One Piece: Max-Level Observation Haki from the Start

Whitebeard chuckled and said, "A prison? Aren't you Marines just the World Government's public face? How could you be a prison?"

Sengoku let out a self-deprecating laugh.

"Exactly—the public face. But true justice shouldn't be divided into front and back."

"Once you step on that path, though… there are too many things you simply can't control."

"But now, I finally have the chance to step out—to walk the world, see it with my own eyes. That's surely more meaningful than being a mask for someone else."

Whitebeard burst into hearty laughter.

"You want to see the world? Then you'd better pick up the pace swabbing the deck!"

With that, he tossed aside his giant sake barrel and headed for the captain's quarters.

Sengoku wasn't offended by the "advice." Instead, he turned back to glance at Roya, who was being surrounded by the crew like a shining star.

Roya put down his cup—he'd lost count of whether that was his seventh or eighth barrel of heavy liquor.

Only after this final drink did the rowdy pirates finally let him go.

Slightly tipsy, Roya leaned against the front deck railing, letting the sea breeze wash over him, utterly at ease.

Ace stepped away from the celebration and came to his side.

He said solemnly,

"Vice Emperor Roya, please grant me permission to once again leave the crew—to continue hunting down the traitor, Blackbeard."

Roya looked back at him with a smile.

"By now, he's probably already passed through Mary Geoise and entered the New World."

Ace chuckled too.

"Then we'll see who's faster—his escape, or my pursuit."

Roya nodded.

"Then I wish you a successful hunt."

Ace bowed respectfully.

"I'll remember your teachings, and continue to train hard."

With that, and while the crew was distracted, he quietly launched a small boat—and left, alone.

Marco approached Roya, concern etched on his face.

"Vice Captain… Blackbeard's ambition comes from a very unique body."

"Father suspects he has an extremely rare physique capable of housing more than one Devil Fruit."

"In the New World, it's survival of the fittest. Blackbeard will hunt down pirates and steal the powers he wants."

"If he finds a fruit that suits him… Ace still might not be a match."

Roya smiled.

"Don't forget what the old man said about Blackbeard. I agree with him—Blackbeard is destined to be nothing more than a whetstone for true kings."

"If Ace can't even overcome him, then what talk is there of ruling the sea?"

Marco was about to speak again when Law approached. He held his tongue.

Law hesitated for a moment, then said,

"Lord Roya, I… I'd like to request your aid in taking Dressrosa."

Roya sighed slightly.

"The feud between you and the Donquixote Family—I won't get involved."

Law's hopeful expression dimmed.

After a moment of thought, Roya added:

"But from what I've heard, Doflamingo is involved in some very dirty business. I plan to clean up those dealings. If I happen to run into him while doing so… well, then I'll deal with him."

Law's eyes lit up.

"Then, please allow me to stay aboard your ship!"

Roya smiled faintly.

"Everyone has their own purpose, their own reason to live. Once your revenge is fulfilled, and you've figured out your future, then decide whether you want to board my flagship."

Law frowned in surprise, then nodded quietly and said no more.

Marco sighed.

"I'd love nothing more than to follow you into the New World, Vice Captain. But… Father still needs me."

"Taking care of him… is probably my reason for living."

Roya laughed heartily, clapping Marco on the shoulder.

"Don't worry. I'll make sure someone brings you all the stories worth knowing."

Marco immediately grimaced.

"Vice Captain… that's just torture, y'know!"

All three burst into laughter.

A short distance away, Eustass Kid watched Roya with a complicated expression.

He suddenly turned to Killer beside him and said,

"We're leaving. Head for the New World—immediately."

Without looking back, he left the Moby Dick, returning to his own ship.

His warship swiftly broke away from the allied pirate fleet and sped toward the Sabaody Archipelago.

Not far behind, Scratchmen Apoo approached X Drake, grinning.

"Looks like we're not needed here anymore."

Drake replied coldly,

"Correction—we were never needed here."

Apoo chuckled.

"I've got a destination in mind. Plenty of chances to grow stronger. Want to come with me?"

Drake glanced once more toward Roya and gave a savage grin.

"If your plan slows me down—I'll cut you down myself."

Apoo shrugged.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go."

The two of them returned to their respective ships and headed off into the New World.

---

Wano Country – Onigashima

Kaido tossed aside another newspaper.

The ground was already littered with dozens of different issues.

Each front page featured the same name: Roya.

Articles analyzing his powers from the war…

Investigations into his origins…

Tabloids speculating about his relationship with the Pirate Empress…

It was endless.

The most recent paper bore one full-page image:

Roya's latest bounty poster.

Kaido scoffed.

"Six billion? The World Government is as useless as ever."

"Shame the New World Project has already begun. Otherwise, I'd test this guy myself."

"They're calling him the new head of the Four Emperors. That means he's got no choice now—he'll have to chase the title of Pirate King."

"I just hope he's not dumb enough to let the Five Elders use him."

"I'm still waiting for someone to come kill me already…"

"This world is so damn boring…"

---

A shattered Marine Headquarters

Aokiji and Akainu stood facing off. Kizaru lounged nearby, legs crossed.

Suddenly, all three stiffened.

Aokiji and Akainu dropped their standoff. Kizaru immediately leapt to his feet.

All three bowed deeply—

A silver-haired, aged man stood before them—his aura still razor-sharp.

The elder scanned Aokiji and Akainu with a frown.

"Is the position of Fleet Admiral so important to you?"

"Instead of restoring the Navy's honor, you're bickering over a title? What a disgrace."

The two lowered their heads further, not daring to breathe too loudly.

After a pause, the old man ordered coldly:

"Send out all surveillance ships. I want every move Roya makes tracked."

"Once Marine HQ is rebuilt, the main fleet will depart immediately—we'll exterminate Roya."

The three Admirals bowed once more and spoke in unison:

"Understood, Commander-in-Chief!"

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