The ocean stretched endlessly, a vast expanse of silver under the rising sun.
The ship cut through the waves, its black sails taut, bearing the mark of the Rocks Pirates like a shadow across the sea.
On deck, Rocks D. Xebec stood at the bow, eyes scanning the horizon. Around him, his crew prepared for the inevitable, ammunition checked, blades sharpened, cannons loaded. The air was thick with anticipation, the kind that precedes storms, both natural and human.
Ada moved along the deck, her coat fluttering behind her. She paused at Xebec's side, speaking quietly.
"The currents are shifting," she said. "Someone's waiting for us."
Rocks smirked, teeth flashing. "Good. I was hoping for company."
Kaido leaned against the railing, arms crossed. "I hope it's someone strong. I was getting bored."
Linlin stretched, cracking her fingers. "Boring is bad for my appetite. Let's make sure we arrive ready to feast."
Ada's eyes flicked to them, unamused. "Focus. God Valley isn't just a feast. It's a message — and if we're sloppy, it could be the last we ever give."
Shiki laughed, spinning his sword. "Message or not, the world will remember us."
Far on the horizon, a shadow rose. At first, it was just a glint on the water, then the form of a colossal figure. Harald, king of Elbaf, aboard a ship alone. His armor reflected the morning sun, and his great axe rested on his shoulder like a challenge.
Ada's hand went to her pistol. "Harald," she said quietly.
Rocks grinned, leaning forward. "So the old friend finally decides to greet us."
Harald's voice boomed across the waters. "Xebec! You've gone too far this time!"
Rocks' eyes narrowed. "Too far? You just want to protect the World Government? You've become their dog, Harald. Trading honor for power. If they kill me, you get a seat at their table, don't you?"
Harald's jaw tightened. "I… I made a choice to save my people. To keep Elbaf standing. The world is cruel. You cannot fight it alone."
"You made a choice to betray your blood, your people, and everything we once stood for!" Rocks shouted, stepping forward. "You sold yourself to a cage for a crown you didn't earn!"
Ada instinctively drew her pistols, stepping slightly in front of Rocks. "Captain—"
Rocks waved her off. "This is between kings."
Harald raised his axe, aura flaring. "Then I leave you no choice."
Rocks drew his saber, blackened with Conqueror's Haki. "Then let's see which will bends the world."
Their weapons met over the waves, shockwaves radiating across the sea. The air hummed with raw Haki; water boiled beneath them; even the Rocks Pirates and Harald's small escort were thrown back by the invisible pressure.
"You haven't changed," Harald said through gritted teeth.
"Neither have you," Rocks replied, eyes burning with fury. "But you choose the wrong side. You may be strong, Harald, but loyalty to men without vision is weakness."
Rocks' eyes then softened for the first time, almost human. "Harald, My family is there, hidden on that island. And that is why I fight. Not for treasure. Not for power. But to protect what matters."
Harald's grip on his axe tightened, but he hesitated. "You… have a family there?"
"Yes," Rocks said, voice calm, unwavering. "And nothing you do will stop me from keeping them safe."
Harald hesitated mid-swing, seeing not just the strength in Rocks but the fire in his eyes — the protection of family, ideals, and freedom. He sighed, lowering his axe slightly.
"You fight for what you love… and I see why you are as dangerous as they say," Harald muttered. "Very well… you win this day."
Rocks' eyes narrowed. "And you let me?"
Harald shook his head. "Because I cannot bring myself to strike down my friend. But know this, you have made an enemy of Elbaf. I will not forget this."
He took a step back, letting his axe hover mid-air. "You've won this time, Xebec," he said quietly. "I… will not stop you."
Rocks' eyes met Harald's. "Thank you," he said simply. "But this isn't over. One day, the world will see why we fight."
Harald lowered his axe, the respect between the two titans undeniable. "Then make it count," he replied, before retreating, leaving the path to God Valley open.
Ada reloaded quietly, observing the tension. "Even the strongest men sometimes step aside," she murmured. "Respect… or fear. Maybe both."