The Oro Jackson cut swiftly through the azure waves.
Suddenly, Buggy's voice rang out from the crow's nest:
"Captain! There's a Navy ship ahead—no, a wreck!"
The crew turned as one, spotting the shattered remains of a warship adrift on the sea. Its hull was riddled with fist-shaped craters and deep fissures.
At the wreck's center stood a towering figure, arms crossed, golden hair gleaming under the sun. His eyes burned with feral intensity.
"That's… Douglas Bullet!" Rhett narrowed his eyes, recognizing the man.
Bullet locked onto Roger, voice low and challenging. "Roger…? Fight me!"
Roger scratched his ear and grinned. "Kyaha-ha! Someone's got a temper!"
Before Roger could respond, Rhett was already airborne, propelled by crimson mist. He looked down at Bullet with a smirk.
"Hey. You wanna challenge our captain?"
Bullet frowned. "Who the hell are you? I don't waste time on small fry."
Rhett's smile only widened.
The trio of cabin boys shivered. They knew that look—Rhett was pissed.
Crimson mist solidified beneath him, forming a throne of blood. He lounged lazily, chin propped on one hand.
"Small fry? Cute. How about this?"
Before the words finished, the mist surged—
*THUD!*
Bullet's stomach caved in as he hurtled backward, smashing through the wreckage. He scrambled up, pupils constricting at the sight of Rhett—still seated, unmoved.
"Now. Interested?" Rhett tilted his head, amusement glinting in his eyes.
Bullet wiped blood from his lips, grinning wildly. "Good… You're strong."
*"Fusion: Colossus!"*
The wreckage writhed to life—metal, wood, cannons—all fused onto Bullet's body. In seconds, a steel titan loomed over the sea, fist crashing down!
*BOOM—!!!*
The impact sent waves towering, rocking the Oro Jackson violently.
Shanks and Buggy picked their noses, utterly unfazed.
"How many hits d'you think that tin can lasts?"
"Damn it, Rhett's fighting style's so cool!" Buggy gnawed his handkerchief, eyes starry.
The dust cleared. Rhett hadn't budged, not even a ruffled sleeve. He sighed at the colossus.
"All flash, no substance."
*"Mist Corrosion: Life Drain."*
Scarlet fog engulfed the titan. Bullet gasped as his fused metals rotted away, vitality forcibly siphoned.
"What?!" His hands trembled, watching his invincible form crumble.
Rhett watched dispassionately as giant parts clattered down. "Tch. Can't you at least make it fun?"
*WHAM!*
Another mist-fueled punch sent Bullet flying into the sea. Rhett already knew his current power level was awkward. Future Emperors (barring Kaido) might give him trouble, but regular Vice-Admiral-tier? Child's play.
The gap was brutal.
Moments later, Bullet dragged himself onto the wreckage. His earlier arrogance had morphed into something raw—frustration, awe, and… exhilaration.
"You… What's your name?" he panted.
Rhett dispersed the mist, scratching his ear lazily. "Rhett."
The Roger Pirates burst into laughter. Rayleigh called up, "You just adopted another problem, huh?"
Roger stepped forward, clapping Bullet's shoulder. "Kyaha-ha! So? Wanna join us?"
Bullet wiped blood from his mouth, sneering. "Join? Only if you beat me first!"
He lunged, Haki-clad fist aimed at Roger's face—
*DODGE!*
Roger sidestepped effortlessly, chopping Bullet's neck. The man faceplanted again.
"Kids these days, so aggressive!" Roger sighed.
Bullet staggered up, eyes blazing. "Again!"
Scarlet mist coiled around his ankles.
"Yo. Forgetting who wrecked you already?"
Rhett's voice came from behind—somehow already back on deck, tossing an apple. Bullet whirled, then grinned.
"Perfect! Our fight's not over!"
*"Fusion: Mega Colossus!"*
His fist slammed the deck, absorbing wood and metal. A monstrous construct loomed over them.
Shanks and Buggy clung to each other. "THE SHIP'S GONNA BREAK!!"
Rhett took a bite of his apple, sighing. "Hopeless."
Black Tide greatsword drawn.
*"Mist God Style: Phantom Strike."*
A single slash—
*SPLIT!*
The colossus cleaved clean in half, parts raining down.
Bullet gaped at his disintegrating hands.
Rhett materialized before him, foot slamming into his chest.
"Take a dive."
*KABOOM!*
Bullet torpedoed into the sea, sending up a geyser.
Rhett smirked. Now this was his kind of punching bag.
The man resurfaced, battered but eyes alight with newfound fire.
Roger leaned over the railing, grinning. "Change your mind yet?"
Bullet gritted his teeth… then seized Roger's outstretched hand, hauling himself aboard.
"Tch. Fine. But I'll beat Rhett one day."
Rhett tossed his apple core overboard, patting Bullet's shoulder. "Sure, kid. I'll wait."
Bullet glared but stayed put.
"Mark my words—the day I win, I'm leaving this crew without hesitation."
Roger laughed heartily. "Kyaha-ha! That's what makes it fun! Welcome aboard, Bullet!"
And so, another headstrong member joined the Oro Jackson.
On the horizon, the sunset painted the sky blood-red—a promise of chaos yet to come.