commit all kinds of evil every day. Finally, someone has the guts to deal with them!"
"Creatures like the Celestial Dragons should've been wiped out long ago!"
"They deserved it!"
Countless people across the world cheered for Caelan's actions.
The slave trade worldwide is backed by the Celestial Dragons, and they monopolize most of the world's wealth.
For fun, they slaughter civilians without a second thought and take whatever they want.
Celestial Dragons can almost be called the root of all evil in this world, alongside the pirates that plague the seas. Together, they're seen as the two cancers of this era.
Now that Caelan has struck down the Celestial Dragons, it was a breath of relief for the common people.
...
Revolutionary Army.
Monkey D. Dragon looked down at the newspaper in his hands, visibly excited.
"Good, good kill!"
Dragon slapped his thigh, thrilled.
His friends, including Bartholomew Kuma and Ginny, had suffered under the Celestial Dragons.
For the sake of the Revolutionary Army's growth, he had been unable to make a move against them.
Now that Caelan had taken down two Celestial Dragons, it was as if someone had avenged them on his behalf.
"It really was a good kill! Caelan attacked the Celestial Dragons, and the World Government couldn't do a thing."
Sabo was just as fired up.
The Celestial Dragons were a form of spiritual shackle hanging over the world. Though countless people hated them, no one dared lift a hand against them.
"Now that Caelan has drawn most of the World Government's attention, it's the perfect time for the Revolutionary Army to act."
Dragon issued the order and turned to leave.
"Aren't you staying to keep watch?"
Sabo couldn't help but ask.
"You're enough. I'm going to meet the God Slayer."
Dragon rolled up the newspaper and tucked it under his arm, placing it beside the one covering Caelan's liberation of Alabasta.
He had wanted to meet Caelan after the Alabasta incident, but various delays got in the way.
Now that Caelan had taken down two Celestial Dragons and fought Garp and two Admirals without falling behind, the time had come.
Caelan, now an enemy of the World Government, had to be invited to join the Revolutionary Army.
...
New World, Totto Land.
After finishing a massive cake, Charlotte Linlin was handed a newspaper by Katakuri.
"Mom, another emperor has emerged on the seas!"
Katakuri reported solemnly, his tone serious.
"Really? I don't recall any new force in the New World being worthy of the title 'Emperor'."
Charlotte Linlin popped a piece of chocolate into her mouth, her tone indifferent.
Not just anyone could become an Emperor of the Sea. In her eyes, most so-called powerful pirates in the New World weren't qualified.
"It's not someone from the New World. It's Caelan, who's still in Paradise."
Katakuri handed over the newspaper, his expression skeptical.
Caelan, who hadn't even entered the New World, was already being hailed as a new Emperor of the Sea.
The first half of the Grand Line is nicknamed "Paradise" because of its relative safety. It's filled with weaker pirates.
The second half of the Grand Line — the New World — is the true graveyard of pirates, teeming with real powerhouses.
To be declared an Emperor while still in Paradise was absolutely unprecedented.
"Oh?"
Charlotte Linlin took the newspaper with interest, ready to laugh it off.
But as she read Caelan's feats, her expression quickly turned grave.
"Fought Akainu, Kizaru, and Garp, and even managed to kidnap an Admiral candidate without being caught?!"
Charlotte Linlin's eyes widened in disbelief.
But the newspaper included various photos, confirming the story and shocking her deeply.
Each of those three men was a force she had to take seriously individually. Together, they made for an overwhelming lineup.
Even she couldn't guarantee coming out unscathed from such an encounter, let alone pulling off such a stunning victory like Caelan had.
"Caelan? With strength like that, he deserves to be called an Emperor."
Charlotte Linlin spoke with admiration.
With such a record, if he wasn't worthy of the title, then what right did the rest of the Four Emperors have?
"Katakuri, keep an eye on Caelan. If the chance arises, invite him to Totto Land."
Charlotte Linlin sat back on her throne and issued the order.
"Mom, are you trying to recruit him?"
Katakuri asked, somewhat uncertain.
A man of such strength wouldn't be easy to win over.
"Your sister isn't married yet. I think he'd be perfect."
Charlotte Linlin looked down at the newspaper, feeling it was a good match.
If she could bring someone like Caelan into the Charlotte family, it would be a huge win.
If Caelan was willing, she wouldn't mind going herself to bear the most powerful offspring imaginable.
...
Red-Haired Pirates.
"The Fifth Emperor? With strength like that, there's really no denying it."
Beckman stared at the paper in his hand, visibly moved.
He had faced off against three top-tier forces and still managed to come and go as he pleased. That fully aligned with the power level of the Four Emperors.
"He really does have what it takes to be called an Emperor."
Shanks also held a newspaper, his brow furrowed.
In one small corner of the page, it mentioned that Caelan had defeated Rayleigh and subdued the Straw Hat Pirates. There was even a photo of Luffy and Rayleigh lying on the ground.
How did it come to this?
From this point of view, Caelan, who now challenged three top-level fighters, looked far more like the real protagonist of the new era.
The news of Caelan killing two Celestial Dragons also made Shanks feel uneasy.
Though he didn't want to admit it, Celestial Dragon blood still ran in his veins.
It was an unpleasant truth.
Shanks looked up at the sky, his heart heavy.
And he wasn't the only one feeling conflicted.
The pirates across the New World were restless after hearing the news about Caelan.
Caelan used to turn pirates in for bounties, which allowed many of them to survive.
Now that the bounty system was no longer an option, and Caelan had shown he would kill Celestial Dragons without hesitation, it was clear, the fate awaiting pirates was about to become very grim.
On an island floating in the sky.
A middle-aged man with golden hair was holding a newspaper, reading it carefully.
"Oh? Two Admirals and Garp together couldn't beat one young man?"
"Hahaha, how interesting!"
Shiki the Golden Lion stared at the newspaper in his hand and laughed heartily.
It was unbelievable that such a powerful newcomer had appeared on the sea.
What pleased him even more was that both Garp and Akainu had been injured, and the World Government was now focusing all its attention on Caelan.
"This really is a godsend!"
The Golden Lion crushed the newspaper in his hand, ambition blazing in his eyes.
His mutated animals were fully trained, and the power he had built over the past 20 years had reached its peak.
He had been dormant for two decades, and now was the perfect time to make a comeback and announce his return to the world.
"Little ones, head to the East Blue and shake the world!"
The Golden Lion summoned all his subordinates and roared loudly.
"Destroy the East Blue and dominate the world!"
"Destroy the East Blue and dominate the world!"
Thousands of pirates tore their shirts and shouted fanatically.
They followed the legendary pirate who was about to conquer the world.
The Golden Lion controlled the floating island ship and set course for the East Blue.
One day later, on a dark and windy night.
Caelan, Gion, Gecko Moria, and the others entered the palace of Alabasta with King Cobra's help.
"I didn't expect King Cobra to dare take the risk of sheltering the World Government's enemy. Aren't you afraid of being held accountable?"
Gion looked at King Cobra with a dangerous tone.
She had never imagined that a World Government member country would dare welcome the enemy of the Government.
To her, this felt like betrayal.
"I don't know whether he's the World Government's enemy. I only know he's Alabasta's hero."
"When Crocodile brought disaster to Alabasta, the Marines didn't lift a finger."
Cobra was completely unafraid and responded calmly with a touch of sarcasm.
Of course, he feared the trouble that could come with Caelan's presence, but this country was saved by Caelan. How could he turn away its hero?
And killing scum like the Celestial Dragons was something Cobra had long wanted to do himself, though he lacked the courage.
"This…"
Gion realized she didn't have a rebuttal and fell silent.
In many cases, the Marines had indeed failed. Especially in Alabasta, a member nation of the World Government, they had been completely useless, leaving Caelan to be the one to save it.
"Haha, now you know how amazing I am. Before I came, there wasn't even a trace of justice here!"
Caelan wrapped an arm around Gion's shoulder and laughed.
"Hmph!"
Gion shook off Caelan's arm but didn't argue back.
Since Caelan's rise to fame, she had also looked into his record.
Suppressing pirates in the East Blue, wiping out the Arlong Pirates that terrorized civilians, and executing the corrupt Captain Nezumi who colluded with pirates...
Before Caelan appeared, even the weakest sea, the East Blue, was overrun with pirates. The Marines not only did nothing but even protected or worked with them.
Once Caelan appeared, the East Blue was cleaned up quickly.
If not for the existence of the Celestial Dragons, maybe Caelan really would've been the Marines' best partner.
Gion sighed inwardly.
When Caelan stepped into the palace, Nami and the other girls, who had been waiting anxiously, immediately surrounded him.
"Caelan, thank goodness you're okay!"
Vivi, Nami, and Tashigi all reached out to check him over, concerned about his injuries.
Even though the newspapers had reported Caelan's safety, they had still worried, since he had fought against two Admirals and a legendary Vice Admiral.
They only relaxed when they found no wounds on him after their careful check.
"What could happen to me? Just a little wind and chill."
Caelan smiled and let them inspect him without complaint.
After confirming Caelan was unhurt, Nami and the others shifted their focus to Gion.
No wonder Caelan insisted on bringing her back. Even they had to admit that Gion was graceful, heroic, and very attractive.
"She's a partner I went through great trouble to recruit. Don't start making things up."
Caelan scratched his head and spoke confidently.
The girls all rolled their eyes at Caelan but didn't say anything.
"He and I are enemies. Don't overthink it."
Gion pouted and stated firmly.
She had seen through Caelan's nature. He didn't bring her back to recruit her for justice or the Marines. It was clearly because he was taken by her looks.
Otherwise, why not kidnap Tokikakke?
But she absolutely would not let Caelan have his way.
Nami and the girls just giggled.
They glanced at each other, wondering how long it would take for Gion to fall.
A month? Two months? Probably not long.
Gion looked annoyed at their teasing expressions.
"Enough about that, let's eat."
Caelan noticed the awkward tension and quickly changed the subject.
The banquet was prepared by Cobra. Though time had been short, the spread was impressive.
Having just come out of an intense battle, Caelan thoroughly enjoyed the meal.
After a full night's rest, Caelan and his group were ready to depart again.
They were now public enemies of the World Government and could not stay in Alabasta.
Not because Caelan feared them, but because the country couldn't handle the consequences of a war.
As dawn broke, Caelan and his crew boarded the new ship Cobra had prepared for them and set sail once more.
Vivi stood on the shore, looking out at the golden desert that faded into the distance, worry lingering in her eyes.
"Don't worry. I'll protect this country."
Caelan gently patted Vivi's back, reassuring her.
He had left behind a summoning rune he learned from Heracles' memories after achieving 100% completion inside the palace, allowing him to be summoned as a Heroic Spirit in times of crisis.
...
Out at sea.
The new Wind Rider sailed in front, with Gecko Moria's ship trailing behind.
Yes, Caelan was a sentimental man, and the new ship was also named Wind Rider.
On the deck, Nami spent 100 Berries to buy a newspaper from the News Coo, looking distressed as she handed it over.
[The legendary pirate Golden Lion has arrived in the East Blue, leading a beast army in a campaign to destroy the sea!]
"Is he crazy? What grudge does he have with the East Blue? Why does he want to destroy it?!"
Nami stared at the headline in shock and anxiety.
The East Blue was her hometown. It was also home to Nojiko and the people of Cocoyasi Village. She couldn't allow the Golden Lion to destroy it.
Caelan took the newspaper and was a bit surprised.
According to the current timeline, the Golden Lion should still be floating above the sea. Why had he moved so quickly?
But since he had already made a move, then it would be dealt with accordingly.
"Don't worry. He may want to destroy the East Blue, but I won't allow it."
Caelan patted Nami's shoulder and said firmly.
After all, the East Blue was where he originated, and it was home to many of his crew's friends and families.
Coincidentally, he was about to unlock a new template. The legendary pirate Golden Lion made for a perfect test run.
"Okay!"
Nami nodded, her heart settling.
In the next moment, she activated the power of the Cloud-Cloud Fruit, accelerating the Wind Rider forward.
Caelan turned back toward the cabin. Now that everything was under control, it was time to unlock a new template.
Gion watched Caelan's back and felt a change stirring in her heart.
She had thought he was just a dangerous, arrogant man. But now, he seemed to possess a strong sense of justice.
Following him and upholding justice didn't feel all that different from being in the Marines.
No, there was a difference.
At least, under him, there were no disgusting Celestial Dragons looming overhead.
Inside the cabin of the Wind Rider, Caelan sat cross-legged on the bed, his mind immersed in the system panel.
[Host: Caelan Alaric]
[Template: Berserker Class·Heracles (new template unlocked, please activate in a safe location)]
[Synchronization Progress: 100%]
[Berries: 3.66 billion]
[Strength: A+]
[Endurance: A]
[Agility: A]
[Mana: A]
[Luck: A]
[Noble Phantasm: A+]
[Personal Skills]: Battle Continuation (B), Mind's Eye (Fake) (B), Valor (A+), Divinity (A), Madness Enhancement (B)
[Other Skills]: Swordsmanship (A), Armament Haki (A), Observation Haki (A), Conqueror's Haki (A)
[Noble Phantasms]: God Hand: The Twelve Labors (B), Nine Lives: Shooting the Hundred Heads (C–A+)
---
"Open the new template."
Caelan gave the command mentally.
[Congratulations, host. SSR template unlocked: Lancer - Karna!]
As the system's voice fell, a radiant figure appeared in Caelan's consciousness.
Clad in golden armor and holding a divine spear, he stood alone and silent — a noble and solemn warrior.
"Son of the Sun God, Karna?!"
Looking at the dazzling figure, Caelan was taken aback.
No matter which Fate work he appeared in, Karna was always a top-tier combatant.
Heracles' template was undoubtedly strong, but it was still a notch below this one. After all, Heracles was a Berserker class, and he had lost too many Noble Phantasms and abilities. Had he been an Archer, he would surely match Karna's SSR status.
Karna was a great hero of ancient India, son of the sun god Surya.
As a Heroic Spirit, he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Gilgamesh in terms of specifications — all of his abilities were outstanding, and his Noble Phantasm reached EX-rank.
His golden armor, Kavacha and Kundala: Transform into Armor, was bestowed upon him by Surya, and fused with his body. It granted resistance against all attacks below A-rank.
And the divine spear in his hand, Vasavi Shakti, was even more terrifying — a Noble Phantasm that unleashed overwhelming destructive power at the cost of the user's life.
"System, spend all Berries to increase template synchronization."
Caelan's eyes lit up with excitement, barely able to contain himself.
With 3.6 billion Berries consumed, Karna's synchronization instantly rose to 36%.
A torrent of power surged into his body, and along with it, a flood of memories followed.
Half a day later, Caelan slowly opened his eyes, having completed the inheritance. The system panel had changed drastically.
[Host: Caelan Alaric]
[Templates: Berserker - Heracles (100%), Lancer - Karna (36%)]
[Berries: 60 million]
[Strength: A+↑]
[Endurance: A↑]
[Agility: A↑]
[Mana: A↑]
[Luck: A]
[Noble Phantasm: EX]
[Personal Skills]: Magic Resistance (C), Riding (A), Discernment of the Poor (A), Uncrowned Martial Arts (—), Battle Continuation (B), Mana Burst (Flame) (A), Battle Continuation (B), Mind's Eye (Fake) (B), Valor (A+), Divinity (A), Madness Enhancement (B)
[Other Skills]: Swordsmanship (A), Armament Haki (A), Observation Haki (A), Conqueror's Haki (A)
[Noble Phantasms]:
• God Hand: The Twelve Labors (B)
• Nine Lives: Shooting the Hundred Heads (C–A+)
• Kavacha and Kundala: O' Sun, Become Armor (A)
• Brahmastra (A)
• Brahmastra Kundala: O' Brahma, Curse Me (A+)
• Vasavi Shakti: O' Sun, Abide to Death (EX)
...
All of the 3.6 billion Berries he had painstakingly saved were now gone.
Each 1% increase in Karna's synchronization cost 100 million Berries, while the first 50% of Heracles' template had only cost 10 million per 1% — a tenfold price difference.
Looking at the dramatic changes to the panel, Caelan felt it was absolutely worth it.
The stat increases weren't the most impressive part, since his base stats were already among the highest for Heroic Spirits. Before hitting EX rank, increases wouldn't bring a qualitative leap.
What truly excited him were the new Noble Phantasms and personal skills.
There was no need to explain the Noble Phantasms. Kavacha and Kundala provided A-rank defensive capabilities, and the others were powerful offensive Noble Phantasms.
Leaving aside Mana, which only he could use in the One Piece world, the rest were immensely valuable.
Discernment of the Poor (A) let him see through people's hearts, he could no longer be deceived.
Uncrowned Martial Arts (—) made his martial prowess appear subpar, making it the ultimate hidden strength skill. A great ability for playing dumb and striking hard, though Caelan likely didn't need it here.
Mana Burst (Flame) (A) allowed him to unleash fire-attribute magic.
Though he couldn't become fire itself, like a Logia user, he could replicate nearly everything the Flame-Flame Fruit could do, even using flame propulsion to achieve sonic-speed flight.
As for elementalization? Caelan didn't need it.
He had Kavacha and Kundala, an A-rank Noble Phantasm that made his body comparable to Kaido's. On top of that, he still had his twelve lives from God Hand.
In short — he was practically unkillable.
With so many layers of defense, what need did he have for elementalization, which could be countered by Armament Haki anyway?
"Of what use is the Flame-Flame Fruit to me?"
A golden flame danced in Caelan's hand as he mocked it mercilessly.
Ace's so-called fire abilities were flashy in name but shallow in impact.
Skipping over a few of the less relevant new skills, Caelan's attention shifted to Riding.
Originally a Lancer-class skill at rank B, Karna's personal rank (A) had overridden it.
Riding (A) meant he could control all beasts and vehicles, except for those categorized as Phantasmal or Divine Beasts.
He didn't even need to elaborate on the vehicles — ships, carriages, aircraft, bicycles, even the Pluton battleship would fall under his control.
Beasts, however, were the real focus. As long as they weren't mythical or divine in nature, he could control them. That greatly expanded his tactical options.
"In this world... are there even any true Phantasmal or Divine Beasts?"
Caelan muttered as he considered the One Piece universe.
Though the world was rich in bizarre creatures, from giant beasts to mutated animals, they were still just highly-evolved wild beasts.
Even Sea Kings over 5,000 meters long and Zunesha, the elephant carrying an entire island, didn't meet the criteria for Divine or Phantasmal Beasts.
In other words, he could control nearly all animals. Even if he could only control one at a time, that was still incredibly powerful.
"Speaking of animals... could I ride those Zoan-type Devil Fruit users?"
Caelan's thoughts suddenly drifted in a strange direction.
Could he ride Shirahoshi, the Mermaid Princess?
What about those who had eaten Zoan-type Devil Fruits, could he ride them if they fully transformed into animal forms?
Could Kaido, in his Azure Dragon form, be considered a Phantasmal Beast? Could he be ridden?
For a moment, Caelan felt like his curiosity was clawing at him from the inside.
"Tashigi and Vivi both ate Mythical Zoans, didn't they? This is the perfect chance to test it."
Caelan's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Tashigi had eaten the Cat-Cat Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Model: Nekomata. Vivi had the Bird-Bird Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Model: Garuda.
Both of these were powerful Mythical Beasts. If he could ride Tashigi and Vivi in their transformed states, then maybe Kaido would be rideable too.
The more he thought about it, the more excited he became.
He couldn't wait to try it out.