"Boom!"
Kaito's Tailed Beast Bomb crashed against Golden Lion's blades, erupting in a blinding, deafening explosion. The shockwave was so massive it sent visible ripples through the air, shaking the entire Rocks Pirate ship to its core. The giant vessel, constructed from the legendary Treasure Tree Adam, groaned under the pressure. Pirates scrambled for stability, many of them knocked off their feet by the blast.
When the chaos subsided, everyone turned their eyes toward the source. The deck where Golden Lion stood was completely torn apart, splintered wood scattered everywhere. The massive ship's indestructible Adam wood bore a circular fissure tens of meters wide—something even cannonballs couldn't achieve. Golden Lion himself stood in the middle of the destruction, his clothes tattered and blood seeping from multiple wounds.
"Unbelievable…"
"This guy managed to injure Captain Shiki again!"
"Adam wood doesn't crack like that—this power is insane!"
The crew, hardened warriors who had seen it all, were shaken. Kaito's attack had demonstrated a level of power they hadn't expected from someone so young. Just a year at sea and a bounty of 100 million berries—and yet he had done what many of them couldn't even imagine.
"He's far more terrifying than I gave him credit for," Whitebeard admitted, his voice heavy with respect. Even he hadn't anticipated the sheer force of Kaito's ability.
"Such strength at his age…" Linlin murmured, her eyes gleaming with interest. "I wouldn't mind having him under my wing."
Silver Axe, leaning on his massive weapon, smirked. "Another monster on board. I like it."
Even Rocks, silent until now, broke into a faint grin. "Not bad." Though Kaito's power was far below Rocks's own, the young pirate's potential was impossible to ignore. Rocks had gathered the strongest in the world, and this new recruit was proving to be no exception.
Kaito, meanwhile, surveyed his handiwork. He had unleashed the Tailed Beast Bomb for the first time and witnessed its devastating effect. While it was only a fraction of the attack's full potential—he had unlocked just one tail of Kurama—it was still enough to wound one of the most powerful swordsmen on the seas.
Golden Lion grinned despite his injuries. "I'll admit, I underestimated you. That attack… it was beyond anything I expected."
But as Shiki tightened his grip on his swords, ready to continue the fight, Rocks spoke up.
"That's enough, Shiki."
Shiki's aura faltered. He glanced back at Rocks, frustration flickering across his face. But the captain's steady gaze left no room for argument. With a sigh, Shiki sheathed his blades.
"Fine, fine. I was just starting to have fun," Shiki muttered, stepping back. "You're lucky this time, kid."
Rocks approached Kaito, his towering figure casting a long shadow. He placed a firm hand on Kaito's shoulder, grinning. "From today on, you're an official member of this crew."
The declaration sent murmurs through the remaining crew.
"Promoted to a full member right after that fight? No surprise there."
"He hurt Captain Shiki twice—of course he's moving up!"
"I've been here for years, still an intern, and this guy shows up and gets promoted immediately?"
"With that kind of talent, he's going to climb the ranks quickly."
"Maybe he'll be a mainstay like Shiki one day."
Rocks's words were final. In his crew, strength and potential were valued above all else. Kaito had proven both. As long as he continued to grow, he would have a place in the Rocks Pirates—and perhaps even reach the upper echelons one day.