"I really didn't expect that the news released by the Marines turned out to be true..."
The destruction of several islands was undeniable proof—Ayr had truly wielded Tengai Shinsei, the celestial technique that brought down meteors like divine judgment, a force from another world that reminded one of the legends of the Sage of Six Paths.
Faced with such terrifying power, Charlotte Linlin chose silence. This wasn't a matter of pride anymore. If Rocks remained alive for long in this world, she didn't know what words could possibly satisfy him. But unfortunately for her, his second life was not permanent. His resurrection came at a price, and now his time was nearing its end. He couldn't continue assisting Ayr indefinitely.
Still, one desire remained in Rocks' heart: he wanted to kill them.
The betrayal at the Battle of the Valley of the Gods still festered inside him. Rocks' expression remained calm, but his eyes told the real story.
"It's really been a long time, Shiki. If you hadn't betrayed me and left me for dead… we would still be seeing each other every day."
Rocks stood with his hands behind his back, looking at Shiki as though he were inspecting a ghost from the past.
Shiki understood too well—if a fight broke out, none of them would stand a chance. Rocks alone was dangerous, but now Ayr stood at his side. The difference in power was overwhelming.
Rocks laughed, but the sound was cold, echoing off the tavern walls like a warning.
If he truly wanted to, Golden Lion, Kaido, and Charlotte Linlin would have already been dead.
"Hahaha… don't be so nervous. Sit down first," Rocks said casually.
But his words didn't help. The tension remained like a tightening rope around everyone's neck.
Golden Lion, Linlin, and Kaido were all visibly on edge.
"Really? Are you truly sorry for me, Linlin?" Rocks asked, his voice sharp and biting.
If they were only facing Rocks, perhaps the fear wouldn't be so intense. Golden Lion could still fight back then. But things had changed. The man named Ayr stood beside Rocks—someone who had single-handedly defeated Roger's top three commanders in Loguetown without a scratch.
Charlotte Linlin's face became grave, sweat dripping from her forehead.
"Kaido, your appearance has changed a lot," Rocks said without emotion. "And you, Shiki… you've aged quite a bit."
Linlin's empire, Totto Land, had mostly survived aside from Cake Island, but she knew if Ayr wanted to, he could erase it all.
That's why she had come personally to DeRosta—to assess the situation herself, to understand if she had any chance left at survival.
Kaido's hand hovered near his sword, eyes locked onto Rocks, prepared for the worst.
Rocks might not be able to kill them now due to time and strategy, but make no mistake—he hadn't forgiven them.
He intended to help Ayr ascend the world's highest throne.
Everyone in the tavern watched silently, their nerves stretched tight.
"Linlin, you've gained quite a bit of weight since last time," Rocks smirked, eyeing her.
The tension shifted slightly, but they still hesitated before cautiously taking their seats.
Kaido was the first to speak, not mincing words.
"Captain Rocks… what are you planning to do with us?"
Whitebeard—Edward Newgate—was equally stunned by Rocks' presence, but chose silence. He hadn't expected to walk away from this alive.
Charlotte Linlin stared at Rocks, her expression dark with fear.
Golden Lion still didn't fully grasp how much Ayr had changed the game. The power Ayr had displayed in Loguetown still echoed in his memory.
Rocks slowly stood up, his eyes scanning the room.
"Golden Lion, what are you thinking? That you can take me on? You wouldn't stand a chance."
"Captain Rocks… we regret what happened. What we did at God Valley—" Golden Lion began cautiously, trying to gauge the situation.
"I originally intended to erase all of you," Rocks said, his voice eerily calm.
Kaido tensed. He couldn't read Rocks' emotions, which made him even more dangerous.
Linlin sat in silence, afraid to say anything that might provoke an outburst.
Rocks poured three glasses of wine and slid them across the table.
"But I've changed my mind," he said at last. "There's a condition."
Everyone looked up.
"If you want to live… swear loyalty to Ayr."
The air froze.
That was the price of survival.
Golden Lion looked at Ayr. After a few tense seconds, he exhaled deeply and sat down completely.
"Captain Rocks… if that's what you ask, we'll do it."
There was no resistance left in his voice.
They all knew the truth. If Rocks wanted to see if their loyalty was real, he wouldn't ask again.
"That's your only condition?" Linlin asked cautiously.
"Yes," Rocks replied. "Allegiance to Ayr. Support him. Help him rise to the top."
Shiki rested a hand on his weapon, unsure if this was truly the end of Rocks' anger. If it came to survival, there was no negotiation.
"Why haven't we seen you in so long, Captain?" Kaido asked. "You haven't forgotten about us, right?"
Rocks smiled darkly.
"Even if I had… today you'd have reminded me."
Ayr, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke.
"Why so tense, Shiki? Have a seat," Ayr said, smiling, reclining back into his chair.
He wasn't hostile, but they all knew—Ayr was the true threat in the room.
He now possessed not only the power of the Sage of Six Paths, but also the abilities of Ōtsutsuki Kaguya. The man could bring down meteors, manipulate dimensions, and possibly resurrect the dead.
This wasn't a pirate anymore. He was something far beyond.
Charlotte Linlin dared not speak out of turn. Whitebeard also remained silent, sensing the balance of power had completely shifted.
Rocks no longer desired dominance. He wanted to see Ayr take the throne he once failed to reach.
"Join us," Rocks said finally. "Or be destroyed."
There was no middle ground.
They had no choice but to obey.
{🥳 The Fanfic is now fully completed! 🎉
You can access 300+ advance chapters right now on Patreon—available for subscription or purchase! ✨
👉 patreon.com/Oreski
🥰 Your support keeps me motivated and eager to create even more amazing stories! 💖}