ONE PIECE: THE GREAT VOYAGE

"You Should Understand the Fate of Betraying Me."

Caesar narrowed his eyes, his back turned to Rocks D. Xebec, but quickly regained his composure.

He turned around and spoke firmly, "I will not betray you before you die, Captain Rocks."

There was a deeper meaning behind his words.

Rocks merely smirked. "Good. Let's go."

He showed no concern for the subtle disrespect in Caesar's tone.

---

Leaving Hachinosu

Caesar and Brad boarded a small sailboat, departing from Hachinosu, the pirate-infested island that served as the headquarters of the Rocks Pirates.

Brad stretched lazily, exhaling in relief. "Feels good to be off that island."

"So, where are we headed next?"

Caesar named an island in the New World, and after confirming their route, they set sail.

He recalled that in the original timeline, Shakuyaku was known to run a bar in the Sabaody Archipelago—but at this point in time, she had yet to establish herself there.

Brad nodded and adjusted the sail.

---

New World – A Flourishing Island

"Beautiful," Brad murmured, stepping onto the island. It was his first time visiting a new land, and he couldn't help but marvel at the surroundings.

Caesar grabbed him by the collar. "Focus. We have someone to find."

Following the intelligence they had gathered, they arrived at their destination—Shakky's Rip-off Bar.

Caesar studied the sign above. Was it already called that at this point?

"Welcome, light..."

Leaning lazily against the counter, a cigarette between her fingers, Shakuyaku (Shakky) greeted them.

But the moment her sharp eyes landed on Caesar, she hesitated.

This young man felt strong—dangerously strong.

Judging by their expressions, it was obvious they weren't here for drinks.

"Shakky?"

Caesar called her name with certainty.

Shakky raised a brow in slight surprise before smirking. "Oh? Looks like you're not here for a drink."

Her mind quickly processed the name. She had already heard whispers about him—Caesar, a rising figure within Rocks' crew.

Without wasting time, Caesar stated his purpose.

"A swordsmith."

Shakky rested her chin on her hand, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly before letting out a soft chuckle.

"Yes, but finding someone like that will take time."

Caesar nodded, turned, and left.

---

A Few Days Later – The List

Returning to Shakky's bar, he found that she had lived up to expectations. She handed him a detailed intelligence report.

Caesar flipped through the pages. He paid for the information and left with Brad.

At their hotel, Caesar scanned the file.

It listed the names, locations, and even photos of some of the greatest swordsmiths in the world.

His finger trailed down the page—until it stopped.

His expression stiffened. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

Shimotsuki Kozaburo.

He remembered this name well.

The man who forged some of the world's most legendary swords: Enma, Wado Ichimonji, and Kitetsu III.

Wado Ichimonji—the very blade Zoro carried from the beginning of his journey.

Enma—a sword so powerful it automatically drew out its wielder's Haki.

Tengu Yama Hitetsu had once described Tenguyama Yama as a blade that could "cut even the heavens."

There was no doubt—Shimotsuki Kozaburo was a legendary swordsmith.

Caesar's heart pounded.

He suppressed his excitement and made a firm decision.

Find Shimotsuki Kozaburo. Have him forge a sword.

---

[31] Through the Calm Belt – Confronting the Sea Kings

Shimotsuki Kozaburo was originally a master swordsmith of Wano. But fifty years ago—which meant ten years ago in their current timeline—he had illegally fled the isolated country.

After a series of events, he eventually settled in the East Blue.

If the information was correct, he should have already arrived there by now.

"Are we leaving so soon?" Brad asked.

Caesar nodded. "We'll come back if needed."

Brad grinned. "Then it's settled!"

Although he wanted to stay and explore, his priority was clear—getting a legendary sword.

Their small sailboat set course through the Calm Belt, a treacherous sea with no winds, infested with Sea Kings, the massive creatures that ruled these waters.

It was the fastest way to reach East Blue, but also the most dangerous.

Three days later—

The sailboat entered the dead zone.

Brad, having studied the map beforehand, spread his arms out. "So it's true… no wind at all."

"Of course," Caesar replied, unfazed.

Suddenly—

The boat began to rise.

Brad panicked. "H-Hey! The boat's going up!?"

He clutched the side as a massive shadow loomed beneath them.

A Sea King.

And not just one.

"Why are we so unlucky?!" Brad yelled.

Caesar glanced at him, unfazed. "Unlucky? This is their natural habitat."

CRASH!

Another Sea King emerged, an electric eel-like behemoth with a glowing, lightning-charged tendril.

It roared—then another head surfaced.

Then another.

And another.

Dozens of Sea Kings surrounded them, their gluttonous eyes locked onto the tiny vessel.

Saliva dripped from their cavernous maws.

Brad's face turned pale. "Oh, we're so dead…"

"Calm down," Caesar muttered.

Brad shook his head. "Calm down?! We can't fight these things!"

"Without the boat, we're doomed!"

"Bro, it's all on you! I can't swim!"

Caesar exhaled.

His eyes sharpened.

A sudden wave of pressure exploded from him—

Conqueror's Haki.

Silence.

The once-roaring beasts froze.

Their eyes shrank in fear.

A deep, primal instinct took over—they had just challenged a predator far above their level.

"Scram," Caesar ordered coldly.

BANG!

The boat crashed back onto the sea as the Sea Kings desperately fled, submerging into the depths.

Brad exhaled heavily. "Phew… that was close."

Caesar shook his head. "You really lack composure."

Brad, despite his skills, lacked the hunger for power that Caesar had.

At just 16 years old, Brad already had the strength of a Marine Elite Captain, yet he remained content to simply follow Caesar's lead.

---

Meanwhile – Marine Headquarters

Rapid footsteps echoed through the corridor.

A navy officer knocked on the door before entering.

"Report, Vice Admiral Sengoku!"

Sengoku looked up, his brows furrowing. "What is it?"

The officer saluted. "Naval Intelligence has tracked Caesar, the new member of the Rocks Pirates."

Sengoku's expression darkened.

He recalled the name instantly.

"Where is he now?"

"He and a companion have entered the Calm Belt between the New World and the North Blue. Based on their course… they seem to be heading toward the North Blue."

Sengoku's eyes narrowed.

What was this mysterious newcomer planning?