It had to be said that it was a remarkable coincidence. When Loki carried Roa back to the castle, Rocks happened to be walking out with Whitebeard as well.
"Let's go, kid."
The captain's voice was as cold as ever.
"Ah? So soon, Captain?"
Roa said in surprise, "It took us more than a week to get here!"
We've only been here for two hours, and we're leaving already?
I haven't even had a sip of water.
"The matter has been settled. I don't have time to waste here."
Rocks said coldly, "Do you think I'm idle?"
Indeed. On one hand, he had to recover the treasure that had been stolen. On the other, he had to prepare for the final battle with the World Government. The captain really did have a lot on his plate.
"I see. What a pity."
Roa jumped down from Loki's shoulder, then turned around and looked up at the giant with deep regret. "Looks like we have to say goodbye early. Don't forget me! And when I ask you for help in the future, you absolutely mustn't refuse!"
"Huh?"
Loki looked somewhat bewildered and instinctively nodded. "Oh..."
"Goodbye, then, my friend."
Roa nodded in satisfaction.
A man's friendship really was this simple.
"Let's go, Captain."
After saying goodbye, Roa calmly walked toward the captain.
The three of them headed straight for the pirate ship in the distance.
Watching their backs, Loki felt that something was wrong.
"Wait!"
Loki shouted in alarm. I haven't joined the Rocks Pirates yet! Take me with you, damn it!
"Oh? What is it, my friend?"
Roa turned back in surprise. "Do you want a passionate hug? Honestly, you're such a greedy little thing. Fine, I'll satisfy you."
He spread his arms enthusiastically. "Come here!"
"What are you talking about?!"
Loki was furious. "Didn't you say you'd tell me the secret to joining the Rocks Pirates?"
"Oh! That's right!"
Roa suddenly understood. "Hahaha, I almost forgot!"
Rocks stopped and turned around with interest, looking at the back of Roa's head.
This brat...
"It's very simple, my friend."
Roa's little face was filled with solemnity. "You only need to do one thing."
"What thing?"
Loki looked forward to the answer.
"Wait! You only need to wait!"
Roa said, "Once I become captain of the Rocks Pirates, I'll come recruit you immediately!"
"Huh?"
Loki froze for a moment, then instantly flew into a rage. "You little bastard! Are you messing with me?"
Without needing to think at all, the enormous iron club was already smashing toward Roa without mercy.
"I suppose this is the only way. After all..."
Black wings instantly unfurled behind Roa, while horn-like patterns spread across his head. "You're too weak right now."
Whoosh!
A violent gale erupted!
The howling wind condensed into blade after blade, striking Loki in rapid succession before he could dodge.
Slash!
Blood sprayed into the air in an instant.
"Gaaah!"
Amid his scream, blood gushed from Loki's entire body, and he collapsed limply to the ground.
Without Armament Haki, even the formidable body of someone with the Ancient Giant Tribe's bloodline wasn't especially tough. Whitebeard's body couldn't even withstand a musket shot, after all.
"Anyway, goodbye, Loki."
Roa smiled as he dispelled his ability. "Be stronger the next time we meet. Otherwise, I won't let you aboard either."
"Bastard..."
This time, Loki truly had no strength left to stand. He could only barely raise his head and stare with difficulty at Roa's retreating back.
Didn't you say you wouldn't bully the injured?
Just you wait, bastard! The next time we meet, I'll definitely kill you!
"Take care of yourself, Gana."
The pirate ship once again sailed onto the Rainbow Bridge, and the members of the Rocks Pirates began their journey home.
Only after they descended onto the Blue Sea again did Roa suddenly come to his senses. "Oh no! I forgot to tell Loki my name! What if he mistakes someone else for me the next time we meet?"
Aren't there always scenes like that in novels?
Mistaking one's savior for someone else, leading to a whole string of melodramatic misunderstandings.
Whitebeard sneered. "You're worrying over nothing, brat. That kid hates you enough to gnash his teeth. Even if you were reduced to ashes, he wouldn't forget you."
"Eh? You've got it wrong, Uncle Newgate."
Roa said in surprise, "Loki and I are friends! Isn't it normal for friends to fool around with each other?"
Whitebeard continued to sneer.
"That kid does have some talent, but he was born too late."
Captain Rocks gave his blunt assessment. "This world no longer has a stage for him to display his valor."
So that was what the captain thought?
Because he believed he was about to end everything and seize the world from the Celestial Dragons, a future star like Loki was completely unnecessary to him.
After all, the final battle Captain Rocks envisioned was already close at hand.
What arrogance, Captain.
Anyone who celebrates before the game is over is bound to suffer.
That was why uncovering the truth of the Void Century was so important. At the very least, they had to find out exactly what cards the World Government held.
Of course, the captain could never have imagined that the sudden battle at God Valley would be the end of his ambitions.
The return journey took just as long as the journey there.
More than a week later, the pirate ship finally docked at the port of Beehive Island once again.
Roa hurried off the ship. After eating ordinary food for more than a week, he couldn't wait to enjoy a feast.
But then—
Gloriosa was waiting for them at the port. The beautiful woman said, "Captain! You came back at just the right time! The Den Den Mushi suddenly received a strange audio transmission today!"
"An audio transmission?"
Rocks raised an eyebrow.
"Yes. It said that on an island in the West Blue called God Valley, the Celestial Dragons are going to hold a hunting event!"
Roa's pupils contracted.
Has it begun?
A short while later, in the meeting room of the Skull Building—
All the officers of the Rocks Pirates had gathered there.
"My treasure really was stolen by those bastards from the World Government!"
Rocks roared furiously. "Damn scum! They actually dared to do it! They dared to snatch food from a tiger's mouth!"
"But Captain, you secretly found the Mythical Zoan Azure Dragon Fruit. Were you planning to keep it all to yourself?"
Ochoku, who was wearing a hat, asked with interest.
"After we take it back, how about giving that fruit to me, Rocks?"
Kaido asked excitedly. "Wororororo! That fruit is perfect for me!"
"That belongs to me!"
Rocks glared fiercely at them.
It was one of the strongest Devil Fruits in existence. Even to Rocks, it was an extraordinarily precious treasure.
"It's not just the Azure Dragon Fruit. Two weeks from now, there will be even more treasures at God Valley, such as the Paramecia Paw-Paw Fruit."
Charlotte Linlin's eyes were filled with greed. "That's also a Devil Fruit with practically every ability imaginable!"
"There's also an enormous treasure trove, enough to move even the Celestial Dragons!"
Captain John stopped drinking, his eyes burning with excitement. "Hey, Rocks, are we really going to miss this grand occasion?"
"But how credible is it, based on only a single audio transmission?"
Gloriosa asked. "We don't even know who sent it."
It was Ginny.
Though young, the ill-fated girl was exceptionally skilled at intelligence and communications.
Who could have imagined it?
The root of everything would turn out to be several insignificant little slaves whom nobody had ever cared about.
Roa thought silently.
The battle of God Valley was truly about to begin.
If he remembered correctly, Ginny had sent the message two weeks before the hunt began.
"Investigate!"
Rocks said coldly. "With so many Celestial Dragons traveling, the Navy will definitely dispatch a massive fleet to escort them. The moment we discover the Navy gathering forces in the West Blue, we'll set out immediately!"
"Kehahahaha! A bunch of Celestial Dragons, huh? Even if it weren't for the treasure, this trip would be worth making! Let's cause a scene!"
"Gurarararara! Human hunting really is the kind of thing those scum would do. This time, let's teach them a lesson!"
"Mamamamama!"
"Worororororo!"
Here they go again.
Otherwise—
"Kehkehkehkehkeh!"
Before you continue