Hachinosu Island.
Seven years had passed since the Rocks Pirates vanished, yet Pirate Island remained Pirate Island. Pirates neither looked back at the past nor forward to the future; they simply lived for the present. Food, wine, and women were abundant on Hachinosu Island, making it a paradise for pirates.
Unlike Rocks back then, Wang Zhi valued order on the island. Of course, this "order" merely meant absolute obedience to his commands. However, order was better than chaos, and the pirates on this island lived good lives. Moreover, after a round of battles with the Flying Pirates and successfully reaching an agreement with Golden Lion Shiki, Wang Zhi's prestige on Hachinosu Island had soared once more. To fight the Golden Lion and retreat unscathed was an impressive feat. On this island, no one dared to defy him.
Yet, at this moment, the ruler of Hachinosu Island was troubled. "Where in the world did that brat go?"
Inside the newly rebuilt Skull Building, Wang Zhi puffed on a cigarette, his brows deeply furrowed. A few days ago, Roa had appeared in Stussy's territory and stayed there for several days. But by the time Wang Zhi sent people over, Roa had already left. He regretted not getting Stussy's contact information; otherwise, it wouldn't be such a hassle now. He also blamed himself for underestimating Stussy back then. Who would have thought that one of the two people who hated Roa the most in the original Rocks Pirates was now connected to him?
Wang Zhi had a headache. Does that kid Roa really want to re-establish the Rocks Pirates? He heard that Roa had formed alliances with Kaido and Big Mom. During his negotiations with Shiki, that guy also revealed his good relationship with Roa, and now even Stussy was gathering around him. Rebuilding the Rocks Pirates didn't seem impossible! But that would be too much trouble for Wang Zhi. He had no intention of returning to the Rocks era. This New World didn't need a second Rocks. So he wanted to clearly confirm Roa's intentions.
But he couldn't find him. Where did that guy Roa go? Wang Zhi angrily slammed the table.
Just then, a knock came at the door.
"Come in!" Wang Zhi grumbled.
The door opened, and a flustered pirate rushed in. "Boss! Roa is here!"
"Hm?" Wang Zhi froze. Then he shot up. "You said who?"
On the sea not far from Hachinosu Island, a grand fleet composed of giant snails rumbled closer to the island. On the back of the leading giant snail, Roa gazed at the approaching island with a touch of nostalgia.
"Finally back!" Seeing the prominent Skull Building in the distance, Roa's lips curved into a smile. "Dylan, has it been seven years?"
"Boss, it's almost eight years," replied Dylan, who had left the island with Roa. He too had lived on this island for many years and felt a pang of sentimentality.
"I wonder if my dueling arena is still there," Roa said with a laugh. "Things have changed so much."
"Boss," Bullet said gruffly from behind him, "if you want it, we'll take this island for you."
"That's right," King nodded in agreement. "Just give the order!"
"No need," Roa shook his head, smiling. "What's worth remembering isn't this island, but the irreplaceable years of the past." Seriously, saying that makes me feel old. But that was the truth of it. Hachinosu Island back then was the most dangerous island in the world, a den for the most terrifying monsters. But now, it was just the stronghold of a great pirate. Roa missed the old Rocks Pirates, not this unremarkable island.
"Let's go. Time to see that uncle and hear his profound insights." Roa stretched lazily. "If he doesn't satisfy me, I might just lose my temper." After training for a few days at Stussy's, it was time to find some fun.
The snail fleet's approach was truly imposing. On the coast of Hachinosu Island, pirates had already noticed their arrival.
"Is that... Germa's snail fleet?"
"Germa Kingdom is Roa's territory now, isn't it?"
"That means Roa is here!"
"Roa, the Disaster, is here!"
"Is Lord Roa back? Hahahaha! He's finally back!"
The coast instantly erupted. The news spread like a hurricane across the entire island. A massive tide of pirates surged forward, eager to see the true face of Roa, the fourth-highest bounty pirate in the world!
So, as the snail fleet gradually approached the shore, Roa saw a sea of people. "Oh, are they all here to welcome me? Even after so many years, I'm still so popular!" Roa folded his arms, nodding repeatedly, a look on his face that seemed to say, "I just can't help my charm."
Dylan behind him had a faint smile. Boss was indeed the most attention-grabbing young executive of the Rocks Pirates back then. However, his reputation among the pirates of Hachinosu Island, outside the Rocks Pirates, wasn't so good. After all, he practically demanded extra meals every day.
After finally getting a clear look at Roa, the pirates began to chatter amongst themselves.
"Is that Roa? He looks even younger than on his wanted poster!"
"Of course! He was only five when he joined the Rocks Pirates!"
"He doesn't look like much, though. Does he really deserve a three billion bounty?"
"Well, why don't you go try him?"
"Uh..."
"Lord Roa! You're finally back! Back to your loyal Hachinosu Island! As the successor to Captain Rocks, you're the one most qualified to rule here!"
Oh, are there still remnants of the Rocks era pirates around?They're quite resilient. The average lifespan of a fodder pirate in the New World wasn't exactly long.
However, "Hahahaha! Roa! How long has it been since we last met!" A well-dressed man descended from the sky, landing directly on the shore. Coincidentally, the pirate who had just been spouting nonsense was directly stomped into the ground.
Roa's lips curved. "We haven't met since God Valley, have we, Uncle Wang Zhi? The sight of us fighting side-by-side that night is still vivid in my mind!"
Wang Zhi's broad smile instantly stiffened. Fighting side-by-side? Is he rewriting history? Didn't that damned brat run off as fast as he could after getting two treasures? Leaving the rest of us to be chased relentlessly by the Five Elders! The thought of the Five Elders still sent shivers down Wang Zhi's spine. Who would have thought that the world's highest authority would possess such extraordinary power, and even more unreasonably, they were immortal! If he hadn't run fast enough, he probably wouldn't have made it back seven years ago. Wang Zhi glanced at one of the two swords hanging at Roa's waist; one of those treasures was right there. That stinking brat. Aside from him and Kaido, everyone else returned empty-handed. Oh no, not everyone returned empty-handed; Rocks never returned, did he?
"Let's go, Roa," Wang Zhi's smile remained unchanged. "You haven't been back for over seven years. Don't you want to revisit old haunts? The island has changed quite a bit. I'll be your tour guide."
"Alright," Roa nodded readily.
And so, they revisited old haunts.
"I remember this used to be the grand bathhouse," Roa said, standing outside a tavern, somewhat nostalgic. "The Captain even took me to bathe here. That bastard was too much, flirting with several blond women in front of me, a child."
"That bastard Golden Lion threw a ship here, and the grand bathhouse became a cesspool," Wang Zhi said with a laugh. "During reconstruction, due to funding issues, this land was sold to a group of pirates."
Roa looked at Wang Zhi with a hint of surprise. Shouldn't a pirate facing funding problems first consider how to make his problem someone else's problem?
"Let's go. Your arena is still preserved." Wang Zhi led the way. "When that bastard Golden Lion launched his attack, he even avoided that place."
"So gentle, Uncle Shiki," Roa replied with a grin. "I could just cry."
Soon, the familiar arena appeared before Roa.
"Woah!" Roa couldn't help but feel a touch of emotion. "It's almost exactly as it was when I left seven years ago. Uncle Wang Zhi, you have a heart." The building was well-preserved, as if it had been regularly cleaned.
Wang Zhi merely smiled. He had indeed ordered the building to be cleaned daily after he took control of Hachinosu Island. But the reason for it was now unmentionable. Could Roa really accept his recruitment now?
Looking at the arena before him, Roa was filled with endless sentiment. I wanted to buy osmanthus and drink wine with friends, but it's not like the youth's travels anymore. Back then, he didn't have to think about anything, just enjoy the black aura every day and play the game of hunting pirates on the island with Katakuri. How happy he was then. Now—Uh, wait, actually, now I also enjoy the black aura every day and don't have to think about anything, and I don't even have to play boring games. Thinking this, all sentimentality vanished. That's right, only failures constantly look back at the past.
"Roa, Hachinosu Island welcomes your return," Wang Zhi said, standing beside Roa with folded arms. "You will always be Hachinosu Island's most honored guest."
Guest? Roa smiled. Very cautious, Uncle Wang Zhi.
"Don't worry, I won't be staying in one place, Uncle Wang Zhi," Roa said casually. Otherwise, the World Government might attack at any time.
"Is that so?" Wang Zhi dropped his pretense and instantly broke into a bright smile. "That's great. When you showed up in the nearby waters, you scared the hell out of me. I thought you were back after the Golden Lion."
"Uncle Shiki and I are different. I have no interest in ruling or conquering," Roa said, blinking. "Besides, weren't you looking for me? I thought you had something to tell me, that's why I came."
"What?" Wang Zhi was momentarily stunned. Then, the two looked at each other and smiled.
Bullet, who was behind Roa, sighed regretfully. He had thought they could reclaim this island where Boss grew up. But it turned out to be so harmonious?
Only Dylan maintained his smile. Wang Zhi originally had no conflict with Boss and had taken good care of him when he was young. Moreover, this man had some ambition, but not too much, and his personality wasn't as domineering as the Golden Lion's. It would be strange if they actually fought.
"Speaking of which, Uncle Wang Zhi, you should be thanking me," Roa said, still smiling.
Wang Zhi said, somewhat surprised, "Hm? Why so? I don't recall owing you any favors, brat."
"Weapons," Roa blinked. "If it weren't for the weapons I sold you, your war with Uncle Shiki would have been even harder, wouldn't it?"
"What?" Wang Zhi was instantly shocked. "Roa, were those weapons sold to me by you, brat?" The role those weapons played was indeed crucial. His war with the Flying Pirates wasn't just about his fierce battle with the Golden Lion; it also involved a protracted war of attrition between their lower-tier forces, using various islands as strongholds. Thinking of this, Wang Zhi's expression suddenly became a little strange. This kid's relationship with the Golden Lion was far better than his relationship with himself. That's right, it's Roa. He's the kind of person who would do something like that.
"How was it? Pretty good, right?" Roa said with a smile.
"Indeed." Wang Zhi nodded in deep agreement. Those weapons were indeed very useful. To be honest, even if he and Silver Axe combined, they were still at a disadvantage against the Golden Lion. One reason the Golden Lion was finally forced to agree to peace talks, besides Patrick Redfield's persistent attacks on his rear, was the overwhelming firepower advantage of their lower-tier forces.
"So, Uncle Wang Zhi," Roa's lips curved upward. "Want more weapons? I even have Seastone weapons."
"Oh?" Wang Zhi's eyes lit up slightly. "You still have stock, brat?"
"However, those higher-grade weapons are not for external sale," Roa said cheerfully. "Uncle Wang Zhi, do you want to join my alliance? Big Brother Kaido and Auntie Big Mom have both joined. Once you join, we'll become family."
Since he was already here, he might as well invite him. Wang Zhi was also a very powerful expert, and his influence was considerable, making him fully qualified to join the alliance.
"Roa," Wang Zhi's expression instantly turned cold. "I thought my meaning was already very clear to you."
"Don't misunderstand," Roa waved his hands repeatedly. "Do you think Big Brother Kaido and Auntie Big Mom are people who would willingly be subservient?"
Wang Zhi paused slightly.
"Our alliance adheres to the principle of non-interference. All members will not interfere with your actions; we only assist each other at critical moments," Roa said. "For example, in your previous war with Uncle Shiki, we could have helped you."
Wang Zhi narrowed his eyes. This sounded pretty good. Non-interference, mutual assistance.
"I can agree," Wang Zhi suddenly smiled brightly. "But before that, Roa, I need to confirm whether you have the ability to assist me!"
"Ah," Roa sighed helplessly. "I thought this was going to be a pleasant family visit. But it still came to this?" He still had to fight.
He nodded. "Alright, I accept your challenge."
"Challenge?" Wang Zhi frowned. Only the weak challenge the strong, right?
Roa nodded matter-of-factly. "Uncle Wang Zhi, now, you are the challenger!"
Do you understand the value of a three billion bounty?