One Piece: Lord of Calamity

Roa was quite pleased with having brought three new subordinates into his fold.

However, the allegiance of Morgans, Umit, and Du Feld didn't mean Roa had completely taken control of their respective vast influences.

Du Feld was alright; being in his early thirties, he was a true self-made success story, and his loan shark conglomerate was basically his personal domain.

Umit was a bit trickier. He had only recently inherited the family business, and there were still many old-timers within the company who were both a help and a hindrance to him.

The most troublesome was Morgans. This guy was still only the Vice President of the World Economic Journal.

While being in his early twenties and reaching such a position already showed he was a rarely-seen paparazzo, he ultimately lacked the ability to control the behemoth that was the World Economic Journal.

So, Roa would first have to help him become president.

When Morgans gleefully brought this up, Roa even suspected he was being used for free.

So, he decided to use others for free as well.

He planned to have Stussy contact CP to help Morgans stage a coup.

Based on his past life's experience, intelligence agencies were probably experts at orchestrating coups, right?

The reason he gave Stussy was simple: Morgans accidentally discovered her identity, then began with the phrase, "You wouldn't want...", and she felt it was an opportunity to cooperate with him and influence the World Economic Journal.

As the world's largest news media, even CP0 should place considerable importance on the World Economic Journal, right?

As for what Morgans would do after seizing power, that would just have to be attributed to the integrity of an independent journalist.

Regardless, with these three brothers brought under his wing, the framework of the Calamity Company was finally complete.

Production, publicity, transportation, sales—all in one smooth process.

Next, he could officially begin "benefiting the world."

How exciting.

After a brief meeting, Roa and his new subordinates parted ways.

It was best not to expose their relationship for now.

Umit, Du Feld, and Stussy each returned home. Morgans, on the other hand, was quietly taken back to the Germa Kingdom by Barre and Abel so Judge could add some "insurance measures" to him.

Roa also left the room casually and strolled leisurely through the castle.

He had to admit, Auntie Linlin's aesthetic taste was questionable; everywhere in this castle was decorated with sweet pink colors and dessert motifs. Staring at it for too long was practically blinding.

Fortunately, this casual stroll didn't last too long. A Homie, sent by the country's queen to find Roa, quickly stopped him.

Charlotte Linlin wanted to see him.

Roa wasn't surprised. The things they couldn't discuss openly at the tea party due to secrecy now needed a proper chat.

In the castle's main hall, Roa met Charlotte Linlin, who was seated high on her throne.

"I'll get straight to the point, Roa," Charlotte Linlin's smile was far less warm than it had been at the tea party. "What do you want for me to get what I desire?"

Roa felt a pang of melancholy at her change in attitude.

There's no going back, is there? Back to those harmonious times on Hachinosu Island six years ago.

Time changes everything.

Roa countered, "That depends on what you can give me, Auntie Linlin."

Charlotte Linlin was momentarily speechless.

Yes, what could she give Roa?

Strength, influence, wealth—this kid lacked nothing now.

Simply buying weapons from him was far from enough.

"It seems you don't even know what you can offer in exchange, Auntie Linlin?" Roa shook his head helplessly. "How about this: I've formed an offensive and defensive alliance with Brother Kaido. Do you want to join us?"

Offensive and defensive alliance?

Charlotte Linlin's eyes sharpened.

Although she always treated Kaido like a kid, she couldn't deny that Kaido was a natural monster like herself, someone destined to stand at the apex of the sea!

And Roa, needless to say, was a true talent who even made her feel frustrated.

These two actually had such a deep cooperation?

"You mean, if Mama joins you, you'll let Mama get what she wants?" Charlotte Linlin probed.

If that were the case, it would be all gain and no loss.

Pure profit.

Would joining Roa and Kaido's alliance be a bad thing?

Certainly not in the short term, before they impede her ambitions!

"What are you talking about, Auntie Linlin? You want a reward without even doing anything yet? Are you trying to get something for nothing?" Roa snapped impatiently. "You're going too far trying to swindle an innocent youth like me!"

He hinted openly, "You'll have to perform well."

Charlotte Linlin's expression instantly flickered between light and shadow.

This damned brat is the one trying to get something for nothing from her!

But, the Giant Tribe, the Bucaneer Tribe, the Lunarian Tribe...

Roa whistled as he cheerfully walked out of the palace.

The cooperation was successfully reached.

He wondered what lineup the Marines would send this time. If it was too outrageous, Auntie Linlin would have to step in directly.

He was indeed being a bit biased towards Kaido and Charlotte Linlin.

But there was no helping it; Auntie Linlin was ultimately not on the same path as himself.

The difference between her and Brother Kaido was the difference between Whole Cake Island and Wano Country.

Brother Kaido could be trusted, but Auntie Linlin could not.

Just like the Rocks Pirates, without a common goal to act as cohesion, falling apart was a natural outcome.

"Feeling happy, Roa?" a grinning voice sounded.

Roa looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Katakuri, what, here to reminisce?"

"Who would do something so boring?" Katakuri waved a hand, taking a bag from his shoulder. "I prepared a lot of doughnuts. Want some?"

"Generally speaking, that kind of behavior is called reminiscing," Roa twitched the corner of his mouth. "And how many times have I told you, I'm not interested in human food."

"Right, you vicious guy are truly hard to associate with humans!" Katakuri nodded in agreement, then an excited smile appeared on the young man's fierce face. "Then, Roa, when you went to God Valley six years ago, I said that the next time we met, I'd make you look at me with new eyes! Now is the time to fulfill that promise!"

"Accept my challenge, Roa! In these six years, I haven't stopped chasing after you for a moment!"

"Is that so?" Roa smirked. "I won't go easy on you!"

"The more the merrier!"

So, a little later, on the coast of Whole Cake Island, Katakuri placed his doughnuts aside and stood excitedly in front of Roa, holding his trident.

Roa said with interest, "Normally, after watching my fight with Auntie Linlin, you shouldn't have the thought of challenging me again, right?"

"What does that have to do with me?" Katakuri stretched his body, unconcerned. "If I'm scared just because you're strong, how can I possibly catch up to you?"

"Catch up to me?" Roa was a little surprised. "Katakuri, to say something like that, aren't you too arrogant?"

"You're the arrogant brat!"

A fierce wind swept in, and the wildly spinning trident, like an electric drill, jabbed directly towards Roa.

"Oh! Armament Haki, not bad." Roa nodded in approval.

Then, he raised his right hand and grabbed the tip of the spinning trident.

Sparks flew from his palm, like steel grinding rapidly.

The trident's rotation finally stopped, held firmly in Roa's grasp.

"Are you also indestructible like Mama?" Katakuri was greatly surprised.

He wasn't like this as a child! Roa's defense, didn't it only manifest when he used his ability?

"One important sign of growing up is," Roa released his hand, smiling, "your skin getting thicker."

Although his human form could only inherit part of the mythical beast's defensive power, with his current strength, the skin's toughness of his human form was already quite exaggerated.

"I have no idea what you're talking about!" Katakuri swung his right hand, and several black arms suddenly emerged from behind him, smashing towards Roa like a torrential storm.

Roa let Katakuri massage him, even actively twisting his body to let Katakuri strike his shoulder. "Oh! Right there, a little more force!"

"You bastard, take this seriously!" Katakuri shot forward, his right arm turning into a square shape, covered in black Haki. "Horn Mochi!"

A heavy punch slammed towards the back of Roa's head.

Roa slightly turned his body to avoid the punch, his right hand already in position in front of Katakuri's forehead, then delivered a flick to the forehead.

"Wah!" Katakuri was sent flying directly, tumbling on the ground, clutching his head.

"Is this your growth, Katakuri?" Roa said with interest. "You're still far off."

Katakuri, with a large bump on his forehead, scrambled to his feet, ripping off his leather jacket to reveal his toned upper body. "It's not over yet!"

"Oh?" Roa was slightly surprised.

Katakuri's body had quite a few scars.

"These scars are?"

"Huh? Scars?" Katakuri looked a bit confused. "How many battles do you think I've participated in these past few years! Crossing countless battlefields, these scars are mementos!"

"Very good! Truly very good, Katakuri!" Roa nodded, very satisfied, even applauding. "This is very good!"

Compared to the Katakuri in the original story who wouldn't let his back touch the ground for decades, his current state was very good.

True powerhouses are forged in blood and fire.

Er, except for himself.

"I don't understand what you're praising!"

Katakuri shot forward again, his right arm expanding, taking the shape of a massive flail. "Continue! Mochi Slash!"

Is he using his ultimate move?

Roa raised his hand to grab Katakuri's arm.

However, a hole suddenly melted open in the black flail-shaped arm, allowing Roa's arm to pass through.

Then, to Roa's surprised eyes, the flail directly hit him.

"Hahahaha! You fell for it, Roa!" Katakuri laughed heartily.

Excellent Observation Haki.

Does he already have the rudimentary form of his future fighting style? Roa thought.

"Fly up!" Katakuri roared loudly.

Possessing powerful stickiness, he gripped Roa's arm and tried to swing him whole.

But.

"Hmm?" Katakuri was stunned.

Motionless!

He couldn't swing Roa at all!

"Your strength is too lacking." Roa unhurriedly disengaged from Katakuri's arm, casually grabbing the expanded arm and swinging Katakuri instead.

Being able to clash with monsters like Kaido and Charlotte Linlin was largely due to Roa possessing physical strength not inferior to theirs.

Boom!

The ground shook, and Katakuri suddenly crashed down, directly creating a large crater in the ground.

"Wahhhhhh!" He screamed.

Not bad, Katakuri. Only sixteen, but his strength is already considerably stronger than an average Marine Vice Admiral.

Not much weaker than Barre.

A little later.

Katakuri lay sprawled on the coast, a mochi tentacle emerging from his body to pick up a doughnut and stuff it into his mouth. While chewing loudly, bruised and swollen, he sighed, "I can't even see your back, damn it, Roa, you're too unreasonable!"

"You're already very impressive, Katakuri. You caused me quite a bit of trouble." Roa sat beside him, gazing at the setting sun gradually sinking into the horizon.

"Really?" Katakuri's eyes lit up.

"Of course it's real," Roa said slowly. "It's quite difficult to knock you down without killing you; controlling my strength is a real hassle."

"Wow! You bastard! You're too arrogant!" Katakuri yelled angrily. "Just you wait, Roa! One day, I'll catch up to you!"

"By the way, Katakuri," Roa lowered his head, looking at the tall young man lying beside him. "Do you want to come with me?"

"No way!" Katakuri refused without hesitation. "I want to protect my brothers and sisters!"

"Is that so? That's a shame," Roa said with some regret. "I have to say, you do have some potential."

"Hahahaha! You finally admit it?" Katakuri excitedly flipped up, his eyes practically glowing. "You know it! One day, I will lead the Charlotte Family and make you truly look at me with new eyes!"

"Lead the Charlotte Family?" Roa was slightly stunned, then smirked. "If Auntie Linlin heard that, Katakuri, you'd be in trouble."

"It's only a matter of time!" Katakuri waved his right hand, brimming with confidence. "If I can't even surpass Mama, what's the point of talking about catching up to you?"

"Hahahaha!" Roa laughed heartily.

"Then, don't die before that, Katakuri."

"Are you cursing me, you brat? I won't die!" Katakuri picked up a doughnut and handed it to Roa. "Want a taste? It's really super delicious!"

Roa sighed. "You guy..."

The sea breeze gently blew, as if carrying them back to six years ago.

"Ugh! It's super disgusting. People who like this kind of thing can only be said to have no taste and are destined to live a relatively failed life."

"Apologize! Apologize to the doughnut!"

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