Rocks' Summons

After King obtained the Float-Float Fruit, his training entered a new stage.

Every day, he practiced manipulating objects on the training ground, starting with stones, then moving on to wooden posts, and finally the entire floor of the training ground. When Kaido and Bullet sparred, he gathered the shattered rocks they sent flying, saving the trouble of repairs.

"Wororororo..." Kaido laughed. "That ability is damn useful."

King said nothing and kept practicing.

Two

Morgans called.

"Lin Yuan, Rocks sent someone with a message. He wants to see you."

Lin Yuan tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

"When?"

"He didn't say. But the messenger told you to make a trip to Pirate Island. You can decide when."

"Got it."

Lin Yuan hung up the Den Den Mushi and stood.

Ginny was sorting through the account books. She looked up at him.

"Rocks wants to see you?"

"Yeah."

"Are you going?"

"Yes."

"Who are you taking?"

"Kaido's coming with me. He knows Rocks' people."

Kaido was gnawing on a piece of meat. Hearing that, he put down the bone.

"Wororororo... Fine. I'll go with you."

Three

Pirate Island, Hachinosu.

Lin Yuan and Kaido stepped through a door and landed at the harbor. Rocks' massive ship was docked there, the skull flag on its sail snapping in the sea breeze.

"Rocks aboard?" Kaido asked.

"Yes."

The two boarded the ship. Several pirates stood on deck, and one of them recognized Kaido.

"Kaido? You're back, kid?"

"Just came back to take a look." Kaido waved a hand. "Where's Rocks?"

"In the cabin. He's waiting for you."

Four

Inside the cabin, Rocks sat in the seat of honor, with a bottle of liquor and two cups in front of him. He poured a drink and pushed it across the table.

"Sit."

Lin Yuan sat down. Kaido remained standing behind him.

"Don't drink?" Rocks asked.

"No."

"Everyone from the Marines like that?"

"More or less."

Rocks took a swig himself, set down the cup, and stared at Lin Yuan.

"Do you know why I asked you here?"

"No."

"I want you to join me."

Lin Yuan didn't answer immediately.

"Why?"

"Because you're strong. And you have the Door-Door Fruit. You're a Spatial Ability User. There aren't many people on these seas who can stand against me, and you're one of them."

"I'm not here to become someone else's subordinate."

"I'm not asking you to be a subordinate," Rocks said. "I'm asking you to be a partner."

"Is there a difference?"

"There is. Subordinates follow orders. Partners don't have to."

Lin Yuan fell silent for a moment.

"Then what do I get?"

"Strength. Power. Territory." Rocks said, "Whatever you want, I can give you."

"I want to hit the Celestial Dragons."

Rocks froze for a moment, then burst out laughing.

"Hahahaha... What a coincidence. So do I."

The two exchanged a glance.

"Then I'll wait for you," Rocks said. "When you've thought it through, come find me anytime."

"I won't come looking for you."

"Why?"

"Because I don't become anyone else's partner."

Rocks stared at him for a long time, then smiled.

"Interesting. You're a lot more interesting than those old fellows, kid."

Lin Yuan didn't reply. He stood up.

"I'm leaving."

"Wait." Rocks stopped him. "What was your name again?"

"Lin Yuan."

"Lin Yuan..." Rocks repeated the name. "All right, I'll remember you."

Five

Back on Hachinosu, Kaido, for once, didn't go to the training ground. Instead, he followed Lin Yuan into the castle.

"Rocks isn't someone who gives up easily," Kaido said. "He's got his eye on you."

"I know."

"So what are you going to do?"

"Wait."

"Wait for what?"

"For him to make a mistake."

Kaido didn't understand, but he didn't ask again.

Ginny walked in from outside, holding a newspaper.

"Lin Yuan, look at this."

Lin Yuan took the newspaper. The front-page headline read: "Rocks Pirates expand territory in the New World, swallowing up several forces."

"He's been making a lot of moves lately," Ginny said.

"The more, the better." Lin Yuan put down the paper.

"Why?"

"Because the bigger he gets, the sooner he'll run into the World Government."

Ginny paused, then understood.

"You mean..."

"Yeah." Lin Yuan walked over to the window. "Just wait. It won't be long now."

(End of Chapter 30)