After leaving Water First Star Island, the crew of the Oro Jackson no longer carried the wide-eyed confusion of first reaching a destination. Their eyes now sparkled with the thirst for secrets—the uncharted mysteries that lay in wait at the edges of the world.
A renewed vitality seemed to pulse through every plank of the ship. The sun reflected off the golden horizon, bathing the deck in a warm, encouraging glow. For the first time since leaving the calm waters of the first islands, the crew felt the thrill of anticipation, of destiny waiting just beyond the next wave.
Newcomers like Nozdon and Ellio had grown restless with basic drills. Their physical training had become too mundane. They now pestered Jabba and Rayleigh for advanced combat techniques, eager to learn every trick that could grant them an edge in the dangerous seas. Even the ship's cook had joined the craze, obsessively experimenting with "treasure hunt bentos that bring luck," though the taste of his creations remained… difficult to describe.
Kyle, as always, did not pause in his self-improvement. The battle with Whitebeard had revealed the terrifying might of pure Haki and raw strength. The clash with Golden Lion Shiki had demonstrated the overwhelming power of a top-tier Devil Fruit ability in turning the tide of battle.
Haki… Devil Fruit… why choose when you can master both? Kyle thought, gripping his black-gold naginata tighter. I want it all, every edge in this world.
Yet, amid the calm and productive atmosphere, an unexpected disruption arrived one morning.
The flap of wings, sharp and insistent, heralded a familiar visitor.
"It's the newspaper! Today's edition is here!" a voice rang out.
Ellio practically lunged at the seagull, snatching the newspaper from its foot with gleeful urgency. The newcomers had come to anticipate this daily ritual like a treasured festival—news from the world beyond their floating home.
But as Ellio unfolded the paper, his smile froze. His eyes widened, pupils shrinking in disbelief.
"This… how is this possible?" he whispered, his voice catching the attention of those nearby.
Nozdon, ever the fool, leaned over. "What is it? Did the World Government surrender and offer our Captain the crown of the world?" His joke, though intended to lighten the mood, fell flat.
When the crew glimpsed the headlines, a heavy silence swept across the deck. The chaotic noise of preparation and chatter died instantly. Every eye fixed on the front page.
The headline screamed in bold letters, designed to terrify and shock:
Rocks D. Xebec, the Tyrant of the Seas, Gains More Demonic Wings!
"Whitebeard" Edward Newgate, "Golden Lion" Shiki, "Wang Zhi"… Numerous Legendary Great Pirates Announce Their Joining of the Rocks Pirates!
Below the headline was a grainy photograph of a towering figure, shrouded in shadows. The outline suggested a monstrous presence—the very essence of intimidation. That was Rocks D. Xebec.
Surrounding him were familiar faces, each infamous and awe-inspiring: Whitebeard's crescent emblematic presence, Shiki's golden mane gleaming like fire, and other notorious pirates whose faces were often only glimpsed in black market bounties—Silver Axe, Captain John… The sight was enough to make the bravest sailor's blood run cold.
The newspaper spared no effort in painting Rocks as an embodiment of pure evil, a merciless tyrant bent on overthrowing the World Government. His pirate crew was described as "the most dangerous terrorist organization in human history," and readers were warned that a dark era of unprecedented chaos was imminent.
Jabba's massive hands clenched the haft of his battle-axe as he read aloud. "Newgate… Shiki… and all of them under someone else's command?" His voice was low, tight with disbelief.
"How could they… voluntarily submit?" Ellio muttered, wide-eyed.
The crew discussed animatedly, hushed tones carrying over the deck. Each name represented a colossal power, a legendary dominator of a sea region. To see all these forces united under one banner was suffocating even to think about.
Kyle stood a few paces away, arms crossed, yet his mind churned with sardonic complaints.
Journalism at its finest! he thought. If those guys actually listen to Xebec, I'll eat my hat.
Newgate, Big Mom, Kaido, Shiki… all gathered like trophies under one captain. Rocks is the ultimate lounge champion!
But beneath his teasing thoughts, Kyle's mind was sharpening. A confrontation with Rocks D. Xebec was not just a possibility—it was inevitable.
Rayleigh, standing quietly beside him, had also absorbed the news. "The seas are about to become… very lively," he murmured, tone serious. "To bring those unruly giants to heel, Xebec must be an absolute force."
Kyle nodded. There was no doubt. Rocks' strength had been enough to force legendary figures to act under his banner. He was not merely ambitious; he was a tyrant, capable of enforcing order—or fear—on the most chaotic seas.
Then, breaking through the heavy tension, a hearty, rolling laugh echoed across the deck.
"Kuhahaha! Interesting!"
Roger emerged from the cabin, completely unperturbed by the news. His face was alight, not with worry, but with the thrill of meeting a worthy challenge.
Ellio tilted his head, confused. "Captain?"
Roger's eyes sparkled as he surveyed the crew. "Why the long faces? Isn't this marvelous?" He laughed again, louder this time, a booming sound that carried across the waves. "All those terrifying pirates… gathered together. It saves us the trouble of chasing them individually. Now, they come to us!"
He tilted his head back and took a long swig of sake, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. His gaze swept the horizon, fiery with anticipation.
"That fellow named Rocks wants to be King of the World?" Roger mused, eyes narrowing with excitement. "Ha! Even bigger mouth than Shiki! Good! I love it!"
The crew could feel the confidence and heroic spirit radiating from their Captain. Any gloom or fear evaporated instantly.
Yes, what was there to fear? They were the Roger Pirates—sailors following the freest man in the world.
"That's right!" Jabba slammed his battle-axe onto the deck with a dull, thunderous thud. "If Rocks dares stand in our way, we'll cut him down ourselves!"
"Oh oh oh!" the crew roared in unison, their enthusiasm reignited. The unease and shock melted into fierce fighting spirit.
Rayleigh's expression, however, remained grave. "Keep in mind," he said, "the Rocks Pirates' base is Hachinosu, a Pirate Island, lawless and chaotic. With such immense power assembled, they will not simply throw banquets and rest. The World Government will surely have its hands full."
Kyle's heart skipped. He thought of the God Valley Incident, a battle that had determined the rise and fall of many legendary figures, Rocks among them. This new coalition was shaping into a storm that could shake the world.
The newspaper had confirmed it. Rocks aimed for the Celestial Dragons, the pinnacle of authority, and by extension, the World Government itself. To challenge such a force required courage, skill, and cunning beyond measure.
Kyle's eyes narrowed. "Rayleigh-san," he said quietly, yet with precision that carried across the deck, "shouldn't we prepare some… special 'dishes' for this upcoming 'feast'?"
Rayleigh grinned knowingly, reading the undiluted fighting spirit in the young man's gaze. "Ah, sou desu ne. Very wise."
Roger clapped Kyle on the back with such force the boy staggered. "Kuhahaha! Well said, Kyle! Let the whole world see who the freest man on these seas truly is!"
The wind picked up, whipping through the sails and carrying the scent of adventure, danger, and glory. The Oro Jackson crested the waves like a living beast, every plank alive with the crew's renewed energy.
A storm was coming, but they did not fear it. They were the Roger Pirates, and the sea was theirs to command.
Ãdvåñçé çhàptêr àvàilàble óñ pàtreøn (Gk31)