Pirate Island — Hachinosu.
The stronghold of the Rocks Pirates.
A zone the Marines classified as a red-alert region.
On this island, crew members frequently killed each other — and Captain Rocks never intervened.
He believed in survival of the fittest.
No rules.
Only strength.
That was one reason the Rocks Pirates were feared worldwide as a terrorist organization.
But today…
Hachinosu was strangely peaceful.
Hundreds — even thousands — of pirates sat together on the beach in rare harmony.
Why?
Because Rocks had recently recruited a large batch of apprentice crew.
He ordered Whitebeard and several division commanders to conduct coastal training — Haki fundamentals, hand-to-hand combat, swordsmanship.
A priceless chance to grow stronger.
So for several days, the pirates had called an unspoken truce.
Today…
Training was led by Division Commander Shiki.
The Demonstration
On a towering sea rock, Shiki stood with a thick cigar clenched between his teeth, arms folded across his chest.
His long golden hair brushed his boots as he casually swept it aside.
Sharp eyes scanned the hundreds of recruits below.
A grin tugged at his lips.
Half of them might survive the trials, he thought.
Among them, one rookie caught his attention:
Kaido.
After days of training, Shiki had recognized rare talent — monstrous physique, explosive potential.
Once the trial ended, he intended to recruit Kaido into his division before Whitebeard or the others could act.
Shiki laughed loudly.
"Gya-ha-ha!"
"Listen up, rookies — this is the last time I'm showing sword technique!"
He drew his blade.
Invisible pressure rolled outward like a storm.
The beach fell silent.
Even veteran pirates watched with reverence.
Shiki stepped forward.
Air burst outward.
His black coat snapped violently in the wind.
The blade trembled with a metallic hum.
Power gathered.
He leapt — spinning midair — and slashed.
"Flying Slash!"
A golden arc tore forward.
The calm sea split open.
A trench dozens of meters long carved through the water.
Only after long seconds did the ocean close again.
The crowd stared in stunned silence.
Kaido clenched his fists, eyes blazing.
He memorized Shiki's stance, timing, and release.
Incredible…
Then a stray thought surfaced:
I wonder…
Who's stronger — Shiki… or that mysterious bounty hunter?
News From the Sky
Shiki exhaled cigar smoke.
"Swordsmanship is difficult," he said.
"Try it yourselves."
He wasn't being generous — he was scouting talent.
He had ambitions. He needed capable people.
Suddenly—
A cry echoed overhead.
A News Coo swooped down, dropped a Marine newspaper, and fled without waiting for payment.
Smart bird.
Too many dangerous pirates below.
A recruit scrambled to retrieve the paper and presented it to Shiki.
He scanned it.
His brow tightened.
"Romu…"
"…killed Marine Vice Admiral Ethan."
"Bounty: 120 million Beli."
The beach exploded.
"Who's Romu?!"
"He killed a Vice Admiral?!"
"120 million?!"
Even seasoned pirates were shaken.
Kaido touched the horns on his forehead.
"…120 million?"
His own bounty was 70 million — inflated, he knew, by political circumstances.
Real strength-wise, he estimated himself closer to 30–40 million.
First the terrifying bounty hunter…
Then the Rocks commanders…
And now someone who killed a Vice Admiral.
This world…
His blood surged — not with fear, but hunger.
I'll get stronger.
His eyes burned with resolve.
Then—
They froze.
"…That's him?!"
On the wanted poster:
Sharp features. Messy black hair. Toothpick in his mouth. Gray shirt. Loose white trousers.
Lounging on a floating red flower.
The plant-controlling bounty hunter.
Shiki narrowed his eyes.
He landed in front of Kaido.
"You know this guy?"