Six years later, in the Solbei Kingdom's church,
Xiong, now over five meters tall, sat like a mountain in the center of the church. Before him, elderly villagers lined up patiently, seeking healing for their ailments.
With the power of the Paw-Paw Fruit, Xiong had become a beloved priest in the kingdom, known for treating those too poor to afford medical care.
On a wooden bench, a young man and woman sat quietly. The man read a black-covered Bible with full concentration, while the woman rested her chin in her hand, staring at him with curiosity.
They were Ji Ge and Ginny—six years older than when their journey began.
Ginny had blossomed into a striking young woman, her slim figure complemented by short pink hair, a white vest, and dark denim shorts. Simple clothes, yet her youth and beauty shone through.
She pouted and said playfully,"Brother Ji Ge, is that book really so fascinating? You haven't even looked at me! Am I not pretty enough?"
Ji Ge glanced up, smiled, and ruffled her hair."When did our beautiful Ginny become so insecure? The stack of love letters sent to this church is nearly as tall as Xiong."
"Hmph! I don't care about those people! They're like annoying flies!" she huffed.
At that moment, Xiong finished his work and escorted the last of the elderly out, leaving behind a massive, transparent red "paw bubble."
Ji Ge closed his Bible and stood, towering over Ginny. At fifteen, he was already nearly two meters tall, dwarfing Ginny despite her being older. He wore a long white coat with a black cross on the chest—the inverse of Xiong's attire during his future Shichibukai days. His messy black hair framed a sharp face, and his eyes, dark as black holes, seemed bottomless.
Gazing at the massive paw bubble, Ji Ge murmured,"Time for the priest to get to work."
He tapped his Bible, and the black cover writhed as if alive. A swirl of darkness emerged, forming a small tornado that rushed toward the bubble. When the shadows cleared, an ugly middle-aged man in a tattered royal outfit collapsed on the ground, wearing a crooked crown.
"King Beckley?!" Ginny gasped.
Xiong hurried back, shocked to see the captured monarch. Ji Ge often hunted criminals at night, using his Dark-Dark Fruit powers to make them endure the pain Xiong extracted. Over the years, the underworld had begun to whisper his name: The Dark Judge.
But even Ginny and Xiong hadn't expected Ji Ge to capture a king.
Ji Ge crouched beside Beckley and whispered coldly,"Put your hand into that bubble… or should I help you?"
Beckley trembled, fear flooding him. He lost control and soiled himself, filling the air with a foul stench. Ji Ge's expression soured."You're a disgrace of a king."
"Y-you can't do this! I'm the ruler of a World Government kingdom! Do you want to bring the Marines down on you?!" Beckley stammered.
Ji Ge smirked."Good. I want the Marines to come. In fact, when they see me… they'll bow."
"What nonsense are you spouting?!" Beckley cried.
Ji Ge ignored him. "It's Monday. A busy day for the church. This bubble is larger than usual. You'll… enjoy it."
Before Beckley could react, Ji Ge shoved him into the bubble.
"AAAHHHHH!"
The king's screams echoed through the church, dragging on until silence fell.
Plop!
Beckley collapsed in a pool of blood and urine, unconscious. Ji Ge shook his head."Pathetic. Years of luxury and you can't last a moment."
A wave of darkness swallowed Beckley and the blood, erasing all traces.
Ginny wrinkled her nose at the lingering stench."Brother Ji Ge, why him?"
"To get the Marines' attention," Ji Ge replied casually.
"Huh? But won't they protect him?"
He chuckled. "Have you forgotten my surname? The Marines won't dare touch me."
Her eyes widened. "You mean…?"
"I want them to give me a grand welcome."
Wisps of darkness curled around his fingers. Ji Ge was planning to join the Marines.
After six years of training, he had reached a plateau. To grow stronger, he needed real battles and Haki training. The Solbei Kingdom was too small to offer real challenges, and the seas were in chaos—Roger, Whitebeard, and countless pirates were rising. It was the perfect time to sharpen his blade.
Zephyr, the Marine instructor known for his structured training, was now teaching his first class. With Zephyr's expertise and his own talent, Ji Ge was confident he'd grow exponentially stronger.
Reaching into his coat, he pulled out an envelope with golden letters embossed on it:
"Saint Figarland Galin."