One Piece: With Sign-in System

When news broke that Ron had successfully escaped from the clutches of Kizaru and others, even under such dire circumstances, the entire sea was set ablaze with excitement.

"In a situation like that, to still manage to escape... what an incredible feat!"

"Traveler Ron! The legend of the new era continues!"

"But his companions... they likely didn't make it, right?"

"Possibly dead. After all, that was Bartholomew Kuma, one of the Seven Warlords, known for his ruthless and cold nature."

"If that's true, what will Traveler Ron do next? Will he seek vengeance against the Marines and Kuma for his companions?"

"Or will he stir up yet another shocking event that shakes the world?"

"Compared to him, those so-called new Supernovas are completely outclassed."

"Exactly."

That same day, Big News published its latest edition of the newspaper. The front page featured an image of Ron, wielding his black blade, surrounded by Kizaru, Kuma, and Vice Admiral Doberman.

In the photograph, the young man's gaze was sharp and piercing, his black hair whipping in the wind. There wasn't a hint of fear in his expression, only a cold arrogance that exuded dominance.

The headline read:

"Calamity from the Skies Returns! Traveler Ron Reappears on the Grand Line after Six Months! How Will the Marines Respond?"

Subheadings included:

"The Swordswoman Who Took Down a Vice Admiral! The Terrifying Strength of Tyrant Kuma! Traveler Ron's Greatest Crisis!"

"Facing an Admiral and a Warlord Alone, Traveler Ron Escapes Unscathed!"

The subsequent pages displayed images of Drum Island in the aftermath of the battle. The destruction captured in those photos left readers across the seas in shock and disbelief.

While this battle created waves among civilians and pirates alike, those at the pinnacle of power saw it as merely a passing note.

…

Onboard the Moby Dick…

"Unable to deal with the 'Yellow Monkey' and having to flee... the idea of him being a 'Fifth Emperor' is truly laughable," Whitebeard commented with a chuckle, sipping from his sake gourd.

The division commanders standing nearby exchanged awkward glances.

Kizaru isn't strong... only by your standards, Pops!

As a Marine Admiral and a wielder of the Pika-Pika no Mi, Kizaru was undoubtedly among the top powers on the seas. To clash with him and successfully escape wasn't a feat just anyone could achieve.

"Pops, while this Ron kid's strength isn't top-tier yet," Marco said thoughtfully, adjusting his glasses as he read the paper, "what's truly terrifying about him is his potential. He's only 17 years old."

Whitebeard opened his eyes slightly, his gaze drifting toward Marco. After a moment's pause, he asked, "Come to think of it, when was the last time we had any promising young blood on this ship?"

Marco hesitated.

It was true. Most of the Whitebeard Pirates' main members were over 35 years old, and the crew lacked any standout young talent.

"But Pops... what does that have to do with what we're discussing?"

"Gurararara! Nothing at all," Whitebeard laughed heartily, taking another swig of sake. "I just think it's about time we brought some young sons aboard! Gurararara!"

"An old era ends, and a new one begins!"

…

Ten Days Later, Sabaody Archipelago…

Ron arrived at Sabaody and made his way to Shakky's Rip-Off Bar. There, he found Shakky, Rayleigh, and his companions, including Kuina, safe and sound.

According to Robin, it was Kuma who had instructed her to bring Kuina and the others to Sabaody and wait for Ron.

That day, Shakky closed the bar to outsiders, hanging a "Closed" sign on the door.

"In just three years, you've grown strong enough to hold your own against Kizaru. Your growth is truly astonishing," Shakky remarked, lighting a cigarette as she observed him.

Rayleigh chuckled. "The Traveler Ron... a name that even makes the Marines uneasy. Quite the achievement for someone your age."

Ron, however, remained silent, his eyes reflecting both gratitude and determination.

This was only the beginning.

Rayleigh smiled at Ron and said.

Ron, however, shook his head. "I was just being beaten up. My speed, strength, and abilities are useless against him."

"To deal with top-level ability users like Kizaru, speed and strength are the keys to victory. Everything else is secondary," Rayleigh said with a chuckle, taking a sip of his drink. "Once your Observation Haki and Armament Haki reach the third stage, I'm afraid it'll be his turn to avoid provoking you."

"How about now? Have you reached the third-stage mastery of Armament Haki, the Ryuo technique?"

Ron shook his head. "I feel like I'm still a bit short."

"Hm, you've likely reached a bottleneck. Taking that last step is always challenging. It requires constant self-training and effort—there's little anyone else can teach you at this stage," Rayleigh said with a smile.

The two of them continued drinking and chatting leisurely...

Meanwhile, Shakky was chatting with Robin, Kuina, and the others.

"Wait, Shakky, were you a pirate too?" asked Bonney, visibly surprised.

"Oh, yes, and a fairly notorious one," Shakky replied, exhaling a puff of smoke with a grin. "I was even chased by Garp back in the day. But that was forty years ago—I've retired since."

"Forty years ago…" Kuina and Robin exchanged glances, finding it hard to believe.

Shakky, resting her chin on one hand, leaned against the counter and smiled at the four distinctly unique young women standing before her.

"That guy sure knows how to surround himself with beautiful girls," she teased. "So, how is it? Is being by his side tough for you?"

Kuina shook her head.

"Tough, huh…" Robin paused for a moment, lost in thought. She had never found it difficult. Instead, what she felt was a sense of belonging, a rare happiness. At times, she even felt guilty, believing she was causing Ron trouble.

Conis, resting her chin in her palm, smiled warmly at Shakky. "I just think being able to follow the captain is the best thing ever. Every day is so much fun and full of joy—it's not tough at all!"

"It's not really tough," Bonney chimed in, running her fingers through her pink hair with a slightly prideful tone. "Although, sometimes, when the captain scolds me for not cleaning properly, it does get a bit annoying. But what can you do? He is the captain, after all."

"Enzo doesn't think it's tough either!" piped up Enzo, who had a bandage wrapped around his head. He bounced up and down to ensure Shakky could see him over the counter. "Traveling with Master and all the big sisters is so much fun!"

With a cigarette between her fingers and her chin resting on her hand, Shakky looked at them with a smile, her eyes curving into crescents. "I see. It sounds like you're all wonderful companions."

"Mind if I ask you a question?" Shakky said, waving them closer.

"What is it?"

Shakky gestured for the four women to lean in. Kuina, Robin, Conis, and Bonney all moved closer.

In a low voice, Shakky asked, "So, have any of you done that with your captain?"

On the other side of the bar, Rayleigh spat out his drink in shock.

"What's that woman even asking them!?" he exclaimed internally.

"What's wrong?"

Not noticing the commotion nearby, Ron looked at Rayleigh, his expression puzzled.

"Nothing, nothing at all," Rayleigh quickly replied, waving it off.

-------------------------

Patreon Advance Chapters: patreon .com / ElvenKing20