Though the man's youthful face lacked his future signature lightning scar, the striking short blue-and-white hair was unmistakable.
He had revealed his identity directly to Oro—the future overlord of the seas who would shake the world, Rocks D. Xebec.
The air at the bakery entrance rippled faintly, the light dimming for an instant as Rocks was already standing inside.
He wasn't yet wearing the iconic cloak of his later years, but simple black leather armor with a tightly cinched belt that accentuated his lean, powerful frame; the muscles of his arms were defined and smooth.
The moment he appeared, Wang Zhi, still suspended by golden threads, immediately changed his expression to one of mixed reverence and vindictive glee, struggling to shout:
"Boss! It's these two arrogant brats! They—"
The noise cut off abruptly.
Rocks grabbed Wang Zhi and, with a casual whoosh, tossed him—along with the golden threads—straight out of the bakery.
With the nuisance cleared, Rocks finally turned his full attention to Oro. His gaze was scrutinizing, laced with undisguised appreciation.
He ignored Linlin, who was gripping her axe handle warily, and the baker who had shrunk behind his counter.
"Gold-Gold Fruit,"Rocks stated, his tone certain. "But your methods are different from those old-timers who just manipulate lumps of gold to smash people. To refine your ability to such a meticulous degree... kid, you're interesting."
"In my hometown,being called 'interesting' by a muscular guy wasn't exactly a compliment," Oro replied, his tone relaxed.
"Heh. The Haki infused in those gold threads isn't bad either. Kid, the name's Rocks. Interested in boarding my ship?" Rocks' recruitment was abrupt, born from the kind of pure, strength-based recognition unique to pirates of the sea. "These oceans will soon remember the name 'Rocks.' Follow me, and you can have everything you want. Power, wealth, fame... even the chance to overturn the world's order!"
"Thank you for the offer." Oro's voice remained calm, almost lazy, as he brushed nonexistent dust from his hands. "But I'm afraid I have no interest in pirate games. My ship, my course—I decide those myself."
The refusal was swift and absolute, without a hint of hesitation.
The air seemed to freeze.The baker's gasp was almost inaudible. Linlin's grip on her axe tightened, her muscles coiling, ready to erupt.
Rocks stared at Oro, silent for two or three seconds. The invisible pressure in the room grew denser.
Then,he let out a soft chuckle—a laugh that revealed neither pleasure nor anger.
"Even the mightiest lion kings on the savannah,before their fangs are fully grown, need a pride. To guard against more dangerous hunters. To bring down larger prey."
"A lone lion rarely lives long enough to become the master of the plains." The remark was pointed, which surprised Oro. Did this guy have a philosopher's streak?
"A fine metaphor," Oro nodded, acknowledging it, then shifted gears entirely, becoming direct. "Let's be blunt. I came to Beehive Island for an Eternal Pose to the first half of the Grand Line, and for some anti-venom ferns. Among this 'prey' you speak of, is there anything of comparable value? If so, we could cooperate. For now." He deliberately emphasized cooperate for now, clearly distinguishing it from joining your crew.
Oro's bluntness and sharp insight only deepened Rocks' appreciation. He preferred dealing with intelligent people—it saved time.
"Very well."Rocks dropped the circumspection. "I do have a piece of 'prey.' One of my crew has his eye on a Devil Fruit—the Magnet-Magnet Fruit. Intelligence says it will be publicly auctioned in just over two months at the Corrida Colosseum in the Kingdom of Dressrosa."
"Magnet-Magnet Fruit?" Oro raised an eyebrow. A name immediately came to mind, but he was more interested in Rocks' stance. "The lion has its eye on the prey, yet must acquire it through trade?"
Hearing this, Rocks let out a deep, hearty laugh. "Hahaha! Normally, such trouble wouldn't be necessary! Unfortunately, my men and I are currently stretched thin securing this island. Sending ordinary crew would be too risky—too many variables, too low a chance of success." His candor was surprising, a blend of confidence and genuine intent.
Oro instantly grasped the subtext: Rocks was offering this deal not out of dire need, but as a convenient means of recruitment and a test of their capability.
Such a thirst for talent... at this point in time... Have you already set your sights on the World Government? On Imu?
"So," Rocks' smile faded, his gaze fixed intently on Oro. "You can either bid on the Magnet-Magnet Fruit for me, or 'retrieve' it. In return, you may choose any three of the Eternal Poses I possess, each to a different island in the first half of the Grand Line. The funds required for the auction will, of course, be provided by me."
He paused, then added, "As for those anti-venom ferns you mentioned... Beehive Island may lack many things, but it has collected quite a few rare oddities. I can have someone gather a sample of each and deliver them to you immediately, as a deposit for our cooperation. What do you say?"
The terms were sincere, and generous.
"A fair deal." Oro extended his hand, a smile finally touching his lips. "Oro. That's my name. We will bring back the Magnet-Magnet Fruit. I trust the Poses and ferns you promised, Captain Rocks, will be ready as agreed."
Looking at Oro's outstretched hand, then at the composure and ambition in his eyes that seemed far older than his years, Rocks grinned and clasped it firmly.
"Of course!I,I Rocks, always keep my word!"
He released the handshake, turned, and walked out of the shop, waving over his shoulder without looking back. "The ferns will be delivered to your ship. I look forward to your good news in two months at the Corrida Colosseum."
"Oro." Linlin approached, still clutching the cloth bag of pastries tightly, her wariness toward Rocks not fully faded. "That zebra-haired guy just left? Are we going to another new island? Dressrosa... are the desserts there good?"
Oro looked at Linlin's now more composed face, smiled, and reached out to wipe a smudge of chocolate from the corner of her mouth. "I've heard the place is famous for sweet sugarcane and passionate dancing. The snacks must be decent."
He turned his gaze out the window toward the harbor. Even among the forest of pirate ships, the Golden Dawn stood majestic and alone.