Year 1500 of the Sea Circle Calendar
At the harbor of the Sabaody Archipelago,
a massive ship long buried in dust was now freshly polished and moored by the dock.
"Still so nostalgic... the Oro Jackson."
Ozz stepped onto the deck, gazing over every detail and facility. Those days felt like yesterday.
There was no sadness or farewell after all, at Ozz's speed, if anything happened, he could return in an instant.
Only Rayleigh, watching the giant ship set sail, had tears glistening in his eyes.
Meanwhile, among the crowd witnessing this scene near the harbor, some unusual figures blended in.
To Sami, Rayleigh, and their close circle, Ozz's voyage was just a small episode in their lives.
That was because they truly understood Ozz.
But to the outside world,
"Ozz" was far more than a simple name.
he was a symbol of an era!
Before the birth of the new king,
most people believed he was the man most likely to claim the title of "King."
"Black Gun" Dotoru Ozz!
Marine Headquarters, Marineford
Beru beru beru beru...
"Report to HQ! An emergency situation!!!" came a rapid-fire voice over the Den Den Mushi.
The operator's brow furrowed, her face tightening in tension.
"Speak!"
"Report: This morning, 'Black Gun' Ozz and 'Hawk Eyes' Mihawk set sail together!"
"???"
The operator was momentarily speechless.
Ozz's frequent appearances in the red-light district of Sabaody Archipelago were no secret; the World Government had known for years.
Mihawk joining him was no big deal just a rookie trying his luck.
But what followed stunned her into stillness. Her pupils trembled, cold sweat breaking out uncontrollably.
"The two are aboard the former Pirate King Gol D. Roger's Oro Jackson. All signs indicate this is no ordinary short voyage!!!"
"Nani!!!"
Thus, the news of "Black Gun" Ozz's return to the seas quickly spread to the ears of countless great powers worldwide, instantly commanding their utmost attention.
This was exactly why Ozz hadn't chosen to sneak off quietly he wanted the world to know:
Unlike other members of Roger's crew, Ozz had not retired.
The Marines even held an emergency meeting.
"Reliable intel confirms that today, Black Gun and Hawk Eyes are aboard the Oro Jackson, preparing to resume their activities at sea.
The Marines must be ready!"
Sengoku sat at the head of the table. Now, he was beginning to take charge of many Marine affairs.
Facing the assembled admirals, he spoke gravely.
"Hahaha, Sengoku, if you gave the order, I'd have gone to Sabaody and caught that kid ages ago. No need to make such a fuss!"
Kizaru grinned, casually munching on rice crackers while chatting.
"Shut up, Kizaru!" Sengoku snapped, anger flaring as he stood.
"The World Government forbids any engagement with Ozz!"
In fact, it wasn't only Sengoku who took this seriously. Many others present reacted far more dramatically.
Boom...
Crackling sounds...
A pungent mix of sulfurous heat and biting cold swept through the room, reflected in the ugly scowls on two admirals' faces.
Even Kuzan, usually more temperate, was nearly as grim as Sakazuki.
It was hard not to wonder if Ozz himself appeared before them, whether either of these two might risk breaking military discipline to attack him.
Their reaction was understandable, Ozz had been brazen enough to deliver a beating that left the fiercest anti-pirate, Sakazuki, bruised and battered.
And Kuzan...
Well, those who know, know.
Borsalino, on the other hand, barely reacted beyond a bead of cold sweat on his forehead.
Being more cautious, he had been the least injured of the three and wasn't as hotheaded, so he only muttered:
"Wow... That monster of monsters, Ozz, is stirring up trouble at sea again, huh..."
"Kuzan, Sakazuki, control yourselves! This is no time for foolishness!"
Sengoku sighed, troubled by their elemental outbursts, but sternly ordered:
"The urgent priority is to carry out the World Government's command.
Execute the 'Demon Extermination Order' on Ohara!
You two no more trouble at this stage!"
At those words, the two finally clenched their jaws and fell silent.
New World, Totto land, The Whole Cake Island
A fairy tale kingdom with candy trees, chocolate rivers, and dancing, singing flora.
Ruling here was one of the New World's sovereigns, a natural-born monster and former member of the Rocks Pirates.
Big Mom, Charlotte Linlin!
Inside the castle,
a figure dashed in, bursting into the grand room, clearly flustered.
"Mom… M-mom…"
"Latest news on Black Gun Ozz! He's set sail!"
Hearing this, the once-youthful and glamorous plump lady lifted her head from a dessert.
Nearby, a tall man wrapped tightly in a huge scarf, face half-covered, also turned serious.
Big Mom was long past her youthful beauty. Years of consuming sweets and giving birth had left her shape completely transformed even if not yet as round as she would later become.
After hearing the news, she paused, then locked terrifying eyes onto the messenger, Homies soldier.
She didn't even bother finishing her cake.
Once certain she heard correctly, she grinned wide an unprecedented gleam of excitement and desire lit her face!
"Mama-mama-mama~ Ozz that brat finally came of age? Wonderful news!!!"
Watching this, Katakuri's expression soured.
He knew exactly what Big Mom wanted.
"Mom… about Black Gun Ozz, we…"
But if she ordered them to bring Ozz here, that was simply an impossible task.
Katakuri understood well even his proud Observation Haki might pale before that legendary figure's innate Haki.
"Mama-mama-mama… I know well enough.
Ozz isn't someone you all can handle.
But we can send him our message. I believe he'll be interested!"
The world's strongest woman, Charlotte Linlin, raised her hands high, eyes blazing with frenzy and excitement:
"As long as he agrees.
Our child, born with our combined Conqueror's Haki,
My iron-hard skin and his innate monstrous strength and Observation Haki,
will.
"Absolutely surpass Roger, Whitebeard, even Rocks..
Become the strongest monster to ever rule the world,
the World's Strongest Monster!!!"
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(Next Chapter: "Daily Life Aboard the Oro Jackson")
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