The arrival of Kozuki Oden was met with mixed reactions. Some crew members greeted him warmly, while others remained aloof. Although the Roger and Whitebeard Pirates had a good relationship, there was still an underlying rivalry.
Shirakawa was particularly interested in Oden, especially after learning he was from Wano Country. Wano was known for its samurai, and their swordsmanship was legendary. Shirakawa was eager to learn from Oden and improve his own skills.
He immediately abandoned Rayleigh and asked Oden to teach him swordsmanship and Haki. Oden readily agreed, happy to have someone to help him integrate into the crew. Rayleigh was relieved to be rid of one of his students, though he couldn't help feeling a bit insecure. Was Oden a better teacher than him?
Shanks, on the other hand, was thrilled. Now Rayleigh could focus solely on training him.
Oden's training regimen was even more intense than Rayleigh's, especially when it came to swordsmanship. While Rayleigh's style was self-taught, Oden's was a refined art passed down through generations. Shirakawa's understanding of swordsmanship grew by leaps and bounds under Oden's tutelage.
Two months passed. Oden had become familiar with the Oro Jackson and its crew. His lively, playful personality had endeared him to most of the Roger Pirates. He had also brought two Mink Tribe members with him: Nekomamushi (Cat Viper) and Inuarashi (Dogstorm).
Shirakawa had been surprised to learn about the existence of Minks, humanoid animals, in the One Piece world. But considering there were already Fish-Men and Merfolk, it wasn't too shocking.
The two Minks were also quite strong, ranking among the upper-middle tier fighters on the ship.
Shirakawa had made the most progress in the past two months. His presence now exuded a sharp, almost intimidating aura. Oden told him that once he could fully control and conceal this aura, he would reach the level of a Great Swordsman.
So, Shirakawa had shifted his focus from sword practice to meditation, trying to master his aura.
The gap between a skilled swordsman and a Great Swordsman was vast. Some swordsmen spent their entire lives trying to reach that level. Shirakawa was confident he could achieve it, but he knew it would take time and dedication.
He had also made significant progress in Armament Haki, able to imbue his sword with it, though the effect was still somewhat weak. It was enough to damage Devil Fruit users, at least.
"This is so boring," Shirakawa complained one day. They had reached the first half of the New World and were nearing Fish-Man Island. There were hardly any pirates who could challenge them anymore. Most battles ended within a few moves.
There were still some foolish newcomers who dared to challenge them, but they usually met one of three fates: being sunk to the bottom of the sea, being spared if Roger found their spirit admirable, or becoming subordinates of the Roger Pirates.
But recruiting new members was no longer possible. The Roger Pirates were already at full capacity. In terms of high-level combat power, they were second only to the Marine Headquarters.
"Haha, that's what happens when you're part of the Roger Pirates," one of the crew members boasted. They were all proud to be part of such a legendary crew.
"Don't worry. There's always a fight waiting somewhere on the sea," Roger said, overhearing their complaints. He couldn't exactly go out of his way to pick fights, that wouldn't be in character.
Just then, dozens of pirate ships descended from the sky, their impact creating massive waves. The one that landed in front of the Oro Jackson belonged to Roger's old rival, Shiki the Golden Lion.
Only Shiki could pull off such a feat.
"Long time no see, Roger," Shiki greeted with an arrogant laugh. He had come prepared this time. With dozens of ships and overwhelming numbers, he believed victory was assured.
"Shiki, you're well-prepared this time," Roger said. Though he appeared relaxed, he was inwardly tense. They were surrounded, with no escape route, especially with Shiki's ability to control floating objects.
"Join me, Roger."
"No thanks, Shiki. We have a history."
"Oh no! We're doomed!" Buggy cried, seeing the sheer number of enemy ships.
"You're a Devil Fruit user now. You can't be cut. What are you afraid of?" Shanks teased.
"But I have plenty of other weaknesses, you idiot!" Buggy retorted.
"By the way, Crocus, how's the Captain feeling? He shouldn't be fighting in his condition. You need to stop him!" Buggy pleaded with the ship's doctor.
"Unfortunately, he's in top shape right now," Crocus replied, his medical tools ready but unused.
Buggy turned to Rayleigh for help, but Gaban stopped him.
"Give it up. We've been with Roger for years, and we can't convince him."
"But..."
"Trust in the Oro Jackson. Roger doesn't have much time left," Rayleigh said solemnly.
Shiki's voice boomed across the water. "How many times do I have to ask, Roger? Let bygones be bygones. With the weapons of mass destruction, their location, my forces, and my perfect plan, we can rule the world!"
"I'm not interested in ruling, Shiki."
"If you don't want what I want, then what's the point of being a pirate? No matter what you say, Golden Lion, I refuse your offer."
"So your answer is to die here?" Shiki's tone turned murderous.
The sea churned as the two pirate fleets faced off.
"It means we'll crush all of you," Roger retorted defiantly.
The Roger Pirates fired the first volley, striking one of the Golden Lion's ships.