The official members of the Rocks Pirates continued their plundering business as usual, and their next target was a specific underground organization that specialized in supplying weapons, medicine, and other resources needed to maintain order on Hachinosu. With the island now acting as their main base of operations, Rocks wanted to arm the criminals living around the massive fish shaped stone so they could function as a constant screening force for newcomers and potential recruits. The plan was simple and direct, but fate had something else prepared for them long before they reached the intended target.
While the crew sailed toward their destination, a familiar presence appeared on the horizon. A ship approached from the opposite direction, and Rocks instantly recognized the Jolly Roger that fluttered above its mast. Newgate also narrowed his eyes, as the flag was one that both he and Rocks had seen too many times. Even Thor, who had only been a pirate for a short while, recognized the symbol since it belonged to one of the most iconic crews in all of One Piece.
Rocks clicked his tongue, then immediately grinned."Roger, how many times do I have to tell you that I do not want to see your face," Rocks yelled, though there was amusement mixed within his irritation.
The ship in front of them was the Oro Jackson, and standing on its deck was the crew of the Roger Pirates led by none other than Gol D. Roger. Roger had a reputation that rivaled Rocks in fame, but his personality was the complete opposite, being more adventurous and free spirited instead of destructive.
Roger pointed at him and yelled back."Rocks, the sea does not belong to you. You do not get to decide where my next adventure is, you stubborn idiot," Roger replied. Standing beside him were Rayleigh and Gaban, both watching Rocks with calm expressions.
Rocks and Roger released Conqueror's Haki at the same time, which crackled across the air and sea. Their haki clashed evenly, though Rocks' energy seemed to push forward slightly more as the pressure rose between them. The waves trembled, smaller pirates fainted on both crews, and the sky above them darkened for a moment.
After the initial clash, both captains burst into laughter. Their crews, now fully aware of what was about to happen, began preparing their weapons while adjusting their stances.
"Rob them," both Rocks and Roger shouted at the same time.
The two captains leaped into the air and clashed violently, their blades and haki filled strikes sending out shockwaves. Newgate immediately went after Rayleigh, and although he could have ended the fight quickly if he had used his Devil Fruit, he treated it more like a spar than a real battle. Rayleigh likewise did not fight with killing intent. The two simply tested each other's strength.
Gaban struggled against Kyo and Shiki who kept turning the fight into a chaotic free for all. Their constant rivalry made them bicker mid battle, swinging at each other as much as they swung at Gaban, making the entire exchange borderline comedic.
Thor found himself facing an older man with a full beard who wielded an axe similar to Thor's preference. Thor remained in his two meter form and matched the man's strikes without much difficulty. Every member of both crews engaged their opponent, but strangely enough, the atmosphere lacked the desperation of a battle to the death. It felt more like a brutal competition, something that both the Roger and Rocks crews were used to when running into each other.
The only true life threatening fight was between Rocks and Roger, as the two exchanged blow after blow without dodging, almost deliberately taking each strike as if trying to prove which one could endure more.
This clash continued until a new presence approached from the distance. Both Rocks and Roger halted for a moment as their grins widened. A Marine ship appeared, and not just any Marine ship. It carried a very specific person they both recognized, followed by another ship with someone just as notable.
"It is the Garp Pirates," Rocks shouted, purposely referring to Garp's group as pirates because he knew how much it irritated the Marine hero.
Garp heard him and immediately grew angry. He grabbed a cannonball with his bare hands and hurled it straight at the two captains. Rocks and Roger blocked it together with haki, though both laughed at Garp's predictable reaction.
The arrival of the Marines turned the battle into a chaotic three way fight. Thor continued clashing with his earlier opponent, but now several Marines joined the fray, including Bogard who attempted to lecture Thor mid fight. Bogard reminded him that he should behave and return to Elbaf before he completely ruined any future negotiations with the World Government. Thor found Bo-gard's attitude irritating, though he kept fighting without taking the Marine too seriously.
More Marine ships approached from the distance. Sengoku's vessel appeared, followed by Tsuru's, and their combined presence made it clear that if the fighting continued, they would all be surrounded and outnumbered.
Rocks and Roger both understood this. After one final three way clash between themselves and Garp, they disengaged and leapt back toward their ships. Their crew members immediately recognized their captains' decisions and began withdrawing as well.
Garp yelled after them."Rocks, Roger, where do you think you are going? You are not escaping. You are on the path to Impel Down," Garp shouted angrily while jumping back toward his own ship. Sengoku and Tsuru joined him on deck, both preparing to pursue the retreating pirates.
Sengoku raised his voice and addressed Thor directly."Prince Thor, I know the World Government has not finalized any agreements with Elbaf yet, but staying with pirates will only cause greater damage to your future and your homeland. This is your last chance to reconsider," Sengoku attempted to convince him in the same manner Bogard did.
Thor glared at him."Elbaf's kindness is extended to those who extend their hands, not to ungrateful fools. You had a chance to earn the support of the giants and to welcome giant soldiers into your forces, but you threw that chance away. Now deal with the consequences," Thor shouted back as Rocks signaled his crew to fire the cannons.
Seeing the pirates begin to flee, the Marines prepared to give chase. Thor stepped forward and summoned ice with both hands, forming a massive structure that steadily grew colder and denser as he kept compressing and shaping it. After several minutes of preparation, Thor threw the enormous mass toward the pursuing Marine fleet.
Garp saw it coming and assumed it was just another projectile. He punched it to knock it away, but the moment his fist touched the ice, it spread across his arm and engulfed his entire body. Garp fell back onto his ship which immediately froze, the ice crawling rapidly across the deck and extending into the surrounding sea. The other Marine vessels also began to get caught in the expanding frost.
Roger gave Thor a thumbs up from afar and shouted with an amused grin."If you ever get tired of sailing with that troublemaker, come join me instead. It is much more fun than sticking around that porcupine," Roger yelled.
Rocks exploded in anger and hurled his own insults back at Roger. The two continued shouting at each other even as their ships sailed in completely different directions, leaving the frozen Marine fleet behind them.