The strength of Brad and Hades is likely close to that of a Marine Commodore.
However, they are approaching their limits. Their potential is not as high as Gnali's, after all.
Brad is in a slightly better position due to the potential of his Saber-Toothed Tiger Zoan Fruit. If he awakens it, his immense physical strength and resilience will make him a formidable opponent.
As for Hades, Caesar is not so optimistic.
Being a fish-man, Hades was born with far superior physical capabilities compared to ordinary humans. However, his body has already reached its peak potential. From this point on, the only way for him to grow stronger is through continuous physical training, which may gradually improve his Armament Haki.
Caesar estimated that, at his prime, Hades' strength on the water was at the quasi-admiral level, but his potential for further growth is limited.
In other words, Brad and Hades are unlikely to surpass the quasi-admiral tier, though they can still be considered top-tier commander-level combatants—on par with the strongest officers under an Emperor.
Comparatively, even Marco and Katakuri might struggle against King (Calamity) in a direct battle.
Fortunately, there is still Barrett, whose strength is bound to reach the top echelons of the world.
Among the crew members of the Caesar Pirates, excluding the strongest fighters, Yakesi, the ship's cook, ranks as the fifth-strongest. After undergoing intense gravity training, his strength has improved significantly. Caesar estimated that if Yakesi were in the Navy, he would already hold the rank of Elite Vice Admiral.
While such strength isn't enough to dominate the New World, it would make him an overwhelming force in Paradise (the first half of the Grand Line).
Regina, though not as physically gifted as others, has also benefited from a month of gravity training, enabling her to withstand eight times normal gravity. However, what sets her apart is her Kinetic Energy Paramecia-type Devil Fruit, which has given her the greatest increase in combat ability among the crew.
Barrett, who is naturally battle-hungry and extraordinarily talented, has also experienced a massive surge in strength after nearly a month of intense gravity training.
At this point, Barrett has reached the level of an Elite Rear Admiral and is still improving rapidly.
If he were to consume the Merge-Merge Fruit now, his power might skyrocket to the level of an Elite Vice Admiral. However, it is not yet the right time for him to eat the fruit, so Caesar has temporarily set it aside.
After all, Barrett was the 14 or 15-year-old who once fought and defeated Silvers Rayleigh, the right-hand man of the Pirate King.
Rayleigh was no mere Emperor's second-in-command—he was a genuine Emperor-tier fighter, second only to Caesar and Roger's level.
Strength of the Caesar Pirates
Currently, aside from Tony, who is not suited for battle and only holds the strength of a Marine Colonel, every other combatant in the crew has at least the strength of a Rear Admiral.
With such a powerful lineup, there are few forces in the world that can compare. Perhaps only the Roger Pirates could match them.
---
The Rex and Griffin's Role
Aboard the Rex, Lily was instructing Griffin, a new crewmember, on how to operate the ship's controls.
"Griffin, this is the gear switch that controls our speed. Push it to the maximum, and the Rex will reach its highest velocity. Turn it the other way, and the ship will slow down…"
She also explained the rudder's power circuit, which allowed the ship to charge using electric energy.
Griffin, a mink who had eaten the Electric-Electric Fruit, carefully took notes as he listened.
Because of his mink heritage, Griffin already had an innate ability to manipulate electricity. After consuming the Electric-Electric Fruit, his control over electrical energy improved dramatically.
Not only could he generate powerful electric attacks, but he could also supply power to machines, including the hybrid wind-electric-powered Rex.
With Griffin on board, the ship would never have to worry about running out of power. Whenever the ship's reserves were depleted, Griffin could instantly recharge it using his Devil Fruit.
In this sense, Griffin had become a living, self-sustaining power source for the ship.
Recognizing his value, Caesar appointed Griffin as the Rex's exclusive pilot.
It took only a day or two for Lily to finish teaching Griffin how to operate the ship, and in just half a day, Griffin had mastered its controls, officially becoming its navigator.
As the Rex sailed at high speed, the journey was mostly uneventful. Occasionally, they would stop at uninhabited islands or small human settlements, breaking the monotony of the voyage.
Over the years, Caesar had made a name for himself—joining the Rocks Pirates, surviving the God Valley Incident, and battling the Navy's strongest forces.
His legendary clash with the Golden Lion had recently shocked the world, solidifying his status as one of the most dangerous pirates alive.
Because of this, the Caesar Pirates rarely encountered trouble on the sea anymore. Unlike in the past, when arrogant pirates would challenge them, most now chose to flee at the sight of the Rex.
Even the Navy avoided direct confrontation unless they deployed an admiral or higher. Warships that spotted the Caesar Pirates would only follow at a distance and report back to Marine Headquarters, knowing that a direct attack without a top-tier officer would be suicide.
As a result, the crew had sailed for months without meeting a worthy opponent.
Three months later, the Rex arrived in a dense cluster of islands in the New World.
---
Entering Big Mom's Territory
Caesar stood on deck, scanning the unfamiliar sea.
"Lily, where are we now?"
Lily, equally surprised, examined the surroundings.
"This is Totto Land—Big Mom's territory," she said.
Caesar raised an eyebrow.
"So, Charlotte Linlin's influence has already expanded this far… It's been a long time since I've seen that woman."
Hearing this, Gnali and Brad exchanged knowing glances.
Meanwhile, Lily, Weina, and Regina observed Caesar closely, intrigued by his history with Charlotte Linlin.
They had all seen Big Mom's wanted posters—in her youth, she had been shockingly beautiful.
---
Perospero's Alarm
In Big Mom's Castle, the urgent ringing of a Den Den Mushi echoed.
A young Perospero, licking his long candy-coated tongue, picked up the receiver.
"Hello? What's the matter?"
From the other end, a panicked voice shouted.
"Bad news, Lord Perospero! Caesar's ship has entered Totto Land!"
Perospero's expression changed dramatically.
"Are you sure?!"
"It's confirmed! It's definitely the Caesar Pirates!"
After hanging up, Perospero paced the room anxiously.
Why had the Caesar Pirates come here?
Despite his young age, Perospero already served as Big Mom's chief strategist, advising her on crucial matters.
The Big Mom Pirates had never clashed with the Caesar Pirates before. So why now?
Perospero knew that Caesar was once Big Mom's comrade in the Rocks Pirates, but their past relationship was complicated.
If Caesar had come with hostile intent, it could spell disaster for Totto Land.
Realizing he was out of his depth, Perospero rushed to inform his mother.
To his surprise, Big Mom simply laughed.
"Well, well, well! Perospero, don't panic! An old friend has come to visit! Let's invite him to my tea party!"
With that, Charlotte Linlin climbed onto Zeus and soared into the sky, heading straight for the Caesar Pirates!
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