Chapter 6 – The Battle Begins!
"Um?"
Rocks and his crew were so perceptive that the slightest movement immediately drew their attention. Ji Ge and the four companions peeking out from the alley were instantly spotted.
When they saw it was only a few children, the Rocks Pirates immediately lost interest.
Linlin chuckled softly."Well, it turns out they're just a few brats. Are these kids even worth capturing as prey?"
Rocks stroked his chin, glancing at Ji Ge with mild curiosity."That kid is interesting. He had fighting spirit just now. Do you still want to fight me after seeing my strength?"
Ji Ge wasn't paying attention to Rocks anymore. He clutched his chest, cursing under his breath."Damn, what's happening? Slow down!!"
Ivan and the others panicked at Ji Ge's condition, thinking he had fallen ill.
But Ji Ge didn't feel weak—in fact, he felt a surge of excitement. In short, he wanted nothing more than to grab a brick and smash it into Rocks.
His strength was unnaturally high. With one hand over his chest, his other hand gripped the eaves of a wall, snapping the edge with sheer force.
This was the first time he had experienced something like this. Ji Ge even thought:"Isn't this… my return to glory!?"
Rocks quickly lost interest and turned his attention away from Ji Ge. The Knights of God, led by Saint Jialin and Saint Satan, were already watching.
Rocks cracked his neck and casually said,"Newgate, why don't you show these Celestial Dragons a little welcome gift?"
A tall man with long blond hair stepped forward—Newgate. Clenching his right fist, a translucent halo formed around it before he swung forward with full power.
CRACK!
The sound was like glass shattering as cracks spread from Newgate's fist. The entire Valley of the Gods shook violently, and buildings crumbled in an instant.
This was the terrifying power of the Shock-Shock Fruit—and in the hands of a prime Newgate, its destructive potential was overwhelming.
The bear behind Ji Ge shielded him and his companions from the collapsing debris, but the earthquake had already warped the terrain. They were tossed aside and buried under rubble.
Meanwhile, at the palace, Saint Garin ordered the Knights of God to prioritize rescuing the Celestial Dragons.
Though Newgate's punch wasn't as strong as Rocks' earlier blow, it caused far greater chaos. Countless weak Celestial Dragons were crushed.
Saint Satan, who had been stalling for time, knew the Knights alone couldn't stop the Rocks Pirates, especially while saving the Celestial Dragons. He desperately awaited Marine reinforcements.
Finally, they arrived—led by Fleet Admiral Sora. Garp shouted:"Where's that guy Roger!?"
He had been on vacation and wouldn't have bothered if Sengoku hadn't told him Roger would appear.
Sengoku, still an Admiral, grabbed his arm."Forget Roger for now. Look—every Rocks Pirate is here. Today will be more troublesome than we thought."
Admiral Zephyr frowned as he surveyed the destruction."That attack was Newgate's ability? Terrifying..."
Rocks wasn't surprised at Marine's arrival. He smirked mockingly."As expected of the Celestial Dragons' dogs, here to protect their masters."
No one denied it. His words stung because they were true.
Hot-headed Garp sprang into action. His fists turned jet-black with Armament Haki as he vanished, reappearing above the Rocks crew.
He dove like a meteor, fist glowing with lethal power."Fist Bone: Meteor!!!"
Rocks calmly crossed his arms, not even looking up. Newgate leapt to intercept, his quake-imbued fists clashing with Garp midair.
BOOM!
The explosion shook the sky. Clouds over the Valley of the Gods were torn apart, sunlight flooding the battlefield as Rocks grinned widely.
Newgate and Garp landed back with their teams after the clash.
Nearby, rubble shifted as the bear dug himself out, revealing Ji Ge and his companions unharmed.
Ji Ge's eyes narrowed at the faces before him.
The battlefield was now set: the Rocks Pirates, Marines in front, Knights of God behind. Yet Rocks exuded confidence.
Ji Ge didn't think he was arrogant.
Though Rocks' strength wasn't fully shown in the original manga, Ji Ge had just seen it. A casual punch had forced Saint Satan to retreat, even while he shielded the Celestial Dragons—a sign of terrifying power.
And then there was his crew: the young Newgate, Linlin, Kaido, and the Golden Lion Shiki, still without his rudder scar. What a lineup!
Suddenly, more figures arrived—Saint Satan and the Knights of God, moving to support the Marines. Behind him, black-suited agents appeared in perfect formation.
Rocks didn't even flinch. Dropping his arms, he sneered,"You World Government scum dare steal from me? Today, I'll not only take back what's mine but also show everyone who really rules this world!"
Saint Satan stayed calm, his voice cold."The Celestial Dragons are the rulers of this world. Everything belongs to them. You're nothing but a filthy pirate."
Even Marines behind him scowled at the arrogance. Only the Knights of God seemed unbothered.
Rocks' face twisted in disgust."Enough! I'll wipe you Celestial Dragons off the map!"
Before battle erupted, Ji Ge had already pulled Ivan and the others, sprinting away. They weren't strong enough to even watch this fight.