The Treasure of Hachinosu.
Ever since joining the crew, York had been investigating the legend of this treasure.
In his previous life, the fan theories were rampant. Most believed the "Treasure of Hachinosu" was a top-tier Devil Fruit—likely the Uo Uo no Mi, Model: Seiryu or the Nikyu Nikyu no Mi—that would eventually end up in the Celestial Dragons' prize chests at God Valley.
York had considered eating a second fruit. Science could bypass the limitations of nature—if he could secure Dr. Vegapunk before the World Government locked him down.
But he never expected the "Treasure" to be a woman.
Shakuyaku.
York walked out of the bar, shaking his head.
While Shakky was stunning, designating a human as the island's supreme treasure seemed excessive.
However, York was a pragmatist. He saw the political angle.
Rocks D. Xebec was leading a pack of wolves who hated each other. They needed something to unite them besides fear.
Shakky was a symbol. By making her the "Treasure," Rocks gave the crew a shared object of desire—a mascot they all wanted to protect. It was a brilliant, if manipulative, leadership move.
'Whether Rocks is a genius or just a simp... only time will tell.'
The Training Ground.
York didn't linger. He left the bar, leaving the Simp Squad behind.
His departure was noticed.
Shiki and Captain John grinned, happy to have one less handsome rival.
Whitebeard and Linlin nodded with respect. They knew where York was going.
York was a freak among freaks. He had the most degenerate fruit, but the most disciplined work ethic. Every moment not spent on missions or "maintenance" with Gloriosa was spent training.
That was why, despite being a rookie, his physical stats were creeping toward the top tier.
Kaido watched York leave. He stuffed the rest of his food into his mouth, grabbed his club, and followed him out.
Kaido liked Shakky, but he wasn't a fool. In this world, strength was the only currency that mattered.
Behind Skull Mountain.
This area was a graveyard of steel.
It housed the stolen Frozen Giant lab from Punk Hazard and several captured Marine battleships.
York stripped off his shirt, revealing a physique carved from granite. He walked up to a battleship that had been dragged onto the land. Its hull was heavily dented.
He started stretching.
"Yo! Kaido! Why are you here?" York asked without looking back. "Not having a few more drinks with the Goddess?"
"If you're here, why can't I be here?"
Kaido grunted, tossing his shirt aside. He was still young—only a teenager—but his oni blood gave him a massive frame.
Bang!
York assumed a horse stance. He didn't use Haki. He didn't use his fruit.
He threw a straight punch into the steel hull.
CRUNCH.
The metal buckled.
Kaido watched him. "Is this training really useful? Punching steel without Haki?"
"Of course," York grunted, throwing another punch.
"You know Garp, right? The Marine Hero? This is how he trains. He calls them 'Battleship Bags.' He destroys mountains of steel with bare fists, no Haki allowed. That's why his punch hurts like hell."
"Garp?!"
Kaido raised an eyebrow. He hadn't expected the Marine Hero's secrets to be common knowledge, but he didn't question it. If it worked for Garp, it was good enough for him.
Kaido took a stance in front of the next ship.
BANG!
The two apprentices began to pound the steel in rhythm.
"By the way, Kaido," York said between punches. "Have you thought about the future?"
"Future?" Kaido grunted. "I want a powerful Devil Fruit. Like Newgate's."
"And after that? Will you stay with Rocks forever?"
"I haven't thought about leaving. This life is fine."
BANG!
York hit the hull hard enough to shake the ship.
"The Rocks Pirates will disband. Within 5 years."
Kaido stopped punching. He looked at York, skeptical.
"5 years? You're crazy. Rocks is invincible."
Kaido believed in the crew. Despite the infighting, he felt a sense of belonging. This was the only place where monsters like him were accepted. Plus, Rocks' goal—to destroy the Celestial Dragons—aligned with Kaido's own hatred.
York stopped and leaned against the dented steel.
"I've heard your story, Kaido."
"Born in the Vodka Kingdom. The strongest warrior at age 10. You fought wars for your country just to earn the right to buy their way into the World Council."
"And when you became too strong... your own King sold you to the Marines. He traded your life for a seat at the Reverie."
York looked at the horned teenager.
"Don't you hate them? The high-and-mighty nobles who treat people like currency?"
Kaido clenched his fists. The metal of the hull groaned under his grip.
Hate?
Of course he hated them. He dreamed of returning to the Vodka Kingdom and crushing the King's skull. He dreamed of dragging the Celestial Dragons out of Mary Geoise and introducing them to his kanabo.
But he was just an apprentice. He needed Rocks.
"If Rocks falls..." Kaido muttered, "Where else can I go? No one else challenges the Gods."
York smiled darkly.
"That's why you need to be ready, Kaido."
"When the ship sinks... make sure you're the one building the next one."
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