A crowd had gathered on the deck, including the most prominent members of the Rocks Pirates. Among them stood Rocks himself, exuding an air of authority as he addressed Silver Axe.
"Silver Axe, if you think you're ready to become a main cadre, then prove it," Rocks declared flatly. "Choose an opponent: Shiki, Edward, or Linlin. If you can hold your own against one of them, you'll earn the title."
In the hierarchical structure of the Rocks Pirates, officers were classified into two levels: ordinary cadres and main cadres. The main cadres stood just below Rocks in rank and were entitled to twice the plunder shares of ordinary officers. It was a position coveted by many, but few had the strength or the audacity to claim it.
Silver Axe had established himself as a capable combatant among the ordinary cadres, but he had yet to reach the elite circle. His decision to step forward today was motivated by ambition, not arrogance. He craved the prestige, the rewards, and the recognition that came with the title of main cadre.
"Ha! Save your breath, Silver Axe," Shiki said from where he perched on the ship's guardrail. His tone was mocking, his grin taunting. "The main cadre position isn't something you can just grab because you feel like it."
"Feel free to challenge me," Linlin added with a predatory smile. "Don't worry, I'll try not to kill you."
The other officers muttered among themselves. "Does he really think he can become a main cadre? He's delusional," one said.
Silver Axe, however, kept his focus on Rocks. He didn't respond to the others. "Captain Rocks," he said firmly, "I would prefer to have my strength tested by you personally."
This statement drew immediate reactions.
"You've got to be kidding," Shiki laughed. "You're challenging Rocks himself? You're just asking for a beating!"
"You'd have better odds fighting one of us," Linlin said, shaking her head. "At least then you might live."
"You've lost it, Silver Axe," Ochoku commented.
Even John, who rarely spoke, scoffed. "Fighting Rocks? That's not bravery—that's stupidity."
Rocks raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You think I'll go easy on you?"
"Not at all," Silver Axe replied. He knew the risks. Rocks was the most formidable fighter on the ship, a man who could crush mountains and topple entire fleets. But Silver Axe also knew that Rocks valued strength, and he believed that if he demonstrated his full power directly against Rocks, he might gain the recognition he sought.
"Very well," Rocks said, a grin spreading across his face. "If you're certain, then I'll test you myself. But I won't hold back."
The air grew tense. Even the onlookers felt the weight of Rocks' words. No one dared to interrupt. The crowd stepped back, forming a wide circle to give the two combatants space.
"You've got guts," Rocks said. "Let's see if you have the strength to match."
Silver Axe squared his shoulders, gripping his massive weapon. His towering frame seemed to radiate raw power as he stepped forward.
"Rocks is really going to fight him?" one of the bystanders murmured.
"This is crazy. Silver Axe doesn't stand a chance," another whispered.
"Still, it's been a while since we've seen Rocks fight," someone else said, a note of awe in their voice. "I want to see just how powerful he really is."
Rocks stood motionless, hands behind his back, as Silver Axe charged forward. The difference in their composure was stark. Silver Axe was all raw energy, his Armament Haki gleaming on his massive axe, his steps sending tremors through the deck. Rocks, on the other hand, seemed entirely at ease.
"Come on, Silver Axe," Rocks said evenly.
With a roar, Silver Axe leapt, bringing his massive axe down in a strike that could have cleaved a mountain. The blade gleamed with concentrated Haki, the sheer force of the attack sending gusts of wind rippling outward.
The crowd held their breath. Kaito, watching from the sidelines, felt a chill. He had never seen Rocks in action before, and he was eager to witness the power of a man whose name dominated the era.
"Boom!" The clash echoed across the ship. But it wasn't the sound of blade meeting flesh. Instead, Rocks had stopped the attack with one hand. His palm, shrouded in a layer of Armament Haki, held the massive axe at bay as if it weighed nothing.
Silver Axe's eyes widened. He had put everything into that blow, and it hadn't even made Rocks flinch.
"Is that it?" Rocks asked, his voice calm, almost bored. "If this is your best, you're not ready to be a main cadre."
Silver Axe gritted his teeth, pouring more power into the weapon. But Rocks didn't budge. With a flick of his wrist, he threw Silver Axe back, sending the larger man skidding across the deck.
The onlookers erupted in whispers. "He didn't even move!" one said.
"He's on a completely different level," another muttered.
Kaito, for his part, felt a chill run down his spine. This was the power of Rocks—the overwhelming might of a man who stood above even the likes of Whitebeard, Shiki, and Linlin. It was no wonder the crew feared him. Kaito now had a vivid, firsthand glimpse of why Rocks ruled this ship with an iron fist.
Silver Axe struggled to his feet, his breathing heavy, but he didn't charge again. He knew he couldn't match Rocks. But he also knew that he had just confirmed the truth that the rest of the crew already understood: Rocks was untouchable.