ONE PIECE: THE GREAT VOYAGE

Lockes was silent for a moment before finally giving the order.

"Shiki, move it onto the ship."

Golden Lion Shiki nodded, his face unreadable as he used his Fuwa Fuwa no Mi to lift the massive object onto the ship.

Days on the Deserted Island

Several days passed on the desolate island.

The battered ship was finally repaired, and the wounded received proper treatment.

Then, without hesitation, they set sail once again.

A few days later, they reached a nearby inhabited island.

"The pirates are coming!"

"It's the Rocks Pirates!"

As soon as they approached the port, panicked townspeople fled inland, their terrified screams echoing through the streets.

Their eyes widened in horror as if witnessing a scene straight from hell.

Lockes strode toward the town with a handful of his men, his expression calm and unreadable.

Their mere presence sent waves of fear through the town, but Lockes paid no mind.

This time, they had no intention of looting.

Instead, they entered a tavern, ate and drank their fill, and had their subordinates gather essential supplies—resources unavailable on the deserted island.

Once their preparations were complete, they set their course for Beehive Island.

---

New World's Treacherous Seas

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The New World was as unpredictable as ever.

Moments ago, the sky had been clear, but now, thick storm clouds gathered overhead.

CRACK!

A streak of purple lightning split the sky, illuminating the dark sea below.

Then—whoosh—torrential rain poured down, drenching the ship as it rocked violently with the waves.

Caesar stood motionless on the deck, completely soaked.

Despite the chaos, he made no move to retreat into the cabin.

Instead, he simply watched as the crew frantically adjusted the sails, their shouts barely audible over the howling wind.

He lifted his gaze, allowing the downpour to wash over him.

To him, this was not just a storm.

This was nature's raw power—something to be embraced.

A means of cultivation.

"Left full rudder!"

"A little to the right! We're about to hit a reef!"

For three grueling hours, they battled the storm.

Then, as suddenly as it had come, the dark clouds dispersed, revealing a brilliant blue sky once more.

Caesar finally stepped into the cabin, stripping off his soaked clothes and changing into fresh ones.

Two days later, the Rocks Pirates arrived back at their stronghold—Beehive Island.

---

"I Actually Feel… Relieved."

As they docked, Brad exhaled sharply.

"I actually feel a little relieved," he admitted, almost in disbelief.

Gnaly smirked.

"It's normal," he said, shaking his head. "At least here, we don't have to fight the Marines every damn day."

After exchanging a few words, they each went their separate ways.

[58] Training Begins!

After a full day of rest, Caesar gathered Brad and Gnaly.

They set out for a remote island near Beehive.

"Training?" Brad frowned. "Why the rush? We just got back!"

His shoulders slumped in exasperation.

Caesar's gaze sharpened.

"We don't have much time."

The weight of his words instantly silenced them.

Gnaly's brows furrowed.

"You mean… we'll soon be forming our own pirate crews?"

Caesar nodded.

From the signs he'd observed, the God Valley Incident was approaching.

The Rocks Pirates would not remain intact forever.

If Brad and Gnaly weren't strong enough by then, they wouldn't survive.

Caesar turned, planting his feet firmly on the ground.

"Both of you, come at me."

Without hesitation, he hardened his entire body with Armament Haki, assuming a combat stance.

Gnaly and Brad exchanged glances—then attacked at once.

---

The Brutal Sparring

Caesar sidestepped Brad's first punch with ease.

"Too slow."

BOOM!

Gnaly's sweeping kick came next, but Caesar blocked it with his shin.

"Your movements need to flow together," he critiqued. "Hesitation in battle is the difference between victory and death."

His figure blurred—then suddenly reappeared behind them.

Too fast.

They couldn't track him with their eyes.

"Don't rely too much on sight," Caesar continued, weaving effortlessly between their attacks. "Use your instincts—develop your Observation Haki."

BANG!

A single punch sent Gnaly flying.

He tumbled across the dirt, finally skidding to a stop.

Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.

BOOM!

Brad lunged, but Caesar intercepted with a brutal kick.

With a sudden leap, he twisted in the air—

Then came crashing down, slamming Brad into the ground.

"Again."

---

Relentless Growth

Despite their injuries, Brad and Gnaly pushed themselves back up, more determined than before.

Caesar watched them carefully.

"Don't hesitate to strike."

Brad's fist came at him—fast and precise.

Caesar evaded, then delivered a counter-kick.

Brad twisted mid-air, managing to block with both arms.

He skidded backward but remained on his feet.

"Not bad," Caesar admitted. "But your guard is still too slow."

CRACK!

They clashed repeatedly.

"Attack and defense are one," Caesar lectured between blows.

"Never leave an opening."

"Anticipate your enemy's weaknesses."

Gnaly, waiting for his moment, suddenly roared—

His fist, wrapped in Armament Haki, exploded forward.

BOOM!

Caesar dodged in an instant, his counterpunch slamming into Gnaly's abdomen.

"The weight behind your attack is good," Caesar said, towering over him.

"But you left your center wide open."

Gnaly coughed, blood staining his lips.

Suddenly—

ROAR!

Brad transformed into a massive saber-toothed tiger, baring his fangs as he lunged.

Caesar vaulted onto his back, moving too fast for him to shake off.

Haki-clad leg raised—

BOOM!

Brad collapsed with a heavy thud, his body twitching from the impact.

Silence.

Then—

The two warriors slowly rose, covered in wounds but refusing to surrender.

Caesar smirked.

"Don't panic when you're at a disadvantage."

"Stay calm—find your enemy's flaws."

"Now… again."

Brad and Gnaly locked eyes.

Without hesitation, they charged.

"Tiger Hunt!"

"Straight Punch!"

One attacked from below, the other from above.

Brad's razor-sharp fangs gleamed in the light.

BANG!

Caesar raised an Armament-hardened hand, blocking effortlessly.

A slight smile played on his lips.

"Not bad."

"Team coordination is just as important as individual strength."

Then—he vanished.

Before they could react—

BOOM!

Gnaly was sent flying once again.

Caesar landed gracefully, stretching his arms.

"Stay vigilant at all times."

As they struggled back to their feet, their bloodied faces showed no despair—only burning resolve.

Their training had only just begun.