The pinnacle of pirates! Beginning as a trainee in Roger's crew

Whether it was the Five Elders or the God Knights finally daring to approach, all of them gasped in unison the moment they saw the two figures emerge.

They couldn't believe their eyes.

The legendary Garling, the man said to rival the strongest of legends, stood with torn sleeves and ruffled hair.

But Ozz? Not a scratch on him. Not even a crease in his shirt.

"You all look like you've seen a ghost," Ozz said, cracking his neck and stretching slightly. His body was running low on energy. Sure enough, facing someone on the same level as Captain Roger came with pressure.

The difference in age was unavoidable. Among peers, Ozz was unmatched. But in front of monsters like Garling, the lack of accumulated foundation still showed.

Just healing the superficial damage and restoring his clothes using the "Micro Shift" technique of the Op-Op Fruit had cost him a lot. Especially… that part.

The damn "Observation Bane."

Having awakened his Observation Haki at a young age, Ozz had long since grown used to perceiving the world with unfiltered clarity. Suddenly being "blinded" was disorienting in a way he couldn't quite stomach.

"Had a little spar with Lord Garling," Ozz explained casually, taking the long cloak a female Celestial Dragon knight handed him and draping it over his shoulders. Turning to the stunned crowd of God Knights and Five Elders, he blinked, then realized.

Ah. Right.

Garling was like Shanks in his prime. Peak of the peak. For everyone here, seeing Ozz walk out unscathed was like watching a nineteen-year-old rookie pirate take down a Yonko single-handedly.

Like something straight out of Kid's wildest dreams.

"Don't look at me like that," Ozz said with a wry smile. "He had the upper hand for most of it. I'm just standing because of my Devil Fruit."

He wasn't afraid to admit it. Power was power. No need to fake humility or brag in front of real top dogs.

"Just barely held on, really."

Hearing that, the gathered knights all let out a collective sigh of relief.

Ah, now he sounds like a human again.

Earlier, right after the Five Elders stepped away, Garling had requested a one-on-one bout with Ozz. He wanted to test his true strength firsthand. Ozz had no reason to refuse.

He handed his cloak to a rosy-cheeked Celestial Dragon woman and even sealed away his ultimate weapon, the Black Rifle.

When things are going well? God's Step.

When things get tough? Use your fists.

When all else fails? Pull out the big black boomstick.

But to clash swords with the strongest living swordsman today? Ozz wouldn't miss that opportunity to polish his own blade skills.

And so, the sky that had cracked... shattered.

For once, Ozz's Conqueror's Haki was overwhelmed. This wasn't just a duel. This was a battle of monstrous pressure, on par with him standing against Shanks in his prime.

Under the collision of two full-powered Conqueror's Haki storms, even Vice Admirals would've been wiped off the map just by standing too close.

This was a true peak-level showdown.

Most of the God Knights didn't even qualify to spectate.

If the two hadn't reined in their strength, their flying sword slashes might've reached all the way to Mary Geoise and carved up the Holy Land itself.

Now, hearing Ozz's explanation, it all clicked into place.

Their intel had mentioned his fruit ability. He could revert his body to a previous state so long as he had stamina to burn.

Still, the fact that he could go toe-to-toe with Garling that long… that alone said enough.

"By the way, Ozz," Saint Saturn said suddenly, glancing at the cratered battlefield. He clearly wasn't in the mood for small talk. From his robe, he took out a slim chip and handed it over.

"Lord Imu has approved your special status. From now on, you're officially a member of the God Knights, but under independent command. No mandatory orders."

A diplomatic way of saying: you're in, but we don't expect you to actually do anything. Just a title. No labor. Another pampered Celestial Dragon who doesn't clock in.

Understanding dawned, and whispers rippled among the female God Knights who had spectated both battles:

"Huh? Lord Ozz just joined the Knights?"

"I thought they weren't recruiting, but I did hear something about a fast-track new member..."

"Wait, if someone has a baby with Lord Ozz... is the child still a Celestial Dragon?"

Now that question actually stumped the Five Elders and Garling for a second.

Technically, as an off-roster Celestial Dragon, Ozz's bloodline didn't carry inheritable rights.

But if the mother was a proper Celestial Dragon, one of the pure-blooded "gold flag" families, then who dared deny the legitimacy of a child born of "divine blood"?

After a moment of contemplation, they offered the most honest answer they could:

"Probably, yes."

Mary Geoise.

Nobles and kings from across the world had gathered for the World Summit. Amid the glittering gowns and diplomatic chatter, one face stood out.

Raising-King Dotor Kik.

"King Kik, an honor to finally meet you!"

"Your grandson is truly remarkable!"

"Clearly the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! Lord Ozz's greatness must come from your exceptional bloodline!"

"..."

"Ah… ahahahahaha!!!"

The tiny old man clasped his hands behind his back, basking in the wave of flattery. That was the power of personal charm.

Unbeknownst to him, most of the kings buttering him up were economically entangled with Ozz's underground empire. For some of their nations, Ozz's black market dealings were practically propping up their GDPs.

You think they're here to kiss up to a wrinkly grandpa for fun?

"Fufufufufufu… it's been a long time since I walked this path."

In an open plaza, three familiar figures had gathered—hawk, gator, and flamingo. No one dared approach Mihawk or Crocodile.

But Doflamingo? He strutted like he owned the place.

"Funny… haven't seen any of my old 'kin' around. Hopefully they're all dead."

He lounged with one leg crossed, puppeting his armored guards with lazy threads. That twisted grin stretched wide.

Now under Ozz's banner, he knew he'd eventually gather the power needed to burn this wretched Holy Land to the ground.

If he couldn't return to the throne of the Celestial Dragons, then he'd drag them all down from theirs.

That desire had festered in him for years.

And then Ozz came back.

Beaming, he casually waved around a shiny new identification chip.

"Had a little scuffle with the God Knights."

"Picked up a Celestial Dragon status while I was at it."

Doflamingo: ...

He really became the Joker.