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Heavy rain poured down, with flashes of lightning illuminating the dark sky. The wind howled, sending sheets of rain slanting across the scene.
A figure in a black cloak stood atop a warship, his silhouette striking against the stormy backdrop. The cloak billowed violently in the wind, yet his voice rang out with commanding clarity, cutting through the downpour and reaching every Marine present.
For a moment, all the Marines stood frozen.
"It's him! That mysterious man in the black cloak!"
"He's the one who ambushed us over the past few days. I can't believe he has the nerve to show up like this."
"What arrogance!"
The initial shock quickly gave way to seething anger. The Marines never imagined he would be bold enough to appear so brazenly. Yet, what truly infuriated them was the destruction he'd already wrought.
With a single devastating strike, the makeshift Marine port on Baterilla Island was reduced to rubble. Several warships were left crippled, and hundreds of Marines had been injured, rendered completely unable to fight.
But despite their rage, none dared to act rashly. The sheer scale of the destruction made it clear, this was not an opponent they could underestimate. He had caused unimaginable havoc and emerged without a scratch. Ordinary Marines stood no chance against him.
"Wait... that face!"
Among them, a young Commodore's expression twisted in disbelief. A wave of recognition struck him, sending chills down his spine.
"No... It can't be..."
His trembling hands clenched into fists as the truth dawned on him. Panic surged through his voice as he finally blurted out the name.
"I remember now! I know who he is!"
The surrounding Marines turned toward him, confusion and anticipation mingling.
"Who is he?" another Commodore demanded.
"He's Rojen!" The young officer's voice cracked with disbelief. "It's Rojen!"
The name sent a shockwave through the ranks.
"Rojen?" Some were momentarily puzzled, but those who understood felt their hearts skip a beat.
"Him?! It's really him!"
Fragments of information flooded their minds.
Rojen, the younger brother of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. A man of enigmatic origin and unparalleled strength. Not long ago, he clashed with Vice Admiral Dragon in Loguetown, devastating even Dragon's elite forces. His bounty had soared to a staggering 110 Million belly.
Though this intelligence was primarily classified among the Marine higher-ups, even those unaware of the details could sense the weight of his name.
"Surround him! We cannot let him escape today!" a Commodore roared.
"No matter the cost, capture him!"
The shouts echoed through the rain, filled with determination and urgency.
Amidst the tension, Vice Admiral Moya emerged, his imposing figure partially obscured by the downpour. Flanked by five high-ranking officers, his stern expression revealed his concern. Yet, beneath the surface, a spark of curiosity glinted in his eyes.
"So that's Rojen," Moya murmured, his voice barely audible above the storm. "The Pirate King's brother. Even Dragon couldn't subdue him, and he managed to escape unharmed."
A Lieutenant Commander stepped forward, his voice low and cautious. "Admiral Kizaru's orders were clear, sir. Should we notify him?"
Moya's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Of course, we'll inform him. But..."
He paused, savoring the anticipation.
"Before that, I want to see what this so-called legend is capable of."
The officers exchanged knowing glances, their smirks barely concealed. Moya's intent was clear. Among the Marines, strength ruled above all else. And if Rojen truly lived up to his reputation, the Vice Admiral wanted to see it for himself.
As the storm raged on, the stage was set. The black-cloaked figure stood unmoved, his presence commanding and defiant. And the Marines, despite their fear and fury, prepared to face the brother of the Pirate King.
At this level, they were not only decision-makers but also powerful combatants.
And powerful combatants were always intrigued by the strength of their opponents.
Clearly, Rojen's display of force had piqued Vice Admiral Moya's interest.
"Let's go. Follow me. I want to see what the Pirate King's younger brother is truly capable of," Moya commanded, his voice calm but resolute.
The group of officers moved forward, and as they approached, the previously agitated Marines instinctively parted to make way. The tense atmosphere cooled, replaced by an unsettling silence.
"Vice Admiral!" A Marine called out in salute.
Meanwhile, Rojen's sharp gaze swept over the approaching figure. Moya was a man of formidable stature, with a powerful build and a face weathered by years of battle. Twin short swords rested at his sides, and his justice cloak billowed dramatically in the storm's fury. The sheer authority he exuded was undeniable.
A sense of seriousness settled over Rojen. He had previously fought against Rear Admiral Dragon, but a Vice Admiral was a different level altogether.
Could he stand against someone like Moya?
The Vice Admiral halted beneath the warship where Rojen stood, surveying the ruins that once formed the Marine port. His eyes flickered with a trace of surprise.
"Was all this your doing, Rojen?" Moya's tone was neutral, though a hint of admiration lingered beneath it.
Rojen's eyes narrowed, but he chose not to respond. His silence was met with indifference.
Unfazed, Moya stepped onto the warship, reducing the distance between them to just a few paces. The storm raged on, with wind and rain whipping around them, yet the Vice Admiral stood firm, his presence commanding.
"State your purpose, Rojen," Moya demanded, his voice steady. "You suddenly appear, attack the Marines, and reveal your identity so brazenly."
The accusation hung in the air, and Rojen's expression darkened. The Marine's sharp intuition was unsettling.
"What do you really want?" Moya's tone shifted, his voice low and firm. The weight of his words struck like a hammer.
For an instant, Rojen felt a powerful force invade his mind. It was as though Moya's gaze had become a swirling abyss, pulling him in, compelling him to answer. The sensation threatened to consume him.
But just as quickly, his will surged forth. Martial instincts, honed through relentless battles, pushed back against the invasive force. His mind cleared, and the oppressive sensation shattered like glass.
"A Devil Fruit user," Rojen muttered, his expression hardening.
Moya's smirk widened slightly. "Interesting. You managed to break free."
The Vice Admiral's confidence was palpable. He was a user of the Mind's Eye Fruit—a fruit that granted him the ability to apply mental pressure through his gaze. Against weaker opponents, he could manipulate their thoughts, extract the truth, or even compel obedience.
For those with unshakable wills, however, the effect was diminished.
"Where have you hidden her?" Rojen's sudden question shattered the tense silence.
Moya's eyes flashed with curiosity. "So that's your goal."
A moment of contemplation passed before the Vice Admiral's grin deepened.
"Defeat me," he declared, his voice ringing with challenge, "and I'll tell you."
(End Of This Chapter)