Chapter 3 – The Rocks Pirates Are Approaching!
The sky had completely darkened, and all the Celestial Dragons outside had already returned to the palace to rest. From now on, if they continued to hunt slaves, it would be considered a violation, and their so-called "points" would be deducted.
After several days of relentless hunting, most of the 100,000 slaves brought to the Valley of the Gods were already dead, their lives turned into mere points for the Celestial Dragons' rewards.
Ji Ge and Xiong lay side by side on the ground, their hands tucked behind their heads as they gazed up at the bright moon. Ji Ge couldn't help but think that if he hadn't met Xiong and the others, he would have died long ago at the hands of the Celestial Dragons.
Although, for some reason, he didn't have a target symbol on his clothes, he wasn't naive enough to believe that this would protect him from the Dragons' cruelty.
Those scum wouldn't care in the slightest. Even if killing Ji Ge earned them no points, they wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger just for a bit of sport.
In this rare moment of peace, Ivan and the others chatted quietly. Ginny turned to Xiong with a soft smile and asked:
"Hey, Bear Boy, if we manage to escape, what would you want to do?"
Xiong answered without hesitation:"Of course, I'd want to live happily with everyone!"
Ginny chuckled."Haha, of course! But that's not what I meant. I'm asking… what's your dream?"
"My dream…" Xiong thought for a moment, his expression brightening. "I want to be someone like Nika! Someone who brings freedom to everyone!"
At the mention of Nika, Xiong's eyes sparkled with admiration, his face full of hope.
Ivan suddenly leapt to his feet, flashing a thumbs-up."What an amazing dream! Bear, I believe you'll make it come true!"
Xiong scratched his head in embarrassment, then glanced at Ji Ge, who had remained silent. Despite his naivety, Xiong was sensitive enough to sense that Ji Ge was different from the rest of them.
The three of them had endured many hardships, maturing far beyond their years, but they were still children, their innocence not yet completely lost.
Ji Ge, however, though even younger than them, often carried himself like a grown man.
It wasn't a mystery why. Having grown up as an orphan on Blue Star for over 20 years, Ji Ge had experienced the warmth and coldness of life firsthand. Survival had forced maturity upon him, and without it, he likely wouldn't have lasted this long.
Thanks to the help of his orphanage's director and some kind strangers, he had made it to university, though not without countless struggles—struggles only he truly understood.
This hard-earned maturity made him stand out among the group. To Xiong, Ji Ge had already become a pillar of strength, someone to rely on.
When the topic of dreams came up, Xiong looked to Ji Ge, longing for his approval.
Noticing Xiong's gaze, Ji Ge's expression softened. A rare smile formed on his lips as he nodded."Go for it, Xiong. I'm sure your dream will come true. You'll be even greater than Nika. You're already better than him."
Xiong's eyes widened in surprise. Praise from Ji Ge left him momentarily flustered. Ivan and Ginny, too, stared in shock.
"What about you, Ji Ge?" Ivan finally asked. "What's your dream?"
Ji Ge turned his head and answered calmly:"I don't really have one. If I had to say, I just want to become stronger. Strength is everything."
Ivan frowned, unsatisfied."Then what would you do once you get that strength?"
"There's plenty I'd like to do," Ji Ge replied. "I'd help Xiong achieve his dream. Yours and Ginny's too. But if your dream is to make the world into another version of yourself… forget it."
"Ah, Ji Ge-chan, that's so cruel! You're breaking my heart!" Ivan said dramatically.
But deep down, he was touched by Ji Ge's sincerity. Xiong and Ginny felt the same. Tears welled in their eyes, and for the first time, they called him:
"Brother Ji Ge!"
A faint smile tugged at Ji Ge's lips. He meant every word he'd said; it wasn't empty talk. Having been alone for so long, his bond with these three meant everything to him. He had no desire to taint it with insincerity.
Their relationship had grown closer that night, just one step away from forming a sworn brotherhood.
Eventually, the exhausted group drifted off to sleep, Ji Ge, Ivan, and Ginny resting against Xiong's broad frame. Before closing his eyes, Ji Ge murmured:
"Remember, if anyone finds a Devil Fruit, don't hesitate—eat it! Even just a bite is enough, understand?"
The three of them nodded seriously."We understand, Brother Ji Ge!"
"Good. Now sleep. We need to rest well. Tomorrow, we continue escaping."
"Mm!"
Far away, in the dark waters near the Valley of the Gods, several enormous ships sliced through the waves like moving thunderclouds.
Each ship flew a black flag adorned with a skull—a symbol that struck fear into the hearts of all who saw it. This was no ordinary crew.
This was the infamous Rocks Pirates.
In the grand cabin of the largest ship, the core members of the Rocks Pirates were gathered. Among them were legends in the making: Whitebeard, Big Mom, and a young Kaido.
Though Kaido's status wasn't yet equal to Whitebeard or Big Mom's, his talent was undeniable, and his mysterious connection with Big Mom earned him a place among these monsters.
Each one of these pirates was powerful enough to rule on their own. Yet none of them were the center of attention tonight.
All eyes were fixed on the man seated on the throne at the head of the cabin.
He was a towering figure with wild black hair cascading over his shoulders and a rugged, fearsome face. Draped in a dark cloak, his mere presence radiated a crushing aura that made the air feel heavy.
This man was none other than Rocks D. Xebec, captain of the Rocks Pirates.
At that moment, Rocks raised a massive barrel of wine, draining it in a single gulp before slamming it onto the floor with a deafening boom.
"Damn the World Government!" he roared. "This time, I'll settle every score—old and new!"
A surge of overwhelming Conqueror's Haki burst from him, filling the cabin with purple-black lightning. The sheer force made the walls tremble.
Not long ago, undercover agents sent by the World Government had infiltrated his crew and stolen his treasured hoard while many of his men were away. That betrayal had sent Rocks into a rage unlike any other.
Now, vengeance was inevitable.