Xiano's pupils abruptly contracted.
Rocks?
Shouldn't this guy have died over thirty years ago?
Truth, or illusion?
But it didn't matter anymore…
He raised his head, staring at the overwhelming torrent of Conqueror's Haki pressing down on him.
You think this level of Conqueror's Haki can suppress me?!
Dream on!
Xiano grinned fiercely, spreading his arms wide as a surge of Conqueror's Haki—no less formidable than his opponent's—erupted from his body, colliding violently with the terrifying pressure bearing down on him!
Boom!
The two forces of Conqueror's Haki clashed fiercely in midair, black-red lightning crackling like a spiderweb across the void. The entire space trembled violently in that instant.
"Oh?"
Rocks' expression shifted in surprise, the gale-force winds whipping his cloak wildly behind him. "This level of Conqueror's Haki… is quite rare. Hey, brat, what's your name?"
Xiano didn't answer immediately. Instead, his gaze swept around once more.
He took in the suspended crescent moon, the steep cliffs—everything still seemed so real. Even the wind carried the distinct salty tang of the coastline.
But…
Only the immediate surroundings remained intact.
After withstanding the impact of his Conqueror's Haki, maintaining this illusory space seemed far more strenuous.
Looking closely—
In the far distance—beyond the horizon, at the edges of the mountain range—the scenery blurred into indistinct patches, as though smeared with a layer of static, rendering details impossible to discern.
"As expected, a fake will always be a fake."
Xiano lifted his head again, staring at the cliff. "But with such an imposing entrance and even the ability to mimic Conqueror's Haki, most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference. They'd probably be scared out of their wits."
"Fake?"
Rocks' brow arched at the word, his savage grin widening.
"Fake?! Hah! You've got some nerve, brat!"
He stomped forward, leaping high into the air—the cliff beneath him exploding instantly—before hurtling down toward Xiano with a devastating punch!
"Show some respect, brat! I'm the real deal—Rocks D. Xebec! If it weren't for those bastards ganging up on me back then, I'd have been the damn King of the World by now!"
"Even as an illusion, you love boasting just like the real one!"
Xiano didn't retreat an inch, meeting the punch with one of his own. "Actually, there's something I've always been curious about. Can you answer for Rocks?"
Thud!
The collision of their fists unleashed a shockwave, sending debris flying. Rocks spat out a mouthful of gravel, snarling:
"What 'answering for' crap?! I told you, I am him, you bastard! If you've got a question, spit it out! Quit wasting my time!"
"Everyone else puts their surname first and given name last—why are you the only exception, insisting people call you Rocks?"
Rocks suddenly halted his steps, scratching his head in bewilderment before finally roaring in frustration:
"What kind of question is that! I do what I want, who cares what you think!"
There wasn't a soul in sight, and Rocks' expression abruptly changed.
"If you're back but not showing yourself, then this must be fake!"
At that moment, Xiano's voice suddenly rang out from above.
Rocks instinctively looked up, only to find that the other had somehow already appeared mid-air, his right fist wreathed in black-red lightning, smashing down toward the crown of his head!
Crack!
Before the fist even landed, the terrifying Conqueror's Haki had already shattered the illusionary space.
Rocks' "body" began to fracture under the violent impact, his face frozen in shock as he shattered like broken glass, piece by piece, exploding apart!
The next moment.
Boom!
Endless black-red lightning erupted from his shattered form, writhing like frenzied serpents, filling the entire space.
This spectacle lasted for a long time, revealing just how terrifying the amount of Haki compressed and sealed within this "Rocks" had been.
But Xiano's Conqueror's Haki was no less formidable—how could he possibly be affected?
He withdrew his fist and stood calmly, watching coldly as the remnants of the Conqueror's Haki gradually faded away, as the blood moon and cliffs twisted and collapsed into darkness, and as all other illusions receded like a tide—
The next moment.
Whoosh!
The scene before him blurred, and he found himself back inside the wooden hut.
The pitcher plant's leaves drooped weakly before him, as if whatever had been stored inside had dissipated.
Meanwhile, the old clan chief on the bed suddenly began coughing violently, slowly opening his eyes.
"Grandfather!"
"Clan Chief!"
Chia and Noah cried out in joy and rushed to the bedside, while the other warriors also erupted in excitement.
As for the Curtain Closer crew waiting in the hallway outside, they exchanged confused glances, utterly baffled.
They couldn't understand how their Captain had seemingly just stood there in a daze for a moment—and yet somehow managed to wake the old clan chief.
"Noah, Chia... you're all here... My head hurts terribly... How long was I unconscious?"
The old clan chief struggled to prop himself up, his gaze sweeping the room before landing on the pitcher plant. He froze, eyes widening in astonishment. "Huh? This... Did someone release the strength sealed within the Sacred Fruit?"
"If by 'sealed strength,' you mean Rocks' Conqueror's Haki," Xiano replied coolly, "then yes, that was me."
The old clan chief's pupils contracted sharply at his words, and he jerked his head up to stare at Xiano. "You? You... actually withstood Rocks' Haki?"
His hand trembled as he pointed at the pitcher plant. "This thing... Rocks left it with me back then. What's sealed inside is that man's Haki, compressed to its purest, most extreme form! Even the slightest leak of it would send the beasts of the mountains and passing Sea Kings foaming at the mouth..."
"So this is why it could serve as your Sacred Fruit, protecting your tribe for decades, isn't it?"
Robin stepped inside at that moment, maintaining a respectful distance as she studied the drooping pitcher plant with fascination, chuckling softly:
"What an incredibly cute and interesting plant... But old man, don't underestimate our Captain. He's—"
"Let me do it!"
Nami barged in excitedly, raising her right arm. "I'm good at this kind of thing, leave it to me, Sister Robin!"
She held her fist to her mouth like a microphone, cleared her throat with a few coughs, then pointed dramatically at Xiano and declared proudly:
"Listen up, Old Man! Standing before you is none other than—"
"The World's Greatest Swordsman, Xiano! Captain of the Falling Stars Adventure Crew! A super wanted criminal with a bounty over two billion Berries! The World Government's worst nightmare! The man who severed Silvers Rayleigh's arm! Repelled Navy Admirals and even fought Emperor Kaido to... Oww, ouch ouch! Bro, what was that for?!"
She clutched her head where several bumps were swelling, tears nearly welling up from the pain.
Behind the rising wisps of smoke, Xiano withdrew his fist with a dark expression.
This damn girl, when will you ever learn?!
After kicking Nami out of the house, he gave Robin a strange look.
Sure, this pitcher plant was interesting.
But how could it possibly be described as "cute"??
"..."
The elder chief looked dumbfounded, needing time to process Nami's introduction. When he looked back at Xiano, realization dawned:
"A bounty over two billion... So a new generation emperor-level figure has come to our little island..."
"Grandpa, it's not just that, Big Brother Xiano also..." Chia moved closer and quietly recounted everything that had happened earlier.
"The flamingo is dead? And you, boy, were also saved by Lord Xiano?"
The elder chief first glared at Chia. "Only thirteen years old and already playing the hero... I'll deal with you later!"
Then he turned to Xiano, struggling to get out of bed, only to be stopped by Xiano's hand on his shoulder: "Old man, you just woke up and are still weak. Skip the formalities and rest first."
"No... I must express my gratitude personally."
The elder chief insisted on standing and, supported by his two grandsons, bowed solemnly to Xiano. "I am Link, chief of the Agatha clan. Not only did you save me and my grandson, but you also avenged our clan's blood feud. This kindness—"
"It was nothing."
Xiano waved his hand wearily—he'd said this line so many times on his journey.
Perhaps... this was the hidden benefit of killing a universally recognized villain. Somehow, many people would consider him their benefactor and owe him favors.
It happened in Paradise, in the New World, and probably even in the North Blue, the Donquixote Family's former territory...
He didn't dwell on it. After helping old Link up, he smiled and said:
"Don't worry about it, elder. What I'm more curious about is your connection with Rocks. Could you tell me about it?"
"Rocks?"
Old Link sat back on the bed with a long sigh, his gaze turning distant. "That was... many, many years ago..."
————
The light rain pattered down, turning the road muddy.
Outside a shabby restaurant in Thunder God Town, a red-haired boy in tattered clothes curled up in a corner, starving and barely alive, his eyes glazed with hunger.
A young cook glanced his way before silently turning back into the kitchen.
Before long, a steaming plate of stewed meat and two blackened loaves of bread were placed before the boy.
The boy turned in surprise to find the young cook squatting beside him, lighting a cigarette. "Quit staring, kid," the cook said leisurely. "Eat up and scram. If the Boss sees you, I'll lose my job."
The boy stared fixedly at him, making the cook uneasy. Then, without a word, he began wolfing down the stewed meat.
After a long while, he mumbled indistinctly, "Hey, what's your name?"
"What's it to you? Planning to repay me someday?" The cook scoffed. "Save it. These days... just focus on surviving first."
"My name is Rocks!" the boy declared, ignoring him. "I'm gonna be the King of the World! When I get my own ship, I'll come back for you—to be my cook!"
"Lunatic."
The young cook cursed under his breath. "Should've eaten it myself, damn it... Bad luck, saving another nutcase."
"I asked you—what's your name!"
Frowning, the cook turned to study the brash kid. When no answer came, the boy stopped eating, stubbornly locking eyes with him. There was something unsettling about the fire in his gaze.
"Fine, have it your way..."
The cook exhaled a smoke ring, glancing at the gloomy rain before grinning.
"Link. My name's Link."
————
Ten years later, bandits raided Thunder God Town.
Chaos reigned. Cries filled the air. The restaurant's door was kicked in, and the now middle-aged cook was sent sprawling to the floor.
"I told you to hand over all the money!"
The bandit leader swung a coin pouch, sneering as he pressed his foot down harder. "Hey! You deaf or something? Daring to hide this much—"
"Give it back!"
Pinned beneath the boot, Link seethed with humiliation but refused to yield. Tears streamed down his face as he roared, "That's money to save my old man's life! Give it back!"
"Life-saving money?"
The bandit leader sneered, but before he could speak, a shadow lunged.
Boom!
The bandit leader was sent flying, crashing through the wall of a distant tavern.
"Who's there?!" The remaining bandits frantically drew their blades.
As the dust settled, a young man stood before Link, one hand in his pocket, the other casually tossing a coin pouch. "Hey, old-timer. Your money."
Link caught it numbly. When he looked up and saw the young man's face, his pupils shrank.
"R-Rocks?!"
"Hey, cook. You remember me." Rocks didn't even glance at the encircling bandits, simply snapping his fingers.
Conqueror's Haki erupted. The street's cobblestones cracked instantly. Without so much as a scream, the bandits collapsed in unison, eyes rolled back.
Link gaped at the scene.
That starving brat from back then... had grown this strong?
"I've got a ship now, cook."
Rocks suddenly turned, extending a hand with a broad grin.
"Look at you—still stuck here cooking after all these years, letting anyone push you around. Pathetic, isn't it? How about it? Wanna sail with me?"
Clutching the coin pouch, Link hesitated.
"Relax, I know what you're worried about." Rocks rolled his eyes. "Since you're joining the crew, as Captain, of course my first stop will be sending you back home to see your old man off!"
"It's for treatment, you bastard!" Link bared his teeth in anger. "With this money, we can cure him! What do you mean 'see him off'?!"
"Same difference!"
Rocks laughed carelessly, hands on his hips. "Anyway, from today onward, I've got my own cook, right?"
He extended his hand toward Link.
"Did you ask my name for nothing back then?"
Link glared at him but finally took the hand:
"Link. Call me Link."
————
The small ship cut through the waves, sailing across the boundless sea.
"Rocks, a storm's coming! Stop eating and help me secure the deck!"
"Don't rush me, Link. Your stew's just too damn good, nom nom nom..."
Thud!
A fist connected with his head.
"Less talking, more working!"
"Oww... That hurt! Fine, I get it. Getting all worked up over a little storm. I swear I'm getting a bigger ship one day, damn it! Who's the Captain here anyway, giving me orders?!"
————
"Another new recruit, Rocks?"
"Yeah, Link. Come meet him—this guy's got real potential. Hiss... What was his name again?"
"Edward Newgate."
"Oh right, right, Newgate! Haha, my memory's going. With nearly a hundred crew members now, the more people under me, the worse my memory gets..."
————
"Link, these are our new crew members, Streusen and Charlotte Linlin! Hey, you—Kaido! Bring the new recruits over to meet the Vice Captain."
"Vice Captain!"
"Streusen's an amazing cook, Link. With him aboard, you won't have to slave away in the galley anymore!"
————
"Rocks, the crew's fighting again, and it's getting violent. They're not listening to me anymore. Can you step in?"
"Let 'em fight. The fiercer the better. The World Government's been laying low lately, and I'm bored. Might as well enjoy the show."
"How can you say that? Even if I don't agree with many of them, they're all crewmates you chose..."
"Pfft—HAHAHA! So what? We're Pirates! This is how Pirates should be! This world's about survival of the fittest—only the strong who make it through deserve to be my subordinates!"
————
"Rocks... Thunder God Town is gone."
"Huh?... Oh, it's you, Link. What do you mean 'gone'?"
"Just... gone. The island's magnetic field went haywire. The terrain changed completely, and now endless thunderstorms cover the entire place. The town was wiped out instantly. No one will probably ever live there again..."
"That's what woke me up from my nap? So what if it's gone? You just worked there for a few years—it's not even your hometown!"
"...I see. I thought... maybe one day when we passed by, you'd want to visit the town with me..."
"Zzzzz..."
"Rocks? Rocks?"
"Link! Have you lost your mind? I told you to keep firing at that sea area without stopping! Why did you change direction? You let the Navy's warships escape!"
"I lost my mind? That was the town's harbor! How many civilians were there! Didn't you see them?"
"I know, but what does it matter! As long as we can annihilate this Navy fleet and make the World Government fear us, nothing else matters, right!"
"..."
"Hey! Link, why aren't you speaking? Cat got your tongue?"
————
"Rocks, you've changed too much. Or perhaps this is who you really are. We're truly not the same kind of people. I'm sorry, but I can't continue being your partner anymore."
"Who cares! Get lost! Not only are you so weak you need rookies to protect you, but you can't even cook properly anymore. What right do you have to stay on my ship!"
"Don't forget, your so-called 1 billion Berry bounty only exists because of the Vice Captain title. Without it, you're nothing!"
Rocks stood on the deck, his deep crimson hair whipping wildly in the fierce wind. Behind him stood Whitebeard gripping his naginata, Kaido standing with arms crossed and expressionless, and the curvaceous Linlin...
He stared at Link's retreating figure, a complex emotion flashing through his eyes, but his face remained filled with nothing but cruelty and disdain.
"Hmph, worthless! Without you, I'll still conquer these seas!"
He turned and roared, "Men, full speed ahead! Target—the Roger Pirate Crew!"
————
"That's pretty much how it happened."
Old Link raised his head, looking at the pitcher plant that had somehow regained its vitality, and said softly:
"After we parted ways, I returned to my hometown and never went out again. As for that guy... over thirty years ago, just before heading to that place called God Valley, he suddenly acted like he knew he was going to die. He announced to the world that he'd left behind treasure and said he'd hidden the map in the original old place."
Everyone in the wooden house had been completely engrossed in the story, only now slowly coming back to reality with sighs of amazement.
"Old place?"
Nami, however, was completely confused and asked, "Why stop halfway? What old place?"
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