BOOM!
The massive explosion echoed through the base. Rowen and Zoro turned towards the sound, watching as a colossal statue plummeted from the highest point of the Marine building, crashing heavily to the ground and kicking up a cloud of dust.
"Th-That... Don't tell me..." Zoro's eye twitched as he stared at the shattered remains of the statue.
The statue's likeness was clearly that of the base's commander, Marine Captain Morgan.
Zoro had been stuck here for twenty days; he'd seen them working almost non-stop on that statue. That man Morgan was incredibly obsessed with it.
"Looks like Luffy got lost again," Rowen commented, amused.
In the original story, Luffy destroyed Morgan's statue while chasing Helmeppo. But this time, Helmeppo was already with Luffy, yet he still managed to bring the statue down.
Guess it just proved that scum like Morgan never deserved a statue like that in the first place.
"Rowen... Could I ask you a favor?" Zoro hesitated, looking towards Rika. He struggled to get the words out.
Asking someone for help was proving more difficult than Zoro had anticipated.
"Don't worry. Rika will be fine," Rowen reassured him, stepping protectively in front of the little girl with a calm smile.
"Rebels!" Just then, a group of Marines surged towards them, led by a tall, imposing figure.
The most striking feature of the leading Marine was that one of his arms was entirely replaced by a massive axe.
—Marine Captain 'Axe-Hand' Morgan.
"You're accomplices of that Straw Hat brat! And you—planning a coup, are you? Roronoa Zoro! This ends now! You're all guilty of rebellion! I'll execute you on the spot!" Morgan roared, his eyes bloodshot with fury.
"Rowen! At least get Rika out of here!" Zoro yelled desperately.
"Trying to run? All units, prepare!" Morgan raised his hand.
Click! Clack!
Forced by Morgan's authority and power, the Marines reluctantly raised their rifles.
Is this... really how I die?
Feeling the chilling approach of death, Zoro wasn't afraid, but he was filled with immense frustration.
He hadn't fulfilled his promise to Kuina yet—to become the world's greatest swordsman.
And now, he had dragged Rika and Rowen into this mess.
"So noisy." Rowen kept Rika safely behind him, the crimson-black light in his eyes flashing wildly.
"Aren't you underestimating me? You're merely a Branch Captain," Rowen stated coolly.
VMM!
An invisible pressure washed over the Marines aiming their rifles.
The next instant—
Thump! Thump! Thump!
The numerous rifle-wielding Marines' eyes rolled back, and they collapsed unconscious.
"That power again... Can he just use it infinitely?" Zoro muttered in shock, staring at the sea of unconscious Marines littering the ground.
"Rowen? I remember now! There was a recent news report! About a man in the East Blue who wiped out the entire Alvida Pirate crew without even lifting a finger—just with his presence alone!"
"The man who claims he will stand above all! Are you... Are you that 'Sky Sovereign' Rowen?!" Morgan stammered, sweat beading on his forehead as he witnessed the incomprehensible scene and recalled Zoro shouting Rowen's name.
The most prominent news story in the East Blue lately flashed through his mind.
The World Economic News Agency's front-page headline from a few days ago perfectly matched the current situation.
That report had hailed this man as the herald of a new King's birth upon the seas!
For Morgan, who believed titles were everything, a man bearing such an epithet was inherently terrifying.
And now, he had witnessed this utterly unbelievable power firsthand.
"'The man who will stand above all', 'Sky Sovereign' Rowen?" Zoro murmured, looking at Rowen.
What an arrogance!
But possessing such power... maybe this man actually had the right to be that arrogant.
"Oh? Even a weakling like you has heard the news? The World Economic News Agency is quite efficient, aren't they?" Rowen nodded, very satisfied.
At least he wouldn't have to worry about the Marines giving him some ridiculous nickname now.
—[Kingly Disposition increased. Conqueror's Haki intensity increased.]—
'Just as expected.' Rowen's earlier hypothesis was confirmed again.
Gaining fame and reputation across the seas increased one's 'Kingly Disposition', which in turn strengthened their Haki.
As for why, Rowen gained a slight intuitive understanding.
Seeing Morgan sweating just from hearing his name...
Felt really good.
"Gomu Gomu no... ROCKET!" Just then, accompanied by a familiar shout, Luffy launched himself down from the top of the Marine base building.
"Whoa, Rowen! You took care of this many already?" Luffy grinned, looking at the few Marines still standing amidst the sea of unconscious bodies.
"Straw Hat brat!" Morgan's eyes turned bloodshot again at the sight of Luffy.
The grudge for destroying his precious statue had to be repaid!
But...
Looking at Rowen, cold sweat dripped down Morgan's brow.
"Get them! Kill them all!" Morgan roared at the few remaining conscious Marines.
"Captain! If we keep fighting that man, we'll end up just like them! He's a monster!" The remaining soldiers were terrified, completely unnerved by the inexplicable display of power.
"I ordered you to kill them! Do it, or I'll execute you for treason!" Morgan bellowed.
"What's this? Infighting?" Luffy watched Morgan's tantrum with mild curiosity, then shrugged it off and pulled three swords from his back.
"There were three swords in that room. Which ones are yours?" Luffy asked Zoro.
"All three are mine. I use the Three-Sword Style," Zoro replied.
"Alright then! I'll untie you. You gonna become my nakama, or stay here and get killed by the Marines?" Luffy grinned at Zoro.
"Fine! Better to be a villain than die here," Zoro sighed, then a fierce, beast-like grin spread across his face.
A cornered beast is far more dangerous than a calm one.
"Alright! Another new nakama!" Luffy cheered, throwing his hands in the air.
"If you understand, then hurry up and untie these ropes!" Zoro yelled, watching Morgan cut down one of his own hesitant soldiers, forcing the others to charge towards them.
"But these knots are really tight!" Luffy fumbled with the ropes.
"Give me the swords!" Zoro roared. To Luffy's astonishment, Zoro clamped one of the swords firmly between his teeth.
SLICE!
The next instant, the ropes binding Zoro were severed. He stood free, a sword in each hand and one in his mouth, turning his back to Luffy to face the charging Marines.
—[Roronoa Zoro has joined the Straw Hat Pirates.]—
—[Currently equipable Trait targets updated.]—
—[Can now equip Traits from: Roronoa Zoro.]—
A notification screen appeared before Rowen's eyes.
The reason Rowen hadn't wiped out these last few Marines and Morgan with his Conqueror's Haki was intentional. He'd left them for Zoro.
This was Zoro's initiation—fighting against the Marines here would solidify his status as a 'villain' in the eyes of the world.
Zoro's Traits... are now within reach!Seeing the notification screen appear, Rowen didn't hesitate. He mentally selected 'Equip' next to Demonic Physique (Deep Purple) and Asura Aura (Special).
As for Three-Sword Style and its 'stronger-than-a-hyena' bite strength... he'd leave that one for Zoro himself.
Watching the progress bar begin to fill for Zoro's Demonic Physique (Deep Purple), alongside Luffy's Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple) which was already about a third of the way equipped, Rowen smirked.
Soon. This ticket to becoming a true monster will be completely mine.
"Whoa, so cool!" Luffy exclaimed, fascinated by Zoro's unique three-sword stance. He always loved weird and interesting things.
"Attacking the Marines here... I guess I really am a villain now. But..." Zoro lifted his head, a fierce, beast-like grin spreading across his face as he looked at Luffy.
"I'm going to become the world's greatest swordsman. If you prevent me from achieving that ambition, you'll have to apologize by committing seppuku."
"Shishishi! If the comrade of the future King of the Pirates didn't have at least that much ambition, I'd be the one worried!" Luffy grinned back.
"Zoro, duck!"
"Gomu Gomu no... WHIP!" Luffy stretched his leg like a whip, kicking away the Marines who had been behind Zoro.
"Rebel!" Seeing that 'Sky Sovereign' Rowen, the one he feared most, wasn't making a move, Morgan roared and charged forward, swinging his axe arm wildly.
"Three-Sword Style - Oni Giri (Demon Slash)!"
SLASH!
A spray of blood erupted as Zoro unleashed one of his strongest techniques at the time—Oni Giri.
THUD!
Caught by Zoro's Demon Slash, Morgan's eyes rolled white, and he collapsed heavily to the ground.
"We won! Shishishi!" Luffy cheered, throwing his hands up.
"Your Captain's down! Anyone else wanna fight?!" Luffy yelled, rolling up his sleeves.
"C-Captain Morgan... is defeated?" The few remaining conscious Marines looked at each other hesitantly.
The next moment—
Clatter! Clatter!
They all tossed their weapons into the air.
"Alright! Morgan's defeated! We're free from his tyranny!" The Marines erupted in cheers and celebration.
"What? They're happy their Captain got beat?" Luffy looked surprised.
"Well, most people who join the Marines in this era genuinely want to help civilians. Scumbags like Morgan are the exception, not the rule," Rowen explained. Even though he was now a pirate, he didn't completely dismiss the Marines.
For ordinary people, the Marines often did provide safety in these chaotic times.
Pirates like Luffy, who were essentially adventurers and sometimes even saved local populations, were extremely rare. Plus, they were constantly moving; they couldn't offer consistent protection to civilians.
That was why many countries sought protection under the banner of an Emperor—having a fixed territory provided a sense of security for the people.
"Mah, guess you're right. Shishishi! These Marines don't seem so bad," Luffy mused, nodding in agreement.
"You two really are different from most villains," Zoro commented, surprised. A slight smile touched his lips.
His word was his bond; having agreed to join, he would follow through. But joining a crew that wasn't inherently evil was definitely something to be happy about.
His decision to join wasn't just because he was threatened with death and wanted to pursue his dream.
More importantly, he could sense that Luffy and Rowen were fundamentally different from the vicious pirates who pillaged and murdered.
Especially Rowen. A man who could say "a child's sincerity is more precious than gold" couldn't be truly bad.
Besides, this man possessed that unbelievably powerful ability, Conqueror's Haki.
And the man recognized by someone like Rowen—Luffy, the captain—must have something special about him too.
Now, it seemed his instincts were correct.
——
—[Bond with Zoro increased. Trait equipping progress increased.]—
——
A notification appeared, causing Rowen's lips to curve slightly upwards.
Yep. Definitely works.
"Ah... starving..." Just then, Zoro suddenly collapsed.
Having gone twenty days without food, the fact that he could even defeat Morgan moments ago was solely thanks to Rika's rice balls.
"Big brother! Come eat at my place!" Rika invited happily.
"Food! Can we come too?!" Luffy immediately shouted excitedly.
"Yes! Of course! You big brothers saved our town!" Rika beamed even brighter.
"Rowen, let's go! Food!" Luffy urged, looking at Rowen.
"You guys go ahead. I got word there's a map of the Grand Line in this Marine base. I'll go grab it first," Rowen said, looking towards the base building.
"Okay! We'll go on ahead!" Luffy grabbed the exhausted Zoro by one ankle.
"Hey! You idiot! D-Don't tell me..." Zoro, completely drained of strength, felt his eye twitch.
"Time to eat!" Luffy started dragging Zoro by the ankle, picking Rika up in his other arm, and dashed off towards the restaurant following Rika's directions.
Zoro, meanwhile, was being dragged along the ground by his foot.
"You damn bastard! At least carry me!" Zoro's enraged shouts were drowned out by Luffy's excited yells.
"FOOOOD!!!"
"I'll kill you someday! You jerk!"
<><><><><><>
Rowen chuckled, watching the classic, comical scene from the original story unfold.
Then, using his System, he quickly located Morgan's office.
"Just as expected. Nami already opened this safe. But she left this behind... Definitely one of the 'Coward Trio'," Rowen muttered amusedly, looking at the piece of paper in his hand. It had the Buggy Pirates' Jolly Roger drawn on it and text reading:
"Took the map - Yours Truly."
How did Rowen know?
——
Trait (Safe): A safe that was opened by Nami, then closed again.
——
With the valuable map gone, Nami had cleverly left this note behind to avoid drawing Marine attention to herself.
Rowen wasn't disappointed about missing Nami. Without Observation Haki, catching a skilled infiltrator like her wouldn't be easy.
Besides, he wasn't worried. They'd be meeting soon enough, at Buggy the Clown's location.
"Buggy... the Clown, huh."
Rowen's gaze turned thoughtful as he looked at the paper.
An apprentice on the Pirate King Gol D. Roger's ship, alongside the current Emperor, Red-Haired Shanks.
Apparently, during the clash between the Roger Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates back then, Buggy had actually left a stronger impression on Whitebeard than Shanks did. What exactly made Buggy special? It was something Rowen had always wondered about while reading the original story.
After all, in the story, Buggy later became a Warlord primarily by leveraging his status as a former Roger Pirate to gather strong followers, and having that fact broadcast during the Summit War.
Then, through a series of sheer coincidences and relying heavily on his "Emperor Fathers"—Mihawk and Crocodile—he somehow stumbled into becoming an Emperor himself.
His actual combat performance, however, was consistently abysmal.
But now, facing Rowen and his Strongest Trait System, whatever special qualities Buggy possessed wouldn't remain hidden for long.
"You were valued by Roger, just like Shanks was. I hope you can offer me some pleasant surprises, Buggy."
Rowen took the paper and headed towards Rika's family restaurant.
Rowen! You're back! Did you find the map?"
Thanks to the System, Rowen didn't even need to ask for directions; he found Rika's family restaurant easily.
Luffy, whose mouth was currently stuffed full of food, saw Rowen enter and quickly swallowed.
"Buggy took it," Rowen stated, unfolding the piece of paper he held.
"Buggy? Who's that? Is he strong?" Luffy asked curiously.
"He's a pirate with a 15 million Beri bounty. For the East Blue, that's decent enough, I suppose," Rowen replied with a faint smile.
"15 million Beri?! If we take him down, will my bounty be that high too?" Luffy's eyes lit up at the mention of a bounty.
"Maybe," Rowen chuckled, seeing Luffy's reaction.
Yep. Hook, line, and sinker!
"Yosh! Then let's go beat up that Buggy guy and take back the map!" Luffy declared, rolling up his sleeves, full of fighting spirit.
"Hey! Are we really going to war with a whole pirate crew just for a bounty?" Zoro exclaimed, suddenly feeling like he'd boarded a ship of fools.
Before Rowen arrived, he'd confirmed with Luffy: besides Rowen, he was the second crewmate.
And their 'pirate ship' was just that tiny little boat docked at the harbor.
Now, they were about to fight Buggy's crew over a bounty? While Zoro wasn't afraid, wasn't Luffy being way too reckless? He didn't act like a captain at all!
"It's not just about the bounty. We need that map to get to the Grand Line. You want to become the World's Greatest Swordsman, right? You can't do that staying in the East Blue. You have to go to the Grand Line to achieve your ambition," Rowen pointed out calmly, looking at Zoro.
"Yosh! Buggy's head is mine!" Zoro declared, instantly fired up with fighting spirit.
Heh. Two ridiculously easy-to-manipulate idiots.
Rowen smiled inwardly.
<><><><><><>
After setting their course, Rowen enjoyed a hearty meal at Rika's restaurant.
Possessing Beast Strength (Blue), Rowen's appetite, while not comparable to Luffy's, was still many times greater than an ordinary person's.
However, thankful that Rowen and the others had defeated Morgan and saved the town, all the residents eagerly brought ingredients from their homes to Rika's restaurant.
Rowen naturally didn't stand on ceremony; being overly polite in such situations would just ruin the mood.
Watching Rowen eat the food they brought, the townspeople all smiled happily.
Afterwards, just like in the original story, the Marines who had been knocked out by Rowen's Conqueror's Haki woke up. They came to Rika's restaurant, informed Rowen's group they wouldn't be arrested, but requested they leave town as soon as possible.
Unlike the original story, however, Koby the clown was already dealt with by Rowen, so Luffy didn't need to put on a clumsy act.
Plus, Rowen hadn't forgotten how unprepared Luffy and Zoro were in the original story, nearly starving to death at sea.
So, after gathering some necessary supplies, the three of them headed to the Straw Hat Pirates' temporary "ship."
"Set sail!" Luffy yelled energetically, standing proudly at the bow.
Zoro took the oars, steering the small boat away from the harbor.
Rowen held the sea map, directing their course.
As Rowen's group sailed away, the Marine soldiers from the town's branch stood at the harbor, saluting them in gratitude for saving their town, watching the Straw Hat Pirates depart.
<><><><><><>
"Rowen, how much longer till we reach land? I'm getting kinda sick of apples. I want meat," Luffy whined listlessly, looking over at Rowen who was studying the map.
"Complain less. If it weren't for Rowen, we wouldn't even have these apples. I can't believe you want to be King of the Pirates but didn't prepare any supplies for the voyage," Zoro sighed, exasperated with Luffy.
"Well, I'm not a professional navigator. I can't accurately predict our arrival time," Rowen stated, looking at the map.
Navigation (White) was only good enough for sailing in calm waters. Accurately predicting arrival times was a job for truly talented individuals like Nami.
Rowen then picked up an apple and took a bite.
Shells Town's resources had been nearly depleted under Morgan's oppressive rule.
And their small boat lacked any means of preserving food, so stocking up on a large amount of meat was impossible.
When sailing, getting enough vitamins was crucial to prevent scurvy. Therefore, apples—cheap, relatively long-lasting, and nutritious—were the best option.
"Got it! Let's eat that!" Suddenly, Luffy looked up at the sky and shouted.
Zoro and Rowen followed his gaze. It was a large bird.
"Huh? I can't fly. How are we supposed to knock that down and eat it?" Zoro asked, his eyebrow twitching.
"Watch this! Gomu Gomu no... ROCKET!" Luffy grabbed the mast, stretched his arms back using his rubber elasticity, and launched himself into the sky.
"Oh, right." Zoro almost forgot their unreliable captain was a Devil Fruit user.
Maybe Luffy is useful for something after all. At least he can help improve the menu.
Rowen, however, wore a strange, knowing smile.
The next moment—
CHOMP!
The large bird accurately snatched Luffy's head in its beak.
"AAAAHHH! Help me!" Luffy's panicked screams echoed down.
"IDIOT! What the hell are you doing?!" Zoro yelled, his face contorting in anger. He started rowing frantically, chasing after the bird carrying Luffy away.
You wanted to knock down the bird to improve our meal, and instead, you became the bird's meal?!
——
Trait (Plot Bird): A bird that advances the plot.
——
"Hey! You boat over there! Stop!" While Zoro desperately rowed after the bird holding Luffy hostage, three figures adrift in the water ahead started shouting.
Rowen looked at the three men, a slight smile playing on his lips.
Buggy Pirate grunts, robbed of their treasure and boat by Nami, right?
"Damn it, survivors now of all times?! Hey! No time for you guys! Get yourselves onboard!" Zoro yelled while still rowing furiously.
The three castaways looked terrified as the small boat bore down on them, then scrambled with all their might to climb aboard just before impact.
"Are you trying to kill us?!" the three yelled at Zoro once they were safely (relatively) onboard.
"Surprised you actually made it," Zoro smirked.
"Hey! We're part of the great Captain Buggy's crew! Stop this boat right now! It's ours!" the leader of the three Buggy pirates threatened, drawing his sword.
"Huh?" Zoro turned, his expression shifting into a feral snarl.
<><><><><><>
A Few Moments Later.
"Hahaha! We had no idea you were the famous 'Pirate Hunter' Zoro, sir! And the legendary 'Sky Sovereign' Rowen, whose name is already spreading across the seas! We are so incredibly sorry!"
The three Buggy pirates, now sporting bruised and swollen faces, had taken over rowing duty from Zoro. They rowed diligently while offering fawning, sycophantic smiles.
"It's your fault we lost track of our comrade. Just keep rowing straight ahead," Zoro ordered coldly.
"Yes, sir!"
"Don't worry. That direction happens to be our destination anyway," Rowen commented, looking at the map with a smile.
Yep. Just as expected. Even though I prepared apples so Luffy wouldn't starve, his craving for meat still led him to get his head bitten by a bird.
And that bird's destination was, of course, the Buggy Pirates' current base of operations:
Orange Town.
Orange Town.
This town, famous for its oranges, was now the base of operations for the Buggy Pirates.
"Finally got it!" A slender figure clutching a sea map was running for her life.
It was Nami, having just stolen the Grand Line map from the Buggy Pirates.
Behind her, Buggy's grunts were in hot pursuit.
"AAAAHHH! Help me!" High above, the large bird was still flying, Luffy clamped firmly in its beak.
"Captain Buggy! There seems to be an unidentified object above the harbor!" Inside a large tent set up on high ground in Orange Town, a man with a conspicuously large red nose opened his eyes.
"Shoot it down," Buggy ordered coldly.
BOOM!
A cannonball accurately struck the bird. Luffy was released, plummeting towards the ground—landing precisely between Nami and her pursuers.
"W-What happened?" Nami stared at the deep crater billowing dust.
"Ah, saved! That was an interesting trip!" Luffy hopped out of the crater, adjusting his straw hat.
"Y-You are?" Nami stared at Luffy, finding him incredibly familiar.
A moment's thought brought back the image of the handsome face she'd danced with on the luxury liner, the one who'd told her 'until we meet again'.
His name was Rowen, right?
This straw-hatted boy was the one who had been on Rowen's boat when they escaped!
Nami quickly glanced around but didn't see Rowen anywhere.
"Hey! It's you!" Luffy noticed Nami at that moment, his face registering shock.
Just as I thought! He remembers me!
Just as Nami was about to say something, Luffy tilted his head, a look of utter confusion—complete with question marks—appearing above him.
"Who are you?"
"..." Nami's eye twitched uncontrollably.
If you don't remember me, why did you look so shocked when you saw me just now?!
"Captain! It's me! The one who knows Rowen!" Seeing the pursuing Buggy pirates hesitate, Nami quickly composed herself and called out with a smile.
"Oh! You're the thief Rowen mentioned!" The mention of Rowen finally jogged Luffy's memory.
"That's right! You came to save me, right? I'll leave these guys to you, then!" Nami didn't care what Luffy called her at this point. Pointing at the Buggy pirates, she quickly made her escape.
"Hey! If you're that woman's Captain, then we'll capture you first! Then we'll make her hand over the map!" The Buggy pirate grunts shifted their target to Luffy.
"Ah, I'm starving," Luffy complained, clutching his stomach, looking weak.
"Bastard! I'm talking to you!" One of the pirates roared in anger, punching Luffy's straw hat off his head.
"Don't touch my treasure!" Luffy's arm stretched out, snatching his hat back. His eyes turned incredibly dangerous.
Having angered Luffy, the pirate grunts were naturally dealt with easily.
"Wow, you're really strong!" Nami, who had escaped to a nearby rooftop to observe, exclaimed in pleasant surprise upon witnessing Luffy's power.
"I'm Nami, a thief specializing in stealing from pirates. How about we team up?" Seeing Luffy's skills, Nami, who initially only wanted the Grand Line map, now set her sights on the Buggy Pirates' treasure as well.
"No way. I don't wanna team up with you," Luffy glanced at Nami, then turned to leave.
"Don't say that! I'll treat you to a meal!" Nami offered with a charming smile.
"Really?!" Luffy's face instantly lit up with delight.
<><><><><><>
"Delicious!" Inside a nearby house, Luffy devoured a hamburger in one bite, grinning happily.
"Do you live in such a big place all by yourself?" Luffy asked curiously, looking around at Nami.
"No, I'm not from this town. Everyone fled because they were afraid of Buggy," Nami explained.
"So you broke in, then," Luffy stated bluntly, always saying whatever was on his mind.
"How rude! I'm a thief who specializes in stealing from pirates! Don't compare me to common burglars!" Nami retorted indignantly.
"But a thief is a thief, right?" Luffy commented casually between bites.
"I absolutely have to save up 100 million Beri! With this Grand Line map, I can definitely do it!" Nami declared with fierce determination.
"Map? You're a navigator?" Luffy's expression changed instantly upon hearing that.
"I'm way better than your average navigator," Nami stated confidently when it came to her navigational skills.
"Then join my pirate crew as our navigator!" Remembering Rowen's words about needing a skilled navigator for the Grand Line, Luffy immediately extended the invitation.
"No way! So you are a pirate! I hate pirates more than anything!" Nami's expression soured instantly.
The image of Rowen also flashed through her mind.
She had initially thought Rowen's strange behavior on the ship meant he was another thief like her.
Turns out, that guy was a pirate too!
"Oh, okay," Luffy didn't push it, simply returning to his food.
Knowing Luffy was a pirate, Nami dropped the subject of teaming up and prepared to leave.
But as she reached the window and saw Buggy's pirates patrolling outside, an idea sparked. She turned back to Luffy.
"However... if you agree to one condition, I might consider it," Nami offered with a sly smile.
"Really?! I'll agree to anything!" Luffy exclaimed excitedly.
"Okay. You have to come with me to meet Buggy," Nami said, pulling out a rope and quickly tying Luffy up.
"Why are you tying me up?" Luffy asked, confused.
"Is there a problem?" Nami smirked, seeing Luffy securely bound.
Nami was fundamentally kind-hearted—otherwise, she wouldn't specifically target only pirates to earn her 100 million Beri.
But when it came to tricking pirates, she felt absolutely no guilt.
"Nope! I wanted to meet some pirates anyway! Let's go!" Luffy replied with a surprisingly carefree grin.
<><><><><><>
Meanwhile, Buggy was fuming because the thief hadn't been caught yet.
"Captain Buggy!" A pirate grunt ran towards him, shouting.
"What is it?" Buggy snapped, still furious about the stolen Grand Line map, which was very important to him.
"That thief! She came back on her own!" the grunt yelled.
"What did you say?" Buggy stared in disbelief.
Looking over, he saw the thief herself escorting a tied-up boy wearing a straw hat towards them.
"That's them! That's the woman who stole the map!" Another Buggy pirate pointed at Nami, shouting.
SMACK! Nami didn't panic. She just gave Luffy a hard shove, sending the bound boy tumbling to the ground.
"I've captured the thief for you, Captain Buggy the Clown! Here's your map back!" Nami held up the sea map.
"Glad you brought it back. But what exactly caused this change of heart?" Buggy asked, taking the map and giving Nami a strange, unsettling smile.
"My Captain and I had a falling out! I've had enough of him! Please let me join your Buggy crew!" Nami exclaimed with feigned enthusiasm.
This was Nami's improvised plan. Surrounded by Buggy's crew, escape was impossible.
So, she decided to use this pirate and the map to gain Buggy's trust, then find another opportunity later to steal the map back and escape.
"Hm?" Hearing her words, Buggy's eyes suddenly filled with rage.
"C-Captain Buggy's angry!"
"He's gonna use his devil powers!" The surrounding Buggy Pirates looked terrified.
"Devil powers?" Luffy, still tied up on the ground, blinked upon hearing this.
Could this Buggy guy be a Devil Fruit user too?
"HAHAHAHA!" The next moment, Buggy burst into uproarious laughter instead.
"Couldn't stand that guy anymore, huh? You're an interesting woman! Alright! You can join!" Buggy laughed heartily.
Nami's eyes curved into crescents as she smiled brightly.
Infiltration successful! Pirates really are simple-minded and easy to fool.
Buggy's crew then dragged Luffy away and threw him into a cage.
"Why are you locking me up?!" Luffy yelled.
But no one paid him any attention.
"I'm in a great mood today! What's your name, woman?" Buggy asked Nami.
"Nami," she replied with a smile.
"Alright! Everyone, let's throw a welcome party for Nami! Let's have a flashy celebration!" Buggy threw his arms wide, laughing grandly.
"OOOHHH!" Buggy's crew roared in response.
Soon, food and drinks filled the Buggy Pirates' base.
The pirates' way of celebrating was always through feasts and parties.
"What's wrong? Eat up! This is your welcome party!" Buggy urged Nami, who was seated opposite him.
"Okay! Thank you very much!" Nami replied with a smile.
Having successfully infiltrated, Nami was already scheming how to steal the map back—and maybe even Buggy's treasure hoard.
The Buggy Pirates were notorious in the East Blue, and Buggy himself was famous for his love of treasure. If she could steal his stash, she'd surely make a fortune.
"Hahaha! Feeling great! Men! Prepare the special Buggy Ball!" After downing several drinks, Buggy suddenly roared with laughter.
"What are you doing?" Nami watched with confusion as Buggy's crew rolled out a large cannon and loaded a peculiar-looking cannonball into it.
"Watch closely! The power of the special Buggy Ball!"
"Light the fuse!" Buggy grinned sadistically.
BOOOOM!!!
With a tremendous blast, the special Buggy Ball was fired. The massive explosion tore straight through the town center in front of them, obliterating countless buildings in a violent blast.
<><><><><><>
"What was that explosion?" Zoro, having already reached the shore, stared at the bright flash of light in the distance.
"Th-That's Captain Buggy's ultimate move! The Buggy Ball!" one of the three Buggy pirates Rowen and Zoro had 'commandeered' explained, sweating nervously.
"Buggy Ball?" Zoro repeated the name.
"Let's go. Luffy's probably right over there. He has a knack for attracting trouble," Rowen commented, looking towards the direction the Buggy Ball was fired from, a faint smile on his lips.
<><><><><><>
"Isn't it magnificent?! With my Buggy Balls and my Devil Fruit powers, I'll definitely conquer the Grand Line! Right, Nami?!" Buggy gloated, admiring the destruction wrought by his Buggy Ball.
"Y-Yes, Captain Buggy," Nami managed to reply, trying to suppress the turmoil within her.
Thank goodness the townspeople already left... no casualties.
"Huh? I'm the one who's gonna conquer the Grand Line! I'm gonna be King of the Pirates!" Luffy yelled indignantly upon hearing Buggy's boast.
"Hm?!" Buggy's face instantly contorted with rage, veins popping on his forehead.
"Hahaha! Now I see why you couldn't stand this idiot, Nami!" Buggy scoffed, finding it ridiculous that such a little brat dared claim he'd be Pirate King.
"Exactly! He's just a naive fool who hasn't seen the world! That's why I couldn't follow him anymore!" Nami quickly agreed, forced to play along.
"Alright then! As a reward, I'll let you fire a Buggy Ball! Blow your former Captain away!" Buggy grinned cruelly.
"This will also serve as proof of your true loyalty to me! This is the real welcome ceremony, Nami!"
Click! A new Buggy Ball was loaded into the cannon, aimed directly at Luffy's cage.
"Fire! Fire!" The surrounding Buggy pirates began chanting wildly.
"..." A box of matches was thrust into Nami's hand, but it trembled uncontrollably.
She knew perfectly well that if she didn't fire, Buggy would kill her.
But... how could she become one of them—one of the pirates?
"What's wrong? Your hand is shaking," Luffy suddenly commented.
Nami flinched.
"It's because you challenged pirates without having the necessary resolve. That's why you ended up like this," Luffy stated calmly, showing no fear despite being trapped in a cage with a cannon aimed at him.
"Resolve?! What resolve?! To kill people casually?! Is that what pirate resolve means?!" Nami shot back, biting her lip as painful memories surfaced.
"No. It's the resolve... to bet your own life," Luffy replied, his usual carefree expression replaced by a glimpse of the true depth of his own Kingly Disposition.
"Fine! Let me do it!" Seeing Nami hesitate, one of Buggy's crew snatched the matches, preparing to light the fuse.
WHOOSH! THWACK!
Just as he was about to light it, Nami whipped out a collapsible Bo staff and struck the pirate down hard.
"Nami! What do you think you're doing?!" Buggy's face turned ugly.
"I'm sorry!" Nami blurted out impulsively, her usual cautious nature returning as she bowed deeply in apology.
"You think a simple apology is enough?!" Buggy roared, his face twisting into a furious snarl.
"What the heck? You're only trying to save me now?" Luffy looked confused by Nami's actions.
"Don't be ridiculous! It was just an impulse!"
"I just... don't want to become like those cruel pirates!" Nami retorted, gripping her staff tightly as Buggy's crew began to surround her warily.
"Oh. So it was just an impulse, huh?" Luffy sounded slightly disappointed, having thought maybe Nami was finally joining his crew.
"Pirates took the life of the most important person to me! Who would ever want to associate with them?!" Driven to the edge, Nami finally vented her true feelings.
"Oh, so that's how it is," Luffy finally understood why Nami, who had initially seemed willing to cooperate, had instantly rejected his offer the moment she learned he was a pirate.
Fsssssss! Just then, the sound of a burning fuse filled the air.
"Ah! The fuse is lit!" Luffy panicked. His rubber body could withstand punches, but not explosions!
"Don't push your luck, little girl! Kill her! Flashily!" Buggy was completely enraged now, his eyes bloodshot.
"Die! Flashily!" Several Buggy pirates eager to impress their captain charged at Nami.
Nami dodged agilely, then sprinted towards the burning cannon fuse.
"Water! Where's water?!" Luffy frantically looked around.
"Damn it! Not enough time!" Seeing the fuse about to burn out, Nami grit her teeth and grabbed it directly with her bare hands.
"AAAAHHH!" The searing pain of the burning fuse made Nami cry out.
"You!" Luffy stared, shocked by Nami's action.
The fuse slowly sputtered out in Nami's grasp.
"Die!" But the danger wasn't over. The Buggy pirates behind her raised their weapons, charging in for the kill.
Nami closed her eyes in despair.
CLANG!
"Ganging up on a defenseless woman like this? How pathetic." A mocking voice cut through the tension.
"Zoro!" Luffy exclaimed happily, seeing Zoro appear, swords drawn, having just dispatched the attacking pirates.
"Been a while, Miss Thief." Then, a familiar chuckle reached Nami's ears.
Nami turned towards the sound, seeing the figure she had danced with on the luxury liner slowly walking towards them.
"Rowen! How did you guys find this place?!" Luffy asked excitedly.
"Rowen... Long time no see," Nami replied automatically.
She hadn't expected, on this vast sea, that they would actually meet again.
Especially not under circumstances like these.
"Check Traits." Rowen, however, didn't have much time for reunions right now. He focused his gaze intently on Buggy.
VMMMM!
A brilliant, dazzling golden light flared into existence.
Buggy... definitely has a huge secret!
Rowen's eyes shone with intense anticipation.
Buggy Traits: Cannonball Expertise (Blue), Chop-Chop Fruit (Deep Purple), Powerful Connections (Special), Conqueror's Haki (Unawakened) (Pale Gold), Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) (Discarded).
————
A golden light, easily as dazzling as Luffy's Sun God Trait, flared brilliantly for an instant before strangely dimming.
Buggy's Traits were now displayed before Rowen's eyes.
Cannonball Expertise (Blue) represented Buggy's ability to create his special Buggy Balls.
The Chop-Chop Fruit (Deep Purple) wasn't particularly noteworthy to Rowen either.
Like Luffy at this stage, Buggy could only skillfully use the most basic applications of this Paramecia Devil Fruit—splitting his body apart to attack.
Currently, Buggy's use of this fruit, aside from granting immunity to slashing attacks, was quite ordinary.
Even if awakened, the fruit's ultimate potential seemed limited to splitting apart the surrounding environment—like instantly dismantling a warship.
While an awakened Chop-Chop Fruit might be effective in chaotic battles, for Rowen, a Devil Fruit of this caliber wasn't worth significant attention.
As expected. Buggy, just like his fellow Roger Pirates apprentice Red-Haired Shanks, possessed Conqueror's Haki, though it remained unawakened.
After all, this was the man who, after stumbling into becoming an Emperor through sheer luck, could still rally his subordinates by asking, "Remember why you set out to sea?! Don't your lives cry out?! Go take it! The ONE PIECE!"
And based on information revealed later in the original story, Buggy's origins might also be quite special.
So, Rowen wasn't surprised to see Buggy possessed Conqueror's Haki.
Powerful Connections (Special): As a former member of the Pirate King's crew, possesses an extremely strong network of connections, allowing him to turn misfortune into fortune.
This Trait was the key to Buggy becoming a Warlord in the original story, and later, an Emperor through a series of coincidences.
While one could say Buggy was lucky, without his status as a former Roger Pirate and Shanks's friend, he never would have become a Warlord, let alone an Emperor.
In the One Piece world, strength alone wasn't enough to rise to the top; connections and circumstances mattered greatly.
Consider Eustass Kid in the original story—lacking powerful connections, despite having a 3 billion Beri bounty like Luffy after the Onigashima raid, he was instantly defeated by Red-Haired Shanks.
Before their final clash, Shanks specifically requested intelligence on Kid. He wasn't interested in Kid's latest achievements or Devil Fruit advancements.
Instead, Shanks checked Kid's network and background—the kid who dared provoke him repeatedly. After confirming Kid had no significant connections and was just a hotheaded nobody from an ordinary background, Shanks dispatched him with a single Divine Departure slash.
But none of that was truly important right now. What made Rowen's eyes light up was the final Trait.
Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) (Discarded): Born for the sea! Possesses unparalleled swimming talent, supreme in all the oceans. Simply by swimming in the sea, can enhance one's own Kingly Disposition! Thereby strengthening Haki! (Discarded due to eating a Devil Fruit and being rejected by the sea).
Rowen stared intently at this Trait, his eyes practically turning bloodshot.
A super Potential-type Apex Gold Trait! Its potential ceiling might even be more ridiculous than Luffy's Sun God (Apex Gold)!
No wonder Buggy, like Shanks, became an apprentice on the Pirate King's ship! No wonder he left such a deep impression on Whitebeard!
No wonder 'Dark King' Rayleigh himself said Buggy's future swimming ability would surpass his own!
No wonder, before eating the Devil Fruit, Buggy was arrogant enough to face Whitebeard and boast about dyeing his mustache red!
The reason for all of it—lay in this Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) Trait!
In the One Piece world, the significance of the sea was self-evident. And a strong individual's 'Kingly Disposition' was key to the strength of their Haki within the power system.
Yet this Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) Trait not only granted Buggy unmatched swimming talent but allowed him to continuously increase his Kingly Disposition—and consequently, his Haki—just by swimming in the ocean!
While Armament Haki strength might be linked to physique, and Observation Haki strength to mental fortitude,
Conqueror's Haki—the 'Disposition of a King' that couldn't be strengthened through conventional training—almost exclusively grew stronger by sailing the Grand Line, defeating powerful enemies one after another.
It was like a brutal culling process, using the failures and blood of enemies to temper and enhance the user's own Kingly Disposition.
But this Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) Trait allowed its user to strengthen their Kingly Disposition—and thus their Conqueror's Haki—just by swimming!
The potential of such an ability was simply staggering!
If Buggy hadn't eaten the Devil Fruit, if this Trait hadn't been discarded...
Perhaps the man renowned today for having the strongest Haki wouldn't be Red-Haired Shanks—it would be Buggy!
This Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) Trait... it was basically a cheat code for Haki training! Get stronger just by swimming!
No wonder Buggy was so arrogant and confident before eating the Devil Fruit. In a world where the sea reigned supreme, possessing such an ability, not being confident and arrogant would have been strange!
But this Trait was both his making and his downfall.
After eating the Devil Fruit and being rejected by the sea, the Trait was automatically discarded.
The Kingly Disposition that could be infinitely enhanced just by swimming—the moment the Trait was discarded, it backlashed against Buggy.
The supremely confident and arrogant apprentice from the Pirate King's crew transformed into the cowardly Buggy the Clown.
No wonder Buggy was so spirited and fearless during the clash with the Whitebeard Pirates!
But then, just a few months after eating the Chop-Chop Fruit, during the Edd War between the Roger Pirates and the Golden Lion Pirates,
Buggy became the cowardly loser whining about wanting to run away.
Such a drastic personality change in just a few months—it was the backlash from the discarded Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) Trait affecting Buggy himself!
Everything... makes sense now.
Rowen's eyes blazed as he stared fixedly at Buggy.
This Trait—Rowen absolutely MUST obtain it!
In terms of physique, once he finished equipping Luffy's Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple) and Zoro's Demonic Physique (Deep Purple),
Rowen's physical potential would rival Kaido's, perhaps even eventually matching the monstrous Big Mom.
In terms of Devil Fruits, with his Trait Plunder System, Rowen didn't need to worry about lacking powerful abilities.
And if he could acquire this Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) Trait? Then in terms of Haki, Rowen would undoubtedly stand at the absolute pinnacle of the One Piece world!
Furthermore, with the Strongest Trait System, Rowen could use plundered Devil Fruit abilities without suffering their side effects.
Meaning, even if Rowen acquired Devil Fruit powers, he wouldn't be rejected by the sea like Buggy, causing the Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) Trait to become discarded!
Physique, Haki, Devil Fruit—the three most crucial aspects of the One Piece power system potential...
Rowen's potential in all three areas could become the strongest in the world!
'Buggy... you really didn't disappoint!'
'This Trait... I want it!'
"Y-You bastard! Do I know you? Why are you staring at me like that?" Buggy suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.
This guy's eyes were bloodshot, looking like he wanted to devour him whole!
His name... was Rowen?
Wait... Rowen?!
Rowen? Y-You're that... 'Sky Sovereign' Rowen?!" Buggy's face changed drastically as he stared at Rowen.
Lately, the hottest topic across the seas was that World Economic News Agency report about a new King about to be born in the East Blue.
—'Sky Sovereign' Rowen.
That was the man's epithet.
"Y-Yeah! That's right, Captain Buggy! This guy, he's that 'Sky Sovereign' Rowen! And the green-haired one is 'Pirate Hunter' Zoro!" One of Buggy's nearby subordinates pulled out a newspaper, comparing the picture to Rowen's face, and swallowed hard.
"A user of Conqueror's Haki..." Even Buggy felt cold sweat prickle his forehead now.
While 'Pirate Hunter' Zoro had a fearsome reputation among East Blue pirates, Buggy wasn't worried about swordsmen, thanks to his Chop-Chop Fruit.
But Conqueror's Haki was different.
As a former crewmate on the Pirate King's ship—having sailed with the Roger Pirates nearly everywhere except Laugh Tale (due to a sudden illness)—Buggy had practically conquered the entire Grand Line alongside them.
No one in the East Blue understood better than Buggy what Conqueror's Haki truly signified.
It was the disposition of a King!
Anyone who awakened it was considered a formidable power, even in the New World.
And such a man had appeared here, in the East Blue?!
Wait a minute!
Something clicked in Buggy's mind. He stared incredulously at Luffy, still locked in the cage.
This Rowen guy... is this brat's crewmate?!
That 'Sky Sovereign' title... don't tell me he chose it because this brat wants to be Pirate King, mirroring Vice-Captain Rayleigh's 'Dark King' epithet?!
Does that mean this Conqueror's Haki user actually believes this brat can become the next Pirate King?!
What kind of sick joke is this?!
There was a world of difference between some arrogant little punk saying he wants to be Pirate King, and a man acknowledged by a Conqueror's Haki user as having the potential to become Pirate King!
But why?! Why would someone possessing Conqueror's Haki acknowledge this brat?!
Buggy's eyes turned bloodshot with disbelief and indignation.
"'Sky Sovereign'... Rowen?" Nami murmured the name, looking at Rowen with disbelief.
These past few days, Nami had been completely focused on the Grand Line map, with no time to buy the latest newspaper.
Even without seeing the report, the sheer imposing nature of the 'Sky Sovereign' title, combined with the reaction of Buggy the Clown—a pirate with a 15 million Beri bounty, a major figure in the East Blue—spoke volumes.
Buggy's palpable tension and fear upon hearing Rowen's name said everything.
Nami knew the weight 'Pirate Hunter' Zoro's name carried in the East Blue.
Yet Buggy only showed surprise at hearing Zoro's name. Hearing Rowen's name, however, elicited genuine fear and apprehension.
Just his name alone made a major pirate like Buggy this nervous?
Could this man really be that strong?
Nami stared blankly at Rowen, who now stood protectively in front of her.
——
—[Kingly Disposition increased. Conqueror's Haki intensity increased.]—
——
Another notification appeared.
Rowen noted Buggy sweating nervously at the mention of his name, and Nami's shocked gaze behind him. A slight smirk played on his lips.
The reactions of mere grunts to his name no longer boosted his 'Disposition'.
But the reactions of significant characters from the story, like Buggy and Nami? That still gave Rowen a distinct sense of satisfaction, enhancing his 'Disposition'.
The process of strengthening Haki in the One Piece world resembled a culling—using the blood and failures of enemies to forge one's own stronger Haki.
The fame and reputation of powerful individuals in this world were also built upon the blood and failures of their enemies. The principle was the same.
Therefore, to continuously increase his 'Disposition'—and thus his Haki—through his reputation, Rowen needed his name to become ever more renowned.
The best way to showcase a pirate's fame was naturally their bounty. No wonder pirates valued their bounty amounts so highly.
Of course, relying solely on reputation was unpredictable. A more convenient and stable method for boosting 'Disposition' and Haki lay right before him—in the form of Buggy the Clown's Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) Trait.
"You!"
VMM!
Just as Buggy started to speak, the crimson-black light in Rowen's eyes flashed intensely.
The next instant—
BOOM!
A terrifying wave of pressure surged outwards, sweeping over the Buggy Pirates.
"..." The numerous Buggy pirate grunts froze in place. The next moment, their eyes rolled back, and they collapsed, unconscious.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
Buggy's crew littered the ground.
Conqueror's Haki—unleashed!
In the presence of a King, the weak do not even possess the right to remain conscious!
"SUGEEEEEE! Rowen!" Luffy yelled enthusiastically, providing ample positive reinforcement.
"Impressive," Zoro commented, sheathing his swords with a look of awe.
No matter how many times he saw it, that power was terrifying.
"W-What happened?" Nami stared at the scene in utter disbelief.
Judging by Luffy and Zoro's reactions, Rowen was responsible for this.
But Rowen hadn't moved! At most, he'd just narrowed his eyes, and nearly all of Buggy's crew was instantly wiped out!
W-What kind of power was this?!
Arlong's strength was terrifying, but at least it was tangible, something you could see and understand.
What just happened completely defied Nami's comprehension.
She stared incredulously at Rowen, whose lips were curled into a confident, almost domineering smirk.
"Conqueror's... Haki..." Buggy's forehead was now drenched in cold sweat.
Although he already knew Rowen possessed Conqueror's Haki, feeling its impact firsthand was no joke.
If he hadn't already grown accustomed to such pressure during his time on Roger's ship, he likely would have fainted instantly too.
Conqueror's Haki... and from a user who could control it with such precision!
How could such a man appear in the East Blue?! And why would he choose such an unremarkable, arrogant brat as his captain?!
What kind of sick joke was this?!
"Just as expected. You didn't pass out." Rowen noted Buggy sweating but still conscious, feeling slightly disappointed.
Well, he was an apprentice on Roger's crew, a man who had experienced the clash of Infused Conqueror's Haki between Roger and Whitebeard.
Even though Buggy hadn't awakened his own Conqueror's Haki yet, knocking him out with just a basic Haki blast was probably unrealistic.
Alright then. Time for Plan B.
Buggy needed to lose consciousness.
"Zoro." Rowen glanced towards Zoro.
"Got it!" Understanding Rowen's unspoken command, Zoro instantly dashed towards the loaded cannon.
Before arriving, Zoro had learned from Rowen that Buggy possessed the Chop-Chop Fruit, making conventional sword attacks ineffective against him.
"Hup!" Under Buggy's horrified gaze, Zoro spun the heavy cannon around, aiming it directly... at Buggy.
"St-Stop! Don't! There's a Buggy Ball loaded in there!" Buggy shrieked in terror.
BOOM!
The next moment, fire erupted from the cannon's mouth. The Buggy Ball slammed into the ground right at Buggy's feet.
A violent explosion of flames instantly engulfed the area.
<><><><><><><><>
"Miss Thief, we're counting on you. Could you unlock our captain's cage?" Rowen asked Nami with a smile.
The Buggy Ball couldn't finish Buggy off.
Right now, Rowen's only truly effective offensive power was his Conqueror's Haki.
Trying to defeat Buggy, who possessed the Chop-Chop Fruit, using only his Beast Strength (Blue) was practically impossible.
Although his precisely controlled Conqueror's Haki was nearly unbeatable in the East Blue, against an opponent like Buggy—who couldn't be knocked out by a Haki blast and was a Devil Fruit user—they temporarily had to rely on Luffy.
Rowen remembered that in the original story, Nami managed to steal the cage key, only for it to be swallowed by the dog, Chouchou.
Time for Luffy to do some work for me... get me Buggy's Traits.
"My name is Nami. You can just call me Nami," she replied. Although Rowen and his crew were pirates, Nami was still grateful they had saved her.
"Wait here," Nami said, then quickly disappeared.
"Using your subordinates as shields, huh? Buggy." The dust and debris from the explosion slowly settled, revealing Buggy's figure once more.
His hands had already split off, holding two of his grunts in front of him to absorb the impact of the Buggy Ball.
"So young, yet possessing such powerful Conqueror's Haki... Your future is terrifying. But right now, you're probably still no match for me, the user of the Chop-Chop Fruit!" Buggy declared, having fully recovered from the Haki blast thanks to the explosion's shock.
While Conqueror's Haki signified the disposition of a King, before mastering infusion, it could only be used for concussive blasts.
Few in the East Blue could withstand such a blast—but unfortunately for Rowen, Buggy was one of them.
Once the initial Haki blast was weathered, the fight came down to raw power.
In that regard, having sailed countless days and nights with the Roger Pirates, Buggy had a discerning eye. This Rowen fellow before him clearly wasn't that strong physically.
At least, not stronger than Buggy himself, enhanced by the Chop-Chop Fruit.
Buggy didn't understand why a man with such potent Conqueror's Haki would have such unremarkable base strength.
But he knew what he needed to do right now: eliminate the man before him.
As for 'Pirate Hunter' Zoro? Clearly a swordsman. And against swordsmen, Buggy, user of the Chop-Chop Fruit, felt confident enough to provoke even Mihawk.
(Of course, the main reason for that confidence was knowing Mihawk recognized his connection to Shanks and wouldn't actually go for the kill.)
"Looks like I'll have to hold him off for a bit, Rowen," Zoro said, drawing his three swords and facing Buggy.
"Die! Flashily!" Buggy roared, charging towards Zoro.
SLICE! Zoro dodged swiftly, slashing Buggy clean in half. Buggy collapsed limply to the ground.
"Stop playing dead. Slashes don't work on the Chop-Chop Fruit, right, Buggy?" Rowen commented calmly, watching Buggy feign defeat on the ground, clearly preparing a sneak attack on Zoro.
Pathetic...
After eating the Devil Fruit and being rejected by the sea, the backlash from the discarded Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) Trait had reduced Buggy to relying solely on such cheap tricks.
If it weren't for the Chop-Chop Fruit, Zoro could easily defeat Buggy at his current strength level.
"Since you already know the secret of the Chop-Chop Fruit, I won't bother pretending anymore!" Hearing Rowen, Buggy's upper half suddenly flew up into the air, revealing a cruel grin.
"Chop-Chop... Flying Daggers!" Buggy yelled. His hands detached from his flying torso, each wielding daggers, as they shot towards Rowen and Zoro separately.
"Gomu Gomu no... BITE!"
"What?!" Buggy stared in shock as Luffy's head suddenly stretched forward, catching the dagger aimed at Rowen squarely between his teeth just inches from Rowen's face.
"What kind of body is that?! Are you a monster?!" Nami, having successfully stolen the key and freed Luffy, stared wide-eyed at Luffy's neck stretching several meters long.
"Your body can stretch that far?! Did you eat a Devil Fruit too?!" Buggy's eye twitched.
"Yep! I ate the Gomu-Gomu Fruit! I'm a rubber man!" Luffy mumbled indistinctly around the dagger clamped in his teeth.
'SLICE!' Zoro first deflected Buggy's other attacking hand, then swiftly cut the ropes binding Luffy.
———
"Saved! Shishishi! Thanks, Thief Navigator!" Luffy grinned, stretching his freed limbs.
"Stop giving me weird nicknames! I was just repaying you guys for saving me!" Nami sighed, exasperated by Luffy's carefree attitude.
"I've already decided! You're gonna be our crew's navigator! Shishishi! And we're getting that Grand Line Map too!" Luffy declared, rolling up his sleeves and turning towards Buggy.
"Don't make decisions for me! Mah, anyway, you pirates can fight all you want, it has nothing to do with me! I'm gonna grab the treasure now and disappear! Maybe we can team up later if fate allows! See ya! Good luck with your fight!" Nami waved goodbye to Rowen and the others, then quickly vanished.
"Ah, thanks!" Luffy replied cheerfully.
"See you later, Nami," Rowen added with a smile.
Nami, already almost out of sight, faltered for a split second upon hearing Rowen's words, then sped up and disappeared completely.
———
"Bastards! You think you have time for idle chit-chat?! Straw Hat brat! Seeing that hat just reminds me of that damned Red-Hair! It really pisses me off!" Buggy snarled, eyes bloodshot.
"Red-Hair? You... Do you know Shanks?!" Luffy's attention snapped upon hearing the keyword 'Red-Hair'.
"So what if I do?" Buggy smirked strangely.
"Where is Shanks now?" Luffy asked eagerly.
"Who knows? You could say I know him, or you could say I absolutely don't know him at all," Buggy spat, remembering that it was because of Shanks he ended up eating the Chop-Chop Fruit in the first place. The thought still infuriated him.
"What are you talking about? Are you an idiot?" Luffy looked at Buggy like he was crazy.
"I'm not nice enough to tell you what you want to know!" Buggy roared, his face contorting in rage.
"Fine then! I'll just beat it out of you!" Luffy declared, rolling up his sleeves, ready to fight.
"Let's just sit here and watch, Zoro. Buggy's all yours, Luffy!" Rowen led Zoro to a clean spot nearby, sat down, and shouted encouragement to Luffy.
Listening to Luffy and Buggy's exchange, a strange smile played on Rowen's lips too.
Classic One Piece world. Before any major fight, everyone has to lay out their connections and relationships first, just to make sure they don't accidentally kill someone with powerful relatives.
It's practically become... standard procedure.
"Leave it to me!" Luffy's eyes burned with fighting spirit.
Rowen's temporary employee, Luffy, was now online.
Gomu Gomu!"
"Chop-Chop!"
On the battlefield between Luffy and Buggy, one possessed a rubber body, the other a body that could split apart. The fight was a chaotic flurry of limbs flying everywhere.
Witnessing a battle between Devil Fruit users up close for the first time, Rowen found it quite fascinating.
Because Rowen's Conqueror's Haki had cleared the field, only Buggy himself remained active among his crew.
Everyone else—even Buggy's second-in-command, Chief of Staff Cabaji—couldn't withstand the impact of Rowen's Haki and had passed out.
Thus, Rowen's side was quite peaceful. Even when occasional daggers or detached Buggy body parts flew their way, Zoro, standing beside him, easily deflected them with his sword sheaths.
"What a messy fight," Zoro commented, his eye twitching. Having only recently set out to sea, he'd never witnessed combat like this before.
So this is the legendary Devil Fruit power... It really is ridiculous.
"My swordsmanship is completely useless against this kind of Devil Fruit user," Zoro noted grimly, slicing a flying Buggy limb in two, only to watch the pieces immediately fly back towards Luffy and reattach.
This was the first time Zoro had encountered a situation where his swords were ineffective.
"Without Haki, defeating Devil Fruit users often requires exploiting their specific weaknesses," Rowen explained, deciding to broaden Zoro's horizons a bit early.
"Haki? You mean that power you used to knock everyone out?" Zoro's gaze sharpened.
"That was Conqueror's Haki, the disposition of a King possessed by only one in several million. What I'm talking about now is Armament Haki. With that Haki, even ordinary attacks can harm Devil Fruit users," Rowen elaborated with a calm smile.
"Disposition of a King possessed by only one in several million? And 'Armament Haki' that can hit Devil Fruit users?" Zoro murmured the terms.
Disposition of a King... no wonder Rowen's power felt so overwhelming.
"So, how do you acquire this Haki power?" Zoro asked Rowen eagerly.
"Conqueror's Haki cannot be obtained through training; it's an innate quality of Kings. As for acquiring Armament Haki... conquer the Grand Line, Zoro. Defeat one powerful enemy after another. Like I said, you can't achieve your ambition staying in the East Blue," Rowen advised, clapping Zoro on the shoulder.
Armament Haki, too, required sufficient 'Disposition' and physical fortitude to awaken.
And without a ridiculously overpowered Trait like Buggy's Born of the Sea (Apex Gold), the only way to accumulate that 'Disposition' was through the trials of conquering the Grand Line and overcoming formidable foes. That process allowed one to eventually learn and strengthen their Haki.
This explained why Haki users were virtually non-existent in the Four Blues and the first half of the Grand Line, but incredibly common in the second half—the New World.
The challenges offered by the Four Blues and Paradise simply weren't enough to forge the 'Disposition' required to awaken Haki.
"The Grand Line, huh? Sounds exciting. Joining you guys was definitely the right choice, Rowen," Zoro replied, a feral grin spreading across his face.
The sea... it really is vast.
The things he was learning from Rowen were beyond anything he'd ever heard before.
He eagerly anticipated the journey ahead.
Meanwhile, after scrapping for a while, Buggy started reminiscing about his past with Shanks.
Upon learning that Buggy only ate the Chop-Chop Fruit and lost his ability to swim because of Shanks, but that Shanks had also saved Buggy from drowning...
"Oh! So Shanks saved you!" Luffy exclaimed, looking at Buggy with sudden understanding.
"THAT'S NOT THE POINT!" Buggy roared back, his face contorting comically.
"Anyway! It's all that bastard's fault! My life plans got set back ten years because of him! So I decided, if I can't conquer the sea, I'll just plunder all the treasure on land instead! Using the power of this Chop-Chop Fruit!" Buggy flashed a vicious grin.
"So, anyone who dares touch my treasure..." Buggy's upper and lower body separated, his torso flying into the air.
"...No matter who they are, I won't forgive them!" Buggy roared, bypassing Luffy and shooting towards a slender figure in the distance.
"Put my treasure down!" Buggy yelled, daggers drawn, hurtling towards Nami.
"Crap! He spotted me!" Nami panicked, having just managed to steal the Buggy Pirates' treasure.
"Hm?" Luffy turned, looking quizzically at Buggy's lower half still standing on the ground.
"Hah." Rowen suddenly stood up.
This was the opportunity he'd been waiting for.
"Don't think you can escape me! Nami! Watch me flashily chop you into pieces!" Buggy cackled sadistically, closing in on Nami.
The next moment—
WHAM!
"!!!" Buggy's expression instantly twisted in agony.
CRUNCH!
Luffy had delivered a swift kick directly to Buggy's groin—his detached lower half still standing vulnerable on the ground. The faint sound of something shattering could be heard.
THUD!
Buggy's airborne upper body plummeted to the ground.
"M-My... crotch..." Attacked in the ultimate male weak spot, Buggy's face contorted in pain.
However, his resilience honed on Roger's ship prevented him from losing consciousness immediately.
But the next second—
"Hyaaah!"
CRACK!!!
Rowen unleashed his Beast Strength to its absolute limit.
He followed up with another powerful kick, striking the exact same spot Luffy had just hit.
The shattering sound was much more distinct this time.
"!!!" The compounded agony was too much. Buggy's eyes rolled back, and he finally lost consciousness, albeit temporarily.
———
—[Target has lost consciousness. Trait Plunder available.]—
—[Plunderable Traits: Cannonball Expertise (Blue), Chop-Chop Fruit (Deep Purple), Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) (Discarded).]—
———
A notification screen appeared.
Unawakened Conqueror's Haki wasn't a 'power' yet, just latent potential. Potential/disposition could only be plundered once (same for equipping). Awakened Conqueror's Haki, however, could be plundered as a Strength-type Trait.
Rowen had no intention of plundering Buggy's Chop-Chop Fruit.
Firstly, he didn't need such a mediocre Devil Fruit. Secondly, if he plundered it, Buggy would be freed from the Devil Fruit curse and no longer rejected by the sea. This could potentially make Buggy a significant unpredictable 'X-factor' in the future.
Rowen preferred to keep the future course under his control.
Using the insignificant Chop-Chop Fruit to neutralize a potential future complication was more advantageous for Rowen.
As for plundering the fruit and then killing Buggy? Buggy had already followed the standard One Piece procedure before the fight and revealed his connections.
His relationship with Shanks and Rayleigh could be very useful to Rowen in the future.
The Chop-Chop Fruit simply wasn't valuable enough to sacrifice those potential future benefits.
Rowen's target had been clear from the start.
"Plunder!" Rowen commanded inwardly.
A faint, dimmed golden light, visible only to Rowen, flew out from Buggy's body and entered Rowen's own. Instantly, it reignited, blazing with dazzling brilliance.
—[Successfully plundered: Born of the Sea (Apex Gold)].—
Rowen Traits: Navigation (White), Beast Strength (Blue), Conqueror's Haki (Pale Gold), Faction Fortune (Apex Gold), Born of the Sea (Apex Gold);
Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple) (Equipping...): [|||||.....]
Demonic Physique (Deep Purple) (Equipping...): [||.....]
Asura Aura (Special) (Equipping...): [|...]
Sun God (Apex Gold) (Equipping...): [||.....]
Born of the Sea (Apex Gold): Born for the sea! Possesses unparalleled swimming talent, supreme in all the oceans. Simply by swimming in the sea, can enhance one's own Kingly Disposition! Thereby strengthening Haki.
————
The '(Discarded)' label was gone.
This Apex Gold Trait, which had dimmed after Buggy ate the Chop-Chop Fruit, now blazed brightly within Rowen's body, fully reactivated.
Born of the Sea (Apex Gold)—the ultimate Haki training cheat code—was finally his!
Rowen closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Whoosh.
The sea breeze caressed Rowen's face.
"Everything... is different now."
Rowen slowly opened his eyes, a distinct curve forming on his lips—an expression reflecting Rowen's newfound 'Kingly Disposition'.
As expected of a cheat code for Enhancing Disposition and Haki.
Even without entering the ocean yet, just feeling the sea breeze felt completely different than before.
Rowen could clearly perceive it now—the energy emanating from the sea itself, carried on the wind.
In the One Piece world, the sea's energy was ubiquitous. Whitebeard's saying, "Everyone on the sea is a child of the sea," wasn't just empty words.
It was just that most people couldn't sense this energy at all.
Those who could directly perceive the sea's energy were either Devil Fruit users, rejected by the sea itself,
Or individuals like Rowen now, possessing a Trait like Born of the Sea (Apex Gold).
However, Devil Fruit users were rejected by the sea; they couldn't even move freely when submerged in its energy.
But Rowen, through Born of the Sea (Apex Gold), could utilize this sea energy to become even stronger!
Confidence—absolute confidence! It felt as though he had become the sea's favored child.
Even without swimming, just feeling the sea's energy in the wind caused a profound shift in Rowen's mindset.
It felt like a fish returning to water—utterly comfortable. And the positive feedback from the sea's energy filled him with immense self-assurance.
This feeling... it was simply too wonderful.
Rowen gazed out at the distant ocean, feeling an overwhelming urge to dive in and swim. Just by swimming in the sea, he could enhance his Disposition, thereby strengthening his Conqueror's Haki!
With the Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) Trait, reaching the level of fully mastered Conqueror's Haki - Infusion (Apex Gold)—achieving the strength of a peak Emperor—was a matter of time.
Furthermore, possessing Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) meant Rowen's Haki 'potential' now stood at the Absolute Zenith of the One Piece world!
Kaido himself had said: Only Haki can transcend all else.
Therefore, possessing the strongest Haki potential in the One Piece world... meant Rowen was destined to stand above all!
A confident, almost domineering curve touched Rowen's lips.
His earlier declaration—originally intended just to gain fame, secure a cool epithet, and test Luffy's reaction for Trait equipping—had felt somewhat overly dramatic at the time.
But now, having acquired the Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) Trait, it felt perfectly natural, completely justified.
Making arrogant claims without the strength to back them up was foolish. But with sufficient power, such claims became the ambition of the strong.
Rowen's mindset had fundamentally changed.
———
"B-Bastard! How dare you treat me like this!" Just then, Buggy finally regained consciousness from the excruciating pain.
Instinctively, he activated his Chop-Chop Fruit, splitting his entire body into even more pieces.
If those two bastards landed a couple more solid hits like that, his weak spot would truly be shattered beyond repair.
"You're pretty tough, huh?" Rowen commented, now in an excellent mood. He even looked at Buggy with a measure of goodwill.
Without Buggy, he wouldn't have obtained such an incredible potential-boosting Trait.
More importantly, this Trait had given Rowen the true mindset befitting a powerful individual.
"Why do I feel like... you're somehow different from before?" Buggy, though furious and wanting revenge on Luffy and Rowen, hesitated for a moment upon looking at Rowen again.
Having spent years on Roger's ship, Buggy, despite his current weakness, still possessed a keen eye.
Previously, although Rowen possessed powerful Conqueror's Haki, Buggy hadn't perceived Rowen himself as a truly strong individual.
It wasn't just about raw power; the earlier Rowen lacked the aura of the strong.
People like Captain Roger or Vice-Captain Rayleigh... just standing there, even without using Haki, they radiated an aura of terrifying strength.
That was the presence born from the mindset of a top-tier powerhouse.
But the Rowen standing before him now felt completely different.
'Strong!' Just standing there, this man felt terrifyingly strong!
It was like a complete metamorphosis compared to before.
Buggy felt a sense of disorientation, then shook his head vigorously.
'What the hell is wrong with me?' For a terrifying instant, he thought he saw a shadow of Captain Roger in this guy.
That same imposing air—Ready to challenge anything, ready to trample everything underfoot.
———
"Enough talk! You messed me up good! Watch me flashily finish you off!" Perhaps reminded of his own spirited days on Roger's ship by Rowen's presence, and contrasting it with his current state, Buggy flew into a rage fueled by shame and anger.
"Chop-Chop... Parts Assemble!" Buggy roared, intending to bring all his separated body parts back together.
Whoosh!
"!!!" Buggy stared down at himself, bewildered.
Only... his feet had arrived.
"Ah! My body parts!" Buggy looked over and let out a cry of shocked rage.
Nami had used a rope to neatly tie up all his other detached limbs and torso.
Right now, Buggy consisted only of a head, two hands, and two feet.
"Shishishi! That thief is amazing!" Luffy grinned, stretching both his arms far behind him.
"Fly away, Buggy!"
"Gomu Gomu no——!"
"AHHHHHHH! Stop!" Buggy shrieked in terror, watching the rapidly approaching rubber fists.
"BAZOOKA——!" Luffy yelled. Buggy was sent flying high into the sky, becoming a twinkling star in the distance.
"Hahahaha! We won!" Luffy cheered, throwing his hands up.
Knowing Buggy didn't have information about Shanks, and realizing his rubber attacks couldn't deliver a fatal blow to the Chop-Chop Fruit user anyway, blasting him away was the best option.
"Huh. So getting blasted away really does turn you into a star. Interesting," Rowen mused, shielding his eyes as he watched Buggy's star disappear, a smile on his face.
Whether Buggy managed to find his body parts like in the original story remained to be seen.
Straw Hat Pirates vs. Buggy Pirates—Straw Hat Pirates win, complete victory!
And Rowen, having acquired Born of the Sea (Apex Gold), was the biggest winner of all.
"Here. You guys need this, right? The Grand Line map," Nami said, handing the sea map to Luffy after the battle was completely over.
"Eh? You're giving it to me?" Luffy looked at Nami, pleasantly surprised.
"Well, we kind of teamed up, didn't we? And I couldn't have gotten the Buggy Pirates' treasure without you guys," Nami replied, smiling as she looked at the two large sacks of treasure beside her.
If converted to Beri, this treasure was worth a full 10 million.
This was her biggest haul ever.
After all, without Rowen and the others, Nami wouldn't have dared to single-handedly infiltrate the base of a major pirate with a 15 million Beri bounty.
"But even though we sort of cooperated, this treasure is all mine!" Nami quickly hugged the sacks tightly, her expression turning wary again after her moment of happiness.
"Shishishi! With this, we can go to the Grand Line, right, Rowen?" Luffy, completely uninterested in the treasure, excitedly held up the Grand Line map and called out to Rowen.
"That's right. But we still need a proper pirate ship. And a navigator," Rowen replied after carefully examining the map.
With only Navigation (White), Rowen struggled even to understand this map properly, let alone navigate the Grand Line.
"The Grand Line, huh?" A fierce grin spread across Zoro's face.
After Rowen had opened his eyes to the possibilities—Zoro was now eager to head to the Grand Line and pursue his ambition.
"Navigator? Isn't she right here? Shishishi!" Luffy pointed at Nami, grinning.
Nami had been staring blankly at the three of them.
She'd never met pirates who were so completely indifferent to such a large amount of treasure before.
These guys... their eyes held no greed, only dreams.
Pirates who set sail purely for their dreams... do people like that really exist in this world?
Just as Nami was pondering this, she heard Luffy's words and immediately retorted.
"Hey! I told you I won't join a pirate crew!"
But then, Nami's eyes darted around thoughtfully, and she smiled again.
"However... teaming up with you guys does seem pretty profitable. Maybe we could continue working together."
"Shishishi! Then it's decided! Nami's our navigator!" Luffy yelled excitedly.
"Temporary navigator," Nami corrected.
"Welcome aboard, Nami," Rowen said, extending his hand to her with a smile.
Just like when he had invited her to dance on the luxury liner.
"..." Seeing this gesture, Nami clearly remembered her first meeting with Rowen, feeling a sense of déjà vu.
She had assumed they'd never meet again on this vast sea, that Rowen's "until we meet again" was just a casual platitude.
Yet, not only had it come true today, but she had somehow become the temporary navigator on his ship.
"Mm," Nami nodded, taking Rowen's hand, her lips pressed together thoughtfully.
"Y-You guys... defeated Buggy the Clown?!" Just then, a shocked voice interrupted them.
Rowen and the others turned to see an old man—white-haired, frail-looking but wearing homemade armor, strangely dressed—staring at them in disbelief.
"Yeah, we beat Buggy's crew. Who are you, old man?" Luffy readily admitted, then looked at the old man curiously.
"I am Boodle, the mayor of this Orange Town. Who are you? You don't look like Marines," Boodle introduced himself, then asked, his face still showing traces of shock.
The Buggy Pirates... defeated by these kids?
"Their town was taken over by the Buggy Pirates; they must hate pirates! Definitely don't tell them who you are!" Nami whispered urgently.
"I'm Luffy! I'm a pirate!" Luffy announced straightforwardly.
Thump! Nami nearly face-planted.
"Hahahaha!" Zoro slapped his thigh, roaring with laughter.
Rowen chuckled at the scene as well.
Classic Luffy.
"P-Pirates..." Mayor Boodle's face twitched.
"Ah, I'm starving! Old man, can you treat us to a meal?" Luffy patted his stomach.
Using Devil Fruit powers consumed a lot of stamina.
"What kind of pirate asks someone else to treat them to a meal?!" Nami couldn't find the words to describe Luffy's behavior.
"Some booze would be nice," Zoro added hopefully.
A good drink after a fight was one of Zoro's greatest pleasures.
"We should definitely celebrate properly," Rowen agreed, still elated from acquiring the Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) Trait.
"Even you, Rowen?!" Nami felt utterly exasperated.
Did these guys have any awareness of the situation? They were pirates! And this mayor's town had just been occupied by pirates!
"Follow me," Boodle said unexpectedly after a moment of silence.
"Alright! Food!" Luffy excitedly followed Boodle.
Zoro and Rowen followed with smiles. Nami, though exasperated, had no choice but to follow along with her treasure sacks.
Boodle led them to his house.
On the way, they encountered the small dog, Chouchou, faithfully guarding the pet shop left behind by his deceased owner.
Chouchou, not having formed the same bond with Luffy as in the original story, barked fiercely at the group, only calming down slightly after Boodle reassured him.
Rowen simply smiled at this. Compared to forging the same friendship from the story, what Chouchou truly needed—the preservation of the pet shop filled with memories of his master—had already been achieved (implicitly, by defeating Buggy).
Boodle prepared some food for them.
During their conversation, Boodle clearly sensed that Rowen's group was different from the Buggy Pirates and explained everything that had happened in the town.
Luffy, meanwhile, just focused on stuffing his face, saying nothing.
Listening to Chouchou's story—how the dog refused to leave the shop filled with memories, even facing the Buggy Pirates, determined to protect his master's legacy—Nami was visibly moved but felt powerless to do anything.
"Ah, I'm full! So full! Okay, we're heading out! Thanks for the meal, old man!" Luffy patted his belly, beaming with satisfaction.
"How can you smile so happily after hearing what happened here?! Pirates really are cold-blooded! Always taking away what's important to others so easily!" Nami suddenly snapped, looking at Luffy's smile, her emotions overflowing.
"No matter what I say, what happened here already happened. What's lost won't come back, right?" Luffy replied simply, looking at Nami.
"But you can't be so indifferent!" Nami yelled, venting her frustration.
She knew it was true. Her outburst was fueled by the parallels between the town's situation and her own hometown's suffering.
But the next moment, a hand gently rested on Nami's shoulder.
"Rowen?" Nami looked up at him, startled.
"Luffy isn't being indifferent. This is just... Luffy's way, his own kind of strength," Rowen said seriously.
"Talking is always the easiest thing to do, but it doesn't change anything. Just like with you, Nami."
Nami started to protest, but Rowen's next words stunned her into silence.
"You definitely have your own story too, but we won't ask. Even if you told us what happened to you, we could never truly understand how you feel right now. Just talking about it won't change what you've been through. But when you feel the time is right..."
Nami stared blankly at Rowen's face, which now held a smile as warm and bright as the sun.
"...Lean on us as much as you need to, Nami. We'll help you, even if we have to risk our lives. We're comrades now."
Nami stared at Rowen, speechless.
Rowen then looked at Luffy with a smile.
"Right, Luffy?"
"Shishishi! That's right!" Luffy yelled back enthusiastically.
Rowen's understanding of comradeship resonated perfectly with Luffy.
Zoro didn't speak, just offered a fierce grin and adjusted the grip on his Wado Ichimonji slightly.
This sentiment resonated deeply with Zoro as well.
"..." Nami pressed her lips together, struggling to keep her emotions in check.
She gripped Rowen's hand resting on her shoulder, gently leaning her forehead against it, as if finally finding something solid to rely on.
———
—[Received strong acknowledgment from Monkey D. Luffy. Bond increased. Trait equipping progress increased.]—
—[Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple) has finished equipping.]—
Rowen Traits: Navigation (White), Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple), Conqueror's Haki (Pale Gold), Faction Fortune (Apex Gold), Born of the Sea (Apex Gold);
Demonic Physique (Deep Purple) (Equipping...): [|||....]
Asura Aura (Special) (Equipping...): [||.....]
Sun God (Apex Gold) (Equipping...): [|||....]
————
Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple) was now fully equipped.
Rowen could feel the food he'd eaten earlier, which hadn't fully digested yet, being processed by his body at an astonishing speed, converting into nutrients and nourishing him.
Furthermore, his stamina and strength received a massive, all-around boost.
With a Deep Purple combat Trait now active, Rowen possessed more offensive options beyond just his Conqueror's Haki.
———
—[Higher-tier Trait of the same type detected. Beast Strength (Blue) automatically converted into nutrients.]—
———
Another notification appeared.
The first Blue Trait Rowen obtained after transmigrating had now fulfilled its purpose.
While Blue Traits couldn't be used as upgrade materials, this wasn't an upgrade scenario. Instead, the superior Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple) Trait effectively overwrote the lower-tier Beast Strength (Blue) Trait.
Leveraging the properties of the Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple) Trait, the energy from Beast Strength (Blue) was converted into nourishment, further enhancing Rowen's physique.
However, this overwriting effect was a one-time occurrence. Acquiring additional Blue-tier physique Traits in the future wouldn't provide further nourishment.
Only by obtaining combat Traits of Pale Purple tier or higher could he upgrade the Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple).
Rowen felt his physique strengthen slightly more.
Even though the gap between Blue and Deep Purple Traits was vast, every little bit helped.
Right now, in terms of raw physique, Rowen actually surpassed Luffy by the equivalent of one Blue Trait.
The gains from the encounter with the Buggy Pirates had truly exceeded Rowen's expectations.
Not only had he acquired Born of the Sea (Apex Gold), but the Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple) equipped from Luffy had also completed.
The equipping progress for the Sun God (Apex Gold) Trait had also noticeably advanced.
Next, he just needed to wait for Zoro's Demonic Physique (Deep Purple) to finish equipping. Once that happened, Rowen's vision would be realized:
His physical potential would reach the absolute peak tier of the One Piece world.
Rowen clenched his fist, feeling the surge of power, a slight smile playing on his lips.
Fully equipped Traits could be perfectly controlled by Rowen, so there was no risk of him losing control due to the sudden increase in strength.
"Thank you for your hospitality. We'll be taking our leave now," Rowen said, addressing Mayor Boodle.
Right now, Rowen's most pressing desire was to dive into the sea and experience the power of the Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) Trait.
"Hah!" Boodle suddenly stood up straight and performed a deep, 90-degree bow towards Luffy, Rowen, and the others.
"Words cannot express my gratitude! Thank you! Thank you for saving this town!" Tears streamed down the old mayor's face.
"Shishishi! Don't worry about it! Take it easy!" Luffy replied with his signature grin.
Rowen smiled at the scene, then glanced at Nami.
Their eyes met, and Nami offered a small smile in return.
She understood. Rowen was showing her, not telling her, that they wouldn't offer useless words of comfort—they acted.
When she felt the time was right, if she just asked, Rowen and his crew truly would risk their lives to help her.
Comrades... huh...
Nami pressed her lips together thoughtfully.
<><><><><><>
"Setting sail!" At the harbor, Nami had tied their small boat alongside one of the Buggy Pirates' smaller vessels, preparing them to sail side-by-side.
Luffy stood energetically at the bow, shouting his departure.
SPLASH! Luffy's declaration was answered by the splash of Rowen diving into the water.
"Rowen! What are you doing?! The seawater makes me weak!" Luffy yelped, scrambling to avoid the splashing water, looking concernedly at Rowen in the sea.
"Just felt like a swim!" Rowen laughed heartily, reveling in the ocean water.
Incredible! Exhilarating!
Rowen felt every cell in his body singing with joy.
As expected of the Trait 'Born of the Sea'. Being in the ocean felt like being home.
Nami watched Rowen laughing freely in the water, her eyes filled with a complex emotion.
Rowen in the sea... felt completely different.
Free, confident, powerful...
Many adjectives could describe him now.
But to summarize it simply: Rowen, in the ocean, seemed to practically glow.
———
[Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) activated. Kingly Disposition increased. Conqueror's Haki intensity increased.]
[Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) activated. Kingly Disposition increased.]
———
However, Rowen quickly noticed something. After the initial increase in Haki intensity, subsequent activations only increased his 'Disposition'.
Rowen continued swimming, analyzing the changes within himself.
Could it be...
Rowen leaped out of the sea and back onto the boat.
"Hooo... Haaa..." He took deep breaths, feeling the sea's energy within the wind.
———
[Accumulated Kingly Disposition digested. Conqueror's Haki intensity increased.]
[Accumulated Kingly Disposition digested. Conqueror's Haki intensity increased.]
———
A series of notifications appeared.
I see.
A smile spread across Rowen's face.
The 'Disposition' gained through this cheat-level Trait wasn't earned through the crucible of battle, forged from the blood and failures of enemies.
The Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) Trait essentially transformed 'Disposition' and Conqueror's Haki—elements normally impossible to train directly—into something that could be strengthened through a form of 'exercise'.
And like any exercise, it required a 'digestion' period afterward.
Using physical training as an analogy made it easy to understand.
To make your body stronger, after exercising, you needed to eat, digest, absorb, and then finally experience the strengthening.
Similarly, to strengthen Haki using Born of the Sea (Apex Gold), the same process was required.
Swimming in the sea with Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) enhanced 'Disposition'—that was like 'eating'.
To actually get stronger after 'eating', the accumulated 'Disposition' needed to be 'digested' and 'absorbed' before it could be used to enhance Haki.
No wonder Buggy was so absurdly confident, practically arrogant, before eating the Chop-Chop Fruit!
Even top-tier powerhouses like Roger, despite possessing immense 'Disposition', only exuded Haki, not the same kind of reckless arrogance Buggy displayed.
The reason was that Buggy hadn't awakened his Conqueror's Haki. He couldn't 'digest' the 'Disposition' gained from Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) to actually strengthen his Haki.
Therefore, he couldn't fully control the immense 'Disposition' generated by the Trait, leading him to act like an arrogant, reckless fool.
Born of the Sea (Apex Gold)... only after awakening Conqueror's Haki could its full power truly be utilized!
However, even with the added 'digestion' step, it didn't impact the overall speed at which Rowen could become stronger.
After all, Rowen was human, not a fish; he couldn't spend 24/7 in the ocean anyway.
The digestion period perfectly aligned with his natural need for rest.
Feeling his Haki continuously growing stronger, Rowen smiled slightly.
This feeling... was very good.