Silver Axe's legs dragged against the deck, carving long, deep grooves before he finally managed to steady himself. His chest heaved with each ragged breath, and a bead of sweat rolled down his temple as he glared at Rocks.
How can it be so strong?
It wasn't just strength—it was something beyond sheer power. It was overwhelming dominance, the kind of superiority that turned an all-out effort into an embarrassing spectacle.
Over the years, Silver Axe had grown stronger. He had faced many battles under the Rocks Pirates' banner, honing his abilities against some of the toughest opponents in the New World. But he had made a grave mistake: he'd assumed his progress had closed the gap. He never stopped to consider that Rocks, the overlord of this ship and this era, had continued to grow at an even more frightening pace.
A chilling realization crept into Silver Axe's mind: the difference between them was insurmountable. If he could barely scratch Rocks now, how would he ever prove himself worthy of becoming a main cadre?
I can't give up yet. I still have a chance.
Digging deep into his reserves, Silver Axe tightened his grip on his axe. The veins in his arms bulged as he poured even more Armament Haki into the weapon. He pushed aside the humiliation, the growing fear, and the jeering voices of the other crewmates. He had to make this next attack count.
Rocks watched without expression as Silver Axe surged forward.
"Come again, then," Rocks muttered, his tone indifferent.
The deck quaked under Silver Axe's charge, and with a thunderous roar, he leapt toward Rocks. The massive axe came down in a devastating arc, splitting the air so violently that it seemed to shimmer with streaks of lightning. It was a blow that could have cleaved the mast of an Adam-wood ship in two, a strike worthy of the reputation Silver Axe had carved for himself over the years.
But Rocks barely moved.
Too slow.
The moment Silver Axe's axe should have connected, Rocks was gone. His image wavered before disappearing entirely, leaving nothing but an afterimage.
"Bang!"
Silver Axe's weapon crashed into the deck, the force of the impact sending shockwaves across the entire ship. The supposedly unyielding Adam wood splintered and groaned under the pressure. The crew members closest to the impact stumbled backward as the ship rocked.
But the target was already behind him.
"Snap!"
A powerful hand closed around Silver Axe's neck. Rocks held him effortlessly, his grip unyielding, his gaze calm. He lifted Silver Axe off the ground like a disobedient child.
"Is this all?" Rocks asked. There was no malice in his tone—just simple, undeniable truth.
Silver Axe clawed at the hand around his throat, struggling to breathe. He felt his strength ebbing, his lungs straining as his body fought against the pressure. But Rocks hadn't even begun to apply real force.
The world spun as Rocks swung his arm, sending Silver Axe hurtling through the air. He slammed into the ship's rail, splintering it upon impact, and fell in a crumpled heap. The once-proud Silver Axe now lay broken, coughing up blood and gasping for air.
"You want to continue?" Rocks asked. His hands rested calmly behind his back as he strode toward the defeated man.
Silver Axe didn't need to think twice. His pride was already shattered, and any further resistance would only lead to death. He coughed and spat blood, then managed to croak out two words: "I surrender."
The onlookers erupted.
"Rocks is incredible!"
"He's gotten even stronger than before!"
"No one can match him—he's going to lead us to conquer the world!"
"Rocks! Rocks! Rocks!"
Their voices formed a deafening chorus, an anthem of loyalty and awe. Rocks didn't acknowledge them. His focus remained on Silver Axe for a moment longer before he turned and walked away.
Silver Axe wiped the blood from his mouth, his entire body trembling. He had stepped up to challenge the king and learned a lesson he wouldn't forget. The gap was simply too great. Rocks wasn't just their captain—he was their master, the absolute force that none dared to defy.
As the murmurs continued, the other main officers—Golden Lion, Charlotte Linlin, and John—looked on.
"Embarrassing," Linlin scoffed. "He thought he had what it takes, but all he did was humiliate himself."
John smirked. "Next time, he should think twice before making a fool of himself."
Golden Lion, leaning casually against the rail, glanced at Kaito. "Even Kaito's shown more promise than you, Silver Axe."
Silver Axe shot Kaito a venomous look, but he said nothing. He knew his place now, and he didn't need more ridicule.
Kaito sighed inwardly. He'd only been standing there, watching like everyone else. Why am I being dragged into this? I didn't even say anything.
As Rocks passed, his gaze swept over the remaining officers. It lingered just long enough to remind them who was in charge. None of them spoke as he walked away. They all understood the message: Rocks was still the one who ruled them all.
Once the commotion subsided, Rocks gave the order: "Take us to a repair yard."
Between the clash with Golden Lion and the damage Silver Axe had inflicted in his futile attempts, the ship needed proper maintenance. Supplies were running low as well. It was time to restock, repair, and prepare for the next leg of their journey.
Kaito, meanwhile, returned to his room. He couldn't help but reflect on what he'd just witnessed. Rocks wasn't just strong—he was terrifying. In that moment, Kaito realized that he still had a long way to go before he could even think about challenging someone on Rocks' level. But it also gave him something to aim for.
One day, perhaps, he could stand on equal footing with the man who ruled this ship with an iron will.