Hachinosu.
At the docks along the shoreline—
In just a few short days, it seemed as though the pirates had already forgotten the trauma of that earth-shattering war. Or perhaps, compared to profit, they simply did not care.
On the second day after returning to Hachinosu, armed clashes and assassinations across the island multiplied at a geometric rate. Many began packing their belongings.
They all understood—
This place could no longer be their base.
Without Rocks D. Xebec's presence, even though the former Division Commanders were strong enough to hold a strategic stronghold like Hachinosu, the World Government would undoubtedly treat it as a thorn in its side.
For now, the World Government was severely weakened. But once it recovered—
Hachinosu would face a purge.
Rather than waste resources rebuilding here, it was wiser to choose a territory of one's own and establish a new headquarters.
Early in the morning, dozens of pirate ships lined the docks.
Aside from the vessels of the former Division Commanders, there were many smaller pirate ships as well—crews seeking to establish themselves independently.
No one cared.
These past few days, the Division Commanders had been busy recruiting subordinates and plundering treasure.
Among them—
Shiki the Golden Lion had been the most aggressive.
Several ships had already departed, yet a large crowd of pirates still gathered at the docks. Their eyes frequently turned toward the island's interior.
They were waiting.
"They're here! The captains are here!"
At the shout of a pirate, the former Division Commanders walked toward the harbor almost as if by prior arrangement.
The atmosphere ignited instantly.
"Commander Whitebeard! Please let me join you! I swear my loyalty!"
"Captain Shiki! Look at me! My bounty's 84,000,000 Berries! I'm your biggest admirer—take me with you!"
"Linlin! Let me serve you!"
The pirates clamored desperately.
They were not weak—but stronger men had already been chosen. Those superior fighters had long since been absorbed into the commanders' ranks.
Some of the unselected pirates planned to retire.
Others intended to keep sailing.
For them, securing a powerful backer was essential.
Among the Division Commanders, Whitebeard was immensely popular.
But the most sought-after—
Was Shiki.
Compared to Whitebeard's straightforward style, Shiki's ruthless ambition suited many of these vicious pirates far better. Add to that the power of the Float-Float Fruit, which significantly reduced the risks of naval combat, and his appeal soared.
Yet the true reason for the frenzy was not Shiki alone.
Standing beside him—
Was the towering figure of Roldy, former Seventh Division Commander.
Word had spread: Roldy would serve as Shiki's right-hand man.
A newly formed pirate crew with two Admiral-level fighters, one of them among the strongest of that tier—
How could that not drive men mad?
Over the past few days, nearly half of the pirates who had once followed the Division Commanders chose Shiki instead. Many were former elite combatants of the Rocks Pirates.
Their quality spoke for itself.
Those already standing behind the commanders wore proud expressions, lifting their chins high as they watched former comrades scramble for a place.
No matter how loudly the pirates shouted, the commanders paid little attention.
Even Shiki—who had recruited the most—had reached his early limit.
Nearly 2,500 pirates under his command.
Eight ships prepared.
That was enough—for now.
"Jihahahaha! So the day has finally come!"
Shiki gazed at the turbulent sea ahead.
This time, his heart felt different.
He was no longer second to anyone.
He was now the captain of a massive pirate fleet.
His ambition would begin here.
Whether he could surpass even Rocks—
He glanced at Roldy and grinned confidently.
Five years might not be long.
But with Roldy at his side?
Anything was possible.
"Well then, I'll be off first!"
Captain John of the Sixth Division stepped forward, holding a bottle of wine. His attire had grown even more extravagant—he looked as if he wanted even the bottle in his hand to be made of solid gold.
With roughly one hundred pirates behind him, he boarded his ship.
The John Pirates were born.
"You brat," Wang Zhi snorted at Silver Axe, "next time we meet, I'll beat you."
He departed with around two hundred followers.
Silver Axe merely chuckled.
"If I hear news of your death at sea, I'll be delighted. But for old times' sake, I'll burn incense for you every year."
Their rivalry remained as sharp as ever.
Silver Axe also sailed away with about two hundred pirates.
"Mamamamama! Next time we meet—we'll be enemies!"
Big Mom smiled sweetly, though venom hid behind her charm. She commanded roughly five hundred pirates across three ships.
"Jihahaha! Farewell, Newgate!"
Shiki bit down on his cigar and led his vast crowd toward the ships.
Roldy paused.
He turned toward Whitebeard.
Whitebeard looked back at him.
"Goodbye, Newgate-san. I won't forget the debt I owe you."
Roldy even handed him his personal Den Den Mushi contact number. Big Mom had one as well.
The others?
They were not close enough.
"Gurararara! Then I look forward to seeing how strong you've become next time we meet!"
Whitebeard tossed him a bottle of sake—a farewell gift between friends.
Roldy accepted it calmly and walked toward Shiki's flagship.
About fifty former members of the Seventh Division followed him. Though officially under Shiki's banner, their loyalty leaned more toward Roldy.
Truthfully, many pirates had wanted to follow Roldy directly.
Whether because of Rocks' final words—or Roldy's terrifying potential—
The number rivaled even Big Mom's.
But Roldy declined.
In the end—
Only Whitebeard remained.
Behind him stood nearly 1,000 pirates.
Ignoring the desperate pleas of those still hoping to join, Whitebeard cast one final glance at Hachinosu.
"Set sail, boys!"
"A brand-new voyage begins!"
And with that—
The most vicious pirate crew in history—
The Rocks Pirates—
Were fully dissolved.
A legendary name that once shook the world…
Had finally become history.
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