The Edd War Sea.
Strong winds swept the sea, waves surged violently, and torrential rain poured from the sky.
"Ahhhhhhh!! How is this even possible!?"
"We're surrounded!!"
On the Oro Jackson, Buggy's red nose had gone pale with fear. He clung to a pillar in terror, screaming at the terrifying scene before him.
The Roger Pirates' ship was tossed about in the rough, stormy sea.
Under the howling wind and pouring rain, the waters to the front, back, and sides—and even the sky overhead—were densely packed with pirate ships. They floated like buoys, covering the ocean in an overwhelming display.
Flags bearing the Flying Lion insignia flapped wildly in the storm, unleashing an indescribable pressure and an immense surge of pressure.
"What are you so scared of, Buggy?"
Nearby, Shanks, wearing his straw hat, grabbed the mast with one hand and teased:
"You can't die from getting cut anymore anyway."
"Damn it!!"
Buggy's hands flew off his body and grabbed Shanks by the collar, eyes blazing with fury as he shouted:
"I still have tons of weaknesses, you bastard!!"
"You idiot! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be unable to swim!!"
Shanks just grinned in response.
Damn it!!
Buggy trembled with rage, but there was no time to argue. He rolled and scrambled over to Rayleigh, wailing:
"Rayleigh-san!! Please talk some sense into Captain Roger!!"
"That's Shiki out there!! We're completely surrounded!!"
"In a naval battle, that bastard's unbeatable!!"
Rayleigh chuckled dismissively and replied with a hint of helplessness:
"Buggy, you know what Roger's like. The more you panic, the more excited he gets..."
"Besides—"
He patted the railing of the ship.
"Even if it's a sea battle, we've got to trust in the Oro Jackson that Tom built for us."
Buggy froze as if struck by lightning.
His face twisted like he'd just swallowed something foul.
He instinctively looked to the other crew members for support, but saw that they were already standing tall in the wind and rain, drawing their swords with fierce smiles and eager eyes.
He broke down instantly.
"It's over... It's really over this time..."
Buggy collapsed on the deck, clutching his head in despair.
"Everyone's gone insane..."
"That monster Bullet had the right idea. I should've left the ship with him when I had the chance..."
The others paid no attention to Buggy's cries.
One after another, they drew their weapons, steadied their breathing, and gazed at the massive pirate fleet spread across sea and sky—grinning, filled with fighting spirit.
This was Captain Roger's—no, their—final journey!
Whether it was the sea of Edd War or the Flying Pirates under Shiki's command... nothing would make them back down!
"Shiki, huh?"
Heavy footsteps echoed from behind.
Clad in a blood-red captain's coat, Roger stepped forward, steady and calm, passing his crewmates one by one until he reached the bow.
The downpour soaked his clothes completely, streams of water running from his coat and splashing across the deck.
Bang!
Roger stomped down on the bow, raised his head proudly, and locked eyes with the pirate fleet that loomed like a shadow across the sky.
It was a terrifying, awe-inspiring sight.
In the rain and wind, the sea and sky swarmed with pirate ships, like a ravenous wolf pack encircling a wounded tiger—ready to strike.
Black cannons on the pirate ships glinted ominously, the stench of gunpowder thick in the air. Pirates adjusted their angles, aiming their barrels squarely at the Oro Jackson.
The Flying Pirates grinned viciously, their eyes fixed on the Roger Pirates like they were already corpses.
"Roger!!"
At that moment, a sharp, defiant laugh rang out from the thunderous storm clouds above.
A figure suddenly soared into view, golden hair as long as his legs whipping through the air like a lion's mane.
A lit cigar clenched between his teeth, arms crossed over his chest, he looked down at the Roger Pirates with a wild grin and a fierce gleam in his eyes.
"Jihahahahaha!! I've been waiting a long time for you!!"
As he laughed, an overwhelming aura erupted from his seemingly thin frame, transforming into a tangible storm that rippled through the clouds and cut through the rain like a blade.
Captain of the Flying Pirates. Overlord of the New World...
The Flying Pirate—Shiki the Golden Lion!
"What a terrifying presence... It's like I can't breathe..."
Buggy trembled as the crushing pressure bore down on him, face pale.
"That guy's a monster! Captain Roger!! Are we really not going to run!?"
Roger grinned.
"Shiki, long time no see."
He pointed casually at the murderous fleet before them.
"So this is how you're welcoming me?"
Shiki sneered.
"Cut the crap, Roger... You know damn well why I'm here!!"
Roger scratched his head with a puzzled look.
"Honestly, I have no idea."
Shiki: ...
He ground his teeth.
"The Ancient Weapon!!"
"You've got clues about one, don't you!?"
At those words, the entire Roger crew froze.
Buggy's expression changed drastically, a wave of dread washing over him.
Roger's eyes widened in genuine shock.
"Even you know I've got clues about the Ancient Weapon!?"
Buggy: ...
Tears streamed down his face instantly.
Rayleigh and the others clutched their faces in agony.
He... admitted it!?
Shiki was momentarily stunned.
He'd planned to force Roger to spill the truth—but the guy just confessed the moment he asked!?
This wasn't how it was supposed to go at all.
It took him several seconds to recover before a maniacal laugh burst out of him.
"Jihahahahaha!!"
"Perfect!! I thought you'd play dumb!"
"In that case, let's join forces!!"
Shiki's eyes burned as he stared Roger down, grinning fiercely.
"We had our share of grudges when we were younger—but let's put all that behind us!"
"With your knowledge of a world-ending Ancient Weapon, and the massive power and influence I command..."
He raised his right hand high, clenching it into a tight fist.
"—We can rule the world!!"
"No Marine, no self-righteous World Government, will stand a chance against us—they'll crawl at our feet!!"
"Be my right hand, Roger!!"
...
Boom!!
A flash of pale lightning tore through the pitch-black storm, lighting up the churning sea for a brief moment—and revealing the faint outlines of ten warships.
The ships were arranged in a defensive formation, using the storm as cover. Hidden perfectly several nautical miles away from the two pirate fleets, they waited in silence.
A slightly shady air lingered among them.
"It's about to begin."
On the flagship, Daren stood at the bow, rain cloak draped over his shoulders, chewing on a cigar. He gazed across the distant waves, a trail of smoke curling from his lips.
Unlike his composed demeanor, Sengoku—clutching a spyglass beside him—was visibly distressed.
"Shiki and Roger... are teaming up!?"
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / PinkSnake