Chapter 51: Domineering Haki
October 1518. The Titan's death seemed to move Roger deeply. He told you it reminded him of a time someone had invited him to rule the world, an offer he refused. What was the point of being a pirate, he'd argued, if you couldn't do as you pleased? The Titan must have felt the same way. Life is precious, but to some, courage, friendship, and freedom are worth even more.
You fell silent. *If I were in the Titan's shoes, would I have done the same? Before, the answer would have been a definite no. But now... I'm not so sure.*
At the end of October 1518, the days that followed seemed peaceful. The calm was short-lived. You soon discovered that the giant who had escaped, along with the thirty-six members of the Changbing Pirates, had all been recaptured. On the orders of a Celestial Dragon named Saint Charmarco, all thirty-seven were hanged in the public square for the crime of trespassing on his private property. As you gazed at the silhouettes hanging in the square, a strange sense of unease settled over you.
[In February 1519, you were finally promoted to Rear Admiral and remained stationed at the Sabaody Archipelago.]
March 1519 - October 1519: After years of relentless training, you finally made a breakthrough with your Armament Haki. According to Roger, "I can't remember exactly how strong mine was, but it sure as hell wasn't weak, you idiot."
[You have acquired the skill: Armament Haki (Intermediate)]
On December 3, 1519, the Celestial Dragon Saint Charmarco returned to the Sabaody Archipelago. Upon reaching Area 1, he encountered a young boy walking ahead of him. Believing the child had sullied the very path he walked on, he shot him on the spot. He then proceeded to murder the boy's parents as they wept over his body. You were too far away to intervene as it all unfolded, but the news of the act struck you as a complete violation of your deepest values.
On December 4, 1519, perhaps sensing your turmoil, your former superior and current friend, Stoloberry, explained that the Celestial Dragons were the world's nobles, descendants of the Creators. They enjoyed absolute privilege, and by law, even shooting civilians was permissible. There was nothing anyone could do.
On December 6, 1519, Urouge, the "Mad Monk" and captain of the Fallen Monk Pirates, landed on the archipelago and clashed with "Massacre Soldier" Killer in Area 40. You handled the situation personally, single-handedly defeating both men and forcing their crews to drag them away in a panicked retreat. The battles helped you gauge your own strength; you had reached, or perhaps even surpassed, the level of a Vice Admiral. Roger informed you that, thanks to your help, his soul had recovered significantly, enough for him to possess your body and assist in short battles. Tears welled up in your eyes. *Finally, the old man is making himself useful!*
On December 12, 1519, late at night, you acted. After a week of preparation, you slipped away from the naval base, infiltrated the Celestial Dragon's temporary residence, and delivered your own brand of justice to Saint Charmarco. Dragging him to the side of the road, you gave him no chance to beg for his life before shooting him dead with your flintlock, just as he had done to the little boy. You then tossed his body into the sea.
"My lord, times have changed."
With the deed done, a weight lifted from your shoulders, and your thoughts felt clearer than ever. Roger solemnly informed you that he'd just witnessed an astonishing aura emanate from you—an aura much like the one he himself once possessed.
[You have acquired the skill: Conqueror's Haki (Intermediate).]
That same night, you rushed to the Sabaody docks and found the ship you had prepared. As you boarded and set sail, your former colleagues arrived, lining the dock with rifles in hand to see you off. In response to their warm reception, you unleashed a "friendly" wave of your new Haki, felling them like stalks of wheat. Your old boss, Stoloberry, arrived moments later. Even from a distance, you could see the complex emotion in his eyes.
On December 13, 1519, as expected, Admiral Kizaru intercepted you at sea the next morning—the Marine Headquarters was, after all, close by. Roger temporarily took control of your body. With his legendary skill, Kizaru was dispatched after just a few blows, fleeing in a panic. Roger's final attack, [Divine Departure], sent a surging wave of sword light that split the very surface of the sea. Weakened by the exertion, Roger fell into a deep sleep. Though you hadn't fought yourself, witnessing the battle gave you a profound understanding of swordsmanship.
[You have acquired the skill: Swordsmanship (Intermediate).]
On December 14, 1519, the news of a Celestial Dragon's death rocked the world. Everyone was stunned by your audacity. Not since "World Destroyer" Wald killed a Celestial Dragon twenty-eight years prior had anyone dared to do such a thing. For his crime, Wald was imprisoned in Impel Down, where he remained frozen on the sixth level. But that afternoon, when the news of Kizaru's defeat spread across the seas via the News Coo, a strange silence fell. A supernova of Admiral-level power, formerly of the Navy, had turned against the Celestial Dragons. The last person to do that was Garp's son, Dragon.
On December 17, 1519, you saw your new wanted poster. Your bounty was one billion Berries, with Admirals Aokiji and Akainu personally assigned to your capture. You were the first person in history to receive such a high initial bounty.
On December 19, 1519, you arrived at Jaya. This was the escape route you had planned. Using the island's unique weather and the massive Knock Up Stream, you would ride the current to Skypiea. It would be a perfect hiding place, and with Enel there, you'd have a powerful ally.
[December 20, 1519. The next Knock Up Stream was in two days, but before then, Aokiji and Akainu found you. Although Roger awoke in time, he was no match for the combined might of two Admirals.]
You are dead.
[Simulation ends.]
Summary: A brief, yet extraordinary life. You dared to challenge the privileged and defend the weak—an accomplishment most time travelers fail to achieve. In the final battle, you nearly defeated both Aokiji and Akainu, and Akainu suffered fatal wounds. While your actions were reckless and brash, you nonetheless made the entire world witness your courage.
Rating: B
World Exploration: 49.5%. As your progress exceeds 40%, you have been awarded 6 Crossing Coins.
For slightly altering the course of history in "Across the Four Seas," you have earned another 6 Crossing Coins. Keep up the good work!
[Simulation ends. Host, please make a choice.]
[1. Randomly obtain three skills and specialties acquired during your journey.]
[2. Randomly draw three items you obtained during your journey.]
Zhou Ning was speechless.
*I wanted to be reckless, but wasn't that a little* too *reckless? I actually killed a Celestial Dragon. That's me, all right!*
*To be honest, though, it felt amazing. I'll definitely do it again next time!*
*As for the options... choosing the second one might get me a Devil Fruit, but the first one gives me a better shot at Conqueror's and Observation Haki. That's far more valuable.*
Zhou Ning chose the first option without hesitation.
[You have selected option one.]
[You have acquired the general skill: Dodge.]
[You have acquired the skill: Conqueror's Haki (Intermediate).]
[You have acquired the skill: Observation Haki (Basic).]
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