Sailing aboard Moria's ship, the group arrived at a deserted island near Loguetown.
Moria couldn't wait he leapt off the ship onto the island, already fantasizing about having two officer-level subordinates at his side.
Right now, most of his crewmates were just ordinary people. Their talent was average, and it was only because they shared the same ideals and beliefs that they had come together.
Their main duties were the ship's daily work and navigation. When it came to fighting, they were only capable of handling small fry.
If the enemy had a bounty, then Moria himself had to step in.
Even with the Shadow-Shadow Fruit in hand, which allowed him to swagger across the Four Seas, the fact that he had to fight every battle himself made him feel like he lacked the dignity of a true captain.
That was why he was so desperate to recruit the two of them.
Shiryu, on the other hand, walked down calmly, taking his time. To him, this was nothing more than a one-sided massacre.
…
The two stood facing one another.
Moria drew the long blade at his waist yes, at this time, Moria still fought with a sword.
Though it was nothing more than an ordinary blade…
When Shiryu saw him draw his sword, he didn't even bother reaching for his own.
He took a drag from his cigar, exhaled smoke, and said flatly:
"Go ahead. Start."
"What?!"
Moria's fury spiked at once when he realized Shiryu wouldn't even draw his weapon.
"You dare look down on me like that! Who the hell do you think you are?!"
His words roared out, but his movements were sharp and quick—he swung his sword sideways and lunged.
Shhh!
A black streak of shadow shot toward Shiryu.
The blade cut through empty air.
With nothing more than a sidestep, Shiryu dodged the opening strike.
"I'll give you three moves."
Shiryu said, utterly disdainful.
"Damn it!"
Moria's expression darkened. He hadn't expected the man to evade so easily.
"Was that just luck?"
"Shadow Spear!"
As the two crossed paths, Moria's massive shadow suddenly surged.
From the shape of the human-like shadow, a long, sharp spear emerged!
Like an arrow from a bow, the shadowy lance shot forth, aiming straight at Shiryu's heart!
"Got him!"
At such close range, Moria refused to believe he could miss.
But reality was cruel.
Even at this distance, Shiryu twisted his body in a flash and slipped away from the strike.
"What?!"
Shock coursed through Moria, but his hands didn't stop.
The missed Shadow Spear fell, scattering into a pool of shadow behind Shiryu.
Swish!
Moria's figure suddenly vanished reappearing from the shadow behind Shiryu!
"Die!!"
He slashed down viciously from behind.
Clang!
But Shiryu, who had been facing forward only a moment ago, had already turned around.
One hand clamped firmly onto the blade.
"What? Impossible!"
"My turn."
Shiryu's face twisted into a cruel grin. His other hand clenched into a fist, pulled back, then drove forward with explosive force!
Bang!
His ink-black iron fist slammed into Moria's stomach!
"Ughhh!!"
Moria spat a mouthful of blood, eyes rolling back, face contorted in agony.
Boom!
His body was blasted backward.
Crash!
He slammed heavily onto the ground.
Foam spilled from his mouth he had lost consciousness.
"Urghh! Damn it!"
Moria jolted awake suddenly.
"Ahhh!"
The searing pain in his abdomen instantly sobered him.
That bastard had knocked him out cold with a single punch.
His attacks hadn't even scratched the man.
No he hadn't even been able to land a single hit.
That final strike, Shiryu had clearly taken it on purpose.
And what's more he had caught Moria's sword barehanded! Such a thing had never even crossed Moria's imagination.
Clenching his fists, Moria realized the truth: he was weak.
Pathetically weak.
He looked around at his surroundings.
"This is… my captain's cabin?"
Bang!
The door pushed open, and a crewmember stepped inside it was the ship's doctor.
"Lord Moria! You're awake!"
The doctor was visibly relieved.
"I'll go fetch Lord Rosen right away!"
Before Moria could ask a single question, the doctor ran out again.
"Rosen…"
Moria muttered. He recalled that was the leader of the two.
"You're not even qualified to make me fight."
The arrogant words resurfaced in his mind.
If Shiryu was already this strong, then what kind of monster was Rosen?
Moria couldn't be blamed for thinking this way.
He had always believed himself invincible, until he was so easily crushed.
It wasn't just defeat in battle his entire worldview was shattering.
There truly were people in the world far stronger than him. Far, far stronger.
And the one who was much stronger than him—was actually serving another.
With his current understanding, Moria couldn't even begin to imagine Rosen's strength.
As his thoughts spiraled, Rosen appeared in the doorway.
"Yo! Old Mo! You're awake, huh?"
The doctor wisely closed the door, leaving the two alone.
"Ol… Old Mo? Hey, what kind of weird name is that, you bastard?!"
"Hah? And what kind of weird name is that? From now on, you're calling me Captain. Captain Rosen!"
Rosen smirked arrogantly.
"Old Mo, a bet's a bet! You're not going to tell me you don't have the guts to accept it, right?"
"Shut up! When I say something, I mean it! I don't need you reminding me… C-Captain!"
"Hahahahahaha! Welcome aboard, comrade Moria!"
Moria's face went dark. Another weird title…
"Cap… Captain, what about my crewmates?"
Moria asked cautiously.
"Don't worry, Old Mo. They'll all join my crew as well."
"There's plenty of work to be done on a ship. Leave the fighting to us. As for daily life and sailing they'll handle it. Everyone will have their place."
Rosen patted Moria's arm yes, arm.
Even with Moria sitting on the bed and Rosen standing, his hand only reached Moria's forearm.
"Then I truly thank you, Captain."
Moria spoke with genuine sincerity.
First, because of his promise, and second, because his comrades were being taken care of.
"Ahem, yes, very good. Old Mo, you're not bad at all."
"Captain! I want to grow stronger!"
Moria suddenly looked at Rosen, his eyes burning with seriousness and desire.
He couldn't even remember the last time he had felt like this yearning for power.
Because only when you realize you don't have enough strength… do you finally understand how important it is.
Having just suffered crushing defeat, Moria's desire to grow stronger burned at its brightest.
"Well said, Old Mo! I admire your drive."
"After Roger's execution, I'll teach you the knowledge of Haki."
"Haki?"
Moria asked, confused.
"That's right. Haki the true ability that lets you stand firm upon the seas. The threshold of the strong."
"Shiryu dodging your attacks that was Haki. Catching your sword with his bare hand that too was Haki."
"Of course, your Devil Fruit has immense potential as well. With further development, you'll grow even stronger. I've got some good ideas we can discuss later.
When a Devil Fruit is developed to its fullest, it can even awaken. And awakened fruits… their wielders are formidable forces on the battlefield."
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T/N:
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