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In the instant Zyhark used Time Rewind, a peculiar ripple spread through the space, freezing everything in place as if time had paused. Moria's massive, dark fist halted just centimeters from Zyhark's face.
Moria's bloodthirsty, crazed eyes, Aqua's panicked expression hiding behind Zyhark, Kanna's innocent, calm face, and even the distant figures of Meowth, King, Brook, and the pirates at the coastline — all were clearly visible, frozen in time.
Then, time began to flow backward. Moria's fist retracted along its original path. The numerous shadows gathered within him burst forth like fireworks, returning to their original zombie soldier hosts.
Moria's form reverted from the "fat shut-in" back to his lean, blood-soaked, muscular physique.
Whoosh.
The sea breeze blew, and time resumed its normal flow.
"Shadow Gath…" Moria's maniacal grin froze as he began to cast his ultimate move again. Deep within his mind, a scene from three seconds later flashed.
"Remember this moment well, Moria, it will be unforgettable for you."
"The unforgettable one will be you, arrogant brat."
Thanks to Zyhark's clear reminder, Moria vividly recalled everything that would happen three seconds later!
This bizarre and abrupt experience left Moria stunned, his wide eyes filled with shock.
What is happening? In this intense battle, did I unexpectedly awaken advanced Observation Haki, foreseeing the future?!
"Hehehe! Wonderful! Just wonderful, with this power, defeating Kaido is within reach!!"
Realizing the cause, Moria clenched his fists, laughing hysterically, his sharp, piercing laughter echoing through the shattered castle.
After laughing enough, his eyes turned fierce and savage again. He was about to resume casting Shadow Gathering Ground to eliminate the troublesome Sea Restaurant crew.
Suddenly, Moria noticed something unusual about Zyhark. The previously arrogant brat now seemed drained of energy, collapsed into the arms of the bewildered blue-haired girl, panting heavily.
Could it be...
Moria's pupils shrank as a thought he didn't want to acknowledge, but was close to the truth, emerged.
His Observation Haki wasn't strong; despite years of training, it hadn't shown any substantial progress. In these years on Thriller Bark, it had even started to regress.
How did one battle suddenly enable him to foresee the future so clearly for over three seconds?!
Thinking it through, Moria's initial joy turned to calm. Cold sweat began to bead on his forehead.
"It seems you've figured it out, Moria," Zyhark said, still lying in Aqua's arms. The fool of a goddess made for a surprisingly comfortable pillow. Maybe he'd just stay there to save energy.
"Zyhark, you've gained another extraordinary ability…" Aqua's focus was more on the strange ripple she had felt earlier. Though she was foolish, as a goddess who could grant reincarnators various powers, her divine sense was sharp enough to catch traces of the time rewind.
"Zyhark, you really can use Sister Lucoa's technique!" Kanna's curious purple dragon eyes widened as she looked up. Clearly, she could sense the anomaly as well.
Lucoa, from Kanna's world, was an ancient, more powerful dragon with the terrifying ability to control time.
"Control over time's laws? That's impossible!" Moria was utterly flabbergasted, the arrogance of an old pirate vanishing as he shouted, "Brat! Who are you really?"
A person with such incredible means, how could his name not have been heard on the seas before?
Zyhark shook his head lightly, shifting to a more comfortable position, and smiled, "Didn't I say when we first met? I'm the one who will make you my subordinate."
"Damn brat!" Moria gritted his teeth, drawing his long blade, veins bulging on his arm. "Even if it's your trick, what can you do in your current weak state? Do you think you can still fight me?"
"To be honest, I can't, but…"
Without finishing, fearing he might be infected by Aqua's foolishness if he stayed too long, Zyhark stood up and snapped his fingers.
"Kanna, show this guy what an ancient dragon is."
Kanna understood immediately, nodding obediently. With her energy partially restored from recharging, she jumped high through the castle's torn ceiling.
Whoosh! In the next second, her dragon horns emerged, and her pure white dragon wings spread wide, whipping up a fierce, chilling wind! Her dragon form blocked out the weak sunlight, casting a massive shadow that enveloped Moria entirely. Her vertical pupils shifted slightly, her gaze carrying an intense oppressive aura.
A dragon? The Sea Restaurant actually has a creature that only exists in legends?!!
Moria swallowed hard, his face full of shock.
Even he was completely stunned by the incredibly real sight before him!
"If you still think you have a chance of winning, I can always call over the three to five thousand pirates and the powerful King from the ship," Zyhark said cheerfully.
King, the one with the emperor's engine, the blond powerhouse rumored to suppress Garp and Sengoku?
The familiar name instantly reminded Moria of the newspaper's content. When he first read it, he scoffed at the exaggerated descriptions, but after experiencing Zyhark's power firsthand, and seeing the white dragon circling above the castle, he began to seriously doubt his previous conclusion.
Given Zyhark's age and appearance, it was clear that the King he hadn't yet met must be the strongest member of the Sea Restaurant crew! An odd woman who could instantly defeat Oars, a muscle-bound pet cat, a massive and ferocious ancient dragon, and a man whose heartbeat roared like an engine, plus three to five thousand subordinates…
This was the Sea Restaurant, Zyhark's crew! The more Moria thought, the weaker his Haki became. Eventually, his fighting spirit completely vanished, and his arms hung limply at his sides.
Only now did he realize, with a chill down his spine, that his current predicament was even more hopeless than when he faced Kaido in Wano!
Zyhark's mere mention of King's name, without even appearing, had already crushed Moria's last psychological defense!
"Well, Moria, do you still think we can't stand up to Kaido's Beast Pirates?"
Seeing the time was right, Zyhark clapped his hands, ready to present an offer even Moria couldn't refuse.
"Join me, and if you get stronger in the future, you can defeat me and become the captain!"
Seeing Oars being instantly defeated had a profound impact on Moria. While he might regain his former glory and even surpass it, his potential was limited. No matter how fast he improved, he couldn't outpace Zyhark, who had the Wishing Pool.
Zyhark's words plunged Moria into deep thought. After a long silence, Moria finally revealed a dark, dangerous smile reminiscent of moonlight.
"Hehehe! Having such powerful subordinates is indeed quite nice."
Through his Observation Haki, Moria seemed to see a wonderful, distant future.
Taking a long detour, Moria had awakened an even higher level of Observation Haki — Envision. "If you have no objections, then sign your name on this subordinate list."
Zyhark precisely pulled an application form for the Axis Cult from the stunned Aqua, flicking it to Moria with a flourish.
As a goddess, Aqua frowned and tried to intervene, "Wait a minute! I haven't agreed to let this vile onion…"
"I'd expect Moria's ship to have quite a collection of aged fine wine," Zyhark said nonchalantly.
"Welcome aboard, onion head! From now on, you are a devout follower under my goddess's protection!"
Moria, who had just signed, thinking it was merely a token gesture: "…"
Something felt off, but why did it seem like he had fallen into a trap? It must be a mistake.
Moria didn't dwell on it because he still had something he wanted to do.
"Shadows, gather!"
At his command, all zombies on the island collapsed again, their shadows flooding into the castle.
"You damn fatso, playing dirty with this goddess?" Aqua cursed angrily.
She shouted for Kanna, but Zyhark stopped her.
"Relax, Aqua. I don't sense any killing intent from that fatso."
Enough! You bastards, where do you see fat on these muscular shoulders!! Moria, focusing intently, was seething.
As Zyhark predicted, willing to submit, Moria had no intention of continuing the fight.
From the moment Oars was instantly defeated, Moria realized relying on zombies created from his fruit ability to defeat powerful enemies was pure fantasy.
The battle with the Sea Restaurant crew woke the self-absorbed pirate up.
Partners, zombies — none of it mattered. True strength came from oneself!
The dream must end…
"Shadows, begone!"
Resolutely, Moria waved his hand, releasing the gathered shadows like black meteors, trailing tails as they flew worldwide.
As the shadows dispersed, Thriller Bark quieted significantly, even the dense fog thinning.
The slightly brighter light shone on Moria's face, restored with a sense of relief and arrogance.
"Quite a resolute decision," Zyhark couldn't help but admire.
This rebellious and passionate Moria was vastly different from the lazy shut-in from his memories but still felt familiar.
In the original story, Moria had the same expression when fighting Kaido on Onigashima!
The reason for recruiting Moria wasn't just the Shichibukai title and the infinite potential of the Shadow-Shadow Fruit. Moria's character, though unlikable and even vile, valued his recognized comrades highly.
Even in his most downtrodden period, he risked his life to confront the powerful Blackbeard on Beehive Island to rescue his subordinate, Absalom!
"So, what's your plan now? I doubt my ship can accommodate someone of your size," Zyhark asked.
"Don't worry, I don't go back on my word. If you're not afraid, I'll stay on this Thriller Bark, honing my Haki and fruit abilities to fight for you in the future."
Moria blushed slightly at his arrogant words, adding hastily, "And of course, to find a chance to kill you and become the captain!"
Quite the tsundere.
"But you released the shadows. How will you train and develop your abilities?" Aqua pointed out sharply.
Moria was stunned, blinking dumbly.
Realizing his mistake, his demeanor changed drastically, clutching his head in regret, screaming, "No, no way!!!"
Zyhark shook his head, exasperated, unsure which blue-haired one represented wisdom more accurately.
"Consider yourself lucky, Moria. I came with goodwill this time and brought a gift for you."
Looking at the shattered castle beneath his feet, the bleeding Moria's mouth twitched wildly, "With goodwill…"
"Yeah, right."
"Several thousand pirates and a few capable captains are at the coast. Use them as you need."
"That's your gift? Aren't they your subordinates?" Moria asked, confused.
"Oh, I picked them up along the way," Zyhark replied casually, picking his nose.
"Damn brat! You tricked me!!"
Moria, enraged, nearly lost it.
...
Despite some twists and turns, Zyhark's mission was successfully accomplished.
Now, it was time for a grand celebration with new members — Brook and Moria.
Seeing Moria join the Sea Restaurant crew, Perona was the first to agree wholeheartedly, delighted at being close to the adorable Kanna.
Waking up confused, Absalom was utterly baffled: struck by lightning, crushed by Oars, and suddenly a restaurant worker?
As for the perverted Dr. Hogback, he left in anger, not accepting Moria's decision to abandon the zombie army.
Even if he wanted to stay, Aqua wouldn't allow such a desecrator of life to be a follower.
Due to Moria, Zyhark let Hogback leave, knowing the doctor would soon fade from the pirate world's stage.
With Aqua performing her signature tricks the grand feast began.
Toasting drinks, swaying around the bonfire, Brook and Meowth's duet of "Bink's Sake" floated across the now-clearing sea, bringing boundless joy and relaxation.
...
The next day, Moria, along with Perona and Absalom, sailed Thriller Bark out of the gloomy sea back into the bright sunlight.
Zyhark and his crew continued their journey, escorting the shadowless pirates to a secure place untouched by sunlight — the Marine prison.
Yes, he genuinely cared about their lives and wasn't just after the minuscule bounty!
With Brook and Kanna not being wanted, they were perfect to collect the bounty.
No, it wasn't about the money!
Unexpectedly, shortly after parting, Thriller Bark, sailing the Grand Line, encountered another formidable pirate.
Another Shichibukai…
Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock!
(End of Chapter)