Just as Roldy was about to press Rocks for more details about the plan, the meeting room door was pushed open.
A man about 2.4 meters tall entered. He had long hair, a lean build—almost skinny compared to Roldy —but carried himself with a respectable aura. In one hand, he held an expensive bottle of wine. At his waist hung a slender saber.
Sixth Division Commander of the Rocks Pirates—
"Captain" John.
"—Hic! Boss!"
John greeted Rocks, completely ignoring Roldy 's presence.
Rocks spoke first, perhaps sensing the shift in atmosphere.
"Let me introduce you. This is Roldy —the newest Division Commander of the Rocks Pirates."
John gave Roldy a sideways glance.
His expression was full of disdain.
"Boss, I've got no interest in brats. That so-called Marine defector Vice Admiral ? Heh. Never heard of him."
Roldy , still seated, smiled faintly.
"Captain John might not have heard of me… but I've long been familiar with your great name."
At first glance, it sounded like submission.
But then—
"The legendary Captain John. Wasn't that the man who got utterly crushed by a rookie more than ten years his junior? I believe your entire crew was wiped out too. Tsk, tsk… Captain John."
He deliberately emphasized the word Captain.
Roldy had studied John long ago.
Born in the Grand Line, John had built quite a reputation in his youth. Later, he entered the New World, aiming for greater heights—
Only to be utterly defeated by a rising star.
That young pirate had been a monster in his own right.
But the humiliation had become John's unshakable shadow.
Rocks suddenly grinned silently.
To John, it felt like boundless mockery.
The other Division Commanders often ridiculed him over that incident. As the weakest among them, John's threats were little more than childish tantrums in their eyes. He lacked the courage to truly challenge them.
But now—
Even a newcomer dared to mock him?
John's anger ignited instantly.
With a sharp motion, he drew the blade at his waist.
It was an excellent weapon.
The pitch-black blade gleamed ominously.
A Black Blade.
Roldy 's eyes flickered with mild surprise.
So John truly was a legitimate master swordsman.
"You're courting death, brat!"
Ignoring the fact that Rocks was still present, John slashed without hesitation.
A sharp flying slash cut through the air toward Roldy .
But—
A large hand coated in Armament Haki reached out and grabbed the slash midair.
Roldy rose to his feet.
With a squeeze—
The razor-sharp slash shattered in his palm.
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