Chapter 162: Wrong Era? So What?
To be honest.
Although investigating Rocks since Skypiea.
Ryuji never expected to see this descendant of the Davy Clan, the Hegemon of the Sea, here in this manner.
But...
"It's a Mirage."
Moments later, Ryuji knew the answer.
Yes—the Rocks before him wasn't the real one.
Because his appearance matched Brook's description exactly.
This meant Ryuji was seeing Rocks from over thirty years ago.
He indeed came to the Florian Triangle and found this ship.
"Really... my time is tight, wasted a lot finding you."
Even though Ryuji was in front of him, Rocks seemed unaware.
The great pirate closed his eyes, as if listening to something. "Ah, correct—I am a 'Davy'."
He muttered, seeming to hear some information.
Then, he looked toward the center of the island, the three high mountains.
"Hey, get rid of these forests... what's worth seeing in a past era?"
As his words fell.
Ryuji saw clearly—the trees in front of Rocks withered and cracked instantly.
A massive 'Road' appeared before Rocks.
"..."
Even knowing everything was an illusion from the past.
Ryuji's eyes under the mask showed surprise.
Because seeing this, he understood.
Rocks was communicating with this 'Giant Ship'.
"Voice of All Things?"
This term appeared in Ryuji's mind naturally.
Hearing the Voice of All Things, communicating with living and non-living things without speech—it seemed Rocks possessed this ability too.
While Ryuji pondered.
Rocks laughed loudly. "That's right!"
"Rotten things should disappear; humans are creatures that move forward!"
Speaking, he took a step forward.
The next moment, Ryuji saw him vanish instantly.
"So far?"
The Wind & Thunder Mantra told him Rocks appeared kilometers away instantly.
"What's this? Soru (Shave)? or did the ship's 'Playback' drop frames?"
Ryuji was puzzled but reacted immediately.
Following Rocks was easier than wandering aimlessly on this boundless ship.
So...
ZZZT!
Lightning flashed, and he followed Rocks closely.
Then, he confirmed—Rocks' instant disappearance wasn't a playback error.
Because since then, every movement of Rocks covered an exaggerated distance.
Even Ryuji, a Rumble-Rumble Fruit user, could barely keep up.
"Soru can't leap this far instantly... Fruit Ability!?"
Ryuji judged.
He knew Rocks was a powerful swordsman, but didn't know if he was a fruit user.
While thinking, he soon discovered Rocks' direction.
His target was the three peaks in the center of the island.
With exaggerated speed, Ryuji arrived in front of the peaks soon.
Then...
"Hm?"
Ryuji discovered unexpectedly.
Observing closely, he could see...
These three peaks, looking ordinary from afar, had fine carvings on them up close.
These carvings weren't natural, but had no obvious meaning.
If anything, their goal seemed to make the mountains look more like...
"Trees?"
Yes.
Maybe roots, maybe branches. At least to Ryuji, these three mountains looked intentionally carved to resemble parts of three 'Trees'.
Or more accurately, one 'Tree'—the central massive peak, with the two smaller ones like 'Root Suckers' growing from its roots.
Before Ryuji could think more, Rocks continued forward.
Soon, Ryuji saw his destination.
A place located in the center of the island, surrounded by the three massive peaks.
Hidden by peaks and forests, even Ryuji hadn't noticed it before.
It seemed to be the ship's 'Cabin'.
Of course, to Ryuji now, the 'Cabin' looked more like a...
"Temple?"
Yes.
Surrounded by the three ancient fossilized tree-like peaks, there was an ancient temple.
It was massive, covered in moss, vines, and chisel marks, presenting a simple square structure.
Ryuji saw the outline of a massive tree carved on the door.
But before Ryuji could think more.
He saw Rocks leap.
BOOM!
Even as a false illusion, Ryuji could judge the power of this leap from the thirty-year-old crater on the ground.
Ryuji followed without hesitation.
Sure enough—he saw Rocks arrive at the temple gate.
"Don't block me, fool."
He seemed to growl at the island, then pushed open the gate.
Of course, to Ryuji, the gate was already open.
So Ryuji saw the massive staircase extending downward into the abyss inside.
Step!
Rocks walked in.
Step!
Ryuji followed without hesitation.
They walked down until darkness enveloped them completely.
"..."
Then, Ryuji stopped.
Because he saw he and Rocks had reached the bottom of this 'Cabin'.
No more steps, replaced by another door.
Unlike the temple gate, this one was smaller.
And...
Above the door, Ryuji saw an ancient mural and some ancient inscriptions left on it.
[I abandon ancient sins, promises, and hope here]
[My descendants, when the era of redemption arrives, please atone for me]
[Let the world fulfill the promise, let the world return to freedom]
Ryuji scanned the inscriptions.
But before he could examine the mural...
"Get lost!"
He heard Rocks growl beside him.
Ryuji turned instinctively and saw Rocks close his eyes again.
He seemed to be communicating with 'The Abyss' again.
Ryuji could see—the surrounding mirage mist and rock walls trembling constantly.
Even as an illusion from thirty years ago, Ryuji understood.
The conversation between the ship and Rocks was clearly unpleasant.
Then...
"I know."
He heard Rocks' voice.
"I know, now isn't the promised era of redemption."
"I know, now isn't the era in the prophecy."
"I know, Ancestor said Davy's descendants must give that thing to 'Joy Boy' in the prophesied era."
"But..."
He said.
Then, Ryuji saw Rocks grin.
"So what!?"
The bold voice was like an unconstrained storm.
"Hey, don't get it wrong!"
"I indeed inherited Davy's bloodline, that curse, and the ambition to change the 'World'."
"But that doesn't mean I will bow to 'Fate'!"
His wide eyes flashed with arrogance.
"Davy Jones, Joy Boy—in the end, weren't they all 'Losers' from 800 years ago?"
"Why should I bet everything on the future hoped for by a bunch of losers!?"
His words were undoubtedly rebellious.
"At God Valley, I saw that 'God's' power, and I indeed failed."
"But after that... I met a remarkable guy—I'm certain he can bring 'Freedom' to this world!"
"I'm betting the world's future on him..."
Saying so, Rocks slowly drew the sword at his waist.
"I am Rocks D. Xebec!"
"Fate? Ancestor's order? Whatever... I only believe in my own choice! I only believe in the 'Partner' I value!"
He opened his eyes, raising the sword toward the ancient door.
Or perhaps toward his ancient ancestor, and the so-called fate of this world.
"Since you won't make way, then..."
"I'll take it myself!"
He grinned, stating the 'Dominance' he always followed.
Next moment...
His blade fell!
"After all, I am a pirate!"
(Author's Note: Rocks having the Voice of All Things is basically confirmed, possibly stronger than Roger and Otohime, as he could communicate telepathically with Roger and Garp after being domi reversi. The manga specifically noted this ability is special.
Also, Root Sucker refers to small plants growing from plant roots.)
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