The raiding of the International Philanthropy Association gave Borsalino a proper wake up call, one that made him understand that he needed to guard his own back at all times. He was repeatedly reminded by Thor that the Rocks Pirates moved with a single shared understanding, which was that every member existed to further their own ambitions. Even Thor, who could easily be called the most loyal individual in the entire crew, only stayed on the ship because he wanted to turn Elbaph into the greatest country in the world. The crew worked together because their goals aligned, not because any of them cared about unity.
"So would our own crew also work under this kind of idea if we ever start one," Borsalino asked one afternoon, staring blankly at the sky. Thor only laughed in response, which made Borsalino even more confused.
"Do you honestly think this style of leadership would work in a war against an institution that has been built on endless obedience to those above them," Thor said. "If I were you, I would take the qualities worth keeping and remove everything that holds your people back. That is the only way to build a truly reliable crew."
Borsalino nodded slowly. Even in his short time with Thor and the Rocks Pirates, he already noticed that Thor had a completely different approach to everything. Thor was willing to stand beside Rocks, but he did not follow Xebec blindly. He respected Rocks, even if he disagreed with many of his methods, while most others in the crew either feared Rocks or tolerated him.
Time continued to move forward, and Borsalino kept spending most of his days with Thor, Newgate, and Stussy. Meanwhile, Kaido began drifting closer to Linlin, who was giving birth to children so frequently that the entire island started recognizing her pacing footsteps as a normal sound. During this period, Thor finally saw one of his favorite characters from the world he remembered, which was Katakuri. Katakuri already carried himself with pride even as a child.
Katakuri eventually began looking up to Thor after watching him fight, argue, and live in the way he wanted. Katakuri often imitated small things Thor did, sometimes copying gestures, sometimes copying the way Thor walked, and even once copying Thor's clothing. Thor caught Katakuri wearing something similar to the clothing of an Elbaph warrior, which looked more like a barbarian outfit compared to Katakuri's usual cowboy inspired appearance. Thor found it amusing and strangely adorable.
"Katakuri, if you want to be like me, let me give you something important," Thor said calmly. "Do not waver. A person who wavers is someone who breaks easily. If you choose to stand in front of something, then give your full heart to that choice."
Katakuri had been crying while holding Brulee's hand. She had a fresh wound on her face from an earlier bullying incident. Katakuri had tried to protect her and ended up beaten as well. When Katakuri first asked Thor how he could become like him, he hid his face, believing it was hideous. The moment he heard Thor's words, his tears stopped, and he looked directly at Thor, who wore a serious expression without any hesitation.
"Do not cover your face just because others say it looks wrong. Do not hide the marks on your sister's face because you feel ashamed of them. These are proof of the paths you walk and the fights you endure. A warrior carries his scars and the scars of those he protects. Push yourself until you reach your own limits and prove your worth for yourself, not for the approval of others," Thor said. The words imprinted directly into Katakuri's mind.
Brulee received treatment from Stussy, while Newgate stood nearby with a thunderous expression.
"What kind of coward hurts a child just because they cannot defeat another child," Newgate muttered, his voice low with anger. "I will deal with them myself."
Thor turned to him.
"There is no need. Katakuri already handled it," Thor replied. Newgate paused and then walked toward Katakuri, placing a heavy hand on his shoulder.
"Stand proud. You protected your family. That is what matters most," Newgate said. Katakuri almost glowed with happiness. Recognition from both Thor and Newgate, two of the most respected fighters in the crew, meant more to him than anything.
Life on Hachinosu continued. Katakuri, Brulee, and even Oven began spending more time around the area where Thor, Borsalino, Newgate, and Stussy usually stayed. The most noticeable change was that Katakuri no longer covered his mouth. He now walked confidently with his imperfections visible to everyone.
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While life on the island continued, Rocks sailed alone over the open sea. He had just returned from Elbaph, where Thor had left something for Loki and the others. Thor could not secure a spot on the boat in time, so Rocks went alone for his own reasons, mainly because he wanted to visit Harald for drinks. Even if Harald denied it, Rocks knew that the two of them were each other's oldest friends.
As Rocks continued sailing, he came across a ship he recognized immediately. It carried the Jolly Roger with the distinctive fang shaped snakes. It was none other than the Kuja Pirates. Rocks smiled in amusement and fired his pistol toward the vessel.
"Oi, Kuja Pirates, consider that an official invitation for a Davy Back Fight between me and your captain," Rocks shouted. The gunshot caused several of the Kuja members to rush to the deck.
Their captain Gloriosa and her vice captain Shakuyaku stepped forward. When Shakuyaku saw Rocks, she instantly looked toward Gloriosa and whispered caution, fully aware of Rocks' reputation. Gloriosa, however, drifted into her own thoughts.
'If I defeat Rocks and make him bow to me, Roger will surely be impressed with me,' Gloriosa thought foolishly. Shakuyaku knew this thought was dangerous, as Rocks was known not only for his strength but for his extreme cunning. Many who fought him in Davy Back Fights later found themselves part of his crew.
"Sister, be careful. He is planning something," Shakuyaku warned. Gloriosa barely heard her as she was too lost in her imagination. Shakuyaku shook her repeatedly until Gloriosa nearly became dizzy.
"I accept," Gloriosa said, still dizzy. Shakuyaku's expression immediately darkened while Rocks' grin widened.
Their Davy Back Fight involved a very unusual challenge. Both competitors would be bitten repeatedly by the most poisonous snake raised by the Kuja. Whoever fainted first and required the antidote would lose.
Gloriosa had grown up surrounded by poisonous creatures and had built incredible tolerance. Rocks had no such experience, but he faced the challenge without hesitation. There were no elaborate rules. The one who fell unconscious first would lose.
Tritoma, the third in command of the Kuja Pirates, brought out their deadliest snake. Its venom would clot blood instantly with no mercy.
The snake bit both of them. Gloriosa showed almost no reaction while Rocks' eyes began to redden almost immediately. He felt the venom rushing through him and understood he would lose if he waited.
Rocks remembered there were no rules about using Haki. He released a focused burst of Conqueror's Haki directly at Gloriosa. She collapsed instantly.
Shakuyaku drew her bow and aimed at Rocks.
"You cheated," she said. Rocks laughed even while blood ran from the corner of his mouth.
"There were no rules against it. This is my win and you know it," Rocks answered. Tritoma held the antidote but hesitated. Rocks was coughing blood yet still grinning.
Shakuyaku wanted to wait and let the poison finish him, but Gloriosa grabbed her arm.
"Give him the antidote. We lost. He simply used what he had. We also had our advantages," Gloriosa said. Shakuyaku reluctantly signaled to Tritoma, who handed the antidote to Rocks. He drank it and laughed again.
With that, Gloriosa lost her position as captain and became part of the Rocks Pirates. Her mind quickly returned to thoughts of Roger, believing this might become the opportunity she had been waiting for.