The atmosphere in front of the Heavenly Punishment Pirates' base gates was extremely heavy.
Gloriosa led a group of combat members in a state of high alert, her gaze fixed on the figure approaching from the distance.
Just by walking casually, Rocks D. Xebec emitted an invisible pressure that made the very air warp around him.
"Rocks!"
Gloriosa's expression was grave as she spoke first.
"What are you doing here?"
Rocks stopped in his tracks, his mouth curling into a wild grin. His gaze swept over Gloriosa before he turned his head with interest to look at the mountain-like Gölz.
"So you're... the new great executives on my ship? The former Empress of Nine Snake Island, 'Flame Flower' Gloriosa, and..."
He deliberately dragged out his tone with a hint of playfulness, "...the 'traitor' of the Giant Race, Galmo, right?"
"I'm glad that powerhouses like you have chosen my Rocks Pirates."
Despite his words, there was no hint of welcome in his eyes; instead, they were full of scrutiny.
Alarm bells rang in Gloriosa's mind. Rocks could not have come just to say hello.
"However—" Rocks' voice suddenly turned cold, his gaze becoming sharp as a blade.
"This is my Hachinosu Island! Do I need to report to you where I want to go? Huh?!"
As he spoke, a wild, domineering, and terrifying Conqueror's Haki that seemed ready to crush everything exploded from Rocks' body!
In an instant, the world lost its color, the wind and clouds swirled, and the ground beneath his feet groaned under the burden. The peerless aura pressed down like a massive mountain on everyone present from the Heavenly Punishment Pirates!
"Thump! Thump!"
Behind Gloriosa, the elite Female Warriors fell like harvested wheat, collapsing to the ground in heaps, losing consciousness instantly.
The only ones still standing were Gloriosa, whose face was somewhat pale, and Gölz, who swayed slightly but remained upright.
'So strong!'
Fine beads of cold sweat broke out on Gloriosa's forehead, and her heart pounded violently.
This was a level of pressure she had never experienced before, even more powerful than the pressure Charlotte Linlin gave her in her Magic Dragon form!
She was only able to stand by relying on her own strength and tenacious will.
As for why Gölz could stand tall, it was because she had personally experienced the baptism of a sliver of the true 'Thunder God' aura within the musou isshin.
While Rocks' current might was strong, it was still quite inferior compared to the divine aura Big Mom displayed when saving her. After all, when Big Mom saved her, she was using a weapon that contained the will of the true 'Thunder God'.
"It's true that we are your Crew members,"
Gloriosa said, her voice still firm as she pushed back against Rocks' Conqueror's Haki.
"But this is also the territory of the Heavenly Punishment Pirates! If you do anything to harm the Heavenly Punishment Pirates, we will not show mercy!"
"That's right! This is Lord Thunder God's territory!"
Gölz chimed in with her mature, 'older sister' voice but in a childish tone.
"If you want to do bad things, I advise you to give up now!"
"Thunder God? Wuhahahahaha—!"
Rocks looked at the two women before him who, far from yielding under the impact of his Conqueror's Haki, showed a determination to fight to the death. He suddenly burst into laughter.
He appreciated people with such courage, especially those who dared to draw their swords against him. This proved they indeed had the strength to be worthy of his respect.
As for their loyalty being to Big Mom rather than him? So what! As long as they were on Hachinosu Island, he was confident that when the appointed day arrived, they would all become his strength!
"You're mocking Lord Thunder God!"
Seeing Rocks laughing, Gölz immediately tightened her giant fists in anger, leaning her body forward in an attacking stance. If Rocks showed even one more hint of disrespect, she would punch him without hesitation.
"No, no, no!" Rocks stopped laughing and waved his hand. Instead, he stroked his chin, revealing an almost serious, thoughtful expression.
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