The port of Hachinosu had become bustling.
The busy pirates hurriedly moved various supplies onto the ships.
This wasn't an easy job because there were too many vessels. Not only was the port full of large pirate ships, but even the surrounding waters near Hachinosu were packed with ships, so densely that the sea seemed to stretch endlessly with sails.
"So there are this many people in our pirate group?"
Roya stood on the roof of a house overlooking the port, leaning on the awning with his right hand as he gazed out at the sea with surprise. "This is crazy! Are there a hundred ships? Two hundred?"
"It's been a long time since we've had an operation of this scale! It's really exciting!"
Beside him, Katakuri was visibly thrilled. "Mama said Captain Rocks has mobilized 60 to 70 percent of the crew's total strength! In addition to the main island's troops, 70 to 80 subordinate pirate crews have joined!"
"I'm sure the other pirates on the island will follow too!"
Even after being lectured by his doting older brother, Katakuri remained as cheerful as ever.
"Oh! So we're that amazing?"
Roya exclaimed, laughing. "Haha! As expected, this is the pirate group worthy of the world's most powerful seven-year-old boy!"
Thirty-six years later, the Whitebeard Pirates would command forty-three subordinate crews and boast a force of 50,000, which would be considered overwhelming. It would become the largest pirate group of its time.
But compared to the Rocks Pirates now, that was nothing.
For this operation alone, Rocks had summoned hundreds of thousands of pirates. And the crews qualified to fight under the Rocks banner were all elite—no pushovers among them.
This was the strength of the overlord of the New World—power that could truly shake the world.
"You really love flattering yourself," Katakuri said begrudgingly. "But I want to hunt Celestial Dragons too! Dammit, Roya, I'm so jealous!"
He longed to elevate his pirate hunting to a new level—Celestial Dragon hunting.
"It's not impossible," Roya said slowly. "How about it, Katakuri? If you beg me, I might take you."
Although they were pirates, the Rocks Pirates had excellent intelligence capabilities, and they quickly confirmed a large-scale naval movement toward the West Blue.
With nothing more to discuss, Rocks immediately summoned his army, planning a large-scale combat exercise before the final war began.
"Forget it," Katakuri said dejectedly. "Mama said this isn't a battlefield I should be on yet."
"Yeah~ Big Mom's evaluation of you is spot-on."
Roya smiled.
"Don't get cocky, Roya!"
His good brother snorted. "I've been training hard under Mama's guidance! I'm getting stronger every day! Sooner or later, I'll catch up to you!"
"Whoa! That's amazing!"
Roya looked shocked. "You're working that hard? Meanwhile, I just enjoy delicious food all day. Am I going to be overtaken soon?"
"Snort!"
Katakuri raised his chin proudly. "Glad you realize it!!"
Roya chuckled silently.
My good brother is so competitive. Luckily, I get stronger just by enjoying good food.
"Just wait, Roya. When you return from the West Blue, I'll make you see me in a new light!" Katakuri declared.
"Yeah?"
Roya yawned, seemingly uninterested, but said meaningfully, "I'm starting to look forward to it—the next time we meet."
Katakuri raised his head, looking toward the bustling port. "By then, I'll be a member of the Rocks Pirates too! Let's conquer the sea together!"
Roya smiled but said nothing.
What a pity, my friend.
The supply loading was completed quickly, and by that evening, the Rocks Pirates officially set sail, bound for the West Blue—God Valley!
The sails of over two hundred pirate ships stretched across the sea like a storm cloud.
The waves of the New World were flattened under their path—there was nothing in this world that could stop them.
The world's strongest pirate crew had begun its final voyage.
That night, on Rocks' ship—the flagship of the entire fleet—a grand banquet was underway.
In addition to the senior members of the Rocks Pirates, many captains of affiliated crews also attended.
"Everyone," Rocks raised his glass high, "Before the final war begins, let's warm up with a little exercise!"
"Oh!!"
The cheers of the pirate captains nearly split the sky.
"Ugh! I haven't killed a Celestial Dragon yet!"
Kaido downed his wine like a beast and laughed. "I wonder what face a so-called god makes right before he dies!"
"That's right!"
Although Roya didn't drink or eat, he gave his full emotional support and chimed in with excitement, "So thrilling! I wonder what kind of flavors they'll produce?"
People who've never experienced pain or setbacks—who've always looked down from above—if crushed into the mud and made to suffer unimaginable torment... what flavor would their despair release?
Just imagining it, Roya subconsciously licked his lips.
The Celestial Dragons are excellent ingredients. But they must be killed.
"Mamama! Little Roya, are you drooling already?"
Charlotte Linlin, sitting across from him, laughed loudly. "Don't be impatient. When it comes to food, waiting only makes it tastier!"
"Mhm!"
Roya forced a serious nod.
This is the principle of delayed gratification!
"You'll get your feast this time, little one,"
The Golden Lion took a sip of sake and puffed on his cigarette, looking satisfied. "Hahahaha, I've never done anything as crazy as wiping out an entire kingdom!"
"Who cares if they're Celestial Dragons or whatever,"
Silver Axe said, resting his oversized silver axe on his shoulder. "Anyone who gets in the way of the treasure piled up in God Valley—I'll split them clean in half!"
"Don't get careless,"
Whitebeard set his cup down. "With so many Celestial Dragons moving, the God's Knights will definitely be deployed."
"The God's Knights?"
Gloriosa looked uneasy. "That's the World Government's most mysterious force. It's said they're made entirely of Celestial Dragons. No one knows how strong they really are."
"It doesn't matter!"
Captain Rocks' voice rang out boldly. "No matter who they are—crush them! There's no rival ahead of us!!"
"Oh!!!"
The deck exploded with cheers once more.
"After this warm-up, it'll be total war with the World Government!"
Rocks declared loudly, "Their era is over! The New World and a new order will be built by me!"
"Oh! Long live Captain Rocks!!"
The pirates' cheering bordered on fanatical.
Who would doubt Rocks' ability to follow through?
The Rocks Pirates had never known defeat.
And this time would be no exception.
Even the high-ranking members were excited, and Whitebeard's face was flushed.
Only Roya smiled innocently.
Sorry, Captain. I prefer chaos over order.
After all, as a gourmet... of course I want a world full of flavors.
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