Chapter 26 Ragnar D. Ron?
Newspapers spread through every island, and people stared at the new bounty in horror. On Beehive Island, pirates noticed it as it spread throughout the island and reached the core members of Rocks' crew.
"Gurararrara, 2B already. The World Government really fears what he might become," Newgate laughed as he drank.
"Tsk, that brat is that kind of monster. In just a few months, he has already become a Great Sword Master. His strength is growing at a monstrous level, his defense is comparable to Linlin's, and his speed… let's not even talk about that. And his unique Seimei Kikan, which allows him to shrink his body, only boosts his already absurd speed," Shiki growled.
"Gurararrara, and don't forget he has flames and wings too. His stamina is practically limitless," even Newgate had to acknowledge his strength.
Rocks stared at the title, "Ron, the Titan of Destruction," deep in thought. He turned to Newget. "Oi, what was his size recently?"
"30m, I think. He said it was because of his Lunarian side that his height was small. Now his strength and size are catching up with his early-grown body," Newgate said, though he was confused why Rocks asked.
Rocks fell silent. Should I have Ron eat that Devil Fruit? But he is still too young, not fully matured. He hasn't even learned Conqueror's infusion.
On Stussy's ship, Ron was punching the poneglyph while Gloriousa used her ability to keep massive spheres of water afloat.
"You guys are really training maniacs," Stussy complained, but Gloriousa ignored her completely.
"Strength is the only thing that gives you freedom on this sea," Ron said calmly.
"Tsk, you think I don't know that?" Stussy snorted, while the two continued training without stopping.
In Paradise, on the Kuja ship, Shakky smiled as she looked at Ron's bounty poster.
"You really are growing fast," she said softly, before her eyes twitched in irritation.
"Damn you, Gloriousa, running away and leaving Kuja on me. Just you wait," she huffed angrily, then grinned again at Ron's poster.
In the New World, near the waters of Ripple Island, on Roger's ship, Roger stared at Ron's bounty poster with resentment.
"So this is the bastard. Because of him, Garp chased me like a hungry hound for months," he growled.
His anger rose as he suddenly started crying. "Waaah! I was so close to getting Shakky to join our crew!"
Gabban glared at him angrily. "If not for you, she would have been on our ship long ago."
The crew started bickering, shouting and cursing each other, while Rayleigh rubbed his forehead in frustration.
"These guys… why did I even join this crew?" he muttered, before glancing at Ron's bounty. For some unknown reason, he felt irritated looking at it.
He was confused, as he was sure he had never met Ron. So why was he feeling this anger? He shook his head and moved to stop the fight from escalating.
The poster flew in the wind, showing: "Ron, the Titan of Destruction. Bounty: 2,000,000,000 Berries. Dead or Alive."
Garp's ship moved toward Ripple Island, cutting through the sea at high speed.
"Bahahaha, the Titan of Destruction, huh? Let's see how much you've grown," Garp laughed.
Inside the Flower Garden Room, a shadowy figure looked at Ron's bounty poster. His red eyes stared at the image.
"So, which path will you choose? Will you become the new Liberation Warrior… or carve your own path? Ragnar D. Ron."
The Five Elders remained bowed as one finally spoke. "My lord, he bears the D. Shouldn't we—"
Imu's eyes fell on him, and all five shuddered. "Do not question my actions," he said coldly as he walked away.
"Just because he decided to put 'D' in his name does not make him one of them. Let's see how long he keeps playing."
"As you wish, my lord."
In Elbaf, Ripley trained harder than ever, while Loki trained in the lowest realm. Inside the castle, Harld stared toward the treasury with a complicated expression.
"Why didn't he take Ragnar and the Devil Fruit?" he muttered, still confused by Ron's actions.
The wheels of time were moving faster than ever, and fate was playing its game as events slowly aligned.
No one felt it, but destiny itself was beginning to change.