Dragon slowly turning off his conqueror haki, the heavy pressure of his Conqueror Haki fading like mist under the morning sun. He crossed his arms, looking at the three young men before him with pride in his eyes.
"Well done," said Dragon with a small smirk. "Congratulations, Luffy, Zoro, Sanji. All three of you have awakened your Conqueror Haki."
Zoro lips curved into a confident grin. "Heh, guess that means I'm one step closer to being the world's strongest swordsman," he said, remembering Jack earlier words about Gold Roger have conqueror haki and with it, he manage to become pirate king.
Sanji smile tugging at his lips. "Tch… didn't expect this, but I'll take it. Guess a cook got some kingly will too."
Luffy laughed loudly, scratching the back of his head. "Shishishi! If this helps me protect my crew and beat stronger enemies, then I'm all for it!"
Dragon eyes softened slightly as he looked at his son. "You've grown stronger, Luffy. Just like I hoped."
Before anyone could respond, Dragon suddenly turned his gaze toward the distant trees. His expression sharpened. "We're being watched," he said quietly.
Everyone turned in the same direction.
Zoro placed a hand on his sword. "Who's there?"
Sanji narrowed his eyes. "Better not be another Marine rat."
Only Jack eyes widen in shock because he noticed who was that man who was watching them from afar. The man is none other than Bartolomeo, the number one fan of Strawhat pirates.
What amazed him, though four people has released conqueror haki and make even Nami fainted due to the pressure, it didn't affect Bartolomeo at all.
"Strange…" Jack muttered softly. "Even after four of you released conqueror Haki, he didn't faint. That means…"
Dragon glanced at him. "He has a strong will," said Dragon calmly. "Maybe even strong enough to awaken his own conqueror Haki someday."
BARTOLOMEO POV
Bartolomeo had heard the name of Straw Hat Pirates only a few days ago. Rumors spread fast across the East Blue, stories of a blood thirsty pirates who dare to destroy navy branch. But he never expected to see that man with his own eyes.
And yet here he was, right before him stood Monkey D. Luffy on the very same execution platform where the Pirate King, Gold Roger, had been punished.
"This guy's insane…" whispered Bartolomeo. His heart pounded as he watched Luffy smile fearlessly even as another pirates pinned him down and almost cut off his head.
Then lightning struck. The entire platform shattered, and instead of dying… Luffy laughed.
Bartolomeo jaw dropped. "He—he survived?! He's… unbelievable…" His chest tightened with excitement. "From today, Captain Luffy, you're my idol!"
But the scene only grew crazier. A whole squad of Marines appeared, led by some terrifying men in black suits.... CP9. Bartolomeo had heard of them before CP 1 to CP8 and he didn't know that Government has more one more division of Cipher Pol which called CP 9, Government assassins.
Still, Luffy and his crew fought back and won. They shackled those men like it was nothing. Bartolomeo couldn't believe what he was seeing.
Then something else happened.
One of the hooded men stepped forward and placed a hand on Luffy shoulder. Suddenly, Bartolomeo felt it, an invisible weight pressing down on him, like the air itself had turned to stone.
"Wh... what is this pressure…?" he gasped, gripping his chest. "It's like my body being crushed…"
Before he could recover, three more of them released the same terrifying force. His legs trembled, but somehow, he stayed standing. Sweat ran down his face as he stared at them in awe.
Then, the hooded man turned his head. Their eyes met.
"Crap… he saw me," Bartolomeo whispered, trying to hide... but it was too late.
In a blink, the group surrounded him. The tall one stepped forward first.
"Who are you, and why are you watching us?" asked the tall man, his voice calm but if he didn't answer he might be killed.
Bartolomeo raised both hands nervously. "I—I'm sorry! I wasn't spying! I'm just— I'm your fan! Captain Luffy, you're the coolest pirate I've ever seen!"
The group looked at him in disbelief. Luffy tilted his head. "A fan?"
Then the man Bartolomeo recognized as Jack F. Corrie leaned over and whispered something into Luffy's ear. Luffy's grin widened.
"Hey, you! Wanna join my crew?" asked Luffy with that bright, fearless smile.
Bartolomeo's heart exploded with joy. His knees went weak as tears filled his eyes. "Of course I will!" he shouted, voice trembling. "It would be an honor, Captain Luffy!"
From that moment on, Bartolomeo's dream had come true. He was no longer just a fan… he was one of them.
...
The crew finally returned to the Going Merry, the most powerful ship that can shook even Monkey D Dragon. Bartolomeo followed closely behind Luffy, his eyes wide with awe as he stepped onto the straw hat ship.
"So this is… the Going Merry," whispered Bartolomeo, running his hands along the rail. "The ship of the Straw Hat Pirates… I'm touching history…"
Nami rolled her eyes. "You're acting like this is a museu."
Bartolomeo froze, then. "Ah! Nami-senpai! Forgive me! I.... I didn't mean to disrespect the ship!"
Sanji laughed as he leaned against the mast. "Oi, oi, calm down. You're gonna give yourself a heart attack before dinner."
Meanwhile, Jack stood near the stern, observing Bartolomeo carefully. He scanned the man from head to toe, as if evaluating something invisible.
Jack just smiled faintly. "Welcome Bartolomeo, I hope you will be happy here."
Bartolomeo's eyes shone. "Y-you mean that?! You're too kind, Jack-senpai!"
As the others laughed at his overreaction, Jack just looking at his interface, the new template has been unlocked earlier and he told Luffy about it, Luffy wanted him to show his power but Jack said he will show it at the ship
[Template Unlocked: Thena]
Luffy tilted his head. "Oi, Jack, you talking to yourself again?"
Jack chuckled and shook his head. "Just thinking… our crew's about to get a lot stronger."
"By the way captain do you want to see my new power?" asked Jack.
"Of course," replied Luffy with a star on his eyes.
"Guys, let me show you my power," shouted Jack.
Everyone attention turned towards him, Jack eyes suddenly glowed and it form a sword and shield. Then jack manipulated the sword into spear and the shield into bigger shield.
Dragon who saw this was shocked, he had a feeling this glowing power was very dangerous.
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