"Marine warships?"
Inside the royal palace of the Kingdom of Karl, there was no longer any trace of its former decadence.
Shiki the Golden Lion now sat upon the former king's throne. Before him stood a massive steel grill rack, where a two-meter-long skewer of meat sizzled under his expert handling. No one would have imagined that such a ruthless overlord possessed cooking skills like this.
The rich aroma filled the hall.
Beside him, Roldy set down his wine glass. His face slightly flushed, he took a heavy bite of meat, chewed, and then spoke calmly:
"Marine warships coming all the way here? With the situation this tense, the World Government must've applied pressure. Have we confirmed who's leading them?"
Roldy's political instincts were sharp. He knew the Marines could not spare large-scale forces at the moment. And with him and Shiki stationed here, the Golden Lion Pirates feared no enemy.
"Report, Vice Captain… our scouts say it's… former Marine Admiral Zephyr…"
The pirate delivering the message clearly knew parts of Roldy's past. His voice grew quieter and more cautious with each word.
Shiki's pupils trembled. Instinctively, he turned to glance at Roldy.
As expected, Roldy's expression froze.
He shot to his feet, grabbing the pirate by the collar in an instant.
"Who? Say that again."
"I-It's… Black Arm Zephyr!"
The pirate shook like a leaf.
When the words fell, the fragile hope in Roldy's heart finally shattered.
He flung the pirate aside without a care for broken bones and dropped heavily to the floor, grabbing a bottle and taking a long swig.
Shiki watched in silence, concern flashing across his face. He stopped tending the grill.
"What's wrong, brat? That's normal, isn't it? The Marines are stretched thin. Zephyr's probably the only one free enough to move. It's a reasonable decision."
He paused.
"Of course… if you're not ready, leave this to me."
Shiki did not force him. He respected Roldy's strength—and more importantly, he owed him. There was no need to push him into something against his will.
"No. I'll go myself."
Roldy stood abruptly and smashed the bottle onto the ground.
He would not allow anyone to interfere in what lay between him and Zephyr.
Shiki heard the resolve in his voice and did not object. He watched as Roldy strode out of the palace before finally leaning back into the throne.
This was the best outcome.
Only then did Shiki finally pick up the roasted skewer, take a bite, and sigh contentedly.
"Three hours of work… Chef Shiki finally gets a hot meal."
Karl Kingdom — Harbor
The flagship of the Golden Lion Pirates rested at anchor, its lion figurehead gleaming.
Beside it floated another massive pirate ship—only slightly smaller.
It was Roldy's vessel.
Its structure resembled a Marine warship, but the figurehead was a beast that looked half-wolf, half-myth.
"Vice Captain Roldy!"
"Vice Captain!"
"Boss!"
Elite pirates were already assembled, including Sheen.
Under Roldy's protection, Sheen's status within the crew had risen sharply. After proper recovery, he had fully regained his strength—and for reasons unknown, he had awakened both Armament Haki and Observation Haki.
From an ordinary fish-man, he had stepped into the ranks of true fish-man warriors. His talent was remarkable. Though nowhere near Roldy's level, his growth was impressive—even Shiki envied it.
In a few years, he would surely become Roldy's capable right-hand man.
For now, however, he was still green.
"Board."
The single cold command changed Sheen's expression instantly. He understood that tone—this meant serious business.
"Right away, boss!"
He began directing the pirates with efficiency. Under his instructions, the massive ship shifted into combat readiness within moments.
The vessel launched.
Roldy stood at the prow, staring into the distance, his thoughts in turmoil.
Teacher… we're finally meeting again.
What was he feeling?
There was no hatred.
Only unease.
This step he had taken had driven a wedge deeper between them. Could their bond remain as it once was?
How should he face his teacher?
How would Zephyr face him?
Would they become enemies…
Or something else?
The ship cut swiftly through the sea.
After only five minutes of sailing, a shadow appeared on the horizon.
Roldy narrowed his eyes.
Far away, Zephyr did the same.
Across the vast distance, teacher and student locked eyes as if guided by fate.
"Report! Pirate ship sighted! That flag—it's the Golden Lion Pirates! Leading them is 'Rampaging' Roldy—bounty two billion Berries!"
The lookout relayed the signal.
The Marines reacted instantly. Unlike pirates, they required no shouting or chaos. Each soldier knew his duty. Their discipline far outpaced that of any pirate crew.
Artillery was the universal greeting between pirates and Marines.
As soon as the pirate ship entered range, the Rear Admiral temporarily serving as Zephyr's adjutant gave the order to fire.
In an instant, cannon ports thundered.
A deafening barrage erupted, forming a net of artillery shells that roared toward Roldy's ship. The explosions struck the sea around the vessel, sending shockwaves that churned the water into a surging force, shoving violently against the hull.
It was a standard Marine tactic.
But against elite New World pirates, it was meaningless.
"Return fire!"
"Where's the damn heavy cannon?! Drag it out and blast them!"
The pirates scrambled in anger, rotating their cannons and firing back—but their artillery range fell short. The shells splashed uselessly into the sea before reaching the warship.
"This won't do."
Roldy stood at the prow, voice low.
He had spent a fortune on this ship. He had no intention of letting it sink.
A ship was a seafaring man's closest companion.
And perhaps… he was simply done hesitating.
If they were destined to meet, why fear another second?
Roldy bent his knees sharply.
His body compressed like a coiled spring.
Muscles swelled to terrifying density, his form resembling a divine sculpture forged for pure violence.
"Not good! Hold on!"
Some pirates turned pale and clung to masts and railings.
Sheen blinked in confusion—
Then felt the deck tilting beneath his feet.
"Boss—AAAAAAAH!!!"
He was flung into the air.
Roldy had already launched himself forward like a cannon shell—
Behind him, his pirate ship nearly capsized from the force of his leap.
"Long time no see, Teacher Zephyr!"
A crimson gleam flashed in Roldy's eyes.
"Black Arm—Millionfold Cannon!!!"
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