One Piece: Heaven-Defying Talent

Lao G froze at the old man's suggestion, then frowned. "You're telling me to join the Chiba Pirates? But if I do, what happens to the Happo Navy?"

"You're overthinking, boy," the elder said, shaking his head. "You'd do better to join the Chiba Pirates first and worry about those matters later."

"As long as we align with Chiba, our strength will grow exponentially. And most importantly, Chiba is destined to become the king of this sea—he'll be the future Pirate King! Don't you want to find out what the One Piece really is?"

"The One Piece…" Lao G muttered, standing and gazing toward the heavens. Above, Rebecca and Doflamingo were still locked in fierce combat. One of Doflamingo's arms had already been severed—he was no match for her.

At the same time, King Riku Dold III, the former ruler of Dressrosa, stood with a somber expression. His gaze was fixed on the battle in the distance, where Rebecca's strength was now undeniable. Watching her go blow for blow with Doflamingo, he murmured, "It's incredible... To think Rebecca has grown so much, to the point where she can hold her own against Doflamingo. Is this the power of the Mera-Mera no Mi's Golden Crow form?"

"The power is terrifying," he continued, his tone tinged with regret. "If only this strength had been in Dressrosa's hands sooner…"

A nearby general, his loyalty unwavering, spoke carefully. "Your Majesty, it's clear that Chiba is destined to rule the skies and seas. Perhaps we should consider joining his alliance."

King Riku fell silent, brow furrowed in thought. After a moment, he shook his head slightly. "I've considered it before, but would he even accept us? He's made it clear that we're not a part of his core plans—he sent us to Ace before. He seems to have no intention of involving us directly."

His expression darkened further as he struggled with the notion.

Meanwhile, Rob Lucci, leader of the CP0, watched the same battle unfold. His sharp eyes gleamed with shock. "Rebecca's strength has reached Admiral level," he thought grimly. "With that sword in hand, she's overwhelming Doflamingo. The Golden Crow form of the Mera-Mera no Mi… Is its power truly this immense?"

He paused, considering the implications. "Without that Devil Fruit, Rebecca wouldn't have climbed beyond the rank of major. But now? Now she's pushing Doflamingo to the brink. That fruit played a pivotal role, no doubt… though I suspect Chiba's influence has been equally significant. He must have given her specialized training, or even some form of enhancement, to bolster her Observation Haki and physical prowess."

The more Lucci dwelled on it, the more infuriated he became. "The Five Elders handed such a revolutionary Devil Fruit—and the genius who mastered it—to the pirates. Fools! If Chiba had remained in the Marines, we would've been the ones benefiting from this power. The CP0 and Marine forces would be invincible."

His grip tightened on the Den Den Mushi in his hand. "Stupidity knows no bounds among the old guard…"

The snail phone crackled to life as the connection was established. "Moshi, moshi," came the familiar voice from the other end. "Lucci, what's the situation?"

"Lord Izan, the Chiba Pirates are battling Doflamingo as we speak. Almost all of his officers have fallen, and Rebecca has severed one of his arms. Doflamingo… he's losing."

"Rebecca?" Izan repeated sharply. "The swordswoman with the Golden Crow form of the Mera-Mera no Mi?"

"Yes," Lucci confirmed. "Her strength is undeniable."

"That's impossible!" Izan's voice thundered. "She was barely at Vice Admiral level before. How could she possibly defeat Doflamingo? He's enhanced his abilities, his Conqueror's Haki is formidable, and his Devil Fruit has awakened! How could he fall to a mere swordswoman?"

"With all due respect, Lord Izan, I'm witnessing it firsthand. Doflamingo cannot withstand Rebecca's power. It's only a matter of time before she kills him."

Izan's furious roar filled the room. "This cannot happen! If Doflamingo falls to Rebecca, Chiba's reputation will spread across the seas. Everyone will flock to him for these man-made Devil Fruits! He'll amass unparalleled wealth and power. The Celestial Dragons' dominance will be jeopardized!"

"If those cursed pirates get their hands on such fruits, they'll grow strong enough to challenge our rule. And the Revolutionary Army… Chiba is the son of Dragon! If the two join forces, they'll shatter the world government. This must not come to pass!"

Izan's voice turned cold. "Lucci, I don't care how you do it, but you must suppress Chiba's influence and halt the spread of his man-made Devil Fruits."

Before Lucci could respond, the line went dead. He grimaced, frustration mounting. "Easier said than done. Rebecca alone is beyond me… how do they expect me to manage this?"

He looked back toward the battlefield, where Rebecca continued to overwhelm Doflamingo. For the first time in a long while, Lucci entertained the thought of switching sides. "Perhaps it's time to reconsider my future. Chiba's crew might not be such a bad choice…"

[•———•——•———•]

𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.