For a moment, the sea was silent.
As if the world itself held its breath after witnessing Lo Ye overpower — and be acknowledged by — a creature of myth. The Leviathan, still half-submerged, kept its gigantic head bowed to him, its glowing blue eyes lowered in a gesture no creature of the sea had ever displayed to a mortal.
Dahlia was still gripping Lo Ye's suit collar. Her face remained inches from his, eyes blazing with emotions even she didn't fully understand.
"Do you… realize what you just did?" she whispered.
Lo Ye steadied his breathing. The water flowing through his veins pulsed like a secondary heartbeat. His clothes clung to his body, soaked and heavy — except for the immaculate white jacket that somehow refused to stay stained. The Water element hummed behind his sternum like a caged beast.
"I didn't plan any of it," he answered quietly."But I won't let anything touch you three."
Dahlia froze.
That single sentence hit her harder than any blow in the battle.
She dropped her gaze, cheeks heating as a slow, uncontrolled blush spread across her face."Tch… idiot. Don't say things like that out loud."
Stussy stepped closer, crossing her arms, pink lips curling in amusement.
"For someone so elegant, you sure know how to fluster a woman. Be careful, Lo Ye. Some of us might start thinking you actually care."
He turned slightly toward her, water still drifting lazily around his fingertips.
"I do," he said simply.
Stussy's smile faltered.
Just for a second.
Then softened into something real — something dangerous.
Isla approached last, her analytical eyes flickering between him and the Leviathan. Her hand brushed against his arm, but she didn't pull it away.
"This is unprecedented," she murmured."You didn't just activate Water Power… you're resonating with the ocean itself."
The Leviathan rumbled, stirring a massive wave that gently pushed its body closer.
Lo Ye lifted a hand.And the creature stopped.
A hush fell over everyone present.
Even the senior pirates of the Rocks crew, who had been watching from the cliffs above, were speechless.
A moment later—A low, rumbling laugh rolled from the highest ledge.
Rocks D. Xebec arrived.
The monstrous captain of the Rocks Pirates walked down the stone path with his usual brutal confidence. His presence was heavier than the sea's pressure. His cape dragged across the ground, picking up dust and debris — and Lo Ye instinctively stepped aside to avoid it brushing against his suit.
Rocks smirked."So. My little intern made the ocean bow."
His voice boomed across the harbor, echoing off the cliffs.
"You awakened a second element. And not just any second element… but Water. A natural king's power."
Lo Ye kept his posture steady."Is that a problem?"
Rocks burst into roaring laughter."A problem? No. It means you're more interesting."
He stepped closer, eyes glinting.
"But boy… power like that makes enemies. The world government will chase you. The Marines will want your head. The Yonko of the future will remember this moment. And even the sea itself…"
His gaze slid toward the Leviathan.
"…might test you again."
The giant beast lowered itself further, as if acknowledging Rocks' words.
Then — unbelievably — it nudged its massive snout toward Lo Ye, like a creature greeting its chosen master.
Gasps echoed from the cliffs.
Big Mom's eyes widened.Whitebeard's jaw tightened.Shiki dropped his cigar.Kaido swallowed a groan of frustration.
This wasn't just power.
This was sovereignty.
Rocks crossed his arms."Well then. With that kind of strength, I can't let my intern look weak."
He grinned wildly."Lo Ye.I'm officially promoting you."
Lo Ye raised a brow."To what?"
Rocks spread his arms wide.
"To Commander of the Sea Division.You answer only to me."
Dahlia punched the air in delight.Stussy clicked her tongue but smirked, impressed.Isla nodded firmly, already analyzing strategic implications.
Lo Ye simply exhaled.
Then he noticed:Water was still swirling behind him.
His power wasn't stable.
His body trembled—The Leviathan roared—And the system in his mind chimed again:
Water Element: 18%… 21%… 25%Next Awakening Event ApproachingWarning: Host approaching elemental overload. Seek stabilization.
Dahlia grabbed his hand.
Stussy curled her fingers around his other.
Isla pressed a palm against his back.
"Lo Ye," they said in unison,"We'll help you control it."
The sea trembled once more.
A new danger stirred beneath the surface.
And Lo Ye — with power growing too fast — was standing on the edge of losing control.