Chapter 37: Sea Circle Calendar 1484
The year is 1484 of the Sea Circle Calendar.
The past year had thrown the seas into utter chaos. And as 1484 arrived, the massive pirate uprising reached its peak.
In the span of mere days, all of the World Government's affiliated nations suffered terrifying attacks—some small in scale, others catastrophic. Bounties in the underworld soared to unprecedented heights. The Marines were stretched thinner than ever before.
Thirty-eight newly risen Marine elites, known for their cruelty and bloodlust, made names for themselves across the seas and the Grand Line. Some strange bird-like figure seemed to have sensed a business opportunity, keeping a close eye on their movements.
While the world burned, the New World was eerily calm. A great war loomed, inevitable.
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East Blue – Sky Island
Over a year of rapid development had transformed this place into a thriving haven. The residential population had grown to over 70,000 people. Though the economy was still in the red, operations were finally running—barely, but steadily.
Rossburg, constructed beside Ross's main office, housed his extended family—including both of his elderly fathers.
At the moment, Ross was cradling his newborn son, the third child of his wife Molla, when a secure call came through—directly from Marine HQ.
The line had been set up by Garp, along with a list of contact numbers for high-ranking Marine officials.
Seeing who was calling, Ross didn't even hesitate. He was ready to hang up.
"Wait! Mr. Ross!"
"Fleet Admiral Kong," Ross said coldly, "I know exactly what you're going to ask. But I cannot risk my life by rushing to the battlefield. I am the father of four children—and soon to be six. Do you understand what that means?"
His voice was calm, but filled with anger.
Just two weeks ago, Fleet Admiral Kong had reached out to him for the first time, asking for help regarding a leak of classified intel concerning God Valley.
Apparently, two top-tier Devil Fruits were being used as bait, placed there like trophies for the taking. It was a trap no ambitious pirate could resist.
Naturally, the place had turned into a bloodbath. Greedy fools had rushed in droves, though most were nothing more than rabble.
The real threat came from the New World pirates—those who mattered.
The pirates of Hive Island had mobilized entirely. Part of them followed Rocks D. Xebec to God Valley. The rest, with Shiki's help, scattered across the seas to draw Marine forces away.
It worked too well.
Marine HQ was left practically hollow. The only line of defense left at God Valley were the God Knights, the elite force loyal to the Celestial Dragons—barely strong enough to hold the line.
As for stopping Rocks?
Kong knew it was nearly impossible. Unless the Five Elders personally intervened—which they never would. Those five old men only cared about two things:
One was a legendary myth of unclear truth.
The other—balance across the seas.
Kong's original plan had been to muster all of Marine HQ and ride out once the World Government called for help, joining forces for an all-out battle against Rocks.
The hope was to make the Celestial Dragons pay a price, and at the same time bury half the Rocks Pirates in one fell swoop.
But plans never keep up with reality.
The intelligence leak forced Rocks' hand. Hive Island unleashed its full power. What was supposed to be a medium-scale operation had now become a world-shaking war.
New World pirates fanned out across the four seas. It now took Marine Admirals or higher to deal with each one.
Had things not gotten this desperate, Kong wouldn't have swallowed his pride to ask Ross for help.
"Mr. Ross, this is urgent! I've just received word—the Roger Pirates have also joined the fray at God Valley!"
"Garp alone won't be enough. Name your price—anything you want!"
Kong's voice was tense. If not for his responsibility to oversee Marine HQ directly, the Five Elders would've already forced him to the front lines instead of sending Garp alone.
To the Five Elders, maintaining the balance of power through Marine Headquarters was far more important than the God Valley incident.
Fleet Admiral Kong had no idea what secret cards the Five Elders were holding, but he was certain of one thing—Garp must not fall there.
With Ross's Devil Fruit powers, only Big Mom and Shiki posed any real threat to him. On a battlefield, Ross could move freely, and with his support, even if Garp couldn't win, he would at least survive.
"Fleet Admiral Kong, I know you care about Garp," Ross said calmly, "but look at the situation. If I leave, who will protect my family?"
He wasn't being heartless—he and Garp were close. But when it came to family, there was no comparison.
"This isn't about compensation," Ross continued. "While I still hold any goodwill toward the Marines, please—stop disturbing me."
And with that, he hung up on the Den Den Mushi, giving Kong no chance to argue further.
Ross exhaled, his expression softening again.
Only a fool would wade into a battle of that scale. At best, he could maybe keep minor threats like Wang Zhi or Silver Axe at bay—but if one of the flying monsters like Shiki came after him, survival wasn't even guaranteed.
He was keenly aware of his own limits. Ever since becoming a father, he'd grown much more cautious.
If he were still alone, he might've gambled everything to steal the Mythical Zoan: Fish-Fish Fruit, Azure Dragon form—then fed it to Bullet to make him his top enforcer.
But reality and dreams were worlds apart.
So even with Kong calling nonstop these past few days, offering better terms each time, Ross remained unmoved.
He was thirty now—it was time to set aside youthful recklessness and focus on raising the next generation.
Besides, it wasn't like he lacked top-tier Devil Fruits. Right now, a Logia-type Rumble-Rumble Fruit from Sky Island was lying forgotten in his private vault, collecting dust, waiting for the right heir.
Risking his life?
That was for younger men.
"Da... da...!"
The infant in his arms babbled, trying to form the word "Dad." It was one of the only sounds he could make yet, but it filled Ross with joy.
His genes were strong, and his children were already showing extraordinary talent. Mona, his older daughter, was a perfect example—at two years old, she could already throw a bomb like a pro.
"Daddy's here, Daddy's here. Come, let me tell you a story, little Walter."
"Once upon a time, there was an adventurer named Rolando who sailed to an island full of tiny little people…"
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Sea Circle Calendar Year 1484
The God Valley Incident had officially begun. The battle that shook the world lasted for an entire week.
In the end, it ended mysteriously—with Garp hailed as a hero on the front page of the news—but no one truly knew what had happened.
What the world did know was this: the once-mighty Rocks Pirates had completely disbanded.
Golden Lion Shiki fled to the first half of the Grand Line to develop his own power.
Charlotte Linlin (Big Mom) vanished without a trace, taking Streusen and Kaido with her.
Wang Zhi, Silver Axe, and Captain John divided up the remnants of the Rocks legacy.
Wang Zhi and Silver Axe took control of Hive Island.
Captain John escaped with treasure, leaving only rumors in his wake.
The Kurozumi siblings returned to Wano Country.
Gloriosa disappeared into the Calm Belt.
And the legendary pirate Whitebeard returned to his homeland, planning to visit the East Blue.
With the fall of "Rocks," the chains that had bound so many legendary figures were finally broken. One by one, they began walking their own paths.
As for the name "Rocks"? Within a few days, it had vanished from the seas, preserved only in the memories of those who knew him.
According to scattered intelligence, the true spark behind the God Valley incident was a woman named Ginny. If not for her involvement, characters like Whitebeard and Shiki might never have known what it was they were actually after.
Had that been the case… perhaps Rocks D. Xebec wouldn't have been so thoroughly betrayed.