ONE PIECE: THE GREAT VOYAGE

Gnali, Try the Domineering Look

Gnali raised an eyebrow at the command.

"Hey, look at me!"

Stepping forward, he furrowed his brow slightly, eyes locked on the beast charging toward him.

...

Nothing happened.

Gnali's eyes widened in frustration. "Why isn't it working?!"

The beast kept closing in, its heavy footsteps echoing. Panic flickered in his gaze.

"What now?!"

Caesar's voice remained cold. "Forget the technique. Focus on your emotions—the moment when you used it successfully last time."

Haoshoku Haki—Conqueror's Haki—is an extension of one's will, an external expression of inner dominance and courage.

For those newly awakening it, its activation hinges on spirit, not mechanics.

Gnali hesitated. Half a second later—

The air grew heavy.

The howling beast skidded to a stop, trembling violently.

A second later, its body stiffened, sweat dripped down its face, and with a whimper of terror, it spun around and fled.

Gnali's eyes sparkled with astonishment. "I did it again."

Caesar smirked slightly, about to say something—

Brrr brrr brrr!

The Den Den Mushi crackled to life.

"Caesar, return."

It was him.

Rocks D. Xebec.

"Understood."

[45] Return to Hachinosu—Challenge the Golden Lion!

Half a month later, after an uneventful journey, they returned to Hachinosu—Pirate Island.

Gnali took in the chaotic atmosphere, momentarily overwhelmed.

"So... this is what pirates are like?"

Caesar glanced at him.

"As I said, pirates don't have a set image."

Brad chimed in, grinning. "Yeah! For example, Caesar and I don't go around slaughtering civilians or robbing them."

"Of course not..."

Gnali's gaze drifted to a drunken pirate carousing with a woman in the pool. His face flushed.

"...At least, we're clean in our way."

Gnali's expression shifted, admiration flickering in his eyes as he looked at Caesar's back.

A true strong man had a bottom line—principles unshaken, even in chaos.

At first, he followed Caesar out of necessity.

Now, he felt true respect.

All in just a month.

The three of them resumed training on Hachinosu, unbothered by the surrounding anarchy.

Three Days Later

Rocks' ship returned.

The island erupted into an uproar—pirates shouting, drinks spilling, weapons clashing.

Caesar took Brad to meet Rocks.

Seated at the head of the hall, Rocks lounged indifferently.

Below him sat titans—Whitebeard, Big Mom, Kaido, and other core members.

The moment they saw the unfamiliar face beside Caesar, some took notice.

A new recruit?

From the East Blue, no less?

Caesar ignored the murmurs and stepped forward.

"I picked up a strong one in the East Blue."

Golden Lion Shiki, cigar clenched between his teeth, exhaled a thick plume of smoke. His gaze sharpened with interest.

Whitebeard's crescent-shaped mustache twitched in a subtle smile.

Big Mom, however, was too engrossed in her sweets to care.

Rocks chuckled, his sharp eyes settling on Gnali.

"Not bad."

His tone was indifferent, but Gnali felt the weight of his presence.

"So," Rocks continued, "is your task complete?"

Caesar gave a concise report—carefully omitting Kozaburo Shimotsuki's name and details.

Gnali observed the scene quietly.

Each of Rocks' officers operated independently, like warlords under one banner.

No wonder Caesar was so certain—this crew wouldn't last forever.

But still…

He frowned slightly. Could Rocks really be taken down so easily?

The Duel

After the meeting, Caesar lightly tapped the sheath of Wado Ichimonji at his waist, turning to Shiki.

"Got myself a fine blade for now. What do you say, Shiki? Want a match?"

Of course, he would challenge the strongest swordsman in the crew.

Shiki grinned, the smoke curling from his cigar.

"Then bring it on."

If Caesar was strong enough, Shiki had his own plans for him.

If he won—maybe he'd recruit Caesar for his future ambitions.

As soon as the challenge was issued, interest surged.

Big Mom wiped chocolate from her lips.

"Mama! Guess I'll watch this one."

"Caesar, your last fight with Whitebeard nearly sank an island. Shame I missed it!"

Whitebeard chuckled. "I'm curious about his growth too."

Kaido swung his massive kanabo with a smirk.

"To be honest, I want a match too. But I'll watch you two first."

Brad and Gnali exchanged uneasy glances and followed the crowd.

Gnali was especially tense.

He'd heard rumors—duels in this crew had no rules.

Life and death were secondary.

They arrived at a barren island, similar in size to the last battleground.

As soon as they set foot—

"Hahahaha!"

Rocks landed with them.

"I'll see if you two destroy another island this time."

[46] Clash of Kings—Caesar vs. the Golden Lion!

BOOM!

The clash of steel rang through the battlefield.

Wado Ichimonji met Shiki's twin blades.

A shockwave erupted.

Black and red lightning crackled, the telltale sign of a Conqueror's Haki clash.

The sky darkened.

Onlookers felt the sheer force press against their bodies.

Even the veteran pirates narrowed their eyes, bracing themselves.

BOOM!

Another clash. Then another.

It was pure strength, pure Haki—

Caesar's grip tightened around Wado Ichimonji.

He intensified his offense, slashing with both hands.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The two warriors exchanged rapid strikes, neither giving an inch.

Then, in an instant, they separated—hovering in mid-air.

Shiki smirked.

"Rankyaku: Shishi Odoshi!"

A massive airborne slash shot forward.

Caesar raised his blade.

"Chop!"

His own slash roared back to meet it.

Two titanic forces collided—

BOOOOM!

The island trembled.

The battle was far from over.