Caesar Makes His First Appearance
Roy emerged from the Fleet Admiral's Office with his usual nonchalant smile back on his face.
Sunlight streamed down, and the Training Ground shimmered with heat; shouts and the clang of metal echoed from afar.
Just as everyone was training--
"Whoosh!"
A blur of motion appeared, dust billowed, and the air in the center of the arena seemed to be torn apart.
The next second, Roy appeared in the center of the arena, arms outstretched, shouting exaggeratedly, "Kids! Missed your big brother? Haha!!"
Ace was Martial Arts with Luffy when he heard that familiar voice. Without turning around, he snorted, "Who misses you? Don't flatter yourself!"
Luffy immediately abandoned the fight, charging forward and excitedly shouting, "Brother Roy! Teach me some new hand-to-hand Martial Arts! Grandpa always likes to hit me!"
Kuina, who was engaged in a sword duel with Zoro, smiled faintly, casually grabbed Zoro who was about to rush off, and politely nodded to Roy: "Vice Admiral Roy, welcome back."
With Kuina holding his head down, Zoro struggled, brandishing his twin swords and shouting, "Hey! Let me go! I want to challenge him!!"
On the other side, Luo, now 16 years old, having graduated from Training Camp and been promoted to naval lieutenant commander, walked steadily in, wearing a dark blue uniform and a sword at his waist, and nodded slightly. "Vice Admiral Roy."
Roy grinned, his gaze sweeping over the group of energetic teenagers, when suddenly, a wicked thought flashed through his mind.
"You little devils, I'll give you a chance!"
He held up one finger and waved it provocatively. "Come at me all at once! If you can even touch me, I'll treat you to a feast!"
The Training Ground fell silent for a second, then--
"Boom!!"
Scorching flames erupted beneath Ace's feet, propelling him forward like a rocket!
"Fire Charge!!"
Roy remained unfazed, slightly shifted his footing, and swayed his body, causing Ace's powerful punch to miss!
"Too slow, Ace!"
The words had barely left his mouth when a whooshing sound came from behind him!
Luffy, coated in Armament Haki, whipped around like whips, sweeping across at high speed!
"Tempest Kick - Whip!"
Roy didn't turn his head, he simply raised his hand slightly.
"Smack!"
"Don't rush, little monkey." He precisely grabbed Luffy's ankle, and with a flick of his wrist, Luffy was sent flying like a sandbag!
"Whoa--!" Luffy tumbled through the air and crashed to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.
"Two-Sword Style: Eagle Wave!!"
Zoro seized the opportunity, drawing both swords simultaneously and unleashing a fierce slash aimed directly at Roy!
Taking advantage of the momentum, he charged forward, his twin blades flashing like the wind, their sharpness aimed directly at Roy's throat!
Roy's eyes flickered slightly, and with a light tap of his foot, he vanished from his spot with a "whoosh," Zoro's slash only striking the air!
"What?!" Zoro's pupils contracted.
"Behind me!" Kuina keenly sensed Roy's location, Wado Ichimonji of the Doichimonji!
"Clang--!"
Roy blocked the slash with a single elbow strike, his smile unchanged, "Not bad, Kuina!"
Luo stood at a distance, calmly observing the battle. Suddenly, he raised his hand—
"ROOM: Shambles!"
The transparent spherical space unfolded instantly!
A hint of appreciation flashed in Roy's eyes. "Oh?"
Luo wasted no time, Right Hand: "Change!"
"Whoosh!" Roy was instantly transformed into a giant rock, appearing right in the middle of Ace Solron!
Ace and Zoro charged forward almost simultaneously upon seeing this!
Flames and flashes of blades clashed, attacking from both sides!
Armament Haki fists and dual-sword slashes intertwined, closing in on Roy!
"How naive!"
His body was suddenly enveloped in jet-black Armament Haki, and his fists and slashes struck him, producing a clanging sound like metal striking metal!
Ace's eyes widened. "How can it be as hard as a steel plate?!"
Roy stomped his foot on the ground and spread his arms wide. "Instantaneous Tremor!"
"Boom!!"
A Shockwave that distorted space erupted, accompanied by a series of cracking sounds as the air tore apart!
Ace, Zoro, Luffy, Kuina, and even Law, who was on the edge of the room, were all thrown into the air by a tremendous force!
"Wow--!"
Everyone landed awkwardly, collapsing into a heap.
Roy stood there, arms crossed, laughing heartily, "Kids, you still need more practice!"
Ace slammed his fist into the ground, roaring in frustration, "Bastard!! I'll definitely hit you next time!!"
Luffy lay on the ground, clutching his stomach and wailing, "Ah--my feast is gone!!"
Zoro sat up abruptly, his hand gripping his sword trembling slightly, and gritted his teeth. "Damn it, I almost hit him..."
Kuina lay to the side, breathing softly, but her eyes were filled with a burning fighting spirit.
Luo silently stood up, dusted himself off, and muttered, "Truly monstrous strength..."
Marineford Roy Residence Courtyard, Evening
Flames leaped and the aroma of meat filled the air.
In the courtyard, a lively barbecue feast was in full swing.
Bellemere rolled up her sleeves and skillfully flipped the meat skewers on the grill. The charcoal fire reddened her cheeks, but it also warmed the hearts of everyone else.
Nami and Nojiko were helping to set out the dishes and juice, occasionally exchanging a few jokes with each other, their laughter ringing out.
Wow!! Barbecue!!
Luffy's eyes had already turned into stars as he lunged at the grill, his drool dripping onto the ground, almost forming a small puddle.
Ace sat on a low stool, munching on a chicken leg and muttering, "Hmph, don't think that treating us to some Barbecue will make up for the time you sent us all flying!"
Roy laughed and ruffled his hair, "You're not convinced? Then hurry up and become stronger!"
Ace rolled his eyes, but didn't push the hand away.
Kuina sat quietly to the side, elegantly sipping her juice, when she suddenly looked up and asked, "Vice Admiral Roy... does your 'Teleport-Teleport Fruit' really have no weaknesses?"
Roy paused, blinked, and lowered his voice mysteriously, "Of course there are, but—"
He deliberately dragged out the last syllable, scanned the crowd, and seeing their ears perked up and eyes glued to him, he suddenly burst into laughter. "I'm not telling you! Haha!"
"Tch--!" Everyone scoffed in unison, and even Bellemere couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Childish..."
Luo silently chopped the Barbecue, his expression unchanged, but suddenly spoke up, "One day, I will surpass you."
His tone was calm, yet it carried an unwavering resolve.
Roy's gaze sharpened slightly as he looked at him for a few seconds, then his smile faded, and he nodded seriously. "Okay, I'll be waiting."
"Hey, it's done!"
Bellemere brought over a large plate of fragrant meat skewers, breaking the silence with a smile, "Hurry up and eat, you bunch of kids, always bickering and fighting as soon as you meet, don't you get tired!"
"Vice Admiral Roy!"
Zoro suddenly spoke, his voice calm yet brimming with fighting spirit. "Next time, I won't lose!"
He stood to the side, eating meat alone, his two knives never leaving his side, his eyes firm and focused.
Roy raised his glass to him, smiling but saying nothing.
The setting sun cast long shadows across the courtyard.
The courtyard was filled with laughter and joy, and the afterglow of the setting sun shone warmly and brightly on everyone.
Meanwhile, deep within a secluded island in the New World, at Laboratory
A fierce wind swept across the Deserted Island, and the outer perimeter of the bunker was covered with rust and Vines, as if it were isolated from the world.
The heavy air was thick with the smell of medicine and metal. In the dilapidated research institute, the Laboratory Tables were piled with unidentified organs, test tubes, and fruit remnants. Several twisted, failed experimental creatures groaned in a corner.
"Hehehe... another 0.03 ml... another 0.01 unit of Bone Catalyst... hahaha! The success rate has increased! This is the real deal..."
Wearing goggles, Caesar Courland's face was contorted with excitement, his eyes bloodshot, and he grinned wildly, like a mad dog drowning in venom.
Just then--
"Bang!!"
The Laboratory door was kicked open violently, sending metal scraps flying!
A strong smell of tobacco and sweat rushed into the Laboratory.
Queen strode in, his large, fleshy body swaying, a half-smoked Cigar dangling from his mouth, his face clearly showing his displeasure.
"Caesar! You madman, I've been looking for you for two days!"
He yelled in annoyance, "Do you want to die on this stinky island?"
Caesar removed his goggles, his eyes bloodshot. "What's all the noise about? I just produced a batch of Improved Artificial Zoan Devil Fruits!"
"You know what? If this batch can be mass-produced, I'll—"
"Alright, alright, you're back to your old habits again."
Queen patted him on the shoulder, and the next second, he pulled out a newspaper and casually threw it at Caesar's face.
"Hey, don't say I didn't remind you, check the news, my dear 'partner'~"
Caesar frowned, tore off a piece of the newspaper, and glanced at it casually, but his face froze instantly the next moment.
Shocking! Doflamingo's attempt to seize power has been exposed, and his entire crew has been escorted to Impel Down by the Navy!
"Wha... what? Impel Down?!"
His hand trembled, and the reagent bottle fell to the ground with a thud, splashing up a patch of bright green corrosive liquid.
"Doflamingo got arrested?! When? Why didn't I know?!"
Queen rolled his eyes and sighed, "You wouldn't even know the world was ending while you were researching the higher-ups."
"It's all over, all over, all over... All that research funding, experimental results, and logistics are all on Doflamingo's tab!!"
Queen lazily picked at his ear. "What's your hurry?! Kaido said that a madman like you is exactly what we need."
"Just bring your research findings on poisons and fruits, and come with me to Wano Country. We'll take care of the funding, the location, and your safety!"
Caesar hesitated for a moment. "Wano Country? Does it have enough experimental material?"
Queen grinned. "Wano Country is full of idiots besides Seastone. They can't even put up a fight. You can study them however you want."
Caesar's eyes gradually brightened. He licked his lips, grinned, and said, "Then I won't be polite, hehehe..."
Queen nodded in satisfaction and waved his hand, "Let's go, don't waste time. Brother Kaido is about to make a grand plan, it's time for our 'Beasts Pirates' to move forward!"
As dusk fell, the two walked out of the dilapidated Laboratory side by side.
The firelight behind them illuminated the sign on the iron gate: [Restricted Area - Unauthorized Entry Will Result in Death]
On the distant coast, Pirate Transport Ships disappeared into the thick fog, slowly departing as the blood-red sunset shone upon them.
Beneath the surface, a frenzied conspiracy is being restarted.
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