Chapter 17: The approaching moment

When pirates arrive at a new island, they generally do one of two things—"adventure" or "plunder."

Well, in reality, they might also restock supplies, conduct trade, or simply stay on the island for a while. But for the most part, it always comes down to those two.

After all, pirates can’t earn their keep without them. Pirates are outlaws—people who despise honest work or simply can’t do it. They plunder enemy ships and civilians or scour the islands they visit in search of treasure. They exchange what they’ve stolen for money, then use that to buy necessities like food.

Of course, not every pirate lives solely by plunder—but money is meant to be spent. Raiding causes too much commotion and invites trouble. So most pirates just use the town’s shops and merchants normally. If they destroy too many merchants and towns, trade routes collapse, and that’s no good for anyone. Even pirates engage in trade—and they usually honor their deals.

Still, at the end of the day, pirates are scoundrels.

Even the more "peace-minded" pirates, the ones who focus more on adventure than slaughter and pillaging, are still criminals who break the law. They fight other pirates, battle the Navy, and flee when necessary. If they dislike someone, they might not kill them, but they’ll beat them up. That alone is a crime. Ordinary folks don’t go around throwing punches.

So no, pirates aren’t good people. They don’t usually help others, either. Pirates do what they want. Everyone else comes second. They’re pirates precisely because they refuse to follow the rules others set.

That’s why… for pirates to do something like this… It’s not normal.

---

"Hah… hah… damn it…!! Why the hell are fellow pirates… getting in our way!? What’s in it for you bastards!?"

"…Ahhh… yeah. You’re right. That’s… yeah. Totally fair."

Standing in the middle of the street, I listened to the angry shouts of the pirate in front of me and responded with halting words. A little embarrassed, I averted my gaze. This was awkward. Because honestly? I agreed with him. I hadn’t meant to interfere. In fact, I would’ve been fine leaving things alone. This wasn’t even my idea.

To put it bluntly… this was just how things turned out.

Still, once you’ve started something, you’ve gotta see it through. It wasn’t my call to begin with, so part of me didn’t care—but backing out now would feel gross and unsatisfying.

"Mmm… well… sooorry about this~♡"

"Gh…! Stop—GAAAAAAAAAAH!!"

So, as an apology to the pirate I’d cornered, I gave him a cute wink—then smashed him down with my trident. Normally, I’d stab him. Or just kill him outright. Weak enemies who aren’t even fun to fight? Whether they live or die makes no difference to me. But if I killed him now, I’d get scolded for it. When in Rome, and all that.

As the pirate collapsed, the voices of the surrounding crowd rose up. The reactions of civilians witnessing a pirate battle’s conclusion. Usually, it’d be screams—but not this time. Not screams… but cheers.

"Whoooa!! That girl just took down a pirate!!""We’re saved!! Thank you!!""Thank you, big sis!!""…Ahaha… yeah, yeah… no problem…"

I accepted the flood of gratitude from men, women, and children with an awkward smile. Truth be told, I wasn’t used to this kind of appreciation—it made me itchy with discomfort.

Not that being praised felt bad. In fact, I liked it well enough. But being treated like some kind of hero by the townsfolk just… didn’t sit right with me. If anything, I’d rather be feared. As a pirate, I wanted a notorious reputation—one where fear and admiration intertwined.

Just as I was thinking that, trying to slip away from the crowd’s attention by leaping into the air—

"—Seems like you didn’t need any help after all?"

"! Rayleigh!"

—I was called out the moment I landed on a rooftop.

The voice belonged to a dignified, bespectacled swordsman with golden hair—Silvers Rayleigh, the vice-captain of the pirate crew I was currently traveling with. I had no idea why he was here, but the faintly amused smile on his face annoyed me just enough to make me shoot back a reply.

"……As if~? Like I’d ever lose to some rookie pirate who just stumbled into the New World."

"Hah, someone’s in a foul mood. Does helping people really bother you that much?"

"…Pirates don’t just help people for no reason. This isn’t some charity."

"True enough. I’d agree… but—Roger’s never been the type to care about that."

Rayleigh let out a wry chuckle as he responded. As the oldest member of the Roger Pirates and the captain’s right-hand man, he clearly understood Roger better than most. Even while agreeing with me, his actions perfectly aligned with Roger’s way of thinking. …And judging by the unconscious, fairly tough-looking guy slumped in the alleyway—probably the enemy pirates’ top officer—that was definitely Rayleigh’s handiwork. He’d finished his job, then came to check on me. That little display of competence was annoying, so I raised my spear—

"—Openings!!"

"Whoa now. That attack was sloppy. Letting your emotions cloud your Observation Haki? And when you coat your weapon with Armament, you should—"

"Stop dodging AND giving advice at the same time!!! It’s helpful but pisses me off!!"

My best-effort strike was effortlessly deflected, and I got a lecture on top of it. I couldn’t help but yell. I’d tried ambushing Rayleigh (and Roger) plenty of times, but it never worked. They always dodged. In a way, it was good training, but being treated like a kid every time was beyond frustrating. Ugh… sure, age-wise, I am still a rookie, but I’m stronger than most pirates out there…

"Heh… More importantly, looks like it’s over."

"Huh? —Oh."

While I’d been lost in thought, the battle in the town square had ended. One pirate lay flat on his back, while the other stood victorious—none other than Rayleigh’s partner himself.

"—We’re………… the winners!!!"

"WOOOOOOH!!!"

"They did it!!"

"They actually took down those brutal pirates…!!"

The townspeople erupted into cheers even louder than before. And at the center of it all stood—Gol D. Roger, captain of the Roger Pirates and the one who’d picked this fight with the island’s oppressors in the first place.

…Long story short? The Roger Pirates arrived, learned how the locals were suffering under these pirates, saw the kind guide who’d shown them around get hurt right in front of them—and snapped. They picked a fight, won, and… well, that was that.

No territorial ambitions. No looting. No ulterior motives. Just pure, unfiltered outrage. To save their friends and the islanders, Roger and his crew had challenged a pirate crew over a thousand strong—and actually pulled it off.

…And yet, in stark contrast to their heroic actions, the moment it was over—

"—Alright, boys!! Time to scram!!! No hero worship for us!!"

"Again!? Can’t we stick around for once!?"

"Hahaha, right! Our captain’s always in such a damn hurry, even after a fight!"

With Roger’s declaration, the crew bolted for the harbor, grumbling all the way. The townspeople could only stare in disbelief.

"W-Wait!! Hold on!!"

"At least let us thank you…!!"

"You saved us, and now you’re just leaving…!?"

They called after the retreating pirates, desperate to stop them. Hmm… I still don’t get this habit of theirs. Running away even after being genuinely thanked, setting sail without taking anything in return… Wouldn’t it be better to at least accept some token of gratitude? The best move would’ve been to demand payment upfront, but if they couldn’t do that, then at least—

"—Hey, newbie!! Heard you took out some of ‘em too!?"

"…Technically! Technically!! I only did it ‘cause sitting around felt wrong!! I didn’t want to, got it!?"

As Rayleigh and I caught up to the fleeing crew, Roger called out to me. I turned my face away, firing back. That wasn’t my intention at all. I only helped because I owe them for letting me stay on their ship, and wrapping things up faster means I can finish my own business sooner. Not because I wanted to help anyone. That’s not who I am.

But of course, this man just—

“Still, thanks a ton!! Wahaha!!”

“Tch!! ~~~…!! This guy…!! And quit patting my head!! I ain’t happy getting praised by an enemy over something like this!!”

“Don’t say that!! We’re friends, ain’t we!?”

“—We’re NOT!! I’m just your guide!! Temporarily hitching a ride on this ship!!”

“You’ve been sayin’ that to me ‘n Roger for months now!! Never change, do ya, Nue!? Hahaha!!”

“Shut up, Gabban!! Idiot! Idiot!!”

Teased by Roger and Gabban, I snap back, frustrated. Ugh… pisses me off… But they’re so much stronger than me that even if I fought back, they’d just toy with me…!!

In the end, all I can do is complain—and it’s infuriating. Sure, I throw a punch sometimes, but they dodge it effortlessly. And the really annoying part? My Haki’s gotten slightly better because of this. When I calm down, it leaves me with this weird, complicated feeling. My Haki’s success rate and power have quietly improved. Probably because I’ve been dragged along on the Roger Pirates’ pointless grand adventures. Seriously, this crew’s cursed—they have to stir up trouble on every single island they visit. And thanks to that, I’ve suffered plenty… Tch… Why am I even helping when I’m not part of the crew…!? Just thinking about it gives me a headache. Their recklessness, and the fact that I’ve started getting used to it…

“So? Another feast on the ship?”

“Yeah!! Damn right!! Boys, we’re drinkin’ till we drop once we set sail!!”

“Hell yeah!! That’s our Roger for ya!! Hey, Nue! How ‘bout a drinkin’ contest?”

“Heh. How many times do you need to lose? Don’t even dream of beating me!”

Right—after battles, there’s usually a feast, and eating and drinking to my heart’s content is fun… Well, okay, it is fun, but when I think about it later, it feels kinda… How long is this gonna go on? That’s the question that pops up. So every time, I ask Roger:

“…Feasts are fine and all, but… So? When are you finally gonna take me?”

“Hm? Well… After we leave the Grand Line and sail through the four seas… Then we’ll head back to the Grand Line again!!”

“—Another grand adventure!? Cut it out already!! It’s been way too long! We’re leaving this island now, so come on!!”

“Ehhh~~!! But we’ve already picked the next island—”

“If you don’t get serious, I’ll tell Captain Rocks!! That you’re a coward who’s too scared to fight him!!”

“Wha!? No, no, no…! That’s bad… But… Hmm~~~…”

Roger flares up for a second, then immediately starts stroking his chin, deep in thought. What’s he agonizing over…? Well, I kinda get it. He’s searching for that thing, so he’s probably torn about prioritizing that. Maybe. Or maybe he just really wants to go to some island. If that’s the case, absolutely not.

But just as Roger’s stewing, the crew unexpectedly backs me up—not him. Maybe they’re thinking of me for once:

“But Roger. If we drag this out too long, those rumors will spread.”

“Plus, we oughta return Nue soon. Been too long since she’s seen her siblings—might start cryin’ from loneliness!”

“I WON’T CRY!!”

“…Alright!! You’re right!! Time to—go pick a fight with Rocks!!”

“Yeah!! Finally!!”

“My fists are itch’n for it!”

“Wait!? The deciding factor was me crying!? I am NOT okay with this!!”

“Wahaha, don’t sweat the small stuff!! Just guide us there already!!”

“Grr…! This is your fault to begin with—!!”

Furious, I lunge at Roger—but he dodges, as usual. The crew laughs at the sight. Ugh, these guys…! Just wait till Captain Rocks or my crew wipes the floor with you!! You’ll see!!

—And so, after what felt like an eternity (seriously, those few months dragged on forever), I finally saw a glimmer of hope that my mission might actually be completed. I let out a relieved sigh.

…Or so it should’ve been.

“—Roger!! Today’s the day I throw your ass in jail!! Give it up!!”

“Wahaha!! Sorry, Garp!! We’re in a hurry!! Gotta drop Nue off and kick Rocks’ ass on the way!!”

“—What!? Rocks!? You— Wait, that girl with you…!!”

“Hey! Why’d you say that~~!!? Now they know!!”

“Hm? Was that bad?”

“OF COURSE IT WAS!! Don’t just hand intel to the Marines!! Now they’ll—”

“Wahaha, relax! We’ll just outrun ’em!! —Anyway, Garp!! Our duel’s gotta wait!!”

“Hold it!! What’re you scheming, Roger!? I ain’t lettin’ you go!!”

…And just like that, we ran into the Marines—Garp, no less—and now they know Roger and Rocks are about to clash. I swear… This Roger guy’s impossible to control!! Not that it’s not fun, but the hassle outweighs the fun by a mile!!

“Ughhh—!! Fine!! —“Green UFO”!!”

With no choice, I summon my newly mastered UFO to shake off the Marines while using a Den Den Mushi to report to Captain Rocks—Help me, Captain!!!

---

Marine HQ – A Certain Office

In a room at the heart of the Marines’ stronghold, an unprecedented tension hung thick in the air.

The reason? A shocking report just delivered by one of their comrades. The news was so staggering that the men present couldn’t help but voice it aloud.

“Roger and Rocks… are making contact!?”

“Is this intel reliable!?”

The office belonged to a Marine Vice Admiral—a muscular man with spiky hair named Kong, the most senior officer present.

Next, the Den Den Mushi’s receiver crackled with the voice of another Vice Admiral: “Buddha” Sengoku. His face paled as he listened to the battle noises and a familiar voice on the other end.

“I’m tellin’ ya, that’s what he said!! Don’t know why, but Roger ain’t the type to lie… And—there’s a face from the Rocks Pirates on his ship!! Probably an envoy or somethin’!”

“…!! Impossible…!”

The man on the other end—their fellow Vice Admiral, “Fist” Garp—was their peer and one of the Marines’ strongest fighters. But even for him, this report was too heavy to process.

Kong clenched his teeth and forced out words.

“Dammit… Garp!! At least try to find out where they’re—”

“Guh!? Gotta go!! But don’t worry—I’ll catch both of ’em myself!!”

Click. The line went dead mid-sentence.

“Garp!! GARP!! …Damn it!!”

Kong shouted into the receiver, then tried redialing—but no luck. Garp had his hands full. And his opponent was Roger. The fact that he’d even reported this much was impressive for Garp… but the reality of the situation still made fists tighten in frustration.

“...Kong-san… If what Garp just said is true…”

“…Yeah. Most likely, it is. In that case, their goal is either subjugation, alliance… or war.”

Sengoku took a moment to steady himself before addressing Kong in a calm voice. Kong, who had just stood up, returned to his seat and spoke plainly about the potential realities they might soon face.

The infamous Rocks Pirates—known as the most powerful pirate crew in the world—and the Roger Pirates, led by Roger himself, a man whose strength earned him the nickname “Demon” among pirates not affiliated with Rocks—those two forces making contact. If the higher-ups caught wind of this, they’d likely faint on the spot.

But it wasn’t the higher-ups who would have to deal with it. It was them—the ones on the ground. They had to come up with countermeasures. That’s why they’d gathered here. They were already being pressured—not just by government officials, but more troublingly… by the Celestial Dragons themselves.

“Roger… isn’t the kind of man who would ever serve someone. And the same goes for Rocks. Even if they tried to form a subordinate relationship or alliance, the negotiations would break down. In the end… it’ll come to war.”

“…You think so too, Zephyr?”

The one who broke the heavy silence was the man seated beside Sengoku—Vice Admiral “Black Arm” Zephyr, who had been quietly listening to the report.

Alongside Garp, Sengoku, and Tsuru—who wasn’t present—Zephyr was one of the Navy’s most distinguished officers from their generation. He, too, was a key force meant to stand against the might of Rocks.

Known as a model marine, a man who always acted with both calm and conviction, Zephyr now found himself sweating from the sheer weight of the situation. That’s how terrifying a monster Rocks was—and the idea of him joining forces with Roger was an incident capable of shaking the entire world. He voiced that concern, nodded at Kong’s response, and continued with his thoughts.

“The intel Garp brought back is invaluable. And if we’re lucky… more information might follow.”

“…We might even learn their location… huh. That would be ideal—but even then, it would bring its own set of problems.”

Kong rubbed his forehead, clearly burdened by the direction things were heading. His thoughts were picked up by another man—one known as a brilliant tactician.

“…Even though we’ve been authorized to initiate a Buster Call, without knowing where Rocks is, we can’t act. And even if we do launch one, there’s a high chance it wouldn’t be enough to bring down the Rocks Pirates. And if Roger joins the fray, even five Vice Admirals might not be enough to handle it…!”

Sengoku clenched his fists, frustration bleeding into his voice as a deep frown formed between his brows. Yes—the three men gathered here were the core fighting force designated for the Buster Call.

Five Vice Admirals and ten warships—this kind of concentrated military force had the power to wipe an entire island off the map. That was the destructive might of the Buster Call, a privilege that could only be invoked by the Fleet Admiral and the three Admirals of the Navy.

The decision to use a Buster Call against the threat of the Rocks Pirates had already been approved in an earlier meeting. But even so, there was a lingering question—could even a Buster Call take down Rocks?

The five designated to lead this mission were here—or not all of them. Kong, Sengoku, and Zephyr were present. The others—Tsuru and Garp—were not. Together, these five would command the ten warships. But even then, it still might not be enough against Rocks.

And on top of all that… the Navy had to deal with another, more delicate burden: orders influenced by the whims of the World Nobles.

“Even with information control in place, the threat of the Rocks Pirates still reaches the ears of the public… That’s how recklessly those lunatics are rampaging across the seas…! What the hell are they thinking—”

“That’s enough, Sengoku!! …You never know who might be listening. Don’t say more than you have to.”

“! But Kong-san!! I can’t accept this!! Even now, in a time like this, we’re expected to follow these reckless orders and scatter our forces…!!”

Sengoku slammed his hand on Kong’s desk, frustration spilling out as he voiced his protest. Normally the one who plays the role of Garp’s stopper, even Sengoku couldn’t stomach these vague directives from above.

And he wasn’t the only one—Zephyr felt the same. And truth be told… so did Kong.

But Kong, listening to Sengoku’s words with a pained look on his face, still gave the only response he could.

“...The government has designated several islands. We are to station marines… to protect those places. That is the order we’ve been given… And we marines… have no choice but to follow it…!!”

“! Tch… So the civilians… don’t matter?”

“…They’re… not the top priority…”

Kong’s weak, half-voiced admission—carefully avoiding a direct answer—left Sengoku in silence. There was nothing more to say.

Powerless. That’s all it was.

They couldn’t defeat Rocks, nor could they protect or save the innocent people who would suffer because of him. The only ones they were allowed to protect were the descendants of the creators of this world—the Celestial Dragons, and the things they owned. Only when those were threatened were they allowed to step in and fight.

Until then, they couldn’t even chase after Rocks.

They couldn’t disobey orders. Even if they had their doubts—even if they knew better—they had no choice.

And then, with a bitter, self-deprecating smile, Zephyr spoke. He too had no option but to follow orders… and at the same time, he couldn’t help but envy the nature of one particular peer.

“…At times like this… I get jealous of Garp’s freedom. That guy wouldn’t follow orders, no matter what. I bet he’s already off chasing after Roger and Rocks, planning to take them down himself…”

“Zephyr…”

“...Yeah. Right now… all we can do is leave it to Garp. And do what we can…!!”

Ashamed of how little they could do, of how everything now hinged on the reckless bravery of a single man—they returned to their duties. In this age of growing chaos and confusion, even justice itself was becoming hard to define.

---

—“The New World.” Somewhere on a remote island.

“—Yo, Nue… you finally heading back soon? —That’s good to hear…! Gihaha… Kaido’s getting pretty damn irritated too… And me? Well, I’ve got a little something I wanna say to that Roger bastard myself—”

The man who aimed to become king of the world picked up the Den Den Mushi and answered the call with a wicked grin. The cruel curve of his lips hinted at the malice behind his next words. And before him—

“—Tell Roger this. That stone he wants so bad? It’s sitting right here… right in front of me…!!! GIHAHAHAHA!!!”

And there it was—

A massive stone monument, carved with ancient letters lost to time.