The forging of the black sword was complete.
It had happened over two months ago, a natural culmination.
It wasn't sudden. In fact, the forging of Hupoh had begun not long after he got the black sword Shusui and Vegapunk deciphered the secrets of black swords.
By now, it had been more than two years—a significant amount of time.
The principle of a black sword is to use powerful Haki and will to completely reforge an already-formed sword, shaping it into one's own form.
After this second forging is complete, the sword undergoes a complete metamorphosis!
Just like the Hupoh is now!
Hupoh was already one of the Supreme Grade Swords, a demonic sword renowned for its ferocity. After being reforged into a black sword, its quality had surpassed the Supreme Grade entirely.
Coupled with the characteristic of a black sword to be in perfect sync with its owner, Roa felt that with his current strength and Hupoh's aid, even in a full-on battle with top-tier monsters like Roger, Whitebeard, or Shiki, he wouldn't fall behind.
Unfortunately, in the past year, his other training goal—the mastery of Observation Haki—had not gone smoothly.
The intensity of his Haki should be more than enough.
Roa guessed he was just missing one more intense battle.
The famous tutor, Rayleigh, once said that Haki evolves fastest during intense battles with powerful enemies.
To fully master his Observation Haki, he needed an enemy strong enough to put him under pressure.
But on the seas, there weren't many people left with that kind of strength.
Roger, when are you finally going to show up? I'm getting impatient!
Sighing inwardly, Roa gently sheathed his beloved sword, and the dark red aura vanished.
Morgans and Toki Amatsuki both breathed a deep sigh of relief.
Toki Amatsuki was relatively composed; she was used to the monstrous Roa forging a monstrous sword. But Morgans looked at Hupoh with lingering fear.
What a terrifying weapon! It feels like it wants to devour me!
He's truly worthy of being the Boss!
"Oh, right," Roa remembered something else. "How are things in the North Blue and West Blue?"
He had laid out plans in both seas, but compared to the New World, those two areas seemed too quiet.
"Everything is going smoothly in the West Blue. Bege's father is doing great," Morgans said. "They've consolidated the West Blue's underground world, using violence to plunder non-affiliated countries and money to corrupt affiliated ones. While it's not as grand as the New World, that sea is actually quite lively, with wars breaking out from time to time."
"And most importantly, the Bege family has corrupted many officials in the affiliated countries, and even some Marine officers, building a huge network in the West Blue."
"Good." Roa nodded slightly.
The concentration of dark aura floating between heaven and earth had increased this past year, thanks in part to the efforts of the West Blue mafias.
"And then there's the North Blue," Morgans's tone became a bit fawning. "The Whitebeard Pirates have been active in that sea. Truly worthy of the Boss! You've made Whitebeard afraid to return to the New World!"
Roa ignored his flattery and simply asked, "What about the Revolutionary Army?"
"As for the Revolutionary Army, they've just started their operations. That guy Dragon sent people to many non-affiliated countries, seemingly wanting to incite a revolution."
"Oh?" Roa's eyes lit up. "Isn't that great?"
After all this support, am I finally going to see some returns?
Dragon, are you finally taking action?
"However, Dragon doesn't seem to be planning to directly attack those non-affiliated countries. He wants the people themselves to stand up and change everything."
Morgans added.
"That," Roa's eyes narrowed, "coincides with my own thoughts!"
Morgans couldn't help but smile.
Yeah, although the goals and outcomes are completely different, the process is quite similar.
"Also, Boss," Morgans continued, "not long ago, Dragon gained another high-ranking officer."
"A high-ranking officer?"
"Yes, a man named Ivankov. He's a Devil Fruit user, and his strength seems to be quite formidable."
"Oh?" Roa raised an eyebrow.
Has Emporio Ivankov already joined up with Dragon?
That makes sense. In the original story, he and Dragon founded the Revolutionary Army together. He's a true veteran.
But do you really have time to be messing around with Dragon now? Your little brother and sister are about to get into some trouble. How does reverse-NTR sound?
South Blue, the Sorbet Kingdom.
This country was a member of the World Government, but one of the poorer ones. To pay the Heavenly Tribute, all its citizens had to grit their teeth and tighten their belts.
At the same time, this country had a severe north-south development imbalance. The north, where the capital was located, was more prosperous and wealthy.
The south was mostly forested, with only a few villages and no large towns, making it far more backward than the north.
Outside a village in the southern region sat a church.
Today was Sunday, and inside this church...
"That should do it."
A man dressed in a priest's robe, as tall as a small mountain yet with a gentle demeanor, gently placed his hand on the back of a short old man in front of him.
His palm, with its soft paw pads, had just touched the old man's back when a red bubble emerged from the old man's chest.
"Ah! That feels much better!"
The hunched old man showed a happy expression. "Thank you so much, Kuma! You truly are our 'Miracle Hand!'"
"It's just a small thing."
Bartholomew Kuma, eighteen years old, said gently. "I'm just glad I could help everyone."
"Kuma!"
The other old people in the church, who had already been treated, cheered in gratitude.
"You're truly the Miracle Hand! In this country, you're the only one who cares about useless old folks like us!"
"So you'd better cherish the miracle Kuma brings!"
In the midst of the emotional atmosphere, a slightly sharp voice rang out.
A beautiful woman with pink hair leaned against the wall with her arms crossed, saying to the old people, "Get out as soon as you're done, and don't interrupt my alone time with Kuma."
"Wow! Ginny's temper is still so bad!"
"But she's still so pretty even when she's angry."
"Ginny, when are you and Kuma getting married? I want to be the best man!"
The woman's harsh words didn't offend the old people, who were all full of smiles.
"You guys..."
Watching the old people's kind smiles, Ginny gritted her teeth inwardly, her heart filled with complicated emotions.
Kuma would regularly treat these old people every Sunday.
The Paw-Paw Fruit's ability was miraculous; it could push out the illnesses and injuries from a person's body.
But as a price, someone had to bear the pain that was pushed out.
Ginny clenched her fists.
These old geezers felt comfortable, but what about Kuma...
"Everyone, please head back for now."
Kuma said with a smile. "Remember to rest well and come back next Sunday."
"Oh! Then we won't bother you anymore!"
"See you next week, Kuma!"
"Be happy, you two!"
The old people walked out, laughing.
Then...
Boom!
The next moment, the church door was kicked open.
The powerful force sent the heavy door flying, where it slammed into a nearby pillar and shattered it.
"What?"
Kuma and Ginny were both startled.
"Mama, mama! Roa didn't say anything, but I never would have thought that the kid I saw at God Valley back then was from the Buccaneer race I've been dreaming of!!"
A tall figure walked in, silhouetted against the light. A boisterous laugh instantly filled the church.
"Come with me! I need your bloodline! I know you're a Paw-Paw Fruit user, but if you dare to run, I can't guarantee what will happen here!"
Bartholomew Kuma's body instantly tensed.
Again, is it because of my Buccaneer bloodline again?
Is my parents' tragedy going to be repeated?
"You, you are!!"
Ginny recognized the person's face, and her beautiful face instantly turned pale.
What should I do?! A monster is after Kuma!
Big Brother, please come save us!
North Blue.
"Achoo!"
A man with a large face and head sneezed.
"What's wrong?"
Beside him, Dragon, with long black hair fluttering in the wind, asked, "Did you catch a cold from the long journey?"
"A cold? The Miracle Person never catches a cold!"
The big-headed man laughed and spun around, winking at the serious-faced Dragon. "No matter how much work there is, bring it on, Dragon!"
"..."
Even Dragon couldn't help but feel his lips curl into a smile at his antics.
But he quickly regained his serious composure. "Right now, the seeds have been sown. We just have to wait for them to take root and sprout."
"Let's wait for the storm to start."
To overthrow the World Government, the whole world had to unite.
The affiliated countries were untouchable for now, so they had to start with the non-affiliated ones.
It was a bit humiliating to admit, but Roa had been a huge help.
Thanks to him, conflicts were widespread in many non-affiliated countries, giving the Revolutionary Army an opportunity.
Roa...
Dragon's expression became very complex at the thought of that monster.
The Revolutionary Army is still completely under his surveillance, isn't it?
The humiliation he suffered last year was something Dragon would never forget.
The World Government was the biggest enemy, but the Disaster Company was just as dangerous.
To defeat them, the Revolutionary Army alone was not enough.
I wonder how things are going with Mr. Zephyr.
New Marineford.
"Mr. Zephyr!"
Zephyr walked through the base building, and every Marine officer he met greeted him.
But even with greetings, there were different attitudes.
Some Marine officers were very respectful and friendly.
But some others were merely polite.
Zephyr had no reaction to this.
The large conscription the Marines had conducted this year was a great success.
Of course, they didn't recruit any Admiral-level super-experts; Zephyr was still the only one with the Admiral rank.
But they had recruited many key figures at the Rear Admiral and even Vice Admiral level.
With these newcomers, who had no roots within the Marine hierarchy, the power of the headquarters was greatly replenished.
However, their attitude towards him was limited to the respect they gave a superior and the reverence for a Marine legend.
While it was not ideal to say so, this was an ill-timed conscription that diluted his authority within the headquarters.
The world was becoming increasingly volatile.
The monsters occupying the New World, the disappeared Roger, and the ambitious men heading out to sea with them as their targets—the era's rampage had begun to show its signs.
Not to mention the most terrifying World Government!
To achieve his goal, the power of the Marines was absolutely indispensable.
He had already gathered many warriors by his side, but it wasn't enough, far from it!
The Revolutionary Army under Dragon was hard to rely on; it had been too heavily infiltrated by that scoundrel, Roa.
Zephyr's eyes were calm, and his steps were firm as he walked forward.
So, he could only rely on himself!
Time for class.
A deserted island in the first half of the Grand Line.
In the depths of the forest, there was a small wooden cabin.
The space inside the cabin was small, but it was cozy.
Olvia was cooking dinner for the family.
At the table behind her, two-year-old Robin was sitting on her father's lap, ducking away from his chin with its scratchy stubble.
"Robin, the beard is coming for you!"
"Bad, Daddy!"
The little girl pushed her father's face with her hands, giggling all the while.
The man's low laughter intertwined with the child's crisp voice. Olvia turned around and, seeing the heartwarming scene, a smile unconsciously appeared on her face.
They had arrived on this deserted island a year ago, and she had spent the happiest year of her life here.
"Dinner's ready."
"Time to eat!"
Roger picked up his daughter, laughing. "Does Robin like Mama's delicious food?"
"Yes!"
The little girl nodded heavily. "I love Mama!"
"I didn't ask if you love Mama..."
Roger lifted his daughter up, but the next second, he couldn't help but pull her into a hug. "Hahaha! How can you be so cute! Robin, do you love Daddy?"
"Bad, Daddy! Beards are itchy!"
Although she was only two, Robin's language skills were already impressive.
"Olvia, Robin says she hates me!"
Roger was instantly struck as if by lightning, his body trembling.
Olvia found it a little funny. "Alright, let's eat."
"Time to eat! Go wash your hands first!"
The family sat around the table, and Olvia filled it with an abundance of food.
Just as Olvia was about to take her daughter as usual, Roger said, "Today, I'll feed Robin."
The white-haired woman froze slightly. She seemed to realize something, and the smile on her face faded slightly. Then, she gently nodded.
Roger smiled back at her, then scooped up a spoonful of soup with his spoon.
"Robin, 'Aaaah'!"
"'Aaaah'!"
The little girl was very well-behaved, opening her mouth and waiting for her father to feed her.
"Such a good girl."
Roger looked at his adorable daughter, but the smile on his face suddenly became a little bitter.
"When are you leaving?"
Olvia tried to keep her voice calm, but the hand holding the spoon trembled slightly.
"Early tomorrow morning."
Roger said, "I'm sorry, Olvia, but I have to go."
"I know."
Olvia nodded gently, but tears were already involuntarily welling up in her eyes. "Since we found Laugh Tale, we have a responsibility to bear."
"Olvia..."
Roger turned his head to look at his wife.
The man who had never shown fear in the face of any enemy now had eyes filled with pain and guilt.
"I'm sorry. I haven't been a good husband, or a good father. I can't give you happiness. Robin is so small, and I can't even be here to watch her grow up. In fact, she'll have to bear a great deal of infamy..."
"Don't apologize, Roger."
Olvia shook her head hard. She raised her hand and grabbed Roger's, saying seriously, "Everyone has something they need to do. I'll raise Robin well and let her know that she has a very great father."
Great?
Roger gave a bitter smile.
How could a pirate be called great?
Just then, a small hand covered Olvia's and Roger's clasped hands.
The couple looked at their daughter, who had already climbed onto the table.
Little Robin looked up. "Holding hands! I want to hold hands too!"
"Robin..."
Looking at his daughter, Roger felt his whole heart soften. He had never been so conflicted.
Olvia's eyes were also red, and her shoulders were trembling.
But Roger took a deep breath. He said, "I've made a promise to Rayleigh. He will come to pick you up and take you to Amazon Lily. That island is isolated from the world. Shakky has a lot of influence there, so it's very safe and a great place for Robin to grow up."
"Okay."
"...I'm sorry, Olvia."
"Don't say you're sorry. Just go and do what you need to do, Roger."
Roger looked at his sorrowful wife who was still telling him these words, his heart a mix of emotions.
There was pain and guilt, but also a sense of pride that his wife was so remarkable.
Then, he looked at his daughter, who was looking up at him with curiosity.
"Robin, Daddy's leaving. In the future, you must grow up well."
"Daddy, don't cry, Daddy!"
The Pirate King was about to embark on the final journey of his life.