In the 1483rd year of the Haiyuan Calendar, Kaoru Tsubasa settled on Redoria Island. On his first day, he built a modest wooden house, sturdy enough to live in.
For water and drinks, Kaoru purchased a distiller and a water purifier from the system's lottery shop. As for food, the island was teeming with creatures—hunting and gathering were never a problem.
The day after his arrival, a newspaper bird flew over the island. Kaoru bought a copy, curious about the world beyond Redoria.
The headline read: "Edward Newgate Forms Whitebeard Pirates."
Attached was a picture of Newgate holding Kurogane-Kiri, a massive sword, with a man sporting pineapple-like hair beside him. Kaoru instantly recognized him: the future Phoenix Marco.
A month later, Kaoru began planting food across Redoria. While the island had plenty of wildlife, he would need a reliable food supply to survive long-term.
One day, holding a newspaper, he noticed a headline: "New Crew Members in Roger's Pirate Group." The picture featured an older man with a flower in his hair.
By the year 1491 of the Sea Circle Calendar, the Whitebeard Pirates had gained a formidable new member: Kozuki Oden.
In 1494, a massive naval war erupted between the Roger Pirates and the Golden Lion Pirates. After days of fierce fighting, a colossal storm gave the Roger Pirates victory. This epic conflict became known as the Battle of Edworth.
By 1495, Kaoru had transformed a corner of Redoria Island into a perfect living environment. Today, he sensed the arrival of pirate ships approaching from the north and south.
An hour earlier, north of Redoria:
"Dad, there's an island ahead. Should we stop to rest?" a young man with pineapple-shaped hair asked.
"Gulala, yes, we'll rest here," Newgate said, walking to the bow. "Sons, steer the ship toward the island."
Soon, Whitebeard's Moby Dick anchored off the northern coast of Redoria.
To the south:
"Roger, we need to ask that guy where we can find an archaeologist to translate historical texts," Rayleigh said, eyes fixed on the island ahead. Roger only had three years left to live, and Raftel still awaited them.
"Hahaha, Rayleigh, no need to rush. If fate wills it, we'll find Raftel," Roger replied. Though he longed to reach Raftel, the lack of a skilled archaeologist left him helpless. His words reassured both Rayleigh and himself.
Soon, the Oro Jackson of the Roger Pirates appeared off the southern coast.
"Dad, we found the Roger Pirates' ship!" a scout from the Whitebeard crew shouted.
As he spoke, a samurai began running south across the island.
"Hey! Oden!!" Marco shouted, noticing the familiar figure. Opposite him, Roger was advancing—another man with a matching name? And he was running straight out into the open?
Whitebeard waved and rushed forward, signaling his crew to follow. On the Roger side, the scouts reported:
"Captain, Whitebeard and his men are north. A samurai is running toward us!"
"The legendary samurai?!"
Oden drew the twin swords from his waist and began running, his Beast's Breath technique flaring in his movements. Seeing this, Rayleigh and Jabba drew their weapons, preparing to intercept.
"I can't let you get hurt!" Roger said, ignoring Rayleigh and Jabba as he dashed past them.
"Really? You're just asking for trouble," Rayleigh muttered. Jabba merely nodded.
Oden and Roger closed the distance.
"Hello! Samurai!" Roger shouted.
"God help us!" Oden replied, leaping aside.
With a divine dodge, Roger launched Oden away. Just as Oden was knocked back, Whitebeard descended from the sky, covering Kusukumokiri with Conqueror's Haki. Roger simultaneously enveloped Ace in his own Haki.
Whitebeard swung, Roger countered, but their weapons did not meet. Instead, an immense black aura erupted between them—the energy field born from their clashing dominion.
After the collision, both pirates took a few steps back.
"You've gotten strong, Roger!" Whitebeard said.
"It's been years, Newgate," Roger replied.
"Leave your belongings!" both yelled simultaneously.
"Hands on!" Marco commanded.
"Grab it!" Jabba added, raising his axe.
The two pirate groups collided, beginning a fierce skirmish. Yet a tremendous aura pressed down upon everyone, making movement nearly impossible—even Whitebeard and Roger struggled to move.
"I say, Roger, Newgate, you two aren't going to tear up my island, are you?"
A purple-haired, violet-eyed figure stepped from the treetops. He wore a black-and-purple windbreaker with the character "Tsubasa" emblazoned on the back and a black knife at his waist.
"Kaoru Tsubasa!" Whitebeard exclaimed, shocked. "How did this kid get so strong in just a few years?"
Roger was equally astonished. When Kaoru had been sent here, he had barely been able to challenge Rayleigh—now his power rivaled legends.
Kaoru smiled, releasing the overwhelming aura that had restrained both crews. With this, he prevented the two pirate groups from fighting on Redoria for three days and nights. He hadn't wanted to intervene, but if Roger or Newgate lost control, the island would be destroyed—and this was the only way to stand at the top of the world.
Kaoru leapt down from the tree, landing gracefully.
"Long time no see, everyone," he greeted.
"Brat, how did you get so strong?" Newgate said, reaching out to touch Kaoru's head.
"Hey, Newgate, I'm not the rookie I used to be. And with so many people here, can you at least give me some respect?" Kaoru complained lightly.
Newgate had always taken care of him during his early days in the Rocks Pirates. Though Kaoru didn't know why, he had always been grateful. And Newgate touching his head every day had become a comforting habit—one that Kaoru now teased him about.
Even though he had just proven himself as a formidable force, Newgate's affectionate pat reminded him of the boy he once was.