Aboard the trembling marine warship.
Sakazuki stood firmly on the deck, staring at the apocalyptic scene before him.
"The power of a natural disaster..."
Though he had played a role in triggering the volcanic eruption, the true force behind it was the might of nature itself.
'This kind of power... is beyond human reach.' Sakazuki silently observed the destruction, letting out a quiet sigh.
With his current strength, destroying an island wasn't impossible. But his way of doing it would be different. It all depended on his stamina. After all, a Logia-type Devil Fruit consumed the user's own energy
If he wanted to wipe out this island, a few full-powered Meteor Volcano attacks would be enough. The entire land would be scorched by magma, leaving nothing behind—no life, no vegetation.
But that was only surface-level destruction. Against true powerhouses, it was meaningless. To erase an island completely, like this volcanic eruption had done, was something even he couldn't accomplish.
Even someone like Rocks, who remained unfazed despite being surrounded by eight of the world's strongest fighters, had been swallowed by the wrath of nature, reduced to nothing but ashes in the magma.
The island, now covered in molten rock, was collapsing, sinking into the sea.
Suddenly—
Boom!!
A thunderous explosion echoed. The magma-covered ground suddenly split apart, a massive, hundred-meter-wide hole bursting open. A golden shockwave surged skyward, piercing through the clouds.
Then, eight figures leaped from the depths.
They drew their weapons, facing off momentarily, before splitting into two groups—one heading east and the other west.
Seeing the golden beam of light soaring into the sky, Sakazuki knew Sengoku and the others were there.
He ordered the helmsman to set sail in that direction. When the ship reached the edge of the lava field, unable to advance any further, he activated his Devil Fruit powers.
Two enormous hands of molten rock, each the size of a warship, formed on either side of the vessel. Their outer layer had cooled slightly, solidified into a hardened crust—just enough to prevent them from damaging the ship.
The lava hands gripped the sides of the warship and lifted it high into the air. Beneath them, the lava churned as the massive arms propelled the ship forward, rapidly closing the distance toward the golden light.
...
Aboard the Oro Jackson.
The Roger Pirates were busy loading treasure onto the ship. Aside from the three members who had joined the battle, the rest had been looting the island for valuables.
Spencer, his long ponytail swaying behind him, placed the final chest onto the deck and let out a sigh.
"What a shame," he muttered. "There's no time to take everything."
By now, the island was collapsing.
The crew spoke up one after another.
"Yeah, there's still so much treasure left."
"Even if we had time, our ship couldn't hold it all."
"Such a waste."
"It hurts my soul... I can barely breathe from the pain."
"Me too."
Just then, three figures appeared in the distance. At the front, Roger shouted, "Yaho, boys!!"
"Set sail!!!"
The crew, upon seeing their captain return, cheered in excitement.
"AYE!!!"
...
Now back on the ship, Roger stood at the bow, gazing toward the remains of God Valley.
Suddenly, he seemed to feel something.
"Hm?"
He turned to look at the pile of treasure stacked on the deck and asked, "Where did all this come from?"
Spencer, standing nearby, answered, "We took it from God Valley."
"What's wrong, Captain?"
Roger didn't respond. He walked over to the pile, eyes scanning the chests, before reaching into the stack. With a grin, he grabbed one particular box and yanked it out. Then, with a swift motion, he flipped it open.
The moment they saw what was inside, everyone's eyes widened in shock.
"Hiss—!"
"No way!"
"Wha...!"
They exchanged stunned glances. Somehow, none of them had noticed the presence of this child.
Even Rayleigh was surprised. He hadn't sensed anything before Roger opened the chest.
But a moment later, he realized the reason.
"It's because of the chest," he murmured, a trace of amazement flickered in his eyes. "A material that can block Observation Haki."
Roger nodded. "Yeah. But this kid is unusual too."
He wasn't sure what it was—perhaps his ability to hear the voice of all things—but something about the child intrigued him.
A smile tugged at his lips. He reached in and lifted the sleeping, red-haired child.
...
Meanwhile, Sengoku and the others were making their way off the crumbling island when they noticed something in the distance.
Two massive magma hands carried a warship, speeding toward them.
"What's that?"
"Sakazuki?"
The warship came to a stop in front of them, and they leaped aboard. The enormous magma hands then resumed their grip, carrying the ship toward open waters.
"Fleet Admiral Kong. Admiral Sengoku. Vice Admiral Garp." Sakazuki addressed them one by one. But when his gaze landed on the other two figures, he hesitated.
A look of 'confusion' crossed his face, but he said nothing. He knew exactly who they were—two of the Five Elders. But no one else was supposed to know that he knew. So, he kept his mouth shut and played the part.
"Sakazuki," Kong spoke up, noticing his reaction. "These two are esteemed elders of the World Government."
Sakazuki immediately straightened.
"Honored Elders." He addressed them with a solemn, disciplined tone.
The Elders had already heard of him from Kong—the most promising Marine of the new generation.
Rigid in character, ruthless in execution.
Seeing him now, they nodded approvingly, a faint smile on their faces. Crutality was no flaw. The seas were about to spiral into chaos. Only through iron-fisted methods could they suppress the worthless scum of the ocean.
"Sakazuki, what of the remaining pirates? And our casualties?"
Noticing the Elders' satisfaction, Kong felt a measure of pride. He valued Sakazuki highly himself. Adjusting his tone, he asked for a report on the situation.
"On the pirates' side," Sakazuki began, "Rocks crew members Shiki, Edward Newgate, Charlotte Linlin, and several mid-level officers... along with a number of other New World pirates. A total of five ships managed to escape."
"As for our losses," he paused briefly, then continued,"From the Buster Call fleet, seven warships were destroyed. 323 dead. 1,246 critically wounded. 3,485 lightly injured. The casualty count from the Four Blues branch is still being compiled. But... we've only managed to recover 874 wounded."
The ship fell into silence.
Aside from the two Elders, everyone else's mood grew heavy.
Sakazuki felt it as well. Knowing the numbers was one thing. Speaking them aloud was another. By the time he reached the last part, he hesitated, his lips parting slightly before he forced the words out in his usual, rigid manner.
As the air on the ship grew heavier, Warcury finally spoke, breaking the tense atmosphere.
"Kong, compile the names of the fallen. Their families will receive five times the standard compensation. And if their descendants wish to join the Marines, grant them special privileges."
Though he cared little for the lives of these "lowly commoners," appearances had to be maintained. After all, status and strength alone weren't enough to reach his level. Intelligence was required, too.
Kong exhaled and nodded. "Understood."
...
Sea Circle Calendar, Year 1486.
Rocks D. Xebec fell in battle at God Valley.
The once-mighty Rocks Pirates crumbled.
Those who managed to escape formed their own crews, gathering new members and continuing to stir chaos across the seas.
On the Marines' side, certain details were deliberately erased. The battle's narrative was carefully constructed, and the events at God Valley were publicly glorified.
Vice Admiral Garp was hailed as a hero, a symbol of justice who had safeguarded peace.
That same year, due to the heavy casualties suffered by the Four Blues branches, Sakazuki personally requested to patrol the four seas—vowing to eliminate pirates.
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