The Island of Gods was in chaos at this time.
The local indigenous people, along with the slaves sent here by the Celestial Dragons—who felt the previous numbers were too few to satisfy them—had now become prey in a twisted hunt.
"Help! Someone save me!"
"Oh my God, are we really still in the human world?"
"Why are they doing this? To what extent must human dignity be trampled upon?"
The fearful cries, desperate wails, and angry screams all melded into a twisted symphony of suffering that sent shivers of delight down the spines of the Celestial Dragons.
A gunshot rang out.
"Ha! First point!"
A sharp blade cut through the air.
"Out of the way, brat! Don't let trash stain my sword!"
A cannon roared.
"Hahahaha! This guy's still got some fight in him!"
The island had become hell on earth.
But then, on the east side of the island—
BOOM!
With a violent roar, several warships exploded instantly.
Under the horrified gazes of the marines, a massive fleet surged in from the horizon like a black cloud descending on a city.
And on every sail was written one word: Rocks.
"It's the Rocks Pirates!! The Rocks Pirates' fleet is attacking from the east!"
"Estimated strength—over 100,000!"
"That's the Island of Gods?"
Roya stood atop the mast of a pirate ship, peering through a telescope at the island in the distance. He swallowed involuntarily.
"It looks... really delicious."
His transformation into a Qiongqi wasn't from a Devil Fruit, so even without fully transforming, Roya could still harness some of its power.
Sensing and feeding on dark, negative energy was second nature.
The black fog enveloping the island was almost intoxicating.
The most delicious feast of his life was right before him.
He had to go.
He leapt from the mast and landed on the deck.
"Dylan."
"I am here, Lord Roya," said Dylan, his loyal follower, calmly.
"When everyone charges in, take this ship and sail away from the Island of Gods," Roya instructed. "I'll come find you when it's over."
"Yes."
Dylan asked no questions. Though he was curious, obedience came first.
He had already made preparations. His personal belongings, years of treasure, manpower, and an army of ghosts were all aboard. He had no intention of returning to Beehive Island to fight over Rocks' legacy. He'd slip away with the loot.
After giving the order, Roya flapped his wings and soared toward the flagship, where the officers were gathering.
Shiki and Charlotte Linlin floated in the air. Whitebeard stood tall with his naginata, shameless Stussy beside him. Kaido gripped his kanabo, Gloriosa held her bow, Silver Axe wielded his namesake weapon, Wang Zhi adjusted his hat, and Captain John drank like a fish.
Everyone awaited final orders.
"Then, Rocks Pirates, follow me!"
Rocks raised his sword, pointing at the distant island.
"Newgate! Shiki! Clear the way!"
"Don't give me orders," Whitebeard grunted, but lifted his naginata regardless. White shockwaves gathered at its edge.
"Hrah!"
His blade came down—and the world flipped.
A massive shockwave tore across the sea, obliterating the warships in its path and carving a clear passage forward.
At the same time, the Golden Lion swooped down and plunged his hands into the ocean.
"Hahahaha! Ever heard the sea sing?"
BOOM!
Towering waves erupted, lifting the entire Rocks fleet on their crests and sending them surging forward like an unstoppable tsunami.
The navy's panicked shouts echoed across the island.
"We can't stop them! The Rocks Pirates are landing!"
Elsewhere, Figarland Garling turned to the east, frowning.
"The Rocks Pirates? How troublesome. Looks like the competition will be put on hold."
He pulled out a Den Den Mushi.
"Notify everyone to regroup at the island's center. The navy will clash with the pirates. Also, alert the Knights of God. Prepare for battle."
Waves crashed violently against the rocks, spraying mist everywhere.
Roya inhaled deeply, and the black miasma flooded into his lungs like a tide.
"Whoooa!"
His cheeks flushed red as if drunk. He clung to Kaido's leg.
"Oh no… I'm gonna get drunk…"
The black energy was too dense, and his body couldn't absorb it fast enough.
"Hahahaha! That good, huh?" Shiki laughed. "Roya, this must be paradise for you."
"Heh."
Roya grinned, taking another breath.
Even if he couldn't fully process it yet, the flavor was irresistible.
Whitebeard looked toward the silent Rocks.
"Hey, Rocks, what now—?"
Whoosh!
Rocks vanished in an instant.
"Hey!"
Whitebeard was caught off guard. He clenched his teeth.
"That bastard!"
"Mamama~! Treasure goes to whoever gets it first! That's our rule!" Linlin laughed and shot forward on her thundercloud, Zeus.
"The treasure's in the island's center, right?"
Shiki followed close behind.
"Uncle Shiki, wait for me!"
Roya flapped his wings and chased after him.
A war was about to erupt, and with so many monsters around, Roya knew he couldn't escape on his own.
But the Celestial Dragon treasure was far too tempting.
With Rocks destined to fall, it made more sense to stay close to Shiki.
"You bastards!"
Whitebeard cursed and charged forward.
As Roya flew behind Shiki, he finally got a full view of the island.
Corpses littered the land. Screams and sobs filled the air.
"Oh… this really is hell."
Roya couldn't help but sigh.
"Try not to smile too much," Shiki said casually.
"Heh…" Roya scratched his head awkwardly.
He couldn't help it. Tasting negative emotions released dopamine. It was biological.
"Hmm?"
Shiki froze and looked up.
"That aura…"
Not just him—Whitebeard, still charging and slicing through a hapless Celestial Dragon, paused too.
"Roger…"
More panic spread through the Celestial Dragons.
"The Roger Pirates are coming from the east! We can't stop them! Be ready!"
At the island's center, where the treasure was kept, a Celestial Dragon with a thick beard, black cap, and cane stood frowning. He was no ordinary noble—he was one of the Five Elders: Saint Jaygarcia Saturn.
"After the Rocks Pirates, now Roger? The Knights of God may not be enough alone."
He spoke into a Den Den Mushi.
"If things get worse, I'll summon you."
Back on the eastern side—
"Hahahaha! Outta the way! Where's that bastard Rocks?!"
Roger charged forward, sword in hand. His powerful Haki slash tore through everything in his path.
Almost simultaneously—
"Where's Roger?!"
A massive warship smashed onto the beach, and marines soared ashore.
"Reinforcements! Vice Admiral Garp has arrived!"
The monsters had assembled.
And then—
"Roger!!"
Shiki shouted wildly and disappeared into the sky.
"Hey! Uncle Shiki! You left me behind!"
Roya blinked in disbelief.
Did Shiki forget the plan was to grab treasure?
It's all Roger's fault!
So… now what?
"Roger!!"
A voice roared from below.
Roya paused.
"Brother Kaido! Let's act together!"
He dropped and landed on Kaido's shoulder as the behemoth ran full speed ahead.
"I'm here! Roger!!"
Kaido ignored him and just kept screaming Roger's name.
Roger, you monster.
How many lives have you upended?
I command you—start the Great Pirate Era to atone for your sins!
***Be sure to send powerstones and add this book to your Library.***