Time flowed onward, and the seas grew even more tumultuous. Over the course of this period, the world of piracy was shaken by major events.
The Rocks Pirates launched relentless attacks on nations affiliated with the World Government, seizing immense wealth in their wake. Kaito, now a cadre, received his fair share of the spoils, amassing riches that could only be described as monumental.
But their aggression didn't stop at plundering government-aligned territories. The crew also found themselves repeatedly clashing with the Marines' elite forces. These confrontations exacted a steep toll on both sides: the Marines were forced to rotate their strongest units to fill the voids left by heavy casualties, while the Rocks Pirates, for all their power, saw several of their senior officers meet their end.
Today's meeting was unlike any other. Rocks summoned his key lieutenants to gather on the ship's main deck. This was not a council for ordinary crew members—only cadres and the most trusted leaders were invited.
At the center of the table sat Rocks himself, imposing and unshakable. To his left and right were his closest officers: Whitebeard, Golden Lion, Charlotte Linlin, Silver Axe, John, Ochoku, and Kaito, along with a handful of other high-ranking members. The air was thick with anticipation, the kind that only arose when Rocks himself had something important to say.
"We've all felt it—ever since we started hitting the World Government's protected nations, the Marines haven't left us alone," Rocks said, his arms folded across his chest. His voice carried a weight that silenced the entire room. "They've bled for their attacks, and we've bled just as much. I don't need to tell you how many of our people we've lost."
It was true. Even before their campaign against the World Government's allies, the Marines had been a constant thorn in the Rocks Pirates' side. But after declaring open war on the government, the situation had escalated. Marine fleets patrolled the New World, their commanders watching every move the Rocks crew made. Clashes were frequent, costly, and left both sides licking their wounds.
"So what's the plan, Captain?" Golden Lion asked, his tone sharper than usual. While everyone knew the heavy losses they'd sustained, it was unusual for Shiki to ask a question that seemed so obvious.
Golden Lion's bluntness drew a few raised eyebrows from the others. Even the lowest-ranking pirate on the ship knew the score—Rocks was gathering his officers to find a solution. Surely Shiki knew that, so why ask?
"We need reinforcements," Rocks replied without hesitation. "There are two rising pirate crews out there who have caught my eye." His lips curled into a grin as he continued. "I'm talking about the Roger Pirates and the Ward Pirates."
Charlotte Linlin, ever quick to catch on, nodded. "You're referring to Gol D. Roger's crew and Douglas Bullet's group," she said evenly. Both crews had made waves in the New World recently, earning reputations as fearless and powerful up-and-comers. The Marines already viewed them as significant threats, branding them with massive bounties and the label of "supernovas."
"That's right," Rocks said, leaning forward. "Ward's crew is promising, but for now, I'm more interested in Roger's bunch. We need their strength if we're going to crush these Marine dogs once and for all."
Rocks tossed three wanted posters onto the table. Each bore a face known across the Grand Line:
Gol D. Roger: 1.8 Billion Berries
Silvers Rayleigh: 1.4 Billion Berries
Scopper Gaban: 1.1 Billion Berries
"These three," Rocks continued, pointing to the posters, "are our targets. We need to convince them to join us. Once we have their strength, no one will stand against the Rocks Pirates."
The room grew tense. Rocks' words made it clear—he wasn't just looking for alliances. He wanted to integrate Roger's crew into his own, to strengthen his forces by any means necessary. But persuading men like Roger, Rayleigh, and Gaban wouldn't be easy.
"Who's volunteering for this mission?" Rocks asked, scanning the room.
No one immediately answered. Recruiting such high-profile pirates was a delicate task, and one fraught with risk. No one wanted to be the first to speak up and take on a thankless, potentially dangerous job.
After a long pause, Kaito's voice cut through the silence. "If no one else will do it, I'll go," he said plainly.
Rocks' face lit up with a rare smile. "Kaito, I knew you wouldn't let me down."
"Leave it to me, Captain," Kaito replied. But inwardly, Kaito's motivation was not so noble. The constant tension aboard the Rocks ship was suffocating, and Kaito saw this mission as a chance to escape that oppressive environment. Fighting Marines, quarreling with colleagues, dealing with petty power struggles—Kaito had grown tired of it all. This assignment was a chance to breathe freely again, even if only for a short while.
Charlotte Linlin chimed in, "I'll join as well, Captain. The two of us can handle it."
Kaito raised an eyebrow at her sudden willingness, but Rocks nodded. "Very well. The two of you will go together. No delays."
The moment Rocks confirmed their departure, the atmosphere shifted. Suddenly, other officers, who had remained silent until now, clamored to join.
"Wait, Captain! Let me go too!" John said, jumping to his feet.
"Don't send them alone! I can track Roger's crew quickly!" Golden Lion added, eager to prove his usefulness.
"If the reward is that high, I'll handle this mission myself!" Silver Axe said, stepping forward.
The reason for their sudden enthusiasm? Rocks had just announced that anyone completing the mission—regardless of success—would be rewarded with a staggering one billion berries. The prospect of such a sum turned the previously unwanted task into the most desirable job on the ship.
But Rocks shook his head. "It's decided. Kaito and Linlin will go. The rest of you focus on strengthening the crew here."
Rocks' tone was final. "The decision is made. No more discussion." His gaze swept past Golden Lion and the others, silencing further protests.
Golden Lion exhaled sharply, a hint of frustration on his face. Missing out on a billion berries simply because he initially refused a task—it stung.
"A billion berries, huh?" Kaito mused aloud, his lips curling into a sly smile. He hadn't agreed to this mission out of greed, but now that he thought about it, the money could fund his future plans. With that kind of wealth, he could even consider buying another Devil Fruit at one of the New World's renowned auctions.
This thought spurred him to review his current progress. Kaito brought up the familiar panel that showed his growing capabilities:
Host: Kaito
Abilities:
Armament Haki (900/2000)
Observation Haki (900/2000)
Conqueror's Haki (850/2000)
Special Ability: Sage Body (1200/2000)
(Currently mid-level. Progress can be gained through training or combat. Once maxed, Sage Body will advance, significantly boosting physical resilience, combat prowess, and healing capabilities. Each upgrade also grants one special lottery chance.)
Locked Ability: Sage Eye (requires advanced Sage Body to unlock)
Tailed Beast Powers:
Tailed Beast Bomb (unlocked)
Six-Tails form (unlocked)
Kurama Chakra Mode (unlocked)
Kurama Mode (unlocked)
(Sacrificing additional Devil Fruits to Kurama unlocks further tailed beast powers.)
Inventory:
Kurama Chakra Mode Experience Card (1-hour duration)
Months of rigorous training had paid off. His Conqueror's Haki had grown stronger, and his Sage Body's progression had advanced significantly. What's more, he had acquired two Devil Fruits in the past year. Both were offered to Kurama, unlocking the Six-Tails form.
As a bonus, the system rewarded him with the Kurama Chakra Mode experience card, a powerful item that allowed him to access this form temporarily, giving him unparalleled strength for a critical hour. It was a trump card, one that could turn the tide in a dangerous situation.
…
Rocks provided Kaito and Charlotte Linlin with a small vessel and a detailed map, marking where the Roger Pirates had been spotted. Though their exact location wasn't known, the map would guide them to the general area, allowing them to track down Roger's crew with minimal guesswork.
After bidding farewell to the crew, Kaito and Charlotte Linlin set sail.
The sun hung high above the endless blue expanse. The salty tang of the sea air filled Kaito's lungs as he leaned against the boat's railing, a rare sense of relief washing over him. Away from the tension aboard the Rocks ship, his mind felt clearer.
Behind him, Charlotte Linlin's voice broke the calm. "Do you think Captain Rocks will achieve world domination someday?" she asked, her tone light but curious.
Kaito turned to glance at her. After a moment's pause, he replied, "Who's to say what the future holds?"
Having knowledge from his past life, Kaito already knew what lay ahead. Rocks, for all his strength and ambition, was destined to fall at the Valley of the Gods. Even if Kaito tried to alter events, the fragmented loyalty within the Rocks crew made it an impossible task. With everyone harboring their own agendas, no one was truly dedicated to Rocks' vision of domination.
"Rocks may be powerful," Kaito continued, "but global conquest? That's another matter entirely."
Charlotte Linlin smirked. She had a point: most of Rocks' crew were more concerned with their own ambitions than helping him achieve his grand vision. Many were simply there for the wealth, and some were already considering leaving. The only reason they hadn't yet was because of Rocks' sheer might.
"And what if Rocks Pirate disbands?" Charlotte Linlin asked, her voice carrying a hint of intrigue. "What will you do then?"
Kaito's gaze lingered on the horizon. "The crew hasn't disbanded yet," he answered, his tone neutral.
Charlotte Linlin stepped closer, her smile unreadable. "If it does, have you thought about following a strong ally—someone like me?"
Kaito let out a sigh. "Linlin, our mission is to approach the Roger Pirates. Let's not get distracted by hypotheticals."
Charlotte Linlin chuckled softly. She had planned to recruit Kaito all along, using this mission as an opportunity to speak freely away from the watchful eyes of the Rocks crew. But now, sensing Kaito's reluctance, she decided not to push further.
…
Several days later, the pair arrived at the area marked on their map. After careful inquiries, they pinpointed the Roger Pirates' current location. Their ship altered course, heading straight for the island where Roger's crew was said to be resting.
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