Legacy of the Six Paths Senjutsu

The think tank of the Rocks Pirates, Kurozumi, narrowed his eyes as he studied Ayr. He turned to the towering figure of Rocks and spoke in a low tone.

"If I remember correctly, this guy has only been at sea for about a year. His name is Ayr, and his bounty is 100 million Berries."

A murmur spread through the crowd.

"What? Only a year at sea, and his bounty is already that high?"

"How is that possible?! A pirate worth 100 million shouldn't be capable of wiping out an entire crew led by a captain with a 300 million bounty!"

"And look at him—there's not a scratch on him! No blood, no wounds…"

"Wait… does that mean he won without even struggling?"

"That's insane…"

The Rocks Pirates were not easily impressed. Their ranks included monsters who would one day shake the world—Whitebeard, Golden Lion, Big Mom, Kaido, Silver Axe, Captain John, and Ochoku.

For them to show interest in a newcomer was rare.

But what Ayr had done was beyond belief. To single-handedly wipe out a pirate crew with a 300 million Berries captain and emerge completely unscathed?

Even among the Rocks Pirates, that level of strength was not common.

---

Rocks' Presence

Ayr's eyes drifted toward the man standing at the ship's bow.

Rocks D. Xebec.

The infamous pirate whose ambition was nothing less than world domination.

Even though he wasn't exuding hostility, Ayr could feel the pressure emanating from him—a suffocating force of will that made the air feel heavier.

This was the man who would challenge the World Government itself.

And yet, despite all his strength, history would record his fall in the Valley of the Gods.

If the Rocks Pirates had truly been united… they could have conquered the entire world.

But as Ayr had long suspected—even before being reborn into this world—the Rocks Pirates' greatest weakness was their internal discord.

Had they fought as one, no force could have stopped them.

---

The Invitation

"Kid…"

Rocks grinned, stretching his arms wide.

"Are you interested in joining my crew?"

The crew stirred.

"Rocks Pirates will be the place for you to prove your worth," Rocks continued. "The battlefield is where true strength is forged. If you've got the guts, come and fight alongside us."

Ayr's heart raced.

This was exactly what he needed.

The Rocks Pirates fought against the most powerful forces in the world, including the Marines' strongest units.

If he joined them, he'd constantly be facing top-tier enemies.

That meant faster progress for his Sage Body.

And there was another advantage—the Rocks Pirates frequently attacked World Government territories.

Many of these Celestial Dragon-controlled nations hoarded incredible treasures, including Devil Fruits.

By being part of the crew, Ayr would have a far greater chance of acquiring more Devil Fruits.

It was the perfect opportunity.

Ayr didn't hesitate.

"Of course," he replied with a smirk.

---

A Test of Strength

Kurozumi frowned. "Captain Rocks, isn't this a bit too hasty? We don't even know this kid's true strength."

"I agree," a voice cut in.

The crew turned to see a man with long golden hair, a cigar in his mouth, and a cocky grin—Golden Lion Shiki.

"If he wants to join us, he should prove himself first," Shiki said, crossing his arms.

"Oh? And how do you propose we test him, Shiki?" Rocks asked, intrigued.

Golden Lion smirked. "Simple. I'll fight him."

The crew erupted in whispers.

"Captain Shiki himself?"

"Isn't that overkill?"

"Even if this kid is strong, there's no way he can match Shiki. The guy's bounty is already over 1 billion Berries!"

"No matter how strong Ayr is, there's just no comparison…"

"I'd bet Shiki takes him down in ten moves."

"Ten? You think too highly of Ayr. I say five moves, and it's over."

Many of the Rocks Pirates were already dismissing Ayr's chances.

---

Whitebeard's Interjection

A deep chuckle rumbled through the air.

"Gurararara…"

The massive frame of Edward Newgate—Whitebeard—shifted slightly as he took a sip from his sake gourd.

"Oi, Shiki… isn't this a bit much?" Whitebeard smirked.

"Jiehahaha! Don't worry, Edward," Golden Lion laughed. "I won't go all out."

He turned back to Ayr, his grin widening.

"This is just a little test," he said. "If you've got real strength, I want to see it for myself."

What Golden Lion didn't say aloud was that he had his own agenda.

The Rocks Pirates were not as unified as they seemed.

There were already power struggles forming beneath the surface.

Shiki was recruiting allies, preparing for the future.

If Ayr proved himself useful, Golden Lion would personally try to bring him into his faction.

If not, then he was just another nameless pirate.

---

Ayr's Resolve

Rocks turned to Ayr.

"Well, kid? You up for it?"

Ayr's grin widened.

"A fight with Golden Lion Shiki…?"

"Perfect."

He needed just 30 more points to advance his Sage Body to the next level.

A battle with one of the strongest members of the Rocks Pirates was exactly what he needed.

Ayr stepped forward.

"I was hoping for a fight," he said. "Let's see if you're as strong as the rumors say, Shiki."

The crew roared in excitement.

Golden Lion's grin widened.

"Jiehahaha! I like your attitude, kid!"

He reached for his twin Oto and Kogarashi swords, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

"Let's see if you can survive."