A top-class battleship whether in firepower or speed was unmatched by any ordinary vessel.
Taking advantage of a moment of distraction, Liam Ross knocked out a sergeant and changed into his uniform. He then swaggered out of the cabin as though he belonged there. As long as no one of officer rank took a closer look, he wouldn't draw any attention.
This ship was commanded by Rear Admiral August, a hawkish figure within the Navy and one of Akainu's most loyal followers. Anyone who rose to the rank of admiral had a power and reputation that needed no further proof.
When the first light of dawn broke across the sea, the fleet finally arrived at Ohara, a world-renowned island known as the birthplace of archaeology.
Ten massive warships lined up along the coast, their hulls cutting through the waters with perfect precision. Once August received Akainu's call through the transponder snail, he ordered the ship's cannons to turn toward the distant silhouette of Ohara Island.
Seizing the moment, Liam activated Invisibility, silently slipping off the ship. He leapt into the air with Moonwalk, his steps treading on the sky as he sped toward the island.
As for the so-called Buster Call the plan to annihilate Ohara he couldn't care less. None of that concerned him. He was only here to complete a designated system mission.
Moments later, he landed on the island.
"System, I want to perform a designated sign-in."
"Ding!"
"Congratulations, Host. You have completed your designated sign-in task and obtained: Mystery Chest x1. Would you like to open it?"
Without hesitation, Liam answered, "Open it."
In moments like this, any boost in strength could mean the difference between life and death.
A flash of brilliant violet light burst before him.
"Congratulations, Host. You have obtained: Voice-Masking Mask!"
Voice-Masking Mask: Once worn, it allows the user to freely change their voice at will.
Liam's lips twitched.
So… the system wanted him to become some kind of voice impersonator now?
It wasn't exactly the kind of power-up he had hoped for, and he couldn't help feeling a little disappointed. Still, he quickly realized this mask wasn't useless at all.
With it, he could disguise his identity whenever he performed system missions. Even if he stood right in front of Akainu himself, the man might not recognize him.
Liam reached into his system inventory and withdrew the mask a strange half-black, half-white face carved into a twisted smile. He put it on and began testing it out.
"I'm an old man!" he said. His voice came out hoarse and deep.
"I'm a little girl!" Now it was high-pitched and sweet, almost adorable.
"I'm… a eunuch?" The voice turned sharp and eerie, sending a chill down even his own spine.
Liam chuckled. This mask was more powerful than it seemed. Any voice he could imagine, he could produce flawlessly.
Meanwhile, on one of the warships, Akainu received a call from Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
"Moshi moshi."
"This is Sengoku. You've reached Ohara, haven't you?"
"Yes," Akainu replied.
There was a brief pause.
"Once the CP9 agents arrive, initiate the Buster Call immediately," Sengoku ordered. "Remember, no one leaves alive."
Akainu's eyes darkened. As a devoted enforcer of the Navy's will, he didn't hesitate. "Understood."
After ending the call, he glanced at Aokiji, then turned to three vice admirals nearby. "Prepare to fire."
"Yes, sir!" they barked in unison.
Aokiji frowned slightly but said nothing. In the Navy, obedience came before conscience.
When the sun rose higher, bathing Ohara in golden light, Liam lay stretched out atop the massive Tree of Knowledge, basking in the warmth.
"The Buster Call is about to begin," he murmured. "Time to go."
His curiosity about the world of the Pirates had led him here, but Ohara was just his first stop. After witnessing this island's fated beauty, it was time to move on.
He stood, took a deep breath, and stepped into the sky again, ready to vanish.
Then a child's voice cut through the air below.
"Look, it's Robin!"
Liam froze mid-step and looked down.
Beneath the tree sat a small girl in a deep red dress, clutching a thick book. A tomato had just struck her face, leaving a stain across her cheek as other children laughed and pointed.
He recognized her instantly Nico Robin, the future archaeologist of the Straw Hat crew.
She said nothing, her eyes filled with quiet defiance as she used her Hana Hana no Mi power to lightly punish her tormentors.
Liam smiled faintly. "So this is the so-called 'Demon's Child.' Maybe this is the destiny you were born to bear."
He felt no pity for her.
In a world like this, there were countless people worse off than Robin. If it weren't for his system, he himself might have been one of them.
Watching as Robin was scolded and ran off, he turned away and started back toward the shore.
"Huh? That's strange… where did the Navy go?"
The coastline was empty. Not a single warship remained.
Before he could make sense of it, a booming voice sounded behind him.
"Marine, what are you doing on Ohara?"
Liam's instincts kicked in. He spun around to see a giant towering over him eyes the size of lanterns, watching him warily.
"Saul, huh?"
He recognized him at once Jaguar D. Saul, the former Marine Vice Admiral who had deserted after witnessing the government's cruelty. Fate had brought him to Ohara, where he befriended little Robin.
"You… know me?" Saul asked, scratching his head.
"Of course! You're a former Vice Admiral. I heard about your exploits back at Marine Headquarters. You're quite the legend."
Saul laughed bashfully. "Haha, really?"
But then he frowned. "Wait. You said you're from Marine Headquarters?"
"That's right," Liam said, smirking. "And I didn't come here alone. I came with the fleet to destroy Ohara."
"Destroy Ohara?!" Saul's eyes widened.
Liam's smile turned cold. "The World Government has issued a Buster Call."
"What?!"
Saul's heart sank. As a former Vice Admiral, he knew all too well what that meant utter annihilation.
He opened his mouth to ask why, but Liam was already ascending into the sky again.
"As for the reason… I don't know," Liam said softly. "But take care of yourself, old soldier."
He left the rest unsaid. In the anime, Saul had sacrificed himself to save Robin. That memory had moved Liam deeply, so he decided to at least give him a warning.
After a pause, Saul clenched his fists. He had to warn the others and find Robin.
"Um…"
A voice came again from above. Saul looked up to see Liam hovering awkwardly in the air.
"Sorry," Liam said sheepishly. "I think I'm lost."