Chapter 4: Fate? A Massive Anchor Crashes Down
Marine Headquarters, Marineford!
"Hahaha, chill out, Sengoku. It's not the end of the world—everything's already set in stone anyway."
In the Fleet Admiral's office, Vice Admiral Hero of the Marines Garp munched on senbei, cackling at his old friend's rage.
"You're the one still laughing, Garp?!"
"That damn Momonga—backstabbing a comrade at this time. And that Celestial Dragon… ugh!"
Fleet Admiral Buddha Sengoku rubbed his temples, fuming.
The Navy's situation was dire. The man at the pirate pinnacle was coming. And now, the prodigy Sengoku had banked on—Rock—was gone.
Colonel in rank, but combat power rivaling a Headquarters Vice Admiral. A rare super-nova. Intel showed: Poisoned with custom X-Toxin, he still one-shotted Momonga. Proof of strength and potential.
He was supposed to shine in the Summit War, rocket to the top. But fate—or Celestial Dragons—had other plans. Grabbing elite Marines as slaves? Disgusting.
"Fate's a bitch. Maybe it's just the kid's luck. Zephyr doesn't know yet, right? Keep it quiet—or he'll flip. One Whitebeard fleet is enough headache."
Garp's face turned rare-serious. A massive scandal. Rock was the victim—yet branded a traitor. Classic Navy flaw: Zero autonomy. Even the Fleet Admiral couldn't defy the World Government.
"Too late. World Government issued a bounty—100 million Berries."
Sengoku's face darkened with helpless fury. He'd wanted to spare Rock—Navy owed him. X-Virus + superhuman physique = best-case cripple, never elite again. Still— World Government ignored him. 100 million bounty, per Saint Shalria's request.
Not sky-high, but eye-catching in the first half. Bounty hunter bait.
"100 million, huh? Kid's luck is trash. Any random hunter could end him now."
Garp sighed. Some fates you can't fight. Shame.
"Sigh. Nothing we can do. But Garp—compared to Zephyr or Rock, you're my biggest worry now."
Sengoku's glare sharpened. "Don't think I don't know your stunts. Don't be stupid. We're facing that man next."
…
Grand Line – Sabaody Archipelago Outer Seas Flying Fish Riders Base
After Rock explained: "Fish-Man Island? You need coating—Sabaody first." They soon rescued mermaid Camie and her starfish Pappag from human traffickers. Then—help Camie save Hachi from the Flying Fish Riders.
As a freeloader, Rock tagged along. System task: Complete Sabaody adventure with Straw Hats. Easy—follow the plot. Plus, he genuinely liked the crew vibe. Especially Nami's fire… and Robin's elegance. Too bad poison fogged my brain last night…
"Hey, snap out of it! Captain Usopp is in battle—no babysitting!"
Vmmm—
Dozens of Flying Fish Riders circled the Thousand Sunny, bombing away. Usopp, seeing Rock zone out, puffed up proudly. Newbie needs the great Captain Usopp's guidance!
"Worry about yourself, Usopp. Don't get blown up."
"Eh?! Robin, why do you always defend this outsider Rock? Troubling… Guess it's up to the great Captain Usopp!"
Fin.
Firebird Star!
BOOM BOOM BOOM— Three bombs intercepted. Usopp struck a narcissistic pose. …No one cared. Even Robin was watching Rock. Damn pretty boy—only thing he's got is looks!
"Don't worry. My crew's strong."
Robin smiled, noticing Rock analyzing the fight. She knew why he quit the Navy. Didn't know the poison—but Magellan-involved = nightmare. He looked fine… but probably faking. She'd already asked Chopper to brew antidotes.
"I know. Your crew's no joke."
Rock nodded, smiling. Strong? Their network could make the Five Elders sweat.
"Brothers—sink the Straw Hats' ship!"
Flying Fish Riders, frustrated, dove underwater. Vmmm— SPLASH—
They resurfaced— dragging a colossal iron anchor sky-high, bigger than the Sunny, aimed straight down— CRASHING LIKE A METEOR!
The crew froze. Especially the deck group—Usopp, etc. Hit = instant destruction.
Even Luffy, Zoro, Sanji—fighting Duval onshore—gaped. Too far. Too big. Even Gear Third might not stop it.
"super! Don't underestimate the Thousand Sunny!"
Franky roared, sprinting to the control room. My ship. My family. TIME TO SHINE.
"Rock, hold on—Franky's about to go nuts!"
"Robin's right—your body can't take shocks!"
Robin and Chopper warned, faces tight. He's fragile right now.
"Ah, relax. It's just a big anchor."
Rock shrugged—unfazed by the mountain of iron plummeting.
Usopp rolled his eyes. Just a big anchor? It could crush 100 braggarts!
But then—
Rock drew Undead. One slash upward.
Iaido · Myriad Spirits Fall Silent!
HUM—
…
==============================================================
Support me and be 100 chapters ahead of webnovel:
patreon.com/inkshield