The strategist of the Rocks Pirates, Kurozumi, carefully observed Kaito before speaking up. "I remember hearing about him—Kaito, right? He's only been sailing for about a year, and his bounty is just 100 million berries."
The reaction from the crew was immediate and incredulous.
"Just one year and only a 100-million bounty? How could he possibly wipe out a pirate crew with a captain worth 300 million?"
"And look at him—not a scratch, not a drop of blood. Did he really take them down that easily?"
Murmurs spread among the crew. This newcomer wasn't just strong—he was unnerving. The Rocks Pirates, despite their strength, couldn't help but take note of someone who could so decisively eliminate such a high-profile target.
Kaito stood on the deck of the pirate ship, his gaze locking onto the figure on the bow. Rocks D. Xebec. Even from this distance, Kaito could feel the crushing presence radiating from the man—the same man who would one day shake the entire world before his fateful end at God Valley.
"Are you interested in joining my crew, kid?" Rocks's voice boomed across the ship, his grin wide and feral. "The Rocks Pirates are the perfect stage for someone with your talents."
Rocks's ambition to conquer the seas was well known, and he constantly sought to strengthen his ranks. Even though Kaito's current power didn't yet demand full attention, Rocks recognized his potential. With time and training, Kaito could become a powerful asset—one of the many fierce warriors that made the Rocks Pirates the most feared crew of their era.
Kaito smiled slightly. "Of course."
In truth, Kaito had already been considering joining a pirate crew. The Rocks Pirates' strength, their conflicts with the Marines' elite forces, and their frequent raids on World Government territories all aligned perfectly with Kaito's goals. Not only would the group's relentless battles push his Sage Body closer to its next level, but their frequent spoils might also include the Devil Fruits he needed.
Joining Rocks's crew felt like the logical next step.
As the words left his mouth, a voice interrupted. "Captain, we should test his strength first." It was Shiki, the Golden Lion, stepping forward with a sly grin.
Rocks turned toward his subordinate. "Oh? What do you suggest, Shiki?"
"Simple," Shiki replied, his grin widening. "Let me fight him. It'll be easy enough to figure out how strong he really is."
Rocks nodded slowly, intrigued. "Not a bad idea."
The other crew members exchanged glances.
"Shiki, fighting him personally? Isn't that a bit much?" one pirate muttered.
"Yeah, even if this kid is strong, we're talking about Golden Lion Shiki here. The guy's bounty is a billion. There's no way this fight will last long."
"Shiki could end it in ten moves—no, five," another declared confidently.
It wasn't just arrogance. Shiki was one of the Rocks Pirates' most formidable fighters, a man who would one day go toe-to-toe with Gol D. Roger and Edward Newgate. Pitting Kaito against him seemed more like an execution than a test.
Even Whitebeard, standing nearby with his signature gourd of sake, frowned slightly. "Shiki, isn't that overkill? The kid just joined, and you're throwing him into the lion's den."
Shiki laughed, his golden locks catching the sunlight. "Don't worry, Edward. I'll hold back. Captain Rocks vouched for him, so I'll go easy."
Shiki's suggestion wasn't just about testing Kaito's strength. He had his own motives. The Rocks Pirates were a powerful crew, but their internal cohesion was weak. In this chaotic environment, Shiki was already plotting to gather allies. If Kaito proved himself worthy, Shiki might attempt to sway him as an ally for his own ambitions.
Rocks finally turned to Kaito. "Well, kid? Up for it?"
Kaito smirked. "A fight against Shiki? Sounds perfect."
The prospect of fighting someone of Shiki's caliber excited him. Kaito's Sage Body progress was already at 970 out of 1000—so close to advancing to the next level. A battle against Shiki was exactly the kind of challenge that could push him past the final hurdle. With that boost, Kaito knew he'd gain not only more power but also the special reward promised by the system.
As he stepped forward, his smile widened. The chance to fight one of the Rocks Pirates' strongest fighters wasn't just a test—it was an opportunity.