SIX PATH SAGE OF THE ROCKS PIRATES

Kaito Ryujin set out to sea, carrying with him the remnants of the Sage Body's power, a gift of immense vitality and chakra control from his world. His goal? To find a mythical Devil Fruit rumored to exist in the depths of the ocean—one said to resonate with the feral energy of the Nine-Tails, a creature of legendary power.

However, the seas of the New World were treacherous, teeming with dangers at every turn. Even though Kaito initially had no intention of provoking others, the lawless nature of the era led to conflict. Pirates saw him as an obstacle or a threat, attacking without hesitation. Left with no choice, Kaito retaliated, his combat prowess honed by a combination of chakra-infused techniques and burgeoning Haki.

But his victories came at a cost. The Marine forces soon took notice of the growing pile of defeated pirate crews. Viewing him as a potential threat to their order, they issued a bounty on his head. With no other path to survival, Kaito reluctantly chose the life of a pirate, albeit without a clear goal in mind.

This was how Kaito spent his first year on the seas. By the time he stood before Rocks D. Xebec, he had already carved out a reputation as a formidable force. Yet, when Rocks, the fearsome captain of the Rocks Pirates, asked about his purpose for becoming a pirate, Kaito had no answer.

Rocks, undeterred, turned his gaze to the vast ocean. "The purpose of my becoming a pirate," he said, his voice laden with ambition, "is to conquer this sea. But my ambition does not stop there. I aim to dominate the entire world!"

Rocks D. Xebec was a man unlike any other—a titan whose strength and resolve had no equal. With his charisma and overwhelming power, he had gathered some of the most dangerous individuals of the era: Whitebeard, Golden Lion, Charlotte Linlin, Kaido, and others. These were names that would one day shake the world. Even legendary figures like Roger, Garp, and Sengoku struggled to match the might of Rocks' crew.

If not for the captain's hubris and inability to manage the volatile relationships within his crew, the catastrophic Battle of the Valley of the Gods might have ended differently. Instead of his untimely demise, Rocks could have overthrown the World Government and established himself as the ruler of the world.

But for now, Kaito found himself drawn into Rocks' orbit. As Kaito listened, he couldn't help but wonder: Why is he telling me this? I've only just joined the crew. Does he have this same speech prepared for everyone?

Rocks continued, his eyes piercing through Kaito. "Since I became a pirate, I've seen the rise of countless so-called 'monsters.' But none of them are truly worthy of my acknowledgment. They all fall short."

He paused, then added, "But you, Kaito… you're different. I can sense it. My Observation Haki is unparalleled—it can see into a person's heart, their very essence. And when I look at you, I see a power unlike anything else. I don't know its origin, but it's there."

"You have the potential to be an overlord, Kaito."

Kaito furrowed his brow, processing Rocks' words. He had inherited the Sage Body, a power tied to the Six Paths chakra, and he suspected that this was what Rocks had noticed. While Kaito wasn't sure where his path as a pirate would lead, one thing was certain: Rocks had seen something extraordinary within him.

Rocks' strength, refined Haki, and ability to discern potential were unparalleled, which explained why he had recruited so many future legends. Whitebeard, Golden Lion, Charlotte Linlin, and Kaido—all were drawn to him, not by chance, but because of Rocks' unerring instinct for greatness.

Rocks stared at Kaito, his piercing gaze betraying the intrigue and caution that simmered beneath his composure. Despite his commanding presence, there was an air of curiosity—almost wariness—about him. Rocks didn't fully understand the nature of the power Kaito had mastered, but he had witnessed enough to know it was no ordinary ability.

"I see it clearly now," Rocks began, his tone measured but firm. "What makes you special is something even Edward Newgate and the Golden Lion cannot touch. If you grow properly, Kaito, you may very well surpass them in the future."

Kaito inclined his head slightly, his expression unreadable. "Really?"

Rocks noted the calm demeanor, one that bordered on indifference. There was no arrogance, but neither was there the spark of excitement Rocks had expected.

Kaito's thoughts, however, were focused elsewhere. Since arriving in this world and awakening the Immortal System, he had known his destiny far exceeded the bounds of any pirate crew—even the legendary Rocks Pirates. He didn't need anyone's affirmation. Rocks, Edward, the Golden Lion—all of them would one day serve as stepping stones on his path.

Rocks' lips curled into a sly smile. "It seems you already have an idea of what your potential holds."

Kaito's tone was neutral. "So, why did you call me here tonight, Captain?"

"To secure your loyalty," Rocks replied bluntly.

Kaito chuckled, spreading his hands. "I'm already part of your crew, Captain Rocks. Isn't that enough?"

"No," Rocks said, leaning forward. "You're here, but I don't know why you joined. I don't want mere words, Kaito—I want something more. You have untapped power, and I can help you grow into a true monster. But I need a promise. You won't betray me or this crew until the Rocks Pirates are no more."

Kaito narrowed his eyes. He could sense the layers behind Rocks' offer. As captain of this unruly and fractured crew, Rocks knew all too well that most of his crew had ulterior motives. Figures like Shiki and Edward were already plotting their own futures, their ambitions rivaling even his. But Kaito was young—only sixteen or seventeen—an age ripe for molding. Rocks' plan was clear: help Kaito grow, earn his gratitude, and cement his loyalty.

But Kaito wasn't so easily manipulated.

"What do you say, Kaito?" Rocks pressed, his voice commanding.

Kaito smiled faintly. "As a member of the Rocks Pirates, I have no intention of betraying you, Captain."

Rocks observed him closely, gauging his sincerity. What he didn't know was that Kaito's decision wasn't rooted in loyalty. Kaito understood his current limitations. For all his potential and the system that granted him immortality, his strength was still far below that of the crew's top fighters. A chance to receive guidance from Rocks, one of the world's strongest, was an opportunity he wouldn't waste.

Kaito also knew Rocks' fate. The Valley of the Gods—the battle that would spell Rocks' end—was inevitable. Once that moment came, Kaito would sever his ties with the crew and chart his own path.

For now, he would play along.

"Good," Rocks said finally, his voice laced with satisfaction. "I'll make sure you become someone even the world will fear."

Kaito nodded. Deep inside, he chuckled. Rocks spoke of loyalty and growth, but Kaito had no intention of being brainwashed or controlled. He had the Immortal System, the foresight of a god, and the resolve of someone who had transcended ordinary limitations. Rocks was merely a stepping stone—nothing more, nothing less.