"Huuhhh… Hahhh…"
Arthur's breathing was heavy. Even with a mission ahead, his daily training never ceased. His regimen was relentless.
And as if spurred on by Arthur's drive, Kaido's training was just as brutal.
The sheer intensity of their routines left Shiki's one hundred elite subordinates in awe. These men were already considered the Rocks Pirates' finest, hardened by vicious training and rewarded with mountains of treasure. They were used to cruelty and discipline.
But compared to these two maniacs—Arthur and Kaido—even they felt dwarfed.
Six days passed. The Lionhead drew ever closer to the Marines' G-1 Branch. For those six days, Shiki's men had grown numb to the sight. No matter how insane the training had been the day before, the next morning Arthur and Kaido were back at it, fresh and fierce as ever.
Arthur relied on his Red Dragon bloodline.
Kaido, on the other hand, was driven purely by the terrifying potential of his beastly lineage.
"Arthur, brat!"
"Kaido, brat!"
Shiki finally cut them off, his voice commanding. "Enough! We're almost at G-1. Save your strength. I don't want you collapsing in battle from overtraining."
Arthur exhaled, sitting down calmly without complaint. Kaido simply flopped onto the deck.
Two hours later, Arthur had already recovered and was bursting with energy again—even faster than Kaido.
Watching them, Shiki clicked his tongue. As a senior officer of the Rocks Pirates, he was used to monsters—himself, Wang Zhi, John, Silver Axe, even Edward Newgate. Each was extraordinary. But compared to Charlotte Linlin's freakish natural gifts, they were still a step behind.
And compared to these two boys—Arthur and Kaido—it was almost laughable. Their innate physiques were simply beyond compare.
Still, Shiki let the thought pass. He slowly rose into the air, carried by his Devil Fruit power.
"Jihahahahaha~~~"
"You brats! There it is—the Marines' G-1 Branch! Level it completely!"
"ROAR!"
The pirates howled in unison, their voices shaking the skies. Cannons swung into position. The Lionhead unleashed a barrage of thirty shells in a single volley, screaming through the air.
Boom! Boom!
No hesitation. No warning. Just sheer destruction raining down.
"Lion's Might: Ocean Roll!"
Shiki spread his hand wide. Instantly the sea churned, towering waves rising in the shape of massive lion heads that descended from the sky, crashing toward the base.
Arthur watched Shiki's casual display and thought quietly: So he's even coating them with Armament Haki… impressive. No wonder the old, sickly Shiki decades later was so much weaker. Compared to this prime, that old lion is nothing but disgrace.
"Shiki! You bastard, I've been waiting for this!"
The roar came from the base. Shiki only grinned. "Purple-hair! I knew you damn Marines would be ready for us."
The spies they had tried to plant in the Rocks Pirates must have left behind vivre cards. Once those burned, they knew the Rocks crew would retaliate. And what better target than the Marines' fortress in the New World—their foothold, the symbol of their strength: the G-1 Branch.
Sure enough—
A man shot skyward. Purple-haired, wearing dark shades, clad in a Marine suit with a justice cloak billowing behind him.
"Black Arm—Rankyaku!"
Crack! Crack!
Though it was the same Rokushiki technique, the Rankyaku unleashed from his body were pitch black, each one infused with crushing force. In moments, they shredded every one of Shiki's tidal lion heads.
Tap! Tap!
Using Geppo to hover in midair, the man's lips twisted into a grim grin. "Old Lion! It really is you. This time, I've caught a big one. Come quietly—Impel Down awaits!"
"Jihahahahaha~~~"
Shiki threw his head back, laughing like a beast. "Purple-hair, don't insult me! You think you can take me alone? Even if you brought Garp and Sengoku with you, I'd slaughter the lot of you today!"
"Hmph!"
The Marine scoffed, his presence oppressive. "Don't be ridiculous. For you, Shiki, I alone am enough. I don't need anyone's help."
This was Black Arm Zephyr.
Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral.
Candidate for Admiral.
Known as one of the "Monster Vice Admirals," his power was fearsome.
Just as Sengoku had Edward Newgate, just as Garp had Gol D. Roger—Zephyr's eternal rival was the Golden Lion himself.
"Oh?"
Arthur leaned against the railing with a smirk. "Shiki! A Monster Vice Admiral of the Marines—such a monster. You won't lose to him, will you?"
"Jihahahahaha~~~"
Shiki roared with glee at the jab. "Brat! Even if you lose, I never will. Worry about yourself, not me!"
Arthur shrugged. "Well, it's clear the Marines came prepared. The only question now is—how many elites did this Monster Vice Admiral bring with him?"
Arthur's eyes drifted past Zephyr toward the G-1 fortress.
And right then—
A torrent of sword energy surged skyward, slashing through the air, cleaving every incoming cannonball in half.