Ten thousand meters above the ground.
The clouds were torn into long white streaks.
A black figure was plummeting at extreme speed in a bizarre headfirst position, arms folded across his chest.
This was Rock Thunder God, less than half a day after leaving home—the forcibly set-free version.
The gale roared in his ears, yet he looked as though he were lying in a hammock under the sun, his face full of speechlessness.
"Whew... I said I was going down to take a look around, and the entire Kingdom of God nearly started a civil war just to keep me from leaving..."
The images flashing through his mind made the corner of his mouth twitch.
Gan Fall had clung tightly to his thigh like an old child. "Lord God! You can't descend to the lower world! It's dangerous down there!!!"
The Shandia chief had been even more dramatic, wrapping his arms around Rock's waist. "We Shandia have only just begun living good lives! Please don't abandon us!!!"
The scene had been more tense than holding a fallen kingdom's treasure hostage.
In the end, Kai and the old village chief had spoken at the same time, with the unique gentleness and authority of elders.
"If the child wants to venture out, let him go."
"But remember to come home often."
The entire island had immediately nodded. "Right! Come home often! You absolutely have to come home often!!!"
Rock had immediately begun to wonder: Am I heading out on an adventure, or getting married off???
The fierce wind whipped his black hair into a frenzy as he rolled his eyes upside down in midair.
"Still, I never expected anyone to actually get through to Father's blockheaded heart..."
As he thought about it, his brows furrowed again.
"I clearly sensed that her feelings for Father were genuine... but why..."
"Why can't I remember her name?"
He seriously tried to recall it, but nothing came to mind.
"Forget it. I'll deal with it later."
As he plummeted at high speed, the sea drew closer and closer. Sunlight reflected across the horizon like countless shimmering golden scales.
Rock folded his arms and began seriously considering his "travel route." "I've already chosen my final destination in advance..."
"But before that—"
The corners of his lips lifted slightly. "I'll casually wander around the seas of this old era first. After all, at my current speed..."
"Hardly anyone in this era can catch up to me. If I can't beat them, I can always run away~"
He gave a soft snort. "Uncle Kizaru is probably still somewhere 'killing time' right now. He hasn't even put on a Marine uniform yet."
Just as he leisurely planned for the future, his peripheral vision suddenly caught sight of an enormous ship on the sea below.
It was no ordinary vessel.
Its massive hull was pulled forward by two enormous "sea serpents" at the bow.
The deck was packed with graceful figures, while a brown pirate flag fluttered from its sails.
Rock's pupils suddenly contracted.
The next second, a meaningful curve slowly appeared on his lips.
"Oh~"
"What a coincidence."
The sea wind howled, and the waves rolled like white dragons.
Upon the turbulent waters, a magnificent warship pulled by two giant "sea serpents" cut through the sea like a moving shadow of serpentine patterns, radiating immense pressure.
It was the most popular, most mysterious, and most dangerous female pirate crew of the old era.
—The Kuja Pirates.
The deck was filled with agile, captivating female warriors. At the very front of the ship, two women with entirely different charms stood side by side.
One was slender and cool in temperament, with straight black hair that curled slightly at the ends and snake-shaped hoop earrings. She frowned faintly.
—Toritoma.
The other leaned lazily against the railing, impossible to overlook despite her relaxed posture. A cigarette rested between her lips, held lightly by her slender fingers, her every gesture brimming with charm.
The future owner of the world's most famous Rip-off Bar was still the soul of the pirate crew at this time.
Toritoma bit her lip lightly and could not help asking again, "Lady Shakuyaku... have you really made up your mind?"
Shakuyaku slowly exhaled purple smoke, her eyes half-lidded. Her tone was casual, yet certain.
"Yeah~ I've decided. I'm washing my hands of this and ending my life as a pirate."
The Kuja warriors behind her instantly erupted. "Lady Shakuyaku!!! Don't go—!!!"
"We can't bear to lose you—!!!"
"Captain, don't leave—!!!"
"Waaah! Our faith is gone—!"
The scene looked like a massive farewell funeral.
Toritoma rubbed her forehead, but still insisted on asking rationally, "Then... where are you planning to go?"
"The Marines have been getting more and more insane lately. They arrest people whether they're pirates or not. If you run into them..."
Shakuyaku gently swayed her cigarette, a dangerous yet seductive smile curling across her lips. "As for that, I figured it out long ago."
She looked into the distance, her tone leisurely. "I'm planning to go to Hachinosu."
Toritoma's heart clenched. "H-Hachinosu!? Isn't that... Rocks Pirates territory?!"
Shakuyaku's smile did not change. "Don't worry. Nothing will happen."
Toritoma cried out, "That's Rocks?! The craziest monster in the world!!!"
Shakuyaku waved her hand lightly, as if brushing away a sea breeze. "Anyway, I've already decided. I'll leave the Kuja Pirates to you~"
Just as Toritoma was about to say something else, Shakuyaku suddenly froze.
Her battle instincts abruptly sounded an alarm, and it felt as though an invisible hand had gripped her heart.
Danger! An extremely dangerous presence!!!
She suddenly turned around!
Toritoma keenly noticed Shakuyaku's change and immediately looked toward the sky as well.
The next second, both of their pupils shook violently.
High above them, the clouds were brutally torn apart by blue-white lightning.
Within the crack illuminated by lightning stood a tall, upright figure with black hair flying wildly.
He seemed to be standing in midair, without any support.
Over two meters tall, the lines of his perfect muscles were faintly visible.
Arcs of lightning flickered and coiled around him, turning the entire sky silver.
His deep black eyes overlooked the sea as though a god were gazing down upon all living beings.
Every member of the Kuja Pirates instantly fell silent.
They could even hear a needle drop onto the deck.
For the first time, both astonishment and caution flashed through Shakuyaku's eyes. That presence... that power... that face...?
Toritoma was so shocked that her voice trembled. "A-A man standing in the air?!"
"What is going on... a Devil Fruit user?!!"
Amid the deathly stillness, the figure slowly lowered his head and revealed a lazy, casual smile.
Then he naturally raised a hand and waved. "Yo~"
His voice rumbled like low Thunder, yet inexplicably carried a hint of roguishness. "Mind if I hitch a ride?"
"BOOM!!!"
The sea completely erupted—
Screams, cries of alarm, the clatter of weapons hitting the deck, hearts skipping beats...
They burst forth one after another across the Kuja pirate ship!
The most dangerous all-female pirate crew of the old era was collectively dumbfounded at that moment.
All because of a ridiculously handsome, Thunder God-level life-form that had fallen from the sky.
Before you continue