The moment the treasure map was mentioned, Captain John perked up as though injected with adrenaline. His entire demeanor grew sharp and focused.
"I've studied it. The map records the location of a Devil Fruit along with a vast hoard of treasure. But I can't pinpoint its exact position yet, I'll need to cross-reference more charts to determine which sea it lies in."
The Grand Line was vast, littered with countless islands like stars scattered across the heavens. No one chart could possibly map them all. Many seas remained uncharted, untouched by any sailor's feet.
To find the island, they had to first identify whether it belonged to the New World, Paradise, the Four Seas, or even the Calm Belt.
"A Devil Fruit, hm?" Rocks's eyes gleamed, his interest sharpened to a point. "Locate it quickly. I want that fruit in my hands. Show me what kind it is."
His voice carried an edge of hunger. He longed for a Devil Fruit that was truly extraordinary worthy of him.
Gazing out the window, Rocks's expression darkened. "That woman, Linlin… she hid away such a powerful fruit right under my nose. If Ares hadn't stumbled upon it, she'd still be keeping it secret."
The sudden chill in his voice raised gooseflesh on Captain John's arms. That oppressive aura dark and suffocating felt like terror seeping into the soul itself.
Captain John stiffened, forcing himself to nod. "I'll accelerate the search. We'll match the fruit to the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia once it's found."
He knew Rocks was always seeking a Devil Fruit strong enough to reflect his identity as the King of the Seas. But such treasures were rare, their appearance ruled as much by chance as by strength.
Rocks waved a hand dismissively. "Do it. Now, what about the World Government and the Navy?"
John straightened. "The destruction of that kingdom has stirred fear among the allied nations. Many have already filed extermination requests. Some even mobilized their own forces. So far, the World Government hasn't acted directly. The Navy, however, has already begun targeting our subordinate crews. Several pirate crews have been wiped out, morale is sinking. Some cowards have even declared they're leaving the Rocks Pirates."
Rocks spat in disgust. "Fools. They think leaving my banner spares them from the Navy? A pirate is always a pirate. Short-sighted vermin!"
His eyes flashed with killing intent as he gave his order coldly: "Make an example. Whoever abandons the Rocks Pirates sink them. Our flag is not something to be lowered at whim."
"Understood," Captain John replied. He had grown accustomed to such ruthlessness it was the way of survival under Rocks.
But Rocks was not done. His voice grew colder still. "Keep recruiting more crews. Strike back at the Navy remind them what it means to provoke us. When we've gathered enough, we'll unleash war itself. Let the strong devour the weak. Only those worthy deserve to share the spoils of victory. The world will change by the hand of Rocks D. Xebec. I'll end the World Government's centuries of rule."
Seizing a bottle, Rocks guzzled deeply, liquor dripping from his lips. "Even the weak must be made useful. The oppressed races, enslaved by the Celestial Dragons they too wait for that day. Contact them. Arm them. Give them ships. Let their hatred strike blows in the dark. Even if their role is small sometimes, a spark is enough."
Two men in that room, conspiring, were already prying at the very foundations of the world.
Zou
Ares's injuries had finally healed. Today, his true path of body-forging would begin.
Transformed into his dragon-man form, his body was wreathed in blazing fire, flames born from his Flame Clouds licking across his muscular frame.
The searing heat reddened his skin almost instantly. Soon came the pain, raw and consuming. His face twisted into a mask of torment, sweat vaporizing the instant it touched his skin. His muscles shrank and tightened as moisture fled his body, fibers hardening into steel cords.
Watching, Kaido's heart pounded in unease. That kind of agony could kill most men outright, but Ares gritted his teeth, enduring every second.
He's really doing it. He'll temper his body with fire… and then with lightning.
Kaido's blood boiled. If even this can't forge a body surpassing the Supreme Grade Blades, then nothing in this world can.
His gaze fell to his kanabō. Ares's monstrous talent and unyielding resolve left him no excuse to falter.
Gritting his teeth, Kaido roared and swung his weapon not outward, but inward hammering it against his own chest.
"AAHHHH!"
A scream tore from his throat. Blood burst from his chest, spraying across the ground. Crimson dripped down his kanabō, slicking his grip.
The wound was gruesome raw flesh torn open by his own hand.
Ares extinguished his flames in shock, rushing forward. "Kaido, what the hell are you doing?!"
Kaido looked up, his lips curling into a bloody grin. "Ares-ani… I'm forging my body too. Even if I can't catch up to you, I'll become a monster no one can kill!"
"Idiot!" Ares snapped, furious. "Do you even realize those spikes on your kanabō can kill you outright?"
But Kaido's eyes burned with fierce conviction. "I'll risk my life if that's what it takes! To grow stronger just like you, Ares-ani. Isn't that what you're doing too?"
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