ONE PIECE: THE GREAT VOYAGE

North Blue?

What is that kid doing there?

Could it be that Rocks D. Xebec is scheming something again?

A flash of vigilance crossed Sengoku's eyes.

Already capable of wielding all three types of Haki at such a young age—given time, he will definitely not remain an unknown figure.

Dealing with him in the future will be difficult. But right now, this moment presents a rare opportunity.

After careful thought, Sengoku issued his order.

"Find Vice Admiral Zephyr immediately."

"Yes, sir!"

Outside the door, a Marine saluted and left quickly.

It wasn't long before Zephyr, draped in his navy coat, stepped into Sengoku's office.

"What's the matter, Sengoku?" he asked, settling onto the sofa.

"It's about the new recruit of the Rocks Pirates—Alexander Caesar."

"Oh?"

Zephyr raised an eyebrow. The name was familiar—he had taken note of the young man's potential before.

Sengoku quickly laid out the details of Caesar's latest movements and his growing concerns.

"So, you want me to go after him?" Zephyr asked, already guessing the answer.

"Exactly," Sengoku affirmed. "I know your principle—no killing. Just bring him back."

Zephyr nodded. "Good timing. My last mission just wrapped up."

He stood, flicked his coat over his shoulder, and strode out of the office.

---

[32] Naval Ambush – Zephyr in Pursuit!

Lianpeng Island, North Blue

The harbor was lively. Dockworkers bustled about, ships were packed so tightly along the shore they resembled sardines in a tin.

"This town's pretty lively," Caesar remarked as he and Brad docked their ship and stepped onto the island.

Brad, looking haggard, clutched his stomach. "Yeah… lively… but I'm starving."

Days at sea had drained him completely. The excitement of setting sail had long faded.

Caesar patted his shoulder. "Thanks for handling the ship."

Brad had learned the basics of navigation on their departure, but his knowledge was still patchy at best. Without a proper navigator, they were fortunate to have a permanent Log Pose; otherwise, they'd be lost or worse—starved at sea.

"Let's stock up on supplies before moving on."

Brad nodded weakly, counting with his fingers. "Food's been gone for a while. I'm sick of eating fish. Freshwater's almost out, and we need fruit too."

"Sounds like we need a lot."

Days of eating nothing but grilled sea creatures had worn them out.

The two made their way to a restaurant, blending into the island's crowd.

But...

Through the restaurant's glass window, Caesar caught sight of a man with a newspaper lowering his head too quickly—his gaze shifting away.

Caesar remained indifferent. Official agencies? Bounty hunters? It didn't matter.

Meanwhile, in a dimly lit alley, two men in black suits peered toward the restaurant before hurriedly ducking back.

One of them pulled out a Den Den Mushi.

"Major General, we've confirmed it—Alexander Caesar, bounty 380 million berries, spotted on Lianpeng Island. The new member of the Rocks Pirates."

The voice on the other end sharpened. "What? That monster?!"

"Do not engage. Wait for me. I'll inform Vice Admiral Zephyr. Keep tracking him—if necessary, try to intercept before he leaves the island."

A click. The call ended.

"Understood!"

The two plainclothes Marines exchanged glances.

---

After a satisfying meal, Caesar and Brad loaded up supplies—each carrying heavy sacks and barrels back to the ship.

Just then, Caesar's expression shifted.

His Observation Haki picked up the movements—footsteps, growing in number.

So… they couldn't hold back anymore?

Thud. Thud. Thud.

The synchronized march of boots filled the air.

Brad tensed.

In an instant, Marines swarmed the town, cutting off all escape routes.

"Pirate Alexander Caesar! You are surrounded! Surrender peacefully!"

Caesar sneered.

He tossed the supplies to Brad. "Get these to the ship."

"As for the pests, I'll handle them."

Brad nodded. "Be careful."

ROAR!

His Zoan Devil Fruit activated—his body expanded, muscles bulged, and in seconds, he transformed into a massive saber-toothed tiger. Supplies strapped to his back, he bolted toward the ship.

Gunfire erupted.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

But the nimble feline dodged every shot.

Caesar's figure vanished in a blur.

In midair, Marines panicked and fired wildly.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

But before they could react—

BOOM!

A single Haki-infused punch sent dozens of soldiers flying.

Caesar snatched a fallen Marine's sword, twirled it, then hurled it like a spear.

THUD! THUD! THUD!

Without even using Haki, his sheer strength wounded several Marines.

With Brad successfully aboard, Caesar exhaled—then released his Conqueror's Haki.

A silent storm swept through the battlefield.

The very air crackled under his will.

Then—

THUD.

THUD. THUD. THUD.

Weapons clattered to the ground.

Marines collapsed one by one.

Not a single soldier remained conscious.

As soon as Brad secured the supplies, Caesar leaped aboard.

"Let's move. They'll send reinforcements."

Brad didn't argue.

The ship's sails unfurled. The vessel cut through the waves.

Their next destination—Reverse Mountain.

Beyond it lay the East Blue.

---

Hours later—

Zephyr stood at the town center, surveying the unconscious Marines.

His brow furrowed. His expression hardened.

"Escaped?"

A Marine reported, "Eyewitnesses confirm Caesar and his companion headed toward Reverse Mountain."

Zephyr's eyes narrowed. "Reverse Mountain…?"

To reach the first half of the Grand Line?

What's his objective?

After a long pause, Zephyr turned toward the horizon.

The golden letters of "Justice" shone on his navy coat under the sun.

He clenched his fist.

"Continue the pursuit. That man cannot be allowed to run rampant."