ONE PIECE: THE GREAT VOYAGE

The More He Fought, The Stronger He Became

The more attacks he avoided, the clearer it became—he was adapting, growing sharper, and his presence more domineering.

"Stand up."

After a moment's pause, he steadied himself, re-entering his battle stance.

Snap!

The instant he found his footing, a staff slammed into his face, sending him flying.

"Continue."

The staff swung again, sweeping toward him. Brad barely twisted his body to dodge, but before he could recover—

Boom!

A heavy blow struck him in the chest, sending him crashing onto his back.

"You're almost ready. Keep going."

Caesar scratched his head and gave a nod of encouragement.

---

Meanwhile, on Hachinosu (Pirate Island)…

Rocks D. Xebec lounged in his seat, feet resting on the table, scanning over a stack of reports his crew had gathered.

His fingers—each adorned with rings set with emeralds and other gemstones—tapped impatiently against the parchment. His brows furrowed as he read.

Suddenly, the Den Den Mushi on his chest vibrated, letting out its signature grinning chatter.

A moment later…

The irritation in Rocks' expression vanished, replaced by a wide, manic grin. His eyes burned with excitement.

His face lit up.

"Behaahahaha… Finally! Finally, it's happening!"

With a few quick strides, he burst out of the room, gathering his crew.

It was time.

---

Mariejois – The Holy Land

Pangaea Castle was livelier than usual.

Looking around, nearly a hundred figures moved about, each wearing a transparent bubble atop their head—symbols of their status as Celestial Dragons, the so-called "gods" of the world.

Arrogance filled their expressions as they rode atop chained slaves, their whips lashing mercilessly.

Snap!

A whip cracked through the air, a crimson spray following in its wake.

The slave, already battered and crawling forward, barely flinched. He was used to it.

Moments later, another lash struck like relentless rainfall.

His skin was covered in scars, his body gaunt, yet the people lining the streets remained indifferent.

They had long since numbed themselves to the cruelty—because the one delivering the blows was a Celestial Dragon, the most "noble" being in the world.

---

The Five Elders' Chamber

Inside a grand chamber, the mechanical whirring of an elevator filled the air. Its heavy propellers turned, creating gusts of wind.

At the center of the room, Fleet Admiral Kong stood before the Five Elders, head slightly bowed in deference.

Beyond the transparent windows, massive Sea Kings swam leisurely—beasts whose fangs had been metaphorically pulled, rendered powerless by the Celestial Dragons' dominion.

A man clad in a black suit, his white curly hair peeking beneath a flat hat, spoke in a slow, hoarse voice.

"The Celestial Dragons are about to set off for the New World."

The bald Elder with round glasses immediately added, "This is a matter of utmost importance. There can be no mistakes."

"Send a Marine admiral to accompany them."

"Keep things quiet. Do not attract the attention of the pirates… especially Rocks."

Kong nodded. "Understood."

---

Marine Headquarters – Fleet Admiral's Office

Back in his office, Kong leaned on his desk, fingers pressed against his chin, deep in thought.

After a long pause, he hesitated, then slowly wrote a name on the paper in front of him.

'Garp.'

Among the admirals, only he, Sengoku, and Zephyr stood out. But Garp… Garp was the strongest of them all, second only to Kong himself.

He was the best choice.

---

The Assignment

Soon, four vice admirals entered Kong's office, standing at attention.

Upon hearing the mission, Garp's brows furrowed. A flicker of irritation crossed his face.

"Does it have to be me?"

Kong's eyes remained firm. "Yes. It's you."

"That's an order, Garp."

If he had another choice, Kong wouldn't force Garp into something he despised. But this mission was too important.

Garp was silent for a long time before finally exhaling in frustration.

"Fine."

Kong turned to the others. "Monitor pirate movements. Especially the Rocks Pirates. Keep close watch."

"This is critical. No mistakes."

"Yes, sir!"

---

Three Days Later – Pangaea Castle

Garp arrived at Mariejois with a detachment of elite Marines.

His usual carefree demeanor was gone. His face was grim, his presence oppressive.

His subordinates could feel it—the suffocating weight of the Celestial Dragons' domain.

Dark clouds hung over them, both figuratively and literally.

After regrouping with the nobles, they set sail toward the New World.

---

Hachinosu – Rocks' Declaration

The three Caesars had returned.

In the central square, every pirate on the island had gathered.

Rocks stood atop a high platform, his voice booming across the island.

"The Celestial Dragons have set out from Mariejois!"

"Our time is coming, brothers!"

Like a revolutionary leader riling up his troops, Rocks spread his arms wide, painting a vision of a world free from the tyranny of the Celestial Dragons.

"OHHHH!!!"

The pirates roared in response, their spirits ignited.

Caesar clenched his lips.

So, it's finally beginning…

He turned to Brad and Gnaly, placing a hand on their shoulders.

"This war is dangerous. Remember, our only goal… is to survive."

Brad and Gnaly locked eyes with him before nodding sharply.

Meanwhile, Rocks' excitement was palpable. His grin widened.

"The damn Celestial Dragons are heading to God Valley… and we're setting sail!"

"YES!!!"

With that, the massive fleet of pirate ships set off.

---

New World – The Clash Begins

Upon entering the New World, the Rocks Pirates were quickly spotted.

A cold sweat ran down the Marines' backs as they took in the size of the approaching fleet.

Their instincts screamed—something was very, very wrong.

---

[61] An Unexpected Voyage

Caesar frowned.

Something wasn't right.

According to the map and the log pose, they weren't heading for God Valley at all.

Before he could voice his concerns, the fleet entered the Calm Belt.

His frown deepened. Why would Rocks come here now?

At Marine Headquarters, the tension was thick.

A trembling Marine reported, "Fleet Admiral! The Rocks Pirates… they've vanished into the Calm Belt!"

Kong's expression darkened.

"What did you say?"

The Marine flinched at his glare.

Kong exhaled heavily. His mind raced.

"Rocks… you bastard. What are you planning?"

---

The Calm Before the Storm

Meanwhile, the Rocks fleet sailed through the Calm Belt—smoothly, effortlessly.

They had done this before. Many times.

To them, Neptune's lair was just another road.

After hours of sailing, they finally docked on a secluded island.

Caesar remained puzzled. His Haki told him this was just a normal island.

So why here?

As soon as they landed, the shipwrights disembarked, carrying strange tools.

Brad furrowed his brows. "What are those?"

The setup looked too intricate to be mere ship repairs.

Something big was about to happen.

And in the shadows, fate itself waited for the battle of God Valley to unfold…