A massive Marine battleship cruised across the waters of the New World, a region notorious for its peril and unpredictability. Onboard, four figures of emerging legend—Garp, Sengoku, Tsuru, and Zephyr—gathered on the deck for a meal, their easy camaraderie belying the gravity of their mission.
These weren't ordinary officers. Even though their official rank was still Colonel, their reputation and skills had already surpassed many senior Marines. Together, they represented a new generation, the future of the Navy's might.
"Colonel Garp," a scout reported as he approached, saluting sharply, "we'll soon reach the target area."
Garp grinned broadly, slapping his hand against the ship's railing. "Finally! I've been itching to see how strong those so-called New World legends really are. Rocks, huh? Can't wait to size him up!"
Sengoku sighed, already anticipating trouble. "Garp, we're not here to fight. This is strictly reconnaissance. Stay focused. The Rocks Pirates aren't just any group of pirates. We're talking about monsters like Whitebeard, Big Mom, and Kaido serving under a captain like Rocks D. Xebec. We're here to gather intel and report back—nothing more."
"I know, I know," Garp said, waving his hand dismissively. But Sengoku, Tsuru, and Zephyr all exchanged knowing looks. Garp's reputation as a brawler, one who charged headfirst into danger, wasn't exactly undeserved.
Tsuru leaned forward, her gaze steady. "Remember, Garp. If you jeopardize this mission by acting recklessly, you'll not only put us at risk, but you'll also lose a valuable opportunity to bring down an enemy who threatens the entire world."
Zephyr, ever the voice of measured calm, added, "Besides, we're not ready to face the full force of the Rocks Pirates yet. Let's stick to the plan."
Garp shrugged, taking a large bite of his snack. "You guys worry too much. I'll behave, I promise. Just get me some senbei after this and I'll be the model Marine."
Sengoku arched a skeptical brow but chose not to press further. Instead, he gave one last set of instructions before they reached the island. "We'll split into teams and take positions in the hills outside the main settlement. Our goal is to observe and learn, not engage. If we're spotted, we retreat immediately."
As the ship approached the island's rugged coastline, they anchored in a secluded cove far from the bustling port. Disembarking under the cover of dense forest, the four future Marine legends set out, accompanied by a handful of elite soldiers. Their destination: the remote back hills, where they could observe without drawing attention.
Meanwhile, on the Rocks Pirates' massive vessel, Kaito was finally stirring from his slumber. The chaos of the previous day's training had taken its toll, and the late morning sunlight streaming through the cabin window roused him from a deep sleep. Rubbing his eyes, he stretched and stepped onto the deck, only to find it nearly deserted. Most of the crew had already gone ashore, seeking whatever entertainment or supplies they could find.
Kaito, however, had a more practical goal. "I need a new sword," he muttered to himself. He'd been using ordinary blades for too long, and he knew a proper weapon would help him unlock more of his potential. Venturing into the island's lively marketplace, he browsed various shops before something caught his eye: a fine-quality katana on display in a weapon dealer's shop.
As he examined the blade, Kaito immediately recognized its craftsmanship. "A good-grade sword…" he murmured. Such weapons, second only to the Great Grade and Supreme Grade swords, were highly prized. This would be a significant upgrade, a step toward reaching the level of swordsmanship he aspired to.
Initially, Kaito intended to pay for the sword. But the shopkeeper, seeing Kaito's interest, tried to extort him. "This is a rare find, you know. The price just went up."
Kaito frowned. He wasn't one to resort to violence unnecessarily, but he wasn't about to be cheated either. In the end, he left the shop with the sword in hand—without parting with a single beli. The shopkeeper had been quickly persuaded to drop the matter.
Now equipped with a proper weapon, Kaito sought out a secluded spot to test its balance and feel. The back hills of the island were ideal—far from the noise of the port and devoid of prying eyes. As he climbed the slopes, Kaito also prepared to test a new ability. Recently, he had gained the power to use Rasengan, a legendary technique inspired by the Tailed Beast Bomb. It was a skill he had yet to unleash in combat, and now was the perfect opportunity to see how it felt.
Reaching a wide, open clearing, Kaito unsheathed his newly acquired blade. He could feel its superior weight and sharper edge as he swung it experimentally. At the same time, he concentrated on the swirling energy within him, preparing to form a Rasengan for the first time.
In the stillness of the hills, Kaito stood poised—his blade gleaming, his hand glowing faintly with gathering energy. This was a moment of preparation, a step toward mastering his growing arsenal. The power he felt at his fingertips only confirmed what he had always known: his potential was far from reaching its limit.