ONE PIECE: THE GREAT VOYAGE

"Let's Have a Big Fight!"

After scanning his surroundings, Caesar realized that he was a little too excited. This was the first time he had encountered another pirate ship since joining the Rocks Pirates.

Fighting other pirates and battling for treasure—this was the essence of piracy.

In the past few days, he had either been training or fighting within the crew, completely forgetting the thrill of external conflict.

Could this be a chance to replenish their supplies?

Beside him, Brad's face was filled with both terror and excitement. "A pirate ship! It's a pirate ship!"

Caesar shot him a helpless look. Isn't the ship you're standing on also a pirate ship?

Out of curiosity, he activated his Kenbunshoku Haki, extending his senses toward the ship in front of them.

Strong... no.

There were only one or two moderately skilled fighters, but none posed a real threat.

Maybe Wang Zhi could handle them on his own.

Caesar sighed in disappointment and was about to withdraw his Haki when—

His eyes suddenly widened.

On the observation deck of the opposing ship, a lookout was patrolling with binoculars.

"Captain! There's a pirate crew ahead!"

The voice was filled with excitement. The captain of the ship smirked confidently. "See which crew it is."

He was sure of his own strength. As long as it wasn't that notorious pirate, he was ready to fight.

The pirate with the binoculars was initially eager, but the moment he focused, his entire body trembled. His face turned pale as he fell to his knees.

His throat was dry as he stammered, "C-Captain... it's..."

"Huh? What pirates are they?" the captain growled impatiently.

The lookout swallowed hard. "It's the Rocks Pirates."

"N-Nani?!"

The captain froze. His pupils dilated with fear, his confidence shattering instantly.

"RUN!"

"PULL AWAY FROM THEM—NOW!"

Panic erupted as the crew scrambled to steer the ship away.

Caesar watched in astonishment. The captain had changed his expression faster than a Logia user shifting forms.

No—that wasn't the point.

His gaze locked onto the Rocks Pirates' jolly roger, fluttering in the wind.

A crimson skull, its eerie grin striking terror into all who saw it.

The Rocks Pirates were terrifyingly powerful—to the point of sheer dread.

"Chase them, Captain?" someone asked.

Loxton paused for a second, then shook his head. "Forget it. That ship's worthless…" He turned and walked back to the cabin.

The rest of the crew groaned.

"Tch—ran away again! I wanted a big fight."

"Aren't they supposed to be the Jack Pirates? What's with the cowardice?"

Over the next few days, they encountered more pirate crews. But after what happened, the lookouts didn't even bother reporting.

After all, if even a notable pirate crew fled in terror, what would the smaller ones do?

Many wouldn't even dare to get close.

Brad and Caesar couldn't help but sigh at the sheer notoriety of the Rocks Pirates.

They were, without a doubt, a dominant force at sea.

---

Later, inside the ship—

"Big! Big! Come on, big!"

A crowd had gathered around a gambling table. A burly man at the center was shaking a dice cup furiously.

With a snap, the cup landed on the table. Shouts filled the air.

"Small! Small!"

The room was noisy, chaotic—but lively.

Caesar walked over.

When the cup was lifted, three red dots were revealed.

"YEAH!"

"WE WON!"

Charlotte Linlin roared in excitement, grabbing the pile of treasure she had won.

Gold, silver, jewelry, weapons—various riches lay in front of her.

Caesar's eyes flickered.

For the next round, he pulled out some Berries, placing them on the "Big" section.

His eyes locked onto the dice cup.

Big, big, big…!

Charlotte Linlin narrowed her tiny eyes. "Small, small!"

Not to be outdone, Kaido grinned. "Big, big!"

The cup landed. The moment of suspense stretched on—until it was lifted.

"BIG!"

Kaido let out an excited roar, and Caesar smiled as he raked in his winnings.

---

[16] Overlords Who Refuse to Obey Anyone

Somewhere in the New World—

As the Rocks Pirates' ship approached an island, the town ahead was bustling with life.

But the moment the townspeople saw the ship's jolly roger, terror spread like wildfire.

"The Rocks Pirates…!"

"Run! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!"

Within moments, the peaceful town was in a frenzy.

The ship docked. Pirates poured onto the island, their machetes gleaming under the sun.

And then—

Chaos.

"AHHHHH!"

Screams filled the air. The sound of panicked footsteps mixed with the wicked laughter of pirates.

"Treasure, treasure, treasure…!"

The pirates ransacked everything in sight.

Charlotte Linlin sniffed the air, her large nose twitching. "Where's the dessert?" she demanded, brandishing her weapon.

Kaido, grinning wildly, swung his kanabo, demolishing an entire building with a single blow.

Caesar, however, remained leaning against the ship's railing, his gaze deep in thought.

This—

This was the nature of most pirates. Pillaging, killing, destruction—

And the Rocks Pirates were no exception.

Even though he was part of this crew, there were things Caesar refused to do.

He would not torment ordinary people. He had no interest in meaningless slaughter.

His true enemies were the Navy and pirates stronger than him.

His eyes drifted to the side—where he saw Whitebeard.

"Newgate…"

Whitebeard sat on the railing, resting his chin on one hand. His expression was unreadable.

"You're not going down?" Caesar asked.

Whitebeard let out a quiet sigh.

"Stealing treasure isn't my dream."

"Neither is murder."

Caesar thought back to what he knew of Whitebeard's ideals. He nodded. "I see."

Whitebeard studied him for a moment, surprised. "You're not shocked?"

Most pirates lived for treasure. If someone wasn't interested, they'd be ridiculed.

But Caesar's expression remained calm—understanding.

Whitebeard smiled slightly.

Caesar lay back, letting the sun warm his face.

"It's not surprising. I don't care for treasure either. I don't enjoy senseless killing. I went to sea to grow stronger."

He left out the second part—his true ambition.

"But killing ordinary people won't make me stronger," he continued.

"Only by challenging the powerful can I improve."

Whitebeard was silent for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"So, just like when you challenged Rocks?"

Caesar nodded.

With the chaos unfolding in the background, the two of them sat and talked.

"A few days ago, Charlotte Linlin tried to recruit you, didn't she?" Whitebeard asked.

Caesar glanced at him. How did you know?

"You should be careful," Whitebeard warned. "Once you join a faction on this ship, your leader might just become your next captain."

Caesar frowned. "What do you mean?"

Whitebeard's gaze darkened.

"On the Rocks Pirates, everyone fights for power. Squads clash, captains betray each other. Everyone wants to overthrow Rocks himself."

"But Rocks is too powerful. So far, no one has been able to beat him."