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Chapter Text

Chapter 1: Bounty Hunter Caelan

In the year 1521 of the Sea Circle Calendar, at a marine branch base in the Sambas region of the East Blue.

Dozens of bounty hunters stood gathered in the hall. Normally rough and unruly, now they didn't even dare to breathe loudly.

Each of them stared carefully and curiously at the bounty exchange window, at the young bounty hunter known as the legend of the East Blue.

His physique was as imposing as a towering iron pillar, the muscles beneath his clothes solid and powerful without appearing bulky.

He radiated an overwhelming sense of strength even while standing still.

Strapped to his back was a massive greatsword, two meters long and half the width of a man, exuding a terrifying murderous aura.

His thick hair fell in untamed waves, and his features were sharply cut.

Some weren't sure if their eyes were playing tricks on them, but they seemed to see faint strands of black mist swirling around the young man, like the clinging presence of evil spirits.

Caelan ignored the stares from the crowd, he was long used to it.

"Calculate this time's bounty for me."

Caelan placed a black sack on the table, handing it over to the Marine officer to count and confirm.

"Understood, Mr. Caelan."

The Marine responded respectfully, carefully pouring out the contents of the sack onto the table. Seven gruesome severed heads rolled out.

"The ferocious Tiger —Goro—bounty of 4 million berries!"

"The Black Serpent —Kuroba Jin—bounty of 5 million berries!"

"The Venomous Beast—Dokuga—bounty of 4.5 million berries!"

…

With each head revealed, the Marines' expressions grew more and more astonished.

These were all notorious, bloodthirsty pirates who had slaughtered countless innocents while rampaging through the East Blue.

The bounty hunters watching couldn't help but exclaim in shock at the sight of these heads.

Some of them had once crossed blades with these pirates and naturally, had suffered defeat.

Never in their wildest dreams had they imagined these pirates' heads would one day be displayed here at the Marine base.

Such a scene was something they had only seen in their dreams.

"Mr. Caelan, here's your bounty—a total of 30 million berries."

The Marine respectfully passed a briefcase through the window as he spoke.

At the mention of this figure, all the bounty hunters gasped and stared at the briefcase with longing eyes.

The combined bounties of the pirates they hunted together didn't even come close to this amount.

But no one dared provoke Caelan, they all knew very well just how terrifying he truly was.

"Thirty million… not bad."

Caelan took the briefcase, weighed it casually in his hand, then turned and walked away.

It wasn't until Caelan had completely left the hall that the Marine base erupted into loud chatter.

The bounty hunters and Marines couldn't hold back their excitement and began discussing the event heatedly.

…

Caelan returned to his ship and opened the briefcase.

"System, recharge."

The berries inside the suitcase instantly vanished, as if they had never been there.

"Ding! Congratulations, host! Wealth value increased by 30 million!"

Hearing the system notification, a slight trace of concern appeared on Caelan's face.

"It's already been half a year since I crossed over."

"At this rate, it'll take me over ten years just to complete synchronization."

That's right.

Caelan was not a native of this world.

He came from another world, having inexplicably crossed into this perilous world in the flesh.

A world rampant with pirates, ruled by the tyrannical Celestial Dragons, and controlled by a corrupt and incompetent World Government.

Any one of these forces could easily crush an ordinary man like him as if he were an ant.

Fortunately, Caelan had been bound to the Heroic Spirit Synchronization System upon his arrival.

At the start, he had drawn the SR template [Berserker Class Heracles], the heroic spirit from Illya's route in the Fifth Holy Grail War, known by countless fans as "Basaka"—the embodiment of true manliness.

As long as he continued to embody the template's personality and traits, he could increase his synchronization rate and gain the power of the template.

He could even spend berries to accelerate the synchronization process.

Caelan understood well the dangers and excitement of the pirate world.

He didn't want to be just another nameless soul, nor did he want to be a background character in this grand era.

So, he made up his mind—he would become stronger.

Over the past half year, he had continuously aligned his behavior and combat style with the Berserker template while hunting down vicious pirates across the weaker seas of the East Blue.

At the same time, he exchanged the pirates' heads for large sums of bounty money to further increase his synchronization.

With this dual approach, his synchronization rate soared.

"Open system panel."

Caelan muttered in his heart.

A translucent light screen appeared in his mind.

…

[Host: Caelan Alaric]

[Template: Berserker Class Heracles]

[Synchronization Rate: 30%]

[Berry: 15 million + 30 million]

[Strength: B]

[Endurance: B]

[Agility: B]

[Magic Power: B]

[Luck: A]

[Noble Phantasm: A+]

[Personal Skills]: Battle Continuation (B), Mind's Eye (Fake) (B), Valor (A+), Divinity (A), Madness Enhancement (B)

[Noble Phantasms]: God Hand: The Twelve Labors (B), Nine Lives: Shooting the Hundred Heads (C–A+)

…

Looking at the panel before him, his synchronization rate had already reached 30%.

In other words, he currently possessed 30% of the power of the Mad Warrior Heracles.

This level of strength was already terrifying, enough to stand at the top among the Four Emperors' core crews or be considered a potential candidate for Admiral at Marine Headquarters.

In the weakest sea of the East Blue, his current strength made him practically invincible.

More importantly, he had already unlocked Heracles' signature Noble Phantasm—Twelve Labours.

This weapon, born from the legendary Twelve Labors of Heracles, granted Caelan twelve lives, which could be restored over time after depletion.

Compared to Marco's Phoenix Devil Fruit regeneration, the Twelve Labours were even more astonishing.

"System, consume 40 million wealth points to increase synchronization."

The next moment, the system panel in his mind changed again.

[Host: Caelan Alaric]

[Template: Berserker Class Heracles]

[Synchronization Rate: 34%]

[Berry: 5 million]

At the same time, Caelan felt a tremendous surge of power flooding into his body.

Memories began to emerge in his mind—the glorious legends of Heracles, the heroic feats of the twelve impossible trials.

His already powerful physique strengthened further. Although his attribute ranks hadn't broken through to the next level, each stat increased by 10%.

"Every 10 million berries increases synchronization by 1%. To reach 100%, I'll need 660 million berries."

Caelan frowned slightly.

That number wasn't unreasonable, it was about the cost of a high-tier Paramecia-type Devil Fruit.

But right now, he was still in the East Blue, and gathering that kind of money here would take considerable time.

Over the past six months, Caelan had roamed across the East Blue, killing pirates wherever he went. Most of the truly dangerous ones had already been dealt with by his hand.

The East Blue had now truly become the weakest of the four seas, with only a few scattered small-time pirates remaining.

Of course, if Caelan chose to become a pirate himself, pillaging the weak and innocent, then not to mention 600 million, earning even 6 billion berries would be easy.

But that went against the moral compass Caelan had developed in his previous life. He was just an ordinary person at heart.

Caelan would not sacrifice himself to save the suffering masses, but neither would he slaughter innocents for convenience.

Thus, he chose to become a bounty hunter—hunting down vicious pirates.

In each battle, he synchronized further with the Berserker Heracles template, then used the bounty rewards to increase his synchronization progress.

"It seems I'll need to head to the Grand Line as soon as possible."

Caelan made his decision.

He had already cleared out the 'starter zone' that was the East Blue, there was no reason to linger.

The pirates of the Grand Line were stronger and could give him proper fights.

Their bounties were also far higher, many of them carrying hundreds of millions in bounty, along with vast treasure hoards.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Chapter 2: Don Krieg

The next day.

Caelan stretched his body. He had expended a lot of energy hunting down those pirates.

It wasn't that they were particularly strong, but they had been too spread out across the sea.

"Well, time for a big meal and some relaxation."

The sea restaurant Baratie was in this area, so there was no reason to miss out.

Caelan took off the greatsword from his back and swung it hard toward the sea behind him.

A massive wave of sword energy roared out, creating a huge recoil that pushed Caelan's boat forward at high speed.

In just one hour, Caelan spotted a fish-head-shaped ship carrying a green two-story building.

The sea restaurant Baratie had arrived.

After securing his boat to the side of the Baratie, Caelan stepped into the famous restaurant of the East Blue.

As soon as he entered, he saw the restaurant was nearly packed, the air filled with laughter and the rich aroma of seafood and various spices.

"Smells like the food here really lives up to its reputation."

Caelan narrowed his eyes and nodded in approval.

"Oh? A guest with good taste. What would you like to order?"

Hearing Caelan's praise, Zeff, wearing his chef's hat and sporting two golden mustaches, took the initiative to greet him.

Zeff, who had spent years on the Grand Line, could tell at a glance that Caelan was not an ordinary person. He was stronger than most of the pirates Zeff had encountered.

Sanji, standing nearby with a cigarette in his mouth, widened his eyes. He had never seen the old man treat anyone so politely before.

"Bring me all your signature dishes. If that's not enough, keep them coming."

Caelan didn't stand on ceremony. He could easily eat as much as several tables' worth of diners.

Ever since syncing with the Heracles template, his appetite was on par with a dimensional stomach. No matter how much he ate, it was never enough.

"Nani?! We absolutely do not allow any food waste in this restaurant!"

Zeff immediately shouted. His early hardships had made him intolerant of wasting food, and he didn't care how special Caelan might be.

"No problem. That won't be an issue."

Caelan smiled in response. He wouldn't waste a single bite.

But his calm reply came off as a provocation to Zeff, as if Caelan were mocking the quality of the Baratie's food.

"In that case, I'll make sure you leave here clutching your stomach!"

Zeff snapped back with a glare.

"Sanji, give it everything you've got!"

Zeff grabbed Sanji and headed straight into the kitchen.

Caelan casually found an empty seat, sat down, and leaned his greatsword against the chair beside him.

A few diners recognized Caelan and raised their glasses to him.

Some pirates, terrified, quickly paid their bills and fled the restaurant.

Caelan glanced at them and immediately saw they were just small fry with bounties of a few tens of thousands of berries. He couldn't be bothered with them.

"Old man, you're acting really weird today."

Sanji felt something was off. This wasn't like the old man at all.

Zeff shook his head and didn't explain. He simply pointed toward Caelan.

"What is it? Who the hell is that guy?"

Following Zeff's gesture, Sanji looked over—and was stunned.

The man had a lion-like build, wrapped in faint wisps of black mist, radiating an oppressive aura.

The cheerful, lively dining atmosphere had gradually fallen silent, with Caelan at its center.

The diners closest to him were visibly on edge, quickly finishing their meals and leaving in a hurry.

Noticing Sanji staring at him, Caelan smiled.

"Ugh…"

Sanji shivered. Despite Caelan's handsome face, the pressure he exuded was nothing short of demonic.

"Now you see?"

Zeff gave Sanji a meaningful glance before turning to focus on the food.

Sanji followed, putting his full effort into preparing the meal to meet Caelan's request.

"Am I really that scary?"

Caelan sighed to himself. The Heracles template naturally carried a berserk, fearsome aura. Even if he suppressed it, he couldn't completely avoid making others feel uneasy.

Grilled steak, salt-grilled chicken skewers, signature shrimp, seafood soup…

With Zeff and Sanji working together, the first round of dishes was quickly brought to Caelan's table.

"This is excellent."

Caelan tasted the food carefully. He had to admit, the skills of these two chefs were truly impressive. In both his past and present life, he had rarely encountered cooking of this level.

Though his eating manners were proper, his speed was astonishing. An entire table of dishes disappeared in moments.

From the kitchen, Sanji and Zeff watched, their eyelids twitching. They hadn't expected Caelan's appetite to be so massive.

The two of them returned to the stove, working quickly to prepare more dishes, replacing the empty plates at Caelan's table one after another.

Just as Caelan was happily enjoying his meal, a group of uninvited guests entered the restaurant.

Don Krieg, supported by Gin, limped into the Baratie. Their pirate crew had been devastated by Dracule Mihawk's blade and were in desperate need of supplies.

"Captain, let's get out of here. That's the strongest bounty hunter in the East Blue."

The moment they entered, Gin recognized Caelan.

"The East Blue is too weak. The so-called strongest bounty hunter here is just another small fry."

Krieg sneered. He was a pirate who had entered the Grand Line.

"But I'm too weak right now. I need to recover my strength first."

Not long ago, he had encountered Mihawk, who sank fifty of his ships. Krieg had barely escaped with his life, only to be hounded by the Marines. He had been starving for over ten days and was now completely exhausted.

Desperate, Krieg lunged at a diner's table like a starving dog, shoving food into his mouth frantically.

He needed to recover his strength as quickly as possible to avoid being an easy target for the bounty hunter.

"That's Don Krieg! The overlord of the East Blue, with a bounty of 17 million berries!"

"Didn't the Krieg Pirates already enter the Grand Line? How did they end up like this?"

Many of the restaurant's patrons recognized Krieg, and panic spread quickly.

"We're doomed! These are vicious pirates!"

Everyone knew Krieg's reputation. He was ruthless, despicable, and had taken countless lives. Even in his current pitiful state, no one dared question his strength.

Caelan noticed Krieg's presence but didn't take him seriously. Instead, he focused on something else.

If the story had reached this point, then Luffy and the others should be here as well.

Sure enough, when Caelan glanced up, he saw the Straw Hat crew watching from the second floor.

He had no particular interest in them, but since he planned to enter the Grand Line, he happened to be short of a navigator.

With that in mind, Caelan subconsciously looked around for Nami.

He spotted a slender figure quietly slipping out of the restaurant.

Oh?

Leaving so quickly?

Caelan smiled to himself. It seemed there was still a chance.

"Wahaha! I'm back again!"

After eating and regaining some strength, Krieg laughed arrogantly.

Now that he had recovered, he no longer feared Caelan, the so-called strongest bounty hunter of the East Blue.

Krieg removed his outer jacket, revealing golden armor beneath. His spiked, mountain-like cape fluttered behind him.

At that moment, his confidence returned, as if he had regained his former glory as the ruler of the East Blue.

"Hey, you over there! I'm talking to you!"

"I'm Don Krieg, the big pirate with a bounty of 17 million berries. If you've got the guts, come and claim it! Wahaha!"

Krieg pointed directly at Caelan, planning to use the strongest bounty hunter of the East Blue as a stepping stone to reclaim his lost reputation.

Faced with Krieg's provocation, Caelan simply smiled.

He hadn't expected that just coming here for a meal would bring him some extra rewards.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 3: Dishwasher Luffy

"I really miss this. It's been a long time since a bounty came walking right to my doorstep."

Caelan sighed, his eyes filled with nostalgia.

Back when he first started making a name for himself in the East Blue, many pirates would come straight to him, hoping to use him as a stepping stone to fame.

It was thanks to these reckless challengers that Caelan was able to quickly get through his early days.

But after just three months at sea, this kind of pirate "takeout delivery" disappeared completely.

Now, most pirates in the East Blue ran faster than rabbits whenever they heard his name. Many even changed their hideouts frequently, which greatly increased the difficulty of hunting them down.

"Don't get cocky! I'm the Pirate Fleet Admiral Krieg!"

Seeing Caelan's expression, Krieg felt like he was being treated like a joke.

Furious, Krieg's armor twisted as two gun barrels extended from it.

"Die, brat!"

Two cannon shells blasted toward Caelan.

Krieg was full of confidence. With his equipment, he was undefeated in the East Blue.

Countless enemies had fallen under the firepower of these cannons.

The shells slammed into Caelan, kicking up a huge cloud of dust.

"Tch, boring."

Caelan waved his hand, dispersing the dust. His body remained completely unscathed.

This was the effect of the Noble Phantasm, God Hand: The Twelve Labors. Any attack below B rank could not harm him.

Caelan had not even considered dodging such a weak attack.

"Haha, you fell for it, brat. This is a poison gas shell!"

Krieg sneered viciously. Although he looked down on Caelan, he still used his signature dirty tricks.

That was the kind of despicable man Krieg was. No matter who his opponent was, he always struck first with underhanded tactics.

"Damn it, how shameless."

Sanji, watching from the kitchen, was about to rush out to help.

"Stay put. Krieg is no match for him."

Zeff stopped Sanji. He firmly believed that Caelan, the man who had shaken even him, would not lose to Krieg.

"It's useless."

Caelan shook his finger. This poison gas didn't even reach B rank. It was completely ineffective against the Twelve Labors.

Krieg didn't give up. Dirty tricks weren't his only weapon.

He pulled out a golden war hammer and charged toward Caelan.

"Watch out! Krieg is incredibly strong. That weapon weighs a ton!"

The diners hiding nearby couldn't help but call out a warning.

Caelan casually picked up the greatsword resting beside him and swung it at Krieg.

When it came to brute strength, no one could compare to Caelan.

He possessed the synchronization of Heracles, the legendary hero of Greek mythology.

The giant sword and golden hammer clashed in midair. Krieg immediately felt an overwhelming force.

The golden hammer was cut in half instantly. The greatsword continued downward, slicing through Krieg's golden armor.

Finally, the blade drove into Krieg's abdomen, pinning him firmly to the floor.

"How… how can he be so strong?"

Krieg lay on the ground, gasping for air. He could never have imagined such strength existed in the East Blue.

The power behind that sword swing was something he could not hope to withstand.

"Defeated in one strike?"

It took the diners a while to react. Many of them couldn't believe what they were seeing.

Krieg had been the self-proclaimed overlord of the East Blue. Everyone here knew his reputation.

Some had experienced his cruelty firsthand and were well aware of how terrifying he was.

This was a pirate who had destroyed Marine bases and rampaged unchecked across the East Blue.

But now, he had been defeated in a single blow by Caelan, unable to fight back at all.

"Both the strongest in the East Blue… but the gap between them is this big!"

Krieg was known as the strongest pirate in the East Blue. Caelan was known as the strongest bounty hunter.

Even if one lost, no one expected the difference to be so overwhelming.

Yet Caelan had brought Krieg down with just one strike, leaving him barely clinging to life.

Gin, seeing his captain defeated, gritted his teeth and charged at Caelan.

"Too weak."

In Caelan's eyes, Gin's movements were slower than a turtle's. He casually threw a punch, knocking Gin out cold.

Under the stunned gaze of everyone present, Caelan placed a bag of berries on the table, then carried Krieg and Gin out of the restaurant.

Docked nearby was Krieg's flagship, still crewed by over a hundred of his pirates.

"It's too much trouble to haul them all away. Might as well wipe them out right here."

The pirates on the ship were all small fry. Many didn't even have bounties. Caelan had no interest in identifying them one by one.

Besides, the Krieg Pirates were infamous across the East Blue for their brutality and crimes. Their deaths would not be a loss to anyone.

Caelan focused his mind and swung his greatsword toward the massive ship.

The slash roared out like thunder crashing down upon the earth.

With the Heracles synchronization, even though the Berserker form of Heracles had lost the godlike martial arts of his sane state, his instinctual combat ability was still engraved deep in his bones.

After half a year of practice, Caelan had combined the swordsmanship of the pirate world with his template, finally stepping into the realm of a true swordsman.

He could cut through steel and unleash devastating flying slashes.

With just his swordsmanship alone, he could dominate the first half of the Grand Line.

The pressure of the slash, dozens of meters long, blasted out from the greatsword, splitting the pirate ship into pieces.

The entire crew aboard was killed instantly, the sea stained red with blood.

Overhead, a News Coo flew by, capturing this terrifying scene with its camera.

The immense force of the slash shocked everyone in the restaurant.

Even far out at sea, flocks of seabirds were startled into flight.

Dracule Mihawk, standing on his small raft, suddenly stood up and looked toward the direction of the Baratie.

"There's such a powerful swordsman in the East Blue?"

The presence behind that slash was enough to qualify as a worthy opponent.

Mihawk stabbed the Black Blade Yoru into the water, using it as a paddle to steer quickly toward the floating restaurant.

Caelan, unaware that Mihawk was coming for him, carried Krieg and Gin straight to the nearest Marine base.

Back at the Baratie, the stunned diners finally stepped outside to check the situation.

When they saw Krieg's flagship completely destroyed, their shock deepened.

"This level of strength shouldn't exist in the East Blue."

Zeff had not seen such a formidable fighter in many years. Even at his peak, he was certain he couldn't compare to Caelan.

Beside him, Sanji was also speechless. At some point, the cigarette in his mouth had fallen to the floor.

Born into the Vinsmoke family, Sanji clearly understood how terrifying Caelan's power was.

That presence was even more overwhelming than his father, Vinsmoke Judge.

Luffy and Zoro were just as shaken. They were new to the seas, and this was their first time witnessing such strength.

"Suge! I want to be even stronger than him. I'm going to be the Pirate King!"

Luffy's fighting spirit remained high. True to his nature, he would not be discouraged.

"Oh no, Boss Luffy, Boss Zoro!"

At that moment, Zoro's two crewmates rushed over, panic written all over their faces.

"Miss Nami took the ship and all our treasure!"

They had been so distracted by Caelan's overwhelming power that they hadn't noticed Nami quietly sailing away.

"Nani?!"

Both Luffy and Zoro shouted in shock.

Just as Luffy was about to chase after her, a white chef's hat smacked into the back of his head.

"Idiot, you still have to work here to pay off your debt for the damage!"

Zeff knocked Luffy on the head and dragged him back into the kitchen.

Since Caelan had already taken care of the Krieg Pirates, Luffy and the others hadn't yet formed a deep bond with Zeff or Sanji.

It would take some time before they could leave.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 4: I Refuse

Caelan steered his boat toward the Marine branch base in the Sambas Sea.

Just two hours earlier, he had exchanged bounty rewards at this very base.

He hadn't expected to catch two big fish in the time it took to enjoy a meal.

Krieg was worth 17 million berries, and Gin was worth 11 million berries.

"After I turn in this bounty, maybe I should go back for another meal."

"Who knows, maybe more big fish will show up if I eat there again?"

"Hahaha!"

Caelan couldn't help but laugh at the thought.

...

At the Baratie in the Sambas Sea.

Mihawk's small raft floated on the waters, surrounded by shipwreck debris.

Mihawk picked up a piece of shattered timber, closed his eyes, and used Observation Haki to sense the lingering traces of battle.

After a moment, Mihawk opened his eyes.

"Good swordsmanship. Impressive power."

In terms of swordsmanship itself, it was excellent. Though still a level below Mihawk's own mastery, the power behind the strikes at the scene had earned his recognition.

Compared to the monsters of the Beasts Pirates, this swordsman was not far behind.

"It seems I may have a worthy opponent in the future."

Mihawk smiled faintly. He acknowledged Caelan's potential.

However, for now, Mihawk had no intention of testing him. The man was still a bit too inexperienced.

On the other side.

After sailing for another hour, Caelan returned once again to the Marine branch base.

Carrying Gin and Krieg with him, Caelan walked straight in.

"Isn't that Mr. Caelan? Didn't he just come here this morning?"

Several bounty hunters gathered in the hall whispered to each other, looking at Caelan with puzzled expressions.

These bounty hunters had come in earlier that morning to turn in their own bounties, and they were still here, bragging about their exploits.

For them, any bounty exchange wasn't complete without a few hours of storytelling.

"He probably just picked off a few small-time pirates somewhere."

One tall, thin bounty hunter said sourly. He didn't believe Caelan could have gained anything significant in just a few hours.

"That's Don Krieg, and his top officer, the Man-Demon Gin!"

A bounty hunter suddenly shouted, immediately drawing everyone's attention.

"It's true!"

"How is that possible?!"

"That's a big-name pirate with a bounty in the tens of millions!"

The bamboo-thin bounty hunter was completely dumbfounded, staring at Caelan as if looking at a monster.

The jealousy he had felt toward Caelan earlier vanished completely, replaced by respect and fear.

Caelan had wiped out the Krieg Pirates, eliminating a major scourge of the East Blue. That alone earned their respect.

But what truly frightened them was Caelan's overwhelming strength. Taking down Krieg so easily meant that killing any of them would be effortless for him.

The bamboo-thin bounty hunter made up his mind to stay at the Marine base for now, hoping it would be safer.

He didn't realize that Caelan didn't even consider someone like him worth noticing.

For Caelan, such small-time characters were not even worth the time it would take to look at them.

Hearing the commotion, the Marine officer at the bounty exchange window quickly rushed over to Caelan.

Capturing two pirates worth tens of millions in just three hours was simply unbelievable.

After a careful inspection, the Marine confirmed their identities.

The former overlord of the East Blue was now a corpse, and his top subordinate lay unconscious beside him.

"Mr. Caelan, thank you for your help in eliminating this threat from the East Blue!"

The Marine saluted Caelan respectfully, his voice loud and clear.

There was even a trace of regret in his eyes. Why wouldn't someone like Caelan consider joining the Marines?

The branch's commanding officer had already invited him several times, but Caelan had refused every offer.

"I'll extend the invitation again. I sincerely hope you will consider joining the Marines. Headquarters is willing to appoint you as a captain."

The Marine tried once more. What if this time Caelan agreed?

The surrounding bounty hunters all gasped, their eyes nearly popping out of their heads.

The rank of captain in the Marines meant command of a branch base in the East Blue, with hundreds of subordinates, a patrol ship, and countless hidden benefits.

The bounty hunters stared at Caelan, practically wishing they could agree on his behalf.

"No need. I'm used to my freedom."

Without the slightest hesitation, Caelan decisively turned down the offer.

The bounty hunters were stunned. Such favorable terms, rejected so easily!

But Caelan would never allow himself to be shackled.

The Marines were nothing more than a tool of the World Government, bodyguards for the Celestial Dragons.

Many righteous men had joined with ideals, only to become disillusioned after witnessing the corruption of the World Government.

Caelan would never allow himself to walk that path.

He had come to this world with the Heroic Spirit Synchronization System.

Was it just to find a master and remain a servant?

Becoming a bounty hunter suited him far better. Free to sail the seas and kill those who angered him.

Caelan waved his hand.

Under the stunned gazes of everyone, he left the Marine base with 28 million berries.

The Marines remained behind with the bounty hunters, reporting this explosive news through their chain of command.

…

After Caelan left, the news of his annihilation of the Krieg Pirates spread across the entire East Blue.

Within a day, every major newspaper printed the story, featuring Caelan escorting Krieg and Gin on the front page.

Some of the more influential papers even managed to obtain images of Caelan destroying Krieg's pirate ship.

"Extra, extra! Get your papers here!"

"Caelan, the strongest bounty hunter in the East Blue, makes a shocking move!"

"Pirate Fleet Admiral Krieg defeated! The Krieg Pirates wiped out!"

The young newspaper boys shouted on the streets, while passersby stopped in their tracks, unable to believe what they were hearing.

"Give me a copy!"

The newspapers sold out immediately, the explosive news spreading like wildfire.

"Hahaha! That bastard Krieg is finally gone!"

Back when the Krieg Pirates were at full strength, they commanded fifty ships and over five thousand men.

They burned, killed, and looted across the East Blue, destroying countless families.

Now, thousands of ordinary people laughed and cheered at the news of their downfall.

Their gratitude toward Caelan for ending Krieg's reign of terror was immeasurable.

At the same time, bounty hunters all across the East Blue were stirred up.

"He's incredible! Caelan is just too powerful!"

Every bounty hunter was in awe of Caelan's accomplishment. His success was something they couldn't even dream of reaching.

As bounty hunters themselves, they were still struggling to take down pirates with bounties in the hundreds of thousands. And even then, they bragged about it for days afterward.

"I remember this guy only appeared about half a year ago."

One bounty hunter muttered to himself, wondering if his memory was playing tricks on him.

"That's right. Half a year ago, he was like the rest of us, only going after small-time pirates with bounties of a few hundred thousand."

"And now, he's hunting down big-name pirates worth tens of millions."

Another bounty hunter stared blankly, unable to understand how anyone could grow so fast.

"It looks like another powerhouse is about to rise in the Grand Line."

A seasoned bounty hunter spoke quietly, sensing what was to come.

With Caelan's talent and strength, he was clearly not someone who would remain confined to the East Blue.

He was destined to head for the Grand Line, to challenge the monsters who ruled those seas.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 5: Navigator Time

Navy office in the East Blue.

"Excellent, excellent! That bastard Krieg is finally dead!"

Kallen laughed heartily.

He popped open a bottle of champagne and toasted with several of his subordinates to celebrate.

The Krieg Pirates had burned, looted, and committed countless atrocities across the East Blue, leaving the people filled with anger and resentment. Their existence had caused an extremely negative impact.

Kallen was originally due for promotion to rear admiral and a transfer back to Marine Headquarters for advanced training. However, because of Krieg's rampage, the promotion was delayed, and he was even reprimanded by Fleet Admiral Sengoku.

Frustrated, Kallen had dispatched forces multiple times, but Krieg's cunning always allowed him to escape.

Now that the Krieg Pirates had been wiped out by Caelan, it was no wonder Kallen was in the mood to celebrate with champagne.

"Still, this Caelan really is impressive."

Kallen held the newspaper in his hand, staring at the strong and handsome figure printed on the front page, his expression filled with emotion.

"Half a year ago, he had just appeared and was only able to handle pirates with bounties in the hundreds of thousands."

"Now, just half a year later, he has grown to this level, easily wiping out the Krieg Pirates."

Several subordinates reviewed Caelan's intel and had never seen such an astonishing rate of growth.

"In just six months, he went from a rookie bounty hunter to the nightmare of pirates."

"Even I am no match for him."

Kallen fell silent for a moment before finally speaking.

In his hand was a photo, capturing the moment Caelan destroyed a pirate ship with a single slash.

Several subordinates had initially wanted to offer words of praise, but when they recalled the terrifying image of that ship being cut apart, they found themselves unable to say anything flattering.

Even though they knew Kallen was an elite trained at Marine Headquarters, possessing the strength of a rear admiral, none of them believed Kallen could defeat Caelan.

"He has already reached the level of a true swordsman. Among the vice admirals at Headquarters, few have reached that realm."

Kallen drained the champagne from his glass, his heart filled with complicated emotions.

Having specialized in swordsmanship himself, he could clearly see the depth of Caelan's skill.

Despite years of training, he could not match Caelan's half-year rise.

Is this what it means to be a genius?

Caelan's performance reminded him of his former classmates, the three admirals who now stood as the highest combat power of the World Government.

Back in Zephyr's training camp, the gap between Kallen and those three had been like an uncrossable chasm. He could only look up to them.

Now, after so many years, Caelan once again brought back that bitter feeling of being crushed by true talent.

Seeing Kallen's gloomy expression, none of his subordinates dared to speak. They held their wine glasses quietly, as if they were truly savoring the champagne.

The office fell into an uncomfortable silence.

After a while, Kallen collected himself.

"Pass down my orders. Any Marine branch in the East Blue that encounters Caelan must extend an invitation. Offer him at least the rank of commodore!"

"I will personally apply to Marine Headquarters to recruit him at any cost."

Kallen's tone was firm, filled with determination.

Such a terrifying genius was clearly destined to become a central figure in this era.

If they could recruit Caelan into the Marines, it was very likely they would gain another admiral-level powerhouse in the near future.

Thinking of the shortage of top talent in the current generation of the Marines, Kallen became even more eager to see Caelan join their ranks.

He even imagined that if Caelan one day rose to become an admiral, his own status would rise along with him.

Several subordinates were stunned when they heard Kallen's decision.

Offering the rank of colonel right from the start was almost unheard of.

There had never been such a precedent in the Marines.

But when they thought back to the newspaper's description of Caelan destroying a flagship with a single slash, they felt it was justified.

"Understood, Captain Kallen. We'll notify the branches immediately."

The subordinates turned and left, leaving Kallen alone in his office, deep in thought.

…

On the other side, Caelan, whose name had shaken the entire East Blue, was sailing quietly across the sea.

On his boat, Caelan opened the box containing the bounty rewards and recharged 28 million berries into the system.

Looking at the system panel, Caelan felt a bit disheartened.

[Host: Caelan Alaric]

[Template: Berserker Class Heracles]

[Synchronization Rate: 34%]

[Berry: 5 million + 28 million]

[Strength: B]
[Endurance: B]
[Agility: B]
[Magic Power: B]
[Luck: A]

[Noble Phantasm: A+]

[Personal Skills]: Battle Continuation (B), Mind's Eye (Fake) (B), Valor (A+), Divinity (A), Madness Enhancement (B)

[Noble Phantasms]: God Hand: The Twelve Labors (B), Nine Lives: Shooting the Hundred Heads (C–A+)

"Fighting an opponent like that doesn't improve me at all."

Caelan sighed.

When he first started out, battling pirates with bounties of tens of thousands helped increase his synchronization rate.

As the bounty levels of his opponents rose into the hundreds of thousands and then millions, he continued to make progress.

But now, even defeating Krieg, with his 17 million berry bounty, had done nothing to increase his synchronization.

Caelan understood why. A one-hit kill like that couldn't possibly help him improve.

If he wanted to gain synchronization through battle, it would have to be against an opponent who could at least survive a few exchanges. A drawn-out fight, not an instant defeat.

"Consume 30 million berries to increase synchronization."

The system panel blurred for a moment, then updated.

[Host: Caelan Alaric]

[Template: Berserker Class Heracles]

[Synchronization Rate: 37%]

[Berry: 3 million]

[Strength: B↑]
[Endurance: B↑]
[Agility: B↑]
[Magic Power: B↑]
[Luck: A]

[Noble Phantasm: A+]

[Personal Skills]: Battle Continuation (B), Mind's Eye (Fake) (B), Valor (A+), Divinity (A), Madness Enhancement (B)

[Noble Phantasms]: God Hand: The Twelve Labors (B), Nine Lives: Shooting the Hundred Heads (C–A+)

Caelan's stats had improved again, though there was still a long way to go before reaching the next rank.

"Every 25% synchronization brings a qualitative change. If I want a real breakthrough, I still need another 13%."

Caelan calculated carefully. With just 130 million berries, he could steadily push his synchronization rate to 50%.

If he could find stronger opponents, that progress could be accelerated even further.

"There's no one like that left in the East Blue. Looks like it's time to head to the Grand Line."

Caelan made up his mind. He would head for the Grand Line as soon as possible.

There, he would find more breathtaking sights and much stronger enemies.

But the Grand Line's climate was unpredictable, and the journey was filled with danger.

Without an excellent navigator, even setting sail would be nearly impossible.

"So, my navigator needs to be in place first."

Thinking of Nami, who had slipped away from the Baratie, Caelan smiled faintly.

He steered the boat, occasionally swinging his sword across the sea to maintain speed, heading straight for Cocoyasi Village.

Cocoyasi Village was also located in the Sambas region, not far from Caelan's current location.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Chapter 6: Nami’s Despair

A small boat sped across the sea, occasionally releasing a burst of white energy from the rear cabin, the recoil propelling the vessel forward at high speed.

After several hours of sailing, Caelan was getting closer and closer to Cocoyasi Village.

A small island began to take shape about a thousand meters ahead.

"Very good. Looks like we're almost there."

Caelan smiled.

In order to intercept Luffy and secure Nami as his navigator, Caelan had set off immediately after turning in his last bounty.

He steered the boat toward the shore.

On the beach, Caelan spotted a familiar figure.

Nami, with her short orange hair and slender figure, sat sobbing softly on the sand.

"Why…? I already collected 100 million berries, so why won't they let the village go…"

Nami felt like all of her past efforts had been nothing but a cruel joke.

She had spent eight long years working to gather 100 million berries, drawing sea charts for the Arlong Pirates.

Eight years of hardship, all ending in Arlong's cruel betrayal.

And that damned rat of a Marine, Captain Nezumi, who was supposed to be the law, but was actually colluding with Arlong.

"So naive… Pirates don't keep promises. Hahaha!"

"I never planned to give the village back to you."

"From now on, every villager will keep paying me 100,000 berries every month. And you, Nami, will keep drawing sea charts for me. I'm not going anywhere!"

Arlong's ugly fishman face repeated over and over in Nami's mind, stabbing into her heart like a knife.

"I knew it all along…"

"Why was I so stupid… to believe the words of a pirate!"

Nami cried out, her teeth clenched in hatred. Her hatred for Arlong had reached its peak.

Eight years ago, her adoptive mother Bellemere had been killed by Arlong to protect her.

For eight years, the Arlong Pirates had squeezed the village dry. Anyone who failed to pay was killed without mercy.

"And the villagers… Everyone is doing their best to fight back, but how could they possibly defeat Arlong…"

Thinking of the villagers, armed only with hoes and kitchen knives, standing up against the Arlong Pirates, Nami's despair deepened.

"Everyone will die!"

Her tears continued to fall as hopelessness weighed on her heart.

Those kind and innocent villagers, her sister Nojiko… they would all be slaughtered by Arlong.

She hated him more than anything, yet felt completely powerless.

There was no warmth left under the bright sunlight. This pirate world was too cold, too cruel.

If only someone… anyone… would come to help.

Even if it was a devil, she was willing to give anything.

Nami prayed silently in her heart.

At that moment, a calm and magnetic voice reached her ears.

"Hey, how do I get to the Arlong Pirates' base?"

Nami looked up and saw a figure standing before her.

He had a handsome face, a tall, strong build radiating great power, and faint strands of black aura swirling around him. He looked like a demon incarnate.

"It's you… the strongest bounty hunter in the East Blue!"

Nami's dead heart suddenly came alive again. She had seen Caelan once before at the Baratie.

Back then, Krieg had confronted Caelan, and Nami had slipped away amidst the chaos.

The next day, she had seen the news. The infamous Admiral Krieg had been killed by Caelan, and the Krieg Pirates were annihilated.

Nami had even fantasized about how wonderful it would be if Caelan could come to Cocoyasi Village.

Before Krieg's defeat, she had already heard the rumors about Caelan.

Known as the strongest bounty hunter in the East Blue, countless ruthless pirate crews had been destroyed by his hand.

Unfortunately, he was known for wiping out all pirates in a region before moving on, so she hadn't dared to hope.

When she had briefly met Caelan at the Baratie, she had thought about asking for his help. But being forced to work for the Arlong Pirates, she had been too afraid that Arlong would kill her before she even had the chance.

At that time, she had still believed in Arlong's lie, clinging to the hope that 100 million berries would buy the village's freedom.

Now, all she felt was regret.

If only she had given that 100 million berries to Caelan back then, Cocoyasi Village might have been saved long ago.

"Mr. Caelan, please… help us eliminate the Arlong Pirates!"

"I'm willing to give anything… even my life!"

Nami wiped her tears away, her expression firm as she bowed deeply to Caelan.

For the sake of the villagers, for revenge against Arlong, she was prepared to sacrifice everything.

"Alright. Lead the way."

Caelan nodded calmly, without making any grand gestures or declarations.

He fully intended to make Nami his navigator, and the bounty and treasure from the Arlong Pirates were exactly what he needed.

"Thank you, Mr. Caelan!"

Nami's heart surged with hope. At that moment, the man before her, wrapped in black aura, looked like a shining hero in her eyes.

Nami walked ahead, leading the way and explaining the situation with the Arlong Pirates to Caelan as they went.

"Mr. Caelan, the Krieg Pirates you defeated before were called the overlords of the East Blue."

"But in reality, the Arlong Pirates are the strongest pirate force in the East Blue."

"Their leader, Arlong, is a big-name pirate who returned from the Grand Line with a bounty of 20 million berries."

Nami's expression was serious. She knew all too well how terrifying the Arlong Pirates were.

Back when Krieg led fifty pirate ships into the Grand Line, they were nearly wiped out in just seven days. Only one main ship returned.

Arlong and his crew had spent years surviving in the Grand Line. Their strength was definitely above that of the Krieg Pirates.

"Yeah."

Caelan responded with a nod, his expression indifferent.

"I know you can defeat Arlong… but he has several officers helping him."

"They're all fishmen. They're much stronger than humans!"

Nami's voice trembled slightly, anxious that Caelan might be underestimating them.

"Don't worry. They're no match for me."

Seeing Nami's concern, Caelan gave a soft reassurance.

To be honest, he had never taken the Arlong Pirates seriously.

They were nothing more than thugs who bullied the weak and cowered before the strong. After losing their backing in the Grand Line, they had come to the East Blue just to scrape by.

If it were Jinbei, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Caelan would have considered the fight seriously.

But Arlong was nothing more than a waste, just like Krieg, defeated with a single strike.

"Still, please be careful."

Nami, born and raised in the East Blue, had been oppressed by the Arlong Pirates since childhood.

"If you find you can't beat him, please run. Just escape."

Nami bit her lower lip as she forced the words out.

Her fear of Arlong was deeply rooted. Even though Caelan's reputation was terrifying, she couldn't help but worry.

She was prepared for the possibility of failure.

"Don't worry so much. To me, the Arlong Pirates are nothing but a small problem."

Caelan held up two fingers, leaving only a tiny gap between them.

"They're about this much of a challenge."

"That's… great, haha…"

Nami forced a smile, though her anxiety remained.

In her mind, Arlong and Caelan were probably evenly matched.

Arlong was the strongest pirate in the East Blue, and Caelan was the strongest bounty hunter. Even if there was some difference in strength, it couldn't be that big.

Plus, with Arlong's officers helping him, Nami thought Caelan's chances of winning weren't very high.

She had never left the East Blue, and her worldview was still too limited.

Though she had seen the newspaper photo of Caelan slicing apart a large ship with a single slash and knew he was powerful enough to dominate the East Blue, she had no idea that such strength was enough to establish a foothold in the Grand Line.

With that power alone, he could easily qualify as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

The mighty Arlong, in her eyes a terrifying monster, was no more than an insect to Caelan.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 7: Just In Time
Outside Arlong Park.

Hundreds of villagers lay defeated on the ground, while a dozen fishmen surrounded them, laughing and mocking.

Even though the villagers had known they would lose, they hadn't expected to lose so miserably.

They had gathered the strength of the entire village, yet they had not even seen Arlong himself.

It had taken less than five minutes for just one of Arlong's subordinates to defeat them all.

The physical strength of fishmen was several times greater than that of ordinary humans. The villagers had no way to resist.

Were the Arlong Pirates truly invincible?

The villagers lay there, eyes dull and filled with despair.

"Hang these inferior humans from the flagpoles and let them dry to death!"

"Let the rest of the island see what happens to those who dare resist."

Kuroobi's face twisted with cruelty as he gave the order without hesitation.

Inside Arlong Park.

Captain Nezumi and Arlong were drinking happily on the balcony.

Having just received 100 million berries from Nami, the massive sum had put both of them in a good mood.

Watching Nami's expression of anger and desperation, neither of them felt the slightest guilt. Instead, they found satisfaction in her suffering.

"Arlong, are you planning to destroy another village? If Headquarters gets wind of this, it could be troublesome."

Looking down at the defeated villagers, Captain Nezumi frowned slightly.

Arlong had already destroyed several villages, adding up to nearly ten thousand people.

A disappearance of that scale could easily attract attention from higher up in the Marines.

"Relax. Your cut will be increased by 20 percent."

After eight years of cooperation, Arlong had already figured Nezumi out.

Human lives meant nothing to him. The only thing Nezumi cared about was money.

"In that case, happy cooperation."

Nezumi nodded in satisfaction, his ugly face looking even more despicable.

As long as the money was right, there was no problem.

If anyone from above asked questions, they could simply claim that other pirates had raided the village and that the Marines had arrived too late.

"Wait, that little thief girl is back, and she brought someone with her… That's…"

Nezumi's eyes widened in shock.

"It's the strongest bounty hunter. He's here for us!"

Nezumi's first instinct was to run. He had heard all about Caelan's reputation.

Caelan was powerful and ruthless toward evil.

Not long ago, Nezumi had even received orders from his superiors to try recruiting Caelan into the Marines.

If Caelan discovered his collusion with the Arlong Pirates, Nezumi knew he was finished.

"What are you so afraid of? He's just another rookie from the East Blue. I'm a big-name pirate who returned from the Grand Line."

Arlong sneered.

He did not believe anyone from the East Blue could be truly strong. In his eyes, the so-called strongest bounty hunter was just another overconfident ant.

"If he dares meddle in my business, I'll make sure he disappears."

"But he won't even get past my men."

Arlong was confident in the strength of his fishmen.

They were elite soldiers brought directly from Fishman Island, with physical abilities far surpassing those of ordinary humans.

His three officers were all former members of the Sun Pirates, just like him.

In Arlong's opinion, any one of them could easily defeat Krieg.

"That's good. Let's make the so-called strongest bounty hunter vanish right here."

Nezumi forced himself to calm down, shifting his attention back to the battlefield below.

…

Outside Arlong Park.

"Release the villagers right now! The one standing next to me is the strongest bounty hunter in the East Blue!"

Nami glared at the fishmen holding the villagers captive, her heart burning with rage. She wished she could kill every last one of the Arlong Pirates.

But across from them stood more than a dozen tall fishmen, including the three officers of the Arlong Pirates.

On Nami's side, there was only her and Caelan. The difference in numbers was overwhelming.

Suppressing her anger, Nami tried to use Caelan's reputation to intimidate the fishmen and rescue the villagers peacefully.

"Hahaha! The strongest bounty hunter in the East Blue? You're scaring us so much!"

"I thought it was one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea!"

The fishmen all burst into laughter.

Having returned from the Grand Line, they only feared true monsters like the Four Emperors or the Warlords of the Sea.

"Nami, stay back! You're no match for these fishmen!"

The villagers, still lying on the ground, were completely hopeless. Hundreds of them together hadn't been able to stand up to even one fishman.

What could Nami and Caelan possibly do?

The villagers grew more anxious. They were ready to die but didn't want Nami to throw her life away too.

"Sir, please take Nami and leave. Don't worry about us."

The village guard captain, Genzo, looked desperate as he pleaded with Caelan.

The other villagers shared the same thought. Nami had endured eight years of humiliation to save them.

They couldn't bear the thought of her dying here.

A kind girl like Nami deserved to live a better life.

Only Nami's sister, Nojiko, still held hope in her heart.

She had read the newspaper with Nami, seeing the photo of Caelan destroying an entire pirate ship with a single strike.

While the Arlong Pirates were certainly strong, Nojiko felt they were nowhere near that level of power.

Maybe, just maybe, even Arlong was not a match for this man.

But the fishmen did not share that fear.

They had surrounded Caelan and Nami, with the three officers of the Arlong Pirates watching Caelan closely.

Though they scoffed at Caelan's reputation, their eyes were not blind.

They could see the power in his strong body, and the black aura swirling around him made them uneasy.

"Leave the girl here, and we'll let you go."

Kuroobi spoke first, eyeing Caelan with caution.

If possible, he would rather avoid fighting someone like Caelan.

Even if they won, they would likely suffer losses.

Next to him, the octopus fishman Hachi waved his six arms, each holding a sword, cutting a nearby tree into pieces.

The smooch fishman Chew opened his mouth wide and fired water bullets, smashing another tree to splinters.

The other fishmen stretched their bodies, showing off their fishman karate.

Clearly, they were trying to intimidate Caelan.

"Well? Are you scared?"

"Walk away now, and we might let you leave alive."

Kuroobi spoke proudly. This was their signature technique, and they were confident in it.

The villagers looked on, stunned, growing even more fearful of the fishmen's strength.

Nami's expression changed as she listened.

She turned to glance at Caelan nervously, worried he might back down.

But she had no intention of blaming him if he chose to leave. This wasn't his fight, after all. Whether he stayed or walked away was his choice.

Seeing that Caelan's expression remained unchanged, Nami felt a slight sense of relief.

She quietly made up her mind. If they survived this, she would give everything she had to repay Caelan.

"Actually, I'm not scared at all."

"It's just that you're far too weak."

The fishmen's intimidating display, which terrified the villagers, was nothing but a clown show in Caelan's eyes.

Heracles had mastered countless martial arts, transcending the limits of human skill and reaching the realm of the divine. Even though much of that skill was lost in his Berserker state, the fighting instinct remained deeply engraved.

To Caelan, the fishmen's martial arts were better than the sloppy fighting of the Krieg Pirates, but they still looked like children playing at combat.

"So, you really intend to fight us?"

Hearing Caelan's calm mockery, Kuroobi's face grew serious as he confirmed Caelan's intent once more.

Caelan did not bother responding with words. Trash like this did not deserve his explanations.

Instead, he reached back and slowly removed the massive greatsword from his back, his action alone expressing his answer.

The villagers and Nami stared at him with growing worry.

But Nojiko's eyes lit up. She remembered the photo in the newspaper.

The slash that had destroyed Krieg's flagship was not something these fishmen could withstand.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 8: Wiped Out

"Since you're so determined to die, we'll give you a quick death!"

Seeing Caelan's contemptuous attitude, Kuroobi and the other fishmen were enraged.

Given the longstanding tension between humans and fishmen, they rarely offered humans any respect. After arriving in the East Blue, the Arlong Pirates had acted lawlessly, never once fearing any human.

Now, despite offering a chance to back down, they were met with only disdain and mockery.

They were wary of Caelan's strength, but they were not afraid to fight him.

"Inferior human, die!"

Kuroobi charged forward, throwing a powerful straight punch.

"That's the strongest punch! It can smash through a thousand tiles with a single blow!"

The nearby fishman soldiers were excited. It had been a long time since they had seen Kuroobi unleash this move.

It was the most powerful strike in fishman karate, abandoning fancy techniques to fully capitalize on the raw strength of the fishman body.

With their physical strength several times greater than that of humans, this move was devastating when executed by a fishman.

The fishman soldiers had witnessed it before. Even pirates with bounties of 8 million berries had died from this punch, their internal organs shattered, blood pouring from every orifice.

As Kuroobi's fist swung forward, Nami, standing beside Caelan, felt the intense force carried by the strike.

Her pupils contracted as she instinctively wanted to dodge, but the overwhelming pressure of the punch rooted her to the spot.

She looked at Caelan nervously, unsure how he would handle it.

Facing this fierce attack, Caelan did not dodge.

He simply curled his lips, held the greatsword in his right hand, and calmly raised his left fist.

"You're too arrogant!"

Seeing Caelan's casual response, Kuroobi's fury spiked. The blood rushing to his head made his punch even stronger.

He wanted Caelan to understand the true power of fishmen and how tough their bodies were.

Kuroobi had already imagined the scene of Caelan's arm shattering under his blow. A cruel smile crept onto his face.

The two fists collided.

In an instant, a cloud of blood mist exploded. A severed forearm turned into shredded flesh, with fragments of bone flying through the air.

A tall figure was sent hurtling backward, crashing into two other fishmen and knocking them to the ground.

Kuroobi, who now lay slumped on top of his companions, had lost all trace of his earlier cruelty.

His face filled with horror as he stared at Caelan, trembling, unable to utter a word.

The arm that had been destroyed was not Caelan's.

It was Kuroobi's own.

The moment their fists met, Kuroobi felt as though he had punched a mountain made of diamond.

It was incomparably hard, with an overwhelming force behind it.

In just one strike, Kuroobi's so-called invincible body was crushed.

His arm exploded, and his entire body was left incapacitated. He could do nothing but lie there, barely able to breathe.

"How… how is this possible?!"

"Kuroobi was taken out instantly?!"

The surrounding fishmen, who had been eagerly waiting to see Kuroobi dominate the fight, were stunned. They could not believe what they had just witnessed.

Kuroobi was the top officer of the Arlong Pirates, second only to Arlong himself. His specialty was fishman karate, and he was feared for it.

Yet now, using his strongest technique at full power, he had been crippled by a single punch from Caelan.

The sight terrified the fishmen.

Caelan, who had taken Kuroobi's strongest punch head-on, had not even taken a single step back. The only blood on him was from Kuroobi.

Nami and the villagers were all frozen in shock.

Their minds were full of disbelief.

The enemy they thought was invincible had been crushed so easily.

It felt unreal.

Even Nojiko, who had believed in Caelan's strength from the beginning, was stunned.

She had thought Caelan would rely on his swordsmanship to deal with the enemy. She never imagined that he could defeat Kuroobi with just a punch.

After the initial shock came relief. With power like this, Caelan could definitely defeat the Arlong Pirates.

"So this is the power of a fishman? How weak. How pathetic."

Caelan clenched his left fist, calmly feeling the force behind Kuroobi's strike.

It was decent. About on par with Krieg.

But to challenge him with that level of strength was laughable.

Caelan's synchronization was with Heracles, the Heracles of Greek mythology.

Even with only 37 percent synchronization, still far from full power, he already possessed strength comparable to a Marine vice admiral.

For someone like Kuroobi, defeating him was effortless.

Caelan looked at the remaining fishmen and stepped forward, his greatsword in hand.

He hadn't come here just to deal with Kuroobi.

At this moment, Caelan looked like a demon risen from hell, the oppressive aura around him making the fishmen tremble with fear.

The same fishmen who had acted so viciously in Cocoyashi Village were now visibly shaking under Caelan's pressure.

Caelan raised his greatsword, but instead of cutting down with the blade, he used the flat of the sword to strike.

He still intended to collect their bounties, so there was no need to make things too messy.

Each swing of the sword landed squarely on a fishman's head.

Caelan controlled his strength carefully. The flat of the blade was enough to crush their skulls without making too much of a mess.

Naturally, the fishmen did not just sit and wait for death.

Some tried to fight back, using their numbers in an attempt to overwhelm him.

But it was useless.

They attacked with fishman karate.

However, compared to Kuroobi's already inadequate skills, their techniques were even weaker.

How could they possibly hurt Caelan?

One by one, Caelan knocked them out with ease, like putting babies to sleep.

Chew, the smooch fishman, fired high-pressure water bullets at Caelan. It was the same attack he had used to blast apart trees earlier.

Caelan simply blocked with his greatsword.

The water bullets had no effect on the massive blade. Not even a tremor.

Calmly, Caelan stepped forward and knocked Chew out with one clean strike.

Hachi, with his six arms and six swords, spun into action, creating an airtight wall of blades.

Caelan responded with the back of his sword once again.

Swinging down powerfully, the greatsword created a strong gust of wind.

Against Caelan's overwhelming force, Hachi's defensive wall was as fragile as glass.

The moment their weapons clashed, Hachi's defense shattered. He was slammed straight into the ground, unable to move.

Caelan knew that Hachi had once saved Silvers Rayleigh's life.

But so what?

Even with such a powerful system backing him, if Caelan still hesitated to act, it would only be laughable.

Every fishman with even a little strength among the Arlong Pirates was crushed beneath Caelan's might.

"He's a demon! Run for your lives!"

The remaining fishmen no longer had the courage to fight.

One by one, they turned and fled, hoping to escape.

Caelan looked around.

They were all just low-level grunts, worth nothing.

He wasn't interested in playing any games of cat and mouse.

"Heh. I was hoping to keep the bodies intact."

Caelan shook his head slightly, sounding almost disappointed.

He raised his greatsword.

A wave-shaped air slash burst out from the blade, cutting through the fleeing fishmen instantly.

Their bodies were split apart before they could even react.

Just like that.

Aside from Arlong himself, the Arlong Pirates were completely wiped out.

Like slicing through vegetables, Caelan had annihilated the pirate crew that had terrorized the East Blue.

The fishmen who had once dominated the Conomi Islands, feared by countless villagers, were nothing but ants before Caelan.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 9: Petty Tricks

The battle was completely one-sided. Or rather, it could not even be called a battle, it was a massacre.

"Is this the strength of the strongest bounty hunter in the East Blue?"

Nami was deeply shaken by Caelan's strength, her mind blank with disbelief.

"That's amazing!"

Coming back to her senses, Nami shouted excitedly.

Caelan's godlike and devilish figure was firmly etched into the hearts of everyone present.

To them, he was a hero.

None of the villagers feared Caelan's killing.

Because the ones he had killed were the pirates who had oppressed them for so long, and it was Caelan who had pulled them back from the edge of death.

What they felt was only gratitude for Caelan and awe of his strength.

As the villagers cheered loudly for Caelan's feat…

Inside Arlong Park, Arlong stood on the balcony, on the verge of madness.

"It's over… it's all over!"

"My brothers… my crew… my pirate group… everything is finished!"

Arlong crushed the wine glass in his hand, not caring as shards of glass cut into his palm.

He had dreamed of building the Arlong Empire in the East Blue, enslaving humans alongside his brothers.

Now, that dream had been shattered.

Arlong's bloodshot eyes glared fiercely, his sharp teeth grinding together.

The moment Kuroobi had been crippled by Caelan's punch, Arlong had been ready to step in himself.

But Caelan's movements had been too fast, and his strength too overwhelming.

In less than half a minute, every single fishman present had been wiped out.

Before Arlong could even make a move, his pirate crew had ceased to exist.

Just moments earlier, he had been bragging confidently to Captain Nezumi, convinced that his men alone would be enough to deal with Caelan.

Now, his men were all dead, and Arlong stood alone—a captain without a crew.

The terror that Caelan brought to him felt exactly like the nightmare of the Grand Line all over again.

The Caelan he now faced was not some rookie bounty hunter from the East Blue. He was like a terrifying Warlord of the Sea.

"I'll kill him… I'll kill him! I'll kill him!!"

Arlong shouted incoherently, consumed by rage and madness.

Those fishmen were not just his subordinates. They were his friends, his family.

They had once sailed together as members of the Sun Pirates, sharing life and death for more than a decade. Their bond ran deep.

Now, all of them were gone.

No matter how strong Caelan was, Arlong would make him pay.

Beside him, Captain Nezumi trembled uncontrollably.

At this moment, he fully understood why the Navy had placed so much importance on recruiting Caelan.

Nezumi had encountered monsters like this before.

During his time reporting at Marine Headquarters, he had come across Admirals Akainu and Aokiji.

The overwhelming pressure from just brushing past their presence had made him feel the terror of death.

Right now, Nezumi viewed Caelan the same way—as a seed destined for the position of admiral, a rare powerhouse even among vice admirals.

Nezumi wouldn't even dare dream of standing against such a monster.

He signaled to the two marines at his side, quietly planning to slip away through the back.

"Where do you think you're going?"

A voice, filled with rage and madness, echoed behind him. Nezumi froze immediately.

Arlong's red eyes locked onto him.

Already driven into desperation, there was no way Arlong would allow Nezumi to escape so easily.

"I was just… leaving first, planning to find another chance to retaliate later…"

Nezumi stammered, trying to talk his way out.

Of course, he had no intention of retaliating against Caelan. He was only trying to pacify Arlong for the moment.

"Is that so?"

"No need to wait. Let's kill him right now!"

Arlong, mad with grief and rage, did not believe Nezumi's excuses. He wanted revenge, now.

He knew full well that he could not defeat Caelan.

But he could still use Nezumi as leverage.

It didn't matter how famous Caelan was, or how corrupt Nezumi had been. If Caelan killed a Marine officer in public, his relationship with the Navy would immediately freeze.

Arlong was sure that once word spread, the Navy would abandon any plans of recruiting Caelan. They might even place a bounty on him.

Not to mention, Arlong was a former member of the Sun Pirates and had ties with Jinbei, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

If Jinbei learned that Caelan had wiped out the Arlong Pirates and killed one of his old crewmates, there was a high chance Jinbei would personally go after him.

The thought of Caelan being hunted down made Arlong let out a low, sinister laugh.

He threw the two marines off the balcony, then jumped down himself, carrying Nezumi under one arm.

With his enhanced instincts and battle sense, Caelan immediately detected the movement overhead.

Looking up, he saw four figures falling toward him from the sky.

Caelan instantly understood Arlong's plan.

But if Arlong thought such a cheap trick could trap him, he was severely underestimating him.

Without hesitation, Caelan swung his greatsword, releasing two powerful air slashes at the descending group.

One slash struck the two marines, turning them into a mist of blood.

The other slash hit Nezumi and sliced off half of Arlong's body along with him.

The remains of Nezumi and the marines merged into the bloody mist drifting through the air, while Arlong, barely alive, continued to fall.

Arlong's scheme had been crushed before it could even begin.

The surrounding villagers had been wondering why Caelan had suddenly swung his sword into the sky.

But then they saw the thick cloud of blood mist above.

As Arlong crashed into the ground, he kicked up a cloud of dust.

Half of his body was gone, only his head remaining intact.

Blood spilled from Arlong's mouth as he stared wide-eyed.

"Heh…"

Caelan walked up to Arlong, his tone full of mocking disdain.

Staring into Caelan's eyes, Arlong let out one final breath. He died with his eyes open, filled with regret and fear.

In the end, Arlong finally recognized the true horror of Caelan.

Not only was he unbelievably strong, but he was also dangerously intelligent.

Arlong could not understand why such a monster existed in the East Blue.

This was the kind of being that should only appear in the New World.

"This is Arlong…"

"Thank goodness! Arlong is dead too!"

Even with half of his body missing and his face covered in blood and dust, the villagers immediately recognized Arlong.

The crowd erupted.

The Arlong Pirates, who had terrorized Cocoyashi Village for eight long years, were completely wiped out.

Arlong, the once invincible tyrant who had enslaved them, was now just a corpse lying broken on the ground.

Two air slashes had ended him before he could even properly appear on the battlefield.

Such overwhelming strength was both terrifying and awe-inspiring.

After a brief moment of stunned silence, the villagers burst into loud cheers.

"Long live the strongest bounty hunter in the East Blue!"

"Long live Caelan!"

The shouts of the villagers echoed through Arlong Park like thunder.

Although the sight of the blood mist overhead was unsettling, Nami could only chalk it up to the fishmen's unique physique and heavy bleeding.

She looked at Arlong's lifeless body, tears welling up in her eyes.

The hatred she had carried for so many years, the grief for her adoptive mother Belle-Mère, and all the pain she had endured were finally released.

"Thank you… Caelan."

Nami threw her arms around Caelan, holding him tightly.

She was willing to give everything to the man who had saved her and her people.

Caelan remained silent, simply reaching out to gently soothe Nami's emotions.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 10: Wind Rider

At night, Cocoyasi Village held a grand celebration for the defeat of the Arlong Pirates.

To honor their hero, the villagers brought out the best ingredients from their homes and carefully prepared delicious food.

At the bonfire party, the villagers presented their finest dishes to Caelan.

They sang and danced around the bonfire, their faces filled with joy and excitement.

For eight long years under the oppression of the Arlong Pirates, the villagers had lived in fear and despair.

Now that their tormentors were gone, they fully released their emotions, dancing passionately in tribute to the hero who saved them—Caelan Alaric.

As he enjoyed the delicious food, Caelan quietly watched the villagers' celebration.

"This is the atmosphere I prefer."

Watching the villagers singing and dancing, a sense of accomplishment welled up in Caelan's heart.

In the six months since arriving in this world, he had been either hunting pirates or traveling to hunt pirates.

He had seen too much cruelty and bloodshed, the cold reality of survival in this lawless sea.

Compared to witnessing pirates running wild, he would much rather see these innocent villagers smile freely.

Before he realized it, Caelan had cleared every dish set before him.

Although the food was not as exquisite as the meals at the Baratie, it carried a special flavor of warmth and sincerity.

"Caelan, thank you."

Nami, who had been quietly watching him from a distance, approached with a plate of barbecue and set it in front of him.

Caelan was a little surprised. He had been planning to go find Nami, but she came over first.

"The Arlong Pirates are gone. What are your plans for the future?"

Caelan asked casually while continuing to eat.

Nami froze at the question. Her plans?

Her greatest dream until now had been to free the village, and that dream had finally been realized.

Her other dream was to chart a map of the entire world.

But how could she accomplish that alone?

She thought about the Straw Hat Pirates. They had been good companions.

But she had betrayed their trust. They would never accept her again.

Besides, they were pirates. After the suffering caused by the Arlong Pirates, Nami no longer wanted to be associated with any pirate crew.

If possible, she wanted to follow Caelan.

A bounty hunter so powerful and righteous was exactly the kind of partner she could believe in.

But she had already owed him such a great debt. How could she trouble him any further?

"I'll stay in the East Blue and work to collect enough money to repay you."

Nami made up her mind.

Rather than joining pirates and risking becoming part of the evil she hated, she would give up that path. She owed Caelan too much. She would spend the rest of her life repaying that debt.

"I need a navigator more than I need Berries."

Caelan saw through Nami's thoughts at a glance.

Thanks to his intervention, the Straw Hat Pirates had never come to aid Nami.

Her impression of pirates remained that of Arlong, a vicious tyrant.

The truth was, pirates like Luffy were the exception. Most pirates in this world were exactly like Arlong.

"Nami, are you willing to be my navigator?"

Caelan finished the last bite of barbecue, wiped his hands clean, and solemnly extended his right hand to Nami.

"Eh!?"

"That's… wonderful!"

Nami's eyes widened in surprise, but without hesitation, she grasped Caelan's hand tightly.

She had hoped to join him but had never expected the opportunity would come so quickly.

In that moment, Nami felt incredibly lucky. Not only could she repay her debt, but she could also pursue her dream alongside Caelan.

"From now on, we're partners."

Caelan smiled. The top navigator was now officially on his crew.

"Yeah!"

Nami nodded enthusiastically, her eyes shining with determination.

From the moment she first met Caelan at the Baratie, to the moment he saved her on the beach, and then watching him annihilate the Arlong Pirates with overwhelming strength…

Though their time together had been brief, Caelan's presence had already left an unshakable mark on Nami's heart.

Seeing the two of them seal their agreement, the surrounding villagers and Nojiko smiled warmly.

They were truly happy for Nami. With Caelan as her companion, they believed she would surely achieve her dream.

Somewhere among the crowd, a villager passed two glasses of beer into Nami and Caelan's hands.

They raised their drinks, joining the celebration once more.

By the time the banquet ended, it was already early morning.

Caelan spent the night resting in the room the villagers had prepared for him.

…

The next morning, at sunrise.

With the help of the villagers, Caelan prepared to set sail.

His old boat remained docked at Cocoyasi Village.

It was far too small to handle a voyage into the Grand Line.

Instead, his new ship would be the Arlong Pirates' main vessel—the Shark Superb.

It was an excellent, large ship.

Much of the wealth Arlong had plundered over the years, aside from what was spent building Arlong Park, had gone into this ship.

Compared to the Going Merry, the Shark Superb was noticeably larger, and its materials were far sturdier.

The ship was fully outfitted with various facilities, including a kitchen, bathroom, sauna, and over a dozen luxurious rooms.

The hull was reinforced with top-quality timber, second only to the legendary Treasure Tree Adam.

This was the ship Arlong had built for himself, intended as the core of his pirate fleet.

If his dream of establishing the Arlong Empire in the East Blue had failed, he had planned to sail this ship back to the Grand Line.

Unfortunately for him, Arlong encountered Caelan.

Now, this fine ship had become Caelan's new vessel.

Caelan was quite satisfied. Compared to the luxury yachts of his previous life, this ship was no worse.

"Caelan, you should raise your flag on this ship and give it a new name!"

Nami wiped the sweat from her brow as she looked expectantly at Caelan.

She and the villagers had worked hard to strip the ship of all traces of the Arlong Pirates.

Now that the ship belonged to Caelan, it was time to replace the emblem.

Caelan picked up a paintbrush and, with just a few bold strokes, painted a new symbol on the blank flag.

There was no skull, no flashy decorations. Only a massive greatsword hung at the center of the flag.

It was his own weapon, a symbol of absolute power.

Like the sword of Damocles, it represented the majesty and authority to judge all things.

"As for the name of the ship… Wind Rider."

Caelan thought for a moment, then gave the ship its new name.

"Wind Rider… riding the wind and waves. What a great name!"

Compared to the chaotic names of many pirate ships, Wind Rider felt far more refined.

Simple, but filled with ambition.

"To rise on the wind and soar straight to the summit of this world—that is the meaning of Wind Rider."

Caelan smiled slightly, correcting Nami's understanding.

His ambition was far greater than simply riding the waves.

In this grand era of piracy, Caelan would ride the momentum and claim the world for himself.

Nami stared at Caelan, dazed.

Compared to a straw hat-wearing boy shouting about becoming Pirate King, the man before her radiated a far greater courage.

Her heart beat faster as Caelan seemed to glow in her eyes.

"I… I'm going to pack my things."

Blushing, Nami turned quickly, a little too embarrassed to face Caelan directly.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 11: Plans For The Grand Line
At noon, on the seaside of Cocoyasi Village.

Barrels of fresh water, baskets of vegetables and fruit, and a large amount of meat were delivered to the Wind Rider.

The villagers were extremely enthusiastic, even wanting to give their homes to Caelan.

"Enough, enough! There's no room for more!"

Seeing that the storage room was already full, Caelan stopped the overly eager villagers.

The captured Fish-Men with bounties were already lying unconscious in the cabin.

There were also piles of treasure and Berries stored inside the Wind Rider's hold.

Everything was ready. It was time to set sail.

"Goodbye, Mr. Caelan!"

"Nami, don't cause trouble for Mr. Caelan!"

The villagers waved goodbye to both Caelan and Nami.

"Nami, stay by Mr. Caelan's side from now on. Don't be so willful."

Nojiko smiled as she gave Nami a reminder. The two of them were as close as sisters.

Of course, Nojiko was reluctant to see Nami leave, but at the same time, she was genuinely happy for her.

"I'm not a burden! I'll be helpful!"

Nami clenched her fist and assured Nojiko confidently.

"It's just a shame that I won't be able to see Belle-Mère's orange trees."

Nami's mood dropped. Those orange trees were the legacy left behind by her adoptive mother, Belle-Mère.

As long as she was with the orange trees, it felt like Belle-Mère was still by her side.

"That's not necessarily true!"

Nojiko winked at Nami with a playful smile before turning away.

With such a good captain, Nami really had nothing to worry about.

"Huh?"

Nami was momentarily confused.

"Come on, Nami, it's time to go!"

Caelan's voice came from behind. He was already standing on the deck of the ship.

Nami didn't have time to think about it any further. She quickly ran aboard the Wind Rider.

As soon as she stepped onto the ship, Nami noticed two vibrant orange trees swaying on the deck.

"Thank you, Caelan! You're amazing!"

Nami threw her arms around Caelan, her excitement overflowing.

It turned out that her captain was such a considerate person. What should she do if she starts liking him even more?

"Alright, let's hurry up and set sail."

Nami's soft body pressed against Caelan as her short orange hair brushed against his face.

Caelan helplessly pushed her away. Seducing him like this was asking for trouble.

"Yes, Captain!"

Nami gave him a crisp salute. Just as she was about to start the ship, she paused.

"Caelan, where are we heading?"

"Destination: Loguetown, full speed ahead!"

Caelan pointed toward their next course. Nami immediately turned the helm.

With Nami's superb navigation skills, the Wind Rider began its journey toward Loguetown.

…

While Nami focused on steering, Caelan entered the treasure room, where the loot from the Arlong Pirates was stored.

Although the Arlong Pirates had squandered most of their money on building Arlong Park and their foolish dream of the Arlong Empire, there were still 80 million Berries remaining.

The total bounties of the Arlong Pirates added up to nearly 45 million Berries.

There were also the 100 million Berries that Nami had handed over.

Even without receiving any bounty rewards yet, Caelan now had 180 million Berries on hand.

"System, consume 180 million Berries to increase synchronization progress."

As the Berries in the treasure room disappeared, Caelan's system panel began to change once again.

"Consume all Berries to improve synchronization progress."

The system panel flickered for a moment before updating.

[Host: Caelan Alaric]

[Template: Berserker Class · Heracles]

[Synchronization Progress: 50.5%]

[Berries: 3 million]

[Strength: B+]
[Durability: B+]
[Agility: B+]
[Magic: B+]
[Luck: A]

[Noble Phantasm: A+]

[Personal Skills]: Battle Continuation (B), Mind's Eye (Fake) (B), Valor (A+), Divinity (A), Madness Enhancement (B)

[Noble Phantasms]: God Hand: The Twelve Labors (B), Nine Lives: Shooting the Hundred Heads (C–A+)

…

A tremendous force surged into his body, instantly enhancing all of Caelan's attributes.

He nodded with satisfaction. Every one of his physical stats had risen from B to B+.

Don't underestimate the small addition of a plus sign. B+ represented an exceptional level, effectively doubling the attribute's power.

At this point, Caelan's strength, speed, endurance, and magic power had all doubled, making his combat abilities even more overwhelming.

"With my current strength, no one in the first half of the Grand Line can compare to me."

The increase in power was within Caelan's expectations.

However, the change in synchronization progress made him frown slightly.

The progress hadn't reached the expected 55%, stopping instead at 50.5%.

After reaching 50%, does it really take 100 million Berries to increase synchronization by just 1%?

Caelan thought it over and found this result acceptable.

Once they entered the Grand Line, pirates would be everywhere.

In the weak seas of the East Blue, there were only a handful of pirates with bounties in the tens of millions. The rest were small fry with bounties of a million or less.

Caelan had spent a lot of time and effort capturing those pirates, but the bounty earnings weren't much.

The Grand Line was different. It was a paradise for pirates. Any pirate group with even the slightest ambition was there.

Pirates with bounties of ten or twenty million were as common as crucian carp crossing the river. They were countless.

Just by defeating any pirate crew, he could easily obtain 50 million Berries.

Figures like Arlong and Don Krieg were considered lower-tier in the Grand Line, nowhere near the top.

There were also the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Despite their relatively low bounties, their strength was undeniable, and they often commanded large crews.

Although it wasn't possible to claim bounty rewards for capturing them, fighting such opponents could still improve his synchronization progress.

Compared to hunting ordinary pirates, the cost-effectiveness of targeting the Seven Warlords was much higher.

"The only issue is that I still don't have Haki."

Caelan couldn't help but feel frustrated. In the East Blue, there was no opportunity to learn Haki.

The reason he was able to push his swordsmanship to the level of a swordsman was entirely thanks to the Heracles template.

Even in the first half of the Grand Line, Haki was something only true elites possessed.

It wasn't until the New World that Haki became widespread.

Without Haki, facing Logia-type Devil Fruit users would put him at a serious disadvantage.

No matter how powerful his physical attacks were, they would be completely ineffective.

Likewise, Logia users couldn't hurt him either, but it would be a deadlock.

Still, Caelan had a plan. Crocodile, who ruled over Alabasta, would make a good teacher.

Of course, compared to someone like Kaido, Crocodile was far from the top.

Kaido was a top-tier monster, capable of knocking out Conqueror's Haki users with a single swing, or awakening the Nika Fruit wielder with two strikes.

At Caelan's current level, there was no way he could handle Kaido's brutal "training methods."

He hadn't even set foot on the path of Haki yet, let alone reached the level where he could learn Kaido's advanced techniques.

Crocodile, however, was just right. With his moderate-level Armament and Observation Haki, he could still serve as an effective mentor.

Caelan could already imagine the scene of himself awakening both types of Haki under Crocodile's guidance.

"The Grand Line… I'm looking forward to it more and more."

Caelan's blood was boiling with excitement.

The East Blue was just the starting point of the pirate world. The Grand Line was where the real adventure began.

It was far too dull to keep hunting small-time pirates with measly million-Berry bounties.

He wanted to charge into the Grand Line and fight against the true powerhouses.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 12: He’s a Hero

"A few days later, the strongest bounty hunter in the East Blue struck again."

"Eliminated the Arlong Pirates and liberated the Conomi Islands!"

Another explosive headline appeared in the East Blue newspapers.

"It's only been a few days, and he already wiped out the Arlong Pirates?!"

The remaining pirates in the East Blue could hardly believe it.

Don Krieg had just been killed a few days ago, and now the Arlong Pirates were destroyed as well.

This was the Arlong Pirates, a powerful crew that had returned from the Grand Line.

Compared to the local tyrant Don Krieg, the Arlong Pirates were much stronger.

Yet in less than a week, the two strongest pirate groups in the East Blue had been eliminated by Caelan.

They really wanted to ask Caelan, don't you need to rest? Are we pirates really so worthy of your attention?

The few remaining pirates in the East Blue were now living in fear, not daring to loot openly.

For a time, the entire East Blue fell into silence.

Days passed without a single report of pirate attacks.

…

"What? The Arlong Pirates were destroyed?"

The villages that had been plundered by the Arlong Pirates were shocked.

The Arlong Pirates' headquarters was located in Cocoyasi Village, but their activities were not limited to that area.

From time to time, they would sail out and raid the surrounding villages.

Hundreds of villages had suffered under their brutality, and tens of thousands of villagers despised them to the core.

It could be said that the Arlong Pirates were infamous throughout the entire East Blue.

"Is it true? Did Lord Caelan really take them down?"

Countless villagers were stunned once again.

They had always known that Caelan was strong, but they never expected him to be this powerful.

In just a few days, the two major tyrants of the East Blue had been eliminated one after the other. The efficiency was unbelievable.

"Lord Caelan is here, and the skies have cleared!"

"Lord Caelan is here, and the pirates are gone!"

"Lord Caelan is here, and we have hope!"

Countless villagers wept with joy, shouting Caelan's name.

Half a year ago, before Caelan arrived, they had been tormented endlessly by pirates.

But in the six months since Caelan appeared, the number of pirates had steadily decreased, and their lives had improved day by day.

Now that both the Krieg Pirates and the Arlong Pirates had been wiped out, there were hardly any pirates left in the East Blue.

The entire East Blue had truly become the weakest sea, where pirates with bounties over three million were now extremely rare.

…

At the East Blue Navy's Office.

Kallen also received the news, but instead of feeling happy, his expression remained troubled. There was still another major issue weighing on his mind.

"Captain Nezumi from the 16th Branch has been missing for several days now, and there's still no sign of him?"

Kallen asked his two subordinates, frowning with concern.

Nezumi was the highest-ranking officer of the 16th Branch. His disappearance was a significant matter for the East Blue Navy.

"There are some clues, but…"

The subordinate looked at Kallen nervously, hesitating.

"It's already come to this and you're still hesitating? Speak!"

Kallen slammed the table, his anger flaring.

"We received information that Captain Nezumi went to Cocoyasi Village and never returned."

"You mean… he was killed by the Arlong Pirates?"

Kallen's tone eased slightly. With the Arlong Pirates destroyed, there was no need to make too much of it.

"It's unlikely. Captain Nezumi had long-standing financial ties with the Arlong Pirates."

The subordinate wiped the sweat from his forehead and cautiously handed over a stack of documents.

"What?!"

"This can't be true!"

"How could a Marine Captain be connected with pirates?!"

Kallen instinctively refused to believe it, but once he looked through the documents, he was stunned.

The contents were shocking.

Nezumi was not only closely associated with the Arlong Pirates, but he also had dealings with many other pirate crews within the jurisdiction.

Bang!

Bang!

Bang! Boom!

Kallen was furious, like an enraged lion.

He slammed the table three times, each strike heavier than the last.

On the third strike, the table couldn't withstand the force and shattered into pieces.

"The day Nezumi went to meet the Arlong Pirates… Caelan was there too!"

The two subordinates gritted their teeth as they reported. They knew just how much Kallen valued Caelan.

Kallen, who had been furious just moments ago, suddenly froze. His anger seemed to dissipate, leaving him silent.

He wanted to deny it instinctively.

Caelan was a bounty hunter. How could he kill a Marine captain? Was he not afraid of making the Navy his enemy?

But thinking about it carefully, Caelan was indeed the prime suspect.

Since debuting in the East Blue, Caelan had eliminated hundreds of pirate crews.

Among them were thousands of individuals with bounties, not to mention the countless small fry without bounties.

Would someone like him really be afraid of the Navy?

The Arlong Pirates were connected to Jinbe, the Knight of the Sea and one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

Even the Navy had to show them some respect and had never dared to wipe out the Arlong Pirates.

But Caelan had shown no hesitation, killing them without a second thought and completely annihilating the crew.

With that in mind, killing a corrupt Navy officer like Nezumi would be nothing for Caelan.

"Should we issue a bounty?"

The two subordinates asked nervously.

A Marine captain, even if corrupt, was still a member of the Navy. Being killed by an outsider crossed a line the Navy could not allow.

But honestly, they didn't want to become enemies with Caelan either.

He was the hero of the entire East Blue. If they put a bounty on him, the whole sea would erupt in chaos.

Not to mention, Caelan's strength was terrifying.

Even if the entire East Blue Navy joined forces, they might not be able to stop him.

"What kind of bounty are we talking about? Do you think this is something a human could handle?"

The usually refined Kallen couldn't help but curse.

He was certain that if the Navy really put a bounty on Caelan, the man wouldn't hesitate to hunt down Marines as easily as he hunted pirates.

Kallen clearly understood Caelan's terrifying potential.

If they forced him into becoming the Navy's enemy, he might awaken Conqueror's Haki and establish a five-emperor balance in the New World.

Just thinking about that possibility made Kallen shudder.

If the man who had been slaughtering pirates like chickens turned to slaughtering Marines instead, it would be the Navy's worst nightmare.

All of this would happen simply because they executed the wrong judgment over the death of a corrupt officer.

The wave of public opinion would crush the Navy's reputation beyond repair.

"Caelan did not kill Captain Nezumi."

"Captain Nezumi was killed by the Arlong Pirates."

"Caelan remains the hero of the East Blue!"

Without the slightest hesitation, Kallen chose to clear Caelan of any suspicion. He would not allow this incident to drive Caelan into making an enemy of the Navy.

The two subordinates were completely stunned. They couldn't understand how things had turned out like this.

"What are you two standing around for? Spread the word immediately!"

Kallen needed to control the narrative as soon as possible. No one could be allowed to use this as leverage against Caelan.

"Yes, sir! We'll take care of it right away!"

The two subordinates responded quickly.

"Do you know where Caelan is headed?"

Just as they were about to leave, Kallen stopped them again.

"He's on his way to Loguetown, probably to claim the bounty."

The subordinates had already received this information.

"Good. I will personally meet with him and clear up any doubts he may have."

Kallen waved them off, then sat back down, deep in thought, carefully planning how to approach Caelan.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 13: Buggy The Clown

At noon, on the Wind Rider.

Caelan and Nami were on the deck, enjoying lunch under the warm breeze and sunlight.

Suddenly, a News Coo flew across the sky.

Nami took out a Berry and bought a newspaper from the seagull.

She glanced at the front page and couldn't help but scream.

"Hey? The newspaper says that Captain Nezumi was killed by Arlong."

"But I didn't see that happen at the time."

Nami was very puzzled. She clearly remembered the Marine captain who had worked with Arlong to cheat her out of her money.

She hadn't seen his body at Arlong Park and had assumed he had escaped.

Nami was certain that Arlong definitely didn't kill Nezumi.

"Of course you didn't see it. I'm the one who killed Nezumi."

Caelan had no reason to hide the truth from Nami.

After Caelan's reminder, Nami recalled the details of that day.

Only Arlong had fallen from the sky, but Caelan had swung his swords twice.

There had been a large amount of blood mist in the air.

At the time, she had simply assumed it was because of Arlong's special physique and his high endurance.

But thinking about it now, that blood mist must have come from Nezumi, who had been cut to pieces.

"Luckily, the Navy doesn't know it was you. Otherwise, we'd be in serious trouble."

"Right now, they're still calling you a hero!"

Nami patted her chest in relief, thankful for their narrow escape from disaster.

"But don't they already know?"

Caelan pointed to the newspaper in Nami's hand.

If the Navy really didn't know, why would they pin Nezumi's death on Arlong and use it to boost the reputation of a dead pirate?

Caelan had not killed Nezumi in public, which left the Navy room to handle the situation.

"But they're still promoting you as a hero."

Nami was confused.

In this kind of situation, shouldn't they have started hunting him down?

"Nami, are you afraid of me?"

Caelan did not answer directly but asked her a question instead.

"No."

Nami shook her head. How could she be afraid? Caelan was her hero.

"But the Navy is afraid."

Caelan stopped speaking and continued eating.

Nami looked at Caelan, at a loss for words.

Who am I following?

Nami had known that Caelan was strong. He had easily wiped out the entire Arlong Pirates.

But she hadn't expected him to be so powerful that even the Navy didn't dare to make him an enemy.

In that moment, an overwhelming sense of security filled Nami's heart.

She looked at Caelan, her eyes practically sparkling.

…

"Boss Buggy, are we really going out to loot?"

Vice Captain Mohji had a bitter expression as he held up the newspaper.

He felt genuine fear toward Caelan's strength.

"Buggy, if you want to die, don't drag me into it!"

Alvida had no intention of going out. If they ran into Caelan, they wouldn't be able to handle it.

"Relax, Caelan is just one man. There's no way our luck could be that bad."

Buggy was full of confidence. Things like that didn't just happen by coincidence.

"We won't steal too much. We'll stop once we've got enough to buy a decent ship."

Obviously, Buggy was also afraid of Caelan.

But after the battle with the Straw Hat Pirates, their ship had been damaged, and they were in urgent need of a replacement.

"Boss Buggy, I don't think you need to be so worried."

The strategist, Cabaji, spoke up, immediately drawing everyone's attention.

"You're a Splitting Human. Caelan's swordsmanship and physical attacks are useless against you."

"That's right! I'm not afraid of him!"

The usually timid Buggy suddenly stood up with confidence.

This was the strongest bounty hunter in the East Blue, but now was the time for Buggy the Clown to shine.

"The era of Buggy the Clown is coming!"

"Captain, there's a good ship over there!"

One of the crew interrupted Buggy's fantasy. Buggy glared at him, then turned his gaze toward the ship flying a giant sword emblem on its flag.

"What a fine ship, what a fine ship! I want it!"

With just one look, Buggy couldn't take his eyes off it. He was practically drooling.

The solid hull, the towering mast, the brand-new sails…

This ship's configuration would be considered excellent even in the Grand Line.

In the East Blue, it stood out like a jewel.

It was simply his dream ship!

Buggy announced that this would be the first step toward building his Joker Empire.

"Boss Buggy, don't you think this might be trouble?"

Cabaji was a bit concerned. With such a good ship, the people on board must be quite capable.

"The logo on the flag looks like that person's weapon."

Alvida stared at the giant sword emblem and recalled the weapon she had seen in the newspaper.

"It can't be him. That guy only sails a small boat and has never been attacked."

The sharp-witted Cabaji immediately dismissed Alvida's suspicion.

Since Caelan's debut, his fame had spread throughout the East Blue.

His iconic small ship had become well-known to every pirate in these waters.

"What are you all so afraid of? I'm Buggy!"

Buggy was as arrogant as ever. He was determined to get that ship.

Besides, even if it really was Caelan's ship, so what?

Caelan's greatest strength was his swordsmanship, which was completely useless against Buggy's Devil Fruit ability.

Even if Buggy couldn't win, he was confident he could escape without a scratch.

If it belonged to someone else, it would be even easier.

Almost all the big-name pirates in the East Blue had already been taken down by Caelan.

Buggy, the Clown, was the only major pirate left.

Taking this ship should be a piece of cake.

"Alright, prepare to board them!"

Seeing how confident Buggy was, Vice Captain Mohji quickly gave the order to attack.

"Idiot! What if you damage my ship?"

Buggy slapped Mohji on the head. There was no way he would let such a fine ship get damaged.

"Bring me closer! I'll handle this myself!"

Buggy had already imagined the scene that would follow.

He would show off his power.

The crew of the other ship would be so terrified they would hand over the ship without a fight.

…

On the Wind Rider, Nami also spotted the Buggy Pirates' ship approaching.

"Caelan, pirates are coming. What should we do?"

Nami's voice was anxious as she called out to Caelan, who was sunbathing on the deck.

Years of torment by pirates had left her with deep scars.

Seeing a pirate ship approaching instinctively made her panic.

"Don't worry. They're just kind-hearted people coming to deliver bounty money."

Caelan remained calm, even a little amused.

Where had this group of foolish pirates come from, daring to attack him head-on?

Were they trying to help him solve his money shortage?

"Yeah, there's no way they could be your opponent."

Hearing Caelan's words, Nami immediately relaxed.

She was no longer the lonely little Cat Burglar. She now had someone powerful to rely on.

Caelan was the strongest bounty hunter in the East Blue, having captured countless pirates.

He was the man who had defeated the two top pirate crews in the East Blue within a single week.

Both Arlong and Don Krieg, considered the strongest pirates in the East Blue, had been effortlessly defeated by Caelan.

No one else in these waters could threaten him.

So what was there to be afraid of?

If anything, it was the pirates on the other side who should be afraid.

Nami quickly adjusted her mindset and even became curious.

She wondered which unlucky pirate had the nerve to challenge the King of Hell.

Nami was already looking forward to the scene that was about to unfold.

The clueless pirates would surely be terrified once they realized it was Caelan.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 14: A Good Beating

The two ships approached quickly.

"It looks like there are only two people on board."

Buggy's eyes lit up. This was a perfect opportunity. He was about to get himself a new ship for free.

"Don't move. I'll handle this myself."

Buggy stopped his crew, who were eager to charge forward.

At a time like this, how could he let his subordinates steal the spotlight?

It was his chance to show off!

Alvida stared at the two people standing on the opposite deck, feeling that they looked strangely familiar.

That beautiful girl was Nami. She had seen her before.

And the man beside her, along with the giant sword by his side!

"Wait, that looks like…"

"Caelan!"

Alvida's pupils contracted as she recognized him.

Before she could stop him, Buggy had already taken the lead, jumping onto the deck of the Wind Rider.

Watching Buggy rush to his own doom, Alvida could no longer stay still.

"Idiot! I'm not dying with you!"

Alvida pushed the helmsman aside, cursing as she turned the pirate ship away.

"Our captain isn't afraid of him, so why are we running?"

Vice Captain Mohji was displeased with Alvida's actions. He still wanted to watch Buggy fight.

"Fool! Even if Caelan can't kill Buggy, he can still kill us!"

Alvida shouted while steering the ship farther away.

Buggy had the powers of the Chop-Chop Fruit, but the rest of them did not.

One swing from Caelan could slaughter everyone else on the ship.

Cabaji helped Alvida steer. What he had said to Buggy earlier was just flattery.

If they really encountered Caelan, the only option was to run.

…

On the deck of the Wind Rider.

"Haha! Be afraid! I am Captain Buggy, with a bounty of 15 million Berries!"

As soon as he landed on the ship, Buggy stood with his hands on his waist, laughing wildly.

The exaggerated clown makeup on his face trembled with excitement, showing the look of a villain who thought he had succeeded.

He widened his eyes, eager to see the terrified expressions of the two people before him.

Unfortunately, there was no such expression.

Caelan and Nami simply watched his performance as if they were watching a clown show.

The moment Nami saw it was Buggy, she completely relaxed.

A week ago, she had witnessed Luffy and his crew fighting Buggy.

Compared to Caelan, that scene had been pathetic.

"It's you, little thief! Looks like I'll get my revenge today!"

Buggy immediately recognized Nami as the thief who had stolen his treasure before.

"Heh, come on, hit me if you can!"

Nami stuck out her tongue at Buggy, hiding behind Caelan.

After spending a few days together, she had become familiar with Caelan and was no longer reserved, showing her lively side.

Buggy's clown face flushed red with anger at Nami's provocation.

Just as he was about to attack, he was suddenly locked in place by a wave of killing intent.

Following that oppressive aura, Buggy's eyes fell on the man he had seen so often in the newspapers, standing next to the iconic giant sword.

"You… you're Caelan! Why are you here?!"

Buggy's eyes widened, his voice trembling as it echoed across the sea.

How unlucky could he be to run into this monster?

Damn Cabaji! Didn't they say Caelan never switched ships?

"Honestly, I didn't expect to see you here either."

Caelan looked at Buggy with a bit of amusement. He was very familiar with this clown.

If he remembered correctly, Buggy had already been beaten down by Luffy.

How did he still have the courage to cause trouble?

Caelan raised his giant sword, ready to give Buggy a proper "greeting."

"Don't get cocky! I'm not afraid of you!"

"I ate the Chop-Chop Fruit! Your swordsmanship is useless against me!"

Buggy stiffened his neck, forcing out tough words.

Caelan didn't bother arguing.

He simply swung the giant sword, unleashing a gust of wind.

A crescent-shaped slash shot straight toward Buggy.

"Damn! That's powerful!"

Buggy's expression shifted instantly.

He had once sailed with the Roger Pirates and had seen monsters from the New World.

The oppressive aura from this sword slash was not something that belonged to the East Blue.

It was the kind of power that could dominate the Grand Line or even earn a place in the New World.

In an instant, Buggy's body split into pieces, perfectly dodging the slash.

The sword energy struck the sea, carving a massive crack through the water, sending waves crashing violently.

Buggy's body quickly reassembled, completely unharmed.

"So, he really does have some ability."

Caelan was not surprised.

The power of the Chop-Chop Fruit truly was formidable.

Not only could it nullify slashes, but even Dracule Mihawk's Yoru couldn't harm Buggy.

Mihawk had cut Buggy into pieces, but he had reassembled unharmed.

It was expected that Caelan's swordsmanship alone wouldn't be enough to deal with him.

"Hahaha! Even the so-called strongest bounty hunter in the East Blue is no match for me, Buggy the Clown!"

Buggy's expression gradually turned arrogant again. His confidence returned.

"It's finally time for me to rule the East Blue! Wahahaha!"

Buggy laughed wildly.

Even a monster like Caelan couldn't do anything to him. His moment had come.

"Is that so?"

Caelan smiled coldly. Swordsmanship wasn't his only strength.

How could Buggy, who couldn't even handle a rookie like Luffy, be arrogant in front of him?

"If my sword can't hurt you, does that mean I can't hit you either?"

Caelan turned the giant sword and slammed it down toward Buggy.

The giant sword weighed one ton. In Caelan's hands, it wasn't just a sword, it was practically a giant hammer.

Even before the strike landed, Buggy could feel the overwhelming pressure.

He knew that if he got hit by this, things would not end well.

His Chop-Chop Fruit allowed him to avoid slashes.

But who would swing such a massive, blunt weapon like this in a sword fight?

Buggy's body immediately split apart again.

His head, torso, and limbs separated into dozens of pieces, scattering in all directions to dodge the attack.

"Heh."

If it were that easy to dodge, Caelan wouldn't have made it this far.

In Caelan's hands, the one-ton giant sword moved as effortlessly as a feather.

The sword swept through the air like a fly swatter, slapping every piece of Buggy's scattered body onto the deck.

"Ahhh! It hurts, it hurts!"

Buggy screamed in pain as his body was forcefully smashed back into one piece.

Every part of his body ached, swelling badly.

Under the repeated blows of Caelan's giant sword, Buggy's entire body had been beaten into the shape of a giant balloon.

Originally just a stocky frame, he was now swollen into a fat lump.

Especially his clown face, which Caelan had paid special attention to.

His face was covered in blood, and even his signature round red nose had been flattened.

Tears streamed from the corners of his eyes as his entire face twisted pitifully.

Why… why was this happening?

If it didn't hurt so much, Buggy would have slapped himself.

Why had he picked a fight with Caelan?

He should have just knelt down and begged for mercy from the start.

How was it possible that they were in the same East Blue, yet the gap between them was so massive?

It was too much!

Buggy felt incredibly wronged. Not even in the Grand Line had he encountered such terrifying opponents.

"What do you think? Am I capable of dealing with you?"

Caelan asked playfully, kicking Buggy's swollen head aside.

He really couldn't understand where Buggy got the courage to act so arrogantly in front of him.

A powerhouse who could cleave the sea could easily flatten Buggy with just a stick.

"Don't get so full of yourself! My crew will come and rescue me!"

Buggy's entire body was beaten soft, but his mouth still refused to admit defeat.

He still had dozens of crew members. There was still hope.

"Hmm? Why don't you take a look and see where they are?"

Caelan grabbed Buggy by the hair and lifted him up, directing his gaze toward the sea.

The pirate ship that had been just a few dozen meters away from the Wind Rider was now sitting more than a thousand meters off in the distance.

Buggy could even see the glint of telescope lenses reflecting light from the ship.

Not only had his crew not come to rescue him, they were happily watching from afar, laughing at his misfortune.

"Damn you! Cabaji, I'll kill you!"

Buggy's face turned red with rage. He completely forgot about the pain as he cursed Cabaji's entire family.

After venting his anger for a while, Buggy slumped down, his earlier arrogance completely gone.

He wanted to cry, but the clown makeup on his face made it look like he was smiling instead.

His flattened red nose made him look even more ridiculous.

Damn it… he really had become a clown now.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 15: The Man Who Kept Failing Upwards

There was silence aboard Buggy's pirate ship.

Everyone knew that Buggy had lost, and lost miserably, but no one dared to speak.

Finally, Vice Captain Mohji broke the silence.

"The captain has been defeated… should we go and rescue him?"

Mohji stared at Buggy's pitiful state through the telescope, hesitating.

If they did not go, it would seem heartless toward Captain Buggy.

But if they did go, it would be risking their own lives.

"Go to hell! I'm not dying for him!"

Alvida rejected the idea without hesitation.

She and Buggy were just partners. There was no need for her to throw her life away for him.

If the opponent were just an ordinary pirate with a bounty of around 30 million, she might have considered it.

But this was Caelan, the strongest bounty hunter who dominated the East Blue!

She had witnessed the fight just now.

Buggy had sworn that his Chop-Chop Fruit made him invincible against Caelan.

But in the end, he was crushed in less than two seconds. There was no point in trying to save him.

The first slash missed, yet it still split the sea wide open.

That terrifying power was something Alvida had never seen in her life.

She had no doubt that if that slash had struck their ship, every person on board would have been killed instantly.

The second strike showed not only brute strength but also incredible swordsmanship.

Buggy's body had been divided into at least seventy or eighty pieces, scattered in every direction.

With a single swing, Caelan had struck every piece to the ground.

That level of precision alone proved him a true monster even among swordsmen.

"We must have faith in Captain Buggy's abilities. I'm sure he'll escape on his own!"

Cabaji put on a serious face, as if he truly believed in Buggy's strength.

While he remained loyal to Captain Buggy, there was no chance he would risk his life to rescue him.

Caelan's strength was simply too terrifying. Cabaji was already trembling just watching from a distance.

If he got any closer, he would probably collapse before Caelan even made a move.

"Yes, we must trust in Captain Buggy!"

The other pirates quickly echoed Cabaji's words.

Caelan was so terrifying that just looking at him any longer felt like certain death.

Captain Buggy was strong. He could surely handle this by himself. Their rescue would only get in the way.

Mohji breathed a sigh of relief. After all, he valued his own life.

…

On the Wind Rider.

"Caelan, are you going to turn him in for the bounty?"

Nami pointed at Buggy, who now looked like a dead dog lying on the deck.

In her eyes, this was no longer the infamous Buggy the Clown. This was 15 million Berries in prize money.

Buggy raised his head and glared at Nami with grief and anger.

She had stolen all his treasure just a few days ago, and now she wanted to cash him in for a bounty.

This vicious woman was too cruel.

"Well… let me think about it."

Caelan scratched his head, clearly feeling some frustration. Buggy was really a troublesome one.

He had been a trainee with the Roger Pirates, and he also had ties to one of the current Four Emperors, Red-Haired Shanks.

But most importantly, Buggy had the legendary skill of absurd luck.

From the very start, he had been standing at the peak. Just like Shanks, he had been a trainee on Roger's ship.

He had eaten the Chop-Chop Fruit, but somehow believed the fruit was holding him back.

Caelan could only laugh at that. If Buggy was weak, it was not the fruit's fault.

The Chop-Chop Fruit was undeniably a powerful Paramecia-type Devil Fruit. How could a fruit that even Roger's crew acknowledged be useless?

Buggy became the nightmare of all swordsmen without much effort.

If he had taken the time to develop his abilities, perhaps even reaching awakening like Doflamingo, he could have been a high-tier combatant among the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

Buggy not only had an impressive background, but his later achievements were just as ridiculous.

He enjoyed a peaceful life in the East Blue for years, living comfortably.

Then he went to the Grand Line and, without improving his strength at all, became one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, thanks entirely to the Navy's overestimation.

When he arrived in the New World, his strength still hadn't improved, yet he somehow became one of the Four Emperors.

The Cross Guild, founded by Crocodile and Mihawk, was practically handed over to him.

With the help of those two, Buggy's bounty skyrocketed from 15 million Berries to 3.189 billion Berries.

Truly the perfect example of failing upwards.

"Buggy, get out of the East Blue and head to the Grand Line."

After thinking it over for a while, Caelan finally made his decision.

If he turned Buggy in now, he would only get 15 million Berries, which would increase his synchronization progress by just 0.15%.

But if he let Buggy grow, there was a chance he could eventually reach that 3.189 billion bounty. That would boost synchronization progress by nearly half in one go.

"Alright."

Nami was a bit disappointed, but she still followed Caelan's decision.

After all, he was the one calling the shots.

"Really? You're really letting me go?!"

Buggy's eyes widened in disbelief.

He had thought this was the end for him, but now there was a glimmer of hope.

Despite being beaten into a swollen mess, he actually felt a bit grateful.

"Of course. I always keep my word."

Caelan gave him a steady look. He wasn't the type to break a promise.

"No problem! I'll definitely go!"

Buggy slapped his chest, trying to look sincere.

But in his heart, he was cursing. Only an idiot would actually head to the Grand Line.

The East Blue was easy pickings. The Navy here was weak, and the loot was plentiful.

Buggy loved it here.

Once Caelan left for the Grand Line, Buggy would claim the East Blue for himself.

"Caelan, he's lying. Let's just turn him in for the bounty."

Nami could tell at a glance that Buggy had no intention of following through. A guy like him would never be honest.

"Hey! Don't slander me like that! I'm a man of my word!"

Buggy glared at Nami, trying to look as honest as possible.

In his heart, though, he was laughing. He fully admitted to being a compulsive liar.

There was no way he was going to the Grand Line.

Back when Luffy had beaten him, he had still tried to make a comeback.

But now that this terrifying Caelan had appeared in the East Blue, he knew the Grand Line would be even worse.

In short, not even a dog would go to the Grand Line.

Buggy looked at Caelan, his expression full of hope. He knew this terrifying man held his fate in his hands.

"I always keep my word. If I say I'll let you go, then I'll let you go."

Caelan stroked his chin, staring at Buggy for a moment.

"I don't think you have the guts to lie to me."

Before Buggy could respond, an intense wave of killing intent locked onto him.

Buggy's body stiffened immediately. He couldn't even resist.

This pressure… it was monstrous. Completely unstoppable.

Cold sweat poured down Buggy's face, and all the little schemes he had vanished from his mind.

Caelan grabbed him by the hair, positioning him properly.

Then, without warning, he raised his giant sword high and swung down with full force.

The wind pressure from the swing surged around Buggy, and he could feel death approaching.

Buggy's face twisted in horror.

Hadn't Caelan just said he would let him go?

This strike would definitely kill him!

In a panic, Buggy instinctively tried to activate his Devil Fruit ability.

"Don't move. If you move, you'll die."

Caelan's calm voice made Buggy freeze completely, abandoning all resistance.

The moment the giant sword struck him, Buggy thought he saw his grandmother waving at him.

Under Caelan's terrifying strength, Buggy was sent flying through the air like a rag doll.

"Waaahhhhhh!"

Buggy screamed at the top of his lungs as tears poured down his face.

Really… provoking Caelan had been the worst decision of his life.

This cursed East Blue was no place for him anymore.

He, the great Buggy the Clown, was going to the Grand Line!

Buggy's body shot through the air like a comet, aimed directly at the Buggy Pirates' ship, still floating over a thousand meters away.

Bang!

"Nice. Home run."

Watching the pirate ship shake violently from Buggy's impact, Caelan nodded with satisfaction.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 16: Investment

On the Buggy Pirates' ship.

Many crew members looked at Buggy, and their bodies seemed to ache just from watching.

Too miserable. Far too miserable.

Beaten half to death, flung over a thousand meters, even smashing into the mast.

If it had been an ordinary person, there would be nothing left of them by now.

It was only because of the monster physique common among pirates that Buggy could still speak at this point.

"Damn you, Cabaji, you useless bastard!"

Buggy collapsed on the deck, cursing.

"You analyzed everything so seriously, but it was all complete nonsense!"

Cabaji had confidently claimed that Caelan wouldn't be there, and that even if he was, Buggy's Chop-Chop Fruit meant he had nothing to fear.

But in the end, all of it had been false, and Buggy had been beaten nearly to death.

"Tell me the truth. Are you trying to get me killed so you can take over my pirate crew?!"

Buggy glared at Cabaji suspiciously. Right now, Cabaji really looked like a traitor.

"Captain Buggy, how could I ever harm you?!"

Cabaji was full of grievance. Even if he had ten mouths, he couldn't explain his way out of this.

How could anyone have predicted that Caelan would suddenly change ships, or that they would be unlucky enough to run right into him?

And who would have thought that Caelan would be so terrifyingly strong?

The Chop-Chop Fruit was supposed to be the natural counter to swordsmanship, yet it had been completely useless against Caelan.

"Captain Buggy, Caelan is way too scary. Let's just stop being pirates."

Looking at Buggy's miserable state, Mohji hugged his lion Richie tightly, his face pale with fear.

This was supposed to be the Great Pirate Era. Why was there such a terrifying bounty hunter like Caelan?

This wasn't piracy. This was torture. Who wouldn't tremble at the sight of him?

"If you ask me, we should just disband."

Alvida couldn't help but sigh. What was the point of being a pirate anymore?

Sailing was supposed to be about freedom and adventure.

But now, with Caelan around, every day felt like walking on a tightrope.

They were lucky Caelan had let them go this time. But what about next time?

"What nonsense are you all talking about? I'm going to the Grand Line!"

Buggy's face filled with determination. He had made up his mind.

Caelan had swung three swords, and each one had brought him to the brink of death.

Ignore Caelan's warning? He, Buggy, really would die.

"You're seriously going to the Grand Line? Are you insane?"

The other pirates stared at Buggy like he had completely lost his mind.

He had almost died here in the East Blue. Going to the Grand Line would just be suicide.

"If you're afraid, why are you even a pirate?"

"I am Buggy the Clown, a man even Caelan had to acknowledge."

Buggy raised his head stubbornly, refusing to show weakness in front of his crew.

"Captain… did you hit your head too hard? When did Caelan acknowledge you?"

The crew looked at each other. They couldn't believe what they were hearing. He had been beaten senseless and still dared to brag like this?

"Of course he did. No pirate has ever escaped from Caelan before. But I did. Isn't that recognition?"

"He recognized my potential and gave me the chance to venture into the Grand Line."

"We'll meet again at the top and fight once more!"

Buggy spoke so passionately that even he almost believed it himself.

The crew fell silent. Somehow, they actually began to believe Buggy's nonsense.

Suddenly, a slash flew from the Wind Rider, landing in the sea right next to the Buggy Pirates' ship.

In an instant, massive waves surged, nearly overturning the ship.

Everyone gasped, drenched by the seawater.

Such a powerful slash had been sent from thousands of meters away.

If it had struck their ship directly, they would all be dead.

"Captain… is this what you meant by recognition?"

Several crew members looked at Buggy with confusion. This didn't feel like recognition at all. It felt like a clear threat.

"Hahaha! Yes! This is exactly Caelan's way of encouraging me!"

Buggy forced out a laugh, pretending not to care about the slash.

"Full speed ahead! Let's make a name for ourselves in the Grand Line!"

Buggy grabbed the helm himself and turned the ship toward the Grand Line.

The crew was shocked by their captain's spirit. None of them noticed his trembling legs.

Buggy knew very well that if he didn't leave now, the next sword would definitely hit the ship directly.

He was scared out of his wits. The only thing he could do was flee to the Grand Line as quickly as possible.

Facing Caelan again was something he absolutely did not want.

…

Watching the pirate ship rush off toward the Grand Line, Caelan sheathed his giant sword with satisfaction.

"Caelan, why would you let him go? That was easy money delivered right to your door."

Nami looked puzzled.

Buggy was so weak, and the bounty was 15 million Berries. Catching him would have been effortless.

That kind of money was a huge sum in the East Blue.

"Well… he was a trainee in Roger's pirate crew. He also has deep ties to Red-Haired Shanks of the Four Emperors."

Caelan couldn't help feeling the situation was a little absurd.

Buggy was such a useless clown. How did he end up connected to those kinds of people?

And his connections didn't stop there.

Silvers Rayleigh, the Dark King, and even Whitebeard's crew had ties to Buggy.

Everyone said Red-Haired Shanks was the one who had the power of the Face-Face Fruit.

But in truth, Buggy was even more worthy of that title.

This was a man who, with no real strength, became one of the Four Emperors purely through connections and sheer dumb luck.

"With a background like his, we have to handle things carefully."

Nami nodded in agreement. No matter how useless Buggy seemed, anyone tied to the Four Emperors was not to be taken lightly.

Surely, even Caelan would show some respect to Red-Haired Shanks.

"Why do you think that? There's no one on this sea I'm afraid to face."

Caelan rolled his eyes at Nami. Did he look like the kind of person who would back down?

"What I mean is… Buggy might be worth more if we let him grow a little."

Nami quickly adjusted her words. She knew Caelan was not the type to shy away from a fight.

The Arlong Pirates had connections to the Seven Warlords of the Sea, but Caelan had wiped them out without a second thought.

Not a single fish-man had survived.

"That's right. With his status, his bounty could easily double to 30 million Berries."

"If we catch him then, the profit will be much higher."

Nami's eyes sparkled. This was a great deal.

A little patience, and they could double their earnings.

"Thirty million?"

"Too small. Far too small."

"Just based on his history as a trainee of the Roger Pirates, he's worth at least 1 billion Berries."

Caelan shook his finger. Nami still hadn't seen enough of the world to understand how valuable Buggy's background truly was.

In fact, Caelan was holding back. He didn't want to scare her.

"Wha—?! One billion Berries?!"

Nami gasped, her eyes widening in shock.

She couldn't even imagine that kind of money.

She had worked for eight years, tricking and robbing countless pirate crews, just to scrape together 100 million Berries.

One billion? That was on a whole other level.

Even the Seven Warlords of the Sea in the newspapers rarely had bounties that high.

"Buggy is only worth 15 million Berries right now. If he reaches one billion… that's…"

Nami counted on her fingers, calculating frantically.

"That's 66 times more!"

Nami's eyes turned into Berries. This was an investment worth waiting for!

She looked at Buggy's pirate ship in the distance as if she were staring at a golden mountain that would keep growing on its own.

Watching Nami's expression, Caelan chuckled to himself.

One billion Berries wasn't even Buggy's limit.

Who would have thought that this ridiculous clown would one day stand at the top of the Four Emperors, with a bounty of nearly 3.2 billion Berries?

The seed Caelan had just planted would one day bring him a return of 200 times.

"Stop daydreaming, little money-grubber."

"How long until we reach Loguetown?"

Caelan waved his hand in front of Nami's face, snapping her out of her thoughts.

"At this speed, we'll arrive early tomorrow morning."

Nami quickly gave her estimate.

"Perfect. We'll collect the bounties, then head straight for the Grand Line."

Caelan nodded with satisfaction. At this pace, they would reach the Grand Line the day after tomorrow.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 17: Acquired

East Blue, Loguetown, Marine Base.

Caelan and Nami dragged a large sack into the Marine base. Inside were the captured members of the Arlong Pirates.

In order to capture these guys, Caelan had even left his giant sword on the ship.

"Mr. Caelan, this is the total bounty for the Arlong Pirates, 45 million Berries."

A Marine respectfully handed over a box, opening it to count and display the contents before Caelan.

"Not bad."

Caelan took the box and nodded with satisfaction.

His Berries had already been spent, and now he would need another 100 million Berries to further improve his synchronization progress.

These 45 million Berries were just enough to keep as pocket money.

"Nami, here, take two million Berries and go buy yourself something."

Caelan casually handed Nami two stacks of Berries, all in ten-thousand-Berry notes.

In his eyes, Berries meant little.

If they could not be used to increase his strength, they were no different from waste paper.

Two million Berries might sound like a lot, but in reality, it was equivalent to only about $20,000 in purchasing power.

"Caelan, you're the best!"

Nami's eyes sparkled as she threw her arms around Caelan's neck and kissed him on the cheek.

Although she had once held 100 million Berries to save her village, she had never spent this much freely for herself.

"Alright, I'm off to shop!"

Nami ran off, her face flushed red. She was naturally lively and bold, but this was her first time being this close to a man. She couldn't help but feel a little shy.

"Haha, that was unexpectedly sweet."

Caelan touched his cheek where she had kissed him, feeling pleased.

Girls like Nami were always likable.

"Well, since I'm here, I might as well take a look around."

Carrying the rest of the Berries, Caelan strolled through the streets, sampling all the snacks and street food along the way.

"This feels great!"

After biting into a skewer of grilled meat, the delicious juices bursting in his mouth, Caelan couldn't help but narrow his eyes in satisfaction.

Suddenly, a soft body bumped into him.

Caelan immediately felt an incredible softness pressing against his chest.

No way… did someone just run into me with their chest?

Caelan was full of question marks.

"S-Sorry! Are you alright?!"

Tashigi's flustered voice came from below as she bowed stiffly to Caelan.

But as she bent down, the red-rimmed glasses on her nose slipped off and fell to the ground.

"Ah! My glasses, my glasses!"

Tashigi squinted, her vision blurry as she fumbled around the ground in a panic.

"Seriously…"

Caelan sighed. So there really was such a clumsy beauty in the world.

He bent down, picked up the glasses, and gently placed them into Tashigi's searching hand.

"Thank you, thank you so much!"

Tashigi quickly put on the glasses and bowed again, her face bright red.

"You're welcome, careless little Marine."

Caelan looked at the flustered Tashigi and smiled softly.

What could he say? Now he kind of wanted to recruit this one.

"I… I'm not careless!"

Tashigi's face turned even redder. She wanted to argue, but clearly lacked the confidence.

Her voice grew quieter and quieter until it was barely a whisper.

"I'm usually very reliable…"

How embarrassing!

Tashigi lowered her head, staring at her toes, which kept fidgeting in place. She felt so awkward she wanted to dig a hole and hide.

"Alright, alright. I believe you."

Caelan nodded gently, not teasing her further.

He knew Tashigi well.

She was a beautiful girl with a strong sense of justice and incredible bravery.

"Really? Thank you!"

Tashigi's eyes lit up in surprise. She bowed again gratefully.

But as she bent down, the glasses she had just put back on began to slip off her face again.

This is the worst! So embarrassing!

Tashigi closed her eyes, already bracing herself for the familiar sound of her glasses hitting the ground.

But the expected clatter never came.

When she opened her eyes, she saw two slender fingers holding her glasses firmly in place.

"Huh?!"

Tashigi looked up, her gaze meeting Caelan's gentle smile.

Looking at his masculine and handsome face, she felt a strange flutter in her chest.

"Thank you. I'm Tashigi, a Master Chief Petty Officer of the Marines."

Tashigi quickly extended her right hand toward Caelan, hoping to introduce herself properly.

"You're welcome. I'm Caelan, just a humble bounty hunter."

Caelan reached out and shook her hand, giving his name.

Caelan, bounty hunter?!

The name, the appearance, the giant sword.

The details Tashigi had just overlooked due to her flustered state now all came together.

"You… you're Caelan! The strongest bounty hunter in the East Blue!"

Tashigi's mouth fell open in shock.

The man she had just bumped into on the street turned out to be the legendary strongest bounty hunter in the East Blue.

From the moment Caelan had steadied her glasses, she had sensed he was no ordinary man.

But she had never expected that he was the one making headlines across the entire sea.

"So I'm that well-known among the Marines?"

Caelan chuckled, a bit surprised that even someone from Marine Headquarters had heard of him.

"Of course! Every Marine in the East Blue knows your name. The East Blue Commodore personally gave orders to try and recruit you into the Navy."

Tashigi looked at Caelan sincerely. It was clear she also hoped he might one day become a comrade-in-arms.

"Forget it. I'm not interested in being tied down."

Caelan shook his head. After all, he hadn't come to this world to work for someone else.

With strength like his, why work under others when he could build his own force?

"What a shame. I thought maybe we could fight side by side."

Tashigi's face showed genuine regret.

She had read the newspapers and knew just how terrifying Caelan's strength was.

Meeting him in person, seeing how gentle and charismatic he was, only deepened her respect.

She couldn't even imagine how reassuring it would be to have someone like him as a comrade.

"Then why not join my crew instead? We can fight together that way."

Caelan smiled as he extended an invitation.

The Navy wanted to recruit him? Well, he wanted to recruit from the Navy too.

Finding trustworthy allies among pirates was like fishing gold out of sewage. There were a few good ones, but they were rare.

But the Marines, at least, were trained, reliable, and mostly aligned with justice. Much easier to work with.

"M-Me?!"

Tashigi was stunned.

"I want to collect all the famous swords in the world and keep them from falling into the hands of evil pirates."

"I want to use my Marine salary to buy up every famous sword."

For a moment, Tashigi wavered, but she still shook her head.

"With the Navy's salary, you'll never be able to achieve that dream."

Caelan's voice was calm but firm. It was the truth.

The famous swords of the world were worth more than a fortune. Some were priceless.

With a sergeant's salary, Tashigi could never hope to buy even one.

Without saying a word, Caelan quietly opened the box of bounty money in his hands.

After giving Nami 2 million Berries, he still had 43 million remaining.

Stacks of neatly bundled Berries filled the box, their ink still fresh.

Or rather… that was the smell of money.

Tashigi's eyes widened. Just how many famous swords could someone buy with this much money?

"Every famous sword is tied to the life of a swordsman. Very few are ever willing to sell."

Caelan's words poured cold water on her excitement, snapping her back to reality.

Tashigi fell into silence, looking down, unsure of what to do.

"I'm heading to the Grand Line soon. There are far more famous swords there than here in the East Blue."

"Join me. Help me hunt down the pirates who misuse those swords and take them back from evil hands."

Caelan smiled softly, his words like the whisper of a devil's temptation.

"Be good. Join my crew."

He reached out his hand again, inviting her.

Tashigi's expression shifted as she wrestled with her decision.

Finally, she raised her head, eyes clear with determination.

"Then… please take care of me."

She firmly grasped Caelan's outstretched hand.

Looking at the serious and determined Tashigi, Caelan smiled faintly.

Partner +1.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 18: Freedom

"Caelan, Caelan, the commodore is here to see you!"

Nami shouted excitedly as she rushed over, followed by a group of Marines.

Leading the Marines was Commodore Kallen, with Smoker standing beside him.

Nami never thought she would one day be associated with such a high-ranking figure.

"What's going on here?"

Seeing Caelan chatting and laughing with Tashigi, Nami and the Marines behind her were stunned.

Nami walked up to Caelan, feeling a surge of jealousy in her heart.

They had only been apart for a short while, yet here was another young woman already acting so close to him.

Smoker and the Marines from Loguetown were also confused. Wasn't that their own Tashigi? Why was she being so friendly with Caelan?

But with the Commodore present, they were too embarrassed to question it out loud.

"So you are Caelan. Truly young and promising."

Kallen broke the awkward silence. He was not here to watch the younger generation bicker.

"I am Ames Kallen of Marine Headquarters, currently serving as the overseer of the East Blue."

Kallen formally introduced himself, showing great respect toward Caelan.

"I'm Caelan Alaric, a bounty hunter."

"So, what brings you here to speak with me?"

Caelan responded politely, but his tone was indifferent. He showed little regard for Kallen.

After all, this was a branch that had allowed a disgrace like Nezumi to operate unchecked. Their strength was unimpressive, and Caelan felt no obligation to show deference.

The incident with Nezumi was a major scandal within the East Blue, though the information had been suppressed. Only Kallen and a few high-ranking officers were aware of the truth.

The surrounding Marines, unaware of the real situation, glared at Caelan. To them, Kallen was the highest-ranking officer in the East Blue and an admired figure among countless Marines.

Even if Caelan was the strongest bounty hunter in the East Blue, showing such disrespect was hard for them to accept.

"Silence! Don't embarrass yourselves!"

Smoker shouted through clenched teeth, cigar smoke curling around him. He could not stand his subordinates acting so recklessly.

As the Marine stationed at Loguetown and a headquarters colonel, he knew exactly why Kallen had come to speak with Caelan.

Like Kallen, he had no desire to become enemies with Caelan over a disgrace like Nezumi.

Caelan calmly glanced around, and the restless Marines instantly quieted.

Like a lion surveying its territory, his mere gaze silenced the weaker beasts.

Even Kallen and Smoker felt a subtle pressure in their hearts. This was the presence of a true powerhouse.

Nami and Tashigi, standing beside Caelan, felt their bodies shiver involuntarily under the weight of his aura. Goosebumps rose on their skin.

At that moment, the meaning of "the strongest bounty hunter in the East Blue" became even clearer to everyone present.

No matter where he stood, Caelan's strength commanded respect.

"Mr. Caelan, we have no hostile intentions."

Kallen withstood the pressure and raised his hands in a gesture of peace.

He was glad he had come in person. A man like Caelan deserved this level of attention.

"If you have something to say, get to the point. My time is valuable."

Caelan's tone was cold. He was already growing impatient with this unexpected interruption from the Marines.

Kallen looked at Caelan carefully, gauging his reaction before continuing.

"I would like to officially invite you once more to join the Marines."

"If you agree, you will be promoted directly to Headquarters Captain and placed in the core training sequence."

"With your potential, there is no doubt you could one day stand among the three Admirals."

Kallen's expression was sincere as he spoke.

This was the highest offer he had been able to secure from Marine Headquarters, an unprecedented invitation.

He had fought hard with Fleet Admiral Sengoku for this opportunity, hoping to dispel the ill feelings caused by the Nezumi incident.

Kallen was confident that no one could refuse such generous conditions.

The surrounding Marines were all stunned, staring at Caelan with envy.

If he agreed, he would soar to the top immediately.

Starting as a Headquarters Captain and entering the elite training program—this was the kind of opportunity they could not even dream of.

Kallen's evaluation of Caelan was that he had the potential to reach the level of Admiral.

Admirals were the highest combat force of the World Government, viewed as nightmares by countless pirates and held in awe across the seas.

Even Nami and Tashigi looked at Caelan nervously. If he accepted, what would happen to their plans?

"It sounds good… but I refuse."

Caelan did not hesitate at all and rejected Kallen's invitation outright.

It was not a matter of position. Even if they offered him an Admiral's seat on the spot, he had no interest in becoming a dog for the Celestial Dragons.

Joining the Marines was out of the question.

That said, he was still willing to recruit from the Marines. Their training produced good talent.

"He… actually refused?!"

Many of the Marines found it hard to believe.

Faced with such favorable terms, Caelan had declined so casually.

For a moment, several Marines felt deeply shaken.

The position and benefits they had longed for meant so little in Caelan's eyes.

"Why? Can you tell me your reason?"

Kallen was stunned. This was not the outcome he had expected.

Could anyone truly walk away from such an offer?

Kallen stared at Caelan, genuinely wanting to understand his mindset.

"I don't want to be tied down. I simply want to do as I please."

Caelan's reply was calm and direct.

In this world, he would live as he wished.

No one could restrict him. No one could force him to do what he did not want to do.

"Just because of that? Do you even understand what you're giving up?"

"The full training resources of the Marines. Rokushiki, Haki, swordsmanship, and guidance from veteran instructors."

"You would develop your potential faster than anyone else. You would grow into a top-level powerhouse in record time!"

Kallen could understand Caelan's attitude, but not his choice.

As someone deeply embedded in the Navy, Kallen was aware of its darker aspects.

The Heavenly Tribute, the Celestial Dragons, the political manipulations—he knew all of it.

But compared to the offer laid before Caelan, all of that seemed trivial.

Kallen continued to describe the privileges and resources of Marine elites, hoping to sway Caelan's decision.

"I still refuse."

Faced with Kallen's tempting promises, Caelan did not waver in the slightest.

If not for his current situation, maybe he would have considered climbing the ranks of the Marines.

But with the Heroic Spirit Synchronization System, his strength could grow at an absurd rate. There was no need to subject himself to anyone else's control.

Swordsmanship and physical prowess? His Heracles template already provided that.

Haki? He would find Crocodile and harvest that experience for himself.

If he wanted to go even further, Kaido was waiting, and "Three Stick Lessons" would be more than enough to teach him.

Why waste time climbing the Marine ladder when his system allowed him to grow faster on his own?

"In that case… I won't push further."

"If you ever change your mind, the Marines will always welcome you."

Kallen looked disappointed but kept his composure, maintaining a respectful attitude toward Caelan.

Even if such an independent powerhouse could not be recruited, it was important not to become his enemy.

Kallen was not too disheartened. After all, he still had a backup plan.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 19: Hunter License?

"Since you don't want to join the Marines, please accept this Hunter License."

Kallen looked at Caelan seriously and took out a certificate.

"Hunter License?"

Caelan wondered if he had misheard.

What was this? He didn't remember anything like this existing when he watched the anime.

"A Hunter License is a professional certificate issued by the Marines to bounty hunters."

"Anyone who holds it is considered a friend of the Marines and holds the same status as a Marine Headquarters colonel. The license holder also receives a monthly salary."

"During your travels, you can resupply at any Marine base and request assistance from the Marines."

"When you need to enter the New World, you can cross the Red Line directly without having to sneak through the sea beneath it."

Kallen handed over the Hunter License solemnly, hoping that Caelan would accept it.

The Marines stationed at Loguetown were all stunned. This was the first time they had ever heard of such a certificate.

Wasn't this a bit too generous?

Among the Marines present, aside from Kallen, only Smoker held the rank of captain.

A bounty hunter who wasn't even part of the Marines was now being given the same treatment as a Marine captain, simply by holding a Hunter License.

If not for Caelan's reputation and Kallen's authority, the Marines might have questioned this openly on the spot.

Kallen understood their frustration, but there were always exceptions in the world. Some people deserved special treatment.

This Hunter License was part of Kallen's backup plan, a special certificate prepared specifically for Caelan.

Before this, the Marines had never issued anything like it.

Until Caelan appeared, bounty hunters had never been considered important in the East Blue. It was difficult to hunt pirates there, and bounty hunters were not seen as deserving of such recognition.

To qualify for this certificate, one would need the strength of at least a vice admiral and also maintain a friendly relationship with the Marines.

In other words, this license was tailor-made for Caelan.

With requirements this strict, the Marines had no intention of ever issuing a second one.

"This sounds great. What are the conditions?"

Caelan was in no rush to accept the Hunter License. After all, there is no such thing as a free lunch.

"Other than maintaining a friendly relationship with the Marines, there are no additional conditions."

Kallen was very straightforward.

This license was simply meant to establish a good relationship with Caelan and avoid making him an enemy.

There was no other choice. Caelan's potential was too great. He was a bounty hunter inclined toward the Marines.

Even if he wouldn't join the Marines, they couldn't afford to push him into the pirates' camp.

The World Government was willing to recruit pirates by creating the Seven Warlords of the Sea, even at the cost of its own dignity.

So giving Caelan, who currently had the strength of an elite vice admiral with the potential to become an admiral, a Hunter License was perfectly reasonable.

"In that case, I will accept it. I hope we can have a good partnership going forward."

With that, Caelan no longer hesitated and took the Hunter License.

For now, he had no intention of going against the Marines. Besides, bounties were issued by the Marines, so there was no harm in accepting their goodwill.

If the Marines ever provoked him, it would not stop him from getting angry at that time.

"Happy cooperation!"

Kallen let out a sigh of relief and shook hands with Caelan, his face full of joy.

Ever since Nezumi had been killed by Caelan, Kallen had been worried that Caelan would hold a grudge against the Marines.

Now that Caelan had accepted the Hunter License, Kallen could finally set his mind at ease.

"Well then, if fate allows, we'll meet again."

Taking Nami and Tashigi with him, Caelan turned and left.

The purpose of coming to Loguetown had been accomplished, and they had unexpectedly obtained the Hunter License. It was time to set sail again.

…

As Caelan and his group walked away, Kallen, relieved of a great burden, also left with a smile.

After the two main figures were gone, the previously tense Marines suddenly became restless.

"Captain Smoker, I want to be a bounty hunter too."

A Marine spoke up quietly, clearly envious of the treatment Caelan had received.

He had served in the Marines for five years and still hadn't made it to lieutenant.

Caelan didn't even join the Marines, yet he was immediately treated like a colonel.

The difference in treatment left him frustrated.

"Yeah, I want to be a bounty hunter too."

"We're also hunting pirates. Why does he get treated so well?"

Other Marines joined in, their eyes full of envy and dissatisfaction.

Blinded by the idea of the Hunter License, they could no longer see their own limitations.

"Shame on you. Think before you speak."

Smoker looked at the group of Marines with disgust.

Do you even understand how strong Caelan is? And what about your own strength?

Just now, you were frozen in fear under his gaze. Now you're bold enough to talk big?

"Captain Smoker, we can't accept this. We want special treatment too!"

The Marines shouted back, their faces red with anger.

Normally, they feared Smoker's authority, but now their jealousy had overwhelmed their reason.

"Disobedient, are you? Dissatisfied, are you?"

"Do you even know how strong Caelan is? Weren't you the ones trembling in fear just a moment ago? You must be one of them."

Smoker removed his cigar and blew a puff of smoke directly into the face of the Marine who was causing the most trouble.

The Marine choked and coughed from the smoke but still stared at Smoker stubbornly.

"I may not be as strong as him, but I've contributed to the Marines!"

Thinking back to Caelan's imposing presence, the Marine's body trembled uncontrollably, but he refused to back down.

As a Marine stationed in Loguetown, he had captured many pirates and believed his contributions were significant. He often bragged about them.

"Caelan wiped out all the pirates in the entire East Blue. Do you think the petty thieves you caught can compare to that?"

Smoker scoffed. The total bounty of the pirates captured by these Marines was only about five million Berries.

Compared to Caelan's record, that wasn't even one percent.

"If Caelan had joined the Marines, based on his achievements alone, he would more than qualify to be a commodore."

Smoker jabbed his finger into the Marine's chest repeatedly, forcing him to step back again and again.

Finally, the Marine collapsed to the ground, his spirit broken.

The other Marines no longer had the same energy. One by one, they lowered their heads like defeated quails.

"If any of you want the same special treatment as Caelan, I'll transfer you to the West Blue right away."

"You don't even need to clear out the entire West Blue. Flatten half of it, and I'll personally make you a captain."

Smoker swept his gaze across the room. Not a single Marine dared to step forward.

Everyone lowered their heads. After being scolded by Smoker, they finally came to their senses.

Who was Caelan? His power was so great that even Kallen came in person to recruit him. His achievements were recognized throughout the entire East Blue.

And who were they? Even if all of them joined forces, they still wouldn't be able to defeat him. The pirates they had captured couldn't even compare.

How could they possibly expect the same treatment as Caelan?

Smoker looked around at the silent Marines, deeply disappointed.

If even one of them had the courage to step forward, Smoker would have respected him and focused on training him.

Unfortunately, not a single one did.

Smoker sneered silently.

Compared to Caelan, who had the ambition to reject the Marines' offer and sail into the Grand Line on his own, these men lacked even the basic courage and resolve. Yet they dared to dream of special treatment. Ridiculous.

At that moment, Smoker seemed to understand why Caelan had refused to join the Marines.

With garbage like Nezumi and these weak-willed Marines around, how could they ever achieve anything great?

Without even glancing at them again, Smoker turned and walked away to rest.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 20: Reverse Mountain

---

The next day at noon, the sun was high in the sky.

At the training ground of the Loguetown Marine base, Smoker was training as usual.

"Strange… why didn't that foolish woman show up today?"

Smoker habitually lit a cigar.

Tashigi, who usually practiced swordsmanship on the training ground, had not appeared all day.

It wasn't that he had any special feelings for Tashigi, but that foolish woman was one of the few Marines he acknowledged.

"Wait… wasn't she following Caelan yesterday?"

Smoker took a deep puff of his cigar and blew out a large smoke ring.

Now that he thought about it, he hadn't seen Tashigi at all since Caelan left yesterday.

Could that foolish woman have been tricked by someone?

"No, I have to go bring her back!"

Smoker put out his cigar and was just about to leave when he noticed a Marine hesitantly standing nearby.

"Captain Smoker, this is Master Chief Petty Officer Tashigi's resignation letter."

The Marine handed him a piece of paper, his hands trembling.

Smoker unfolded the letter.

…

[Captain Smoker, thank you for your care.

Please don't worry about me. I have joined Caelan's crew to search for more famous swords.

I am truly sorry for the trouble I've caused you in the past.

I hope that the next time we meet, you will have been promoted to commodore.

Also… please stop smoking. It's bad for your health.]

…

The letter was short, the handwriting rushed and sloppy, as if written in a hurry.

"My assistant was kidnapped?"

Smoker lit another cigar, took a deep breath, and forced himself to stay calm.

Though Tashigi was foolish, she was someone whose sense of justice Smoker recognized and one of his few friends.

He really couldn't figure out how Tashigi could have been lured away.

In less than half a day, Caelan had somehow managed to take his assistant.

Tashigi, you're far too easy to fool.

"Forget it. I just hope you'll be safe."

Smoker gave up the idea of going after Tashigi.

This was her choice. As a friend, the only thing he could do was wish her well in achieving her dream.

That guy Caelan… he should be trustworthy, right?

Thinking about Caelan's strength and the good reputation he usually had, Smoker felt a little more at ease.

…

In front of Reverse Mountain, aboard the Wind Rider.

After departing from Loguetown yesterday morning and sailing for a full day, the Wind Rider finally arrived at Reverse Mountain.

This was the last hurdle before entering the Grand Line.

Reverse Mountain was a strange and dangerous place.

The powerful ocean currents of the four seas converged here, pushing the seawater against gravity and forcing it upward.

With this current, ships could ride the flow up Reverse Mountain and enter the Grand Line.

But if the ship wasn't handled properly, it would crash into the Red Line, leading to shipwreck and death.

"So this is Reverse Mountain? The seawater is actually flowing upward… amazing!"

Tashigi stared at the rising seawater in wonder.

She had come from Marine Headquarters and usually traveled between the Grand Line and the East Blue without having to pass through Reverse Mountain.

Marine warships had their own propulsion systems and seastone-coated hulls, allowing them to pass through the Calm Belt and enter the Grand Line safely.

Compared to Tashigi's amazement at the marvel of Reverse Mountain, Nami looked a little anxious.

The roaring sound of the current smashing against the mountain walls echoed in her ears. The violent sea current struck the rock face, instantly turning the seawater into mist.

If the ship got caught in it, it would be shattered instantly.

In the narrow channel, the seawater surged upward at terrifying speed. If the ship wasn't steered properly, it would be flung into the air and smashed onto the Red Line.

Every aspect of this place posed the ultimate challenge for a navigator.

"This place is dangerous. Can we really make it through safely?"

Nami bit her lower lip, feeling nervous.

Even though she believed she was the best navigator in the East Blue, she still felt fear when facing such a deadly challenge.

"Relax. We all believe in your skills."

"Right, Tashigi?"

Caelan gently patted Nami on the back, trying to soothe the nervous navigator.

"Yes! I believe in Nami too!"

Tashigi nodded earnestly.

Although she had only joined the crew yesterday, she was sincere and willing to trust her companions.

"Why are you two so confident in me?"

Nami couldn't understand where Caelan's confidence in her came from.

"Because you're the best navigator in my eyes. Of course I believe in you."

Faced with Nami's question, Caelan simply smiled and gave her encouragement.

This was top-level navigation talent. A little Reverse Mountain was nothing for her.

"Because we're companions. We have to trust each other."

Tashigi didn't think too much about it. To her, trusting each other was just the natural thing to do.

"Hah… since you say so, I won't let you down!"

Nami exhaled slowly, her eyes now full of determination.

Both of her partners trusted her completely. She couldn't disappoint them.

It was just a mountain. She was determined to conquer it.

"Get ready! I'm going in!"

Nami gripped the helm tightly and turned it with force.

The Wind Rider followed the upward current, charging up Reverse Mountain.

The raging currents rocked the ship violently. Sea spray and strong winds lashed the deck.

Tashigi stood beside Nami, helping her control the helm.

Caelan stood motionless at the bow of the ship, allowing the waves to batter against him as he stood firmly.

He was there as insurance in case anything went wrong.

As they approached the summit, the currents from the other three seas collided, creating a massive wave several dozen meters high that surged toward them.

"Caelan! There's a wave! Our ship is going to be hit!"

Nami cried out.

She and Tashigi tried their best to steer the ship away, but the wave was too huge.

The wave completely blocked the channel, leaving them no room to dodge.

If they were hit by it, the ship would be smashed against the Red Line and destroyed instantly.

"Don't panic. It's just a wave."

Caelan remained calm, completely unfazed by the sudden threat.

He raised his massive sword and unleashed a crescent-shaped slash at the incoming wave.

The moment the slash struck the wave, the towering water was instantly sliced apart and scattered into mist, losing all its force.

"So strong!"

Nami and Tashigi were both stunned.

They had seen Caelan easily defeat pirates before, but they hadn't expected him to be just as overwhelming when facing the power of nature.

"It's great to have such a captain!"

Tashigi shouted excitedly.

Caelan, standing there with his giant sword, cutting down the wave, gave her an incredible sense of security.

Nami nodded in agreement. No matter the situation, Caelan always made people feel at ease.

With joy from surviving the crisis, Tashigi and Nami worked together to steer the Wind Rider safely through Reverse Mountain.

The rest of the journey was smooth, and they finally reached Twin Cape without incident.

As Caelan expected, they did not encounter Laboon, since the whale didn't crash into the Red Line every day.

Looking at the vast blue sea ahead, Caelan felt full of spirit.

The East Blue wasn't bad, but for him, the Grand Line held even greater possibilities.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

On a small boat beside Twin Cape.

"Mr. 9, if we stay here, will we really get anything?"

Miss Wednesday, with her long blue ponytail, looked a little unsure. She was actually Princess Vivi, currently undercover within Baroque Works.

However, their current goal wasn't to hunt whales, but to rob passing pirate ships.

"Be patient. With the bounty hunter, Caelan, there, pirates are bound to show up."

Mr. 9 spoke with great confidence.

Under Caelan's pressure, pirates across the entire East Blue had continued fleeing, heading toward the Grand Line.

Especially over the last two months, Caelan had slaughtered his way all the way to Loguetown.

The pirates of the East Blue had collectively fled to the Grand Line, trying to escape Caelan's clutches.

"Even if most of them die on Reverse Mountain, the survivors will still be a huge fortune for us!"

Mr. 9's eyes lit up as he thought of the spoils from the past two months.

Without Caelan, their branch in Whiskey Peak would have had to rely on hunting for a living.

But ever since Caelan gained fame, many pirates had been driven into the Grand Line.

They had been living quite well by robbing these pirates.

"Look, here comes one, and it's a big catch!"

Mr. 9 pointed at the Wind Rider, looking very excited.

"That ship looks way too good. I'm afraid the people on board aren't ones we can handle."

Vivi felt uneasy.

This ship was much better than the ones they had encountered before.

Even Baroque Works rarely had ships of this quality.

"What are you afraid of? They're just a bunch of worthless pirates forced into the Grand Line. How could they possibly be a threat to us?"

Mr. 9 was full of confidence.

After dealing with so many pirates who had escaped from the East Blue, he no longer took these people seriously.

In his eyes, the Wind Rider ahead was just another fat sheep waiting to be slaughtered.

"Newcomers who have just entered the Grand Line shouldn't be sailing such a fine ship."

Mr. 9 steered their boat closer to the Wind Rider.

The first thing he wanted to do was to teach these newcomers a lesson about the cruelty of the Grand Line.

But Vivi had a feeling that things weren't going to be that simple.

The flag on the ship wasn't a skull. Instead, it was a broad, giant sword.

It looked vaguely familiar, like she had seen it somewhere before.

"What are you standing around for? Let's board them!"

Mr. 9, already starting to climb onto the Wind Rider, waved to Vivi.

Vivi could only suppress the unease in her heart and follow him.

…

"So this is the Grand Line? Getting robbed the moment we arrive, that's pretty rough."

Looking at Mr. 9 lying on the ground and Vivi shivering nearby, Nami couldn't help but sigh.

There were pirates waiting to rob them before their journey had even properly begun.

"But these two pirates are really dumb."

"The first battle on the Grand Line is seriously disappointing."

Tashigi's face showed clear disappointment.

Such an opponent wasn't even worth getting excited over.

"H-How could this happen… how could this happen…"

Mr. 9, sporting a huge bump on his head, looked completely dazed, his body limp and broken.

As soon as he boarded the Wind Rider, Tashigi had struck him on the head with the scabbard, leaving that big lump.

When he tried to resist, Caelan had pinned him to the deck with his sword, leaving him unable to even stand.

Mr. 9 was completely crushed.

This was nothing like what he had imagined. How could pirates be this strong right after entering the Grand Line?

Vivi, still trembling on the side, quietly looked at Caelan holding his massive sword.

"Y-You… You're the legendary Caelan Alaric!"

That face matched exactly with the one in the newspaper.

In that moment, she finally understood.

No wonder the giant sword on the flag had looked so familiar. It was clearly the same weapon she'd seen in the newspaper photo of Caelan.

"W-What?! It's him?!"

"It's over… it's all over now!"

Mr. 9, still sprawled on the ground, was completely in despair.

He had been thinking about how to escape, but now he realized there was no chance.

"I'm sorry! We were wrong! Please forgive us!"

Mr. 9 struggled to get up and knelt before Caelan, begging for mercy.

Vivi also knelt down, pleading with Caelan.

Years of undercover experience had long since hardened her. She knelt naturally, without any of a princess's reserve.

"What should we do with them? Turn them in for a bounty?"

Nami was eager to act.

Though these two were pathetic, they'd still be pretty adorable if they could be exchanged for some Berries.

"Please, don't do that!"

Mr. 9 and Vivi clasped their hands together and begged Nami for mercy.

If they were caught by the Marines, Mr. 9 would likely be imprisoned for life, never seeing the light of day again.

Vivi wouldn't be jailed, but her true identity would be exposed, and Baroque Works' plans would be ruined.

"I'm sorry. This is all our fault."

"Please let us go! We will never do this again!"

Both of them had their own reasons not to be caught and sobbed bitterly before Caelan and the others.

"It looks like the Marines don't even have a bounty on them."

Tashigi flipped through the bounty posters but didn't find any for Mr. 9 or Vivi.

"Yes, yes! We're worthless nobodies! Please just let us go!"

Mr. 9 and Vivi looked gratefully at Tashigi, thinking she was like an angel.

"What? They're just a couple of losers who don't even have a bounty?"

"So useless! Why not just toss them into the sea and let them fend for themselves?"

Nami was visibly disappointed.

She had hoped to make some good money, but it turned out these two weren't even worth a single Berry.

In that case, might as well throw them overboard. After all, they were pirates who tried to rob them—definitely not good people.

"Damn it! How can someone so beautiful be so vicious?!"

Mr. 9 and Vivi glared at Nami, furious.

How could such cruel words come out of the mouth of a woman so pretty under the sunny sky?

If they were thrown into the sea, they wouldn't be able to swim back to Whiskey Peak. They'd surely die.

"You're wrong. They aren't just ordinary pirates."

"They're agents of Baroque Works. Crocodile's subordinates."

Caelan stared at the two kneeling before him as he revealed their identities.

"Crocodile… one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea?!"

Nami and Tashigi were stunned.

How could these two nobodies be connected to someone as big as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea?

This was really troublesome. Anything connected to the Seven Warlords was bound to be complicated.

Mr. 9 and Vivi froze, shocked by Caelan's words.

Vivi had just received news about these matters recently. How did someone from East Blue like Caelan know so much?

Mr. 9 wanted to deny it. He didn't even personally know the Seven Warlords of the Sea, nor did he want to use their name to get out of trouble.

No one dared to casually use the name of a Warlord. Doing so would lead to a fate worse than death.

"Do you have a grudge against Crocodile?"

Vivi looked at Caelan, with little hope shining in her eyes.

She had realized that the man standing before her might be her only chance to save Alabasta.

Mr. 9 widened his eyes, completely dumbfounded.

Could it be… Crocodile really is my boss?

He looked at Vivi, suddenly feeling that his partner was a complete stranger.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

"It doesn't matter. I just want to fight him."

Caelan didn't waste words.

His main reason for coming to the Grand Line was to earn more Berries and fight strong opponents.

Crocodile was the first target, an experience pack for learning Haki.

Crocodile's Haki might be very weak, too weak to really show off, but as someone born in the New World, he definitely knew at least a little.

Is that so?

Vivi bit her lower lip. She understood this well.

No powerful person would make enemies for no reason. If she wanted to rely on Caelan to liberate Alabasta, she would have to pay a price.

"Would you be interested in accepting a commission?"

She had heard how terrifying Caelan was from the pirates who fled the East Blue, and she had collected every newspaper article about him.

She knew that Caelan had killed the strongest pirate in the East Blue with a single strike, that he had been offered the rank of Marine captain, and that he was a legendary figure who had appeared out of nowhere.

When facing the equally legendary Crocodile, perhaps only Caelan stood a chance.

"Of course. I'm a bounty hunter."

"As long as the reward is reasonable and it doesn't go against my principles, I will take the job."

Caelan responded without hesitation.

This had always been his stance. If the price was right, he didn't mind accepting commissions.

In the past, he had only hunted pirates because no one else could afford his price.

As long as the reward is high enough?

Vivi hesitated for a moment.

She thought about her homeland in crisis. This might be her only chance.

Finally, Vivi made up her mind.

"Then allow me to introduce myself properly. My name is Vivi, princess of the Kingdom of Alabasta."

Vivi removed her headband, letting her long blue hair fall over her shoulders, fully revealing her royal bearing.

"What?!"

Nami and Tashigi both cried out in surprise.

In the blink of an eye, she had gone from a funny Baroque Works agent to a dignified princess.

Why would Princess Vivi sneak into Baroque Works?

Nami and Tashigi were filled with questions.

"Huh?!"

Mr. 9's already muddled brain became even more confused. His partner Miss Wednesday turned out to be a princess.

"It hasn't rained in Alabasta for nearly a year."

"Because of the long drought, rebellion has broken out across the country."

"After investigating, I discovered that Baroque Works was the one inciting the people behind the scenes."

"I infiltrated them to gather evidence, only to find that the true mastermind was one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Crocodile."

Vivi gritted her teeth, hatred for Crocodile written all over her face.

As she spoke, Vivi recalled the suffering of her people and couldn't help but cry.

Nami and Tashigi were both furious.

They had also suffered painful childhoods, so they deeply empathized with Vivi's struggle.

Especially Nami.

She, too, had been oppressed by pirates, forced to endure humiliation and infiltrate a pirate crew.

Their shared experiences allowed her to truly understand Vivi's feelings.

After Caelan agreed to consider the commission, Vivi looked at him nervously. For Caelan, this was an acceptable price.

After becoming one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Crocodile's bounty had been frozen at 81 million Berries, but his actual strength was likely at the level of 400 million.

Combined with his organization, Baroque Works, driving him out was indeed worth 300 million Berries. It was a fair price.

As for asking Caelan to provide long-term protection for Alabasta, that would be another matter entirely.

"Alright, just driving out Crocodile."

Vivi hesitated briefly, then agreed.

She understood well that simply expelling Crocodile would only be a temporary solution. If one pirate left, another could take his place.

Only by having powerful protection could Alabasta remain stable.

Just like Fish-Man Island, without the protection of Whitebeard and the deterrence of Knight of the Sea Jinbei, they would still be enslaved.

But right now, the immediate threat was Crocodile. She had to deal with him first and make future plans later.

"Very well. Then I accept this commission."

Caelan agreed without hesitation.

"This is amazing. We just arrived at the Grand Line, and we already landed a 300 million Berry job. We're so lucky!"

Nami was thrilled. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, her love for money making her dizzy with joy.

"By the way, how much bounty could we get for capturing Crocodile?"

Nami not only wanted the commission from Vivi, but also had her sights set on Crocodile's bounty.

"After becoming a Warlord of the Sea, his bounty was frozen, so you can't claim a reward. His previous bounty was 81 million Berries."

Tashigi answered seriously.

She was happy as well. This journey might give her the chance to recover many famous swords.

As for the danger involved, her naturally optimistic personality kept her from worrying too much.

"What? 81 million Berries?!"

Nami was stunned.

She had only heard of the Seven Warlords of the Sea in name before. No one had ever told her their bounties were so high.

It was four times Arlong's bounty. She couldn't even imagine how strong Crocodile might be.

"Caelan, maybe we should just let this go."

"A pirate that powerful is too dangerous!"

Nami looked at Caelan pitifully.

Even though she knew how strong he was, she didn't want him to take unnecessary risks.

Hearing this, Vivi also looked nervously at Caelan. She couldn't afford to lose this opportunity.

Tashigi was confused. Why was Nami so indecisive? It seemed very strange to her.

"Don't worry. Crocodile is just a crocodile. He's no match for me."

Caelan reached out and gently messed up Nami's orange hair.

Feeling the warmth of Caelan's hand, Nami gradually calmed down.

Just as Caelan trusted her sailing skills, she should also trust in his strength.

That's right. Caelan had defeated Arlong with a single strike. What's there to be afraid of?

Caelan single-handedly crushed the East Blue Pirates. Even the Warlords of the Sea are probably no match for him.

Nami kept repeating this to herself, until she finally felt full of confidence in Caelan.

In the end, Caelan and the others accepted Vivi's commission.

Vivi smiled from the bottom of her heart. Maybe, just maybe, they really could defeat Crocodile.

At that moment, everyone on the ship was in high spirits—except for one person.

Mr. 9, lying there beaten and broken, thought desperately, Help! I'm the only outsider here. What should I do?!

He had overheard so many secrets. Would he even be allowed to live?

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

"My employer, how should we deal with this guy?"

Caelan pointed at Mr. 9.

Since Vivi had now become a valuable client, the decision regarding the insignificant Mr. 9 was left to her.

"He is my companion after all, and he has always taken good care of me."

Vivi looked hesitant. She had gotten along well with Mr. 9 and didn't want to kill him so easily.

Angel… Miss Wednesday, you are truly an angel!

Mr. 9 looked at Vivi with tears of gratitude streaming down his face. He was overwhelmed with emotion.

"Rough him up a bit so he cannot report back for at least seven days."

Vivi turned her back to Mr. 9, frowning as she made her decision.

In order not to jeopardize her great mission of saving her country, she had no choice but to make this decision.

"I understand."

Caelan nodded. This kind of small matter was easy to handle.

In fact, it didn't really matter whether they let Mr. 9 go or not, because Crocodile had already learned Vivi's true identity.

The information Vivi had discovered about Crocodile was simply bait, intended for Nico Robin to fish out their enemies.

"Will you hate me for this?"

Caelan walked up to Mr. 9 and looked down at him.

Mr. 9's tearful eyes widened as he shook his head frantically.

Hate Caelan? How could he possibly dare!

Caelan nodded in satisfaction, then....

Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!

"Ahhh!"

The pain was unbearable. Mr. 9's eyes overflowed with hot tears as his face contorted into a grimace of agony, twisted by intense suffering.

"Don't be a pirate again. It will only get you killed."

Caelan spoke calmly, as if offering a simple piece of advice.

"I will never be a pirate again!"

Mr. 9 sobbed, nodding desperately, his eyes full of tears.

Being a pirate was far too dangerous. He just wanted to be a good person now!

Mr. 9 felt that it would take a lifetime to heal the trauma he suffered in just half a day.

Caelan nodded with satisfaction. Another lost lamb saved. His merits were immeasurable.

He placed Mr. 9 along with some food onto the small boat they had come in, and the Wind Rider gradually sailed away.

…

"Let's head to Whiskey Peak first. I need to meet with my captain of the guard."

"After that, we'll go to Alabasta to save my country."

Vivi's captain of the guard was still undercover at Whiskey Peak. She had to rendezvous with Igaram first.

"By the way, do you have a Log Pose ready?"

Vivi turned to Nami and asked.

This was the first test for any newcomer entering the Grand Line. Without a Log Pose, it was easy to lose one's way and eventually die at sea.

"Because some islands in the Grand Line contain massive mineral deposits, the magnetic fields along the route are completely disordered."

"In this situation, only a Log Pose unaffected by the magnetic field can be trusted."

Vivi patiently explained to Nami.

Most newcomers to the Grand Line didn't understand this. She had seen many of them fail.

Nami pulled out an ordinary compass, but it was already spinning wildly under the influence of the magnetic field, completely useless.

"Caelan, do we have a Log Pose?"

Nami looked at Caelan, questioning.

She was from the East Blue and didn't know much about this.

But Nami was not disappointed. As expected, Caelan was well prepared.

"Don't worry, I have it."

Caelan answered calmly and tossed two Log Poses to Nami.

These were left behind by the Arlong Pirates—one ordinary Log Pose, and one Eternal Pose pointing to the Sabaody Archipelago.

The Log Pose was their preparation for traveling the Grand Line, while the Eternal Pose was their way home.

"There's no scale, only the island's magnetic field to guide the direction. This is incredible."

Nami stared at the Log Pose in her hand.

It was completely different from an ordinary compass. This was a brand-new world to her.

"The Log Pose needs to be set at Twin Cape, and once you choose a route, you can't change it afterward."

"Also, each time you reach an island, the Log Pose needs to recharge from the magnetic field, and the recharge time can range from one day to one year."

With Vivi's guidance, Nami quickly learned how to use the Log Pose and set their first route toward Whiskey Peak.

"Then our next destination is Whiskey Peak. Let's go!"

With a clear goal in mind, Nami felt energized.

Following the Log Pose's guidance, the Wind Rider sailed toward Whiskey Peak.

At first, the sky was clear and the sea was calm.

But as soon as they left Twin Cape completely, the weather changed dramatically.

Thick fog covered the sea, and extreme weather like strong winds, heavy rain, and snow appeared one after another.

"Turn around, we're off course!"

The worst part for Nami was that, after not checking the Log Pose for a while, the ship's direction had almost reversed.

"The sea here is like this. Both the weather and wind direction are unpredictable and unreliable."

"Only the Log Pose's guidance remains steady. It's the navigator's only true lifeline."

Vivi was unsurprised.

Every journey here involved going off course more than once.

Sweating nervously, Nami quickly issued commands to correct their course.

"Trim the sail to the wind, catch the breeze from starboard, rudder 15 degrees to port to avoid the iceberg, open the jib and adjust the angle constantly…"

Fortunately, the mistake was caught in time. With Nami's quick and precise orders, the Wind Rider soon returned to the correct route.

"There are challenges everywhere here. A single mistake means failure. So this is the Grand Line…"

Nami lowered her head and muttered to herself.

All of her previous navigation knowledge had been overturned on these seas.

The skills she had been so proud of seemed powerless here.

The series of setbacks left her feeling a little frustrated.

Standing on deck, Caelan was enjoying the wonders of nature when he noticed Nami's low spirits.

"Have confidence. You can handle this."

Caelan gently patted Nami's head, giving her the encouragement she needed as a navigator.

With her talent, these difficulties were nothing.

It was just that, as a newcomer to the Grand Line, she had been caught off guard.

"You did a really good job. You're the most talented navigator I've ever met!"

Tashigi gave Nami a big thumbs-up, full of genuine admiration.

This wasn't just empty comfort. She truly felt Nami's talent.

Even when facing extreme weather, her instincts and leadership were outstanding.

Compared to the navigators on Navy warships, she was even more impressive.

"Yes, when it comes to navigation talent, I'd call you the strongest!"

Vivi also praised Nami sincerely. The only thing she lacked was time and experience.

Hearing the encouragement from the three of them, Nami's eyes lit up again.

Fighting against the sea… that's the fun of being a navigator!

She would follow Caelan and conquer these seas.

Ignited with passion, Nami resumed command. Neither heavy rain nor snow could stop the Wind Rider's advance.

"It's an island!"

Nami exhaled a breath of relief, her mood lifting.

"What a huge cactus!"

Tashigi marveled at the cactus-like island ahead.

"We made it safely. This is Whiskey Peak!"

Vivi smiled as well.

Every successful voyage across the Grand Line was something to celebrate.

Looking at the island ahead, Caelan smiled.

There would definitely be some interesting people waiting on this island.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Whiskey Peak. Two hidden sentries stationed in the fog.

"Look, pirates!"

"Another pirate ship is coming!"

The sentries, Xifa and Yog, exchanged surprised glances.

"Business has been really good lately, all thanks to the strongest bounty hunter from the East Blue."

"If not for him driving so many pirates into the Grand Line, how could we be getting so much action here? Hahaha!"

As they spoke, they couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Over the past few months, their performance had skyrocketed. Their results in just half a year now matched what used to take two years.

Even their boss, who was usually indifferent, had praised them for the first time.

And all of this was thanks to the man who had crushed the pirates of the East Blue.

"With such a good ship, the haul this time will definitely be huge!"

Xifa licked the corner of his mouth, full of excitement.

They had worked at Whiskey Peak for so long, but this was the first time they had seen such an impressive ship as the Wind Rider.

They could hardly imagine how much profit they would make if they successfully captured it.

"But… could there be a problem?"

Yog hesitated. A ship like this might not be so simple.

"What are you afraid of? The people coming through here are always rookies who just set sail, probably deserters from the East Blue."

Xifa didn't care at all.

They had done this work for so long, and they had never met anyone they couldn't handle.

"Then I'll go report to Mr. 8. Looks like we're about to strike it rich!"

Yog also felt he was overthinking it and quickly went to report.

Such a fat sheep couldn't be taken lightly.

Soon, all of Whiskey Peak was buzzing with excitement.

When the Wind Rider sailed into the inner river of Cactus Island, cheers erupted from both banks.

"Welcome to the Grand Line!"

"Welcome to our town!"

"Long live the warriors of the sea!"

The people on both sides cheered enthusiastically, warmly welcoming the arrival of the Wind Rider.

…

"Are the people of the Grand Line always this friendly?"

Nami was surprised.

Hearing the cheers of the townspeople, she couldn't help but feel happy.

At the same time, Nami felt confused.

Twin Cape was the true entrance to the Grand Line, and Mr. 9 and Vivi had tried to rob them there.

But now, Whiskey Peak looked like a peaceful paradise.

"This is great. Looks like we can have a fun, relaxing day."

Tashigi smiled, her eyes narrowing into cheerful crescents.

Born in the Navy, her sense of vigilance was not as sharp as Nami's. She was completely unsuspecting.

However, Caelan had no intention of exposing the truth.

"Everyone, don't…"

"Huh!?"

Vivi was about to warn them, but Caelan gently covered her mouth.

She looked at him in confusion, unsure of his meaning.

"Shh. After such a rough journey, let's enjoy ourselves for a while."

Caelan whispered beside Vivi.

The entire Whiskey Peak was a Baroque Works branch.

The friendly villagers were all bounty hunters, specializing in targeting rookie pirates who had just entered the Grand Line.

Everything they were seeing now was just a sugar-coated trap.

But Caelan didn't mind. He was happy to enjoy the sugar coating before shooting back the cannonball.

Feeling his warm breath against her ear, Vivi blushed and nodded.

"Vivi, what were you trying to say?"

Nami and Tashigi noticed the exchange and turned to look at Vivi and Caelan.

"She meant that we shouldn't be so tense. We should all relax and enjoy ourselves today."

"Right, Vivi?"

Caelan winked at her.

"Y-Yes, that's right. Everyone should have fun today!"

Vivi was flustered but still managed to go along with Caelan's words.

At that moment, her mind was still spinning over Caelan's closeness.

Even though Caelan was strong and good-looking, they had only just met today.

"S-Sorry… it's too soon. I can't accept!"

Vivi closed her eyes and whispered with a red face.

But after waiting for a while, there was no response.

Vivi opened her eyes and realized that no one was on the ship anymore.

"Vivi, come on down and join us!"

On the shore, Nami and Tashigi waved at her, while Caelan stood nearby smiling.

"Huh?!"

"I'm coming, I'm coming!"

Vivi was so embarrassed she wished Crocodile would just kill her right then and there.

Ah! Ah! Ah!

Vivi, why are you so stupid, overthinking everything like this?

How embarrassing!

Cursing herself silently, Vivi took a few deep breaths to calm her emotions.

She quickly got off the ship and joined Caelan and the others, trying her best to act normal.

But she couldn't help sneaking glances at Caelan.

He doesn't know… does he?

Seeing Caelan happily chatting with the villagers, Vivi finally felt relieved.

Thank goodness. As long as no one noticed, she hadn't made a fool of herself.

Vivi forced herself to stop paying attention to Caelan and started talking with Nami and Tashigi.

As Vivi's gaze left him, Caelan's smile grew even brighter.

No helping it… she was too amusing. He couldn't help but laugh.

At that moment, a burly man with a suit and golden curly hair approached Caelan.

"Ahem… welcome. My name is Igarappoi."

"Ahem… everyone is surprised by how lively Whiskey Town is. Brewing and music here are very well-developed."

"Ahem… hospitality is our town's proudest tradition."

"Ahem."

"Tonight, let's celebrate with the finest wine of the town and the legendary tales of brave adventurers!"

Igarappoi appeared kind and friendly as he welcomed Caelan and the others on behalf of the whole town.

However, his constant coughing made people worry that he might cough up a lung.

Caelan smiled. He knew this man's true identity.

It was Igaram, Vivi's captain of the guard, who was undercover in Baroque Works under the codename Mr. 8.

"Dear warriors, you've been through so much. Please, join us at the banquet and relax."

Igaram invited warmly.

Nami and Tashigi were still a little hesitant, looking toward Caelan for guidance.

"Let's go. This is a rare chance to enjoy ourselves. Everyone, relax."

Caelan gladly accepted the invitation, pulling Nami and Tashigi into the festival crowd, bringing Vivi along as well.

"Ahem… that's wonderful."

"Tonight's banquet will surely satisfy you."

Igaram smiled as he watched the group join the festivities.

But deep down, he was filled with questions.

Why was Princess Vivi with them? And where was Mr. 9?

"Hey, wait a minute! I haven't asked how long it will take for the Log Pose to reset here!"

Nami tried to break free from Caelan's arm, still focused on the important details.

"I already asked. It'll be ready by tomorrow. Now, just enjoy yourself."

Caelan replied confidently, holding Nami with his left hand and Tashigi with his right, while nudging Vivi along with them.

When did he ask? Why didn't I hear it?

Igaram scratched the back of his head, sensing that something about today's situation was off.

But he quickly pushed those thoughts aside. Right now, the priority was figuring out what was going on with Princess Vivi.

The sun slowly set over Whiskey Peak, and the banquet to welcome the newcomers began in full swing.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

In the banquet hall, the musicians of Whiskey Peak played continuously, while dancers performed to liven up the atmosphere.

"Miss Nami, one more glass!"

Miss Monday, who looked like a nun, raised her glass toward Nami.

"Alright, bring it on!"

Nami was fearless as she downed a 500ml beer in one go.

By now, her face was flushed red, clearly a little drunk, but her spirits were high.

"Amazing! She's already knocked down 14 people, and this nun can still keep up!"

"A thousand cups without getting drunk, she's practically the goddess of wine!"

The people around stared at Nami in shock. They hadn't expected such a petite girl to be so good at drinking.

After finishing her glass, Nami poured another for Miss Monday.

Miss Monday's face twitched, but she still clinked glasses with Nami and downed the beer.

She began to suspect Nami was drinking fake alcohol. Knocking down 14 people and still going strong, how was this girl so bold?

She glanced at Caelan and Tashigi on the other side, her headache growing worse.

"Nami is so awesome! I want to drink more too!"

Tashigi suddenly felt an inexplicable urge to compete with Nami.

Caelan sighed as Tashigi, her face already flushed from the alcohol, collapsed into his arms after only two drinks.

This silly girl, so weak to alcohol, and yet she still wanted to keep drinking.

Caelan picked up a piece of barbecue and stuffed it into her mouth.

"Mm~!"

"Caelan, this is delicious!"

Tashigi happily chewed the barbecue, completely forgetting that she had wanted to keep drinking.

"If you like it, then eat more."

Caelan reached to pick up another piece to feed her, only to find the plate already empty.

"Chef! Another 100 servings!"

Caelan turned his head and called out to the nearby chefs, completely treating the place as his own home.

By this point, his table was already piled high with empty plates stacked taller than two people, and three empty oak barrels stood beside them.

Tashigi had only eaten two plates of food and drunk two beers. The rest of the destruction was entirely Caelan's work.

"What?! Another 100 servings?!"

The three chefs were drenched in sweat, their legs trembling.

They looked at the five fellow chefs already collapsed on the ground, foaming at the mouth, and felt as if they were staring at their own future.

Vivi and Igaram sat talking over drinks, occasionally glancing toward Caelan.

The other members of Baroque Works had no suspicions, simply assuming the two were exchanging information.

After more than ten minutes, Nami, who had been drinking with fifteen people, finally couldn't hold on any longer and collapsed asleep beside Caelan.

Among the crew of the Wind Rider, only Caelan remained awake, still eating and drinking while enjoying the performance of the people from Whiskey Peak.

The members of Baroque Works were dumbfounded. This man was a complete monster.

After drinking more than 200 liters of alcohol and eating food three or four times his own body weight, Caelan's condition had not changed at all.

Finally, Caelan seemed to grow a little sleepy. He rested his arms on the table and began to doze off.

Vivi stood beside Caelan, made an "OK" gesture toward the others outside, and then quietly stepped back.

The Baroque Works members left the banquet hall under Igaram's lead, though their expressions were filled with suspicion.

…

Under the moonlight, Miss Monday's face turned pale and grim, a stark contrast to the enthusiasm she had shown at the banquet.

"The guests have all collapsed. It's time to close the net."

"They've eaten most of the food in the town. If we don't get a good haul from this, we're the ones who will suffer."

Miss Monday, looking like a nun, stared in the direction of the banquet hall, greed flashing in her eyes.

"Ahem. That man is the strongest bounty hunter from the East Blue, the monster who forced the East Blue pirates into the Grand Line."

Igaram's expression was solemn. He had no intention of harming Caelan and his group.

Vivi had told him that this was their only hope to liberate Alabasta.

But Igaram still couldn't help but worry. When facing one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Crocodile, would Caelan really stand a chance?

He had never seen Caelan and Crocodile fight, so he could only compare their reputations.

One was a bounty hunter who had risen to fame in the East Blue over the past six months. The other was a Warlord of the Sea, well-known throughout the Grand Line. The gap in fame between the two was huge.

Igaram couldn't shake the feeling that Caelan's chances of winning were slim.

"There's nothing to be afraid of from the weakest sea."

Miss Monday dismissed his concern.

They had a hundred men from Baroque Works, all experienced bounty hunters.

In Miss Monday's eyes, one hundred against one was more than enough to handle Caelan.

"Ahem. Don't be careless. He is not simple."

Igaram glanced at the arrogant woman, then handed her a newspaper.

It was the same paper that Caelan had picked up from the sea restaurant. It reported how Caelan had annihilated the Crick Pirates, along with a photo of him destroying a pirate ship with a single swing of his sword.

Because of the recent flood of East Blue pirates into the Grand Line, this newspaper had become easy to find.

"What?!"

"One man wiped out the Krieg Pirates' main force and destroyed a massive pirate ship over 50 meters long with a single strike?! This has to be exaggerated!"

Miss Monday's pupils contracted sharply. This record was terrifying.

Krieg had a bounty of 17 million Berries and was far stronger than anyone in Whiskey Peak.

The combined strength of their 100 bounty hunters was nowhere near the level of the Krieg Pirates.

If Caelan could wipe out Krieg's crew, they had no chance against him.

At that moment, as she looked toward the banquet hall, it felt like staring at a terrifying beast. Fear filled her heart.

"Damn it… but what about our losses?!"

Miss Monday gritted her teeth. Just thinking about the pile of empty plates made her heart ache.

Just this one meal had cost them 4 million Berries.

She was unwilling to simply let Caelan leave.

"We can't let him go!"

The other Baroque Works members nearby were also filled with anger.

Caelan had eaten most of their inventory. If they didn't recover their losses, they might go hungry for a month.

"He drank three barrels of wine and ate hundreds of kilograms of meat. He must be too full to fight."

"We have so many people. If we strike together, we can take him down."

They convinced themselves that after eating and drinking so much, Caelan's strength had to be greatly reduced.

They couldn't believe that even as a bounty hunter, Caelan could defeat hundreds of them in this state.

"Alright! Let's go together and kill him!"

After hearing the encouragement of her subordinates, Miss Monday felt they had a point and made up her mind to give it a try.

Besides, the Krieg Pirates had been chased out of the Grand Line. Maybe their reputation was inflated, and maybe Caelan's strength wasn't as ridiculous as it sounded.

Gritting her teeth, Miss Monday charged toward the banquet hall with her men.

Igaram followed behind, not to attack Caelan, but to witness his true strength.

Whiskey Peak was just a peripheral outpost of Baroque Works, not part of its core forces.

The people here were merely Crocodile's low-level thugs, less than one percent of his total power.

If Caelan struggled to deal with these people, there would be no way for him to defeat Crocodile.

The bounty hunters of Whiskey Peak rushed into the banquet hall, filled with anger.

None of them realized what kind of monster they were about to face.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

"You're finally here. I was getting tired of waiting."

Caelan leaned back in his chair and yawned, clearly not taking Miss Monday and her men seriously.

Tashigi, who had only drunk two glasses of beer, had sobered up quickly after passing out. Now fully awake, she stood beside Caelan, gripping the famous sword Shigure, her eyes sharply focused on the hundreds of enemies before them.

Nami was also clear-headed. Blessed with a natural resistance to alcohol, she had already recovered despite outdrinking fourteen others earlier.

Vivi stood awkwardly beside Caelan, smiling stiffly at her former colleagues.

Miss Monday and her men were completely confused as they looked at Caelan and his group, who seemed perfectly prepared.

"You just drank so much wine and ate so much food. How are you fine already?"

Miss Monday stared at Caelan and Nami, unable to hide the doubt in her heart.

"That little bit of food was already digested."

Caelan replied calmly.

Holding the template of the Heroic Spirit Heracles, everything he ate was converted into mana to fuel his Noble Phantasms and inherent skills.

Those meals and drinks had instantly turned into energy the moment they entered his body. For him, it had only been a tasting session.

If necessary, even a hundred times that amount would have been no problem at all.

"And that little bit of wine was nothing." Nami casually waved her hand, fully refreshed.

Looking at the few people before her, completely unaffected, Miss Monday could only grit her teeth and make up her mind.

"There's no other way now. Things have come to this… everyone, go!"

"We have over a hundred people, and they are only three! One hundred against three… we have the advantage!"

Miss Monday tried to rally her subordinates and was the first to charge forward.

The hundreds of bounty hunters roared and charged at Caelan like they had been injected with adrenaline.

Driven by desperation, they did manage to create some momentum.

Igaram quickly moved to shield Vivi behind him. He couldn't allow the princess to be hurt.

Tashigi and Nami also stood ready, prepared to fight alongside Caelan.

"What a bunch of naïve fools."

Caelan stood up slowly, pity in his eyes as he looked at the charging enemies.

These people had never faced a true powerhouse. They didn't understand that sheer numbers meant nothing before true strength.

Caelan raised his right foot and stomped down on the floor of the banquet hall.

A massive force surged from his foot into the ground, shaking the entire mountain beneath them.

A thin crack opened beneath his feet, spreading outward across the banquet hall.

In an instant, the hundreds of bounty hunters charging at them lost their balance and collapsed one after another.

In the blink of an eye, except for Miss Monday, who had slightly better strength, the entire group had fallen flat.

Miss Monday barely managed to keep her footing, though she almost wished she had fallen.

Being the first to charge, she was already standing just two meters away from Caelan, her fist raised.

But now, standing so close, she couldn't even muster the courage to throw the punch.

Miss Monday stared at Caelan, this man who had shaken the very earth.

Without hesitation, she followed her instincts, dropping to her knees before him.

The other bounty hunters behind her, seeing this, stopped their charge, utterly shaken by what they had just witnessed.

Silently, they copied Miss Monday's actions and knelt down in unison inside the banquet hall.

Terror filled the hearts of everyone on the ground.

How were they supposed to fight such a monster?

"No matter how many times I see it, it's still unbelievable."

Nami gazed at Caelan.

She had seen him fight many times before and thought she understood his strength.

But every time, Caelan shattered her expectations and delivered a new shock.

Tashigi was also excited.

She had seen the East Blue Marine Commodore personally trying to recruit Caelan, so she knew how strong he was.

But she hadn't expected him to be this overwhelming.

She was certain she had chosen the right person to follow. With Caelan, she would definitely be able to find many famous swords.

…

"Wonderful. There's hope for Alabasta after all!"

Vivi's eyes were wide with surprise, her face flushed with excitement.

Caelan's display of power was beyond anything she could have imagined. It felt like he belonged to an entirely different world.

"To think he took out hundreds of people in a single instant!"

"Your Highness is truly lucky to have entrusted such a powerful person."

Igaram could hardly close his mouth, amazed by Vivi's good fortune.

He had expected that even if Caelan was strong, it would take him at least a few rounds of fighting to handle so many opponents.

But in the end, Caelan had merely stomped his foot, and the hundred bounty hunters were already kneeling.

This unexpected strength let Igaram see a glimmer of hope.

Alabasta could be saved.

…

Seeing the stunned expressions of everyone around, Caelan didn't show the slightest bit of pride.

He stretched lazily. For him, dealing with these people wasn't even enough to count as a warm-up.

"Thank you for the banquet. I enjoyed it very much."

"I'll be sure to make good use of your bounties… I'll exchange every Berry of it for food. Nothing will go to waste."

Caelan smiled, clearly in a very good mood.

Though these bounty hunters were pitifully weak, their performance as entertainment had been excellent.

If the road ahead was always this considerate, feeding him well and then handing over their bounties, things would be just perfect.

Looking at the cheerful Caelan, Miss Monday and the hundred bounty hunters felt utterly crushed.

Not only had he eaten most of their food, but now he was going to cash in their heads for Berries. It felt like having their hearts ripped out.

But they had only themselves to blame for being so blind, daring to provoke someone they couldn't afford to mess with.

At this moment, regret filled their hearts. If they had just let Caelan and his crew leave, the worst they would have suffered was losing some food.

But now, because of their arrogance, they had gotten themselves caught up in disaster.

Still, Miss Monday clung to one last shred of hope.

She couldn't count on Miss Wednesday or Mr. 8 anymore. She suspected Igaram had betrayed them, though she didn't know the details.

Her real hope now lay with Miss Valentine and Mr. 5, two senior agents of Baroque Works.

She had informed them the moment the Wind Rider arrived, hoping to earn credit.

Originally, she wanted those two to take the ship as a prize, but now they had become her last lifeline.

Judging by the time, they should be arriving soon.

Miss Monday lowered her head, a gloomy smile on her face.

Compared to the lower ranks of Whiskey Peak, those two were truly on another level.

Both were Devil Fruit users. No matter how strong Caelan was, there was no way he could defeat them.

But when she recalled the power of Caelan's stomp, a flicker of uncertainty flashed across her mind.

Surely… surely they could defeat him, right?

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

"What a waste! I didn't expect that hundreds of you couldn't take down just three or four people."

"And Miss Wednesday and Mr. 8… there's clearly something wrong with you two."

"But it doesn't matter. We'll finish them all off today."

Miss Valentine and Mr. 5 entered the banquet hall, appearing arrogant and self-assured.

Outside the window, perched on a tree branch, a sea otter and a vulture held up a drawing board, casually observing the scene inside the hall.

"Great! Miss Valentine and Mr. 5 are here. We're saved!"

The hundreds of people kneeling on the floor of the banquet hall looked excited. Their saviors had arrived.

Miss Monday stretched out her arms and legs and slowly stood back up.

Her backup was here, so there was no need for her to kneel any longer.

"It's the senior officers of Baroque Works… we're in trouble!"

Igaram's expression turned serious as he moved to shield Vivi behind him.

The higher the codename in Baroque Works, the stronger the person. Especially cadres ranked above Mr. 5, each one possessed terrifying strength and could easily overpower the lower-level members of a branch like Whiskey Peak.

Igaram looked at Caelan, unsure how he would handle this situation.

"Why are you so tense?"

Nami was confused.

A fashionable blonde woman and a sloppy middle-aged man—were they really so dangerous?

"They're not ordinary agents. Both have dangerous Devil Fruit powers."

"One can create explosions at will. The other can freely adjust her body weight between 10 kilograms and 10,000 kilograms. They're quite troublesome opponents."

Igaram explained, though he still wasn't sure whether Caelan could defeat the two of them.

"Oh? Finally, two slightly more valuable ones."

Caelan showed mild interest.

But he didn't have much patience to play around. It was late, and he wanted to rest.

Mr. 5 couldn't stand Caelan's dismissive attitude.

"Let me show you what I can do with just my booger…"

Mr. 5 was ready to prove himself and had already stuck a finger into his nose.

Caelan sucked in a sharp breath. How could he have forgotten this disgusting move?

It wouldn't cause him much actual damage, but the sheer insult of it was unbearable!

Caelan immediately became alert. He burst out at full speed, determined not to be hit by something so humiliating.

"Hey, where did he go?"

Mr. 5 blinked in confusion. Caelan had vanished from his sight.

The next moment, everything went black as Mr. 5 lost consciousness.

Caelan stomped down hard on Mr. 5's back several times, his expression full of annoyance as he vented his frustration. Only then did he breathe a sigh of relief.

Miss Valentine, who had been standing beside Mr. 5, widened her eyes in disbelief. Caelan standing there felt more like a ghost than a person.

"Ah!"

"Ten-Thousand-Kilogram Sweep!"

Miss Valentine screamed and, in fear, unleashed her Devil Fruit power at full strength.

A whip kick carrying the force of 10,000 kilograms sliced through the air, aiming straight for Caelan's head.

Caelan casually raised his forearm and blocked Miss Valentine's strongest attack without even flinching.

To Miss Valentine, it felt like she had just kicked a steel wall rather than a human body.

Though she was the one attacking, her calf was the one aching intensely.

Before she could even cry out in pain, Caelan's counterattack came.

He grabbed her slender calf with one hand. Despite the smoothness of her leg and Miss Valentine's decent looks, Caelan had no intention of showing mercy.

Gripping her firmly, Caelan swung her down and slammed her into the ground.

Miss Valentine's world spun wildly. Her body hit the ground with a heavy thud, and she lost consciousness on the spot.

Outside the window, the sea otter's mouth dropped open, its face showing very human-like fear.

But committed to its mission of gathering intel, the sea otter continued trembling on the branch, sketching with its brush.

The banquet hall fell silent.

It had only been thirty seconds since the two senior agents had entered, yet both were already lying unconscious on the floor.

Miss Valentine fared slightly better, though her head was bloodied and her face bruised.

Mr. 5, however, had suffered miserably. His arms were twisted unnaturally, his body half-buried in the ground, twitching occasionally. The blood pooled around him. He was barely clinging to life.

Everyone present stared at the scene, gasping in shock, as if they had contributed to global warming with how much cold air they inhaled.

"Weren't they supposed to be strong opponents?"

Nami turned to look at Igaram, asking the question that echoed in everyone's minds.

They had been knocked down by Caelan in just two moves, no different from the others who had already surrendered.

"This… this is because Caelan is too strong!"

Igaram was deeply embarrassed.

He had just finished explaining how powerful these two senior agents were, practically calling them invincible.

Yet, the very next moment, they were both lying on the ground, completely defeated.

Aside from feeling awkward, Igaram was also shocked to his core.

These were senior cadres of Baroque Works, Devil Fruit users known for their strength. But in Caelan's hands, they were as fragile as the lowest grunts.

This level of strength was truly unbelievable.

Still, the stronger Caelan was, the greater Alabasta's hope for salvation.

…

Miss Monday, who had just stood up moments earlier, now bent over and knelt down again.

She wasn't sure if it was just her imagination, but the people kneeling around her seemed to be kneeling even more properly than before.

Two senior officers, defeated so easily?!

Miss Monday couldn't believe what she was seeing. Her last hope had completely vanished.

These two always seemed so strong when dealing with their own subordinates. Why couldn't they handle this?

Ah… things have come to this. Better to give up.

Miss Monday sighed. She no longer had any thoughts of resistance.

Perhaps being captured and turned in for bounty was the best outcome. At least in a Marine prison, they wouldn't have to fear Baroque Works' punishment.

"Tie them up. We'll collect the bounty on all of them."

At Caelan's command, the group began moving.

Vivi and Igaram, familiar with the area, brought ropes, and together they tied up the hands of the more than one hundred kneeling bounty hunters.

The members of Baroque Works, including Miss Monday, cooperated honestly, not daring to resist.

Afterward, Caelan, Nami, and the others returned to the Wind Rider to rest for the night before preparing to set sail again.

Igaram took charge of another ship to escort the captured Baroque Works agents, covering all of Whiskey Peak.

Of course, Caelan didn't forget about Miss Valentine and Mr. 5. Both were tied securely, laid on stretchers, and brought aboard Igaram's ship.

Caelan wasn't worried about them dying from their injuries.

This was the world of pirates. People here had absurdly tough bodies. Even serious injuries were nothing that a little water couldn't fix.

…

Atop a peak near the shore.

The sea otter, wearing sunglasses, sketched away on its drawing board. The vulture waited nearby.

These two animals, an unlucky duo from Baroque Works, were directly responsible for relaying intelligence to Crocodile.

Soon, the sea otter finished its sketch, depicting Caelan and the others.

After glancing back toward the banquet hall scene, the sea otter's eyes beneath its sunglasses filled with human-like fear.

The sea otter climbed onto the vulture's back. Together, the two flew high into the sky, returning to report directly to Crocodile.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

The next morning, the sun rose over Whiskey Peak as usual.

"Caelan, are we heading straight to Alabasta?"

Nami asked while holding a sea chart.

Vivi perked up her ears, listening closely to their conversation.

She hoped they would head directly to Alabasta, but the route decision was not up to her.

"Let me see the sea chart. I'll think about it."

Taking the sea chart from Nami, Caelan fell into thought.

His next target was Crocodile. He wanted to improve his Synchronization progress by fighting him, hoping to learn both Armament Haki and Observation Haki through that battle.

He had also accepted Vivi's commission of 300 million Berries to drive Crocodile out of Alabasta.

If his goal was only to fight Crocodile, he could set off immediately.

As long as he could engage Crocodile in battle, he would achieve his purpose.

However, driving Crocodile out of Alabasta was not that simple without Haki.

It wasn't that he couldn't defeat him. The problem was that without Haki, the battle would become too destructive.

If that happened, before Crocodile was even defeated, Alabasta might already be reduced to ruins.

So, where could he find Haki?

That was the issue. Known sources of Haki were located much farther down the route, past Water 7, which was too far away.

Caelan sighed as he scanned the sea chart, his eyes locking onto Little Garden nearby, and an idea came to him.

There were two powerful giants living there, Dorry and Brogy, captains of the former Giant Warrior Pirates and leaders of the giants. A hundred years ago, each had a bounty of 100 million Berries.

Caelan also knew that even later in the story, these two giants displayed impressive strength, likely exceeding that of a Vice Admiral.

With their experience and status, even if they didn't actively use Haki, they should at least understand its practice methods.

Even if they didn't possess Haki, they were worthy opponents.

After a proper fight with them, Caelan was confident his Synchronization progress could increase by 3 to 4 points, equivalent to fighting pirates worth 300 to 400 million Berries.

Either way, it was worth the detour.

"It's decided. We'll go to Little Garden first. I want a serious fight there."

"After that, I'll be more confident when facing Crocodile. Then we'll head directly to Alabasta."

Returning the sea chart to Nami, Caelan told her his decision.

Upon hearing this, both Vivi and Nami were curious.

So far, they had only seen glimpses of Caelan's strength.

Every enemy that had seemed powerful in their eyes had been easily crushed by him within just a few moves.

What kind of opponent was there on Little Garden that could make Caelan want to go all out?

What was on that island that could help defeat Crocodile?

"Caelan! What's on the island? Tell me!"

Nami couldn't hold back her curiosity and clung to Caelan, acting spoiled.

Vivi also looked at him expectantly, her eyes full of curiosity.

"Haha, you'll find out when we get there."

Caelan laughed and chose to keep it a secret.

He was already imagining how Nami and Vivi would react when they saw the dinosaurs on the island.

Nami and Vivi clung to Caelan, trying to get more out of him.

But Caelan simply walked off to the side to continue teaching Tashigi swordsmanship.

Helpless, Nami and Vivi could only direct their attention back to the journey. They set sail with curiosity, following the Log Pose toward Little Garden.

Behind the Wind Rider, Igaram sailed the large escort ship, trailing them.

The escort ship was filled with the captured Whiskey Peak bounty hunters, as well as food and wine from the town.

Several dozen barrels of wine were specifically prepared by Caelan as gifts for Dorry and Brogy.

At the same time, Vivi tied an intelligence report to Karoo the duck and sent it toward Alabasta.

…

In Rainbase, the only city in Alabasta untouched by drought or rebellion, stood Crocodile's base of operations.

A vulture carrying a sea otter flew into the kingdom's largest casino, the Rain Dinners, and dropped off a stack of drawings onto a large desk.

Seated at the desk was a tall, imposing man wearing a black coat with a fur collar, a cigar between his lips. He stood about 2.5 meters tall, with a horizontal scar running across his face and a gleaming golden hook in place of his left hand.

This was Crocodile, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and the secret mastermind of Baroque Works—Mr. 0, Crocodile.

Crocodile's expression darkened as he picked up the stack of sketches and flipped through them one by one.

The more he read, the angrier he became, his breathing growing heavier.

Beside him, Nico Robin, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, watched him curiously.

What could have angered Crocodile so much?

"That princess and her guard actually dared to infiltrate Baroque Works and uncover my identity!"

"What are those so-called senior agents even doing? Are they just sitting around eating?"

Crocodile slammed the sketches of Vivi and Igaram down onto the table in frustration.

Bang!

The powerful force of his palm strike dented the table and left a clear handprint on top of the portrait.

The sea otter and vulture standing in front of the desk trembled violently, feathers shaking loose from their bodies.

Robin, who had indirectly stirred the pot, calmly touched her chin, as if reflecting on who might have leaked Crocodile's identity.

"And that bounty hunter from the East Blue…"

Crocodile picked up the portrait of Caelan, his gaze turning cold as he stared at the face drawn there.

"Just arrived at the Grand Line, and already causing trouble for me. He really doesn't know his place."

"He destroyed one of my bases and captured Miss Valentine and Mr. 5. Does he really think he can ignore me?"

Crocodile's fury surged, and the air pressure in the office seemed to drop as his rage filled the room.

The sea otter and the vulture huddled together tightly, burying their heads in the vulture's wings.

Only Robin remained calm. She knew her position well, and since she had long given up on caring about life or death, Crocodile's anger didn't faze her.

"Maybe… he doesn't know that Baroque Works belongs to you?"

Robin's tone was casual. Though meant as a calming remark, it only further irritated Crocodile.

"He's with Vivi. He clearly knows."

"And at such a critical moment in my plan to take over Alabasta, this Caelan deliberately showed up to interfere."

Crocodile's fury reached its peak, and the oppressive aura of an enraged powerhouse filled the entire room.

"It's one thing for a mere bounty hunter to act tough in the East Blue. But to come meddling in my affairs… unforgivable!"

The unlucky animal duo remained frozen in place, pretending to be statues.

Under the pressure of Crocodile's presence, even Robin found it slightly harder to breathe.

Crocodile picked up a Den Den Mushi and dialed Mr. 3, Galdino, stationed at Little Garden.

"It's the boss. What's the matter?"

Galdino answered, puzzled. He was currently focused on his mission to eliminate the giants and wasn't sure why Crocodile was calling.

"Soon, Princess Vivi and her companions will arrive at your location."

"Kill them all. If even one survives… I'll feed you to the crocodiles."

Crocodile's voice was filled with menace as he gave the order.

Without waiting for a response, he slammed the Den Den Mushi down, ending the call.

"Yes! I won't let a single one escape!"

Galdino broke out in a cold sweat, frightened by the tone of Crocodile's voice.

Not daring to slack off for even a moment, he immediately swore to carry out the mission without fail.

After the Den Den Mushi went silent for a few minutes, Galdino finally snapped back to his senses.

"Who on earth made the boss this angry?"

Galdino was confused but understood one thing clearly—if he failed, Crocodile would absolutely feed him to the crocodiles.

Resolved, he made up his mind. No one who landed on the island would be allowed to leave alive.

Back at Crocodile's office, Robin found herself growing more and more curious about Caelan, the man bold enough to provoke Crocodile.

If given the chance, she wanted to meet this man face-to-face.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Before heading to Alabasta, the Wind Rider first sailed to the nearest Marine base.

Caelan planned to turn in the more than one hundred captives on the escort ship for their bounties.

As soon as the two ships docked at the base, they were met by a squad of Marines on guard.

"It's that bounty hunter from the East Blue!"

One sharp-eyed soldier immediately recognized the Wind Rider.

"Didn't he just enter the Grand Line? Why is he already here?"

Another soldier looked puzzled.

"Doesn't he have a hunter's license? Maybe he's here to ask the Marines for help."

A sergeant sneered dismissively.

"Shut your mouth. His rank is equivalent to mine. Show some respect."

The Marine base's captain scolded the lieutenant, though he clearly shared the same disdain.

He could not understand why the higher-ups had issued a hunter's license to some bounty hunter from the East Blue.

A rookie from the East Blue, entering the Grand Line? Just a small fry.

"I'm here to turn in bounties."

Caelan's tone was calm as he stepped forward.

He brought only Nami and a few others with him. The rest remained on the escort ship.

"No problem. Where are the pirates you captured?"

The base commander frowned, glancing around. Aside from Caelan's crew, he saw no recognizable pirates.

So he brought a few lackeys and came here to show off?

As expected of someone from the East Blue. Too petty.

"There are more than a hundred people on that ship."

Caelan casually pointed at the escort ship.

What? A whole ship of prisoners?

The captain's expression changed. His eyes widened as he quickly led a squad to board the escort ship and investigate.

"There really are over a hundred people?"

"Hiss… it's the crew from Whiskey Peak!"

The Marines on board were shocked. They had long known about Whiskey Peak but had never dared to confront them directly.

Now, a newcomer who had just arrived in the Grand Line had wiped them out. It was humiliating.

"Is that Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine?"

The captain sucked in a sharp breath. This was serious.

"This is a direct branch base, and these are two of Baroque Works' senior agents!"

"That's Baroque Works… Crocodile's people! How dare he capture them?!"

The captain's pupils trembled.

Caelan had only just entered the Grand Line, yet he was already provoking one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

Too bold.

The combined strength of these people was enough to crush his entire base eighty times over.

The captain no longer dared to be careless. He quickly calculated the bounty total and returned to Caelan, now speaking with complete respect.

"Here is your bounty. The total is 28 million Berries. Please confirm and accept it."

The captain was extremely deferential, clearly putting himself below Caelan.

"Only 28 million?"

Caelan frowned. These hundred-plus captives together weren't even worth the same as Don Krieg and Gin.

"They are subordinates of the Seven Warlords of the Sea."

The captain explained cautiously after seeing Caelan's expression.

Baroque Works was Crocodile's secret force. The bounties on their heads were deliberately kept low.

Caelan understood and left with the reward money without further comment.

Watching the Wind Rider depart, the colonel finally let out a sigh of relief.

"A tough one has entered the Grand Line…"

For the first time, the captain fully admired the decision of the East Blue commander to issue Caelan a hunter's license.

"Amazing judgment."

"Report the situation to headquarters and process these captives."

The captain looked in the direction of Alabasta, then exhaled deeply.

"Captain, Crocodile has a cooperative relationship with the Marines. Should we assist him?"

The lieutenant hesitated, clearly uncomfortable with the idea of helping pirates.

"Idiot. No matter how much 'cooperation' there is, he's still a pirate. Look at the chaos he's caused."

The captain snapped back at him.

"Then… what should we do?"

The lieutenant asked nervously.

"Don't interfere. Just maintain order."

The captain rolled his eyes, irritated by the question.

Perhaps Caelan really wasn't strong enough to defeat one of the Seven Warlords.

But the captain had a feeling… Crocodile was in serious trouble this time.

Crocodile had ruled Alabasta unchecked for four or five years. Finally, someone had arrived to challenge him.

…

In Alabasta, at the rebel camp.

"Someone destroyed a Baroque Works base and turned in their entire crew for bounty?!"

Koza, the leader of the rebels, was stunned.

For the past two years, the rebels had been driven into greater and greater desperation. The deeper they investigated, the clearer it became that Baroque Works was behind the unrest, with Crocodile's influence lurking in the shadows.

"Haha! They even lost two senior agents? That's worth celebrating!"

A smile finally appeared on Koza's face.

Baroque Works had been his greatest headache. No matter what he tried, he couldn't do anything to stop them.

Now, this newcomer named Caelan had come and slapped Baroque Works hard across the face.

"Caelan… could you be the change Alabasta has been waiting for?"

Amid the hope, Koza still felt a trace of fear.

Crocodile's strength was overwhelming, and with the might of Baroque Works backing him, neither the rebels nor the royal army stood a chance.

But now, Caelan had appeared, defeated two senior agents, and destroyed one of Crocodile's bases.

This was the first true glimmer of hope Koza had seen.

"Only someone with that kind of strength could possibly defeat Crocodile…"

Koza muttered to himself, eyes filled with determination.

…

At the royal palace in Alabasta.

After receiving the report delivered by Karoo the duck, King Cobra and the two royal guards stood with serious, worried expressions.

"So behind Baroque Works… it really was Crocodile all along. The kingdom is in grave danger."

"That's one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. A pirate so powerful that even the World Government acknowledges him."

Cobra's voice trembled. His hope felt like it was crumbling.

"Your Majesty, Princess Vivi has found help. There is still hope."

Pell tried to comfort Cobra.

"Yes. This Caelan is the strongest bounty hunter from the East Blue, officially recognized with a hunter's license by the Navy."

"As soon as he arrived in the Grand Line, he captured two senior agents and destroyed an entire base of Baroque Works."

Chaka summarized Caelan's achievements, trying to restore Cobra's confidence.

"Your Majesty, just prepare the 300 million Berries. Wait for good news from Princess Vivi."

Both Bell and Chaka spoke together, though deep down they were not entirely convinced.

Could a newcomer from the Grand Line really stand against one of the Seven Warlords?

Their words were meant more to uplift Cobra's spirits than from true belief.

"I hope so… we have no other choice."

Cobra sighed, though for the first time, a faint glimmer of hope returned to his eyes.

"If he really can save Alabasta… not just 300 million Berries, even the throne itself, I would be willing to give up."

Cobra made up his mind. If there was truly hope, he was willing to give everything.

Bell and Chaka lowered their heads in silence, shame in their hearts.

As Alabasta's royal guards, they had been powerless against Crocodile.

Now they had to rely on outsiders to protect their country. The shame weighed heavily on them.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Two days later, in the morning, the sun rose and pierced through the mist as the Wind Rider smoothly arrived at Little Garden.

"The things on this island look so primitive… and so huge!"

On the deck, Nami stared at the plants on Little Garden from a distance and exclaimed.

"In the Grand Line, the islands are very far apart. Due to inconvenient communication, each island develops its own unique environment."

"Some have evolved into civilized nations, while others have retained their wild, primitive states."

"Little Garden has been isolated from the outside world for many years, so it has remained unchanged from thousands, even tens of thousands of years ago. This means the island is a paradise for dinosaurs and giant creatures."

Vivi explained to Nami. She too was amazed as she looked toward the island.

Even in the Grand Line, such a completely primitive island was quite rare.

However, despite the uniqueness of the environment, Vivi could not understand how this place could help someone grow stronger.

Vivi glanced at Caelan, puzzled.

"Caelan, did we come all the way here just to fight dinosaurs?"

Nami voiced the question on Vivi's mind.

"Dinosaurs would be worth seeing if we were in the East Blue."

"But in the Grand Line… they're not worth making a special trip."

Caelan shook his head, denying their assumption.

"Then why are we here? Besides the primitiveness of the island, it doesn't seem special at all."

Nami and Vivi were both filled with curiosity.

They couldn't figure out what could be on this island that would require Caelan to go all out.

"The plants and animals here are indeed unusually large. But despite that, this place is called Little Garden. Isn't that strange?"

Caelan spoke calmly.

Nami and Vivi paused, thinking about the meaning behind the name.

"I came here for the giants. In the eyes of giants, this place truly is just a little garden."

Caelan no longer kept it a secret and revealed the answer.

Giants? Were there really giants in this world?

Nami and Vivi both froze. To them, the word "giant" sounded like something out of legend.

Caelan did not explain further. Instead, he gathered the girls and set twenty barrels of wine on the shore.

"Dorry, Brogy, your friends are here with good wine to visit you!"

While the others watched in confusion, Caelan called out toward the depths of Little Garden.

Of course, Caelan had never met the two giants, nor were they actually his friends.

But he believed they soon would be.

Dorry and Brogy had been dueling on this island for a hundred years. During that time, they rarely had the chance to drink.

Caelan knew the two giants were heavy drinkers. He was confident they wouldn't ignore someone who brought good wine.

His voice echoed through the vast forest, spreading across the island.

"My friend, have you come to bring me wine!?"

Dorry, who had just knocked out a dinosaur with a punch and was about to carry it home for barbecue, stopped in his tracks.

He was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing and ran toward the shore, dragging the dinosaur along.

He did not doubt for a second that this could be a trap. Giants were simple and forthright by nature.

"Great! My friend has brought wine for me!"

Brogy, who was drinking water by the river, was overjoyed. He also headed toward the coast, carrying a Sea King he had hunted days before.

Since his friend was bringing wine, of course he had to bring meat.

On the shore, after several minutes without movement, Nami and the others began to doubt whether Caelan was right.

"Don't worry. They're already on their way."

Caelan, far more perceptive than the others, had already sensed the vibrations through the ground. The tremors were growing stronger.

Boom!

Boom!!

Boom!!!

The heavy footsteps approached, getting louder and clearer with each step.

Finally, two towering giants, each over twenty meters tall, appeared in their line of sight.

"They're huge! Giants really do exist… and there are two of them!"

Tashigi and Vivi were stunned, their mouths wide open as they watched the giants approach.

Nami was so frightened she immediately hid behind Caelan.

Igaram stood firmly by Vivi's side, ready to protect her if necessary.

Dorry carried the dinosaur. Brogy held the Sea King. As they charged forward, the two giants crashed through the forest, shattering trees over ten meters tall with ease. The forest animals scattered in panic.

Under the shocked gazes of the girls, Dorry and Brogy finally stopped in front of Caelan. They placed the dinosaur and Sea King on the ground.

"Ka-ka-ka-ka! My friend, I don't believe we've met before?"

Dorry let out his signature laugh and looked at Caelan with curiosity.

He racked his brain but could not recall ever having a friend named Caelan.

"I haven't met you either, my friend. How sad!"

Brogy also laughed heartily, watching Caelan with interest.

"Haha, well, we've met now, haven't we?"

Caelan smiled and tossed two barrels of wine toward the giants.

Dorry and Brogy's eyes sparkled as they caught the barrels and began to drink.

The oak barrels, each 80 centimeters wide and 120 centimeters tall, looked like wine glasses in their massive hands.

With just two gulps, each giant downed over a thousand liters of wine.

"Sad! So refreshing!"

"Ka-ka-ka-ka! Refreshing indeed!"

"Yes! You are now our friend!"

After emptying the two barrels, Dorry and Brogy laughed heartily, officially recognizing Caelan as a friend.

"My friend, since you brought us wine, we will share our food with you."

Dorry and Brogy pushed the dinosaur and Sea King toward Caelan, offering to share the feast.

"Haha, such good meat is perfect to go with this wine. Let's enjoy it together!"

Caelan showed no hesitation and readily accepted.

His bold attitude only made the giants like him even more.

With everyone's help, the massive dinosaur and Sea King were soon roasted over the fire.

Large slabs of meat and barrels of wine brought the group closer together. The two giants grew more and more fond of Caelan and his companions.

Dozens of barrels of wine were emptied. Only the bones of the dinosaur and Sea King remained.

"Sad!"

"Ka-ka-ka-ka!"

"What a refreshing day! Thank you, my friend!"

Dorry and Brogy laughed heartily, more cheerful than they had been in a century.

"You're welcome. Now that we've eaten and drunk our fill, how about we have a big fight?"

Caelan wiped the grease from the corner of his mouth, his eyes gleaming with fighting spirit. His body radiated an intense aura, like the collapse of heaven and earth.

He had come here precisely for this battle, to fight and to learn Haki.

In the presence of true warriors, directness was the only way.

"Ah!?"

Nami and the others were stunned. Wasn't this too sudden?

They turned to look at Dorry and Brogy, expecting them to be angry.

But instead, the two giants looked at Caelan with eyes full of excitement.

"So, you are a bold warrior. We acknowledge you!"

Dorry and Brogy's gazes burned with passion.

This fighting spirit was exactly what they admired in a friend and in a worthy opponent.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

At noon, the sun hung high overhead.

Two giants stood opposite Caelan beneath the scorching sunlight.

"Is it really okay for Caelan to fight two giants at once?"

Nami and the other girls had returned to the Wind Rider, watching nervously from the ship as the two figures faced off on the shore.

Caelan's build was tall and strong for a human, but compared to the two giants, who stood over 20 meters tall, he barely reached their knees.

The difference in size was overwhelming, and Nami and the others couldn't help but feel worried.

"This guy actually wants to take on two giants. Who do you think will win?"

Deep within the jungle, Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek watched the fight through binoculars from afar.

Even from thousands of meters away, they could still feel the intense aura coming from Caelan.

"Is this the bounty hunter who defeated Miss Valentine and Mr. 5?"

"With momentum like this, can we really kill him?"

Miss Goldenweek, who looked like a young girl, widened her eyes, filled with doubt.

"Sure, his momentum is impressive, but he clearly isn't thinking straight. He actually wants to fight two giants at the same time."

Mr. 3, Galdino, couldn't understand why Caelan was so desperate to challenge the two giants.

These two weren't just any opponents. They were Dorry and Brogy, legendary giant warriors who each carried a bounty of 100 million berries from a hundred years ago.

"We don't need to lift a finger. He'll die on his own."

Galdino, with the number "3" shaped into his hairstyle, was in high spirits.

Unexpectedly, Caelan had gotten himself into serious trouble without any interference from them.

It looked like the boss's mission could be completed easily.

Galdino had witnessed the brute strength of the two giants over the past few days. Their raw power was like something out of legend, capable of moving mountains and parting seas.

…

On the coast of Little Garden, Dorry and Brogy stood facing Caelan.

"I've heard of the Red Ogre Brogy and the Blue Ogre Dorry for a long time. I'm honored to finally face the two of you."

Caelan's fighting spirit was surging. After dealing with so many weaklings, he was itching for a real fight.

"Are you sure you want to fight the two of us at the same time?"

The two giants spoke in unison.

They held a good impression of Caelan and didn't particularly want to team up to overwhelm him.

"Of course. Please, both of you, come at me together."

Caelan stood firm without the slightest hesitation.

The combined strength of these two giants was roughly equivalent to a right-hand man of a Yonko, making them the perfect opponents for him.

"Bold words!"

"Crack, crack, crack!"

"This is the pride of a true warrior. Let's fight!"

Dorry and Brogy both laughed heartily, their respect for Caelan growing even deeper.

They would go all out, showing Caelan the honor and might of Elbaf's greatest warriors.

Dorry and Brogy bent their knees slightly. Every muscle in their bodies tensed, gathering strength.

Whoosh!

Dorry launched a left punch while Brogy swung a right punch.

Two fists, as large as giant gates, cut through the air, carrying with them an overwhelming gust of wind.

It was just a simple, straight punch, but powered by the strength of giants, it became a terrifying force of destruction.

Even though the giants were punching from 300 meters away, the force of their strikes stirred the sails of the Wind Rider and made the ship rock violently.

As the massive fists drew closer, the fierce wind whipped Caelan's clothes and sent his hair flying wildly.

The intense pressure tightened the skin on his face.

"Hahaha!"

Caelan laughed wildly, excitement shining in his eyes.

Facing the two giant punches head-on, he made no attempt to dodge.

Instead, he unleashed all of his strength, throwing both fists forward to meet their attack.

With the immense force behind his arms, Caelan's fists cut through the air with a sharp, explosive sound.

No fancy techniques—just a straight punch to clash directly with the two giants' blows.

Boom!

The giants' fists collided with Caelan's in midair, producing a deafening explosion like a cannon blast.

The sand beneath the three fighters surged upward, rising over 30 meters high and completely obscuring their figures.

At the center of the battlefield, shockwaves radiated outward.

Tall trees snapped and broke apart, and green leaves filled the sky like a storm of blades.

As the dust finally settled, the scene on the coast became clear again.

A giant crater, 100 meters wide, had been blasted into the shoreline.

The surrounding forest had been ravaged, leaving only broken trunks where tall trees once stood.

The two giants stood together, swinging their arms, their fists stained with blood.

Caelan, on the other hand, remained standing as if nothing had happened, save for his slightly dirtied clothes.

On the Wind Rider, Nami and the others stared in disbelief.

"So… this is his true strength."

Compared to Caelan's previous battles, this was on a whole different level.

With just a single punch, the terrain within several hundred meters had been completely altered.

Deep in the jungle, Mr. 3 Galdino and Miss Goldenweek were frozen in shock.

When they had received their orders, they'd thought the newcomer from the East Blue would be easy prey. But now they realized they were dealing with a monster.

No wonder Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine had been defeated.

Even if they were to face Caelan head-on, they wouldn't be able to escape their fate.

"The boss really wants us to kill a monster like this? Isn't that asking a bit much?"

Miss Goldenweek wore a bitter expression, completely unsure how to handle the situation.

"Don't panic. We'll wait until he and the two giants have both worn each other down. Then we'll step in."

Mr. 3 Galdino flashed a sinister grin, ambition gleaming in his eyes.

Even after witnessing Caelan and the giants' overwhelming strength, he had no intention of backing down.

If his plan succeeded, he could not only eliminate Caelan but also claim the 100 million berry bounty on each of the giants.

"High risk, high reward. If I pull this off, my rank will rise. I could become Mr. 2… maybe even Mr. 1!"

Galdino couldn't hold back his laughter as he imagined the possibilities.

…

Back on the shore, Dorry and Brogy stared at Caelan with solemn expressions.

"He's incredibly strong."

Dorry spoke from the heart.

When their fists met, it had felt no different from clashing against Brogy himself. Caelan's power was that overwhelming.

His fists were as hard as steel, cutting straight into their flesh.

"That's right. To match the combined strength of the two of us… it's unbelievable."

Brogy was equally shocked by Caelan's strength.

They were the strongest giant warriors of Elbaf.

Yet even together, they were only just holding their own against this one human.

It was completely beyond anything they had ever imagined.

Both Dorry and Brogy began to question themselves. Who was the real giant here?

"Don't hold back, either of you!"

"I've heard that Dorry and Brogy are both masters of Haki. I'd like to see it with my own eyes."

After exchanging punches, Caelan felt exhilarated.

Releasing his full power like this, he could sense something inside him beginning to stir, just waiting to erupt.

Caelan had a hunch that if he faced Haki head-on in battle, he might be able to awaken his own Haki as well.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

"Ka-ka-ka-ka!"

"So, you want to see Haki in action? We'll show you!"

Dorry, wielding a giant sword over ten meters long, and Brogy, holding a giant axe weighing several dozen tons, officially launched their attack on Caelan.

At first glance, the giants' weapons didn't seem particularly special aside from their enormous size.

However, Caelan, with his B-rank [Mind's Eye (Fake)], could sense the existence of something extraordinary.

In Caelan's perception, both weapons were enveloped by invisible yet tangible auras.

"So this is Haki?"

Caelan smiled. Just as he expected, both giants were users of Haki.

Though they had not reached the advanced level of Hardening, they could still imbue their weapons with Armament Haki at the base level.

It was the same kind of technique used by the warriors of Amazon Lily.

Caelan drew the greatsword strapped behind his back and engaged the two giants head-on.

Brogy's massive axe was the first to swing down, aiming straight for Caelan's head.

Caelan leapt into the air and kicked the axe aside mid-swing.

Brogy's axe struck the ground off-target, leaving behind a pit more than ten meters deep.

Seeing Brogy's attack so easily deflected, Dorry's excitement surged.

Dorry roared, raising his greatsword high and swinging it toward Caelan.

Though the blade was not sharp and over ten centimeters thick, with the power of a giant, this swing could easily smash a person into pulp.

Caelan met the blow head-on, swinging his sword to clash against Dorry's.

Relying solely on his immense strength, Caelan actually chipped Dorry's greatsword, leaving a visible crack along its edge.

The two giants attacked one after the other, sometimes striking together, and each attack was a deadly blow filled with overwhelming force.

Caelan was completely absorbed in the fight. He would evade one giant's attack, only to immediately counter the other.

In the midst of these fierce clashes, Caelan carefully observed the flow and nature of their Haki, sensing its form and power.

The intense battle continued for over two hours, with the three of them still going strong, though the surrounding landscape had already been devastated.

At that moment, Caelan seemed to grasp something deep within his heart. His Haki was on the verge of erupting.

He was just one step away. He needed one final push.

"Dorry, Brogy, your weapons are about to break."

"Use your strongest attack to decide this fight!"

Caelan blocked the giant axe and sword once again, shouting at the two excited giants.

"It's been a hundred years. Our weapons are nearing their limits too."

The two giants looked at their weapons. Cracks had spread across their surfaces, and they were clearly on the verge of breaking.

After fighting each other for a century, and now clashing fiercely with Caelan, even the solid craftsmanship of Elbaf's weapons could not endure.

"Dorry, do you feel it? His strength is even more terrifying than ours. It feels endless."

"If this keeps up, we won't be able to defeat him."

Brogy turned to Dorry with a grin.

"You're right. Our only chance now is to use that technique and finish this with one blow."

Dorry laughed loudly in response.

If they continued the fight like this, defeat was inevitable. Only by unleashing their strongest attack could they hope to take Caelan down.

"Hey, Caelan boy, be careful."

"If you can't withstand this move, you will die."

Dorry and Brogy warned him seriously.

"Roar! x2"

The two giants shouted together, gathering all of their strength.

Their already terrifying aura surged to an even greater level.

A green aura wrapped around Dorry, while a red aura surrounded Brogy. The two auras intertwined, amplifying one another.

The Blue Ogre Dorry and the Red Ogre Brogy were now fighting at full power.

"So this is the strongest martial art of Elbaf, the Hakoku Sovereignty."

Caelan could feel the terrifying power rushing toward him, and the fighting spirit within his body ignited, making him even more excited.

"Good. I'll take this seriously as well."

Caelan steadied himself, shifting from a one-handed grip to holding his sword with both hands.

"Hoo… Ha!"

An intense aura burst forth from Caelan, causing ripples through the air.

He focused all of his will into the sword he held, channeling every ounce of his strength into this strike.

The sharp sword energy soared into the sky, tearing apart the earth, rocks, and shattered wood around him.

"A swordsman at this level? What an incredible warrior."

Dorry and Brogy felt the sword energy prickling against their skin and couldn't help but be impressed.

This level of swordsmanship was not far from that of a true master swordsman.

"Come on, Dorry, we can't let him underestimate us!"

"Understood, Brogy!"

With perfect coordination, Dorry and Brogy raised their greatsword and axe high into the air.

The veins on their arms bulged as they poured every ounce of their strength into this final attack.

The next moment, the greatsword and axe crossed together, merging their green and red auras into one.

"This is Elbaf's strongest technique!"

"Hakoku Sovereignty!"

A devastating shockwave surged forth, erupting like a volcano.

The instant the attack was unleashed, their weapons shattered simultaneously.

Caelan, having gathered his strength for so long, finally released all the power and will within him.

At that moment, black madness swirled around him, making him appear like a devil emerging from the depths of hell.

"Hah!"

In the next instant, all of that immense power condensed into the giant sword in Caelan's hands.

A dark slash flew from his blade, colliding head-on with the massive shockwave.

Boom!!!

With a deafening roar, a towering mushroom cloud exploded into the sky, shaking the entire island.

As the explosion's aftermath faded away, the figures of the two giants and Caelan reappeared.

Caelan stood firm, sword in hand, while Dorry and Brogy had collapsed, completely drained of strength.

The two giants lay sprawled on the ground, unable to lift even a finger.

"Our Hakoku Sovereignty… was blocked."

"Ka-ka-ka-ka… what a great fight!"

Dorry laughed heartily, showing no concern over their loss.

If they lost this time, they could always fight again next time.

"Caelan, you're a true warrior. How admirable!"

Brogy voiced his sincere respect.

Though Caelan remained standing, his condition was far from good.

Three or four of his ribs were broken, his entire body soaked in blood, and pain surged through him.

"Hahaha… that was exhilarating!"

Despite his serious injuries, Caelan was not disheartened. Instead, he laughed toward the sky.

Because, at that moment, all three types of Haki within him had awakened.

In the instant of clashing head-on with the Hakoku Sovereignty, under that immense pressure, his latent Haki had fully awakened.

His Observation Haki spread far into the distance.

The worried Nami and the other girls on the Wind Rider…

Even Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek, hiding in the jungle, could not escape his perception.

Every movement, every presence, even without looking, was now clear in Caelan's mind.

Caelan raised his left hand, his bloodied palm now wrapped in a layer of dark Armament Haki.

"Just awakened… and already reached the second stage?"

Caelan wasn't surprised. Given his powerful foundation, it was only natural for his Armament Haki to be strong.

He smiled. It seemed Crocodile of Alabasta was in for a tough time.

But what surprised him the most was the awakening of his Conqueror's Haki.

An invisible, overwhelming aura surged from Caelan, sweeping across the island.

In the next moment, countless terrifying purple-black lightning bolts crackled through the air, engulfing the entire island.

Every creature on the island, from the ferocious saber-toothed tigers to the towering dinosaurs, collapsed one after another under the force of his aura.

"That's… Conqueror's Haki!"

Dorry and Brogy, lying powerless on the ground, widened their eyes and turned toward Caelan in disbelief.

"He just entered the Grand Line, and already possesses such incredible strength."

"After this battle, he even awakened the qualifications of a king. The New World is about to become even more chaotic."

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Chapter 33: Foolish Galdino?

Deep in the jungle, Mr. 3 Galdino and Miss Goldenweek wiped the sweat from their foreheads.

"Those three guys are complete monsters!"

"Especially that Caelan. Two giants together couldn't defeat him. Is he really from the East Blue?"

The scene of the clash between them replayed in Miss Goldenweek's mind, filling her with fear as she glanced at the battlefield in the distance.

"He's way too strong. If we had charged in directly, we'd probably be lying on the ground right now."

Galdino felt a wave of relief.

Thankfully, they had chosen to watch from afar instead of rushing in blindly.

"And what was that aura with black lightning earlier?"

"Even though we were halfway across the island, it still paralyzed us. I couldn't move at all!"

Miss Goldenweek was terrified.

It was the first time she had experienced such overwhelming pressure, a shock that struck both body and soul.

"That was most likely the legendary Conqueror's Haki, the spirit of a king. Not even the boss has that."

Galdino spoke seriously, though there was a trace of excitement in his voice.

The qualification to become a king. To think such power would appear at the very beginning of the Grand Line.

Galdino looked at the two giants collapsed on the ground and at Caelan, bleeding but still standing, and a bold idea began to take shape in his mind.

"They're all injured right now. This is our chance!"

"If we take them down here, the boss will be blown away by our achievement."

Galdino licked his dry lips, his ambition growing uncontrollably.

"Yeah. They're seriously injured. This is the perfect opportunity!"

Miss Goldenweek hesitated for a moment but ultimately agreed.

Caelan and his crew were the ones Princess Vivi had called for help. They were the enemy.

If they didn't take this chance while Caelan was weakened, they might not get another. If he recovered and came after them later, she had no idea how they would handle it.

…

Seeing that the battle was over, the women from the Wind Rider quickly came ashore, rushing to Caelan's side to protect him.

"Caelan, how could you be this badly injured!"

Nami looked at Caelan, whose body was covered in blood and clothes torn apart, her eyes filled with concern.

Tashigi was also flustered. Seeing him so wounded broke her heart.

"You didn't have to go this far."

Vivi's eyes welled with tears, deeply moved.

She had thought Caelan had come to Little Garden to fight the giants simply because of her commission, to help her defeat Crocodile.

Now, complex emotions stirred within her as she looked at him.

"Well, there's no need to be so sad. I'm fine."

Looking at the worried and emotional girls, Caelan broke the heavy mood with a smile.

"You call this fine?!"

Nami didn't believe him at all.

Ignoring the blood on his body, she hugged Caelan tightly, pressing his head against her soft chest.

Vivi and Tashigi didn't believe him either. They carefully helped Caelan sit down and gently tended to his injuries.

What could he say?

Feeling the soft warmth pressing against his face, Caelan was helpless. The truth was, he really was fine.

Thanks to the Twelve Labours of his Noble Phantasm, he possessed twelve lives, and his injuries could recover after a short time.

The Hakoku Sovereignty unleashed by Dorry and Brogy had indeed been powerful.

But Caelan's body wasn't just for show. He hadn't even lost a single life.

His stamina and wounds were quickly healing under the nourishment of his magical energy.

"Haha, Brother Caelan sure is popular!"

Dorry and Brogy, lying on the ground, couldn't help but laugh bitterly as they watched the scene in front of them.

"Dorry, you good?"

"I'm fine. Brogy, you holding up?"

"Haha, I'm fine too."

The two giants comforted each other, their exchange somewhat comical despite the situation.

Suddenly, Galdino appeared before everyone, with Miss Goldenweek standing beside him.

Caelan had already sensed their presence the moment he awakened his Observation Haki, but he hadn't expected them to actually show themselves after witnessing his power.

Looking at the two of them with interest, Caelan wanted to see what tricks they planned to pull.

"What a magnificent battle. Thank you all for such a wonderful performance."

Galdino clapped arrogantly, a smug smile on his face.

"It's the Baroque Works senior agents, Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek!"

"Damn it, why are they here?!"

Vivi's expression grew tense, as if facing a great enemy.

These two were ranked much higher than Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine, and their strength was significantly greater.

Nami and Tashigi stayed close to Caelan, their guard fully up.

With both Caelan and the giants seriously injured, they were in no shape to face the two senior agents.

"Hahaha, now you will become my greatest achievement!"

A candle-like flame flickered atop Galdino's head as wax began to flow from his body. Large amounts of wax spread across the ground, quickly surrounding the giants and Caelan.

Miss Goldenweek pulled out her emotion paints, ready to manipulate their mental states at any moment.

"I can't move at all… If I die at the hands of a scumbag like this, it will be the ultimate humiliation."

Dorry struggled against the hardened wax, but his body was spent. He could only drag himself a few inches on the ground.

"Yeah… If I'm going to die, I'd rather it be by Caelan's sword."

Brogy also gritted his teeth in frustration.

Dying at the hands of Mr. 3 felt like an insult after the battle they had just fought.

"Hahaha! You're all out of strength. How could you possibly break free from my wax?"

Galdino laughed triumphantly as he approached Caelan.

Even the giants couldn't resist. There was no way Caelan could fight back now.

"Even if you awakened Conqueror's Haki, you don't have the strength to resist."

"This is perfect. I'll turn you into a wax sculpture… my most prized masterpiece!"

Galdino was completely intoxicated by his own fantasy.

The thought of killing Caelan, a man with the qualifications of a king, made him tremble with excitement.

Nami, Tashigi, and Vivi stood firmly in front of Caelan, glaring at Galdino with hatred.

But Galdino only laughed more arrogantly, his eyes filled with mockery.

"No matter how strong you were before, or how powerful you might become, right now you're nothing but prey waiting for the slaughter."

Sigh…

Caelan let out a soft sigh.

So this was all they had? He had expected something more impressive.

He thought they might have some deadly trump card, but it turned out they were just here to pick up the scraps.

During Galdino's long speech, Caelan's injuries and stamina had mostly recovered. A little more time and he would be fully healed.

But honestly, Caelan had lost interest. He didn't feel like listening to this clown any longer.

With a sudden burst of strength, Caelan shattered the hardened wax beneath his feet, which was as tough as steel.

Galdino's eyes widened in horror as Caelan's figure vanished before him, only for a shadow to suddenly appear right in front of his face.

Before Galdino could react, a large hand wrapped tightly around his throat.

How… how could he be this fast?!

So fast that Galdino couldn't even process what was happening!

"Aren't you supposed to be seriously injured?!"

Galdino's voice trembled with fear.

"Those injuries are already healed."

Caelan's voice was calm, almost indifferent.

In just a few moments, his body had already recovered from the earlier battle.

Healed?!

Such severe wounds, healed so quickly? How was that even possible?!

Galdino's eyes bulged in disbelief, as if he had just heard the most ridiculous lie.

But before he could say another word, Caelan applied a bit of pressure, cutting off his breath and knocking him unconscious.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 34: Furious Crocodile

Seeing the arrogant Galdino knocked unconscious by Caelan, Miss Goldenweek's legs went weak as she stood trembling, staring at him.

What just happened?

He had looked half-dead only a moment ago, being cared for by several girls.

How could he suddenly recover and knock out Mr. 3 as if he had teleported? This was terrifying!

Miss Goldenweek's mind was filled with question marks, and cold sweat rolled down her forehead.

"Ka-ka-ka-ka! I'm glad I didn't have to die at the hands of a scumbag like that!"

Dorry laughed heartily.

"Sad! Caelan really is a monster. To recover so quickly…"

Brogy was also happy for Caelan's counterattack, though at the same time, he was shocked by Caelan's terrifying recovery ability.

Nami, Tashigi, and Vivi were equally stunned watching Caelan suddenly rise and turn the situation around.

Not only had the enemy been caught off guard, but even they could not figure out how Caelan had healed so fast.

"Caelan, you didn't use some method that overdraws your life force just to recover so quickly, did you?"

Vivi's eyes filled with tears, and she covered her mouth as she spoke.

Nami and Tashigi nodded in agreement, both looking at Caelan with concern and heartache.

Even Dorry and Brogy believed that was the case, nodding in understanding.

"How could that be? It was just a small injury. Just needed a little water!"

Caelan replied casually, looking completely relaxed as he explained to the girls.

He truly was not afraid of being injured. All he had lost was a bit of magical energy.

That magic power would naturally recover with time, or at worst, after a good meal.

"You don't need to explain. We understand."

Vivi clearly did not believe him at all and simply assumed he was trying to comfort them.

Nami and Tashigi felt the same.

"Well, alright. Think what you want."

Caelan could only spread his hands helplessly.

What else could he say? No one was going to believe the truth anyway.

"Now then, let's deal with the lady over there."

As soon as Caelan spoke, everyone's eyes turned toward Miss Goldenweek.

Under their angry stares, Miss Goldenweek stood frozen in place.

Is it too late to kneel down and beg for mercy now?

Tears welled up at the corners of the young girl's eyes. She didn't know what to do.

"You're here on Crocodile's orders to deal with us, right?"

Caelan asked her with a smile.

But in Miss Goldenweek's eyes, he looked like a devil.

"N-no… that's right."

Miss Goldenweek stammered, unable to lie.

"Hand over the Den Den Mushi. I want to talk to him."

Caelan kept smiling as he spoke.

"I won't…"

Miss Goldenweek mustered up the courage to try and refuse.

"Won't what?"

Caelan's face instantly turned cold as he raised the same right hand that had knocked out Galdino.

"I… I won't refuse your request!"

Forget it, Crocodile. I'm sorry!

Tears filled Miss Goldenweek's eyes as she hurriedly handed over the Den Den Mushi to Caelan.

"Bru Bru Bru!"

"Bru Bru Bru!"

Caelan accepted it with satisfaction and dialed the Den Den Mushi.

"Hello, Mr. 3. I was just about to contact you. Is there any good news?"

"After you finish them off, return immediately. Our plan needs to begin ahead of schedule."

Crocodile's cold voice came through the Den Den Mushi, the snail showing an indifferent expression.

In his mind, it was only natural that Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek would succeed in taking down Caelan and his group.

Vivi trembled when she heard Crocodile's voice.

The plan was moving forward sooner than expected. Time was running out for Alabasta.

"Crocodile? I'm not your useless subordinate."

Caelan's tone was casual, showing not the slightest respect.

"Who are you?"

Hearing Caelan's unfriendly tone and the fact that he called him by name, Crocodile's voice grew darker.

"Caelan."

Caelan chuckled as he answered.

"…"

There was a brief silence. But as soon as Crocodile processed the name that had ruined his plans twice already, his anger flared.

"So, Mr. 3 failed after all. They're useless trash!"

Though his voice stayed calm, it was clear Crocodile was suppressing his rage. He knew shouting over the Den Den Mushi would accomplish nothing.

"That's right. Everyone in Baroque Works is trash. I've already traded a whole shipload of your men for bounties."

"Mr. Crocodile, it would be great if you could turn yourself in for the bounty too."

Caelan smiled, his words sharp and direct, completely disregarding Crocodile's pride.

They were already clear enemies. Making Crocodile angry only made Caelan happier.

"You dare provoke me just because you defeated a few of my subordinates?"

Crocodile's eye twitched with anger as he growled.

"Crocodile, enjoy the time you have left. You won't have many good days ahead."

Caelan's voice remained calm.

"You…!"

Click!

Just as Crocodile was about to roar again, Caelan calmly hung up the Den Den Mushi.

Staring at the disconnected snail, Crocodile's face twisted with rage. He casually crushed the ashtray on his desk into powder, his mood foul.

"Caelan… I'll make sure you regret this."

A newcomer who had only just entered the Grand Line dared to challenge him and ruin his plans.

Crocodile had already decided to make Caelan's death as cruel as possible, to send a message to the world about the price of offending the Desert King.

….

"Everyone heard it. Crocodile can't wait to make his move, so we need to move fast too."

Caelan turned to Nami and the others. Crocodile was ready to advance his plans. They had no reason to delay either.

The purpose of coming to Little Garden was complete. There was no longer any need to stay.

Vivi looked serious, her heart heavy with concern for Alabasta's situation.

But she also felt touched by Caelan's support.

Dorry and Brogy did not think too deeply about the situation. They simply felt honored.

What kind of waves would Caelan, the man who had defeated them, stir up on these seas?

Surely, the news would soon shake the world.

With the blessings of the two giant warriors, Caelan set out once again.

Of course, before leaving, Caelan did not forget to bring along the unconscious Mr. 3 and the trembling Miss Goldenweek.

After all, they were walking piles of bounty.

Suddenly, Caelan had an amusing thought.

If Crocodile kept sending people after him one by one, would he be able to gather the entire Baroque Works into Impel Down himself?

(To be continued.)

Chapter 35: Incoming War

The Wind Rider left Little Garden, heading toward Alabasta.

During the voyage, Caelan passed by a Marine base. While resupplying, he exchanged Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek for their bounties.

"Mr. Caelan, are you here to turn in bounties?"

The Marine base commander, Captain Rocas, came forward enthusiastically to greet him.

The news that Caelan had exchanged bounties a few days prior had already spread among the Marine branches around Alabasta.

All the local bases knew that a powerful bounty hunter had arrived on the Grand Line.

"Yes, I've had a few small gains these past couple of days."

Caelan smiled.

He waved his hand, and Igaram stepped forward with the depressed Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek.

"Another senior agent of Baroque Works?!"

Rocas's eyes widened, his heart shaken.

This was just a small gain?

A few days ago, they turned in Miss Valentine and Mr. 5. Now it was Miss Goldenweek and Mr. 3. Was this bounty hunter openly declaring war on Crocodile?

Rocas did not dare to ask further and quickly prepared the reward.

"Miss Goldenweek's bounty is 27 million berries, and Mr. 3's bounty is 24 million berries. That makes a total of 51 million berries."

Rocas carefully handed over the bounty.

"Pleasure doing business."

Caelan nodded with satisfaction. This bounty was worth more than the group of over a hundred people he had turned in previously.

"Excuse me… are you planning to go to war with the Warlord of the Sea?"

Rocas couldn't help but ask, though he kept his voice cautious.

"Of course."

Caelan answered casually as he accepted the bounty and turned to leave.

Rocas gasped as he watched Caelan walk away.

"Another challenger…"

He muttered to himself.

Crocodile's infamy on the seas was well known. Many had tried to take him down to make a name for themselves, but all had failed.

"I hope you survive."

Rocas shook his head. Even though Caelan had taken down four senior agents of Baroque Works, Rocas still did not believe he had the strength to defeat Crocodile.

In his eyes, there was an unbridgeable gap between a Warlord of the Sea and their subordinates.

If Caelan could simply survive facing Crocodile, it would already be an accomplishment worth boasting about.

…

Alabasta, Royal Palace.

"The helpers Princess Vivi brought have turned in Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek for bounties!"

Pell reported the good news to King Cobra with excitement.

"Yes. So far, they've already taken down four senior agents of Baroque Works. Their damage is severe."

Chaka was also pleased.

In just a few days, Caelan had captured four senior agents, while their own forces had only managed to eliminate some foot soldiers. It was honestly a bit embarrassing in comparison.

"Good news keeps coming one after another. This is truly encouraging!"

Cobra smiled with relief.

If they could eliminate seven or eight more senior agents and defeat Crocodile, the crisis in Alabasta would be over.

However, as he thought about it, Cobra's expression froze slightly. That would still be a difficult task.

But at this point, they had no choice but to move forward, one step at a time.

"Lately, the people from Baroque Works have been very active. They might be preparing to make a move."

Chaka's tone turned serious.

The recent movements from Baroque Works were likely triggered by Caelan's actions.

"They're attacking non-stop. We can't afford to fall behind either. We must do everything we can to stabilize the situation and crush Crocodile's plot!"

Cobra's eyes were firm.

Hope was right before them. All they could do was endure the pressure and wait for Caelan's arrival.

…

Alabasta, Rain Dinners, Baroque Works Headquarters.

"A newcomer from the East Blue captured four of my agents and had the nerve to mock me!"

Crocodile's face was dark, and the ashtray in his hand shattered into powder once again.

In the office, all the senior agents of Baroque Works lowered their heads, quietly waiting for Crocodile's anger to subside.

After a long moment, Crocodile's expression finally calmed.

"The plan to seize Alabasta has reached its final stage. It must not be disrupted."

His tone was cold and sharp.

He had prepared for five years. Now was the moment to reap the rewards, and he would not allow anyone to get in his way.

"Except for Miss All Sunday, all remaining agents will head to the ports of Alabasta and wait."

This time, Crocodile did not plan to proceed slowly. He intended to crush Cobra's resistance directly and force him to surrender.

The remaining agents were to be used to deal with Caelan.

"As soon as Caelan and his crew land in Alabasta, eliminate them immediately."

Crocodile's eyes narrowed dangerously, his voice low and menacing.

"Boss, we will definitely complete the mission!"

Mr. 1 was the first to speak up, followed by the other agents, all echoing their determination.

"You better keep your word. Don't end up like those two fools."

Crocodile snorted coldly.

Thinking of Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek, who had been so confident just days ago only to end up as prisoners, made his blood boil.

"Don't worry, boss. With all of us working together, we can definitely take him down."

Mr. 4 spoke confidently, patting his large belly.

Caelan may have been able to defeat Mr. 3, but with so many senior agents joining forces, they were certain they could handle him.

"Hmph. That better be the case."

Crocodile finally relaxed a little.

Even if they could not defeat Caelan outright, it didn't matter.

All they needed was to delay him long enough for the plan to be completed.

Once he had the time, Crocodile would personally show Caelan the price of opposing the Desert King.

…

Aboard the Wind Rider, Caelan stashed away the bounty and lay back on his bed.

At that moment, his attention shifted to the system panel in his mind.

[Host: Caelan Alaric]

[Template: Berserker Class - Heracles]

[Synchronization Progress: 54.5%]

[Berry: 3 million]
[Strength: B+ ↑]
[Endurance: B+ ↑]
[Agility: B+ ↑]]
[Magic: B+ ↑
[Luck: A]

[Noble Phantasm]: A+

[Personal Skills]: Battle Continuation (B), Mind's Eye (Fake) (B), Valor (A+), Divinity (A), Madness Enhancement (B)

[Other Skills]: Swordsmanship (B+), Armament Haki (C), Observation Haki (C), Conqueror's Haki (B+)

[Noble Phantasms]: God Hand: The Twelve Labours (B), Nine Lives: Shooting the Hundred Heads (C–A+)

…

After the battle with Dorry and Brogy, Caelan had gained a great deal.

Just as he had expected, the fight pushed his Synchronization progress up by 4%.

More importantly, all three types of Haki within him had awakened.

His Armament Haki and Observation Haki both started at C level, which was already the level of pirates with bounties over 100 million in the New World.

As for his Conqueror's Haki, it had directly reached B+.

Caelan guessed that if he could fully comprehend Advanced Conqueror's Haki, his rating could break through to A level, matching the level of the Four Emperors.

After the fight with the giants, Caelan now had a clearer understanding of the system panel's values.

Above A level was the realm of admirals and the Four Emperors.

B and C levels covered the range from Marine headquarters rear admirals to Yonko commanders.

D and E levels were the stages of ordinary people stepping into the realm of the extraordinary.

With his current stats, Caelan was already at the top level of a Yonko commander.

Caelan quietly planned his next move.

His next step was to completely take down Crocodile and claim the 300 million berry commission from Alabasta.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

A few days later, the Wind Rider finally arrived at Alabasta.

"Caelan, look! It's a desert, such a vast desert!"

Tashigi rushed to the front of the deck, hugging Caelan's arm as she looked out at the endless golden sand, eyes full of wonder.

The desert stretched out as far as the eye could see, a breathtaking natural spectacle.

"Alabasta… I'm back."

Vivi stared at the familiar desert landscape, a bit dazed.

Returning to her homeland stirred both excitement and unease within her.

Alabasta… can I really save you?

Vivi felt a wave of doubt.

Even though Caelan was strong and had easily dealt with four senior agents of Baroque Works, the enemy ahead was none other than the Warlord of the Sea, Crocodile, and the vast Baroque Works organization.

None of the remaining senior agents were easy opponents.

After spending these days together, Vivi had already come to see Caelan and the others as her dearest friends. She did not want them to be put in danger because of her.

Vivi glanced at Caelan, her heart conflicted.

Was it a mistake to involve Caelan and the others in this fight?

"Prepare to dock! Vivi, stop standing there and help fold the sails!"

Nami's voice snapped Vivi back to reality.

"Oh! Coming!"

Vivi quickly moved to help with the sails, snapping out of her thoughts.

"Caelan, Vivi seems a little off."

Tashigi approached Caelan quietly and whispered.

"She's probably worried. Crocodile has left too deep a shadow in her heart."

"But I will handle Crocodile perfectly."

Caelan rubbed Tashigi's head gently, speaking with confidence.

"Yeah!"

Tashigi's eyes sparkled as she fully believed in his words.

Soon, the Wind Rider docked at the shore, and Caelan and his crew stepped onto the desert land of Alabasta.

"Everyone!"

Just as they were heading toward the port city, Vivi suddenly stopped and gathered her courage to speak.

"What's wrong?"

Caelan looked at Vivi in confusion. Nami and Tashigi were also surprised.

"Thank you for taking care of me all this time… but I want to cancel the commission."

Vivi's eyes were filled with tears, but her tone was determined.

"Crocodile is too strong. You shouldn't have to face such an enemy."

The more she spoke, the firmer her resolve became.

"What nonsense are you saying? Do you plan to face Baroque Works alone?"

Nami stepped forward and gave Vivi a light smack on the head, scolding her angrily.

Vivi's words reminded Nami of her own past, and she looked at Vivi with both anger and sympathy.

"I just…"

Vivi held her forehead, unable to continue.

"Vivi, we've already considered you a friend. Helping friends in trouble is only natural."

Caelan's voice was serious.

"Caelan… everyone…"

Vivi looked at Caelan and the two girls beside him, deeply moved.

"And if you cancel the commission, I'll charge you double the breach of contract fee."

Caelan smiled devilishly, locking eyes with Vivi.

"Huh?!"

Vivi gasped, momentarily stunned as she wondered where she would get the money to pay.

By the time she snapped out of it, Caelan and the others were already walking away, clearly not planning to accept her cancellation.

"What?! You're always teasing me!"

Vivi complained, but her heart felt warm. She couldn't stop the smile that crept onto her face.

Meeting Caelan and the others was the greatest luck she'd ever had.

"Vivi, hurry up and catch up!"

Tashigi waved at her from up ahead.

"I'm coming!"

Vivi quickly ran after them, catching up with the group as they moved forward together.

Soon, they arrived at the port city of Alabasta, immediately feeling the unique atmosphere of the desert kingdom.

The people on the streets were dressed lightly for the heat. Merchants called out from both sides, selling a dazzling array of goods. The place was vibrant and lively.

"What a wonderful city!"

Nami and Tashigi were amazed by the port city.

Compared to the most prosperous town in the East Blue, Rogue Town, this place was on a whole different level.

"Of course. Alabasta is one of the great civilizations of the Grand Line!"

Vivi responded proudly when she saw their amazement.

"But because of Baroque Works, the whole country has fallen into poverty and chaos."

"This city looks fine because it's near the port. But even this is far worse than before."

Vivi's expression turned sad as she spoke.

Watching her country fall from peace to turmoil broke her heart.

"Let's resupply first, then move on to dealing with Crocodile."

Caelan gently stroked Vivi's long blue hair, comforting her softly.

"Yeah!"

Vivi nodded firmly, and Nami and Tashigi began buying water and food.

Caelan, meanwhile, frowned slightly as he glanced at some of the nearby vendors.

The special patterns on their clothes and hats were clear symbols of Baroque Works.

It seemed they had been marked as soon as they entered the city.

Just as Caelan expected, the bustling street suddenly descended into chaos. Pedestrians scattered, and shops slammed their doors shut one after another.

"What's going on?"

Tashigi and Nami looked around, startled by the sudden change.

It had been peaceful just moments ago. Why had it turned into panic so suddenly?

"Ma'am, what happened?!"

Vivi grabbed a middle-aged woman who was running past and asked urgently.

"The royal army is out robbing and killing again! They're claiming people are rebels!"

"Don't stay here, run!"

The woman shook off Vivi's hand and fled in terror.

"No… my father would never give such an order!"

Vivi's eyes widened as she shouted in disbelief.

"It's Crocodile. He's moved his plan ahead of schedule."

Caelan walked over and spoke calmly.

Vivi bit her lip, her heart filled with anxiety.

"Don't worry. We'll find someone in charge and ask directly."

Caelan's Observation Haki had already detected someone approaching.

Just as he spoke, more than forty people rushed out from all directions, surrounding Caelan and the others.

The leader of the group was none other than the remaining senior agents of Baroque Works.

With just a glance, Vivi recognized them. These were the agents she feared the most.

Mr. 1, Daz Bonez, the user of the Dice-Dice Fruit, the strongest among the senior agents.

Mr. 2, Bon Clay, the user of the Clone-Clone Fruit.

Miss Doublefinger, Zala, the user of the Spike-Spike Fruit.

Mr. 4, Babe, with his gun that had eaten a Zoan-type Devil Fruit.

Miss Merry Christmas, the user of the Mole-Mole Fruit.

Along with Mr. 11, and several other mid-level agents from Baroque Works.

"All of them are here…"

Vivi's pupils trembled. The pressure was suffocating.

Except for Crocodile and Robin, nearly all of Baroque Works' high-level forces were now gathered in front of them.

"So they really think that highly of us…"

Vivi gave a bitter smile, whispering to herself.

This lineup alone, even without Crocodile, could easily destroy most countries.

Now, all of them were assembled here for one purpose: to deal with Caelan.

It was truly overwhelming.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Chapter 37: Will You Talk? (BONUS)

Vivi, Nami, and Tashigi stared at the Baroque Works agents across from them, tense and alert as if facing a deadly threat.

"You recognize us, huh? Are you scared?"

Miss Doublefinger chuckled softly, covering her mouth with her fingers, appearing completely at ease.

In her eyes, only Caelan was worth paying attention to. The others were nothing more than background.

"You're just a bounty hunter from the East Blue, but I suppose it's worth bragging that you made all of us show up together."

Mr. 4 laughed loudly, carrying his cannon-like gun with the dog that had eaten a Zoan-type Devil Fruit.

The other agents sneered as well, all confident in their victory.

With so many senior agents and mid-level elites gathered, they believed it would be more than enough to deal with Caelan and his group.

"Struggle all you like. We won't be holding back!"

Mr. 1 grinned, eager to make Caelan and the others pay for what they had done to their companions.

"You've arrested so many of us. Today, you'll pay the price!"

Miss Merry Christmas puffed up arrogantly, her fat face shaking as she spoke.

If she had been standing in front of Caelan alone, she wouldn't have dared to act like this. But with so many people here, her confidence swelled.

"So noisy. Can any of you say something useful? Like, for example, what stage your plan is at."

Caelan picked at his ear casually, his tone calm.

He had heard the same tough talk from enemies too many times already. It no longer meant anything to him.

What really concerned him was their progress with the plan.

"Still acting nonchalant at a time like this?"

Mr. 1 sneered, thinking this was exactly the kind of delusion that would make someone dare to challenge Crocodile.

But now that he saw Caelan in person, he thought he was just a young man with a bit of momentum but no understanding of his true situation.

"Mr. 1, quit wasting time talking to this brat. Let's finish them off and report back!"

Miss Doublefinger could no longer hold back her impatience.

The Utopia Plan had reached its final stage, and they still hoped to make it back in time to assist.

Seeing that the group before them had no intention of surrendering, Caelan also lost interest in entertaining their arrogance.

"If you won't talk while standing, then I'll have you talk lying down."

Caelan let out a sigh, his tone turning cold.

Boom!

An invisible and overwhelming pressure surged from Caelan's body.

The next moment, countless streaks of purple-black lightning crackled through the air, enveloping the entire city as Caelan released his Conqueror's Haki.

Although Caelan had deliberately focused his Conqueror's Haki on the Baroque Works agents, the sheer intensity still swept through the entire area.

Ordinary citizens caught in the aftermath fainted as if crushed beneath a natural disaster.

The previously chaotic streets fell silent, the fleeing people collapsing as if falling into a deep sleep.

Complete silence blanketed the entire city.

As for the Baroque Works agents directly hit by Caelan's Haki, they could hardly bear it.

The terrifying wave of Conqueror's Haki made the mid-level agents feel like they had plunged straight into hell. They collapsed to the ground foaming at the mouth, unconscious.

Only the five senior agents remained conscious, lying flat on the ground and gasping for breath, barely able to resist fainting.

"H-how could the legendary Conqueror's Haki appear here?!"

Mr. 1 was completely shaken, unable to hide the panic in his voice.

It was too powerful. The pressure was like mountains collapsing, the seas surging, the sky shattering.

They could not resist. All they could do was kneel, crushed beneath this overwhelming presence.

Mr. 1 gritted his teeth and tried to stand, but even as his bones creaked under the strain, he could not rise beneath the crushing weight of the Haki.

The other senior agents lay limp on the ground, stunned and spiritless like dead fish, unable to even muster the will to resist.

It all felt absurd. This kind of monster, rare even in the New World, was standing right in front of them.

Ignoring Mr. 1, Caelan first turned back to check on Nami and the others.

Even though he had tried to avoid them, Nami, Vivi, and Tashigi still felt the effects of the Haki. Beads of sweat rolled down their foreheads.

Caelan adjusted the range of his Haki several times, finally concentrating it entirely on the Baroque Works agents.

"Sorry. Still a bit unskilled with it."

Caelan gave an apologetic smile to Nami and the others. His Conqueror's Haki had only awakened a few days ago and was still hard to control precisely.

"We're fine!"

Nami responded excitedly, covering her chest where her heart was still racing.

Seeing that they were unharmed, Caelan was relieved.

Turning back toward the Baroque Works agents, Caelan walked up to their leader.

"So, will you tell me about your plan now?"

Caelan stared down at Mr. 1, asking casually.

"Hah… dream on!"

Despite the fear in his heart, Mr. 1 bit back his pain and answered defiantly.

"What about the rest of you? Are you all going to be this stubborn too?"

Caelan glanced at the other senior agents, but they remained silent, avoiding eye contact.

"Haha… I admire your backbone, but I don't agree with it."

Caelan chuckled coldly, then turned his gaze back to Mr. 1.

"You were the loudest one just now, weren't you?"

"Huh?!"

Mr. 1's eyes widened in alarm, unsure of what Caelan was planning.

Without another word, Caelan raised his left foot and stomped hard on Mr. 1's right wrist, grinding it into the ground.

"Ahhhh!"

Mr. 1 screamed, his fingers twisting unnaturally as the bones beneath were crushed mercilessly under Caelan's boot.

In a desperate move, Mr. 1 activated the powers of the Dice-Dice Fruit, turning his hand into steel, blades growing from his fingers.

But Caelan merely sneered, coating his foot with Armament Haki before continuing to crush the bladed hand beneath his heel.

The steel-like fingers snapped under the pressure, blood pooling on the ground.

"Ahhh! Aaaahhh!"

Mr. 1 howled in agony, his cries piercing the air.

Nearby, the mid-level agents, just beginning to regain consciousness from the shock of the Conqueror's Haki, opened their eyes only to see this brutal scene.

They stared at Caelan in terror. He was powerful, and cruel. Absolutely terrifying.

"So, who's going to tell me now? What is the plan, and how far along is it?"

Caelan's eyes swept coldly over the remaining Baroque Works agents.

"I'll talk! I'll talk!"

One of the mid-level agents finally broke, trembling as he hurriedly began to spill everything.

It wasn't long before they laid out the full plan: using Dance Powder to cause a three-year drought, turning the people against the royal family, plotting to assassinate Cobra, and seizing control of the country under the guise of being a hero…

And now, they were already in the final stages of the plan.

"What? He's the one behind all of this?!"

Vivi's eyes turned red, fury and sorrow surging in her chest.

She had thought Crocodile was simply stoking the conflict between the people and the kingdom, but she never imagined he was behind all the suffering her country had endured.

Even her father's life was now at risk.

"Don't worry. There's still time. We'll stop him."

Standing behind her, Caelan reached out and gently comforted Vivi.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 38: Head There At Top Speed

"Caelan, what should we do?"

Vivi's eyes were filled with confusion. The constant stream of bad news left her at a complete loss.

Her father Cobra's safety, the growing misunderstanding between the people and the royal army, and the manipulated rebellion…

Every piece of news struck her like a heavy hammer, shaking her heart.

"We head to the capital as soon as possible."

"Since Crocodile has moved his plan ahead, that will be the final battlefield."

Caelan thought for a moment and gave his answer.

According to what they learned from the mid-level agents, Crocodile was already furious and planned to take the country by force.

Even Mr. 2 Bon Clay had been sent out, which meant Crocodile had abandoned his idea of impersonating Cobra.

From this point on, Crocodile's actions would only grow more violent and crazed.

"Yes… as long as Crocodile is stopped, everything can be saved."

Vivi's gaze became firm once again.

She had resolved to stop Crocodile, determined not to let her country fall into his hands.

Even if it meant sacrificing her life, she would not hesitate.

Soon, they woke the newspaper publisher who had been knocked out by the wave of Conqueror's Haki.

They handed over all the information on Baroque Works, asking the newspaper to expose Crocodile's conspiracy to the public.

After that, they went to the Marine station in the city, turning over the captured Baroque Works members and exchanging them for a bounty of 130 million berries.

With simple medical treatment completed, the group immediately set off toward the capital of Alabasta, Alubarna.

…

At the Marine Branch, Captain Deka watched as Caelan and his group left, his expression grave.

"That Conqueror's Haki just now… it must have been from him. It's unbelievable."

Captain Deka spoke in disbelief.

Until now, he had only ever heard of Conqueror's Haki.

It was said that those who possessed the qualities of a king were always among the top powerhouses on the seas.

"For a bounty hunter from the East Blue to awaken such a talent…"

Captain Deka was deeply puzzled.

In his understanding, this type of gift was rare even in the New World.

For it to appear here at the entrance to the Grand Line was simply unimaginable.

At that moment, a group of soldiers brought over the senior Baroque Works agents, their hands bound tightly with Seastone handcuffs.

"Sir, is it really true about Crocodile's conspiracy?"

The soldiers still found it hard to believe. The scale of the crime seemed too shocking to accept.

Crocodile was officially recognized as a Warlord of the Sea and had always portrayed himself as Alabasta's hero.

Even though they now knew Baroque Works belonged to him, they had assumed it was just to boost his reputation.

No one had imagined Crocodile was the one behind the drought, or that he planned to overthrow the kingdom.

"Didn't those Baroque Works agents explain everything clearly?"

"The evidence is solid, their plan has clear logic, and the facts line up."

Captain Deka's face darkened.

If not for such undeniable proof, even he would not have believed it.

A Warlord of the Sea, a system established by the World Government, plotting to usurp a member nation? It was unthinkable.

"Thankfully, Caelan and his group uncovered the plot."

Captain Deka felt a wave of gratitude.

If Caelan hadn't acted, they would have remained blind to the truth.

Had Crocodile's plan continued unnoticed, the royal family would have been wiped out, countless civilians would have died, and the Marines would have borne part of the blame for their failure to prevent it.

"But… can Caelan really defeat Crocodile on his own?"

Deka frowned, looking toward the direction of the capital, worry etched across his face.

He knew Caelan possessed Conqueror's Haki and had crushed a group of senior agents with ease, as if swatting flies.

But the enemy he was about to face was nothing like those agents.

It was Crocodile of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, wielder of the Sand-Sand Fruit.

A Logia-type Devil Fruit, just like the admirals. Immune to physical attacks, capable of reshaping the battlefield at will.

Just imagining it left Captain Deka feeling hopeless.

Aside from the admirals, he could not think of anyone who might stand a chance.

Deka took a deep breath, suppressing his concern.

His next priority was to spread the truth and request support from Marine Headquarters.

"Notify all nearby Marine branches. Prepare to stabilize the situation with the civilians."

Deka was already imagining the chaos that would erupt once the people learned the truth.

He quickly picked up the Den Den Mushi to contact headquarters and report the incident.

…

Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral's Office.

The moment the report came in, the high-ranking officers at Headquarters gathered for an emergency meeting.

"How dare he!"

Fleet Admiral Sengoku slammed the table in fury, his usual calm demeanor gone.

A Warlord of the Sea, a pirate officially sanctioned by the World Government, attempting to overthrow a member nation?

The implications of this were far too severe.

Would the other 170-plus member nations simply sit back and accept it?

They would certainly question the authority of the World Government, stirring up unrest across the entire world.

"I've said it before, the Seven Warlords system is a mistake!"

"We should have abolished it long ago!"

Akainu spoke up, his expression grim and voice harsh.

Even Aokiji, usually quick to challenge Akainu's aggressive views, stayed silent this time. The matter was simply too serious.

"Ahem. Enough. The priority right now is to discuss how to handle the situation."

Vice Admiral Tsuru interrupted, cutting off the argument.

Whether the Seven Warlords system should remain was a decision for the World Government, not the Marines.

"The most urgent task is to send support to Alabasta immediately and take down Crocodile."

Sengoku's expression was stern as he gave the order.

"Borsalino, head there at top speed and make sure this matter is resolved quickly!"

Sengoku turned his gaze to Kizaru.

Kizaru yawned, raising his heavy eyelids as he stood reluctantly.

"Isn't that Caelan guy already there? He should be able to handle Crocodile."

Kizaru's tone was as lazy as ever. He clearly did not want to go.

"What nonsense! How could he possibly stand up to Crocodile? Just go already!"

Sengoku's face darkened as he scolded Kizaru.

Of course, Sengoku knew about Caelan. He had personally approved his bounty hunter license and recognized his potential.

But defeating Crocodile? It was far too soon for that.

Maybe in a few years, once Caelan had fully mastered Haki. But not now.

"Crocodile really is terrifying, isn't he?"

Kizaru sighed dramatically, then left the meeting room, turning into a flash of light as he headed toward Alabasta.

Watching him go, Sengoku let out a long breath.

Despite his laziness, Kizaru was reliable when it came to completing missions.

"Alright, let's continue discussing the situation."

Sengoku brought the focus back to the meeting.

This matter was too serious. Capturing Crocodile alone would not be enough to resolve it.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 39: Final Stage

Later that evening, citizens of the city, who had been stunned by the wave of Conqueror's Haki, began to wake up one by one.

"What happened? Why did we suddenly faint?"

Many people stood up, confused and disoriented.

Their memories remained stuck on the earlier chaos, when they had been chased by Baroque Works agents disguised as the royal army.

"The despicable and shameless Crocodile! The evil Baroque Works! They slandered King Cobra!"

"Breaking news! One newspaper for one berry!"

The newspapers on the streets not only exposed Crocodile's conspiracy but also included a brief introduction to Caelan, explaining how he had uncovered the truth.

The newspaper workers shouted loudly, explaining the situation to countless confused citizens.

"Crocodile is the hero of Alabasta! How dare you slander him!"

One citizen shouted angrily, clearly a loyal supporter of Crocodile.

"Heh, see for yourself!"

The newspaper worker sneered and slapped a paper into the man's hands.

"What?! The three-year drought was caused by Crocodile?!"

"He ordered Baroque Works to provoke a civil war in the kingdom?!"

The citizens who had just been brimming with righteous anger were left stunned.

The crimes listed in the newspaper, which they had always blamed on King Cobra, were now clearly revealed to be the work of Crocodile.

At first, many still doubted the report. They wondered if this could simply be a lie from the royal family to shift blame.

But when the Marines arrived, working alongside the newspapers to spread the truth and publicly displayed the captured Baroque Works agents, their doubts began to vanish.

The truth could no longer be denied. Crocodile was the true mastermind.

"How could this be? How could this happen?!"

The eyes of countless citizens went blank with shock, then quickly burned with rage and hatred.

Because of Crocodile's selfish ambition, their country had suffered through a three-year drought without a single drop of rain.

Their lives had become unbearable, their families torn apart, friends and loved ones lost to famine.

They had been kept in the dark, worshipping the very man who had caused their suffering and turning their anger toward the innocent king.

Now that the truth had come to light, the people's hatred for Crocodile was fierce, and their guilt toward the royal family ran deep.

"Thank you, Caelan, for revealing the truth to us!"

Countless citizens expressed their gratitude.

Before this, they had never even heard Caelan's name.

But now, in their hearts, Caelan had become a hero.

"Caelan went to the capital to confront Crocodile. Can he really win?"

The people could not hide their worry.

Even though their hatred for Crocodile ran deep, they could not imagine defeating him themselves.

Crocodile's image as the desert's invincible hero had been deeply ingrained. He had crushed other pirates with ease, summoned sandstorms before their eyes, and turned into sand at will.

In the eyes of the people, Crocodile was like a god of the desert, untouchable and unbeatable.

Many citizens were filled with doubt and fear for Caelan's safety.

…

Alabasta's capital, Alubarna.

In a hidden base belonging to Baroque Works.

"Boss, several of the senior agents have been captured, and our entire plan has been exposed!"

The panicked report came through the Den Den Mushi.

Crocodile remained silent, listening to the bad news.

"Boss, I'm hanging up. The Marines are searching nearby!"

There was a brief flurry of chaotic sounds before the Den Den Mushi went silent.

Staring at the silent snail, Crocodile's face turned ashen. His clenched fists creaked with tension.

The image of his confident agents taking on their assignments flashed through his mind, their boasting still echoing in his ears.

"What were they saying just a few days ago?"

"All so full of confidence, bragging about how easily they would deal with that bounty hunter!"

"But as soon as Caelan showed up, they were all captured."

"Not even a day! Not even one day!"

Crocodile's voice trembled with rage, his entire body shaking.

If they had just held out for two more days, the plan would have been complete.

Could a bounty hunter from the East Blue, a newcomer to the Grand Line, really be this terrifying?!

Just days ago, Baroque Works had been thriving. His plan to seize the country was progressing smoothly.

Everything had been perfectly in place. Victory was within his grasp.

How had it all crumbled so quickly?

Years of careful planning, years of building power, destroyed in the blink of an eye.

His dream of seizing Alabasta in glory had completely collapsed.

His position as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea was as good as lost.

Years of hard work, now on the verge of ruin.

Crocodile's hatred toward Caelan burned so intensely that he wanted to tear him apart to relieve his fury.

"Boss… should we call off the plan?"

Nico Robin, standing nearby, looked at Crocodile calmly and asked.

She was not as angry at Caelan as Crocodile was. In fact, part of her felt a sense of relief.

She was secretly thankful that the Utopia Plan had failed.

Robin had no desire to bring so much suffering upon a country.

The only regret she held was not being able to read the Poneglyph.

"What nonsense are you spouting?! I haven't failed yet!"

Crocodile's bloodshot eyes stared at Robin as he roared in anger.

"The news hasn't reached the capital yet. Use everything we have to incite the rebellion immediately!"

"I'm going to storm the palace. I want to see the Poneglyph with my own eyes!"

"As long as I get Pluton, I'll rise again. I will become the new emperor of this sea!"

Crocodile was completely unhinged now, clinging to the hope that the ancient weapon Pluton could still turn his fate around.

"Nico Robin… Devil Child…"

"You'll cooperate, won't you?"

Crocodile narrowed his eyes, glaring at Robin. His tone was dark and threatening.

"Of course. I also want to see the Poneglyph."

Robin replied calmly, her lips curling into a slight smile.

But she had only promised to see the Poneglyph, not to share its contents.

If the Poneglyph did indeed hold the location of Pluton, she would rather take that secret to the grave.

"Hahaha… Good! That's more like it!"

Crocodile laughed wildly, his ambition reignited by the thought of Pluton.

As long as he obtained the ancient weapon, he believed he could recover everything he had lost, twice over.

"Caelan… I hope you come to me before I leave Alabasta."

"I'll make sure to give you a proper welcome."

Crocodile's expression turned sinister.

He knew that the Marines would surely dispatch an admiral after the plan was exposed. He would have to escape Alabasta soon.

But before leaving, he could not accept the humiliation of letting Caelan walk away unharmed.

If Caelan thought he could step on him to climb to the top, then he should be prepared to die for it.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Chapter 40: Confrontation

The next morning, in front of the palace.

A large number of rebels had gathered outside the palace gates, while the royal army inside remained on high alert, ready for battle at any moment.

King Cobra stood atop the palace wall, shouting down to the rebel leader, Koza, from afar.

"Koza, is this really necessary?"

"Once the fighting begins, how many innocent lives will be lost?!"

Cobra's voice was filled with emotion.

He regarded the people as his own family and could not bear to see them slaughtering one another.

"Your Majesty, things have gone too far. This is no longer something I can stop."

Koza did not show the spirit of a rebel leader. Instead, his expression was heavy and grim.

Just yesterday, he had been hopeful. With Crocodile's conspiracy exposed, he had intended to negotiate with the royal army.

But overnight, the middle-level rebels had gone mad, stirring up anger throughout the ranks.

No matter what he said, they still placed all the blame on Cobra and were determined to storm the palace.

Now, Koza found himself carried by the will of the rebellion, unable to make decisions on his own.

"Chief, why waste words with him? Kill the tyrant!"

A middle-ranking rebel shouted passionately. On his hat was the symbol of Baroque Works.

"Kill the tyrant!"
"Kill the tyrant!"

The rebel army suddenly roared, their killing intent boiling over.

"Your Majesty, give the order to counterattack!"

Chaka turned to Cobra urgently.

It had come to this. They could no longer afford to show mercy.

"No. I will not harm them. Alabasta belongs to all its people."

Cobra closed his eyes in pain.

He could not bring himself to attack his own citizens.

If his death could put an end to this war, he would gladly give his life.

"Haha. What a noble monarch."

Crocodile's mocking voice rang out as he suddenly appeared behind Cobra, with Nico Robin at his side.

He showed nothing but disdain for Cobra's soft-heartedness, but he was happy to take advantage of it.

Seeing Crocodile appear, Chaka transformed into his jackal form and Pell into his falcon form, both instantly on guard.

"King Cobra, take me to see the Poneglyph."

Crocodile ignored Chaka and Pell entirely, speaking directly to Cobra.

"Kill me if you want, but you will never get what is written there!"

Cobra refused without hesitation.

The secrets his family had guarded for generations, especially something so dangerous, could not be allowed to fall into the hands of a man like Crocodile.

"You do not care about your own life, but what about the people outside?"

Crocodile smiled cruelly.

He picked up a Den Den Mushi and gave a simple command. Outside, the rebels immediately grew more excited and aggressive.

The rebel forces surged toward the palace, forcing the royal army to prepare for battle.

Seeing the inevitable clash, Cobra closed his eyes, his expression filled with anguish.

On one side was the secret his family had sworn to protect. On the other, the lives of thousands of his people. The choice tormented him.

"…Fine. I will take you there."

Cobra finally spoke, his voice heavy with despair.

The decision seemed to drain all the strength from his body, and in that moment, he appeared much older.

"Your Majesty!"

Chaka and Pell both shouted, trying to stop him.

"There is no need to say anything more. I have made my decision."

Cobra shook his head, cutting them off. This was his choice to make.

"Very good. Let's go."

Crocodile grinned, pleased.

Cobra gave one last look toward the battlefield below, then turned and led Crocodile and Robin toward the burial chamber beneath the palace where the Poneglyph was hidden.

The moment they left, several rebels smiled coldly and stirred up the crowd even further.

In the next instant, the rebel army launched their assault on the royal army.

The battle had begun.

Chaka and Pell wanted to chase after Cobra but were quickly trapped in the chaos of the fighting and could not break away.

…

When Caelan and his group arrived at the palace, the two sides were already locked in combat. Blood stained the sand, and soldiers clashed everywhere.

"How… how could this happen? They've already started fighting!"

"No! I have to stop them!"

Vivi's face turned pale as she watched the brutal scene unfold before her. She stepped forward anxiously, wanting to intervene.

"It's useless. They are already consumed by the fight. Who would you persuade now?"

"To handle this, you need to be direct."

Caelan reached out to stop Vivi, speaking calmly.

Vivi looked at him, startled, not understanding what he meant.

The next moment, an overwhelming wave of Conqueror's Haki burst forth from Caelan, sweeping across the entire battlefield.

"Boom!"

Every soldier on both sides felt as though they had been struck in the head by a hammer.

Their bodies trembled, cold sweat dripping down their backs as if they were prey caught in the gaze of a hungry beast.

Weapons clattered to the ground as soldiers froze in place, stunned.

All eyes turned to Caelan.

After using his Conqueror's Haki the day before, Caelan's control had already improved significantly. Now he could direct the pressure exactly where he wanted.

Caelan nodded in satisfaction, then, under the watchful gaze of both armies, walked forward with Vivi to the center of the battlefield.

"It's Caelan! And Princess Vivi! Everyone, stop!"

Koza, who had been struggling to regain control of the rebels, immediately shouted out.

Caelan's display of power reignited his hope.

With the force of Caelan's Haki and their leader's order, the rebel army quickly calmed down.

"It's Princess Vivi! And bounty hunter Caelan! Stand down!"

Chaka and Pell, equally surprised and relieved, called out to the king's army.

When the soldiers saw Vivi, they knelt down immediately, showing their loyalty to the royal family.

"Explain everything to them."

Caelan leaned down and whispered to Vivi.

Vivi nodded firmly, stepping forward to face the armies and clearly explaining Crocodile's plot.

"The king has been wrongfully accused!"

The soldiers of the royal army erupted in cheers.

"What?! How could this be?!"

The rebels were stunned. The truth shattered their beliefs in an instant.

Though some resisted the truth at first, when Koza stood by Vivi's side and confirmed her words, the rebels had no choice but to accept it.

Between Caelan's overwhelming presence and Vivi's heartfelt explanation, the last flames of rebellion were extinguished.

"To protect the people, King Cobra has been forced by Crocodile to take him to the royal family's hidden chamber."

Chaka and Pell approached Vivi and Caelan, their faces grave as they reported the situation.

"What?! Father…!"

Vivi's eyes welled up with tears. She was overwhelmed with worry.

"Lead the way. We're going to find Crocodile."

"Your father is safe for now, but that may not last."

Caelan picked up Vivi, his voice calm but serious.

There was no time to waste. They needed to move quickly.

"Yes!"

Vivi nodded firmly, pointing out the direction.

Holding Vivi securely, Caelan sprinted toward the chamber beneath the palace.

He left Nami and Tashigi behind at the palace to hold the line.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 41: Strange Laugh

In front of the Poneglyph.

"Everything recorded here is the history of Alabasta. There is no mention of Pluton."

Robin looked straight at Crocodile and spoke calmly.

"Say that again!"

Crocodile glared at her, his expression dark.

He couldn't understand the Poneglyph.

But he knew that the carving on the Poneglyph dated back to before Alabasta, so how could it record the kingdom's history?

Was she treating him like a fool?

If Robin weren't the only one who could decipher the Poneglyph, he would've drawn his sword and killed her on the spot.

"I said there is no information about Pluton."

Robin remained composed and repeated herself right in his face.

Of course, she was lying. It clearly stated that Pluton was hidden in Wano Country.

But she didn't want such a deadly weapon falling into the hands of someone as cruel as Crocodile, so she lied.

Looking at Crocodile's furious expression, Robin felt a flicker of satisfaction.

The five-year plan to seize the kingdom, the Baroque Works that he painstakingly built—it had all been destroyed by Caelan.

He had finally gotten close to clues about Pluton, and even the translator who had worked with him for years dared to betray him.

Crocodile clenched his fists, on the verge of snapping.

Off to the side, Cobra was stunned. He had thought Crocodile was about to succeed, but it turned out someone even stronger had been hiding in the shadows.

Cobra looked at Robin curiously. This woman also had a story.

"If this only concerns Alabasta's history, then you're useless to me."

Crocodile stared coldly at Robin, his face grim.

Unfortunately for him, Robin didn't look afraid at all. She stayed calm throughout.

Even if she knew where Pluton was, she would never tell him.

To him now, Robin really was useless.

Crocodile clenched his fists and was about to end Robin's life.

Watching Crocodile's movements, Robin closed her eyes, filled with regret.

It was unfortunate she still hadn't found the Poneglyph that recorded the Void Century, and she couldn't fulfill Ohara's final wish.

It was unfortunate she couldn't live on for Saul and her mother.

"Dereshi, Dereshi, shi, shi, shi."

At the end of her life, Robin chose to recall Saul's laughter.

Seeing Robin's strange smile, Crocodile was so angry.

Even facing death, she still wanted to mock him?

Crocodile struck out, aiming to kill Robin with one blow.

Just as his fist was about to hit her, a giant sword flew over.

Boom!

The enormous sword carried massive force, instantly knocking Crocodile away and slamming him into the wall.

"Looks like I got here just in time."

Caelan walked into the funeral hall with Vivi in his arms.

"It's Vivi and Warrior Caelan!"

Cobra's eyes lit up and he immediately brightened.

"Dad! I'm so glad you're still alive!"

Vivi rushed to Cobra, beaming with joy.

Robin stared at Caelan in a daze, feeling somewhat grateful.

Sure enough, even if she had prepared herself to die, surviving still felt better.

"What, you're rushing to die too?!"

Crocodile got up from the wall with a twisted grin.

Caelan had ruined his plans time and time again, completely shattering everything he'd worked for.

Now, he even dared to interfere when Crocodile was about to deal with a traitor. He couldn't tolerate it anymore.

"Not really. I just saw how lonely you looked and thought I'd help you reunite with your subordinates."

Caelan spoke with a straight face, as if he truly meant it.

"..."

Crocodile's face twitched, and the grin on his face quickly turned gloomy.

The next moment, he could no longer suppress his fury and let out a furious roar.

"What a joke!"

"Do you even know who you're facing!!!"

"I'm Crocodile, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea!!!"

Crocodile bent his right hand into a claw and slashed toward Caelan with force.

But Caelan didn't dodge or move. He let the attack land directly.

Seeing Caelan act so arrogantly, Crocodile grinned viciously.

He had already imagined the sight of Caelan's stomach being ripped open.

Swish!

Crocodile's claws tore through Caelan's clothes, leaving several bloody gashes on his body.

"How is this possible?!"

Crocodile stared at Caelan in disbelief.

That attack had been full of rage and was one of his strongest moves.

Back when he pretended to be a hero in Alabasta, this single claw had been enough to kill pirates.

But now, it only left superficial wounds on Caelan's body.

Was his physical strength just that overwhelming?

"You're strong, I'll give you that."

Caelan felt the sting of the wound and smiled.

That kind of power really deserved to be taken seriously.

But then Caelan glanced around the unstable funeral hall and decided to take the battle elsewhere.

If the place collapsed during the fight, he'd be fine, but Vivi and the others would be in real danger.

"I'd rather not be buried underground. Let's fight somewhere more open."

"Armament Haki, coat!"

Caelan's right hand turned black as he backhanded and grabbed Crocodile's right arm.

"Haki?!"

Crocodile's pupils shrank, immediately sensing something was wrong.

Swish!

While Crocodile was still shocked, Caelan dragged him out of the burial hall and into the desert outside the palace.

Before leaving, Caelan didn't forget to pick up his giant sword.

"You actually know how to use Haki?!"

Crocodile snapped out of it, broke free from Caelan's grip with ease, and stared at him in disbelief.

Back in the New World, Haki users were everywhere. If you didn't know at least one or two types of Haki, you weren't even qualified to call yourself a pirate.

But in the first half of the Grand Line, especially near the starting point, Haki was a rarity.

Yet Caelan had completely upended his expectations.

Not only did he know Haki, but his control was also incredibly refined.

"What? You don't?"

Caelan looked at Crocodile, the corners of his mouth lifting.

"You…!"

Crocodile's expression turned ugly.

Of course he knew about Haki. But he hadn't trained it much and was still at the beginner level.

After failing to challenge Whitebeard, he retreated to the first half of the Grand Line.

There were no enemies here that required Haki to defeat. With just the powers of the Sand-Sand Fruit, he could dominate.

So without any real training, his Haki had never developed.

Now, compared to Caelan's Haki, his own seemed worthless.

To be upstaged by a rookie in the Grand Line infuriated Crocodile.

It was true, Crocodile hadn't expected someone new to the Grand Line to be capable of using Haki.

But he wasn't afraid. Back in the New World, he had defeated plenty of powerful opponents who could use Haki.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Crocodile's face twisted in fury, his sinister gaze locked onto Caelan.

His entire body was trembling with anger.

Extreme anger.

The power he had built up over many years was destroyed by the bastard in front of him, leaving him completely isolated.

The Pluton he had planned for so long, the title of Shichibukai he had painstakingly earned, all were buried at Caelan's hands.

A rookie who had just entered the Grand Line had crushed everything he had and even looked down on him!

The fury and humiliation in Crocodile's heart erupted like a volcano.

"Go to hell!"

Crocodile roared, pressing his right hand firmly to the ground.

"Erosion Cycle!"

The full power of the Sand-Sand Fruit was unleashed!

In the next moment.

The water veins deep beneath the desert, along with the moisture in the air, were all sucked dry by Crocodile's right hand.

The desert, already barren, was now completely lifeless.

Boom!

Deadly sandstorms surged into the sky.

The sand blotted out the sun, turning the battlefield into a desolate wasteland covered in a dim, deathly yellow hue.

The ground cracked apart. Stones, plants, animals, all living things, were eroded by the sandstorm and soon disintegrated into sand.

"Now what?"

Crocodile's voice came from within the storm, full of pride.

He had obviously turned into sand and merged with the storm.

He wanted to see fear in Caelan's eyes, but unfortunately, he did not.

"It's fine. It's just like taking a shower."

In the violent, raging sandstorm, Caelan spoke calmly.

With Armament Haki coating his entire body, the sand could not erode him for now.

"Still putting up a front. How long can your Haki last?"

Crocodile was not discouraged, remaining full of confidence.

If mere Haki could resist his strongest move, he would not have become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

Under the cycle of erosion, many powerful Haki users had been exhausted to death in the sands.

In Crocodile's eyes, the power of his Devil Fruit was not necessarily weaker than those with overwhelming Haki.

"It can probably last ten days."

Caelan said calmly.

His endurance was ranked at B+, the same level as his strength.

This level of consumption was nothing to him.

"Stop boasting and just wait quietly for death!"

Crocodile laughed disdainfully.

He simply thought Caelan was bluffing.

In the New World, pirates with bounties of hundreds of millions could barely last ten minutes under his Erosion Cycle.

There was no way Caelan could last ten days.

"Although I'd love to open your eyes, I have no interest in wasting time with you."

Caelan didn't want to drag this out. It was too boring to prolong the fight.

The only trouble was that his current Observation Haki wasn't sharp enough to accurately locate Crocodile within the storm.

But if he couldn't pinpoint him, then he would simply cover the entire area with an attack!

"Next, you'll die under my strongest move."

"Get ready, Crocodile!"

Caelan smiled brightly, raising the giant sword in his hand.

"I may already be a corpse, but my sins are eternal."

"And so, I shall consign my body and soul to the seat of oblivion that drifts in Hades."

"My great foe and pitiful fellow, dance along with my mad rush."

"Noble Phantasm, Nine Lives: Shooting the Hundred Heads!"

Massive power and magical energy surged through his body, gathering into the giant sword and dispersing the surrounding sand.

In mythology, Heracles slew the Hydra's nine heads simultaneously with a bow and arrow.

Nine Lives: Shooting the Hundred Heads was an extension of that.

This Noble Phantasm was not limited to a specific weapon. It could be used with bows, swords, spears, axes, or shields.

Once unleashed, nine simultaneous strongest attacks would burst forth, powerful enough to alter the terrain.

"What!?"

Crocodile sensed the immense surge of energy from Caelan and was visibly shaken.

Even though he had elementalized into sand, a chilling fear crept into him.

The next moment, with a world-shattering momentum, a gigantic slash erupted from Caelan's sword, cloaked in a thin layer of Armament Haki.

The slash split into nine, attacking indiscriminately.

In the sky, beneath the ground, and throughout the surrounding area.

Within a one-kilometer radius, everything visible was enveloped by the attack.

The yellow sand that once covered the sun dissipated in an instant under the overwhelming slashes.

Subconsciously, Crocodile's sand-form instinctively retreated.

He tried to flee, trying to keep his distance and escape the strike.

"Haha, futile."

Sensing Crocodile's position, Caelan sneered.

This was a technique designed to slay a Hydra. It covered an entire city, how could it be so easily avoided?

In Crocodile's horrified eyes, a slash struck him.

"How is this possible!?"

Crocodile exclaimed loudly.

Even though he was over a thousand meters away from Caelan, he still couldn't escape. The attack hadn't lost any power.

The irresistible strength left him no hope of victory.

The elementalized Crocodile couldn't defend against a slash imbued with Armament Haki.

The next moment, his elemental form was forcibly restored to human form.

Crocodile's body was covered in wounds. His internal organs and bones were severely damaged, and he lay on the ground coughing up blood.

The power of Nine Lives: Shooting the Hundred Heads gradually faded.

But the battlefield had undergone a complete transformation.

The once-flat desert had become a giant basin, and the loose sand, compressed under immense force, had melted into crystal-like glass upon cooling.

The crystal basin sparkled under the sun, silently telling the world how fierce the battle had been.

Caelan walked over and silently looked down at Crocodile.

At this moment, Crocodile was gravely injured, his breath weak, with none of his former grandeur.

Crocodile stared at Caelan in shock.

If it weren't for his strong physique and partial immunity through elemental transformation, he would already be dead.

He had never seen such destructive power, such terrifying swordsmanship.

Even back when he had challenged Whitebeard years ago, facing the power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, Crocodile hadn't felt such horror.

No chance to dodge, no chance to resist. It was truly the strongest blow.

The forces he had built over years were shattered. His years of planning were turned to dust. His final hopes all crumbled before Caelan.

A wave of desolation and frustration washed over him, finally draining him of all fight.

"Hahahahahah. It was all futile, huh?"

Crocodile laughed bitterly, using all his strength to speak.

Just entering the Grand Line, and already possessing such terrifying power. Was the sea about to welcome a new emperor?

Crocodile thought of Whitebeard, whom he had once challenged. Now, the title of the world's strongest might soon have a new contender.

"Caelan, don't get defeated by anyone else before I challenge you again next time!"

Crocodile looked at Caelan and said firmly.

He was Crocodile, and he would definitely make a comeback.

"Oh, sure. After you get out of Impel Down."

Caelan replied calmly, not taking Crocodile's words seriously.

In front of him, a temporary defeat meant a permanent defeat.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Chapter 43: Over (BONUS)

Everyone in the palace saw the massive commotion and rushed over.

Cobra, Vivi, Nami, Tashigi, Robin, along with the rebels and the royal army, all arrived.

"What happened here?"

"The desert turned into a basin, and even the sand was compressed into crystal!?"

Everyone stared in shock at the glowing crystal basin before them.

The battle between Crocodile and Caelan had been terrifying.

The environment within a radius of one kilometer had been completely transformed by their clash.

The generals of both the rebel and the royal armies were astounded.

They were just ordinary people with slightly more strength, and couldn't begin to comprehend how much power it would take to cause such catastrophic changes to the land.

Compared to this kind of battlefield, their swords and muskets were nothing more than toys.

This level of destruction could wipe out a hundred thousand troops with ease!

Everyone continued forward. Before knowing the final result, they were all anxious.

If Caelan had lost, they would all face extermination.

But when they saw Crocodile lying on the ground and Caelan standing with nothing more than slightly dirtied clothes, cheers erupted.

"The demon Crocodile is finally finished!"

Everyone looked at the gravely injured Crocodile and shouted excitedly.

This Crocodile, who had terrorized Alabasta for years and whose strength was once considered unmatched, had been defeated!

The invincible desert emperor was taken down by Caelan!

And Caelan wasn't even injured, just had some dust on his clothes.

Was Crocodile all hype?

It was understandable for them to doubt it, but the crystal basin beneath their feet silenced those thoughts.

This battlefield, like something out of the apocalypse, made it clear that the power on display was on a natural disaster level.

So, it wasn't that Crocodile was weak. It was that Caelan was too strong.

Strong enough to completely overwhelm him.

The soldiers of both the rebel and royal armies stared at Caelan with a mix of awe and admiration.

In their eyes, Caelan's heroic figure was as majestic as a god.

"God of War, Caelan!"

"Savior, Caelan!"

Countless soldiers shouted Caelan's name, their eyes filled with fervor.

The voices grew louder and louder, echoing into the sky.

Amid the crowd, Robin stood in stunned silence, murmuring to herself.

"Unbelievable. Crocodile, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, was defeated by him."

Having been forced to cooperate with Crocodile for years, she knew better than anyone how terrifying he was.

As the user of the Sand-Sand Fruit, Crocodile had refined his abilities to perfection.

Sandstorm, Desert Prison, Desert Spada, Erosion Cycle...

Every move Robin knew was fearsome in its own right.

Even a pirate with a bounty of tens of millions was nothing more than a chicken in front of Crocodile.

Yet Caelan had crushed him without suffering any real injury. It was terrifying.

"The title 'God of War' suits him perfectly," Robin whispered as she looked at Caelan.

If she followed him, could she survive?

Robin felt a glimmer of hope, but quickly extinguished it.

How could someone like her, shrouded in darkness, ask for protection from Caelan?

...

"Crocodile... defeated?"

Cobra stared at the gravely wounded Crocodile in disbelief.

Could the pirate who had plagued Alabasta for three years, a nightmare he could never dispel, really have been defeated today?

Cobra wiped his eyes, looked at Crocodile again and again, and finally confirmed it.

"It's over. It's finally over. Alabasta is saved!!!"

Cobra looked up at the sky, tears streaming down his face, his voice choked with emotion.

Three years of drought and chaos. Everything Cobra had endured, all the injustices and sorrow, came to an end at this very moment.

The dark cloud that loomed over the nation had finally lifted.

"Haha, 300 million Berries. Worth it. Completely worth it!"

"But it's not enough. I need to do more!"

Cobra was so overjoyed he could barely think straight, frantically considering how to repay Caelan.

He had cleared Cobra's name, saved both him and his daughter, and rescued the entire nation. Caelan had done too much.

Cobra felt that 300 million Berries wasn't enough to express his gratitude.

He wanted all of Alabasta to sing Caelan's praises.

He wanted to empty the national treasury and reward Caelan.

He wanted to host a grand celebration in Caelan's honor...

...

On the other side, Caelan, who was surrounded by three women, didn't feel great.

"Caelan, I'm so glad you're okay!"

"Caelan, thank you for saving my country."

Nami, Tashigi, and Vivi surrounded Caelan, chattering excitedly.

Over the past few days, they had constantly worried about Caelan's battle with Crocodile.

Though they had seen Caelan's strength before, they were still uncertain.

Crocodile was a notorious pirate with worldwide recognition and acknowledged power.

Caelan had just entered the Grand Line. His reputation was nowhere near Crocodile's.

But now, with Crocodile lying defeated before them, they fully accepted the reality.

Their Captain Caelan was that powerful, that overwhelming.

He had just entered the Grand Line, and already crushed Crocodile, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

"Alright, alright, let's stop talking for now."

"Crocodile is still lying here. I'll take him back first."

Caelan said helplessly.

Three women, one dramatic situation. Old wisdom holds true.

Right now, he felt this was more troublesome than fighting Crocodile.

After hearing Caelan's words, the three women calmed down.

Caelan let out a sigh of relief, picked up the severely wounded Crocodile, and began to leave.

The soldiers thought Caelan was declaring victory and began to cheer again.

"God of War!"

"God of War!"

All the soldiers shouted with fanatic devotion, escorting Caelan as he walked at the front.

This was a hero who had saved the nation. He deserved the highest honor.

Caelan, walking at the front, was not embarrassed. He felt a sense of pride welling up in his heart.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 44: Borsalino

Amid the cheers of the crowd, Caelan prepared to take Crocodile away.

Suddenly, he stopped and looked off into the distance.

A golden flash shot down from the sky at high speed, landing right in front of him.

A tall man, nearly three meters in height, appeared wearing a Marine cloak of justice and a golden suit.

Crocodile, who had been limp in Caelan's grasp, opened his eyes.

"Admiral Kizaru of the Navy."

"You really value me… but it seems you're a bit late."

Crocodile looked at Kizaru and gave a bitter smile.

He had expected this after his plans were exposed.

But what he hadn't expected was to be taken down by Caelan before the admiral even arrived.

Crocodile couldn't help but glance at Caelan. This guy was almost on par with an admiral in strength.

As one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, it wasn't a loss to be caught between these two monsters.

He mocked his own bitterness and consoled himself.

Caelan observed Kizaru with interest. This was his first time seeing one of the top combatants in the world.

Unfortunately, all he saw was a laid-back demeanor and that annoyingly smug face.

Cobra and the surrounding officers also recognized Kizaru, but they had little respect for this belated "justice."

If they'd waited on him for rescue, they'd be under tombstones by now.

Kizaru glanced at the defeated Crocodile in Caelan's grasp and the cheering soldiers behind him, then fell silent.

He had rushed over, but still arrived late.

Fortunately, Caelan had defeated Crocodile and stopped the rebellion.

"Oh~ scary scary."

"Newcomers these days are really terrifying."

Kizaru stepped onto the crystal basin beneath his feet and commented with amusement.

This level of destruction far exceeded the damage caused by his Yasakani no Magatama.

This Caelan kid was truly surprising.

"You're here for Crocodile, Admiral," Caelan said casually.

Now that Crocodile had lost his status as a Warlord, he was fair game for a bounty.

Thanks to a period of cooperation, Caelan and the Marines had built a foundation of basic trust. He had no interest in keeping the bounty for himself.

"Haha, don't worry, young man. The bounty will be delivered from the nearby base."

Kizaru replied with a grin.

After that, Kizaru took Crocodile and left happily.

Not bad at all. He thought it would be a hassle, but it turned out to be a simple pick-up job.

…

Marine Headquarters – Fleet Admiral's Office

"You mean you didn't even make a move, and Caelan already took care of Crocodile?"

Sengoku looked at Kizaru in disbelief.

Crocodile was one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea and one of the trickiest Logia-type Devil Fruit users, especially in a desert terrain that favored his Devil Fruit.

Very few in the entire headquarters could guarantee victory against him.

Caelan had only just entered the Grand Line, so defeating a few of Crocodile's subordinates was already pushing it. This was outrageous.

"Yeah, and not only did he defeat Crocodile, he didn't even get injured."

"He's really as terrifying as a monster."

Kizaru sighed, his tone exaggerated as usual, but the shock on his face was real.

"If I remember correctly, he's only been in the Grand Line for about half a month, right?"

"And he's already reached this level? That progress is insane."

Sengoku rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.

Seeing Kizaru's expression, Sengoku could only accept that Caelan really did defeat Crocodile.

But it was just too unbelievable. Even tabloid newspapers wouldn't dare to publish something so exaggerated.

It had only been half a month since he left the East Blue, and the opponents he defeated jumped from small fry to a Warlord. That kind of leap was absurd.

Crocodile's strength was easily above that of a Marine vice admiral. Only admirals could be confident in defeating him.

Yet Caelan defeated Crocodile without suffering a single wound.

Did that mean Caelan's strength was already near-admiral level?

It had only been 7 or 8 months since his debut in the East Blue, and now he had defeated a Warlord.

"Good thing he's a bounty hunter. If he were a pirate, we'd be in real trouble."

Vice Admiral Tsuru, who had been silent until now, finally spoke with a sigh of relief.

In her opinion, Caelan's current strength placed him at the top end of the Warlords, and his potential might even match that of the Four Emperors.

If Caelan became a pirate, he would certainly become the youngest Yonko, and the Marines would face yet another unsolvable problem.

Thankfully, Caelan accepted the Marine-issued bounty hunter license. For now, he was an ally.

"Now, we need to seriously consider how to deal with him moving forward."

Sengoku placed his hands on the desk, his tone solemn.

The Navy had paid attention to Caelan before, but that was back when he was in the East Blue.

Now that he had defeated Crocodile, he needed much more attention.

His current rank as a headquarters captain was far below what he deserved. It was even a little insulting.

"Raise his hunter's license level to Rear Admiral and give him Rear Admiral treatment."

Sengoku thought it over briefly and made his decision.

The Navy had no better way to draw Caelan in, so this was the best they could do to show their appreciation.

"Alright, we'll proceed with that."

Sengoku stroked his beard and sighed.

He really couldn't think of a better option, so this would have to do for now.

In his heart, Sengoku knew this still didn't match Caelan's value, but it was already the highest recognition they could offer at the moment.

Sigh…

Sengoku let out a long sigh.

Why wouldn't Caelan join the Marines?

If he were willing to enlist, Sengoku wouldn't mind personally persuading the Five Elders to name him an admiral candidate.

In Sengoku's eyes, Caelan was destined to become a Four Emperors-level powerhouse.

If only Caelan would join the Marines, he could lead them into a brand-new era.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Chapter 45: Age of Bounty Hunters?

At the World Economy News, News King Morgans was seated in his office.

"Shocking! A member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea attempted to seize a kingdom and was defeated by a rookie!"

"Boss, what do you think of this headline?"

Editor-in-chief Lawrence held a manuscript and asked Morgans.

"Good! Use it exactly like that!"

"Print ten million copies. No, make it one hundred million!"

"Once printing is done, distribute immediately!"

In his birdman form, Morgans smacked his beak excitedly and ordered the maximum print run.

It was already sensational that a Warlord tried to take over a kingdom.

But even more explosive was the fact that the Warlord was defeated by a newcomer!

Morgans hadn't seen such breaking news in years, and he was certain this story would shock the world.

"One hundred million newspapers… they'll definitely sell out."

Morgans already envisioned the scene of the papers flying off the shelves. He was going to strike gold again.

"Yes, boss!"

Editor-in-chief Lawrence responded with excitement and left the office.

Ignoring Lawrence's departure, Morgans began pondering the central figure of the story.

"Caelan… that name sounds familiar."

He stroked his chin, then remembered.

Half a month ago, he had published a piece about Caelan slicing the flagship of the Krieg Pirates in one strike, which had become big news in the East Blue.

Back then, he thought Caelan might be promising but ignored him since it was just the East Blue.

Who would've thought that only half a month later, Caelan would create such earth-shattering news?

"If I'd known, I would've kept a closer eye on him and gotten firsthand coverage."

Morgans flapped his wings regretfully.

He had been a step too late in this case and didn't capture the most dramatic footage, making the article slightly less impactful.

If he had gotten a photo of Crocodile being defeated by Caelan, the headline would have been legendary.

"Looks like I'll need to keep a close eye on this rising star from now on. I can't afford to miss another scoop."

As he spoke, Morgans circled Caelan's name in red.

Caelan was strong, a bounty hunter, and clearly someone who would stir up the seas.

As long as he kept tracking Caelan's movements, he was sure the headlines would keep rolling in.

That day, countless news birds flew out of the World Economic News headquarters, delivering newspapers across the world.

…

In the first half of the Grand Line, countless pirates stared at the newspaper in their hands, stunned.

"A rookie who just entered the Grand Line beat Crocodile?"

A young pirate shouted in disbelief.

That was a member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, a terrifying figure who kept countless pirates in check and possessed power and status every pirate dreamed of.

And now, he had been defeated by someone unknown?

It shattered their beliefs. Their fear of the Warlords began to fade.

"Could Crocodile have just been all bark and no bite?"

The young pirate had never witnessed Crocodile's strength, so he could only speculate.

Maybe Crocodile was the weakest Warlord. He even had a missing hand.

"If Crocodile's just a show-off, then Caelan, who beat him, might be the same."

The young pirate muttered, his eyes gradually lighting up with ambition.

If he could defeat Caelan, wouldn't he become famous and rise to the same level as the Warlords?

He had to consider whether this was the chance of a lifetime.

Damn it, let's go for it!

He clenched his fists. He wouldn't let this opportunity slip by.

He wanted fame. He wanted power.

All around, old pirates snickered, watching the younger ones and preparing to enjoy the show.

"Crocodile isn't some weakling."

"And Caelan, the one who defeated him, is definitely a true powerhouse."

The old pirates recalled Crocodile's past feats and couldn't help but show some respect.

And they feared Caelan even more.

A bounty hunter who defeated a Warlord the moment he debuted? That was terrifying.

They realized that another powerful figure had emerged on the sea, and all challengers would become his stepping stones.

They looked at the young pirates who were getting restless, silently amused.

As for giving warnings? Forget it.

The pain they had endured when they were young wouldn't be spared to the next generation.

Let these youngsters, who didn't understand the depth of the sea, experience its cruelty firsthand.

And so, many young pirates, full of wild ambition, set off on their journey to challenge Caelan.

…

On a nameless island in the Grand Line.

The Red-Haired Pirates were drinking heavily with Dracule Mihawk.

Red-Haired Shanks held a newspaper in his hand, reading it intently.

"Mihawk, looks like another rising star has appeared on the seas."

Shanks said with emotion as he read the article.

He'd just entered the Grand Line and already defeated Crocodile. That was some sharp momentum.

"You might be interested in him."

Shanks glanced at the giant sword Caelan wielded in the photo and said to Mihawk.

"Oh? Really?"

Mihawk took the paper and casually glanced at it.

Newcomers emerged all the time. So far, only two had caught his eye—Caelan, who wielded a sword, and Zoro, whose will was strong.

But both had only just begun their journeys and were still too green.

However, when Mihawk saw Caelan's portrait, his expression turned serious.

"He managed to defeat Crocodile? He's growing fast."

Mihawk narrowed his eyes, staring at Caelan's image.

Caelan's strength had genuinely piqued his interest.

"You've seen him before?"

Shanks looked curious. It had been a long time since he'd seen Mihawk this serious.

"Yes, I have. Half a month ago, I sensed sword intent lingering in the East Blue. It was the aura of a true swordsman."

"If he could defeat Crocodile, then he's earned the right to fight me."

Mihawk stroked the blade of Yoru as he spoke seriously.

Caelan's emergence had stirred his fighting spirit. A rare occurrence.

Suddenly, Mihawk smirked at Shanks.

"When Caelan defeated the Krieg Pirates, your Straw Hat Luffy was still scrubbing dishes."

"Maybe Caelan is the true protagonist of this era?"

Mihawk said teasingly.

Shanks had bet his left arm on Luffy, believing him to be the chosen one of this age.

But Mihawk was now ready to bet that Caelan was the real protagonist.

"Hahaha! We'll see."

Shanks laughed heartily, as if unfazed by his friend's jab.

But deep down, he felt uneasy.

There had been no word from Luffy since he set sail.

Meanwhile, Caelan had appeared out of nowhere and was already making waves.

Could it be that this wasn't the age of pirates anymore… but the age of bounty hunters led by Caelan?

(To be continued.)

Chapter 46: Stepping Stone

New World, Moby Dick.

"Pops, look at this newspaper!"

Marco waved a newspaper in his hand, shouting loudly.

"Gurarara, Marco, what's got you so worked up?"

Whitebeard asked curiously. Marco wasn't usually this noisy.

Whitebeard took the newspaper and began reading it carefully.

"Crocodile tried to seize a country but was defeated by a newcomer."

Seeing the headline, Whitebeard looked a bit surprised.

More than twenty years ago, Crocodile had challenged him. Though he lost, he had still left a lasting impression.

His Armament Haki was weak, but his mastery of his Devil Fruit was exceptional.

In terms of combat ability, he was comparable to Marco, who also had ordinary Haki.

"Young people these days are truly impressive."

Looking at Caelan's young and determined face in the newspaper, Whitebeard sighed.

In the blink of an eye, a new generation of powerful figures had emerged. He was beginning to feel like he couldn't keep up with the times.

"Pops, Ace is the strongest of the new generation!"

Marco couldn't help but compete when he heard Whitebeard praise someone else.

In his eyes, Ace was the true standout of the new era—stronger than any rookie.

"Gurarara. Ace is excellent, but he should still be slightly behind this Caelan."

Whitebeard laughed heartily, pinching his fingers together to show a small gap.

"Ah?!"

Marco was a bit surprised. He couldn't believe those words had come from Whitebeard.

Ace was his favorite and most trusted son. He had never hesitated to praise him.

But now, Pops believed Ace wasn't as good as Caelan.
…

Revolutionary Army Base.

Monkey D. Dragon looked at the newspaper in his hand and laughed heartily.

"Haha, Sabo, there's another hero rising in these seas!"

He waved the paper, pointing to the news as he laughed.

"Leader? Who could get you this excited?"

Sabo was a bit confused.

As leader of the Revolutionary Army, Dragon was always calm, composed, and reliable. It had been a long time since Sabo had seen him laugh like this.

Sabo glanced at the paper and his eyes widened.

"He just entered the Grand Line… and foiled Crocodile's plan to seize a country?!"

"It wasn't the Marines, or pirates, but a bounty hunter?!"

Sabo's expression changed dramatically.

Crocodile, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, had unquestionable strength. Few in the Revolutionary Army could match him.

Now he had been defeated by a rookie? That was indeed shocking.

But what stood out to Sabo even more was Caelan's identity as a bounty hunter.

Not bound by the Navy's flawed justice, nor falling into the sins of piracy, he simply followed the justice in his heart.

"No wonder you're smiling, leader. A hero like this is truly inspiring."

Sabo said with admiration.

The appearance of someone like Caelan on the seas ignited a fire in his chest. It made him want to take down a Warlord himself.

"Sabo, find a way to meet him."

Dragon picked up the newspaper again, studying Caelan's photo and committing his face to memory.

If Caelan could be recruited to the Revolutionary Army, it would be a huge gain. Their movement would gain incredible momentum.

"Sabo, prepare yourself. The Revolutionary Army may soon gain a new deputy leader."

Dragon tucked the newspaper away carefully and spoke with calm resolve.

Sabo looked at him in disbelief, uncertain of what to say.

The deputy leader position had remained vacant for a long time, and no one in the organization dared to even consider taking it.

And yet, the leader was now placing that much importance on Caelan?

Without giving further explanation, Dragon turned and began issuing new orders for the Revolutionary Army.

…

Dressrosa, Donquixote Family.

"I really can't believe Crocodile tried to seize a country."

"But he's still too naive."

Doflamingo read the newspaper with a smug grin.

It was the same idea—usurping a kingdom—but the execution was different.

He had succeeded where Crocodile failed. Dressrosa was already entirely under his control.

Only someone as cunning as him could pull off such a feat.

Doflamingo swirled his wine glass, a sense of superiority rising in his chest.

Still, Caelan's name was getting on his nerves.

Looking at Caelan's confident photo in the paper, Doflamingo narrowed his eyes.

As a fellow schemer, he couldn't help but dislike the one who had ruined Crocodile's plan.

"You must be feeling proud after beating Crocodile."

"Come see me soon. I'll give you a warm welcome."

Doflamingo crumpled the newspaper and gave a sinister smile.

A bounty hunter defeating a Warlord? What an ugly headline.

He wouldn't allow that shame to be cast upon his own reputation.

If the chance came, he would wash it away with Caelan's blood.

Brrring, brrring!

Brrring, brrring!

A Den Den Mushi suddenly rang, cutting off his thoughts. Frowning, Doflamingo picked it up.

"Doflamingo-sama, this is Bellamy, your loyal pirate."

On Jaya Island, Bellamy held the Den Den Mushi with reverence and excitement.

"I want to officially join the Donquixote Family. Please give me a mission!"

As a die-hard fan of Doflamingo, joining the Donquixote Family had always been his dream.

Doflamingo thought for a moment and remembered Bellamy.

A minor pirate with a 50 million Berry bounty, once obsessed with joining the family. Back then, he refused and just gave him a flag.

Now he had come knocking again.

"You're on Jaya Island, right?"

Doflamingo stroked his chin.

He recalled that Caelan's location was not far from Jaya.

"Yes, Doflamingo-sama! I'm honored you remember me!"

Bellamy was ecstatic.

"Very well. Kill that bounty hunter Caelan, and you'll become a cadre of the Donquixote Family."

With that, Doflamingo hung up.

He didn't think much of it, but figured he'd throw Caelan some extra trouble.

On the other end, Bellamy was ecstatic after receiving the task.

"Awesome! I can finally join the Donquixote Family!"

He flipped backward in celebration, unable to contain his joy.

As long as he defeated Caelan, he'd become an official cadre. One step closer to his dream!

"Caelan, I'm going to kill you!"

Bellamy licked the corner of his mouth, eyes gleaming with a twisted, bloodthirsty grin.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Chapter 47: Vivi's Courage

When the sea was in turmoil because of Caelan, he was enjoying the treatment of a distinguished guest in the palace of Alabasta.

"Mr. Caelan, this is your Berry."

King Cobra personally handed a box to Caelan and said enthusiastically.

Caelan took the box, opened it, and couldn't help but be a little surprised.

"There's over 300 million Berries in here, right?"

The Berries inside were neatly stacked.

With Caelan's years of experience counting money, he could tell at a glance it was 400 million Berries.

"Mr. Caelan, 300 million Berries isn't enough to express our gratitude."

"It's just that this is all we have in the treasury right now," Cobra said regretfully.

At the start, the commission was only to drive Crocodile out of Alabasta.

Now the entire Baroque Works had been taken down, and Crocodile was completely defeated—Caelan had gone above and beyond.

Cobra was full of joy and almost wanted to give himself to Caelan.

"Then I'll gladly accept. Happy cooperation!"

Caelan smiled and extended his right hand to Cobra.

He appreciated such a sensible employer who understood the value of hard work.

"You're too kind, Mr. Caelan."

Cobra shook his hand happily. Having Caelan satisfied was his greatest honor.

"There will be a celebration banquet tonight. I hope you'll attend."

Taking advantage of the pleasant mood, Cobra extended the invitation.

"Sure, I'll definitely be there."

Caelan readily agreed.

Since entering the Grand Line half a month ago, he had been either fighting or rushing to the next battle.

After working hard for half a month, couldn't he enjoy himself a little?

That night, the palace of Alabasta was brightly lit, filled with music and dancing.

All the people of Alabasta offered their best hospitality to the hero of the nation to express their heartfelt gratitude to Caelan.

Caelan, Nami, and the other girls enjoyed themselves thoroughly. The best wine and food were in abundance, and everyone had a wonderful time.

Late at night, the banquet ended.

Caelan, Nami, and the others returned to their rooms to rest.

Lying in bed, Caelan was in a great mood, daydreaming.

The Marines had been efficient. Crocodile's bounty of 81 million Berries had been delivered, along with a new Hunter License.

It sounded good, but that was about it. Catching a pirate earned him the same salary as a Marine Headquarters Rear Admiral.

As for the Rear Admiral title itself, it was basically meaningless. With Caelan's current strength, he was respected wherever he went.

Its greatest value was that it reflected the Navy's friendly attitude.

"Equivalent to a Rear Admiral's status with corresponding benefits. Not bad."

Caelan casually slipped the new Hunter License into his pocket.

What he cared about more was how much this batch of Berries would boost his synchronization progress.

The Baroque Works agents who attacked the port had netted 130 million Berries in bounties, plus Crocodile's 81 million, Cobra's 400 million, and Galdino and Miss Goldenweek from Little Garden had totaled 53 million.

Other miscellaneous bounties had been spent on daily expenses and weren't included.

Right now, Caelan had 664 million Berries available to enhance his synchronization.

With a thought, Caelan opened his system panel.

---

[Host: Caelan]

[Template: Berserker Class · Heracles]

[Synchronization Progress: 54.5% + 2% (gained from defeating Crocodile)]

[Berry: 3 million + 664 million]

[Strength: B+]
[Endurance: B+]
[Agility: B+]
[Magic: B+]
[Luck: A]
[Noble Phantasm: A+]

[Personal Skills]: Battle Continuation (B), Mind's Eye (Fake) (B), Valor (A+), Divinity (A), Madness Enhancement (B)

[Other Skills]: Swordsmanship (B+), Armament Haki (C), Observation Haki (C), Conqueror's Haki (B+)

[Noble Phantasms]: God Hand: The Twelve Labors (B), Nine Lives: Shooting the Hundred Heads (C–A+)

---

"Consume 600 million Berries to improve synchronization."

As Caelan activated the function, the panel flickered and a surge of immense power flooded into his body.

Fragments of Heracles' combat experience and techniques surfaced in Caelan's mind.

---

[Host: Caelan]

[Template: Berserker Class · Heracles]

[Synchronization Progress: 62.5%]

[Berry: 67 million]

[Strength: B++]
[Endurance: B++]
[Agility: B++]
[Magic: B++]

---

Caelan could feel his strength had increased dramatically.

Now, he could face Dorry and Brogy together without sustaining any injuries.

But his attributes hadn't undergone a qualitative change yet. He still hadn't reached the A-rank power level.

"Looks like I need to hit 75% synchronization to break into A-rank."

Looking at the main stats on the panel, which now had a plus sign again, Caelan rubbed his chin in thought.

"There's still 12.5% left to reach... which means I need 1.2 billion more Berries. Where can I find that?"

Caelan calmed down and began thinking.

If he only relied on hunting pirates, he'd need to take down two more forces like Crocodile's.

That was difficult to find in the first half of the Grand Line.

He thought of the other Warlords of the Sea like Crocodile, but quickly dismissed the idea.

The others were relatively disciplined and couldn't be turned in for bounties.

Doflamingo was the only exception, but he was in the New World—too far away.

Aside from the Warlords, the other pirates were too scattered. Capturing them one by one would be troublesome.

"Is there a place where I can earn money quickly without too much hassle?"

Caelan racked his brain before finally having an idea.

Skypiea!

As a One Piece fan, Caelan remembered Skypiea vividly.

That place had an enormous amount of gold. Even taking a portion of it would bring in over 1 billion Berries.

And there was also Enel, who called himself a god. He was about as strong as a Warlord and worth fighting.

"It's decided. The next destination is Skypiea!"

Thinking of the many benefits, Caelan made up his mind.

Suddenly, his ears twitched as he picked up a sound.

Using Observation Haki, Caelan sensed an unexpected figure.

He didn't make a sound. Instead, he closed his eyes, curious to see what would unfold.

Tap tap tap...
Click!

With careful footsteps, Caelan's door was slowly pushed open.

"Hoo~"

Vivi cautiously poked her head in and let out a sigh of relief when she saw Caelan lying still on the bed.

Holding her breath, Vivi tiptoed into the room.

Thump, thump!

Her heart was pounding wildly, like it might leap out of her chest.

After gently closing the door behind her, Vivi walked softly to Caelan's bedside.

"Thank you, Caelan!"

She squatted beside the bed and whispered softly.

When she had gone undercover in Baroque Works and faced despair as she uncovered the mastermind behind it all, Caelan had appeared like a ray of light.

They had lived together for many days, facing countless dangers—Caelan had shielded her from all of them.

In the end, he had saved her father and rescued her country from crisis.

Vivi couldn't quite understand her feelings for Caelan.

Maybe it was gratitude, maybe admiration, maybe the fluttering affection of a young girl...

Or maybe it was all of the above.

Looking at Caelan's still-handsome sleeping face, Vivi's delicate cheeks turned bright red, like they were about to bleed.

At last, a powerful impulse rose from the depths of her heart, and Vivi leaned in.

Suddenly, she saw Caelan open his eyes and was instantly startled.

"Caelan! W-When did you wake up?!"

Vivi blushed furiously, her voice stammering.

"I never fell asleep."

Caelan looked at the flustered Vivi with amusement.

"Ugh!"

Vivi buried her face in her hands and whimpered.

It's over. This is too embarrassing!

Vivi felt like her world was collapsing. How could she do something so humiliating?

But then, a surge of courage welled up inside her.

Since it had already come to this... she might as well go all in!

Vivi leapt onto the bed. She wanted to shock Caelan once again!

Caelan's eyes widened in disbelief. He was truly shocked.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 48: Formal Invitation

The next morning, despite working hard all night, Caelan walked out of the room looking completely normal.

After breakfast, Nami and Tashigi were a little surprised not to see Vivi, but soon forgot about it, perhaps because they got busy with other matters.

After finishing breakfast, Caelan walked into a courtyard in the palace.

"Hello, Nico Robin."

Caelan extended his right hand to Robin with a smile.

"Hello, Mr. Caelan."

Robin hesitated for a moment but still shook his hand.

"Mr. Caelan, are you planning to turn me in for a bounty?"

Robin smiled faintly and spoke calmly.

Besides that, she couldn't think of any other reason Caelan would approach her.

But it didn't matter. Maybe her life should have ended a long time ago.

It was just a pity she hadn't found a true Poneglyph or learned the truth of the Void Century.

"Of course not."

"I want to invite you to be the archaeologist on my ship and my companion."

Caelan said directly.

He did need Berries, but not to the extent of selling someone out.

Compared to that, he valued Robin's help more.

It wasn't for ancient weapons. He didn't need those.

He simply wanted Robin to decipher the four Road Poneglyphs and locate the legendary One Piece.

Since he had come to the world of pirates, the legendary One Piece was something he had to see with his own eyes.

He was also genuinely curious about the Void Century.

"If you're after ancient weapons, I won't tell you."

Robin immediately became wary and spoke firmly.

She hadn't revealed the location of Pluton to Crocodile, and she wouldn't tell Caelan either.

"Pluton is in Wano Country."

Caelan spoke calmly, with no intention of elaborating.

Sometimes the best way to dispel suspicion is to speak plainly.

"How do you know that? You can read the Poneglyphs too?!"

Robin's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Caelan.

Pluton was a secret Crocodile had been chasing for years, a dream he never realized. Yet Caelan just blurted it out like it was nothing.

At that moment, Robin realized that Caelan wasn't a man who desperately sought the power of ancient weapons.

Sincerity was always a powerful weapon.

"I can't read the Poneglyphs. I just happen to know this secret."

"So, will you join my crew now?"

Caelan replied honestly and invited her again.

"I'm someone the World Government wants to eliminate. Are you sure you still want me on your ship?"

Robin looked directly at Caelan, her expression serious and open.

She didn't want to burden anyone, especially someone kind enough to invite her even after knowing the World Government was after her.

"You're the last archaeologist from Ohara, the sole survivor of the Buster Call."

"I have a rough idea of your situation, but there's nothing to fear."

Caelan replied confidently.

A Buster Call? With his current strength, he wasn't worried.

In a few months, he might be able to take a bath while the Buster Call fired around him.

"Do you even know what a Buster Call entails?"

Robin looked at him, both frustrated and amused.

Nothing to be afraid of?

As a survivor, it was her lifelong nightmare.

"Ten top-tier warships, thousands of elite Marine soldiers, and five Marine Headquarters Vice Admirals, right?"

"All that combined, even if it were three Crocodiles, still wouldn't be enough to scare me."

Caelan rubbed his chin as he recalled.

In his memory, the ones who destroyed Ohara were Sakazuki and Kuzan, now known as Admiral Akainu and Admiral Aokiji.

Even if it was those two, Caelan wasn't afraid.

He couldn't beat them yet, but with his overpowered [Noble Phantasm: God Hand: The Twelve Labors], he could hold out.

And escaping would be even easier.

Robin stared at the confident Caelan and fell silent.

That's right. The man in front of her might look a little scruffy, but Crocodile had ended up gravely injured.

Thinking about Caelan's incredible feats, Robin couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope.

Maybe this man really could survive what she never thought possible.

Finally, Robin made her decision.

"Alright, I'll join your crew."

"If I become a liability, I'll leave."

Robin no longer hesitated and accepted the invitation.

He had been honest and open to this point. It would feel ungrateful to refuse.

Of course, if she ever became a true threat to their safety, she would leave without hesitation.

"Welcome aboard, Nico Robin."

"And don't worry. I don't have the bad habit of abandoning my crewmates."

Caelan said seriously, though he wore a smile.

His moral compass might not be the strictest, but he had his principles.

Besides, with the Heroic Spirit Synchronization System in this life, there was no need to force himself to do anything he didn't want to.

"Then please take care of me."

Robin bowed respectfully.

Not abandoning your crew, huh?

…

Later, Caelan introduced Robin to Nami and the others.

There were some bumps at first, but with Caelan's mediation, the girls finally accepted Robin's presence.

As for deeper trust, that would take time to develop.

At the port of Alabasta's capital, the Wind Rider was ready to set sail.

"Goodbye, Father. I'm setting out today."

Vivi held Cobra's hands tightly, her eyes slightly red.

After careful thought, she had decided to leave with Caelan.

After experiencing Crocodile's plot, Vivi deeply understood something.

For a country to have lasting peace, it needed its own strong people.

She wanted to follow Caelan's path and grow strong enough to protect Alabasta herself.

"Vivi, go complete your adventure."

"Without Crocodile, everything will be fine in Alabasta."

Cobra looked at Vivi tenderly, his heart aching.

Vivi had sacrificed so much for the country and for him. Now, it was time for her to live her own life.

And since she was going with Caelan, he had nothing to worry about.

This was the hero who saved the country. The man who defeated a Warlord of the Sea.

"Mr. Caelan, I'm entrusting Vivi to you."

Cobra turned to Caelan with a pleading look.

"Don't worry. I'll take good care of her."

Caelan took Vivi's hand and smiled.

Vivi felt the warmth of Caelan's hand and smiled sweetly.

Was it really okay to show affection in front of her father?

Cobra's mouth twitched. He felt like he'd been dealt a blow.

The daughter he had raised for over ten years had been taken away just like that.

"Then, have a safe journey!"

Cobra suppressed his complicated emotions and gave a solemn farewell.

Afterward, he turned and walked away, leaving behind a strong and steady figure.

"Let's go. Time for us to set sail."

Caelan patted Vivi's shoulder and helped her aboard the Wind Rider.

"Wind Rider, set sail!"

Caelan called out loudly.

"Aye, Captain!"

Everyone responded and got the ship moving.

…

The Wind Rider gradually pulled away from the port.

Some distance away, Cobra had turned back at some point and stood watching the silhouette of the ship, deep in thought.

Caelan, Vivi… I leave her in your hands.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Chapter 49: Training

At noon the next day, the sky was clear with soft clouds drifting by, and the sea breeze was gentle.

On the open sea, the Wind Rider sailed steadily, guided by the Log Pose and driven by the wind.

Caelan lounged on a beach chair, enjoying the sunshine in a leisurely manner.

Nami and Vivi were sitting beside Robin, listening intently as she talked about Baroque Works.

Only Tashigi kept glancing toward Caelan, her expression tangled with hesitation.

Finally, she gathered her courage and approached him.

"Caelan, teach me how to become stronger. I don't want to drag you down."

Tashigi bit her lower lip, eyes filled with determination.

During the Alabasta incident, she had been more of a bystander, and it made her feel useless.

What made her feel even more ashamed was that Caelan had given her the captured famed blade, Kashu, after taking down the Baroque Works agents in the port city.

They had agreed to be partners, but she was just enjoying the benefits without contributing.

Caelan had taught her swordsmanship before, and it had helped, but it was too gentle. She wanted a more intense regimen.

"Alright."

Caelan stood up from the beach chair and stretched.

He was feeling a bit bored, so this was a good opportunity to get some exercise in.

Noticing the conversation between Caelan and Tashigi, Vivi and Nami also came running over.

"Caelan, we want to train too!"

They didn't want to be dead weight and wanted to contribute in their own way.

Only Robin, who had just joined the crew, stood off to the side, feeling slightly awkward and not joining in.

"No problem, I'll train you all together."

Looking at the eager expressions of Nami and Vivi, Caelan smiled and nodded.

Whether it was one sheep or a whole flock, he might as well train them all.

He had taken Nami and the others in with the intention of helping them grow—though of course, there were other reasons as well.

But overall, Caelan genuinely wanted them to get stronger.

Tashigi, Nami, and Vivi cheered happily.

Vivi even threw herself into Caelan's arms, nuzzling his chest with her head and smiling sweetly.

Tashigi and Nami were a bit surprised by Vivi's reaction, but they didn't think much of it, assuming she was just overly excited.

Robin stood to the side, watching them with a hint of envy in her eyes.

Such a crew... really was something special.

"Alright, let's get started."

"But just so you know, my training is strict. No quitting halfway!"

Caelan smiled at the girls, though his gaze had a distinct sharpness to it.

Nami, Vivi, and Tashigi trembled slightly, but they nodded with firm resolve. They weren't the type to give up easily.

"Don't worry. We'll stick with it!"

The three of them answered confidently, eyes filled with determination.

They were resolved to work hard to help Caelan.

Seeing the fire in their eyes, Caelan nodded in satisfaction. These were the companions he had chosen.

Wait, it seemed one was missing.

"Robin, you join too. Can't have you just standing around watching."

Caelan turned toward the somewhat isolated Robin and invited her with a smile.

Robin was momentarily stunned. Her expression turned a little stiff, but in the end, she stepped forward and joined them.

Looking at the four women standing neatly in front of him, Caelan nodded in approval.

"In terms of physical combat, swordsmanship, or Devil Fruit abilities, I'll offer guidance based on each of your levels."

"But your main goal now is to learn Observation Haki and Armament Haki. I'll be teaching you both."

"On this sea, there are all kinds of flashy abilities. But the ones who stand at the top of the world all master Haki."

Caelan swept his gaze over the four of them and spoke seriously.

Nami and Vivi looked puzzled, not quite understanding what Haki was.

Tashigi's face flushed with excitement, her eyes glowing.

"Haki... that's a power only a handful of elite Marine officers get a chance to learn!"

She couldn't help but blurt it out. She never expected to learn such a high-level ability here.

Even at Marine Headquarters, fewer than a hundred people were given the opportunity to learn Haki each year.

She had thought it was something she'd never be able to learn in her lifetime.

Learning it from Caelan was a huge surprise.

"Is it really that rare?"

After hearing Tashigi's words, Vivi, Nami, and Robin also realized the value of Haki and grew more serious.

"Armament Haki and Observation Haki are hidden within everyone and can be awakened through training."

"Observation Haki can be trained by constantly dodging attacks."

"Armament Haki is awakened more easily when you're under intense pressure."

Caelan explained freely, summarizing the essence of Haki.

This was based on his own experience with awakening Haki and inheriting Heracles's combat knowledge.

Back on Little Garden, he had awakened all three types of Haki at once using this method.

He had been too strong at the time. His Haki had nearly burst out of him, forcing a complete awakening in one go.

Nami and the others were sharp and quickly caught on to what Caelan meant.

"So, if we go through multiple life-and-death battles, we'll awaken Haki faster?"

Their expressions turned serious as they spoke. They could already imagine how brutal that method would be.

Since it required a life-or-death experience, there was a high chance one wouldn't survive.

Only those who lived on could fight again and again.

In such a cycle, those who could awaken Haki were probably one in a thousand.

Gulp.

Thinking of that, the girls couldn't help but take a deep breath.

At their current level, using that method would be suicide.

"Don't worry, I have a better way."

"I'll personally spar with you and teach you techniques. With days of combat training, you should be able to grasp them."

Caelan said with a smile, though his tone had a strange edge.

Under his perfect control of strength, they wouldn't get injured, but the pain... would be real.

Only through this kind of experience would the training be effective.

"Whew..."

Hearing that, the girls sighed in relief.

Tashigi also began to understand why the Marine Elite Officer Training Camp had such strict limits.

It took someone with tremendous strength and endurance to train others like this.

And there were very few such strong individuals in the Marines, let alone those willing to take the time to train others.

Realizing this, Tashigi looked at Caelan with more gratitude and admiration.

"Then, let's begin!"

Caelan suddenly shouted, releasing a surge of killing intent as he charged at them like a tiger descending from a mountain.

In an instant, Nami and the others felt a terrifying pressure, their scalps tingling.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

Four crisp smacks landed squarely on their foreheads.

Why did it hurt so much?!

The girls clutched their heads, eyes welling up with tears.

Caelan grinned, not giving them a chance to recover as he launched another round of attacks.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The sharp sounds of forehead flicks rang out repeatedly as the girls tried their best to dodge, only to keep getting hit.

Caelan watched them flailing and dodging in panic, a satisfied smile on his face.

At this rate, they'd definitely get results soon.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 50: Full Speed

A few days later, the training proved highly effective, and the women's strength improved by leaps and bounds.

Without needing Caelan to lift a finger, they handled several waves of pirates during the voyage, earning him nearly 100 million Berries in bounties.

However, news of the Wind Rider's strength soon spread. Pirates who spotted it from afar quickly turned away and fled.

"What a pity the pirates stopped showing up," Tashigi said, frowning with regret.

She sat cross-legged on the deck, the famous swords Shigure and Kashu resting on her knees, which she stroked gently with admiration.

In just a few days of battling pirates, combined with Caelan's intense training, her swordsmanship had advanced rapidly.

Now that no more pirates were showing up, the pace of her improvement would slow.

"We've already captured so many. Even idiots won't keep throwing themselves at us," Nami rolled her eyes and complained.

Still, she secretly wished more pirates would show up. After all, they were worth bounty money.

Vivi and Robin were also somewhat reluctant. Pirates were ideal for live-combat training.

Between Caelan's lessons and the actual fighting, their strength had been increasing rapidly.

Looking at the disappointed expressions on the girls' faces, Caelan couldn't help but chuckle. They hadn't been like this before.

"Alright, since there are no pirates in our way, let's go full speed ahead."

"We're heading to Jaya Island to find the location of Sky Island."

Caelan gave the order casually, looking completely at ease.

Since no pirates were coming to them, he would go find trouble himself.

He remembered Bellamy the Hyena, the spring-powered pirate worth 50 million Berries, was on Jaya.

And he was one of Doflamingo's men. Not that it mattered.

Caelan would deal with Doflamingo sooner or later. Think of this as the appetizer.

"Yes, Captain!"

Nami and Vivi responded playfully, standing at attention with a salute.

"But does Sky Island really exist?" Nami asked, skeptical. "Isn't that just a legend?"

"Sky Island definitely exists. It's right above the clouds."

"It's just a bit tricky to get there. We'll need help once we reach Jaya Island."

Caelan looked at Nami seriously, speaking with certainty.

He understood her doubts. An island floating in the sky went against all logic.

But the Grand Line was full of wonders. There were islands in the sky, moving elephants, even Fish-Man Island beneath the sea.

Seeing how confident Caelan was, Nami still had doubts, but chose to believe him.

After all, Caelan had never been wrong.

"Alright! Full speed to Jaya Island! Let's find a way to reach Sky Island!"

Nami's eyes lit up with excitement. Alongside Vivi, Tashigi, and Robin, she steered the Wind Rider forward.

Everyone was filled with curiosity about the legendary Sky Island.

Caelan stood on the deck, gazing out at the sea behind them. A Marine warship trailed far behind the Wind Rider.

"Haha, how interesting."

Caelan smiled slightly, his curiosity piqued.

Was that warship just heading the same way? Or were they here for him?

It didn't matter either way.

It was just a single warship. It posed no threat.

With that, Caelan put the thought aside and focused ahead.

…

On the Marine warship, a large number of pirates were being escorted to Impel Down.

Among them were Baroque Works agents defeated by Caelan, and pirate captains taken down by Nami and the others.

"It's unbelievable. We just entered the Grand Line, and we've already caught so many pirates that my warship's running out of space."

Vice Admiral Momonga, wearing his Justice cloak, looked at the distant Wind Rider with deep admiration.

That Caelan was truly something else. He had caused a massive stir just after entering the Grand Line.

Catching pirates seemed as easy as fishing. In just a short time, hundreds had been captured.

If this mission weren't limited to escorting pirates with bounties over 10 million, this ship wouldn't have been able to hold them all.

Even so, the ship's draft had noticeably lowered.

"Reporting, Commander! We have too many prisoners. Our supplies won't last!"

The quartermaster rushed over, clearly flustered.

"What? But we brought the usual amount. Why are we running short?"

Momonga frowned in confusion.

They had brought the standard supply. How could it not be enough?

Was someone embezzling food?

Momonga looked at the quartermaster with suspicion.

But that didn't make sense. This man had been with him for years. He didn't seem like that type.

"There are just too many prisoners this time, sir! Two or three times more than usual. Our rations are going fast!"

The quartermaster was sweating, anxious to explain. He was loyal!

It was all thanks to Caelan. In just half a month, he had captured more pirates than the New World branch did in a year.

"Alright, we'll follow Caelan's ship to Jaya Island, resupply there, and observe him while we're at it!"

Momonga suddenly understood, gave the quartermaster an apologetic look, then issued his orders.

They needed to resupply anyway. Why not use this chance to see Caelan?

Momonga had been intrigued by this bounty hunter with an overwhelming record. He had long wanted to meet him.

Now that the opportunity had come, he wouldn't miss it.

"Yes, sir!"

The Marine sailors responded in unison and adjusted course to follow the Wind Rider from afar.

All the Marines aboard were excited at the prospect of seeing the incredible Caelan with their own eyes.

…

New World, Dressrosa.

Doflamingo shifted restlessly in his chair, adjusting his position, but still felt irritated.

Caelan's name kept echoing in his mind. The report about him thwarting a coup and defeating a Warlord had left him deeply uncomfortable.

Wasn't that indirectly aimed at him?

"So annoying!"

Days had passed, but Doflamingo's resentment toward Caelan remained like a bone stuck in his throat.

After some thought, Doflamingo picked up the Den Den Mushi and dialed Bellamy.

"Bellamy, how are preparations going?"

Doflamingo only hoped Bellamy could cause Caelan some trouble and help him vent his frustration.

On Jaya Island, Bellamy was thrilled to receive Doflamingo's call.

What was going on? His idol, who had ignored him for years, had called him twice in just a few days?

"Don't worry, Doflamingo-sama!"

"I'm fully prepared. I've arranged a big surprise for Caelan and his crew. As soon as they arrive, we'll attack them in groups!"

"I guarantee they won't know what hit them. They'll be crushed by me!"

Bellamy said confidently, pride radiating from his voice.

He had prepared thoroughly to take down Caelan. There was no way he would fail.

All that was left was for Caelan to arrive, and Bellamy's dream of joining the Donquixote Family would be fulfilled.

"Very good. If you take care of Caelan, you'll become one of Donquixote's officers."

Hearing Bellamy's confident tone, Doflamingo smiled slightly and made a bold promise without hesitation.

"Yes, Doflamingo-sama! I won't let you down!"

Fired up by Doflamingo's promise, Bellamy stood up and shouted like he had just been injected with pure adrenaline.

Doflamingo hung up the Den Den Mushi and leaned back in his chair, the irritation from before now gone.

Maybe… Bellamy really could get rid of Caelan?

For the first time in days, Doflamingo felt a flicker of hope.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Chapter 51: Ambush

At sea, the Wind Rider continued sailing toward Jaya Island.

"Caelan, the Log Pose is pointing to the sky... is it broken?" Nami looked anxiously at the Log Pose on her wrist, which was inexplicably pointing upward.

"The Log Pose isn't broken. The magnetic pull was taken by the island in the sky."

Robin interjected calmly, her tone carrying a trace of mystery.

"The island in the sky… could it be…?"

Nami was about to argue, but then something clicked in her memory. She instinctively looked at Caelan.

"Yes, it's proof that Sky Island really exists."

Caelan looked toward the sky and affirmed her suspicion.

"The problem now is we don't know how to get to Sky Island, and we've lost our original course to Jaya."

Nami stared at the Log Pose pointing skyward, her expression dimming.

Robin, Vivi, and Tashigi also looked worried. Without a heading, they were afraid of getting lost at sea.

"Don't worry. One of the pirate crews we defeated left behind an Eternal Pose to Jaya. We'll use that."

Caelan replied calmly and confidently.

Half of the pirates who had attacked them before were from Jaya. Several of them carried Eternal Poses.

Even if they hadn't had one for Jaya, they still had one for Alabasta. They wouldn't get lost.

"Oh, right! We'll just use theirs!"

Nami's eyes lit up as she retrieved the Eternal Pose for Jaya, breathing a sigh of relief.

Caelan always had a plan. He was reliable like that.

"So, how long until we reach Jaya?"

Caelan asked Nami casually.

"At our current speed, we'll arrive by this afternoon. Even earlier if we catch a tailwind."

Nami checked the chart and made a quick calculation before answering.

"Alright then. Let's land on Jaya Island this afternoon and take a breather."

Caelan spoke with a relaxed tone and a hint of cheer.

Upon hearing this, the women steered the Wind Rider ahead at full speed.

By afternoon, as Caelan stood on the deck, the outline of Jaya Island came into view.

…

In the reefs along Jaya's shore, the Bellamy Pirates' first mate, Sarquiss, and their fighter, Ross, lay low with telescopes, observing the ocean.

"Look! That bounty hunter's here!"

Sarquiss spotted the Wind Rider approaching and spoke excitedly.

Per Bellamy's orders, he had waited here for a whole day, and finally, Caelan had arrived.

"Vice-captain, are we really going to take him on?"

Ross's eyes flickered, his tone unsteady. He was nervous.

As a fighter in the Bellamy Pirates, he considered himself brave.

But when he thought of who they were about to face, he trembled.

This was the man who had taken down Crocodile, with overwhelming strength.

Many familiar pirate crews had tried to stop Caelan recently, and none had returned. All had been turned over to the Marines for bounty money.

"Fool. We're not the only ones. The boss has gathered several other pirate crews to help."

"There are hundreds of us. Surely we can handle one guy."

"Once this job is done, we'll follow the boss and officially join the Donquixote Family, the dominant force in the New World!"

Sarquiss looked at Ross, sighing in disappointment.

There were hundreds of elite pirates in Mock Town, and with the boss leading them, what was there to fear?

"Alright, let's do it!"

Ross finally steeled himself, convinced by the promise.

If they succeeded, he could join the Donquixote Family. That kind of opportunity was too tempting.

Just waving the Donquixote flag was enough to make most Marines hesitate. If they officially joined, it would be like sheltering under a massive tree.

Boom!

Ross fired a flare into the sky. It shot upward with a loud pop, releasing a bright flash visible across the entire island.

…

Seeing the flare, Caelan instantly sensed something was off.

"Haha. Looks like someone's waiting for us on the island."

Caelan chuckled, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

Before he even made a move, others were already plotting against him.

"Caelan, should we avoid this for now?"

Vivi looked at the port ahead. It was calm, but she could feel the tension and spoke with concern.

Nami, Robin, and Tashigi also looked to Caelan, waiting for his decision.

"No need. Let's land and see what tricks they've prepared."

Caelan, confident in his strength, had no intention of dodging.

As far as he was concerned, there were no real threats on the island.

The only one worth noting was Bellamy, the Spring-Spring Fruit user, and even he wasn't worth worrying about.

With Caelan's command, the Wind Rider continued closing in on the shore.

…

In the tavern at Mock Town, Jaya Island.

When the signal flare went up, the tavern—previously filled with chatter about ambushing Caelan—fell silent, then erupted with noise again.

"That Caelan's here?!"

Old pirate Orwell's face went pale. His hand trembled as he held his drink.

"You drunk coward, what are you afraid of? We're here to take him down!"

"And that Caelan's soft anyway. He rarely kills anyone."

Executioner Roshio sneered at Orwell with clear disdain.

He'd heard that every pirate who had attacked Caelan was now in a Marine base. Not a single one had died.

What was there to fear from someone that soft?

"He's not soft. Dead pirates only get 70% of their bounty. Alive, it's 100%."

"He doesn't see us as people. He sees us as straight Berry."

"I've never heard of him sparing a pirate without a bounty."

Orwell took a deep drink to calm his nerves.

He was terrified of facing Caelan, the man who treated pirates like sacks of money.

With his low bounty, he'd probably be cut down in one blow.

"Yeah! He doesn't see us as people!"

"Even Crocodile and all of Baroque Works were taken down. How can we beat him?!"

Panic spread among the other pirates. Their legs trembled as they thought about fleeing.

They'd originally planned to ambush Caelan and make a name for themselves, but now that he was actually here, they were scared stiff.

Even Roshio, who'd mocked the others earlier, was starting to shake and lose confidence.

After a moment, Roshio made up his mind.

"Let's run! There are hundreds of us. Caelan can't catch everyone!"

He shouted, looking around.

If they all scattered, Caelan wouldn't be able to catch them all. Most would get away.

The other pirates' eyes lit up at the idea and began bolting toward the exits.

The alliance meant to ambush Caelan collapsed before he even set foot on the island.

Bellamy watched the chaos unfold, fury burning inside him.

"Bastards! Try running, and I'll kill you!"

Bellamy's feet turned into springs. In an instant, he launched forward and exploded the skulls of the two fastest runners.

The rest of the pirates froze in place, terrified, and stopped moving.

"Come with me to the port! There's only one Caelan. I'll take him down myself!"

Bellamy shouted to the remaining pirates. He wasn't afraid.

He would kill Caelan and officially join the Donquixote Family.

Under Bellamy's threat, the rest of the pirates reluctantly marched toward the port.

Among them was a potbellied, toothless man who grinned broadly.

"Ze haha haha haha. Now this is getting interesting."

It was Blackbeard. He was eager to see just what kind of man Caelan was, the one who had created a vacancy among the Warlords of the Sea.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 52: Doesn't Matter

On the Marine warship, Vice Admiral Momonga looked through a telescope toward the port.

"They've already landed. Let's head over as well."

He was about to lower the telescope when he caught sight of a tattered flag bearing a scratched smiley face.

"Wait, that symbol…"

"The mark of the Donquixote Family?!"

"In other words, the pirate here is Bellamy, an affiliate of the Donquixote Family!"

Vice Admiral Momonga's pupils shrank. His heart sank with realization.

Based on the flare earlier and the pirate flag, he had quickly put the pieces together.

It was Bellamy who was planning to attack Caelan!

"No, I have to intervene."

Momonga wasn't concerned that Caelan would lose to Bellamy. He was worried that this would draw Caelan into direct conflict with Doflamingo.

With the potential Caelan had already demonstrated and his actions aligned with justice, Momonga couldn't bear to see him cut down so early.

As a Vice Admiral of the Navy, he was fully aware of the strength among the Warlords of the Sea.

Crocodile was mostly a show-off with his Devil Fruit. His Haki was much weaker than Momonga's.

But Doflamingo was different. His Devil Fruit had awakened, and he possessed all three types of Haki at a formidable level—far stronger than Crocodile.

"Even if he defeated Crocodile, it's still too soon to face Doflamingo!"

Looking at the nearby port, Momonga muttered with worry.

Soon, Vice Admiral Momonga led a group of Marines to approach Caelan's location.

…

At the port, Caelan and his crew stood across from the group of pirates led by Bellamy.

"What, are you in such a rush to give me more bounty money?"

Caelan narrowed his eyes, speaking with calm indifference.

He had expected only Bellamy's crew, but Bellamy had managed to gather a small army of pirates.

No matter. The appetizer just got a bit bigger.

"Looks like you still don't understand your situation. You're already surrounded, yet you're still putting on an act."

Bellamy sneered at Caelan's relaxed attitude.

He had over a hundred pirates behind him, many of them worth tens of millions. It was the combined might of Mock Town.

He couldn't imagine how Caelan could do anything about it alone.

"Yeah, there's a whole bunch of us! Are you scared?"

Roshio shouted arrogantly, as if he hadn't been trembling in the tavern just earlier.

Now that he was hiding behind Bellamy and all the others, his courage returned.

"That's right! We're not afraid of you!"

"Today, we'll teach you what real power looks like!"

The other pirates jeered and shouted, trying to act tough.

But as they looked into Caelan's calm, unwavering eyes, it felt like they were staring into a bottomless abyss.

Their threats rang hollow, like bleats from a cornered lamb.

"Your clown show is amusing, but honestly, your bounties are more interesting."

Caelan's tone was flat and expressionless.

"You're still putting on a front? What can you possibly do against all of us?"

Bellamy crossed his arms and scoffed.

Over a hundred men stood behind him. Many had bounties exceeding ten million. Even facing two of them was a challenge for most.

Caelan didn't respond. He didn't even glance at Bellamy.

Bellamy gritted his teeth, just about to retort.

Boom!

A powerful wave of energy erupted from Caelan, and arcs of terrifying purple-black lightning crackled across the eastern part of Jaya Island like serpents gone wild.

In an instant, most of the pirates collapsed as if their skulls had been struck, unconscious on the ground.

Only Bellamy was still barely standing, sweat pouring down his face as he stared at Caelan in horror.

…

"Hahaha, looks like we have a winner!"

Blackbeard, observing from the shadows, laughed hoarsely, his gaze locked on Caelan.

No wonder he had defeated Crocodile. This man was truly dangerous.

"He has Conqueror's Haki… He really can't be allowed to clash with Doflamingo now."

Vice Admiral Momonga, having just arrived, felt the overwhelming presence and became more resolute.

Caelan had potential beyond measure and was still close to the Navy. He could become the first emperor-level figure on good terms with the Marines. They couldn't afford for him to become Doflamingo's enemy yet.

…

"H-How is this possible? He has the same Conqueror's Haki as Doflamingo-sama?!"

Bellamy stammered as he watched the fallen pirates all around him.

The forces he'd worked so hard to assemble were wiped out in an instant.

"Thanks for gathering them for me. Saves me a lot of trouble."

Caelan smiled mockingly as he looked at Bellamy.

"I'm not done yet!"

"I'm going to join the Donquixote Family and help usher in Doflamingo-sama's new era! I won't fall here!"

Bellamy's eyes burned with madness as he roared defiantly.

Even if Caelan had Conqueror's Haki, Bellamy still had his Devil Fruit. That might be enough.

The next moment, his legs transformed into springs, and he launched into the air, bouncing between buildings as he gathered kinetic energy.

"Spring Hopper!"

Bellamy's speed increased rapidly. He became a blur, bouncing around at high velocity.

As his momentum peaked, he dove straight toward Caelan with terrifying force, the wind howling behind him.

"Die!!"

Bellamy's eyes gleamed with excitement and bloodlust. He was sure of his victory.

This was his ultimate technique. He had crushed many foes with it—and this time would be no different.

Fast. Fierce. But ultimately meaningless.

Caelan sighed and casually threw a punch.

Bang!

In the blink of an eye, his fist slammed into Bellamy, sending him crashing into the ground.

The high-speed blur that couldn't even be tracked just moments ago now lay embedded in the dirt like a lifeless dog.

Vice Admiral Momonga arrived moments too late and looked at the scene with a deep frown.

He had still been too slow.

"Caelan, you shouldn't have hit him! He's one of Doflamingo's men!"

Momonga shouted at Caelan, his tone urgent.

Why was this man so reckless? With that much talent, he should focus on growth before provoking the strong.

"Doflamingo? Doesn't matter."

Caelan replied casually, completely unfazed.

Even Doflamingo didn't scare him?

Momonga looked at Caelan, stunned.

This wasn't arrogance. This was exactly how someone like Kaido used to act.

In that moment, Momonga understood.

True strength wasn't born from hesitation, but from pressing forward like Caelan was doing now.

Blackbeard, still watching from the shadows, was equally shaken.

"Haha… What a monster. He's got the same presence as that old man, Whitebeard."

Blackbeard stared long and hard at Caelan, committing his face to memory.

To have trained such spirit and strength in just the first half of the Grand Line...

It wouldn't be long before another emperor appeared in the New World.

Without hesitation, Blackbeard turned and quietly left.

Until he awakened his Devil Fruit, he would never face Caelan. It simply wasn't worth it.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Chapter 53: Departure To Sky Island

At night, in Mock Town, at a tropical hotel.

"Caelan, I'm convinced!"

Vice Admiral Momonga raised his glass and toasted Caelan sincerely.

As a vice admiral who upheld justice, he had feared Doflamingo and didn't even dare act against a minor pirate like Bellamy.

Yet, as a bounty hunter, Caelan had outright ignored Doflamingo's threats and acted without hesitation.

In comparison, Momonga felt ashamed. He deeply admired Caelan's courage.

"Thank you, Vice Admiral Momonga. Please take those pirates with you."

Caelan raised his glass and clinked it with Momonga's.

He still had a favorable impression of Momonga's kind warning from earlier.

"No problem. The bounty will be delivered tomorrow morning!" Momonga promised generously, then added with some concern, "But if you hand Bellamy over to us, you'll truly be making an enemy of Doflamingo."

"That's nothing to be afraid of. It's better if he comes straight to us!"

Caelan replied nonchalantly, his expression relaxed.

"Alright then, bold and unyielding! Let's drink more!"

Momonga was increasingly impressed. The more he interacted with Caelan, the more he felt that the man had a natural aura.

Caelan clinked glasses and downed the drink in one gulp.

Tashigi looked at Caelan drinking with Momonga.

This kind of unrestrained justice was exactly what she pursued, delivering justice without fear.

During the banquet, Nami and the others were also in high spirits, eating and drinking happily.

The next morning, Momonga had already left with all the captured pirates, and the full bounty of 160 million Berries was delivered to Caelan.

Afterward, Caelan and the crew headed to the west coast of Jaya Island to seek help from Mont Blanc Cricket.

…

On the west coast of Jaya Island, in front of Cricket 's cabin.

"I'm sorry! I haven't been a pirate in a long time! Please don't catch me!"

Cricket looked at Caelan and the others, trembling in fear.

Beside him, a human ape and a gorilla clung to each other, shivering in terror at the sight of Caelan.

After seeing Caelan's dominance yesterday and the way he captured hundreds of pirates, they were understandably terrified.

Behind Caelan, Nami and the other girls covered their mouths and chuckled softly. They didn't expect Caelan's mere presence to be so intimidating—just standing there made several people tremble.

"I'm not here to catch you. I just want you to help me reach Sky Island."

Caelan rolled his eyes, clearly a bit speechless.

He didn't arrest people indiscriminately. He had principles.

People like Cricket and the Saruyama Alliance, adventurers who pursued their dreams, Caelan generally left alone unless they actively sought his trouble.

"You're not here to catch us? That's great!"

The ape and gorilla finally let go of each other, visibly relieved.

"A strong man like you actually believes in Sky Island!"

Cricket was stunned, his disbelief written all over his face.

God had mercy on him—he thought he was done for.

But not only was he safe, his long-held dream might actually come true.

Overjoyed, Cricket invited Caelan and the crew into his cabin and began to share his story.

Through Cricket's narration, Nami and the other girls learned the tale of the so-called "liar," Mont Blanc Noland.

Since childhood, Cricket had suffered countless jeers and ridicule because of Noland.

After becoming a pirate and arriving at Jaya Island, he resolved to redeem his family's name and find the legendary Golden Bell to prove the existence of the golden city of Shandora.

Unfortunately, all he had discovered over the years were a few scattered clues.

"I now suspect that the Golden City, Shandora, is on Sky Island. It may have been sent into the sky by the Knock Up Stream."

"It's a pity that Sky Island is still a legendary place, and I haven't found any definitive proof."

Cricket spoke bitterly, full of regret.

"Whether it's real or not, we'll know once we go see it!"

Nami's eyes sparkled, already picturing Berries in her mind.

Just how much would a city full of gold be worth?

"It's highly likely to be real!"

Robin pulled out two maps and compared them for everyone.

"The current Jaya Island has a missing section compared to the ancient Jaya Island."

"It could very well be that Shandora was blasted into the sky by the Knock Up Stream."

Robin's eyes lit up too. She had always had a deep fascination with ancient civilizations.

"Let's go check it out. Everything will become clear."

Caelan said calmly.

He already knew what was on Sky Island but it wasn't the time to say so.

Cricket looked at the confident Caelan, nodded, and felt a glimmer of hope.

"The only way to reach Sky Island is through the Knock Up Stream."

"According to my calculations, the stream will erupt tomorrow. Use the remaining time to modify your ship."

With that, Cricket and the apes and gorillas got to work modifying the Wind Rider.

The night passed quickly. Thanks to Cricket and the Saruyama Alliance's efforts, the Wind Rider was fully upgraded.

Not only was the hull reinforced, but it also had a pair of wings added to both sides.

"Are you really sure about this? The Knock Up Stream is essentially a disaster at sea. It's a phenomenon caused by the massive temperature difference on the seabed, and very few people survive its sudden eruption."

Cricket's expression was grim as he explained the dangers.

"It's fine. I've got the best team with me. We won't have any trouble."

Caelan looked at Nami confidently, completely unbothered.

Nami and the other girls clenched their fists in determination. They wouldn't let Caelan down.

Even Robin, normally reserved, was moved. She stared at the tightly united crew in a daze. This team... really was something special.

Watching Caelan and the others work in perfect harmony, Cricket couldn't help but believe.

Only a crew like this could have hope of reaching Sky Island!

"If you do reach Sky Island, could you ring the Golden Bell?"

Cricket looked at Caelan with hope in his eyes.

"No problem. Just wait for us to ring it."

Caelan nodded. It was just a small favor along the way.

"Then, the Wind Rider will head for Sky Island. Let's go!"

Seeing everything was ready, Caelan leapt onto the bow of the ship.

"Yes!"

Under Cricket's guidance, the Wind Rider soon reached the location where the Knock Up Stream would appear.

Just as Cricket had predicted, the previously calm sea suddenly roared to life.

A massive water column erupted, stretching from sea to sky.

Under Nami and the others' expert control, the Wind Rider precisely caught the stream. The wings on both sides of the hull deployed, and the ship soared upward.

"Then I wish you all the best!"

Cricket shouted at the top of his lungs.

The apes and gorillas beside him pounded their chests and cheered loudly.

As he watched the Wind Rider rise toward the sky, Cricket's eyes were filled with hope.

The path to Sky Island was fraught with danger. Countless people had perished along the way.

But Cricket believed in Caelan.

If anyone could do it, it should be him.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 54: Miracle

With the massive force of the surging sea current, the Wind Rider soared 7,000 meters and landed atop a white cloud.

Bang!

When the force of the sea current dissipated, the Wind Rider came to a steady landing on the white cloud.

"It can actually float on a cloud, just like sailing on water."

Nami looked at the Wind Rider gliding across the cloud and gasped in surprise.

"We're actually standing on a cloud!"

Vivi gazed at the vast sea of clouds, feeling as if she were dreaming.

Tashigi pursed her lips, still unable to believe the breathtaking scene in front of her.

Even Robin was momentarily stunned by the endless white landscape.

Although they had all prepared themselves mentally, now that they saw it for themselves, it still felt unbelievable.

"This world really is full of wonders."

Caelan looked at the boundless cloud sea. A faint smile appeared on his lips as his desire to explore the world stirred.

Boom!

Just as everyone was immersed in the beauty of the sky, a deafening roar rang out.

A massive fish, over fifty meters long, burst out of the clouds, its mouth—more than ten meters wide and lined with sharp fangs—lunging toward the Wind Rider.

"What a huge fish! It's like a monster!"

Nami stared in horror at the monstrous fish, its size even larger than the Wind Rider itself.

"This must be the sky fish mentioned in Noland's journal. But it's enormous..."

Robin's expression turned serious. This creature rivaled some Sea Kings in size.

Vivi and Tashigi stepped forward, ready to fight.

But just as they prepared to strike, they realized their bodies had gone limp. They couldn't summon any strength.

Roar!

In an instant, the enormous sky fish loomed over the Wind Rider, casting a massive shadow.

Bang!

Caelan leapt into the air and delivered a single punch, knocking the sky fish flying. It tumbled back into the clouds and quickly disappeared from view.

The girls let out a breath of relief and looked at Caelan gratefully.

Neigh!

With a sharp cry, an old knight clad in armor appeared, riding a strange-looking Pegasus and holding a spear.

Gan Fall stared at Caelan in disbelief.

"Another one?"

Nami held her head and let out a groan, starting to feel a headache.

"Damn it, I still can't move!"

Vivi, Robin, and Tashigi wanted to respond, but they still couldn't gather any strength. All they could do was glare at Gan Fall warily.

"Don't be alarmed. I come in peace. You may call me the Knight of the Sky."

"People of the Blue Sea, I'm here to help."

Gan Fall raised both hands and rested his spear against the Pegasus's back to show he meant no harm.

"Blue Sea people?"

Nami blinked in confusion, not quite understanding.

Vivi, Tashigi, and Robin eased their stances slightly. Gan Fall didn't seem like an enemy.

"That's right. You come from the sea 7,000 meters below, which we call the Blue Sea. These clouds are what we call the White Sea."

"As for your physical weakness, it's due to the thinner air here compared to the Blue Sea."

"But you've already arrived. Why haven't you adapted yet?"

Gan Fall looked at Caelan and the others curiously, explaining patiently.

"Adapt? We just came through the Knock Up Stream!"

Tashigi was a little shocked. How could anyone adapt that quickly?

"The Knock Up Stream? You actually came through that? That's the most dangerous route!"

"You're truly brave. Your sailing skills are impressive as well."

Gan Fall praised them sincerely, though he kept stealing glances at Caelan.

If they had just arrived, why was this man completely unaffected?

And the way he punched away a sky fish weighing hundreds of tons... it was outrageous.

"Are there other ways to reach Sky Island besides the Knock Up Stream?"

Nami widened her eyes in disbelief.

"Of course."

"Though that route still has its dangers, it's much safer than the Knock Up Stream."

Gan Fall replied distractedly, still lost in thought about Caelan.

Nami was stunned. Cold sweat trickled down her face. The phrase "most dangerous" kept ringing in her ears.

"Sir, you don't seem affected at all. And your strength seems a little... too great."

Gan Fall finally gave in to his curiosity and asked Caelan carefully.

That punch earlier had truly shocked him.

"Everyone's physique is different. I was born with great strength."

Caelan smiled.

Thanks to his physique, he had already adapted by the time he rose into the sky.

Now, the environment felt completely natural to him.

"I see."

Gan Fall nodded, as if understanding something.

He had met a few innately gifted individuals in his life.

"I was going to give you a whistle, so you could pay for my help."

"But with this gentleman here, it'd be pointless."

"Everyone, I wish you luck. Farewell!"

With that, Gan Fall mounted his odd-looking Pegasus and disappeared into the clouds.

"What a weirdo. And what an ugly Pegasus."

Nami muttered as she watched him vanish, finally unable to hold back her complaint.

"Alright, forget about him. Let's move on."

Caelan rubbed Nami's head gently, though his eyes lingered on the cloud where Gan Fall had disappeared. He hadn't actually gone far.

Nami nodded, and together with the other girls, began piloting the Wind Rider to higher altitudes.

According to the Log Pose, which had already locked onto the new magnetic field, they were still some distance from the true Sky Island.

Within the clouds, Gan Fall hovered on his Pegasus, watching the Wind Rider as it ascended.

"That man... it's like he saw me."

Gan Fall recalled how Caelan had looked straight in his direction.

"How could that be? Only Enel and the priests can use the Mantra. He shouldn't be able to..."

Gan Fall shook his head, thinking he was overanalyzing it.

Maybe this man was simply that strong. Strong enough that the environment didn't affect him.

But now he wondered—how did this mysterious man compare to Enel?

He quickly shook off the thought.

Caelan was just a powerful mortal, while Enel was a god who wielded lightning. There was no comparison.

Sigh.

"If only a strong enough person existed to drive Enel away..."

Gan Fall sighed to himself.

Enel had plunged Sky Island into chaos. The people were suffering terribly under his rule.

If someone could truly overthrow Enel, it would be like a dream come true.

Smack!

Gan Fall slapped himself, snapping out of his thoughts.

There were no miracles in this world. It was better to stay grounded, remain a Sky Knight, and help as many people as he could.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Chapter 55: Despicable

As the Wind Rider continued forward, Caelan and the others arrived at a massive passage formed from white clouds.

Beside the passage stood a golden gate, with a plaque reading "Heaven's Gate."

"The Log Pose is still pointing upward. Are we supposed to go through this passage?"

"But it goes straight up, and the Wind Rider can't fly."

Nami looked at the Log Pose on her wrist, a bit puzzled.

"This 'Heaven's Gate'... if we pass through it, does that mean we reach heaven?"

Robin was drawn to the plaque and studied the inscription thoughtfully.

"Hey, you two, stop guessing. Why not just ask that person?"

Vivi and Tashigi rolled their eyes and pointed to the base of the gate.

Beneath the gate's pillars stood an elderly woman holding a camera, repeatedly snapping photos of Caelan and the group.

Her wrinkled face resembled a dried plum, and her short, thin figure was dressed in lavender. Most notable were the small white wings on her back.

Was this supposed to be an angel? Why did she look as abstract as that Pegasus?

Nami's face twitched as she resisted the urge to complain aloud.

Robin quietly withdrew her earlier assumption that this was heaven. If heaven looked like this, she might prefer hell.

"I am the Heaven's Gate supervisor, Amazon."

"May I ask if you're here for sightseeing or combat? Regardless, we don't turn people away here."

Amazon smiled eerily, but her tone remained oddly polite.

"We just want to enter Sky Island. We'll take a look around first."

Caelan stepped forward and responded calmly.

"Whatever your purpose, if you want to ascend to the next level, you must pay one billion Extol. That's the law here."

Amazon lowered her eyelids and replied emotionlessly.

"One billion Extol?! How much is that in Berries?"

Nami's eyes widened in shock at the massive number.

"It doesn't matter if you don't pay. I'm not a gatekeeper or a guard. I only ask to know your intent."

Amazon squinted her eyes, seemingly indifferent.

But in her heart, she sneered. Another group of outsiders had arrived. She'd soon witness divine punishment again.

"Thank you..."

Nami began to respond, surprised.

"Free is the most expensive, Nami. Don't be fooled."

Caelan raised his hand to stop her, speaking calmly.

Was this old woman hiding something?

Nami immediately caught on and glanced at Amazon suspiciously.

The other women sensed something off as well. They looked at Amazon with cautious eyes.

If it didn't matter whether they paid, then what was the point of this old woman's presence?

And more importantly, she gave off a deeply unpleasant, sly vibe. It was clearly suspicious.

"How much in Berries is needed for five people? A total of five billion Extol?"

Caelan stepped forward, staring down at Amazon, and released a faint wave of Conqueror's Haki.

He could tell this old woman had ulterior motives, and there was no reason to humor her.

Under Caelan's oppressive aura, Amazon's prune-like face went pale, her already hunched back curling even more. Her body trembled involuntarily.

"1 Berry can be exchanged for 10,000 Extol. You need a total of 500,000 Berries."

Amazon looked at Caelan in terror, cold sweat dripping from her forehead.

She had never experienced such overwhelming presence. Caelan stood before her like a beast king, exuding a suffocating majesty.

She had seen the so-called god Enel before, and though he was majestic, he didn't exude the same fearsome presence as this man.

Caelan's Haki was absolute and irresistible.

"Here's 500,000 Berries. Take it."

Caelan pulled out five 100,000-Berry bills and tossed them over.

A mere 500,000 Berries—just a meal's worth. There was no need to fuss over it.

"Very well. Safe travels!"

Amazon's old face lit up like a blooming chrysanthemum as she bowed low.

"Yeah."

Caelan nodded coolly and returned to the Wind Rider with the women.

Soon, two enormous shrimp claws emerged from the sea of clouds and lifted the Wind Rider into the air.

"What the heck is that!?"

Nami stared at the shrimp claws on either side of the ship in shock.

"Those are Speedy Shrimp of the White Sea. They'll take you another 3,000 meters up to the upper White Sea, which is the true Sky Island!"

"Really? That's amazing!"

Vivi and Tashigi exclaimed in awe. They had never seen such a fantastical form of transport.

The Speedy Shrimp quickly picked up speed, carrying the Wind Rider upward.

Watching the Wind Rider disappear into the distance, Amazon slowly straightened her back, and the flattering expression vanished from her face.

"Filthy Blue Sea scum!"

Amazon growled through gritted teeth, her expression twisting with malice.

She had hoped to trap Caelan and the others in the crime of illegally entering Angel Island, but Caelan had seen right through her. Worse, he had humiliated her with his terrifying pressure.

"Almighty God and all holy priests, this is a report from Amazon, Heaven's Gate!"

"Five Blue Sea people have illegally entered the Heaven's Gate and blasphemed against God's followers! Please punish them!"

Amazon looked crazed as she tossed the 500,000 Berries Caelan had given her into the sea of clouds.

That divine judgment would reduce them to ashes. No matter how arrogant they were in front of her, before divine retribution, they would be nothing!

Amazon's face twisted into a look of pure ecstasy as she envisioned Caelan and the others reduced to charcoal by divine thunder, just like the previous fools.

The more she thought about it, the broader her grin became.

Whoosh!

A blade slash shot through the air, slicing with a deafening sonic boom.

"No!"

Amazon's delighted expression froze. In her eyes filled with despair, the slash cleaved her in two.

She collapsed to the ground, trying desperately to press her upper and lower halves together, frantically shoving her spilled organs back into her torso.

But the blood wouldn't stop, and her life continued slipping away.

"Why did I…"

As she lay dying, all that filled Amazon's mind was regret.

They had even paid her. Why couldn't she just let them pass?

Her life drained away bit by bit. At last, Amazon died with deep regret and despair.

…

Lifted by the Speedy Shrimp, on the fast-moving Wind Rider.

"Sigh, what a waste of my 500,000."

Caelan sheathed his greatsword and sighed.

He had seen through Amazon's schemes from the start.

He despised two-faced schemers like her and would never spare them.

People like her wouldn't change unless they were dead.

She had been given a chance but chose to betray it.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 56: Divine Judgment

At the top of Speedy Shrimp, the Wind Rider quickly passed through the massive passage formed by clouds.

At the end of the passage, a line of words was engraved on the cloud wall.

"God's Kingdom!?"

Robin looked at the inscription, clearly surprised.

The next moment, the Speedy Shrimp lifted the Wind Rider through the end of the passage, then vanished into the clouds.

Bang!

Using its remaining momentum, the Wind Rider glided briefly through the air before landing gently on a cloud.

The ground paved with clouds and the various buildings hidden among them created a dreamlike scene, resembling the very heaven where gods might dwell.

"This is the real Sky Island. We've made it!"

Nami looked around, her voice filled with awe.

"This place is so strange. You can even stand on the clouds!"

Vivi stepped onto the soft cloud surface with a look of delight.

"This kind of place really feels like an adventure."

Robin gazed at the surreal surroundings and couldn't help but sigh.

She had spent years surviving in the shadows of the world. She never thought she'd one day experience something so magical with companions by her side.

It felt unexpectedly warm. Robin smiled unconsciously.

"Let's check out that town up ahead."

Caelan looked at the buildings among the clouds and took the lead.

"Alright, Captain!"

The girls responded in unison and followed him.

Soon, they arrived at the cloud town they had seen from the ship—Lovely Street.

The architecture here was whimsical, like something out of a fairy tale. Large, fluffy clouds drifted around the buildings.

All the pedestrians on the street had small white wings and greeted each other with a phrase—"Heso." But when they saw Caelan and his group, they instinctively stepped aside.

"This really is a beautiful town, but... why do the people around us seem strange?"

Nami rubbed her chin, sensing something was off.

"Maybe they just don't like outsiders?"

Tashigi said uncertainly. She noticed the townspeople seemed to be deliberately avoiding them.

"No... They're not just avoiding us. It's like they're afraid. As if we're bringing disaster."

Vivi's expression grew serious. Something about this wasn't right.

"And their eyes... They looked at us with pity. Like they're already mourning us."

Robin's voice was low. Her years of survival in the underworld told her—something bad was coming.

Maybe the Heaven's Gate monitor had done something behind the scenes.

"Let's not overthink it. Just ask someone directly."

Caelan said calmly. He already understood the situation.

The people of Sky Island were afraid because they knew Enel had marked them. And they feared being caught in the aftermath.

Caelan reached out and stopped a beautiful blonde woman, not because of her looks, but because he recognized her. This was Conis, who had originally helped Luffy in the source timeline.

The other islanders tensed up, nervously watching Caelan and his companions.

"Hello. Could you tell me why everyone seems afraid of us?"

Caelan asked with a gentle smile.

"You've already been branded first-class criminals in the Kingdom of God. The omniscient and omnipotent God Enel will issue divine judgment on you. We're only afraid of being caught in the fallout."

Conis realized there was no escape, so she spoke timidly.

Looking at Caelan, she sighed inwardly. What a shame. Such a handsome man was going to be killed by divine punishment.

"The omniscient and omnipotent god wants to punish us?"

Nami's eyes went wide. It felt like the sky was crashing down.

That title alone sounded incredibly dangerous. Was she going to die?

Vivi, Robin, and Tashigi also frowned. This god sounded far worse than Crocodile. He was probably a formidable enemy.

"No one has ever survived God's judgment. You should just enjoy the scenery while you still can."

Conis looked at Caelan and the others with genuine concern.

She had never seen anyone escape Enel's punishment. Their lives were already ticking away.

"It's too late. The so-called divine punishment has already arrived."

Caelan looked up at the sky and spoke calmly.

In an instant, the sky darkened. Thick clouds rolled in, and arcs of blue-white lightning crackled in the air.

The atmosphere turned heavy. It felt like a boulder was pressing down on everyone's chest. Even breathing became difficult.

"What's going on!? This punishment is much stronger than before. It's suffocating!"

The people of Sky Island panicked, staring at the thunderclouds in horror.

The scale of this divine judgment was unlike anything they'd seen. It looked like it would engulf the entire town.

"God is angry! We're all going to die!"

The townspeople cried out in despair. But oddly, there was a hint of relief in their voices.

Ever since Enel had taken power, their peaceful lives had been replaced by fear and oppression.

Now, facing what seemed like inevitable death, many were strangely calm. Death would finally free them from Enel's tyrannical rule.

"Actually, you can still live."

Caelan sighed and raised his massive sword.

He had no habit of dragging others into his fights. If he chose an enemy, then he would face it himself.

"You want to fight God's wrath? That's impossible!"

The islanders looked at Caelan as if he were crazy.

But Vivi, Nami, Robin, and Tashigi remained composed. They believed in him.

"Maybe… he really can do it?"

Conis muttered, staring at Caelan.

He stood so confidently, and his companions placed such unwavering trust in him. Maybe, just maybe…

The next moment, a blue-white lightning column fell like a waterfall, descending upon Caelan with a crushing wave of destruction.

As the sky lit up with blinding electricity, the people of Sky Island stared as Caelan swung his sword toward the heavens, awaiting what they believed would be certain death.

Caelan sighed softly as his giant sword unleashed a massive slash. The blade gleamed with pitch-black Armament Haki and clashed directly with the descending lightning.

In an instant, his sword energy tore through the lightning pillar and even ripped apart the thunderclouds above.

Everyone froze. For a long time, no one could process what had just happened.

"We're alive!?"

The people of Sky Island looked around in disbelief. Then came the cheers of joy and wonder.

The lightning was gone. The skies were clear once more. It was as if nothing had happened at all.

But the image of that powerful swordsman who had slashed through divine punishment remained etched in their minds.

The strongest divine judgment from God… had been cut in half by a man from the Blue Sea.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Chapter 57: Bravery

"It's incredible that he actually blocked it..."

Conis stared blankly at Caelan, a strange light flickering in her beautiful eyes.

Moments ago, she had only held onto a sliver of hope, never expecting Caelan to truly shatter God's Judgment.

Enel's divine punishment had always brought an overwhelming, irresistible fear to the people of Sky Island.

He controlled lightning, and to them, he was revered as a god.

But Caelan's sword had completely dispelled the thunder without leaving a trace. It defied everything she believed.

Ignoring the crowd's stunned gazes, Caelan looked up toward the sky. He could still sense a distinct form of Observation Haki peering in from afar.

"Enel, I know you're watching. You're making me uncomfortable. Just wait. I'll come deal with you soon."

Caelan stretched his body, sneering up at the clouds.

The sky, which had been split open by his sword, quickly filled once again with thunderclouds. Low rumbles echoed above, as if lightning were about to strike again.

The people of Sky Island stared upward in fear, their scalps tingling. Could Caelan stop it again?

Before the thunderclouds could strike, Caelan raised his sword and unleashed another slash, dispersing the clouds instantly.

"It's useless. I could cut through this kind of attack ten thousand times."

"You'd best wait where you are. I'm coming for you."

Caelan sheathed his massive sword and spoke calmly to the sky.

He wasn't boasting. With his physical strength, clearing away thunderclouds was nothing to him.

Thunder rumbled again in the sky, but it never fell. Enel had realized that lightning would do no good and saw no point in wasting energy.

The residents of Sky Island stared at Caelan in awe. This man showed no fear of the god they dreaded. If they hadn't seen him personally cleave the divine judgments apart, they would've thought he was just arrogantly delusional.

But after witnessing him destroy Enel's attacks with a single swing of his sword, they saw only strength—true, overwhelming strength.

"Alright, everyone. I'm going to challenge Enel. Is there anyone willing to guide the way?"

With the thunderclouds gone, Caelan turned and asked the crowd.

For a moment, the Sky Islanders were silent. No one dared speak.

They had been ruled by Enel for too long. The fear of him was deeply rooted in their hearts. Even though Caelan had just cut down divine punishment twice, they still didn't dare oppose Enel.

"I'll do it!"

Conis stepped forward, her voice firm.

"Conis, are you crazy? Enel is the god of thunder! Anyone who resists him meets a terrible end!"

A Sky Islander cried out, trying to dissuade her.

Conis had grown up under their care. None of them wanted to see her die.

"Say no more. This might be our only chance. I don't want to keep living under his rule!"

Conis responded resolutely.

"Very good. You're a brave girl. Let's go."

Caelan nodded in approval. One guide was all he needed.

With Conis leading the way, Caelan and his crew made their way toward Enel's temple.

As they disappeared into the distance, the remaining Sky Islanders hesitated. They didn't want to keep enduring Enel's tyranny.

Ever since Enel had arrived six years ago, defeating the former god Gan Fall and his priests, no one on Sky Island had been able to stand against him.

More precisely, no one had been able to stop Enel from invoking divine punishment.

Now, warriors from the Blue Sea had destroyed thunder with their own hands. Perhaps they truly had the strength to stand against him. Could they really just sit back and do nothing?

"I'm going to help them. Anyone else who wants to come, follow me!"

McKinley, captain of the White Beret Army, stepped forward and followed after Caelan's group.

He had once served as a priest under Enel to protect the people of Sky Island. But he had never truly wanted to be Enel's lackey.

Even if he wasn't sure Caelan could defeat Enel, he had to go.

This time, he wouldn't bow his head. If he died fighting, so be it!

A dozen others followed him. They were all former priests who had served under Gan Fall. This time, they were prepared to die for their cause.

Back in town, the remaining residents panicked like ants on a hot stove, terrified that they'd be caught in Enel's wrath if Caelan failed.

It was impossible for mortals to defeat God Enel. Those Blue Sea people simply didn't understand how terrifying a god truly was.

They could only die!

…

In Enel's temple.

With the power of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, Enel extended his Mantra across all of Sky Island. Everything happening below was within his view.

"A bug from the Blue Sea dares challenge the authority of a god?"

Enel reclined on his throne, his usual indifferent expression darkened with annoyance.

Killing his Gate Supervisor, acting so arrogantly in his territory—this man clearly held no respect for him.

That alone was enough to make him angry. And now, Caelan had destroyed his divine punishment twice. That was outright defiance.

"My lord... should we take precautions?"

Inside the temple, several priests stood silently.

It was their first time witnessing someone not only survive God's Judgment, but completely destroy it with a sword. It was truly frightening.

"He has some skill. But anyone who challenges a god will only die."

Enel glanced coldly at the priests, his confidence absolute.

Even he had to admit—Caelan had formidable swordsmanship and impressive strength.

But he was the god who controlled lightning. The power he held was beyond anything a Blue Sea insect could comprehend.

"Yes, Lord Enel is invincible!"

"But besides them, the savages from Shandia are also attacking."

One priest smiled ingratiatingly, trying to flatter Enel.

"Let the trials deal with the trash. Not everyone is worthy of seeing God."

Enel frowned, speaking with disdain.

He acknowledged that Caelan was qualified to face him. The rest? Not worth the effort.

The priests quickly retreated from the temple, relieved to be dismissed.

Now alone in the temple, Enel walked over to the Ark Maxim, which was nearing completion. He reached out and touched the golden ship.

"Very soon, I'll leave this sea of clouds and head to the true endless land."

Enel looked up at the temple dome, his gaze seeming to pierce through it toward the distant moon.

The limited land of Sky Island was unworthy of a god. Only the boundless surface of the moon was a fitting domain.

"But before that, I'll deal with these insects who defy the gods."

Enel sat back on his throne and closed his eyes.

Those who dared challenge a god would receive the harshest punishment, and fall into the deepest, most hopeless despair.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 58: Futile

With the help of Conis, McKinley, and others, Caelan and his companions boarded Sky Island's unique transportation, the [Waver], and sped toward Enel's location.

"This method of transportation is amazing. It moves without wind and at such high speed!"

Nami looked at the Waver gliding across the sea of clouds and couldn't help but marvel.

"This uses a wind dial, something unique to Sky Island. It stores wind energy and releases it as propulsion when needed."

"We also have flame dials, light dials, impact dials, and more. Dials are essential energy sources here on Sky Island."

Conis explained with a forced smile. She was still anxious about what awaited them ahead.

"If they're that useful, maybe you can give me a few after I defeat Enel."

Caelan sounded relaxed.

He had taken a liking to these dials. If installed on the Wind Rider, they could increase its speed and ease the workload for Nami and the others.

"Of course. If you truly defeat Enel, we'll reward you generously. A few dials would be nothing in comparison."

Conis and McKinley replied together, hope flickering in their eyes.

"Then get ready. Caelan will definitely win!"

Vivi smiled.

The other women nodded in agreement, clearly full of trust in Caelan.

"I hope so..."

Conis nodded softly, still uneasy.

Enel had ruled Sky Island for six years. With his Observation Haki spread across the island and his power over thunder, he was a terrifying opponent.

Soon, with the Waver's speed, they arrived at Enel's temple—located in the sacred land of Upper Yard.

"This is strange... this area isn't made of clouds, it's actual earth."

Nami stared at the familiar yellow soil, surprised.

Everything on Sky Island was usually made of clouds, even the plants grew from them.

Suddenly seeing a landmass felt completely out of place.

"They say this land suddenly appeared 400 years ago and is now considered sacred. There used to be natives here, but Enel drove them out when he came."

"They've never given up on reclaiming it. They attack from time to time. They're much braver than us."

McKinley said with a bitter smile.

Compared to the Shandians, the Sky Islanders had always felt cowardly.

"A landmass that appeared 400 years ago... fierce tribal warriors... this must be the part of Jaya Island that was blasted into the sky."

Robin's eyes gleamed with understanding, recalling Noland's travel log.

Conis and McKinley led Caelan and the others into the Lost Forest, where they discovered several dead bodies and signs of battle.

Among the dead were men in winged uniforms, and others dressed in fur and painted faces.

"Those are Enel's men... and Shandian warriors. Looks like they're fighting again."

McKinley observed the scene and spoke with a mix of awe and tension.

Unexpectedly, today was another Shandian offensive. It meant more strength had gathered.

The group quickened their pace.

Higher up in Upper Yard, the Shandians had gathered their elite warriors for another attempt to reclaim their sacred land.

"We swear to the great warrior Kalgara, we will reclaim our land and reignite the light of Shandora!"

Wyper raised his spear and sword and roared with determination.

"We must win! We must win!"

The warriors of Shandia shouted in unison, their eyes burning with fighting spirit.

"Split up. Watch yourselves out there!"

Under Wyper's command, the elite warriors dispersed to hold off the priests. Wyper himself led a squad to strike directly at Enel, aiming to decapitate the enemy.

Warashi and Kamakiri led one group and were quickly intercepted by Priest Shura and his Divine Soldiers.

"Ignorant savages, this is the Ball Trial. The survival rate is only 10%!"

The rotund Priest Shura sneered, tossing spheres filled with various weapons.

Kamakiri's face was grim as he led his warriors into battle.

Elsewhere, warrior Braham led a team against Priest Gedatsu of the Swamp Trial, and warrior Karuha clashed with Priest Ohm of the Iron Trial.

Unfortunately, the priests all had access to Mantra. Shandia's elites were clearly at a disadvantage and began to fall.

Wyper, charging straight toward the temple, was stopped by Priest Shura of the String Trial.

"Ignorant savages. You're nowhere near worthy to face God."

Shura smirked in disdain.

These attackers had come more than once, and they had always failed. This time would be no different.

Wyper's eyes burned behind his mask, undeterred by Shura's mockery.

This time, he had a trump card—a special Impact Dial that was ten times stronger than normal. No living body could withstand a single strike from it.

With that power, he was determined to defeat Enel and reclaim his homeland.

"Go! Tear down everyone in your way!"

Wyper roared, red-eyed, and fired a cannonball straight at Shura.

Boom!

With the sound of cannonfire, the Shandian warriors surged forward like men possessed, clashing with the Divine Soldiers.

After a fierce battle, Shura was finally defeated, though all of Wyper's warriors had fallen.

Wyper leaned against a tree, breathing heavily. The brutal fight had sapped his strength.

"Well done, War Demon Wyper."

Wyper's pupils contracted as he turned to the voice.

A man over two and a half meters tall approached. Four thunder drums marked with magatama hung on his back, and long ears drooped beside his shoulders.

"Enel!"

Wyper's muscles tensed instantly.

"You've dealt with my priest. I'll give you a reward—three minutes. You can attack me freely for three minutes."

Enel held up three fingers, smiling contemptuously.

He sensed that Caelan was approaching. Warming up with Wyper would pass the time.

"Bastard!"

Wyper snarled, firing a cannonball at Enel.

Boom!

The projectile passed harmlessly through Enel's body, striking the woods behind him.

"Your attacks are useless."

Enel sighed with mock disappointment.

Enraged, Wyper launched a wild barrage of attacks.

But under Enel's Mantra, none of them landed. Not even one strand of his robe was touched.

Finally, Wyper closed in, aiming the Impact Dial in his left hand at Enel and unleashing a massive blast.

A faint smile curled on Wyper's lips. Even stone shattered under that force. No so-called god could withstand it.

Boom!

But to Wyper's shock, Enel turned into lightning, completely avoiding the impact.

"You have a good idea, Wyper. But it's useless."

"Now it's my turn."

Reforming from lightning, Enel appeared beside Wyper. A sphere of dazzling blue-white lightning formed in his palm.

"Two million volts... Discharge."

The blinding lightning engulfed Wyper instantly, turning him charred black before he collapsed.

Wyper's chest barely moved. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw three priests dragging Kamakiri, Braham, and Karuha in defeat.

The Shandian counterattack had failed completely.

"Enel is... invincible..."

Wyper muttered, lying on the ground.

His carefully prepared trump card had failed. All his comrades had been captured.

Even with his unyielding will, he could no longer imagine any hope of defeating Enel.

A power that could predict attacks. A body immune to harm. Lightning that destroyed everything…

Enel really was a god. An invincible god.

"...You've arrived?"

"Good. The warm-up is over. Time to begin."

Enel turned to the forest, his expression growing serious.

Who was it?

Wyper, still conscious, heard the words and looked toward the forest too.

As the strongest warrior of the Shandian tribe, he had been used merely as a warm-up. Who could possibly draw such focus from Enel?

The priests also tensed. The man from the Blue Sea who had destroyed God's Judgment... had arrived.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Chapter 59: Thunder God

The man from the Blue Sea had brought a few Sky Island stragglers with him, and honestly, Wyper felt a little disappointed.

It wasn't that they were weak. By his judgment, those women from the Blue Sea had strength equal to his own. And the man leading them radiated the pressure of a true powerhouse.

But compared to Enel, it still didn't seem like enough.

"Enel, it's our first time meeting, and frankly..."

Caelan looked at Enel and sighed.

From his perspective, Enel didn't feel any stronger than Crocodile—just more proficient in Observation Haki.

He had already defeated Crocodile. There was no reason he couldn't defeat Enel.

And now, after his growth since Alabasta, Enel seemed even less impressive.

"Blasphemy! How dare you speak that way to God!"

The three priests exchanged glances, then lunged at Caelan simultaneously.

"Iron Cloud!"

"Swamp Cloud!"

"Attack!"

In an instant, three separate attacks came at Caelan from different directions, with no blind spots.

Enel simply watched. He wanted to see what Caelan was capable of.

Under Conis's worried gaze and Wyper's curious eyes…

"Boring."

Caelan curled his lip and casually swung his blade.

In a flash, all three attacks were obliterated. The priests were sent flying, severely wounded, and crashed to the ground.

Conis covered her mouth in shock. Caelan had defeated three priests with a single swing. Hope surged in her chest.

"A-Amazing! How is that possible?!"

Wyper shouted in disbelief, ignoring his own injuries.

It had taken everything he had just to defeat Shura. Yet this man had taken out three priests in one stroke. It was terrifying.

But even so, it wasn't enough. Enel could see through all attacks with his Mantra and could transform into lightning, making him immune to damage.

These priests were trash. They hadn't even laid a finger on him.

Enel's expression darkened. The way his priests performed was downright humiliating.

"Don't embarrass yourselves with this kind of trash."

Caelan said calmly. To him, defeating the priests was nothing special.

"Blue Sea man!"

Arcs of lightning crackled around Enel's body as he scowled.

This man had killed his Gate Supervisor, resisted his divine punishment, and now stood before him still speaking so arrogantly.

Ever since he had eaten the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, no one had dared challenge his divinity like this.

"Sixty million volts... Discharge!"

A bolt of lightning fired from Enel's fingertips toward Caelan.

Crackle!

To everyone's shock, Caelan's greatsword moved as if in anticipation. The blade, coated in black Haki, easily blocked the lightning.

Wyper watched in stunned silence, a bitter feeling swelling in his chest.

The lightning that had taken him down earlier had only been two million volts. This was thirty times more powerful!

Enel hadn't even used his real strength against him.

What was even more shocking was that Caelan had blocked it so easily.

These two... were far stronger than anything he could have imagined.

Maybe… maybe this Blue Sea man really could defeat Enel.

Wyper looked at Caelan's calm face, and for the first time, true hope bloomed in his heart.

"You can use Mantra? And that black energy… what is it?"

Enel's expression finally changed, and he exclaimed aloud.

He had seen it clearly—Caelan moved to counter the lightning at the exact moment it was released, just like Mantra.

That ability should only belong to him and his priests.

And the black aura that nullified his lightning, he had never seen it before.

For the first time, Enel felt something unfamiliar… danger.

"You're making too big a deal out of it. It's just Haki."

Caelan replied with a smirk at Enel's confusion.

Enel, who had never left Sky Island, was still far too inexperienced. If he had traveled the seas, he might have reached admiral-level strength.

Haki? What is that?

Enel didn't understand, but he could clearly read the scorn in Caelan's eyes.

The shame of ignorance and the rage of being looked down upon boiled inside him. Enel couldn't tolerate it. He didn't want to tolerate it.

Caelan's power was certainly strange, but it had to have limits.

But as a god, his power was limitless!

"Two hundred million volts... Thunder God!"

Enel released all of his power. Blue-white lightning surged around his body, transforming him into a massive god of thunder.

A colossal form, over ten meters tall, emerged. Lightning danced across its body like a divine storm, radiating a pressure as vast as the ocean.

Even though he hadn't attacked yet, Wyper, Conis, McKinley, and the others felt as if they were caught in a violent sea storm, suffocated by the immense pressure.

"This is his true form… the form of a god?!"

McKinley exclaimed, barely able to remain upright.

The others were also overwhelmed. In the face of such power, there didn't seem to be any hope of survival.

"What's going on? The lightning... it's closing in on us!"

Conis gasped, her body paralyzed by the surrounding static.

As Enel took the form of a massive thunder god, arcs of electricity filled the area, steadily eroding their bodies.

"How is this happening? He hasn't even made a move!"

Wyper shouted. Just standing near Enel was enough to begin dying.

To perish like this, without even a chance to fight back—what a miserable end.

Nami and the others were fine. Thanks to Caelan's training, their Armament Haki was nearing awakening, allowing them to leave the lightning field.

But they didn't have enough strength left to help Conis, McKinley, or the others.

Fortunately, Gan Fall suddenly arrived, flying in on his strange Pegasus, and rescued everyone from the lightning zone.

Just as they were about to thank him, Gan Fall waved them off.

"The danger isn't over. If he can't defeat Enel, we're all finished."

Gan Fall looked toward the battlefield with a serious expression.

Hearing this, everyone turned their attention to Caelan and Enel. This battle would decide their fate.

The enormous Thunder God had enough power to destroy all of Sky Island. It was like the legendary wrath of a god, come to bring the world's end.

"People aren't afraid of gods. God is fear itself. I am God!"

Enel laughed, proclaiming his divinity as the ants below him fled in panic.

Towering over ten meters tall, Enel looked down on Caelan, hoping to see fear in his eyes.

But there was none.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 60: Obliterated

"This is the power of the thunder god. Are you afraid now, insect?"

Enel looked down at Caelan, his voice booming like thunder.

"You can't become a true powerhouse by relying solely on a Devil Fruit."

"Pathetic false god."

Caelan raised his head and met the gaze of the towering thunder god without flinching. His voice was calm and steady, but it resonated louder than any thunder crackling through the sky.

Seeing Caelan mock him so directly, Enel was incensed.

He was the true god, the one who commanded thunder, the one none could question.

Yet, again and again, his divine authority had been challenged by this mortal. It was the ultimate insult. And such blasphemy would be met with divine punishment.

"I'll obliterate you with thunder today!"

Enel roared, the sky rolling with thunder in response.

The massive Thunder God raised its right arm, blazing with blue-white lightning, and brought it down like a mountain crushing the earth.

"You've abandoned your only advantage. Now you've ensured your defeat."

Caelan shook his head, sentencing Enel with a cold and final tone.

The only real threat Enel posed to Caelan was his speed in lightning form. But Enel, blinded by rage, had given that up.

This Thunder God form might look overwhelming, but it was just a giant target.

"[Noble Phantasm]: Nine Lives: Shooting the Hundred Heads!"

Caelan raised his massive sword, gathering mana and power within his body into its edge.

The pressure surged skyward, scattering the thunderclouds above like smoke.

Boom!

Under Enel's stunned eyes, a colossal shockwave shattered the Thunder God's right arm. A heartbeat later, the entire Thunder God was obliterated.

Enel's Mantra sensed the danger, and he instinctively tried to become lightning to escape. But the wave moved faster than his thoughts.

Caught in the blast, he lost all breath and presence within that immense burst of energy.

Without the Thunder God's protection, the energy continued on, piercing the island itself. It even tore through the sea of clouds, carving out a massive trench that took a long time to mend.

The thunderous impact and spectacle of battle left everyone stunned, unable to react for several moments.

Caelan sighed, shaking his head slightly.

"Thank you, Mr. Caelan!"

Conis jogged over and bowed deeply.

Behind her, McKinley and his soldiers stood flushed with awe, unable to form words.

They had come expecting to die, never imagining they would witness such an epic battle. A so-called god had fallen before them—completely outmatched.

After the brief moment of joy, McKinley quickly sent several men to deliver the news back to Angel Island.

"Enel... is really dead?"

Gan Fall muttered, still in disbelief, as though sleepwalking.

The man who once defeated him and all his priests with ease, the self-proclaimed god who had ruled the sky for six long years, had truly fallen?

"Yes. Dead. Ashes-in-the-wind kind of dead."

Caelan answered with certainty as he looked at Gan Fall.

Enel had been completely annihilated, his body reduced to ash and scattered into the sky.

If someone could still return from that, then Caelan would be willing to call them a true god.

Hearing Caelan's confirmation, Gan Fall burst into tears, his whole body trembling.

The tyrant god of thunder was finally gone. This land was finally free again.

He had once dreamed of a warrior from the Blue Sea falling from the sky to defeat Enel.

He never thought such a fantasy would actually come true.

Beside him, Wyper stared at Caelan, questioning everything he had ever known.

Was this man really just a human? The Thunder God Enel had filled him with hopeless despair. But Caelan's counterattack was so overwhelming, so effortless, that it didn't feel real.

As a descendant of the great warrior Kalgara, this was the first time Wyper felt he could not raise his weapon against someone.

The thunder god they couldn't defeat—before Caelan, he was as fragile as a child. The gap was too enormous.

…

Back on Angel Island, everyone stared at the sky above Upper Yard in silence.

Massive thunderclouds churned above, and bolts of lightning occasionally flashed down.

They knew this power all too well. It was the power of God Enel.

"God is angry. Those Blue Sea people... and Conis... they're finished!"

The residents whispered in despair.

Pagaya, Conis's father, was already weeping, grief-stricken. Would his daughter even survive this?

If he had been there, he would have stopped her. He was old. He should have gone in her place.

But under such divine wrath, no one could survive. Not even the strongest warrior.

Then, suddenly, a massive beam of light pierced through the thunderclouds, dispersing them entirely.

The lightning ceased. The clouds vanished. A clear sky returned above Upper Yard.

That Blue Sea man… had really defeated Enel's power?

Could he really stand against the god of Sky Island?

The residents of Angel Island found it hard to believe. How could an omniscient, omnipotent god be defeated?

Soon after, McKinley's messengers arrived with the truth.

"The warrior from the Blue Sea, Caelan Alaric, has completely defeated Enel!"

One of the young warriors rushed through Angel Town, face flushed with excitement as he shouted the news.

"God has been defeated?!"

The people cried out in disbelief.

They had lived under Enel's rule for six years. None of them could imagine a power strong enough to overcome his.

But the spectacle they had seen in the sky… and now this news, delivered by warriors who had been there… it had to be true.

"Enel is dead! We're free!"

The entire island erupted in cheers and celebration.

For six years, they had been shackled in fear. One word of disrespect could mean death by divine punishment.

But now, those chains were broken. The island felt liberated for the first time in years.

They regretted not having the courage to go and witness it themselves, to see the face of the Blue Sea warrior who had brought down a god.

"Then... Conis is still alive?"

Pagaya asked, voice trembling.

"Of course. Thanks to the strength of Warrior Caelan, everyone is safe!"

The soldier who delivered the news smiled, full of admiration and gratitude.

"Good… that's good…"

Pagaya finally relaxed. The tears hadn't yet dried on his cheeks, but now they were replaced by a smile of pure relief.

Conis lived.
Enel was dead.
Angel Island had hope again.

…

Outside Upper Yard, the Shandian elder stood with Aisa and Raki, gazing up at the sky anxiously.

"Aisa, what do you sense?"

Even though he saw the thunder clouds vanish, the elder still could not fully believe it.

Aisa closed her eyes and used her powerful innate Observation Haki to scan the battlefield.

"Enel's presence is gone."

"The presence of the Blue Sea man wiped him out. He's even more powerful than a god."

Aisa opened her eyes, still in shock.

She had been tracking the battle with her Mantra the entire time. She had watched the Shandian warriors fall, seen Wyper collapse, and she had begun to lose all hope.

Then Caelan arrived and the invincible god had fallen.

"Good… very good! Let's go thank the mighty warrior from the Blue Sea."

The elder cried tears of joy and began walking with Aisa and Raki toward the battlefield.

They had followed their ancestors' vow for generations, to reclaim Upper Yard and reignite the light of Shandora. Now, that dream was finally in reach.

Halfway there, the elder suddenly paused and turned to Raki.

"Go back to the village and tell everyone the good news. Bring some gifts. We must honor him properly."

(To be continued.)

Chapter 61: I Was Just Joking

After a long and urgent journey, the Shandians finally arrived at the battlefield.

At this moment, Wyper could barely stand, and the other elite warriors who had been knocked down by the priests had also recovered to some extent.

"Great Elder, you're here. It was this powerful warrior from the Blue Sea who defeated Enel."

Wyper pointed at Caelan and introduced him.

"I already know. Aisa told me everything."

The Great Elder nodded, then quietly observed everyone present.

Caelan stood at the center, surrounded by Nami and the other women. Conis, McKinley, and the Sky Islanders were lined up around him, expressing their gratitude.

In contrast, the Shandian warriors were scattered and uncoordinated. Though they were also thankful, none of them had managed to approach Caelan.

The Great Elder couldn't help but curse inwardly. These muscle-headed fools had no idea how to read the room.

The Blue Sea warrior might not remember who praised him, but he would definitely remember who didn't.

"And that's Gan Fall, the last god of Sky Island. That old guy is still here too!"

The elder's eyes narrowed as he spotted Gan Fall near Caelan, praising him enthusiastically. A bad feeling surged in the elder's chest.

Before Enel came to Sky Island, the Shandians and Gan Fall's people were bitter enemies. Even if Gan Fall turned to ashes, he'd still recognize him.

"Great Elder, did you say that old knight used to be the god?"

Wyper, along with Braham, Kamakiri, and Genbo, was stunned. Seeing Gan Fall chumming it up with Caelan made their expressions turn sour.

Enel was dead, but who would now control Upper Yard?

Would they really have to fight Sky Islanders again over its ownership?

The Shandians had been fighting that war for 400 years. But after witnessing the battle between Caelan and Enel, war now felt meaningless. Their own struggles looked childish in comparison.

Any one of Caelan or Enel's attacks could've wiped them out hundreds of times over.

Now, Caelan clearly leaned closer to the Sky Islanders. If he supported them, the Shandians would have no chance of winning.

Their best option now was to further express their gratitude and make sure they did not become Caelan's enemies.

The elder took a deep breath. He saw that Laki was preparing to return and fetch the gifts. Without delay, he stepped toward Caelan.

"Mr. Caelan, thank you for defeating Enel and saving our Shandian warriors."

The elder bowed deeply, his gratitude genuine.

It was both respect for the strong and sincere thanks for saving their lives.

"Old man, you're being too polite."

Caelan replied casually. He had heard so many thank-yous by now that he was starting to feel numb to them.

"We Shandians admire you greatly. We've prepared a gift. I hope you won't refuse."

The elder smiled warmly, still full of gratitude.

A gift? Now he was listening.

Caelan raised an eyebrow, curious to see what surprise the elder had brought. If it turned out to be something like their sacred soil, he'd be annoyed.

The elder waved his hand. Laki led several strong men carrying a massive golden pillar to present it to Caelan.

"We don't have much in the Shandian tribe, so we hope you'll accept this local treasure."

The elder looked sincerely apologetic.

You expect anyone to resist this kind of temptation?

Caelan looked at the golden pillar, and his expression visibly softened. He even started to find the elder a bit more likable.

Nami's eyes practically turned into Berries. A golden pillar of this size had to be worth at least 700 or 800 million.

Even Vivi's jaw dropped. As the princess of Alabasta, she had never seen such a magnificent gift of gold.

"Then I won't stand on ceremony. Keep it for me. I'll take it when I leave Sky Island."

Caelan patted the golden pillar and smiled.

He didn't feel any guilt. After all, he defeated Enel. This could be considered a well-earned reward.

"Of course. We'll guard it for you."

The elder smiled and stroked his beard.

This was the tribe's most prized gold, taken when Sky Islanders occupied Upper Yard four hundred years ago. But it was worth it to win Caelan's favor.

Gan Fall, who had been watching, suddenly felt a strong sense of crisis.

The situation was clear now. Whether out of gratitude or fear, everyone on Sky Island needed to win Caelan's favor.

"Caelan, didn't you say you were interested in our special dials?"

"We're willing to offer all the types we have and help you refit your ship."

Gan Fall smiled respectfully as he made his offer.

Their island's gold had already been stolen by Enel. These shells were all they had left.

"I'll accept it. I'll bring them when I leave."

Caelan smiled back. He was growing more fond of Gan Fall. This old man with thick eyebrows knew how to read a situation.

"Mr. Caelan, we can help collect more dials too!"

Not to be outdone, the Great Elder raised the stakes.

"We also want to erect a statue of you in Angel Island to honor your deeds!"

Gan Fall countered with a powerful offer.

Conis and McKinley nodded in agreement. Erecting a statue for their savior was the least they could do.

"We'll build a statue for you in our tribe as well!"

The Great Elder fired back, unwilling to lose.

Alright, alright. This was getting out of hand.

Caelan looked at the two old men one-upping each other and couldn't help but laugh.

"Enough, enough. If you two keep this up, I'll end up ruling all of Sky Island."

Caelan jokingly separated the two.

"Forgive us."

The two elders flushed red in embarrassment.

Then, surprisingly, they looked at each other… and nodded.

"If you don't mind, Sky Island is yours."

Both elders spoke in unison.

"…Huh?!"

Caelan was stunned. He had only been joking!

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Chapter 62: The Light of Shandora

"Would you consider it?"

The Great Elder and Gan Fall looked at Caelan expectantly, sincerely hoping he would agree.

They, too, wanted to end the four-hundred-year-long war but lacked someone with the authority to make the final decision.

Having Caelan become the master of Skypiea would not only express their respect and gratitude but also resolve this longstanding conflict once and for all.

"You really want me to be the master of Skypiea?"

Caelan understood their intent, they had practically laid it all out in the open.

"The war between the Shandians and the Skypieans has lasted for over four hundred years. We don't want to keep fighting," Gan Fall said first, his voice full of weariness from the endless conflict.

"But when it comes to choosing a leader, there's no one who can gain unanimous support. Only a hero like you can earn the approval of both sides."

"I hope you'll become the master of Skypiea so we can revere you every day," the Great Elder added, his tone sincerely respectful.

Nami and the others were dumbfounded. They had only been there for a day, and Caelan was already being offered the position of Skypiea's ruler?

The two were indeed sincere, but...

"Skypiea holds no allure for me. There's no need to discuss this topic any further."

Caelan's tone was calm and without hesitation.

He truly had no interest in being the king or god of Skypiea. To him, it was just a small place.

The expressions on the Great Elder and Gan Fall's faces stiffened. They wanted to speak but ultimately said nothing.

They both knew that only through strong deterrence could lasting peace be maintained.

But Caelan had no intention of staying, and they had no choice.

To think that the position so many had fought for meant nothing to Caelan…

"Of course, if you truly seek peace, I have no issue being your witness."

Caelan spoke again. After all, he had already received so much from them, it was the least he could do.

Hearing this, the two elders were overjoyed. Finally, they felt some assurance.

"We swear before the hero who defeated the 'God'—Skypiea and the Shandians will unite as one and share the holy land of Upper Yard!"

The Great Elder and Gan Fall made the vow without hesitation in front of Caelan.

At that moment, the Skypieans and Shandians present erupted into cheers. They knew that peace, lost for centuries, had finally arrived.

Everyone looked at Caelan with gratitude. He wasn't just the hero who had defeated the tyrannical god—he was also the one who brought peace to both tribes.

"Alright, now that your business is settled, it's my turn."

"I came to Skypiea for two reasons. One was gold, which I've basically collected. The other is to fulfill a promise and ring the Golden Bell."

Caelan spoke calmly as he looked at everyone.

In truth, his original goal was to battle Enel, but now that Enel had become Enelus, there was no need to dwell on that.

Golden Bell? Could it be the Shandoran Lamp?

The Great Elder was briefly stunned, suddenly recalling the oath of the great warrior Calgara. He looked at Caelan with mounting emotion.

"In the Blue Sea below, there's a man searching for the City of Gold. His name is Mont Blanc Cricket, and his ancestor was Mont Blanc Noland."

"To prove the existence of the City of Gold described by his ancestor, he's been searching for the Golden Bell."

"Before I came here, I made a promise: if the Golden Bell was on Skypiea, I would let him hear its chime."

Caelan said this with deep emotion.

When he first read that part of the story, it had moved him as well.

Keeping a promise—that's a man's romance!

"Noland's descendant is still searching? Great Warrior Kalgara, Noland is still keeping the promise!"

The Great Elder's voice trembled as he spoke.

Wyper and the Shandian warriors were stunned, tears streaming down their faces.

Four hundred years ago, the great warrior Kalgara made a promise with Noland to light the Shandoran Lamp and guide his return.

None of them expected that over these four centuries, while the Shandians had been fighting to protect it, Noland's descendants had also continued their search.

This was a promise that spanned four hundred years!

"But, didn't Enel take all the gold to build the Ark Maxim? The Golden Bell must be gone, right?"

Although Gan Fall was also touched, he couldn't help but pour cold water on the moment.

"No. If it had been melted down, I wouldn't even bring it up."

Caelan twitched the corner of his mouth. If it had been destroyed, what could he even do?

"Enel had a Mantra that allowed him to sense everything on Skypiea. If even he couldn't find it, then it must be there."

Robin looked up at the massive vine that pierced the clouds.

"Yes. The Golden Bell is at the top of that vine."

Caelan didn't keep it a secret and revealed the location directly.

If he hadn't read the manga, he would never have guessed that a bell weighing dozens of tons had been flung to the top of a thousand-meter vine.

It was outrageous. No wonder Enel hadn't found it.

"That's good, as long as it's still intact."

The Great Elder breathed a sigh of relief. At a time like this, they still had to rely on this hero.

He shot Gan Fall a fierce glare. Couldn't this old man have a little more faith?

He wasn't surprised that Caelan could find something even Enel couldn't. Caelan had defeated Enel, of course his perception would be stronger!

Yes, it made perfect sense!

"Wait for me. I'll be back soon."

Leaving those words behind, Caelan dashed toward the massive vine at the center of the island that connected the sky and earth.

In the astonished eyes of everyone present, he leapt up the thousand-meter vine in just a few jumps and vanished from sight.

"This is the Golden Bell? It's truly magnificent."

Standing atop the towering vine, Caelan couldn't help but marvel.

Though covered in weathered moss, the shimmering golden light of the bell still shone through, undiminished by time.

"Hah!"

With a light shout, Caelan grabbed the massive bell and leapt down from the thousand-meter height.

"Bang!"

With a resounding crash, smoke and dust billowed as Caelan descended from the sky, landing with the Golden Bell—and the Poneglyphs embedded in its base.

"This is the Golden Bell, also known as the legendary Light of Shandora!"

"Its sound is known as the 'Song of the Island.' It echoes across the seas like a lighthouse, guiding the way. That's why it's called the Light of Shandora!"

The Great Elder looked at the moss-covered bell, tears streaming down his face as he murmured.

The Shandians stared at the Golden Bell, their eyes filled with anticipation.

Was the bell they had fought for over four centuries finally going to ring again?

(To be continued.)

Chapter 63: Gold Rush

Under the gaze of the crowd, Caelan swung his fist and struck the Golden Bell.

Ding!

The deep chime echoed across the White Sea, carrying with it four hundred years of longing.

The resounding bell rang through the sky, ten thousand meters above, and reached all the way to the Blue Sea.

On the western shore of Jaya Island, Cricket and the Apes returned dejectedly after yet another salvage operation that yielded nothing but scraps.

"Did you hear that? There's a loud bell ringing from the sky!"

The apes and gorillas perked up at the sound coming from the clouds and looked at Cricket with excitement.

"I heard it. That's the sound of the Golden Bell."

"Shandora is real. It's on that Sky Island!"

Cricket threw aside the rags they had just salvaged, eyes burning with passion, and shouted excitedly toward the sky.

"My ancestor, Noland, wasn't a liar!!!"

After the outburst of excitement, Cricket lay on the beach and laughed aloud.

That terrifying Caelan had actually rung the Golden Bell above the clouds, just as promised.

This was the bearing of a true strong man. This was the romance of a man!

…

The Shandians were overwhelmed with emotion, many breaking into tears.

"Whether you care or not, you are the great benefactor of the Shandians. We Shandian warriors are willing to fight for you forever!"

The Great Elder choked up, overflowing with gratitude for Caelan's kindness.

In this moment, their generations-long dream had finally been fulfilled, and they truly didn't know how to repay him.

"It's not over yet. Robin, look at that."

Caelan pointed to the base of the Golden Bell with a smile.

"That's... a Poneglyph!"

Following Caelan's direction, Robin couldn't help but cry out in surprise.

"A Poneglyph?!"

The Great Elder's expression changed.

Their clan's mission had always been to protect the Poneglyph and wait for the one destined to take it to its rightful place.

"The Ancient Weapon Poseidon is in…"

After reading the Poneglyph, Robin couldn't hide her disappointment.

It still wasn't the truth behind the Void Century that she had been searching for. However, the line of smaller text below gave her a clue.

"I have come here and will lead this passage to the very end. Pirate, Gol D. Roger."

Reading that line, Robin couldn't help but speak softly.

"So the real history has been carried to the end."

Robin murmured, a bright smile forming on her lips.

The history she had been chasing had finally shown her the way. It was no longer just an illusion from the past.

Robin looked at Caelan, deeply grateful to be his companion.

If not for him, who knew how long it would've taken her to reach this step?

"Has the mission of the Shandian clan finally been fulfilled today?"

The Great Elder, who had been listening to their conversation, stood in stunned silence.

Enel was dead. The promise made four hundred years ago had been honored. The conflict between the Shandians and the Skypieans had been resolved. Even the mission passed down by their ancestors had been completed.

Once Caelan arrived, the skies cleared, and everything fell into place.

"Wonderful. Wonderful!"

The elder kept stroking his beard, too overjoyed to say anything else.

He turned to Gan Fall and gave orders to gather the Shandians and Skypieans at Upper Yard for a grand celebration.

…

Three days later, the banquet came to an end. It was time for Caelan and Nami to depart.

During those three days, Gan Fall had remodeled the Wind Rider according to Caelan's specifications and delivered all kinds of dials.

"Caelan, pack more. There's still room on your ship!"

The elder pointed to a towering pile of gold, encouraging Caelan to take more with him.

In the past few days, both the Skypieans and the Shandians had gathered all the gold from Upper Yard.

Bits from the ruins of Shandora, the nearly-completed Ark Maxim left behind by Enel, and even the gold inside the belly of the Lord of the Sky, it had all been gathered.

All of it was a token of gratitude and affection for Caelan.

"No, there's no space left."

Caelan twitched the corner of his mouth, a little speechless.

The elder was getting on in years, and his eyesight wasn't the best. The Wind Rider was already crammed with gold, and Nami and the other girls were all wearing gold jewelry from head to toe.

If he loaded any more, the ship wouldn't ride the wind—it wouldn't even float in a tsunami.

Caelan was honestly a little regretful. Even after loading so much, they had only taken a third of the total. There was still plenty left on Skypiea.

"Alright then, we'll keep the rest here for you. Take it next time you visit."

The elder sighed with a hint of reluctance.

Gold didn't have much use on Skypiea. Its greatest value now was to be gifted to Caelan.

"Well then, goodbye everyone!"

Caelan turned and boarded the ship, waving farewell to everyone on Skypiea.

Gan Fall, the Great Elder, and countless Skypieans and Shandians stood watching as the Wind Rider raised its sails once again, their faces full of sincere gratitude.

"Whooo!"

Gan Fall took out a whistle and gave it a strong blow.

Two enormous octopuses appeared in the clouds, wrapping their tentacles around the Wind Rider like a hot-air balloon and gently guiding it down toward the Blue Sea.

"We really struck gold this time!"

Nami looked around at the gold piled up all over the ship, her face glowing with joy.

"But no matter how much treasure we get, it's never enough with our captain's spending habits!"

She glanced sideways at Caelan and teased him playfully.

She had no idea what Caelan was doing, but Berry flowed out like water. No amount of money was enough.

If he hadn't been on the ship the whole time, she might have thought he was secretly funding a country.

"Yeah, there's never enough Berry. Nami-chan, you're not mad at me, right?"

Caelan pinched her cheek and smiled.

"No, I'll just work even harder to earn more money for your bottomless pit. I want to see how much you can actually spend!"

Nami raised her right hand proudly.

Just like she was willing to gather 100 million Berries for Cocoyasi Village, she was also willing to make enough money for Caelan.

"Haha, then I'll be waiting for your support, Nami!"

Caelan laughed as he teased her.

His system was indeed a bottomless pit. Once one template was maxed out, another would appear. Even Caelan didn't know how many Berries it would take to satisfy it completely.

If Nami ever found out, would she collapse? The thought amused Caelan.

Seeing the two of them banter, Robin and Vivi couldn't help but smile.

"But… with how heavy the ship is now, are we really going to land safely?"

Tashigi looked worried. The Wind Rider was clearly heavier than before.

"Don't worry. I specifically requested two octopuses. We'll land smoothly."

Caelan patted Tashigi's head reassuringly.

He had no intention of following in Luffy's footsteps and crash-landing halfway through the descent.

Soon, with the help of the octopus hot-air balloon, the Wind Rider continued its gentle descent.

Caelan couldn't wait. With so much gold converted into Berry, his Synchronization progress would definitely exceed 75%, and his strength would take another leap.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 64: You're Here Too?

"It really wasn't easy, but I finally exchanged all the gold for Berries!"

Once again clearing out the Berries from a small island, Caelan couldn't help but sigh.

It was the first time he'd felt troubled by having too much gold.

The harvest from Skypiea had been massive. A single island couldn't absorb all that gold.

After visiting several islands and nearly draining every gold shop's Berry reserves, Caelan finally managed to convert all of it.

With such a huge haul, Caelan couldn't wait to return to his room and turn all that Berry into raw power.

"A few days ago, Nami and the others earned 100 million from bounty hunting, and we got 160 million from Mock Town. Now, the gold from Skypiea brought in a full 1.2 billion!"

"In total, that's 1.46 billion Berries!"

Caelan looked at the Berry amount displayed on the panel with a face full of anticipation.

---

[Host: Caelan Alaric]

[Template: Berserker Class - Heracles]

[Synchronization Progress: 62.5% + 1% (from defeating Enel)]

[Berry: 67 million + 1.46 billion]

[Strength: B++]
[Durability: B++]
[Agility: B++]
[Magic: B++]
[Luck: A]
[Noble Phantasm: A+]

[Personal Skills]: Battle Continuation (B), Mind's Eye (Fake) (B), Valor (A+), Divinity (A), Madness Enhancement (B)

[Other Skills]: Swordsmanship B+, Armament Haki C, Observation Haki C, Conqueror's Haki B+

[Noble Phantasms]: God Hand: The Twelve Labors (B), Nine Lives: Shooting the Hundred Heads (C–A+)

---

Gaining 1% Synchronization from the battle with Enel wasn't bad.

"Consume 1.5 billion Berries to improve Synchronization!"

Caelan activated the system, and the panel began to change. A massive wave of power surged through his body, and countless martial techniques and battle experiences poured into his mind.

As the energy flowed in, his body underwent a tremendous transformation. Even his newly awakened Haki, just over two weeks old, leapt to a new level under the combined influence of mind and body.

Once the process finished, he opened the panel again.

---

[Host: Caelan Alaric]

[Template: Berserker Class - Heracles]

[Synchronization Progress: 78.5%]

[Berry: 27 million]

[Strength: A]
[Durability: A]
[Agility: A]
[Magic: A]
[Luck: A]
[Noble Phantasm: A+]

[Other Skills]: Swordsmanship A, Armament Haki A, Observation Haki A, Conqueror's Haki A

---

"A full set of A-rank stats. Just looking at it makes me feel great!"

Caelan closed his eyes, quietly feeling the immense power coursing through his body.

His Armament and Conqueror's Haki had reached the level of the Four Emperors. The only gap between him and monsters like Kaido and Big Mom now was mastering advanced techniques like Ryuo and Haoshoku infusion.

His Observation Haki, purely sense-based, had reached the level of Katakuri's future sight.

His strength, speed, and physical resilience were all A-rank. Physically, he was already comparable to Kaido, who had eaten the Mythical Zoan Azure Dragon fruit.

His swordsmanship had also risen from B+ to A, the realm of a true master swordsman—just one step below Hawkeye.

"Now, I've finally become one of this world's top combatants."

Caelan clenched his fists, feeling as though he held the weight of the world in his hands.

With his current power, going head-to-head with Kaido for ten days and nights wouldn't be an issue. He might even pick up Ryou and Haoshoku infusion in the process.

The thought thrilled him.

"If 78.5% can match the Four Emperors, what will 100% Synchronization look like?"

All he needed was 21.5% more, and if converted, that would be no more than 2.2 billion Berries.

"Should I go back to Skypiea and collect the remaining gold?"

Caelan was tempted.

He had only taken about a third of the gold. The remaining stockpile on Skypiea could definitely push his progress further.

"Forget it. The Knock-Up Stream is unreliable. It'll be at least another month or two before it appears again."

Caelan shook his head and dismissed the idea.

He had only been in the Grand Line for just over two weeks. Counting the Skypiea gains, his Synchronization had already risen nearly 13%.

If he had to sit around for one or two months, he might as well keep moving forward and battle more pirates instead.

"Alright, the gold on Skypiea will be my reserve fund. If I ever run out of income, I'll head back up there."

Caelan made up his mind quickly.

With his decision settled, Caelan didn't linger and headed to the deck.

The women on deck were sunbathing leisurely and sipping refreshing juice.

Although most of the Berries had been turned over to Caelan, the tens of millions left made life aboard the Wind Rider more comfortable than ever.

In truth, life on the ship had always been lavish. Their monthly expenses alone ran close to ten million Berries. Caelan, after all, was a thorough hedonist.

"Caelan, Caelan, have some juice!"

Seeing him arrive, Nami quickly handed him a glass.

"Mmh, not bad."

Caelan took a sip and lay down on a beach chair to enjoy the sun.

"Hehe, Caelan, let me give you a massage!"

Vivi approached with a smile and spoke softly.

As Caelan nodded, Vivi gently pulled his head onto her chest, and her slender hands began massaging his temples.

"Mmh, very comfortable."

Caelan closed his eyes, enjoying the warmth and softness behind his head.

"I didn't expect a princess like Vivi to be giving massages?"

Nami stomped her foot angrily, unable to hold back her sour comment.

"If it's just a massage, I can do it too…"

Tashigi muttered, glancing at Vivi.

"Hmph!"

Vivi snorted and increased the pressure.

Caelan said nothing but gently tapped Vivi's smooth thigh three times.

Nami and Tashigi's eyes turned red. Was this woman trying to show off?

Watching their jealous expressions, Robin leaned on her hand and thought to herself.

Why does it feel like every girl on this ship is Caelan's girlfriend? This man really isn't honest at all!

But if that's the case, did she already get caught up in it too?

Robin blushed slightly as she got lost in thought.

That night, the Wind Rider was silent.

A slender figure quietly slipped into Caelan's room.

"...Huh!?"

Caelan was a little surprised. This wasn't what he expected.

He had tapped Vivi's thigh three times. That had always been their secret signal.

So why was it Robin who came?

Even if it had been Nami, it would've made more sense than Robin!

"You look confused," she said, tilting her head slightly. "But honestly… with the way things are going, you'll probably lay your hands on me eventually too. So I thought, why not take the initiative?"

She leaned in, "Besides... we only live once. I'd like to experience some of what I've read in those texts."

Robin whispered into his ear.

"…."

Caelan blinked. That was more forward than he had ever heard her be.

Feeling her warm breath against his skin, Caelan replied, "Actually, I don't mind."

No more pretending.

"Mr. Caelan, you're really... quite honest."

Robin teased, then slipped into Caelan's bed.

Before long, faint moans began to echo from the room.

Outside Caelan's room, the atmosphere was just as strange.

Vivi, Nami, and Tashigi stood together, unsure what to say.

"Haha, so... you two are here too. I'm just going to use the bathroom before heading back."

Vivi laughed awkwardly and turned away.

Every room on the ship had a private bathroom. Who was she trying to fool?

But Nami and Tashigi didn't call her out. They simply exchanged glances and returned to their own rooms.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Chapter 65: Florian Triangle

The next morning, the sun had just risen, and the Wind Rider sailed quietly through the morning mist.

On the deck, Caelan and his companions sat around having breakfast.

Compared to the joy of the previous day, the atmosphere this morning was noticeably awkward.

Nami, Tashigi, and Vivi all had dark circles under their eyes. It was obvious none of them had slept well.

Meanwhile, Caelan and Robin, the "culprits" of last night's unrest, ate happily as if nothing had happened.

To be fair, the people of the pirate world had excellent physical constitution. Even though Robin had lost her virginity the night before, aside from her pale face, she showed no other signs of fatigue.

"Robin has great endurance. Still so full of energy despite not sleeping all night, Nami commented faintly, her tone laced with a mix of jealousy and grievance.

Tashigi didn't know what to say. She simply buried her face in her food.

They had finally tried to make a move, but they didn't expect to lose so thoroughly.

"It was pretty good," Caelan said with a satisfied sigh as he put down his bacon sandwich.

Although it had been Robin's first time, her Flower-Flower Fruit abilities had seemingly endless uses. The experience had been quite impressive.

Hearing that, Nami and Tashigi's expressions grew darker, and even Vivi, who hadn't initially minded, now looked a little irritated.

"It's nothing. You'll understand in a few days."

Robin's tone was calm, as though nothing had happened.

But the hand gripping her table knife was trembling. She clearly wasn't as composed as she seemed.

Who would understand?!

And you definitely weren't calling it "nothing" last night!

Nami and Tashigi didn't even have the strength to retort. They simply flushed and focused on their food.

"Alright, alright, let's drop it. Let's talk about our next destination."

Seeing that the atmosphere was turning sour, Caelan forcibly changed the topic.

"Our next stop is the legendary Florian Triangle. They say dozens of pirate ships disappear there every year."

As she spoke, Nami's earlier awkwardness faded, replaced by seriousness.

This mysterious and dangerous sea was not to be taken lightly.

"No need to worry too much. There's only one Warlord of the Sea there—Gecko Moria," Caelan said casually.

That guy was pitiful in his own right. He had challenged Kaido, lost all his comrades, and had never recovered since.

But once Caelan arrived, Moria would be even more pitiful.

He might not be worth bounty rewards, but having him as a lackey wouldn't be bad.

Caelan sipped his juice with a cheerful look.

"Right, just one Warlord," Tashigi nodded along, trusting Caelan's confidence.

"Just one Warlord?!"

"Don't make it sound so simple!"

Nami clutched her hair and nearly exploded.

That's a Warlord of the Sea! A major figure! Was it really okay to be this reckless?

"Well, it's not wrong. Maybe in Caelan's eyes, the Warlords really aren't that big a deal," Vivi said, tilting her head thoughtfully.

"That's true. Caelan already defeated one of the Warlords. That so-called 'God' Enel wasn't any weaker than them," Robin added, nodding in agreement.

"I get it, but we still shouldn't be careless!" Nami emphasized.

After all her time on the Grand Line, she understood just how unpredictable things could get.

"She's right. Caelan, don't be careless!" Vivi chimed in as well.

Suddenly, all the girls united and started lecturing their overly confident captain.

"Alright, alright, I promise I'll take every enemy seriously," Caelan said with a smile, looking at the reunited, lively group of girls.

He had never been careless. He just approached enemies strategically with contempt, and tactically with caution.

After finishing breakfast, Caelan helped the girls with their daily training. It was the final day of their Ten-Day Haki Awakening Crash Course.

The women had awakened their Haki, but unlike Caelan, they didn't start out at Marine Headquarters level. Their Haki was still in its early stages.

However, once they became proficient, their strength would leap significantly. They would be able to fight pirates with bounties of 70 to 80 million with ease.

Just as Nami and the others were relaxing on the deck, something unexpected happened.

"Caelan, look! There's a woman floating in the sea!"

Nami pointed to the ocean and cried out in surprise.

A woman was drifting toward the Wind Rider on a plank, carried by the waves.

"Let's fish her out first."

Caelan wasn't planning to get involved, but after taking a glance, he suddenly found her face familiar.

Soon, Tashigi hauled the woman aboard. Her figure was voluptuous, and even with her eyes closed, her sharp, elegant features revealed a wild beauty.

Her soaked clothes clung to her body, outlining her curves, and her fishnet-covered legs were especially eye-catching. Even the typically composed Caelan took a second look.

Based on those iconic long legs, Caelan recognized her—CP9 agent Kalifa.

But shouldn't she be searching for the blueprints of Pluton in Water 7? Why had she ended up here?

Caelan rubbed his chin and fell into thought.

"Who are you… and where am I?"

The woman opened her eyes, dazed.

She quickly glanced at Robin, then at Caelan.

Both were high-priority targets.

And this mysterious man, Caelan… might be even more important than Robin.

"You were drifting at sea. We picked you up," Nami said matter-of-factly. "No need to thank us, but if there's a reward, don't hold back. We won't be polite!"

"Sorry, I don't have any Berries on me."

"My name is Kalifa. I was once the mayor's secretary in Water 7. After I resigned, I used my savings to travel the world. I ran into a storm and lost everything. If not for your help, I wouldn't have made it."

Kalifa put on a pitiful expression, then smiled gratefully at the group.

Nami and the others softened a bit. Losing everything in a storm after years of saving… it was tragic.

Even Robin, typically composed, seemed to believe her.

Caelan, of course, saw through her. As expected of a CP9 agent—her acting was top-tier.

If he hadn't read the manga, even he might have been fooled. Maybe not the first time, but the second.

Kalifa saw the shift in the girls' expressions and quietly celebrated.

Good. Everything was going according to plan.

As long as she could get close to Caelan, she could infiltrate successfully.

"Captain, I can't repay you for saving my life… so I'll offer you my body instead!"

Kalifa flung herself into Caelan's arms, her voice seductive.

It was her first time playing this bold of a card, but if it helped her deal with Caelan, it was worth it.

She was ready to reject him the moment he responded.

Kalifa glanced at Caelan out of the corner of her eye, heart pounding.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 66: No Mercy

"You want to offer yourself to me?"

Caelan looked at Kalifa in astonishment, genuinely startled.

He had originally intended to expose her identity right away, but now it seemed he could wait.

"Yes!" Kalifa replied nervously, her face visibly flushed.

She closely watched Caelan's expression, her heart pounding in her chest.

No way, no way... Is this man really going to accept?

"Very good. I like people who know how to repay kindness. Come to my room tonight!"
Caelan patted Kalifa's shoulder and laughed heartily.

This was the first time he had encountered something this convenient, and there was no way he was going to miss it.

"Even though you refused, I still want to repay your kindness, so let me stay and help you with something."

Kalifa didn't even think about it. She just blurted out the lines she had prepared.

"I said, I agreed. Come to my room tonight."

"Why, don't you like it?"

Caelan stepped closer and repeated it word by word.

He enjoyed turning the tables on people who thought they had the upper hand.

"N-no, I'm just... too surprised."

Kalifa forced a smile, stammering.

She looked shocked on the surface, but inwardly, she was screaming like a groundhog.

This was completely different from what she had expected!

She thought Caelan would hesitate and refuse, like most decent men. Then she could stay on the ship under the pretense of repaying a favor.

Even if he did accept, he should've taken his time and slowly built a relationship. How did it jump straight to "come to my room"?

"Very good. I'll take you to the bathroom first. Clean up properly."

Caelan grabbed Kalifa's hand, giving her no chance to object, and pulled her into the cabin.

Kalifa's face was still blank as she was dragged away.

On the deck, the other four women watched the two disappear and immediately held a meeting.

"He just did that, and you two aren't going to say anything?"

Nami and Tashigi glared at Robin and Vivi. Clearly, these two should've been the most upset.

Especially Robin—she had just entered Caelan's room last night.

"I can't control him. And it's not like we're in a rush, so why are you two so anxious?"

"Besides, if we're talking about who needs to be controlled, I think you two are the real threats."

Vivi smiled teasingly.

"You, you—!"

Nami and Tashigi were instantly flustered, staring at Vivi but unable to form a proper retort.

"Alright, that's enough teasing."

"Caelan's not that impulsive."

Robin glanced at the smug Vivi and sighed.

"You all noticed it too, that woman's behavior isn't normal."

Robin brought them back to the main point.

"Her appearance was too convenient, and the things she said felt rehearsed."

Nami recalled the scene earlier and spoke hesitantly.

"And I was the one who pulled her out of the water. Why would she offer herself to Caelan instead?"

Tashigi nodded in agreement. She also felt something was off, but Caelan's actions had shocked her into silence.

"Exactly. That woman's not simple. She might be up to something."

Robin furrowed her brows, a sense of unease settling in.

"Robin really understands me. I'll interrogate her tonight."

Caelan walked out of the cabin and said that directly to Robin's face.

"You're such a philandering man."

"Don't be mad, Robin-chan. She might be here because of you." Caelan found her rare expression amusing.

"In that case, make sure to be a little more ruthless."

Robin said seriously.

If she really came for her, then there was no need to hold back.

The girls around rolled their eyes. That was it? Robin gave in too easily. She was so easy to coax.

But they were also curious about how Caelan would handle the mysterious woman that night.

That afternoon, after taking a shower, Kalifa was surprised to find that the women close to Caelan were actually quite friendly. Each of them seemed to be looking forward to what would happen that evening.

What the hell? Are they really this generous?

Kalifa had originally planned to use them as a way to escape, but now that plan was ruined.

As night fell, Kalifa stood anxiously at the door of Caelan's room.

"Mr. Caelan, isn't this moving too fast?"

Kalifa bit her lower lip, gripping the doorframe tightly in an attempt to resist.

She hadn't even gathered any intel yet, and she was about to hand herself over. This was pure stupidity.

"No, it's not. Come in!"

Caelan pried her fingers off the doorframe and pulled her into the room.

If you have bad intentions toward me, don't expect me to go easy on you!

"It's over!"

Kalifa lay on the bed in resignation, eyes closed as she braced for the storm.

Giving herself to Caelan wasn't entirely a loss.

Hopefully, CP9 would recognize her sacrifice and reward her accordingly.

"Kalifa, put on the handcuffs. It'll be exciting."

Caelan pulled out a pair of handcuffs and cuffed her wrists before she could respond.

"Huh?!"

Kalifa stared at Caelan in disbelief.

What the hell? Is this his perverted idea of a first-time experience?!

Wait... Did I get exposed?

Kalifa's heart clenched as she stared nervously at Caelan, only to be relieved when it seemed he was just being kinky.

Soon, the war began.

As the two clashed, Caelan leaned close and whispered in her ear, "Miss CP9 investigator, you've fallen right into my hands."

Kalifa's eyes widened, and she gasped in shock.

It's over. She was totally played!

She had been cooperating earlier, but now the atmosphere became completely different.

"That's right."

Caelan grinned, excitement flashing in his eyes.

Two hours later, Caelan lay back in satisfaction, while Kalifa, still handcuffed beside him looked completely defeated.

"Tell me, Kalifa. Why did you come aboard our ship?"

Caelan lifted her chin, his voice calm.

"I won't tell you."

Kalifa turned her face away stubbornly.

"Don't be like that, otherwise it's going to be a long night."

Caelan glanced down at his now-active little brother and spoke flatly.

"You...!"

Kalifa cursed in anger, but when she saw the fire in Caelan's eyes, she immediately caved in.

"Don't! I'll die!"

It was her first time, and she'd been manhandled like this. It was too much!

"I came under orders from my superiors. If I got the chance, I was to take Nico Robin away and monitor your movements."

Kalifa reluctantly revealed everything, leaving nothing out.

How could that idiot Spandam come up with such a stupid plan?

Even worse, she actually went through with it!

(To be continued.)

Chapter 67: Rokushiki

"CP9 is targeting me? I'm a bounty hunter certified by the Marines, with a license."

Caelan was a little surprised to hear Kalifa's explanation.

From what she was saying, the mission to find Robin was just a side task. The real objective was to monitor him!

"That's the Marines' business. Several of our CP9 superiors and higher-ups believe you're a potentially dangerous element."

"They think a powerful man like you, who acts freely and likes to meddle in others' affairs, will eventually become an enemy of the World Government."

Kalifa looked at Caelan seriously as she spoke.

"That's true. They know me well."

Caelan stroked his chin, gaining some insight.

To put it bluntly, those in power within the World Government believed he was not one of them and that a falling out was only a matter of time.

They weren't wrong. Caelan would never align himself with the Celestial Dragons.

Looks like it's time to make some early preparations. Otherwise, it could get messy if things suddenly take a turn.

"You really do have a rebellious heart!"

Kalifa looked at Caelan in astonishment, her expression turning slightly grim.

She was now his prisoner and had just learned such a major secret. It felt like her fate was sealed.

"It's still early. You can help me feed them some false information for now, just to buy some time."

Caelan smiled calmly, his tone unhurried.

He wasn't afraid of the World Government anymore when it came to his personal strength. But his current forces were lacking, so it wasn't time for open conflict yet.

Over the coming period, he'd need to expand his power rapidly while gathering more Berries.

"I'm a member of CP9. I can't help you."

Kalifa lowered her head, making her expression unreadable.

She wasn't that loyal to CP9—especially not to Spandam, whom she despised.

Still, Caelan hadn't threatened her yet. She wanted to see if there was room to maneuver.

Maybe he'd let her go, considering what happened last night?

"If you don't agree, you might be spending the rest of your life in this room, handcuffed."

Caelan pinched Kalifa's legs and sighed.

If she refused, The Investigator's Secret Files could turn from a one-off into an entire series.

Sure, getting her to pass false intel to the World Government was helpful, but if she didn't cooperate, it wouldn't be a huge loss—just less time to develop his forces.

"No need to say more. I agree!"

Kalifa gritted her teeth and finally gave in. Still, she figured she might be able to walk both sides, playing the double agent without offending either.

Caelan nodded with satisfaction and pressed down on her head.

"What are you doing? I already agreed!"

Kalifa looked at Caelan, confused by his actions.

"Just checking your sincerity."

Caelan's tone wasn't harsh, but it left no room for refusal.

He knew this woman wouldn't be tamed easily, but with the right timing, anything could change.

Helpless, Kalifa stared at him with resentment, but eventually bent down.

…

The night passed quickly.

Morning came aboard the Wind Rider.

Kalifa was still handcuffed, trailing behind Caelan like someone carrying a grudge.

Until she gained enough of his trust, the handcuffs would remain.

"From today on, Kalifa is our spy. She'll be feeding our intel to CP9."

Caelan introduced the unwilling Kalifa to the women.

"She gave in after just one night?"

Robin looked at Kalifa with a hint of disappointment. She had thought Kalifa was tougher and could hold out a few more days.

Nami and the others were also surprised. Caelan had managed to win her over in just one night—it was shockingly fast.

"You!"

Kalifa glared at Robin but had nothing to say in return.

Under Caelan's blend of threat and persuasion, she had utterly caved.

"Don't be like that. Aside from feeding them false intel, she's also going to be your instructor."

Caelan pointed at Kalifa and spoke seriously.

Over the past ten days, they had completed an intensive Haki crash course. The women had successfully awakened both Observation and Armament Haki.

Although it was just the initial stage, only E-rank, according to the system's assessment, it still significantly boosted their strength.

While they were nowhere near as strong as Smoker during his time in the New World, they could probably hold their own in a fight against him now.

"Instructor? Her!?"

Nami and the others looked at Kalifa in disbelief. What could she possibly teach?

Spy skills? They didn't need that.

"She'll be teaching you the Navy's Rokushiki. It'll greatly enhance your physical ability and help strengthen your Haki."

Caelan nodded firmly.

After their Haki awakening, there wasn't much more he could directly help with. From here on, their growth would rely on personal training.

The Rokushiki, as a systematic Marine combat technique, was perfect for this.

The girls didn't fully understand the value of the yet. Even Tashigi, who had been in the Navy, had only ever seen them from afar.

Still, because they trusted Caelan, they were eager to learn.

Soon, the handcuffed Kalifa began her first day as their instructor.

"The Navy's Rokushiki is a collective term for six advanced physical techniques: Shave, Moon Step, Paper Art, Iron Body, Finger Pistol, and Tempest Kick. It's the most practical physical combat system in the seas…"

The prisoner Kalifa didn't hold anything back. She explained the essence of the Rokushiki and demonstrated their effects.

"This is Tempest Kick. By kicking at high speed, a vacuum is created, launching an air blade. It's extremely powerful."

She lifted her left leg and kicked sharply. A massive air slash burst forward with a sonic boom.

Then, Kalifa rapidly stepped through the air, floating upward.

"This is Moon Step. By stepping on the air at high speed, you can walk through the sky."

Determined to prove her worth and improve her circumstances, she was giving it her all.

"Whoa! That's incredible!"

Watching Moonwalk and Tempest Kick, the women's eyes sparkled. These abilities were impressive.

The teaching wasn't bad at all!

Caelan nodded slightly, pleased with Kalifa's performance.

Noticing Caelan's quiet approval, Kalifa felt encouraged and decided to go all in.

"Next is Iron Body. By increasing blood flow and accelerating muscle movement, your muscles become as hard as iron—an unbreakable wall!"

"Though you can't move while using it, the defense is incredible."

Kalifa looked quite proud, clearly confident in the Iron Body's effectiveness.

"Everything else is fine, but forget the Iron Body."

Caelan coughed and interrupted her.

That move wasn't very useful. It might boost defense by 1, but confidence by 999. And once used, no one would say anything flattering about it.

"Why? It's a powerful skill!"

Kalifa was stunned and looked at Caelan in confusion.

She didn't use Iron Body often herself, but her CP9 colleagues, especially Kaku and Blueno used it frequently. Even Lucci, CP9's strongest, valued it highly.

Even Nami and the others were puzzled. Based on her explanation, it seemed like a great move.

"I can just throw a punch. Want to try it?"

Caelan raised his fist and asked Kalifa calmly.

If she kept pushing, he wouldn't mind proving his point physically.

No way was he letting Nami and the others become reckless meat shields.

"Forget it, forget it!"

Kalifa gave an awkward smile and quickly backed off.

After what she experienced during their fight last night, she knew she couldn't take a single one of his punches.

She also realized that the so-called CP9 elites would probably be one-shot by Caelan. Iron Body, in the face of his strength, wasn't worth anything.

"So basically, if you use Iron Body against someone strong, you're asking to die."

Nami and the others immediately understood what Caelan meant.

They remembered the fight between Caelan and the two giants in Little Garden. His strength was like a natural disaster.

Even diamond wouldn't stand a chance against that.

"Good. As long as you get the point, keep learning."

"The Rokushiki are all very practical techniques. But forget about Iron Body."

Caelan waved his hand and stood aside.

Though a bit disappointed, Kalifa adjusted her attitude and continued teaching the others seriously.

Caelan observed from the side, correcting a few mistakes with his own martial arts experience.

Just like that, the day passed in training.

That night, Kalifa came to Caelan's room again.

She would only be given her own room once she earned enough trust.

Until then, she had to remain under his supervision.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Chapter 68: Heavenly Yaksha and Aokiji

The next day, the Wind Rider continued sailing toward the Florian Triangle.

On deck, Kalifa led Nami and the other women in practicing the Rokushiki.

Caelan lounged on a beach chair, admiring the graceful yet powerful forms of the women. Suddenly, a wave of guilt hit him.

So many women, and he liked every single one. That didn't fit the image of Heracles at all.

Even though Heracles wasn't exactly a model of virtue in mythology, he wasn't the kind of scumbag who indulged in indiscriminate lust like Caelan was now.

In the Five Labors of Fate, Heracles only had eyes for Illya. He was a total daughter-con.

"But this is who I am!"

Caelan whistled and chuckled softly.

He had only acquired the template of Basaka. That didn't mean he had become someone else. How could his nature change?

Aside from his power, he was just a willful young man who wanted to enjoy everything life had to offer.

If anyone was to blame.

Then it was all Tokiomi's fault!

Caelan grumbled inwardly and conveniently pinned the blame on the root of all evil from the far-off Type-Moon world.

Shaking off his thoughts, Caelan let himself relax and calmly enjoyed the sight of the women training.

"But now that Kalifa's here, could someone else also be targeting me?"

Caelan glanced at Kalifa, who was teaching with full concentration, and a name popped into his mind.

That name was Aokiji, Admiral of the Navy Headquarters.

In the original timeline, Aokiji appeared while the Straw Hat Pirates were en route to Water 7. Since the Wind Rider was heading straight to the Florian Triangle, they shouldn't cross paths.

But considering Kalifa's sudden appearance, Caelan wouldn't be surprised if Aokiji showed up too.

After all, he hadn't gone to Water 7, but CP9 still came after him.

Part of it was because of him, and part of it was because of Robin.

In that case, would Aokiji, who had been tracking Robin for twenty years, also come?

"It's definitely possible. That guy's been chasing Robin for two decades without success."

Caelan muttered to himself and activated his A-rank Observation Haki, scanning the surrounding sea.

Sure enough, in the distance, he spotted a narrow ice path floating on the sea—just wide enough for a bicycle.

There was only one person in the world who could do that.

It was one of the Navy's top brass, an Admiral, and the Ice-Ice Fruit user—Aokiji.

"That guy actually showed up."

Caelan's mouth twitched, and he couldn't help but complain.

It was like calling the devil, mention him and he appears immediately.

From the original story, he knew Aokiji had been keeping an eye on Robin. Half of it was an excuse to slack off, and the other half was out of a desire to see her live a safe life.

This time, there was likely to be a fight.

"I guess it's time to meet the highest combat power in this world."

Caelan wasn't afraid and had no intention of avoiding him.

On the contrary, he was eager. He'd just made great strides in power and was itching to stretch his muscles.

Aokiji, an admiral who could go toe-to-toe with a Yonko, was the perfect match.

Just thinking about it made Caelan's blood stir.

But then, among the clouds above, Caelan noticed a pink figure.

"Doflamingo?"

"Compared to Aokiji, I really don't feel like fighting that guy."

Caelan shook his head, not taking it too seriously.

If it were just Doflamingo, he might be interested in a little skirmish.

But now that Aokiji was here too, Doflamingo just didn't cut it.

…

Out at sea, a tall man pedaled leisurely on a bicycle.

"Well, looks like I'm about to meet her."

Aokiji yawned lazily.

He had been silently keeping watch over the girl his best friend Saul had once sacrificed everything to save.

On top of that, whenever he wanted to slack off, he used the search for Robin as a perfect excuse and it always worked.

"Come to think of it, I might be even lazier than Kizaru. That's kind of embarrassing."

"But hey, this is lazy justice."

Aokiji chuckled at himself, though there wasn't a hint of shame on his face.

After the Ohara incident, he had grown disillusioned with the Navy's definition of justice. Slacking off had become the norm, and he was used to it by now.

"Robin, have you found yourself another companion?"

"This Caelan guy… he sounds pretty reliable."

Aokiji recalled Caelan's achievements and smiled.

Sweeping through the East Blue and into the Grand Line, capturing countless pirates—even Crocodile, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

Such strength and potential had already impressed Aokiji.

But what pleased him even more was Caelan's conduct.

In Aokiji's eyes, Caelan's behavior reminded him of his own younger days, full of ambition and righteousness.

If Robin had a companion like that, he wouldn't need to worry anymore.

"But I'll confirm it with my own eyes."

Aokiji pedaled forward, opening his Observation Haki, and headed in the direction of the Wind Rider.

…

Above the clouds, Doflamingo used his String-String Fruit to anchor ultra-fine threads into the sky, pulling himself toward the Wind Rider.

"Caelan, huh? You beat up my men and acted like I didn't exist. I've finally found you!"

Doflamingo's expression was dark.

He'd received the news the day after Bellamy was defeated by Caelan.

Beating Bellamy was already a bold move. Even though Bellamy was just a fringe member, he wasn't someone just anyone could lay hands on.

What made Doflamingo even angrier was that Caelan had publicly made provocative gestures in Mock Town.

It was a blatant slap in the face, and Doflamingo couldn't tolerate it.

"You got lucky last time and escaped to Skypiea, but not this time."

Just thinking about it made his blood boil.

Caelan had beaten his men and vanished, only to reappear with a ton of Berries in hand.

But Caelan's luck had run its course.

Once he caught him, Doflamingo would not only reassert his dominance but also take that money for himself.

"You beat Crocodile and now think you're hot stuff? How naive."

Doflamingo looked at the approaching Wind Rider, a savage smile spreading across his face.

He was Donquixote Doflamingo, Heavenly Yaksha!

A master of all three Haki types, with a Devil Fruit ability nearing full awakening. Even Kaido, one of the Four Emperors, had dealings with him.

In terms of strength and status, Crocodile wasn't even in the same league.

Dealing with Caelan would be as easy as breathing.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 69: A Little Lesson

As time passed, the three parties with different agendas drew closer and were about to converge on an uninhabited island.

On the deck of the Wind Rider, Caelan looked toward Aokiji's direction, eyes burning with anticipation.

At that moment, the women on board also noticed something unusual about Caelan and leaned in.

"What's wrong, Caelan? Is there something off about that island ahead?"
Nami asked cautiously, a trace of concern on her face.

"Nothing serious. I've just come across a worthy opponent. Time for a warm-up."

Caelan patted Nami's head gently and spoke in a reassuring tone.

"A worthy opponent?"

Nami nodded, still not fully understanding.

Vivi, Robin, and Tashigi were equally puzzled after hearing Caelan's response.

They had never seen Caelan with this kind of expression before.

A glint flashed across Kalifa's glasses as her curiosity deepened.

Who could possibly make Caelan, who had taken down Crocodile react so solemnly?

Could it be another Warlord of the Sea?

"If it's uncertain, why don't we just avoid the island?" Nami looked at Caelan with concern.

"It's fine. Bring the ship in."

Caelan had no intention of running. He wanted to fight Aokiji.

If he missed this opportunity, the next chance to face such a powerful opponent might not come until he reached the New World and challenged Kaido himself.

Besides, Aokiji was already targeting him. Running would be pointless.

After hearing Caelan's words, the women stopped worrying.

Although his mood was different from usual, it wasn't fear—it was excitement.

Before long, the Wind Rider anchored on the island, and everyone disembarked.

On the shore, a tall figure was already waiting.

The man wore a white suit with a dark blue shirt underneath, a dark green sleep mask on his head, and a Justice coat draped over his shoulders.

"Standing while asleep?"

Nami looked at the lazy man in front of her and twitched her mouth.

If this was the opponent Caelan had been anticipating, it felt a bit underwhelming.

Robin stood stiffly beside her. Her pupils shrank and her face turned pale as she looked at the tall figure.

Caelan held Robin's hand tightly, trying to calm her racing heart.

"Admiral Aokiji!"

Tashigi cried out in disbelief.

"The highest military power of the World Government… Admiral of the Navy Headquarters. A world-famous powerhouse," Kalifa added, equally shocked.

She had thought the so-called "worthy opponent" Caelan mentioned was someone on the level of a Warlord of the Sea.

She hadn't expected it to be Aokiji—a top-tier powerhouse standing at the summit of the world.

Was this what he called a good opponent?

Kalifa glanced at Caelan, only to find that he wasn't nervous at all. His expression was calm and composed.

"The Admiral of the Navy? This lazy uncle? Are you sure?" Nami stared at Aokiji again, still a bit skeptical.

Could this man, who could sleep while standing, really be an admiral?

"Little girl, judging people by their appearance isn't very wise." Aokiji yawned as he took off his sleep mask.

His gaze swept across the group and landed on Caelan and Robin holding hands.

Aokiji smiled and greeted her,
"Long time no see, Nico Robin."

"Admiral Aokiji… are you here to arrest me?"
Robin's voice was low and hoarse, nearly despairing.

The man before her had frozen Saul twenty years ago and witnessed the destruction of Ohara.

Even though he let her go back then, Robin still carried deep fear toward Aokiji.

"I suppose so. Will you come with me quietly?" Aokiji replied casually, smiling in a laid-back manner.

"Alright… Please don't hurt them."

Robin closed her eyes and began walking toward Aokiji with heavy steps.

Just as she had told Caelan when she first joined the crew, if an unavoidable threat appeared, she would leave on her own.

These past days had been the most peaceful she had experienced in twenty years.

Precisely because of that, she didn't want to drag Caelan and the others down.

"Sigh… I brought you to this island, not to let you die." Caelan pulled Robin into his arms and rubbed her cheek gently.

"No one in this world can hurt you."

Feeling Caelan's warm embrace, Robin's heart surged with emotion, and she had no intention of resisting.

"Caelan, you're a Marine ally… Do you really intend to protect this woman?"

"She's touched the taboos of the World Government. She's the Devil's Child. Someone untouchable."

Aokiji looked at Caelan with interest, curious to see what he would choose.

"At the age of eight, she single-handedly sank five warships and earned a bounty of 79 million Berries."

"For the next twenty years, she constantly changed affiliations to escape the World Government's pursuit. Everyone who sheltered her met a bad end."

Aokiji continued rambling, trying to sway Caelan.

"She's been a devil since childhood, a harbinger of disaster. I'm telling you, she also…"

Robin's face changed drastically at those words, and for a moment, she even contemplated giving up.

"You can shut up now." Caelan interrupted with clear irritation. He was speechless.

The more Aokiji spoke, the more exaggerated it got. Destroying five warships at age eight? Was he talking about Robin or Big Mom?

"Robin is my crewmate. No one gets to force my people to do anything against their will."

Caelan held Robin tightly, his tone solemn like a vow.

Robin felt the warmth from his chest and looked up at Caelan's chiseled profile.

"That's right! Robin is one of us! She's not the monster you're making her out to be!"
Nami and Vivi said firmly.

After spending so much time together, they knew Robin was gentle and dependable. To them, she was already family.

Even Tashigi glared at Aokiji. Their common enemy had made her side with Robin too.

The once-imposing admiral now looked like a villain peddling slander.

"What a heartwarming scene. Almost makes me not want to interfere."

"However, as a Navy admiral, I can't ignore someone who's an enemy of the World Government."

Aokiji looked at Caelan standing protectively in front of Robin and smiled wryly.

He had come to see if Robin had truly found a safe haven.

Now it seemed she had indeed joined a good crew.

Very well. He'd give them some space to escape.

"If you want to fight, then let's fight. No need for more talk." Caelan met Aokiji's gaze head-on, without the slightest fear.

The power coursing through his body was already eager to be unleashed.

"You're a little too overbearing, young man."
Aokiji's brow furrowed slightly, his voice turning cold.

That kind of attitude could endanger Robin.

Not everyone on this sea was as lenient as him.

Aokiji decided to teach Caelan a lesson first, then let them go.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Chapter 70: Different Level

At that moment, it was noon.

Aokiji and Caelan stood facing each other, the battle about to begin.

Right now, aside from Caelan and Aokiji, there wasn't another soul on the island.

Nami and Robin had returned to the Wind Rider, watching the battlefield through telescopes. Though they now possessed strength at the level of Marine commodores, they still couldn't get close to a battle of this caliber.

But they had absolute faith in Caelan.

"You trust him that much?" Kalifa glanced at the girls' expressions, visibly confused.

Even Robin, who had been so terrified just moments ago, now appeared calm—almost as if she was certain Caelan would defeat Aokiji.

"There's no reason to doubt." Robin answered evenly, without turning her head.

This was the man who sided with and sheltered her. Of course, she trusted him.

The other girls nodded in agreement with Robin's words.

From Arlong in the East Blue, to Crocodile in Alabasta, to Enel in Skypiea.

No enemy had ever been able to stop Caelan's advance.

Kalifa couldn't understand their blind faith and decided to enlighten them.

"Maybe you don't understand what it means to be an admiral."

"That's the highest combat power of the World Government. Only three such men exist in each generation. Especially this generation—the strongest in history. Each one is capable of fighting the Four Emperors!"

After saying that, Kalifa looked to the girls, expecting to see panic on their faces.

"Yes, he's strong. But Caelan will beat him."
Robin replied indifferently, eyes still fixed on the battlefield.

The other girls were even more extreme. They didn't react at all.

"Sigh…"

Kalifa sighed and fell silent.

Once the battle was over, they'd understand just how absurd their confidence had been.

These top-tier fighters were the kind of monsters even the Four Emperors had to take seriously. How could Caelan possibly defeat one?

…

Doflamingo arrived late, floating high above the uninhabited island.

He had originally come to teach Caelan a lesson, but now, from up in the sky, he had lost all interest in stepping in.

"Well, well. He actually picked a fight with Aokiji. Poor Caelan." Looking down at the two figures facing off below, Doflamingo laughed mockingly.

Even someone as arrogant as him would never consider going against an admiral.

Any one of the three admirals could kill him instantly.

Even with his status as a former Celestial Dragon, he dared not act rashly in front of them.

He didn't know how Caelan had provoked Aokiji, but the outcome was obvious—Caelan was finished.

"Alright then, let me enjoy the end of this little bounty hunter." Doflamingo fastened dozens of threads to the clouds and wove them into a hammock.

He lay sideways on it, gazing down at the battlefield.

His rage toward Caelan had completely cooled. Now he just wanted to see Aokiji beat him into the ground.

…

"Brace yourself."

Aokiji looked at Caelan and gave a calm warning.

Before showing leniency, he would go all out.

He needed to teach this arrogant kid just how wide the gap was between him and the top of the world.

"No need for words. Just come at me!"
Caelan's fighting spirit surged. His eyes glowed with excitement.

"Hmph."

Aokiji exhaled deeply, and an overwhelming wave of cold began to spread.

The ground started to freeze.

Rocks turned into icebergs radiating chill.

The trees and animals across the island froze solid in an instant, becoming deep blue ice sculptures.

In a matter of seconds, the entire island had turned into a silent, frozen wasteland.

Even the sea surrounding the island formed patches of ice flowers.

Back on the Wind Rider, the girls felt the frigid air and shivered.

"This is the strength of an admiral… the power to change the world in an instant."

Robin stared at the frozen island, her voice serious.

Twenty years ago in Ohara, she had seen Aokiji freeze Saul.

That scene had left a scar in her memory.

But this—this was a hundred times more terrifying.

It also meant Aokiji was taking this battle seriously.

"Now… do you still believe Caelan can win?"
Kalifa felt a strange sense of satisfaction as she spoke.

Since boarding the ship, she'd been subjected to constant training from Caelan.

Now that she had the chance to see him suffer a setback, she couldn't help but feel a little pleased.

There was no way Caelan could beat a monster with the power of a natural disaster!

"Of course. I've always believed in him."
Nami and Vivi responded firmly, without hesitation.

"You're so annoying." Robin, clearly fed up with Kalifa, activated her Flower-Flower Fruit.

Several arms sprouted from the deck, pinning Kalifa down and covering her mouth.

Kalifa struggled, eyes wide.

"If Caelan really loses, we can't be sure of your loyalty."

"When the time comes, you can quietly sink to the bottom of the sea." Nami glared at Kalifa and warned coldly.

Kalifa instantly quieted down. The thought of mocking Caelan vanished.

This woman didn't look like she was bluffing at all!

Tears welled up in Kalifa's eyes. She could already imagine her own corpse drifting at sea.

Caelan, no matter what happens, please win!

Kalifa cried out in her heart.

Above the island, Doflamingo sat upright in his hammock.

He tightened his pink feathered coat, shivering slightly.

"Ice-Ice Fruit… awakened?"

Doflamingo stared at the frozen world below, visibly unsettled.

He had awakened the String-String Fruit himself and immediately recognized the telltale signs.

Changing the environment, turning everything into his domain—this was a disaster-class ability!

"Isn't this a bit much… just for a guy like Caelan?"

Doflamingo was puzzled.

This level of power should be reserved for facing the Four Emperors.

Even he didn't think he was worth Aokiji using such force.

Caelan had clearly violated some natural law of the world.

"Well, no matter. Just witnessing this scene makes the trip worth it."

Doflamingo stared intently at the battlefield, not wanting to miss a thing.

It was rare to see an admiral unleash his full power. Even rarer to witness a battle comparable to those of the Four Emperors.

To miss any part of it would be a sin.

As for Caelan, Doflamingo already considered him a dead man. No need to keep watching him.

…

On the uninhabited island now transformed into a frozen realm, Caelan stood across from Aokiji, enduring the extreme cold.

"It's… very refreshing."

Caelan smiled as he felt the chill swirling around him.

"You really are something, Caelan."

Aokiji looked at Caelan, who seemed completely unaffected, and let out a sigh.

From his Observation Haki, he could sense that Caelan's blood and energy were like a blazing sun. His fighting spirit was soaring.

Aokiji no longer held the casual attitude from before. He became serious.

Caelan… was not on the same level as Crocodile.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 71: Aokiji Vs Caelan

The uninhabited island had become a world of ice.

Amid the extreme cold, ice nearly enveloped Caelan's body.

Caelan didn't care. Now that all of his attributes had broken through to A-rank, his physique was as resilient as Kaido's.

With a slight movement, the ice around him shattered into powder.

"Nice freezing technique. But it breaks with a touch."

Caelan looked at Aokiji and shook his head slightly.

"Now you're starting to get on my nerves."
Aokiji frowned at Caelan, who was displaying such overwhelming presence.

The cold air he had just released was several times more powerful than what he used to freeze Saul twenty years ago.

That kind of cold could easily freeze Warlords of the Sea like Doflamingo, rendering them immobile.

And yet Caelan dismissed it like it was nothing.

Still, remembering how Caelan had shattered his reinforced ice like brittle glass, Aokiji's expression turned serious again.

His ice was supposed to be far tougher than steel. But in front of Caelan's power, it was like dry wood.

That level of strength was terrifying.

Caelan didn't waste time. He charged toward Aokiji with his massive sword in hand.

The black uniform stretched over his bulging muscles, giving him the look of a living statue from Greek mythology. Every inch of muscle radiated the explosive power of a Tyrannosaurus.

Extreme strength often came with extreme speed. Caelan's figure shot forward like lightning, breaking the sound barrier with a deafening roar.

"Whoa!"

Aokiji only saw a black blur followed by a piercing gust. A moment later, the massive sword came crashing down like a mountain.

At that speed, even the naked eye was useless. Only Observation Haki could follow the attack.

"Ice Spear: Pheasant Beak!"

With a sharp shout, Aokiji summoned a surge of freezing energy, forming a massive ice bird that rushed to intercept Caelan's strike.

Crack!

In an instant, the ice bird shattered into countless shards of ice.

Still, it had done its job, narrowly deflecting Caelan's blow and giving Aokiji time to evade.

Boom!

Caelan's giant sword slammed into the frozen ground, carving a massive trench that ran clear across the island.

The frozen world now had a gaping chasm right down the middle.

"Tch. What monstrous power..."
Aokiji looked at the massive rift and couldn't help but inhale sharply.

That kind of strength was on par with the likes of Kaido. It was incomprehensible.

He now realized it was a miracle Crocodile even survived his fight with Caelan.

He had once thought that Caelan defeating Crocodile was a remarkable feat.

Now, it seemed Crocodile should feel proud just for escaping alive.

This strike alone had earned Caelan Aokiji's full recognition.

Just as he began to consider ending the battle, Caelan spoke up again.

"What's the matter? Shocked? Is this what passes for a so-called Admiral?"
Caelan casually flicked the ice dust off his sword.

"You really are arrogant, kid. Fine. Let's do this."

Aokiji's mouth twitched. He abandoned any thoughts of stopping.

This brat was really starting to get under his skin.

So Caelan was a monster. What of it?

He, too, was a monster. And this wasn't the end.

He was in his prime. He'd teach this kid a lesson he wouldn't forget.

"That's the spirit. Come on!"

Caelan grinned wildly, gripping his sword now coated in black Armament Haki, and charged again.

"Ice Blade!"

Aokiji reached into the air and conjured a massive sword of ice, dyed black with Haki, and met Caelan head-on.

Boom!

The two blurry shadows collided at high speed, producing a thunderous boom.

The naked eye couldn't keep up. Only those with refined Observation Haki and combat experience could follow their movements.

They no longer looked like two humans but two enormous beasts tearing through the landscape.

Every clash flattened the ice-covered terrain and sent chunks of frozen earth flying.

"This is getting troublesome."

After another exchange, Aokiji retreated nearly a hundred meters. His right arm trembled from the strain.

He was completely outmatched in strength.

Every clash felt like he was fighting Garp.

The force behind Caelan's blade mirrored the raw, bone-breaking power of that legendary vice admiral.

Still, Aokiji wasn't ready to admit defeat. He still had cards to play.

"Time Freeze!"

"Ice Block: Double Spike Spear!"

Aokiji raised his left arm and released a flood of cold air.

In an instant, countless razor-sharp ice spears formed in every direction, cutting off Caelan's paths.

Despite the overwhelming freeze, Caelan didn't panic.

His body, backed by top-tier stats and innate skills, had unmatched resistance.

This freezing air that could paralyze a Warlord of the Sea merely slowed him down a little.

As for the spears? Caelan swung his massive blade and shattered them all.

"You left yourself wide open, kid!"

While Caelan was occupied with the spears, Aokiji lunged forward, wielding his ice blade once again.

Even with Observation Haki, Caelan couldn't fully guard against it under such conditions.

"Doesn't matter!"

Rather than retreat, Caelan swung his sword directly at Aokiji, aiming to exchange blows.

He wasn't going to dodge. He was going to match blow for blow.

Aokiji barely dodged the incoming sword using his element-based intangibility.

But his own ice blade struck Caelan squarely in the chest.

Clang!

A sharp sound rang out, like steel crashing into steel.

The blade hit Caelan's chest and left only a faint red mark.

"What...!?"

Aokiji leapt back nearly a hundred meters, staring in disbelief.

He hadn't used full power, only around 70 percent.

But even that should've dealt serious damage.

To leave just a scratch? Was this guy really human?

If Caelan weren't standing right there, Aokiji would've thought he was fighting Kaido.

"Hahaha! That's more like it!"
Caelan touched the red mark on his chest, felt a sting of pain, and laughed heartily.

Neither Crocodile nor Enel had ever made him feel this alive.

This thrill of a true battle of going all out against someone worthy was unmatched.

"Again!"

Caelan gripped his sword and charged once more.

"Damn kid!"

Aokiji cursed under his breath.

Was it just his imagination, or was Caelan becoming more and more like Kaido?

But he wouldn't back down.

Retreating of his own will? Sure.

But surrendering because Caelan overpowered him? Absolutely not.

That was a matter of pride.

He faced Caelan directly, unleashing his swordsmanship, Haki, and Devil Fruit power without reservation.

"This fight isn't over yet!"

Aokiji told himself, confidence still burning.

With his awakened Devil Fruit turning the island into his domain, not only were his powers enhanced, but his stamina was also partially restored.

This was his territory.

Here, he could win a prolonged fight.

And so, the battle resumed.

Black-coated Caelan and ice-blue Aokiji clashed again and again.

Each collision triggered a new shockwave.

The overwhelming energy shook the entire island.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Chapter 72: I'll Wait

"It's been five days!"

On the Wind Rider, Nami stared blankly into the distance. The island that had been turned into a frozen wasteland no longer resembled its original form.

By now, the Wind Rider had pulled quite far away from the uninhabited island.

The reason?

In the center of the island, terrifying shockwaves continued to erupt.

A massive iceberg would rise from the ground, only to be violently shattered the next moment.

The entire terrain of the island had been reshaped by the battle between Caelan and Aokiji, making it completely unrecognizable.

Above the island, the clouds had been pushed away, forming a massive vacuum in the sky.

The surrounding seas surged with turbulent waves, stirred by the aftershocks of their fight. No ship could get near.

Even from this far away, Nami and the others could still sense the overwhelming pressure radiating from the island.

"It's terrifying…"

Robin looked at the battlefield roaring in the distance and murmured in disbelief.

This terrifying battle had lasted for five full days.

Compared to this, Crocodile and Enel were nothing.

This was a clash of the highest combat power on the sea. The sky, the land, even the sea itself, was being reshaped by their fight.

"Caelan…"

Robin pursed her pale lips and stared toward the island, worry in her eyes.

She had full trust in Caelan and believed he wouldn't lose.

But five days and nights of brutal combat still made her uneasy.

After all, Caelan was fighting such a formidable opponent because of her.

"Don't worry. He'll win."
Nami patted Robin's shoulder and spoke with confidence.

Vivi and Tashigi also nodded, fully believing in Caelan.

Only Kalifa looked utterly defeated. She'd been pinned down for five days and had no will to resist left.

"Wait… the battle's stopped!"

Nami's eyes widened. She quickly turned the Wind Rider back toward the island.

…

Uninhabited island.

No, it could no longer be called an island.

After five days and nights of relentless combat between Aokiji and Caelan, the island had been utterly destroyed. The real land was now more than 30 meters below sea level.

The battlefield where they stood was entirely frozen over by Aokiji's Ice-Ice Fruit.

"Huff… Huff…"

Aokiji leaned on his ice blade, breathing heavily.

His body was covered in wounds, both minor and major. Every time he moved, sharp pain shot through him.

His Admiral's uniform was soaked in blood. From Aokiji to Akainu, he had truly been beaten black and blue.

"Hey, come on, I'm not done yet!"

Caelan shouted in frustration, his fighting spirit still burning.

His clothes were tattered, revealing his muscular physique.

Red marks lined his body, but they were already healing at a speed visible to the naked eye.

He'd be fully recovered in no time.

"You win. You're a monster. I can't keep up."

Aokiji groaned weakly, unable to lift a finger.

Looking at the still-energetic Caelan, he was completely convinced.

In the last five days and nights, the number of attacks he had landed on Caelan could have killed hundreds of pirates like Crocodile.

But Caelan, like some kind of freakish beast, had an unbelievably tough body and terrifying regeneration.

He took all those attacks, and yet came out fine.

And his stamina? Bottomless.

Even with his ability to draw energy from the surrounding environment, Aokiji still couldn't outlast him.

Five days of fighting had exhausted him to the core, yet Caelan looked like he could go for another five.

"Alright, alright."

Seeing Aokiji like this, Caelan's excitement faded a little.

With his A-rank endurance, he could keep going for another ten days if he wanted.

But seeing Aokiji beaten to this state, continuing the fight felt pointless.

"Caelan… why not join the Marines? I'll give you my position."

Aokiji made the offer sincerely, fully impressed.

With this kind of strength, there was no problem giving him the Admiral title.

If Caelan accepted, Aokiji would immediately resign and go chill with Garp.

And as for Robin? If Caelan became an Admiral, plus Aokiji's personal guarantee, she'd be safe.

"No thanks. I'm not interested in being a dog for the World Government."

Caelan scoffed and rejected the offer outright.

If he ever wanted to join the Marines, he would've done it already.

Forget being an Admiral—even if they gave him the Fleet Admiral position, he still wouldn't take it.

Being a lapdog for the World Government and the Celestial Dragons? Disgusting just thinking about it.

"Haha… 'dog of the World Government'... that's pretty accurate."
Aokiji chuckled bitterly, a little self-deprecating.

After the Ohara incident 20 years ago, he had grown more and more disillusioned with the World Government.

But he stayed in the Marines because they still had some form of justice.

He wanted to become Fleet Admiral someday and change the Navy from within.

Caelan looked at Aokiji thoughtfully, and a strange idea popped into his head.

"Aokiji, why don't you join me instead?"

Caelan rubbed his chin and asked seriously.

He had always seen the Marines as a talent pool.

Right now, he only had Tashigi, but he had also considered people like Hina and Ain.

If he met them, he would definitely try to recruit them.

"Are you kidding me?"
Aokiji stared wide-eyed at Caelan.

"Not at all. I'm dead serious."
Caelan replied firmly.

He was building his own force, and what he lacked most was top-tier power. Aokiji fit that need perfectly.

He was strong, just, and not a scumbag like Caelan.

The only problem was that he'd be hard to convince.

"Sorry. I refuse."

Aokiji turned him down immediately.

He still wanted to become Fleet Admiral and reform the Navy from the top.

Right now, he had the support of Sengoku, Tsuru, and Garp. His goal was almost within reach.

"That's fine. When you leave the Marines, just remember to consider my team first."
Caelan waved it off casually.

He didn't expect to succeed immediately. Planting the seed was enough.

"Leave the Marines? That's not happening."
Aokiji shook his head, thinking Caelan was being delusional.

His reputation in the Navy was at its peak. Why would he walk away now?

"Haha."

Caelan didn't respond. He just smiled and walked toward the approaching Wind Rider.

In the original story, Aokiji lost a leg and left the Navy in defeat.

Waiting for that moment will be fun.

Caelan was already imagining it—Aokiji joining his crew one day. What a sight that would be.

Just thinking about it made him laugh.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 73: What Happened?

On the Wind Rider, the women all let out a breath of relief when they saw Caelan return unscathed, with a bloodied Aokiji beside him.

Aside from a few rips in his clothing and a bit of dust, Caelan showed no signs of injury.

"Caelan, thank you."
Robin threw her arms around him, tears of relief streaming down her face.

Though she had trusted Caelan completely and believed he would win in the end, Aokiji was still one of the top powers in the world. The fear she had carried for so long had left a deep scar in her heart.

But now, her captain had defeated that fear.

That shadow in Robin's heart had been swept away by Caelan.

"What are you thanking me for? It's only natural that I do this."
Caelan gently stroked Robin's head, his voice filled with affection.

Robin, usually so mature and composed, showing this kind of girlish vulnerability—it was a truly beautiful contrast.

"Caelan, you're amazing! Even Admiral Aokiji couldn't beat you!"
Tashigi looked at him with admiration, her eyes sparkling like stars.

Vivi and Nami also gathered around Caelan, chattering excitedly.

"Alright, alright, that's enough."
Though Caelan was clearly pleased, he still raised a hand to stop their overexcitement.

"Let me rest for a bit. When I wake up, I want to see the most lavish dinner."
Caelan gave a tired smile.

Fighting for five days and nights without rest, food, or water wasn't even close to his limit, but a break was still welcome.

"Okay, Caelan, you just go rest. We'll have everything ready!"
Looking at his battered clothes and exhausted form, the women nodded firmly.

"Good, then I'll count on you."
Caelan waved as he returned to his room, washed up briefly, and fell into a deep sleep.

Meanwhile, Nami and the others headed to the kitchen, busy preparing a grand feast.

Kalifa, recently released from her restraints, was left stunned and overwhelmed.

"He actually defeated Admiral Aokiji… This man is terrifying!"

She had been certain Caelan stood no chance. But not only had he won, he'd done it without a scratch.

That meant this man now stood at the summit of the sea—a powerhouse who could act without fear or consequence.

"At this point, the only thing I can do is swear loyalty…"

A glint of determination appeared in Kalifa's eyes.

After witnessing Caelan's overwhelming power, she realized there was only one path forward.

With no further hesitation, Kalifa entered the kitchen and began helping the others prepare Caelan's dinner.

…

While the crew of the Wind Rider was celebrating, Doflamingo was in a panic.

In the sky above the sea, Doflamingo was fleeing toward the New World at top speed, his face filled with terror.

"What kind of monster did I just mess with?!"

He muttered, feeling like he was going to break down.

He had witnessed the entire battle between Caelan and Aokiji from start to finish.

The image of the two colliding like natural disasters was burned into his mind.

He had wanted to witness an admiral at full strength, but even that wasn't enough to take down Caelan!

He had come to the first half of the Grand Line with the intent to get rid of Caelan.

Instead, he had stumbled into a nightmare.

Caelan gave off the same pressure as Kaido, his ally in the New World. Absolute defense, overwhelming strength, and seemingly infinite stamina.

The only thing lacking compared to Kaido was his mastery over Haki. In everything else, Caelan was on par.

Based on that battle alone, Doflamingo could confidently say that Caelan was already a Four Emperors-level powerhouse.

"Thank goodness Aokiji got to him first. If I had gone up to him talking nonsense, I'd be dead."

Doflamingo clutched his chest, speaking with lingering fear.

If he had confronted Caelan before Aokiji and opened his mouth like usual… he didn't even want to imagine the result.

Bruised from head to toe? At the very least.

"This is too insane. I'm out of here!"

Thinking of Aokiji's miserable defeat, Doflamingo shuddered and flew even faster.

His earlier thoughts of picking a fight with Caelan were completely gone. He just wanted to return to Dressrosa.

Only in his own territory could he feel a shred of safety.

After all, he was partnered with Kaido, the King of Beasts. Caelan probably wouldn't dare touch him.

Probably… right?

…

On the frozen ruins of the island, Aokiji sat on the ground in defeat, slouched with no care for his image. His bicycle had long since vanished in the chaos.

Clearly, it had been sacrificed in the battle.

"Sigh… I really kicked a steel wall this time."

Aokiji scratched his head, utterly miserable.

He exhaled a puff of cold air to seal the worst of his wounds with ice.

It was a temporary fix. These injuries wouldn't heal for at least two months.

Originally, he had only planned to check on Nico Robin and meet the rising star named Caelan.

He had already overestimated Caelan, thinking he might have Four Emperors-level potential.

But in reality, Caelan didn't have potential. He already had the real deal.

"What a ridiculous surprise…"

Aokiji smiled bitterly, emotions swirling inside him.

Robin had found a reliable place to belong. That alone put his heart at ease.

But Caelan… Caelan had exceeded every expectation.

Not just in strength, but in his ideals too.

The guy even asked him, a Marine admiral to join his crew. That wasn't just bold, it was outrageous.

And yet, Aokiji didn't dislike Caelan for it.

Everything about the man was impressive… except for the fact that Aokiji had ended up a bloody wreck.

Now, he had arrived in one piece and couldn't even return on his own.

"Well… guess I'll treat this as a two-month vacation."

Aokiji chuckled bitterly, talking to himself.

In his current condition, returning to Marine Headquarters on his own was impossible. He needed backup.

Buru Buru Buru…

He pulled out a Den Den Mushi and contacted Marine Headquarters.

…

Marine Headquarters.

"Buru Buru Buru…"

In the Fleet Admiral's office, Sengoku's Den Den Mushi suddenly rang.

"Aokiji? That guy's actually calling me?"

Sengoku blinked in surprise.

That lazy bastard usually vanished off the grid unless he was forced to report in for a mission.

And as far as Sengoku remembered, Aokiji hadn't been assigned anything lately…

With suspicion in his heart, Sengoku picked up the Den Den Mushi.

"Fleet Admiral, I'm injured. Send a warship to pick me up."

Aokiji's voice came through, calm but strained. Sengoku's eyes widened in shock.

"You're injured?! Weren't you just out fishing again, using Robin as an excuse?"

Sengoku asked, utterly stunned.

What the hell happened?

You were supposed to be fishing.

How did you end up like this?

(To be continued.)

Chapter 74: Views

"Ahem."

Aokiji cleared his throat twice, trying to mask his embarrassment.

"I just wanted to check on Nico Robin and see what this 'legendary Caelan' was really like. I didn't expect to end up injured."

He glanced down at the wounds on his body, speaking without any attempt to hide them.

"How's Caelan? Is he still alive?"
Sengoku's voice jumped up several octaves in alarm.

In his mind, if Aokiji had ended up injured, Caelan's situation must have been far worse.

Sengoku was very optimistic about Caelan. The young man had already helped the Marines resolve several major threats. If he were killed in a clash with Aokiji, it would be a waste of great potential.

"Kill him? Fleet Admiral Sengoku, you're giving me too much credit."
Aokiji rolled his eyes, clearly exasperated.

The damage he dealt to Caelan was regenerating almost instantaneously.

If anyone needed concern, it was him—the one left with serious injuries.

"What are you saying?"
Sengoku's pupils contracted sharply.

"I lost. We both fought seriously. I didn't hold back."
Aokiji stated calmly, with a matter-of-fact expression.

"You lost? You were defeated by Caelan?"
Sengoku couldn't help but exclaim in disbelief.

"Aokiji, you must be joking. He's only been sailing for how long? Or—"

"Aside from his lack of mastery in Haki, he's no different from Kaido. He's a monster."
Aokiji interrupted mid-sentence and said something that shocked Sengoku even further.

"A monster… like Kaido?"

Sengoku's eyes widened in astonishment.

That would mean Caelan was already qualified to be crowned as an emperor of the sea.

"Yes, his strength is already on par with the Four Emperors."
Aokiji confirmed with a serious tone. Then, glancing at his injuries, he added impatiently,
"Anyway, I already gave you the location. Hurry up and send someone to get me, Fleet Admiral!"

"Alright. Hold tight. A ship will be there shortly."

Sengoku finally returned to his senses and reassured Aokiji.

Click.

After hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Sengoku leaned back and held his forehead, processing the enormous weight of that conversation.

Before long, a warship was dispatched from Marine Headquarters to retrieve the injured admiral.

At the same time, Sengoku called for an emergency meeting on the matter of Caelan Alaric.

Key figures such as Kizaru, Akainu, Garp, Momousagi, Tsuru, and others attended to discuss the battle between Caelan and Aokiji.

"This is the situation. Caelan fought Aokiji. Aokiji was severely injured, and Caelan was completely unharmed."

"According to Aokiji, it felt like he was fighting Kaido."
Sengoku summarized the report and relayed it to everyone in the room.

"Scary…"

"That Caelan guy is seriously dangerous."
Kizaru sat cross-legged, his tone unreadable behind his yellow-lensed glasses.

He'd met Caelan once in Alabasta.

He hadn't expected that just over a month later, Caelan would defeat Aokiji.

Young people these days were really terrifying.

The world outside was too chaotic. Better to just clock in and out at headquarters.

With such a small paycheck, what's the point of risking your life?

Kizaru shivered at the thought and quietly reaffirmed his commitment to office work.

"Caelan defeated an admiral… Does this mean we have a new emperor on the sea?"
Gion stroked her chin thoughtfully.

Each time someone of that caliber appeared, it sent ripples throughout the world.

And she was also curious about this man who had risen to fame in a single month.

As an admiral candidate herself, she was just one step away from that position.

But she knew very well there was a clear power gap between herself and Aokiji.

What kind of man could defeat someone of that level?

"In terms of strength, he has already reached the level of the Four Emperors. But it's his vague attitude that worries me most."
"Everyone, share your thoughts. Let's use them for reference."
Sengoku nodded in agreement and encouraged the others to speak.

The room immediately became lively.

The hardliners, represented by Akainu, aligned with the World Government's top brass. They believed Caelan was unstable and should be declared a threat immediately.

Meanwhile, the doves, represented by Garp, Tsuru, and Gion, advocated for recruiting Caelan or at least maintaining a neutral relationship.

As for Kizaru's faction… they were just happy to be there.

Honestly, Sengoku preferred keeping things friendly with Caelan. But Akainu, with his backing from the Five Elders, had to be taken seriously.

"Regarding Caelan, my stance remains unchanged. Let's continue with our current approach for now."
Sengoku spoke in a deep voice.

"No. That man took in Nico Robin. He's clearly a threat. He should be given a bounty immediately!" Akainu stood up, shouting without hesitation.

As one of the key figures behind the Ohara incident 20 years ago, he held a deep-seated hostility toward Nico Robin.

Moreover, with the Five Elders branding Caelan as unstable, Akainu had already labeled him an enemy.

He'd even considered the bounty amount—3.9 billion Berries.

Anyone who could defeat Aokiji was worth that much.

"Sakazuki, that's too extreme!"
Sengoku glared at Akainu, his tone sharp with disapproval.

"Caelan clearly has the strength of a Four Emperor. If we antagonize him, who will deal with the consequences?"

"Will it be you, Sakazuki? Or Borsalino?"

Sengoku's words rang like thunder across the conference room. Everyone fell silent.

Akainu's face darkened, but he had no rebuttal.

He had battled Aokiji for years. He knew exactly how powerful he was.

Defeating Aokiji outright? That put Caelan in a whole other league.

Facing him head-on was impossible.

Akainu turned to Kizaru, silently asking for support.

"Whoa, no thanks. I've still got to lead the Marine Science Unit." Kizaru jolted upright, startled.

That kind of job was more suited to someone like Sakazuki.

He, Borsalino, was best suited for overseeing tech divisions and collecting a steady paycheck.

"Tch."
Akainu clicked his tongue, then turned to Garp, who was munching on senbei.

"Hahaha! I'm too old for this. Don't ask me to go up against someone like Caelan."
Garp laughed, brushing off Akainu's unspoken plea.

Not only did he genuinely admire Caelan, he was also one of those who wanted to bring him into the fold.

Besides, Caelan had single-handedly taken down Aokiji without a scratch. That was firmly Four Emperors-level.

And Garp? He had grandkids turned pirates to look after. He wasn't about to get dragged into another mess.

"Alright then. Majority rules."
"Maintain friendly relations with Caelan—at least until he shows himself to be a threat."
Sengoku nodded, bringing the debate to a close.

"You'll regret this, Sengoku!"

"Caelan is dangerous. He should be dealt with immediately!"

Akainu slammed his fist on the table and stood, glaring.

"Akainu, I am the Fleet Admiral." Sengoku stood tall, exuding the full authority of the Navy's supreme commander.

"Hmph!" Akainu gave a cold snort, turned, and stormed out of the room.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Chapter 75: Fake Nika?

In the evening, the sun set in the west, and Caelan, who had been asleep all afternoon, finally woke up.

"So comfortable!"

Caelan stretched his body, loosening his muscles.

In just a few hours, he was fully energized and completely recovered.

Out of habit, he glanced at the system panel.

The synchronization progress had jumped from 78.5% to 83%.

Just the battle with Aokiji had raised it by 4.5%—five times the increase from defeating Crocodile.

"I really hope Aokiji comes to visit Robin more often."

Caelan grinned.

If he could get into a hundred battles like that, it'd be perfect.

If Aokiji showed up for Robin more often, he might be able to max out synchronization progress just through fighting.

Just as Caelan was lost in pleasant thoughts, Nami poked her head in through the door and called out in surprise, "Caelan, you're awake? The party's ready!"

"Alright, I'm coming."

Caelan changed into a fresh black uniform and stepped out of the room.

Nami, lively as ever, led Caelan to the venue they had carefully decorated.

Bang!

The moment he entered, two bottles of champagne popped open, and colorful ribbons burst toward him.

"Welcome, Captain, to this grand and unparalleled feast!"

Vivi, dressed in a maid outfit, gave him an exaggerated gentleman's bow.

"You guys..."

Caelan lightly pinched Vivi's delicate nose.

"What, Captain, don't you like it?"

Vivi blinked her large, watery eyes, feigning grievance.

"I like it. Of course I do."

Caelan looked around, speaking from the heart.

The long dining table was filled with every kind of delicacy imaginable. The golden wine shimmered beautifully under the lights.

But what caught Caelan's eye most were the girls, dressed stunningly.

Nami wore a bikini, flaunting her alluring figure.

Robin and Tashigi looked like sisters, one mature and graceful, the other youthful and cute.

Kalifa had returned to her agent persona, clad in a skintight black leather outfit that exuded deadly charm.

What man could resist such temptation?

Caelan definitely couldn't.

"But, do you all think I'm some kind of pervert?"

He looked at the girls dressed to the nines and sighed.

"Why? Aren't you?"

Nami clung to Caelan's arm, smiling playfully.

"Alright, I am."

Feeling the soft pressure on his arm, Caelan gave up resisting.

Caelan opened his arms in a theatrical gesture.

"Coming, Captain!"

The girls giggled as they approached, pressing Caelan into the seat at the head of the long table and doting on him with all their attention.

"Wahoo, takeoff!"

Caelan savored the barbecue fed to him by Nami, closing his eyes in contentment.

After Nami, Robin and Tashigi poured him wine. Vivi peeled shrimp and served it to him, while Kalifa stood behind him, giving a skillful shoulder massage.

Caelan didn't know how he made it through the night, but he was left with an endless aftertaste.

In the days that followed, the girls weren't quite as proactive, but Caelan still enjoyed himself thoroughly.

The biggest reason was Kalifa, now dressed in a secretary suit.

"Mr. Caelan, have some fruit."

Kalifa held out a peeled grape to his mouth, her tone gentle.

"Oh? So you've come around?"

Caelan opened his mouth to eat the grape and smiled.

Over the past few days, in addition to teaching Nami and the others Rokushiki, Kalifa had fully embraced her role as his secretary, attending to him in every way.

"I wouldn't say I've come around. I'd say I've walked out of the darkness."

Kalifa looked into Caelan's eyes and spoke.

Ever since Caelan's overwhelming victory against Aokiji, she had accepted her fate.

She couldn't fight someone as powerful as a Yonko. Any little tricks would only get her killed in a hundred different ways.

And this man—it looks like when he commits to something, he goes all out!

For Nico Robin, he even dared to take on Aokiji. That's real courage! Compared to that idiot Spandam from CP9, he was leagues better.

If she truly joined Caelan's crew, Kalifa felt the rest of her life might be secure.

Thinking this, she quickly peeled another grape and brought it to Caelan's mouth.

"Hmm, not bad."

Caelan took a bite, accidentally biting Kalifa's finger in the process.

Kalifa blushed but said nothing.

…

While Caelan enjoyed a few leisurely days, the sea was in turmoil.

This time, the news king Morgans had personally penned an article on Caelan's victory over Aokiji. Hundreds of millions of copies were printed and circulated across the world.

"Shocking! A Marine Admiral Taken Down by a Rookie!?"

That was the only article on the front page, and the headline was impossible to miss.

As expected, this issue became another global bestseller.

New World, Red-Haired Pirates.

"Beckman, any news on Luffy?"

Shanks took a big swig of sake and asked Beckman, who was reading the newspaper.

Ever since parting ways with Mihawk, he hadn't heard anything about Luffy.

To find news on Luffy, he hadn't missed a single issue of the news and had practically bankrolled Morgans in the process.

"No, but there's big news. Aokiji was defeated by that Caelan."

Beckman replied, shaking his head while puffing his pipe.

"Didn't he just defeat Crocodile less than a month ago? And now he's taken down an admiral?"

Shanks was initially disappointed about the lack of Luffy news, but Beckman's words left him stunned.

Are all rookies this powerful these days?

To take down a Marine Admiral head-on—that's Yonko-level power.

It had been less than two months since Caelan entered the Grand Line, and his power had skyrocketed!

"Tsk tsk, looks like another emperor is rising on the seas."

Beckman exhaled a smoke ring, speaking with emotion.

This sea is always birthing new legends.

But no one quite like Caelan.

"Yeah, with his strength, he could absolutely support an emperor's crew."

Shanks nodded in agreement, though his expression turned grim.

The emergence of such a powerhouse would definitely shake the balance of power at sea.

Still, he wasn't too worried.

No matter how strong Caelan was, the one who truly mattered was Luffy—the one who had eaten the Nika Fruit.

"But if Caelan's powerful enough to beat an admiral, why is there still no news about Luffy?!"

Shanks stared at the paper in frustration.

Luffy had eaten the Nika Fruit… so how was it someone else who was rising to prominence?

Did he end up with a fake?

He scratched his head with his only remaining right hand, completely baffled.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 76: Coming For You

New World, Dressrosa.

"Sir, have you heard that Caelan defeated Aokiji?"

Violet looked down at the newspaper and asked Doflamingo, seemingly casually.

"Hmph, I knew long ago."

"Why? Is something bothering you?"

Doflamingo's voice was calm, as if he didn't care.

But Violet clearly saw Doflamingo's hand tremble slightly.

So, you're afraid too!

"No, I just wanted to remind the young master that this is a dangerous man."

There was no emotion in Violet's brown eyes, as if she were merely stating a fact.

After delivering a cup of freshly brewed coffee to Doflamingo, Violet left the study.

"What are you pretending for? Weren't you all excited to go pick a fight with him a few days ago? Now you're back in disgrace. You've offended someone that strong, Doflamingo... your death isn't far off."

Finding a quiet corner, Violet's thoughts grew active.

She was originally the princess of Dressrosa and had been forced to serve under Doflamingo to save her father.

Now that she saw Doflamingo shaken by Caelan, she started to form a plan.

Violet took out two newspapers—one reporting Caelan liberating Alabasta, and the other his defeat of Aokiji.

"If you could accept Princess Vivi's commission to save Alabasta…"

"Then accepting a commission from me and Rebecca to save Dressrosa should be no problem, right?"

Violet smiled with hope.

If it meant saving their country, both she and Rebecca were willing to sacrifice anything.

…

In the Florian Triangle, aboard Thriller Bark.

"This guy defeated Crocodile and beat Aokiji? So brutal!"

Gecko Moria trembled as he held the newspaper.

Based on the route Caelan was traveling, he was getting dangerously close to his territory.

Please don't come here. He just defeated an admiral!

Moria had been in a slump ever since losing to Kaido years ago.

Facing someone like Caelan, who could beat an admiral, he really didn't have the courage to go head-to-head.

"Oh God, please don't let him come here. I'm one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, but I'm not worth anything. I'm not as strong as an admiral. I'm just a small fry."

Moria pressed his hands together, muttering like he was praying.

"Wait... if I think about it this way, there's really no reason for him to come after me!"

Moria listed out all his own shortcomings and suddenly froze.

As long as I'm useless enough, no one will want to provoke me?

So I'm safe!

Thinking of it that way... it's kind of sad.

"If you're gonna fight someone, go find Kaido! He's the one with power and a huge bounty. He's the one you should face!"

"I'd love to see both of them injured!"

Mocking himself, Moria suddenly felt a surge of malice.

Whether it was Kaido or Caelan, both were people he couldn't afford to offend.

If those two fought, Moria would laugh in his sleep.

In the next moment, Moria threw the thought aside and returned to studying how to find a suitable shadow for Oars.

…

At this time, Caelan, the one Moria was so afraid of, had entered a dark sea covered in dense fog.

"So weird, it was sunny just a moment ago. Why did it suddenly turn so gloomy and creepy?"

Nami hugged her arms tightly, a little uneasy.

"This is the Florian Triangle, shrouded in fog with no sunlight year-round and no sense of direction. Even with a Log Pose, navigation is extremely difficult."

"Please don't let us get lost here, Nami-chan!"

Robin, knowledgeable as always, smiled and explained while teasing Nami a little.

"Who do you think you're talking to? No matter how dangerous the sea is, as the best navigator, I won't get lost!"

Nami puffed out her ample chest proudly.

"Haha, is that so?"

"But I heard there are ghosts in these waters."

Robin's lips curled into a sly grin.

"G-Ghosts?!"

Even though they were all strong, hearing about ghosts still gave them chills.

"Robin, that's just a legend!"

Nami forced a smile, tugging at the corner of her mouth.

"But the books say people have seen ghosts here."

"Nami-chan, if we meet one... should we exorcise her?"

Robin deliberately slowed her speech and made a cutting motion across her neck.

"Ahhh!!!"

Nami and Vivi, one on each side, instantly threw themselves into Caelan's arms.

"Oops, I went too far!"

Robin looked at the two girls and chuckled behind her hand.

She had only meant to tease Nami, but didn't expect Vivi to get scared too.

"Caelan, look at her!"

Vivi and Nami's heads pressed against Caelan's chest as they rubbed against him and acted cute.

"Ahem, Robin, see what you've done!"

"I'll have to teach you a lesson later."

Caelan gently stroked Nami and Vivi's backs, pretending to be serious.

"Alright then. I'll wait for the captain to punish me."

Robin rolled her eyes at Caelan, not bothered at all.

"Caelan, I'll help you teach her a lesson!"

Nami's eyes sparkled mischievously.

"I want to join too!" ×3

Vivi, Tashigi, and Kalifa, who had fully embraced their new roles, all shouted in unison.

"Fine, fine. You wanna play like this? Bring it on!"

Caelan welcomed them all without hesitation. With full A-rank stats, dealing with them was like child's play.

Hearing his response, the girls burst into laughter.

After a while, Nami still felt uneasy and asked nervously, "Caelan, are there really ghosts here?"

"There aren't ghosts... but there is a Ghost Princess."

Caelan smiled as he answered half-jokingly.

"G-Ghost Princess?!"

Nami's eyes widened instantly as she dove back into Caelan's arms.

Seeing her get tricked again, the other girls couldn't help laughing like a chorus of silver bells.

"That's not a ghost. It's just one of Moria's subordinates."

Caelan patted Nami's head with a helpless smile.

"Ugh, I hate you. You scared me again!"

Nami lightly pounded Caelan's chest with her small fists.

"Alright, stop messing around. Look at what's ahead."

Caelan turned Nami's head toward the front of the Wind Rider.

A massive three-masted ship appeared before them. The enormous vessel exuded a dilapidated and eerie aura, like a floating island of the dead.

"This is Moria's stronghold?"

"It feels like something out of hell!"

Nami looked at the gloomy ship and couldn't help but complain.

The girls all nodded in agreement. Choosing such a depressing place as a base was definitely not normal.

Caelan didn't feel anything, though. On the contrary, he was excited.

Moria, Perona... I'm coming for you!

(To be continued.)

Chapter 77: Public Humiliation

The outer perimeter of the massive, eerie three-masted sailing ship was surrounded by a giant city wall, and the city gate resembled a gaping maw that swallowed the Wind Rider whole.

Caelan knew this was how Gecko Moria captured passing ships, so he didn't resist.

Soon, the Wind Rider landed steadily onshore, officially entering Moria's territory.

"Be careful. There's a creepy guy watching us."

Caelan activated his Observation Haki, and immediately sensed the Clear-Clear Fruit Fruit user ahead—a humanoid with a tiger's head.

"Is there really a ghost?"

Nami wasn't scared this time. Instead, she looked at Caelan with a bit of suspicion.

Was he trying to mess with her again?

"It's just a Devil Fruit user who can turn invisible."

Caelan knocked her lightly on the head and sighed.

Is there no trust left between people?

At Caelan's reminder, the others activated their Observation Haki and soon found the invisible man hiding in the air.

"I'll handle him!"

Robin called out and rushed forward.

"Fleur—Punch!"

Hundreds of arms grew out from the ground, punching all at once into the air.

"Damn it!"

Invisible, Absalom was horrified. There was no way to dodge that barrage.

He was only here to peek on pretty girls, why did it have to end like this?

MUDA MUDA MUDA!

In an instant, hundreds of powerful punches landed on Absalom. A thick spray of blood burst into the air.

When Robin was done, a limp, bloody figure collapsed to the ground.

The pervert was beaten to death before he could even say a word.

"Well done, Robin."

Caelan gave her a thumbs up in praise.

This version of Robin might really inherit Garp's title and evolve into Iron Fist Robin.

"No, no, it's all thanks to what you taught me, Caelan."

Robin quickly waved her hands and gave a humble reply.

Her technique had been directly inspired by Caelan's concept. Combined with her Flower-Flower Fruit ability, it had devastating effect.

According to Caelan, if she combined it with Armament Haki, the potential would be even greater.

"This guy's really disgusting."

Nami looked at Absalom's corpse with clear disdain.

His tiger-mouth face was grotesque even in death.

"He's probably one of Moria's creations. His Shadow-Shadow Fruit can sever the shadow of any creature. Stitching them together isn't surprising. It's a powerful ability."

Caelan described it as powerful, but he didn't take it seriously.

With A-rank Divinity, he was immune to all physical alterations caused by Paramecia-type abilities.

Abilities like the Hobby-Hobby Fruit and the Hollow-Hollow Fruit, which were usually a nightmare for others, were useless against Caelan.

As for the Shadow-Shadow Fruit, it couldn't even cut his shadow.

The majesty of Divinity couldn't be touched by an ordinary Devil Fruit.

"Let's go. Keep moving forward."

Caelan passed Absalom's corpse and led the women toward the ghost castle.

Soon, they passed through a dead forest and entered the gloomy castle.

As soon as they stepped inside, a floating girl with pink twin-tails appeared in front of them.

"Ah? Are you the ones who killed Absalom?"

The ghostly girl floated in midair, glaring at Caelan surrounded by beautiful women.

"Yeah..."

Caelan raised his hands in a helpless gesture.

Perona snapped out of it and gritted her teeth.

"Negative Hollow!"

At her shout, several white ghosts shot toward Caelan and the girls.

Swish!

Caelan casually swung his giant sword coated in Armament Haki and smacked one ghost away.

But the women weren't fast enough and were all struck by the ghosts, falling into kneeling, slumped poses.

"So useless. I can't do anything right. I even need help to get closer to Caelan."

"I don't deserve to live like this."

Tashigi slumped to the ground, emitting waves of dark, depressive energy.

Caelan's mouth twitched.

"Caelan, just let me die here. A useless woman like me isn't worthy of love."

Vivi looked at Caelan with an expression of despair.

Nami, Kalifa, and Robin were also overwhelmed by negativity, muttering outrageous and melodramatic things.

"Alright, that's enough! You're saying way too much!"

Caelan quickly slipped behind Perona and smacked her on the head with a Haki-covered fist.

Bang!

A large bump swelled on Perona's ghostly head, and she fainted in Caelan's arms.

At the same time, the girls recovered from their negative state, their expressions a mix of shame and horror.

"I want to die…"

Tashigi and Vivi covered their red faces with both hands, steam practically rising from their heads.

Kalifa and Robin weren't much better. Their faces were etched with deep black lines.

"That ability's really terrifying. If you let your guard down for even a second, you're hit."

Caelan sighed as he helped ease the group's awkward mood.

These Paramecia-type powers really were cheat codes.

Even though Armament Haki could block them, it wasn't something you could keep active at all times.

"So... this girl will be joining our crew, right?"

Nami stared at Perona, her tone a bit dangerous and probing.

"Yep. I plan to bring her aboard."

Caelan nodded without hesitation.

"Heh. Then we'll just have to teach her the rules of the ship."

The girls sneered together, clearly planning to make this cute girl suffer.

After all, she had just exposed them to extreme public humiliation.

"Sigh…"

Caelan let out a long sigh, feeling a little sorry for Perona in his arms.

The group continued on and soon found Perona's room. They reunited her ghost body with her physical form.

Perona slowly regained consciousness and looked up at the group of girls radiating black energy.

There's no way they'll let me live, right?

Perona silently cried, her heart wailing.

Perona looked at Caelan and felt even more pitiful.

She could already imagine the horrible scene of herself being bullied and tortured by these group of women.

(To be continued.)

Chapter Text

Chapter 78: A Subordinate

"Moria-sama, come and save me!"

Perona shut her eyes and shouted loudly.

Caelan looked at Perona and chuckled.

"Let's go. I want to see what he plans to use to save you."

Caelan lifted Perona by the neck like she was a kitten.

Soon, guided by Observation Haki, Caelan and his group arrived at the hall where Moria was.

"You were able to defeat Absalom and Perona. Seems you've got some skill."

"My zombies are just missing a few suitable shadows!"

Moria sat on the sofa with his back to the door, his domineering tone carrying an air of arrogance.

He didn't care who the visitor was. In the first half of the Grand Line, there wasn't anyone who could scare him. Well, except for Caelan, but Caelan wouldn't be interested in him… right?

"Save me, save me!"

Perona's eyes lit up. At this moment, she found Moria absolutely domineering.

Surely, such a Moria would save her.

"Ugh~"

As soon as Caelan stepped in and saw Moria posturing, he couldn't help but laugh at the sight of his bloated figure.

Once upon a time, this man had the potential to challenge Kaido. Whether it was swordsmanship, hand-to-hand combat, or his Devil Fruit ability, he had all the makings of a top-tier fighter. If he had stayed on the right path, reaching the level of a Yonko commander would have been easy, and even becoming a Yonko himself wasn't out of reach.

But after that battle, he gave up. Now, his strength wasn't even comparable to early-stage Crocodile. He was at the bottom of the Warlords of the Sea.

Still, with this level of power, Caelan wouldn't mind having him as a subordinate.

"Moria, be my subordinate."

Caelan didn't bother with pleasantries and got straight to the point.

While Moria's strength meant nothing to him, he was still one of the most powerful people on the sea.

His Devil Fruit ability was also quite practical. If used well, he could raise a massive undead army and unleash a plague of shadows upon the world.

It also made him perfect for managing prisoners. Build a prison under the sun and attach shadows to the inmates. They wouldn't even be able to escape if they wanted to.

If Moria had taken Magellan's position, Impel Down would've never experienced a breakout.

"Arrogant! Who do you think you are?!"

Moria suddenly turned around, eyes glowing red, glaring furiously at Caelan.

But the moment he saw Caelan's face clearly, his hair stood on end. His pale complexion grew even paler.

It was the exact same face as the one who had defeated Admiral Aokiji in the newspapers.

"C-Caelan… What brings you here?"

Moria wiped his nonexistent sweat to hide his panic.

Why did this monster come here?

And he had Perona with him. That alone told Moria this wasn't a social call.

"I've seen your recent progress and came to recruit you."

Caelan's tone softened, and his expression looked almost friendly.

"I have a reputation, you know. Isn't this a bit too much?"

"If you leave now, I can pretend nothing happened."

Moria forced a fake smile as his tone turned grim.

Even after getting crushed by Kaido and losing his will to fight, he still had his pride. He wouldn't submit so easily.

If he could just find the right shadow to power Oars, he could make a comeback.

"There's nothing wrong with what I'm doing. I just came to recruit you."

"This has to work today. It will work today!"

Caelan's tone grew colder, filled with overwhelming authority.

Whatever he set out to do, he would accomplish.

"I'm a renowned pirate! And a newcomer who just made a name for himself thinks he can conquer me?!"

"Don't look down on me!"

Moria was enraged and couldn't hold back any longer.

He knew Caelan was strong enough to defeat Aokiji. But if he gathered all his strength, there might still be a chance.

"Shadow Asgard!"

With a roar, Moria summoned all the shadows on the Thriller Bark. They surged into his mouth.

Thousands of dark shadows merged into his body, filling him with unprecedented power.

Caelan didn't stop him. He wanted to defeat Moria at his strongest, so the man could truly understand the gap between them.

After swallowing the final shadow, Moria grew into a giant over ten meters tall.

Drunk on power, Moria felt like he could tear the world apart.

In that moment, all fear vanished. His fighting spirit surged back, almost as fierce as it was during his youth when he challenged Kaido.

Moria laughed menacingly, as if he had just stolen Caelan's shadow and was about to return to the New World to battle Kaido again.

"You might not be my match! I'll take your shadow!"

Moria roared, swinging his massive fist at Caelan with all his strength.

The punch came with such force that the wind alone made Caelan's hair rise, like a lion's mane spreading out.

Caelan didn't dodge. He clenched his right fist and met Moria's attack head-on.

Boom!

Though their sizes were worlds apart, strength wasn't about size.

The instant their fists collided, Moria felt a monstrous force surge through his arm. He was sent flying and slammed into the castle wall.

"Surrender?"

Caelan stood there calmly, hands at his sides, radiating divine authority.

"Roar!"

Moria roared and charged again, while his Shadow crawled silently beneath Caelan's feet.

Moria had already realized he couldn't stand against Caelan's power in a head-on clash.

But he still had a trick up his sleeve. If he could just activate his ability and sever Caelan's shadow, he could flip the tide.

Caelan noticed the move but didn't care. He kept fighting Moria, calm as ever.

With A-rank Divinity, if you can tear off my shadow, then I'll admit defeat.

Boom!

As expected, Moria was blasted away again, smashing through the hall's wall.

But instead of despair, excitement filled his eyes.

His Shadow had sneaked under Caelan's feet and was just about to sever the shadow.

Do it!

Moria shouted internally, urging the Shadow to act quickly.

"You can't pull it off?!"

But what he saw next left him in shock.

His seemingly invincible Devil Fruit ability couldn't sever Caelan's shadow.

Caelan's shadow was like a mountain. No matter how the Shadow pulled, it wouldn't budge an inch!