ONE PIECE: THE GREAT VOYAGE

Caesar took a cautious step back, eyes narrowing as he assessed her abilities. Just don't let her touch it.

Bang!

The sword Wado Ichimonji flashed from its scabbard, unleashing a powerful crescent-shaped slash that tore through the air.

With practiced ease, he removed his gloves and stretched out his hand calmly.

Suddenly, the fierce attack transformed into a crescent-shaped ribbon, twisting in midair.

Caesar's brows furrowed—he could launch direct attacks now.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

He swung Wado Ichimonji repeatedly, sending slashes infused with Haki surging toward his opponent.

Vice Admiral Tsuru flipped in the air, dodging gracefully as she attempted to close the distance. But each time, she was intercepted by the relentless waves of slashes.

Her legs darkened with Busoshoku Haki as she hardened both feet. She spun low to the ground, meeting Caesar's attack head-on—her hardened kick clashing against his descending blade.

"Chop!"

Caesar gripped Wado Ichimonji tightly with both hands and brought it down in a devastating arc.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The force of the strike was overwhelming, slicing clean through a Marine warship.

Tsuru barely managed to evade the attack, landing with slight disarray. She gritted her teeth, eyes locked on Caesar with newfound caution.

"He's gotten stronger..."

It had only been a little over a month, but his growth was undeniable.

Meanwhile, John, Wang Zhi, and the others clashed with the Navy's elite forces.

Wang Zhi's massive blade swung with the weight of a thousand battles, each strike causing the very hulls of enemy ships to tremble.

Marine soldiers fired relentlessly, but the bullets ricocheted off the sturdy shield in his other hand.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

His silver armor, now marked with traces of battle, bore streaks of blackened scorch marks.

Nearby, Captain John was locked in combat against Zephyr's subordinates.

Brad, in his Saber-Toothed Tiger Zoan form, let out a fierce roar, charging at the Marines.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Bullets struck his tough hide, but his hardened scales deflected them with ease. His razor-sharp claws lashed forward, poised to tear through his enemies—

Bang!

A stone staff suddenly blocked his strike.

A wave of weakness coursed through Brad's limbs. His Zoan transformation faltered.

His eyes widened.

"Seastone!"

"Major!"

The Marines cheered as their leader landed beside Brad, wielding the Kairoseki staff with expert precision.

Gnali stepped forward, muscles tensing.

"Leave this to me."

Brad nodded, retreating without hesitation.

The Marine Major wasted no time, lunging forward with the Seastone weapon.

Boom!

Gnali's arm twitched violently, Busoshoku Haki surging as his forearm hardened like iron.

Keng! Keng! Keng!

The battlefield erupted into chaos, flames licking the sky as the deafening clash of steel and explosions filled the air.

---

Days Later...

The prolonged battle had worn down both sides.

The pirate and Marine ships were in ruins, some still burning, their hulls barely holding together.

Caesar frowned, eyes glinting with impatience.

This Vice Admiral was too troublesome.

He glanced around—the remnants of his crew were battered, bloodied. The Marines had suffered heavy losses as well.

If this continued, the lower-ranked members of the Rocks Pirates would be completely wiped out. Even John, Wang Zhi, and the others were visibly exhausted.

Wang Zhi's armor had been torn, the hilt of his blade singed. His face was smudged with soot, his breathing ragged.

Then, Rocks finally spoke.

"That's enough."

He had no intention of dying here.

"Understood."

At his signal, the pirates began their retreat.

"Ittoryu: Kazekiri!" (One-Sword Style: Wind Slash!)

Caesar turned, his blade moving in a blur. A crescent slash roared toward Tsuru.

Her pupils contracted—she hardened her arms, crossing them defensively. The impact sent her hurtling backward, crashing into a Marine warship.

Boom!

Caesar wasted no time, leaping onto the pirate ship.

The Golden Lion Shiki activated his Fuwa Fuwa no Mi ability, lifting the battered pirate ships into the sky.

The naval fleet, now reduced to only a few functional vessels, watched helplessly.

Zephyr clenched his fists. He hadn't even fought at full power yet.

"Should we chase them?"

A Marine Admiral stepped forward, shaking his head.

"No. Our objective was to weaken the Rocks Pirates. We've done enough."

Looking around at the battlefield, the losses were evident.

The Rocks Pirates had managed to escape, but not without consequence.

---

[57] Red Historical Text?

Once a safe distance away, Shiki found a stable place to land.

The fleet that had set out with three ships now had only one remaining, barely afloat.

The once-arrogant pirates were quiet—many injured, some missing.

Even Rocks, though largely unharmed, wore a deep scowl.

The navigator hesitated before speaking.

"We're off course… What should we do?"

Rocks' expression darkened. Despite avoiding capture, the damage to his crew was severe.

"Find an island. We'll rest and resupply before continuing."

The next morning, their tattered ship drifted slowly across the sea.

From the watchtower, a pirate called out in alarm.

"Hiss… That island—"

Caesar's senses sharpened.

Expanding his Kenbunshoku Haki, he detected a medium-sized island ahead.

They landed cautiously.

Brad, his arm still bandaged, and Gnali, his face bruised, accompanied Caesar as they scouted the area.

The island was eerily silent.

As they ventured deeper, they found ruins—evidence of a long-lost civilization.

Then, a pirate came running, panting heavily.

"Captain! There's a red stone inside!"

Caesar's eyes flickered.

A red stone?

They rushed to the site.

When the massive red block came into view, Caesar's pupils contracted sharply.

A Road Poneglyph.

According to legend, these stones guided the way to the final island—Laugh Tale.

He recalled the Big Mom Pirates possessing one in the original timeline.

Could this be that very same stone?

Was this the sea where Charlotte Linlin would one day establish Totto Land?

Rocks' face twisted into deep thought.

Nearby, Whitebeard, Kaido, and Shiki all wore grim expressions. They too recognized the significance of this discovery.

But Charlotte Linlin—Big Mom—was different.

Her widened eyes shimmered with greed, hunger, and obsession.

After a long pause, her tongue slid over her lips as she whispered, voice thick with desire—

"It's mine."