SIX PATH SAGE OF THE ROCKS PIRATES

Silver Axe's legs skidded across the deck for dozens of meters, his boots leaving deep grooves in the wood before he could stabilize himself. He planted his axe into the deck to stop his momentum, his breath heavy, his heart pounding.

How is this possible?

How can he be this strong?!

Silver Axe's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Rocks. Despite his years of honing his strength aboard the Rocks Pirates, battling some of the fiercest pirates in the New World, the gap between him and Rocks felt insurmountable.

Why does it feel like his strength has grown even more?

Silver Axe clenched his fists, his grip on his weapon tightening. He had always known he wasn't on Rocks' level, but this fight made him realize just how far apart they were.

In his years aboard the crew, Silver Axe had improved significantly, growing stronger through countless battles against legendary foes. However, he had failed to consider a crucial truth:

While his strength was growing… Rocks' strength was growing even faster.

Rocks stood calmly, hands behind his back, his expression unreadable. His sheer dominance was enough to stifle the air, and every step he took radiated a pressure that seemed to push everyone else into the background.

"If you continue like this, you'll never earn my recognition, let alone become a main cadre," Rocks said coldly.

Silver Axe wiped the sweat from his brow and shook his head. No. I can't give up. I still have a chance.

He took a deep breath, focusing his energy as a surge of Armament Haki flowed through his body, wrapping his axe in a dark sheen. His veins bulged with the strain of channeling his haki to its peak.

"Come again!" Silver Axe roared, his voice echoing across the deck.

This time, his movements were faster, his aura even more oppressive. Charging toward Rocks, he raised his axe high above his head, the sheer force of his momentum causing the air to twist and ripple around him.

"Thunder Axe!"

Silver Axe roared as he brought his weapon down with all his strength, the axe slashing through the air so fast it appeared to crackle with lightning. The attack distorted the space around it, tearing apart the atmosphere as it descended.

But Rocks remained unfazed.

"Too slow, Silver Axe," Rocks said calmly, his figure vanishing the moment the axe was about to strike.

The massive blade cleaved through an afterimage, slamming into the deck with earth-shattering force.

KRRRRRACK!!!

The deck, built from the legendary Treasure Tree Adam—the hardest material in the world—splintered and cracked under the weight of the attack, creating a spiderweb of destruction that spread across dozens of meters. The sheer force caused the ocean around the ship to swell into massive waves, sending torrents of seawater crashing against the hull. A swirling vortex formed beneath the ship, its turbulence threatening to pull everything under.

The crew watched in awe and horror.

"Did you see that? He cracked the deck! Treasure Tree Adam, of all things!"

"His strength is monstrous… but it's still no match for Rocks."

Despite the devastation caused by the blow, it had no effect on Rocks. In an instant, the captain reappeared behind Silver Axe.

"Snap."

Without any effort, Rocks grabbed Silver Axe by the neck, lifting him off the ground as if he were weightless. Silver Axe's face turned red, veins bulging as he struggled for breath. Rocks' grip wasn't just strong—it was suffocating, his haki laced with an overwhelming sense of dominance.

"Still think you're ready to become a main cadre?" Rocks asked with a faint smirk before hurling Silver Axe across the deck.

BANG!

Silver Axe's body slammed into the ship's railing, the impact forming a spiderweb of cracks across the wood. The rail groaned under the strain but held, barely.

Rocks turned, his hands clasped behind his back once more as he approached Silver Axe, who was struggling to his feet. "Do you want to continue, Silver Axe? Because this performance isn't even worth acknowledging."

The deck fell silent, the only sounds being the creaking of the ship and the faint roar of the waves stirred by Silver Axe's attack. Rocks' words cut through the air like a blade, a stark reminder of who truly reigned supreme on this ship.

Silver Axe, battered and bruised, looked up at Rocks, his axe trembling in his hands. The gap in their strength was clearer than ever.

And yet, somewhere deep inside, a spark of determination still flickered.

"Admit… I admit defeat."

Silver Axe struggled to his feet, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. His voice was weak, his words barely audible. He had underestimated the man who stood before him—Captain Rocks D. Xebec.

What a joke, he thought bitterly. Rocks hadn't even used his full strength. It was over in an instant. A single misstep, and Rocks had crushed him effortlessly. If he dared to challenge him again, Silver Axe knew he would die where he stood.

Rocks loomed over him, his gaze sharp and unyielding. The aura of the man was overwhelming, enough to make even the most hardened pirate falter. Silver Axe felt a chill creep down his spine, cold sweat soaking his brow. The hair on the back of his neck stood upright as he realized just how insignificant he was in the face of such overwhelming power.

No matter how he looked at it, Silver Axe was among the strongest in the Rocks Pirates, just below titans like Whitebeard and Big Mom. Yet, against Rocks, he was utterly powerless. He hadn't even landed a proper blow.

"Unbelievable… Captain Rocks is a monster," one of the crew members muttered, breaking the tense silence.

"That's the strength of the man who will lead us to conquer the seas!" another shouted.

"Rocks! Rocks! Rocks!" the chant grew louder, echoing across the deck as the crew rallied around their captain.

Charlotte Linlin, watching from the sidelines, let out a derisive laugh. "Silver Axe, you're pathetic. You dared to challenge Rocks, and now look at you."

Ochoku sneered, his tone ice-cold. "You've embarrassed us all, Silver Axe. Why would you even think you could stand against him?"

"If it weren't for your rank as a cadre, you'd already be dead," John added with a smirk, clearly enjoying the humiliation.

Golden Lion Shiki chuckled, his sharp teeth glinting in the light. "Silver Axe, even that rookie Kaito has more potential than you. How pitiful."

Silver Axe shot a glare at Kaito, who stood silently at the edge of the crowd. Kaito raised an eyebrow in confusion. What does this have to do with me? he thought, frustrated. I'm just standing here minding my own business.

"Typical," Kaito muttered under his breath. "I didn't do anything, and somehow I'm being dragged into this."

As the jeers continued, Rocks turned his cold gaze toward Shiki and the other main cadres. His piercing eyes seemed to deliver an unspoken warning. They froze under his scrutiny, realizing they had crossed a line. Rocks wasn't just their captain; he was a force of nature, and any sign of disobedience could be met with swift punishment.

The ship, damaged from successive battles, including Silver Axe's defeat and a skirmish between Kaito and Shiki, limped toward a nearby repair yard. Supplies were low, the cannons were worn, and the ship's condition reflected the chaotic nature of the Rocks Pirates.

When they docked at a shipyard deep in the New World, the crew scattered across the island. The interns were sent to gather supplies, while others sought entertainment in the bustling port town. Kaito, however, was still recovering from a grueling training session with Rocks the previous night. Exhausted, he remained on the ship, sleeping soundly in his quarters.

But even in sleep, Kaito couldn't shake the unease. On this ship, with this crew, every day was a gamble—a constant test of strength and survival. And Rocks D. Xebec was always watching.