As Crocodile glanced at his crew, unmoving and steadfast, an unfamiliar feeling stirred in his chest one he couldn't quite name. Perhaps… loyalty? Respect? He wasn't used to it.
Daz Bones broke the silence with his usual bluntness. "I still don't get it. If Ayr doesn't like being called 'pops,' it's probably because half the sea would suddenly start calling him 'dad' just to board his ship."
Days later, the Baroque Works ship finally arrived at Ayr's territory.
It soon became clear why none of them had disembarked earlier Ayr's presence alone was simply too overwhelming.
Even Crocodile, who was already in his thirties, noted how Ayr looked shockingly younger than him. His youthful face clashed against a reputation forged across decades.
Mr. 2 Bon Clay transformed into Ayr for fun sweeping hair, a regal stance and joked, "Can you imagine calling this eternal emperor 'senpai' instead of 'lord'?"
"It's said he underwent the Ope Ope no Mi's Perpetual Youth Operation," someone whispered. "He's immortal unchanging, ageless."
Among pirates, no legend inspired more awe than Ayr.
"His Conqueror's Haki is monstrous. The kind you're either born with or not," one crew member muttered. "Even Xiao Feng can't imitate that presence."
"Emperor's aura," someone added. "You can't fake it you feel it in your bones."
From the Rocks era to now, Ayr had been present at nearly every turning point in history. His legacy rivaled even Whitebeard's, and in some ways, surpassed it.
Crocodile reflected silently. And to think... I challenged this man with full confidence. No wonder I was crushed.
In a hushed moment, Sengoku's past words echoed in his memory. "If he ever returns to make waves... it's already too late to stop him."
Even the former Fleet Admiral, Kong now World Commander had once spoken with wariness about Ayr's existence. Rumors of him kept resurfacing like ghost stories that refused to die.
Meanwhile, news birds took to the skies, distributing headlines that sent shockwaves around the Grand Line.
"Crocodile and Baroque Works Surrender to Emperor Ayr!"
Even isolated islands and the New World received the news within hours.
Back on the ship, disbelief still lingered.
"A paper-eating lamb that devours ancient texts? That can't be real," Mr. 3 said, skeptically.
"But the rumors were right," someone replied. "Ayr has ancient knowledge no one else does."
Bentham, ever curious, once again used his Mane Mane no Mi to mimic Ayr's face sparking both admiration and unease. "It's strange. Same face, but the vibe's totally off," Daz Bones said, squinting. "The real Ayr... gives off pressure just by breathing."
"Right?!" Bentham exclaimed. "I copied everything! The eyes, the grin... and still, it's nothing like him!"
"My God!" another shouted, "To think we get to be part of his crew!"
Excitement boiled over.
"Joining the crew of the Emperor of the Sea... it's not just luck it's fate!"
The Baroque Works officers couldn't contain their giddiness. Some danced, others stared out to sea, stunned by the journey that had brought them here.
Crocodile, however, stood in the corner, listening.
So this is the power of Ayr's presence, he thought, half-amused. I planned for years to be king of Alabasta. He barely lifts a finger, and people fall in line.
News of Baroque Works' defection created an uproar throughout the seas. Bounty hunters, rival pirates, even Marine officers debated Ayr's growing influence. From East Blue to the Red Line, everyone was talking.
Aboard the ship, a passionate debate broke out.
"This is Ayr's ship," said a crewman in disbelief. "Most pirates would sell their souls just to set foot on it!"
"Boss," another laughed, "you really undersold how much pull he has!"
Even Daz Bones, usually reserved, seemed unsettled. "He's too powerful to copy, too young to be real… What is this man?"
Crocodile sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"Ayr isn't someone you imitate," he muttered. "You follow him or you get left behind."
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