ONE PIECE: THE GREAT VOYAGE

After all, this was someone who could split an island in half with a single blow.

They used to believe that Caesar wouldn't kill his opponents, so they dared to challenge him.

But now, they wouldn't risk it.

Three Days Later

Several new recruits landed on Fullalead Island, joining the Rocks Pirates. They set sail together, their fleet consisting of three large ships.

The Rocks Pirates were massive, their departure as grand as that of the future Four Emperors.

"Come on! Drink! Drink up!"

Inside the cabin, the atmosphere was rowdy. Pirates sat shoulder to shoulder, drinking and feasting—some devouring meat, others stuffing their mouths with desserts.

The Golden Lion, Shiki, slung an arm over Caesar's shoulder, pulling him close.

"Brother Caesar, I admire you. Let's drink!"

Caesar's lips twitched slightly, but he chose not to offend Shiki. He downed his beer in one gulp.

He had no desire to fight Golden Lion here.

It wouldn't be fun.

And if things got too fun, the ship might be torn apart.

At the same time, Charlotte Linlin—the infamous Big Mom—chewed noisily on a dessert, thick chocolate sauce dripping from her mouth.

"Shiki, are you an idiot? Who said you could call him 'brother'?"

"Have some self-awareness."

She mocked him mercilessly.

For once, Kaido agreed with Big Mom, scoffing at Shiki's shamelessness.

But it wasn't just Shiki—several other pirates were also trying to recruit Caesar.

He was an extraordinary force.

Now among the strongest in the first wave of Rocks Pirates, his strength was at least at an admiral level.

They sought to recruit him while he was young and inexperienced, hoping to sway him into their factions.

Overwhelmed by the commotion, Caesar stepped onto the deck, enjoying a rare moment of tranquility as the sea breeze washed over him.

At some point, Whitebeard, Edward Newgate, had taken a seat on the railing.

"How about it? Will you sail with me in the future?"

Caesar raised a brow—he hadn't expected Whitebeard to personally invite him.

But he simply shook his head.

Whitebeard didn't seem surprised.

He had expected this answer.

---

[48] Paramecia Devil Fruit!

"Charge!"

"Brothers, the treasure is ours!"

Rocks D. Xebec's wild, unrestrained voice echoed across the battlefield.

His crew's battle cries carried a bloodthirsty edge.

"Charge!"

The pirate ship before them, its flag fluttering in the wind, was reduced to ashes in the next second.

As the signal for war.

This enemy crew was strong, boasting several Devil Fruit users. Their ship was massive and opulent, practically announcing to the world: "Come and rob me."

No wonder Rocks targeted them.

"Who… Who are you?!"

A few low-ranked pirates blocked Caesar's path.

Caesar shot them a cold glance. They trembled immediately.

"I-I warn you! Our captain is—"

Shing!

With a flash of his blade, a fountain of blood sprayed into the air.

Three bodies collapsed instantly.

Clang.

Caesar slid his sword back into its scabbard, stepping over the corpses without a second thought.

He needed to make a profit today.

If he had failed to retrieve gold from Skypiea, then he'd simply loot a little more treasure.

With every step forward, he cut down anyone who stood in his way.

He finally reached the enemy ship's cabin, heading toward the area with the most guards—the place that truly mattered.

Suddenly—

Whoosh!

A swift attack came from behind!

Boom!

Caesar turned, hardening his fist with Haki, and sent the attacker flying into the wall.

The man groaned, clutching his trembling arms.

"This guy's Haki… It's terrifying!"

Caesar had no interest in dragging out the fight. He drew his sword, ready to finish it.

But in the next second, he suddenly paused.

His eyes narrowed, focusing on a rusted steel pipe near his opponent's arm.

He instantly recognized it.

Rust-Rust Fruit.

A Devil Fruit that corrodes metal.

Using a sword here would be foolish. Even if he coated his blade in Haki, he wasn't about to take that gamble.

His opponent smirked, noticing his hesitation.

"You know what my power is, huh?"

He looked smug, thinking he held the upper hand.

Caesar chuckled.

"I understand it now."

"Coward! A swordsman afraid to use his sword?"

His opponent's provocation was obvious.

Caesar didn't fall for it.

Instead, he hardened his fists again.

"I don't need a sword to kill you."

The man's face darkened.

He raised a hand, about to activate his ability—

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Caesar rushed forward, his fists obliterating his opponent in an instant. The man was flung through the wooden walls, losing consciousness.

Caesar scoffed.

In the New World, relying too much on a Devil Fruit meant being prepared to die.

---

Discovery of the Devil Fruit

After clearing several floors, Caesar reached the weapons storage room.

His eyes were immediately drawn to a box placed high on a shelf.

For some reason, he felt oddly drawn to it.

Fixing his gaze on it for a long moment, he finally took it down and opened it.

Inside, a dark purple, peach-shaped fruit with intricate swirling patterns rested in the box.

A Devil Fruit.

Judging by its appearance, it was Paramecia-type.

Caesar never intended to eat one himself, so he simply stored it away.

---

Nightfall

In a small room where three crew members rested, Caesar took out the Devil Fruit.

The two with him were stunned.

"A Devil Fruit?"

Brad immediately covered his nose.

"Ugh, this stuff smells disgusting. I remember the one I ate as a kid—awful."

Gnaly hesitated.

"Is it really that bad?"

Caesar handed the fruit to him.

"Do you want to try it?"

Gnaly's eyes widened.

"You're… giving it to me?"

Caesar nodded.

"Brad already has a Devil Fruit. Naturally, this wouldn't be for him."

Besides, he himself didn't know what ability it granted.

If it was useless, then it wasn't worth sacrificing the ability to swim.

He explained the risks and benefits of eating a Devil Fruit.

Then he said—

"It's your decision. If you want it, take it."

Gnaly fell silent, deep in thought.

After half an hour, he finally shook his head.

"No… I'd rather focus on training my Haki."

Watching Caesar's fight with Golden Lion had solidified his decision.

Caesar respected his choice and stored the fruit away.

"Don't let anyone know we have this fruit."

He had no intention of giving it to Rocks.

It was his now.

And in the future, if he ever found a Devil Fruit Encyclopedia, he'd check if it was worth eating.