SIX PATH SAGE OF THE ROCKS PIRATES

In the New World, a massive Marine warship sailed through the turbulent waters. The ship carried a formidable group of officers, gathering on its deck for a meal. Sitting around a small table were four Marines: Monkey D. Garp, Sengoku, Zephyr, and Tsuru.

At this point in their careers, all four held the rank of Marine Colonel. Yet, their true strength far surpassed the limits of their official positions, marking them as future legends within the Marines. This particular mission was urgent, requiring their immediate deployment to an island under the control of the infamous Rocks Pirates.

A young Marine scout approached the group, saluting sharply before announcing, "Colonel Garp, we're approaching the island under the control of the Rocks Pirates."

"Hah! I've been itching to meet Rocks D. Xebec!" Garp said, grinning widely, his teeth flashing in excitement. The tales of Rocks had reached even the first half of the Grand Line, and Garp had long wanted to see for himself what made the Rocks Pirates the most feared crew in the New World.

"Garp, don't forget, this mission is purely for intelligence gathering," Sengoku said, frowning as he adjusted his glasses. "We are not here to pick a fight with Rocks or his crew. This operation is far more dangerous than anything we've undertaken before."

Sengoku's concern was well-founded. While Garp was known for his unmatched bravery and fighting spirit, he had a reckless streak that often led to unnecessary risks. The last thing Sengoku wanted was for Garp to engage with Rocks or his top commanders in a direct confrontation.

Zephyr, ever the disciplined soldier, nodded in agreement. "Garp, we can't afford to jeopardize this mission. Stick to the plan."

"Don't worry so much. I know how to handle myself," Garp said, crossing his arms with a pout.

"I'll make you a deal," Sengoku said, a sly smile creeping across his face. "If you follow the plan and don't act recklessly, I'll get you all the senbei you want after this mission."

Garp's eyes lit up. "You promise, Sengoku? All the senbei I can eat?"

"Yes," Sengoku replied, exasperated but firm.

"Deal!" Garp said with a booming laugh. "But don't expect me to share."

The ship soon reached the island, but instead of docking openly, the Marines anchored at a secluded cove on the island's outskirts. Sengoku laid out the plan one final time before they disembarked.

"We'll split into four groups, each positioned on different parts of the island's back mountain," he said, pointing to the map. "The terrain is dense and full of natural cover. Use your binoculars to observe the Rocks Pirates' activities from a distance. If any of us are discovered, signal immediately, and we retreat together. Understood?"

"Understood," the group replied in unison.

As the four legends moved into position, they could feel the weight of the mission ahead. The Rocks Pirates were no ordinary crew. Under Rocks D. Xebec's command, they boasted some of the most notorious individuals in the pirate world, including the likes of Charlotte Linlin, Kaido, and Edward Newgate.

Each Marine knew the risks of this operation. But even as they crept into the shadows, Garp couldn't help but grin at the thought of the challenge that lay ahead. Somewhere on this island were the pirates he'd one day face head-on—and he couldn't wait.

Although hiding in the back mountain offered some cover, Sengoku knew the Rocks Pirates were unpredictable. The group rarely ventured into such remote areas without reason, but one could never be too careful.

"Preparation is key, Garp!" Sengoku emphasized, his piercing gaze fixed on the carefree Garp.

"I don't know why you're always on my case, Sengoku," Garp replied, grinning as he scratched the back of his head.

Sengoku sighed, exasperated. "Among the four of us, you're the most troublesome. I can trust Tsuru to plan, Zephyr to strategize, and me to lead. But you? You're a wildcard."

"Relax, this time I'll follow orders," Garp declared, his tone suddenly serious.

Sengoku's eyes narrowed. "I'll believe it when I see it."

"Trust me."

"Fine, but don't let me down," Sengoku relented with a nod. Soon, the four senior Marines dispersed, each leading squads into different parts of the back mountain to scout for intelligence on the island.

Meanwhile, aboard the Rocks Pirates' ship...

Kaito, a junior member of the infamous Rocks Pirates, finally woke at midday and stepped onto the near-empty deck. Most of the crew had disembarked to enjoy the island's pleasures, but Kaito had other priorities.

"First, I need a better weapon," Kaito muttered, stretching.

Over the past year, he had gone through countless ordinary blades, none of which lasted in battle against formidable opponents like Roger or Garp. This time, Kaito resolved to find a weapon worthy of his growing skill.

As he entered a weapon shop in the bustling town, his eyes fell on a magnificent sword displayed prominently. It was one of the 50 Skillful Grade Swords, second only to the 21 Great Grade Swords and the legendary 12 Supreme Grade Swords.

"This blade… it's incredible," Kaito murmured, running his fingers along the hilt.

The shopkeeper noticed his interest and smirked. "Ah, a fine eye you have! This is the treasure of my shop. The price just went up—supply and demand, you know."

Kaito frowned but remained calm. "You're trying to extort me, aren't you?"

"I wouldn't dream of it," the shopkeeper replied, feigning innocence.

Kaito preferred diplomacy, but he was no pushover. Moments later, the shopkeeper was lying unconscious, and Kaito walked out with the prized sword in hand, not a berry spent.

"Now, let's test this beauty," Kaito said, setting his sights on the back mountain.

At the back mountain…

Kaito drew his new blade and admired its balance. He intended not only to test the sword but also a newly acquired technique from the special lottery he had stumbled upon days ago: the Rasengan, a spiraling sphere of chakra known for its destructive potential.

"Rocks would be furious if I destroyed anything on the ship," Kaito muttered, recalling the last time he accidentally cut through the mast. The back mountain, with its secluded expanse, was perfect for his experiment.

Kaito took a deep breath, forming the Rasengan in one hand while holding the sword in the other. He grinned. "Let's see what happens when I combine the two."

As Kaito swung his sword, channeling the Rasengan's energy, a devastating shockwave erupted, carving through the terrain. The sheer force left a massive crater, and the power of the Rasengan fused with his blade amplified his attack beyond anything he had experienced.

"Not bad," Kaito said, smirking as he surveyed the destruction. "I'm just getting started."