After leaving Lodestar Island, the crew's eyes no longer held the confusion that comes after reaching a destination. Instead, they burned with desire to uncover the world's greatest secret.
The deck of the Oro Jackson buzzed with renewed energy.
Newcomers like Nozdon and Erio were no longer satisfied with basic physical training. They constantly pestered Gaban and Rayleigh for advanced combat techniques. Even the ship's cook was researching how to make "lucky treasure-hunting lunch boxes," though the taste... let's just say it left much to be desired.
Kyle hadn't been standing still either. His battle with Whitebeard had shown him the terrifying power of pure Haki and strength. His fight with Golden Lion had made him realize how crucial top-tier Devil Fruit abilities could be in turning the tide of battle.
Why choose when you could have it all? Kyle wanted both – Haki and Devil Fruit powers!
However, this peaceful yet driven atmosphere was shattered one morning by the wings of a news-delivering seagull.
"It's the news! Today's paper is here!"
Erio excitedly grabbed the newspaper from the seagull's leg – this had become the newcomers' most anticipated daily entertainment.
But when he unfolded the paper and saw the shocking headline on the front page, his smile froze instantly.
"This... how is this possible..." his voice carried pure shock, drawing the attention of his nearby companions.
"What's wrong, Erio? Did the World Government announce its surrender and invite our captain to become king of the world?" Nozdon leaned over with a joke that wasn't particularly funny.
When he saw the newspaper's contents, he too froze in place.
The commotion on deck gradually died down as everyone gathered around, all eyes focused on that thin sheet of paper.
The front-page headline was printed in the largest font possible, filled with sensationalism and fear:
[Sea Tyrant Rocks D. Xebec Adds New Demon Wings! "Whitebeard" Edward Newgate, "Golden Lion" Shiki, "Big Mom"... Multiple Legendary Pirates Announce Joining the Rocks Pirates!]
Below the headline was a massive photograph. At its center was a figure shrouded in shadow, showing only a vague and menacing silhouette – that was Rocks.
And beneath Rocks' photo, one famous face after another was clearly displayed. The iconic crescent-shaped mustache of Whitebeard, the wild mane-like golden hair, and many other faces that could only be seen on black market bounty posters – notorious figures like "Silver Axe" and "Captain John"...
The newspaper's main article went all out with sensationalism, portraying Rocks D. Xebec as a satanic incarnation of evil, brutality, and ambition, claiming he intended to overthrow the World Government and become "King of the World."
The article described his pirate crew as "the most evil terrorist organization in human history" and warned the entire world that an unprecedented age of darkness was about to begin.
"Newgate... and that lion-head... they all joined under someone else?" Gaban's voice was low as he gripped his battle axe tightly.
"You've got to be kidding... each of these people is a monster who could dominate their own territory!"
"How could they... how could they be willing to serve under someone else?"
The crew members discussed among themselves. Each of these names represented the pinnacle of a sea region, yet now they were all gathered under one pirate crew – just thinking about it was suffocating.
Kyle crossed his arms, looking at the newspaper while internally going crazy with commentary.
The power of journalism at work! As if those rebellious bastards would obediently listen to Rocks – I'll eat my hat!
Oh please~ Newgate, Big Mom, Kaido, Shiki... they got the MVP treatment! Rocks is just coasting on their reputation!
Give me a break! After the God Valley incident, they all scattered with barely a scratch, while only Rocks bit the dust. So you're telling me you were all just slacking off the whole time?
"Looks like the seas are about to become more lively than ever before," Rayleigh said, appearing beside Kyle at some point.
"To make those unruly guys temporarily bow their heads, this man called Rocks must be a real monster."
Kyle nodded. Rocks' strength was indeed unquestionable – otherwise, it wouldn't have taken both Roger and Garp working together to defeat him.
He was a pure, ambitious man and a tyrant who could use absolute force to suppress all the troublemakers on his ship.
Just then, a hearty laugh broke through the heavy atmosphere on deck.
"Gu ha ha ha! How interesting!"
Roger emerged from the cabin, his face showing not the slightest worry but instead radiating the excitement of meeting a worthy opponent.
"Captain?" Erio looked at him in confusion.
"What's with those expressions?" Roger looked around at his crew's various reactions and grinned. "Isn't this perfect? Saves us the trouble of hunting them down one by one. Now they've gathered themselves together – how convenient!"
He threw his head back and took a big gulp of alcohol, wiping the drops from the corner of his mouth with his thumb, his burning gaze fixed on the distant, ever-changing sea.
"Want to become King of the World? This Rocks guy has an even bigger mouth than Shiki!" Flames burned in Roger's eyes.
That confidence and heroic spirit emanating from his very bones instantly dispelled the gloom hanging over everyone's hearts.
That's right – what did they have to fear?
They were the crew of Gol D. Roger!
"Exactly!" Gaban slammed his battle axe heavily onto the deck with a resounding "thud." "I don't care what Rocks he is – if he dares stand in our way, we'll cut him down!"
"Yeah!" The crew's enthusiasm was reignited, their anxiety and shock transforming into soaring battle spirit.
"However," Rayleigh's expression grew serious again.
"The Rocks Pirates' base is on Pirate Island Hachinosu, a lawless land where pirates gather – a real den of thieves. With such massive power assembled, they're definitely not just there to throw parties. The World Government is going to have a major headache."
Kyle's heart skipped a beat. That world-shaking "God Valley Incident" was the final battle that destroyed the Rocks Pirates.
And the spark that ignited that war was Rocks turning his sights on the Celestial Dragons.
The newspaper's claim that Rocks wanted to become "King of the World" was no empty rumor – his target was precisely the Celestial Dragons at the pinnacle of power and the World Government behind them.
Well, Rocks was quite the character.
And now, this "strongest pirate crew in history" had fully assembled. The legendary great battle wasn't far off.
If the end of the Grand Line was "Laugh Tale," then God Valley was the convergence point where all the era's strongest would meet their fate.
How could he miss such a stage?
"Rayleigh-san," Kyle suddenly spoke, his voice not loud but clearly reaching everyone's ears. "Shouldn't we also prepare some special 'dishes' for this upcoming 'feast'?"
Rayleigh looked at him and read the undisguised fighting spirit in the young man's eyes, and couldn't help but grin.
"Ah, sounds about right."
Roger laughed even louder, walking over and slapping Kyle on the back so hard it made him stumble.
"Gu ha ha ha! Well said, Kyle! Let the whole world see who's truly the freest person on these seas!"