ONE PIECE: THE GREAT VOYAGE

Cracks first spread across the deck, and then the wood began to crumble under the pressure.

Gnali clenched his fists, unwilling to stand idly by. He wanted to step forward and help fight Vice Admiral Garp.

"One person can't win, but two people might stand a chance," he thought.

But Caesar stopped him with just a glance.

"No need," he said coldly.

The sheer authority in Caesar's voice made Gnali feel as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over his head. He gritted his teeth but stayed put.

Keng! Keng! Keng!

Caesar, wielding the legendary Wado Ichimonji, had clearly pushed his strength to a new level. He wasn't being outright crushed anymore.

There was admiration—and even a faint smile—in Garp's eyes.

"Boy, it's too early for you to set sail."

"Especially with a crew as dangerous as the Rocks Pirates."

"Even if you don't fall to me, you'll eventually fall to them."

Caesar let out a sharp breath, eyes burning like flames.

"I do what I want. I don't need your lectures."

"Then be prepared to die for your ideals!"

Their gazes locked, and the intensity of their blows increased. Caesar's muscles tensed, his arms bulging like steel cables.

Keng! Keng! Keng!

Sparks flew as their weapons clashed at a speed too fast for the eye to follow.

Boom!

Garp's fist, carrying monstrous power, struck Caesar squarely in the chest, sending him crashing into the deck. Blood dripped from his forehead as he staggered to his feet, his body battered and bruised.

Even though Garp had yet to reach his true peak, his Armament Haki was already terrifying.

In terms of sheer hardness, Garp at this moment might already be the strongest in the world. Even Rocks D. Xebec himself might not match him in this regard.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The battle continued, their figures a blur of motion. The ship groaned under the onslaught, and as Caesar subtly shifted their battlefield, they ended up fighting on a Marine warship.

"Give up. Watching you struggle is getting painful," Garp said.

Caesar's vision blurred, his consciousness fading.

"You think I'd just drop here?!" he roared.

His mind buzzed.

"Not a chance!"

With an earth-shaking burst of energy, he lunged at Garp with everything he had left.

Zila! Zila!

Black lightning crackled from his blade.

Garp's pupils shrank.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Garp dodged, but the deck behind him was obliterated. Even the Navy's sails were sliced clean through.

"Conqueror's Haki coating?! Caesar…!"

Seizing the opening, Caesar didn't hesitate. Temporarily forcing Garp back, he leaped onto his ship.

"Lieutenant General! They're heading toward the Calm Belt!"

Garp frowned, glancing at the wrecked warship and exhausted sailors.

"Forget it."

---

[44] Special Training in the Calm Belt—Return to the New World

The Calm Belt.

Not a single breeze stirred. The sails hung motionless. The ship didn't move an inch.

Caesar, still aching from his wounds, sat back as Gnali and Brad rowed furiously. Every so often, he unleashed his Conqueror's Haki to drive off lurking Sea Kings.

After half a day of rowing, they finally spotted an uninhabited island.

---

The Next Day

Caesar woke up, his body wrapped in thick bandages—remnants of his battle with Garp.

"You're awake. How do you feel?" Brad asked.

Caesar flexed his fingers, assessing the pain in his body.

"I'm fine."

After gathering his thoughts, he made a decision.

"We're staying here for a while."

It wasn't just about recovery—he needed to grow stronger. He had fought two Vice Admirals back-to-back and lost both times.

He knew he wasn't yet at their level. But that didn't mean he was willing to accept it.

"Time to train."

---

After a meal to restore their strength, Caesar led Brad and Gnali deep into the island.

"Really? You're still injured," Brad said, concerned.

Gnali frowned. "Don't push yourself too hard."

Caesar shook his head.

"I know my own body."

"Now, both of you—use your Haki and attack me."

Gnali and Brad exchanged glances before lunging forward, fists coated in Armament Haki.

Boom!

Caesar blocked with a hardened fist and blinked in surprise.

"My Haki… feels stronger."

Then he frowned.

"Hit my legs."

Gnali obeyed immediately. Brad hesitated.

Bang!

Caesar stood his ground, motionless.

The point of impact darkened—his Armament Haki now covered his lower body as well.

Brad's eyes widened.

"Amazing! You strengthened your Armament Haki!"

Caesar nodded. Before, he could only coat his upper body. Now, nearly his entire body was covered—except his calves and feet.

It was a step forward, but not enough.

---

Half a Month Later

"AAAAAHHH! HELP!"

Brad and Gnali, blindfolded, sprinted through the jungle with wild beasts hot on their heels.

"Stop using your eyes!" Caesar shouted.

"Feel their presence with Observation Haki!"

Roar!

As the growling beast lunged, Gnali instinctively turned and punched it away.

Boom!

The beast crashed into the ground, causing the earth to tremble.

Caesar sighed.

"Your Armament Haki is stronger now, but you're still relying on your eyes too much."

They were close—just one step away from unlocking advanced Observation Haki. But their survival instincts kept getting in the way.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Suddenly, more beasts burst from the jungle.

Hearing their footsteps, there had to be at least dozens.

Gnali and Brad ripped off their blindfolds.

"No way. That was fast!"

Caesar smirked and glanced at them.

"Let's see if you're ready now."