Chapter 6: The Power of Will

The battle ended in a massacre. The Rocks Pirates sank three of the five ships, slaughtering over a thousand crewmen—captains included. The last two vessels were stripped of supplies, then loaded with corpses and left to drift.

"GEHAHA… We were s’posed to be lootin’, but we ended up sinkin’ most of ’em!"

"MAMAMAMA! Blame these weaklin’ bastards for bein’ too damn fragile!"

"You idiots ever think before actin’!? Wastin’ crewmates for no reason… Can’t even follow orders, you brainless fucks!!"

Laughter echoed across the deck as pirates hauled plunder below, but Whitebeard’s roar silenced them. He wasn’t one for mindless slaughter. He’d held back to follow the captain’s goals—only for these fools to ignore them. Their recklessness pissed him off.

Backed by his terrifying strength, the crew quieted under his glare.

Most, but not all.

"GEHAHA! Feisty today, Newgate."

"Tch… Captain…"

The mood shifted as Rocks stepped forward, his presence enough to turn glares into grins. The captain allowed crewmates to kill each other—a fact Whitebeard knew well, judging by his clenched jaw. Amusing, but—

"That bothered ya, huh? Seein’ crewmates kill each other?"

"…………I’m part of this crew. Won’t go against the captain’s ways."

"GEHAHA! Bold words! But your face is screamin’ ‘I hate this shit’!! If that’s how ya feel—then do somethin’ about it!"

"…? ‘Do something’…?"

Whitebeard echoed, wary. The rest shared his confusion—until Rocks’ grin sharpened.

"Newgate! You’re strong! If you can’t stand ‘em killin’ each other—beat the shit outta ’em till they stop!"

"!!"

"Wha—!? C-Captain…?"

Stunned silence. Rocks swept his gaze over them.

"The hell’d you morons assume? Yeah, I allow killin’ allies—but I never said you gotta tolerate those who don’t like it!!"

"……!!"

Finally, it clicked.

Rocks’ ship had one rule: do what you want.

Obey the captain’s absolute orders—but beyond that? Clash, fight, indulge your nature.

Survival of the fittest.

Want your way? Take it by force. Kill if you must—but don’t cry if you’re killed.

Good or evil, act on your own code. That was the pirate way.

—And when wills collided? The stronger one won.

"GEHAHAHA…! Watch your backs, maggots…! If Newgate beats you to death for pissin’ him off, I won’t lift a finger. Weaklings oughta suck up to the strong—if they’re smart…! GEHAHAHA!!"

"Captain…"

"Tch…!"

Some crewmen—those weaker than Whitebeard—twitched. A few clicked their tongues.

Every pirate here was battle-crazed, true to their kind—but none were stupid.

They knew how to measure strength. Just as no one dared challenge Rocks, or monsters like Linlin or Shiki (those who did were dead), Whitebeard’s power was equally respected.

So if you must kill allies? Do it where he can’t see—or be strong enough to face his wrath.

Not that his mercy was guaranteed.

Rocks laughed, watching their unease.

"The weak get crushed or ruled! Survival of the strongest—that’s my ship’s law! Got complaints? Fight me anytime… But don’t whine like those trash we just slaughtered if you lose!! GEHAHAHA!!"

"…………"

No one spoke. They’d known this truth since becoming pirates:

The strong live. The weak die.

That’s all this world is.

"So, how exactly do you use this 'Haki' thing?"

Kaido asks as we finish hauling the last of the plundered goods from the enemy ship.

I’d like to take it easy after a fight and some hard labor, but knowing Kaido, he won’t drop this. He’s persistent like that.

…Well, he did help carry the cargo just to ask me sooner, so I guess I can answer him. I take a deep breath and begin.

"Alright, first off, there are three types of Haki: Observation, Armament, and Conqueror’s. Oh, and like I said before, Haki is basically an invisible energy that flows through your body—an extension of presence, willpower, or sheer intimidation—"

"—Spare me the long-winded explanation."

"Yeah, yeah, full of demands as usual. Fine, I’ll keep it simple. Each type gives you a powerful edge in combat. First, Observation Haki. It lets you sense a person’s presence, emotions, even their thoughts. You can predict attacks and dodge them. The best users can even see a few seconds into the future—like the captain just did."

Kaido nods, taking it in. Good, seems like he gets it so far.

Incidentally, my own Observation training involved blindfolding myself for a whole day. I ended up with my food—and a bunch of other things—stolen. That session was a total disaster.

Shaking off the bitter memory, I raise my second finger.

"Next is Armament Haki. It lets you clad your body in invisible armor, strengthening attacks and coating weapons. More importantly, it lets you hit Devil Fruit users directly, bypassing their abilities. Remember that guy who could turn his body into something else? You were still able to hit him like normal—that’s because of Armament Haki. If you take it further, you can strike without touching your opponent or even destroy them from the inside."

"…So, it’s just killing intent?" Kaido tilts his head. "I already fight to kill. Every punch I throw is meant to end someone."

"Wow, what a model pirate you are." I sigh. "Well… you’re not exactly wrong, but you still need proper training to refine it."

"—So you’re saying I just need to hit harder with more killing intent?"

…Yep. That’s exactly what he took from that.

I rub my temples, feeling drained. His bloodlust is off the charts. And knowing Kaido, he’ll make it work somehow. He’s already swinging his kanabo around, muttering, "Next time, I’ll hit them with twice the killing intent… no, ten times!"

If that thing hits me, I’m dead.

To be honest, I never figured out the best way to train Armament Haki. I tried smashing my fists against solid rock, thinking it’d help, but all I got were bruises. It was a complete failure.

With that thought, I raise my third finger.

"Lastly, there’s Conqueror’s Haki. This one lets you overpower others with sheer presence alone, knocking out weaker opponents without even touching them. But unlike the other two, you can’t just train your way into mastering it. Only those with the natural talent for it can use it. …Though, if it’s you, Kaido, I don’t think you’ll have a problem."

"Worororo! Of course not!!"

The moment I compliment him, Kaido bursts into laughter, grinning with pride. He really can be cute sometimes.

As for me… well, I tried using Conqueror’s Haki before. Nothing happened. I don’t even know how you’re supposed to unleash it. If I just glare at someone, I probably just look cute and pouty. Not exactly intimidating. But with Kaido, it’s a different story. He definitely has what it takes to—

"Alright, got it. I’ll master all of them, Nue!"

"Ah… knew you’d say that."

I scratch my cheek and glance away awkwardly.

To be honest, even if I train, I doubt I’ll ever awaken any latent potential. Most people never do.

"—Idiot! Of course we’ll master them!! If other people can do it, then there’s NO WAY you and I can’t!!!"

"…!"

I freeze.

His words catch me completely off guard.

I stand there, replaying what he just said in my head.

After a deep breath, I mutter, "…Seriously, you just say stuff like that so easily."

"Hah? You say somethin’?"

"N-nothing! And quit calling me a ‘guy’—I’m not!!"

"…Huh? That doesn’t bother me. Either way, you’re getting stronger. If you’re following me, you can’t afford to stay weak. You’re getting stronger, period."

"……Ugh, fine! I’ll do it! I’ll train too! That good enough for you?!"

"Worororo! That’s the spirit!! Now let’s crush everything and everyone that pisses us off!!!"

Kaido’s fired up, grinning like a madman. Meanwhile, I cross my arms and turn away with a huff.

Even when he’s sober, he’s an idiot. He doesn’t listen to reason. Even when I subtly hint that I probably can’t do it, he just throws that out the window and assumes I can—with zero logic behind it.

But… fine. I’ll give it a shot.

Not like I have much of a choice anyway. If I stay on this ship, whether I master Haki or not, I need to get stronger. Otherwise, I’m done for.

So for the first time in a while, I mentally steel myself.

"Alright, let’s start training!"

"Good! I’ve got a great idea!"

"…A great idea?"

Kaido’s eyes shine with enthusiasm.

…Yeah, I have a very bad feeling about this. But since he actually knows how to use Haki, maybe—just maybe—his idea won’t be completely terrible.

Pushing down my sense of dread, I decide to hear him out.

Kaido begins explaining, one step at a time.

"Alright, first, I’m going to put my full intent to kill into my attacks—more than usual—"

"Yeah, got it! And then—… wait, huh?"

"You’ll read the ‘presence’ of my attacks and dodge them."

"…And?"

"While doing that, we’ll also ‘intimidate’ each other. You can come at me with the intent to kill if you want, and I’ll read your attacks and dodge them. —Alright, let’s do this!!"

"………"

I’m speechless. My bad feeling was spot on—so this is how he trains Observation Haki. Actually, no, this is something else entirely.

Kaido grips his kanabo, eyes gleaming with excitement.

Yeah, so basically…

"…This is just real combat, isn’t it?! —HYA!?"

I leap back on instinct. His kanabo swings past my face, the wind pressure alone sending shivers down my spine.

Seeing that, Kaido grins wider.

"Not bad, Nue!! That was Observation Haki, wasn’t it?!"

"That was a lucky guess!!! Wait—Kaido, hold on! Just—wa—!"

"What, you don’t like it?! —Then don’t bother dodging!! Just take the hit!!!"

"ARE YOU STUPID?! That’s just a straight-up beating!! I’ll die!!!"

"Then just keep hitting me instead!!!"

"—You’re a freak!!! What kind of suggestion is that?!—Wait, crap—!"

I barely dodge another strike—but my ability to keep making comebacks is quickly fading. His kanabo slams into the deck, sending wooden splinters flying. A deep, sinking feeling settles in my gut.

"Ahh… yeah, I think I’m gonna die before I even learn Haki…"

"OHHHHH!!!!"

"GAH!?—Ghf… ugh… ahh, damn it!! At least hold back a little!! That one almost knocked me out from sheer pain!!!"

"Worororo!! You’re tougher than I thought, Nue!! This is getting fun!!"

"～～～! You…! Take this—‘Dark Cloud’!!"

"Hah?!"

Sick of Kaido ignoring every word I say, I conjure black clouds to throw him off. Meanwhile, my entire body throbs in pain. That kanabo is way heavier—and way more painful—than I ever imagined. Urgh, I feel like throwing up…!

But as I force myself to stay conscious—drawing on the endurance I built up through torture—I hit my limit. No, to be more precise, I completely snap.

"Screw it!! If I’m just gonna get hit, then I’ll beat the crap out of you instead!!! I’ve always wanted to land at least one punch on you!! Take this, Kaido!!!"

"!! …Worororo!! That’s the spirit!! You really are the best, Nue!! Come at me—let me enjoy this!!!"

"Like hell!! Go punch the air forever!!!"

And so, for a while, Kaido and I “trained.”

…Well, he might have considered it training. For me, it was my first ever real brawl.

And, of course, I didn’t get a single feel for using Haki. In the end, I was the one who got beaten up and knocked out.

---

The Next Day

A full day has passed since the naval battle, and the crew has finally settled down.

On deck, every single member of the Rocks Pirates is gathered.

"So, Captain… where are we headed next?"

Whitebeard’s voice breaks the silence.

Sitting on the grand, red-decorated captain’s chair—the throne at the center of the deck—Rocks lets out a deep laugh.

"Gihahahaha… yeah, it’s about time. I’ll tell you all where we’re headed and what we’re doing next… Listen up, all of you. I want every last one of you to remember this word for word and pass it on to anyone who isn’t here."

The entire crew falls silent, anticipation thick in the air.

And then, Rocks declares their next move.

"Gihaha… We’re heading for an island belonging to a World Government member nation… and there, we’re going to attack both the country and the Marine base stationed there…!!!"

"!!?"

Shock ripples through the crew.

Some had already suspected it. But hearing it confirmed—seeing Rocks’ absolute certainty—sends a fresh wave of tension through the air. Sweat trickles down some of their foreheads.

Rocks, noticing their reactions, throws up his arms in exaggerated amusement.

"Oi, oi!! Didn’t you all board this ship knowing what we’re about?! Gihahahaha!! You all look so shocked it’s making me uncomfortable!!"

"So? What’s your plan after slaughtering the Navy?"

Linlin grinned, amusement lacing her voice.

"You're not seriously planning to take them head-on… are you, Captain?"

Shiki, though questioning their captain’s reasoning, couldn’t help but smirk. Because knowing this man… he just might.

Rocks turned to them, his grin as wild as ever.

"Gihahahaha!! Well, eventually, I do plan to crush them all. But even I’m not reckless enough to declare all-out war right away."

"Then what’s the objective?"

Whitebeard’s voice was calm, but his arms were crossed, his expression unreadable. Deep down, though, it was clear—he didn’t enjoy attacking civilians. Even if they were part of a World Government-affiliated nation, innocent people were still innocent.

That said, Whitebeard wasn’t the kind of man to defy his captain’s orders. He had boarded this ship knowing exactly what it entailed. Even if he didn’t like it, he was prepared to dirty his hands if necessary.

But at the very least, he needed a reason. Without one, he couldn’t justify it to himself.

Perhaps sensing this—or perhaps simply indifferent—Rocks began his explanation, his wicked grin never fading.

"Gihaha! There are a few reasons… but first and foremost? To make a name for ourselves."

"Make a name for ourselves…?"

Rocks nodded.

"That’s right…! If we attack and obliterate a Navy base, the World Government and the Marines will have no choice but to take notice of us—the newly founded Rocks Pirates! They’ll hear it loud and clear: ‘The Rocks Pirates have arrived on the Grand Line!’"

"…Wouldn’t our name spread regardless? You don’t need to go that far, do you?"

Gloriosa, one of the few women on board, voiced her doubt. Rocks turned to her with a smirk.

"A reasonable question, Gloriosa… but I’ll answer it. It’s not just about making a name. It’s about misleading those Marine fools—making them misunderstand our location and throwing them off our trail."

"What do you mean?"

Another crew member asked, and Rocks let out a menacing laugh.

"Gihahahaha… I’ll tell you. Listen up. After we raid the Navy base and wreak havoc… we’ll break through the Calm Belt and leave this so-called ‘Grand Line’ behind…!!!"

"!!? L-Leave the Grand Line…!!?"

"We’re… leaving!?"

"What are you talking about, Captain!?"

Yes—leaving the Grand Line.

It sounded simple when put into words, but for pirates, the idea itself was shocking. More than just the destination, the means of escaping the Grand Line was unimaginable.

As murmurs spread through the crew, Rocks grinned.

"Gihaha, calm down, all of you. There’s nothing to be so shocked about. The World Government has plenty of bases and forbidden islands outside the Grand Line—places they’d rather keep hidden. So tell me… why should we limit ourselves to just the Grand Line?"

"…!"

Slowly, they started to grasp his logic. It made sense.

There was no real reason to confine themselves to the Grand Line.

But to these pirates, thriving in the Grand Line was everything—it was their world. The very thought of leaving it had never even crossed their minds.

It was a blind spot, even for the Navy. No one would expect them to strike a Grand Line Marine base only to immediately escape the Grand Line itself. And if the method of escape wasn’t conventional, tracking them down would be nearly impossible.

But now a new question arose.

"…How do you plan to cross the Calm Belt?"

"Gihahahaha! I never thought you’d ask that, eh, ‘Golden Lion’ Shiki!? You’re called the ‘Flying Pirate’ for a reason, aren’t you?"

"…So you’re planning to use my Float-Float Fruit to cross the Calm Belt."

Everyone immediately understood.

With Shiki’s ability to levitate objects, they could simply lift their ships over the Calm Belt and avoid the sea entirely.

The Grand Line was surrounded by the Red Line and the Calm Belt, making both entry and exit notoriously difficult.

The Calm Belt, as its name suggested, had no wind and no storms—making it impossible for traditional sailing ships to pass. But more than that, it was infested with massive Sea Kings, making it the most dangerous obstacle of all.

However, with Shiki’s power, none of that mattered.

"…So you intended to rely on my ability from the start."

"Gihaha… Not really. If you weren’t here, we’d still find a way. There are other methods to make it safer. Worst case? We just slaughter a few Sea Kings and push through."

"…………"

Shiki and most of the crew were left speechless.

This man—Rocks—wasn’t afraid of Sea Kings.

He would kill them without hesitation.

"Gihahahaha!! Anyway, that’s the plan!! From now on, we’ll be pirates that truly rule the seas…!! The North Blue, the South Blue, the West Blue, the East Blue, and the Grand Line itself…!! We’ll travel across them all, bringing other pirates under our banner, expanding our forces, and wreaking havoc across the world!!

While the Navy is too busy dealing with them, we’ll strike only World Government nations, chipping away at their authority!! We’ll massacre every Marine in our path, gather intelligence, uncover every dirty secret they want buried…

And when everything is in place…!!

Those fool Celestial Dragons will fall from their thrones!!

And I—Rocks D. Xebec—will become the ruler of a new pirate world!!!"

"……!!"

The entire crew fell silent.

There were still uncertainties. Rocks had revealed much of his vision, but new questions arose.

And yet, there was one thing they all understood—this man was serious.

The so-called "profitable venture" he had spoken of on Hachinosu was no mere fantasy. Rocks was truly planning to overthrow the World Government and claim the world for himself.

"Gihahahaha…! No need to overthink it. I’ve got all the plans figured out, and those of you who followed me from the start will reap the rewards…!

Gihaha, aren’t you lucky to have such a hardworking and considerate captain? Wouldn’t I make a far better king than those Celestial Dragons, who do nothing but wear stupid grins and torment their slaves?

Well?! What do you say, boys!!!"

"YES, CAPTAIN ROCKS!!!"

There was no doubt anymore.

Their captain was a man destined to shake the world.

"…Impressive."

"…Yeah, seriously."

As a member of the crew, I found myself nodding at Kaido’s words.

The sheer presence of Rocks… The aura that radiated from him… Was it his Haki? Whatever it was, it left us breathless.

"I’ve got to master Haki as soon as possible…!!"

"…You’re not planning another live combat exercise like yesterday, are you—"

"Of course I am! What kind of question is that? Worororo…!"

…I was going to say I didn’t want to.

With a sigh, I glanced at the bandages wrapped around my head and arms, my body still aching from yesterday’s bruises.

And then… I found myself whispering the words Rocks had repeated so many times.

"…The Celestial Dragons, huh…"

I clenched my trembling right hand with my left, lowering my head to hide my expression from the others.