Chapter 26 - "I Want to Drag Down Those Sitting on the Throne!"
"My dream?"
Renji turned his head in surprise to look at Captain John, momentarily at a loss for how to answer this question.
In the world of pirates, dreams indeed seemed to outweigh everything else.
"Exactly! Power, fame, treasure, or beautiful women - there must be at least one reason you set sail, right?" Though slightly drunk, Captain John's gaze remained sharp.
In his view, weren't these the very things pirates sailed for? Sure, there were exceptions like Whitebeard who sought family, but such pirates were few and far between.
And judging by Renji's past behavior, John didn't believe him to be that kind of pirate either.
Renji's eyes grew distant as he recalled his original motivation for setting sail: "Actually, I became a pirate just to get stronger."
When he first realized he'd been transported into the world of One Piece - and straight into the New World at that - Renji had been utterly stunned.
Because the New World was essentially a gladiatorial arena where the World Government threw pirates to fight it out.
What did it matter if you became king of the New World? If you became one of the Four Emperors? This was just a small corner of the world that the World Government had cordoned off, letting pirates slaughter each other while they watched calmly, content to guard the four seas and the first half of the Grand Line.
After all, those areas had weaker forces and limited marine presence - naturally they took priority. Moreover, the World Government needed the New World as a cautionary tale.
Wasn't this essentially strangling other nations while saying, "See what happens when you don't pay the Heavenly Tribute!"?
For eight hundred years, the World Government had kept the world in a state of controlled chaos. They needed the Marines, but couldn't let them grow too powerful because they were just attack dogs, a mere enforcement branch.
Similarly, they needed pirates because if the world wasn't in turmoil, if people weren't pointing fingers at pirates, then who would willingly pay the Heavenly Tribute? Forcing payment would only turn that anger toward the Celestial Dragons themselves.
But this gladiatorial approach had terrified Renji at the time.
Back then, he'd faced two choices: First, live out his life as a civilian, trying to escape the New World. But even leaving didn't guarantee safety - pirates killed indiscriminately, nothing like Luffy's crew. As an ordinary person, he'd be leaving his fate in others' hands, something Renji couldn't accept. And leaving the New World wasn't safe either - just look at Nami's story.
The second option was to set sail himself. Though he might die within days (or even the same day) to the New World's freak weather, Renji ultimately chose this path.
He wanted to control his own destiny. Even if he died, it would be by his own choice, not looking back later with regret.
"Wait... you set sail just to get stronger?" Captain John felt dizzy.
He'd thought Renji was kindred spirit who loved treasure like him. But you're telling me it was all about getting stronger?! He could watch Renji plunder treasure or kidnap women without batting an eye, but seeing Renji constantly growing stronger? That terrified him!
Damn it, just take it easy! Stop training! Seeing Renji's progress made Captain John break out in cold sweat. Renji's antics let him sleep peacefully, but Renji's training kept him up all night.
"Well, that was the initial reason." While getting stronger remained a goal, Renji wasn't as obsessive about it now.
"That's what I thought!" Captain John patted his chest in relief, secretly glad Renji had given up that mindset. It seemed the pleasures of the world had taught him to enjoy life - what a relief!
"But now I think dragging those guys down from their thrones sounds pretty fun!" Renji glanced at Captain John before turning to leave. "Let's go, John! If we don't hurry, we'll miss the crew division competition!"
A no-show would count as forfeit. Having gone through so much to obtain the Goro Goro no Mi, Renji wasn't about to lose like this.
Watching Renji's retreating figure, Captain John fell deep in thought. "Drag those on the thrones down..." Who did he mean?
After some consideration, John still couldn't pinpoint who. Or perhaps he had suspicions but didn't dare confirm them. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he looked toward where Renji had gone - and froze. "HEY! I'M NOT ON THE SHIP YET!!!"
Are you all insane?! Can't you see the captain's still ashore?!
Clutching his liquor bottle, Captain John sprinted toward the ship like his life depended on it.
They were about to set sail without their captain?! What kind of joke was this?!
Several days later...
On Hachinosu, stronghold of the Rocks Pirates.
Countless pirates had gathered.
"Hasn't it started yet?"
"Speaking of which, where's Renji? Did he run away?"
"No way. I heard he went out with John. You mean neither of them is back yet?"
In the captain's quarters...
Rocks scratched his forehead in frustration. The competition was about to begin, yet Renji and John still hadn't returned.
Beside him, Whitebeard, Golden Lion, Charlotte Linlin, Ochoku, and Silver Axe stood ready.
Today, the seven division commanders would face challenges from other pirates. The victors would take their positions. Though brutal, this was tradition among the Rocks Pirates.
After finalizing the commanders, Rocks would reveal his plans to them. Privately, he hoped to maintain the current lineup.
Having observed them carefully, he believed these members unlikely to betray the plan. Others... not so much.
With all the chaos he'd stirred up in the New World, Rocks didn't believe the World Government and Marines would sit idle. His crew undoubtedly harbored spies from various factions.
Thus until the operation began, only the commanders would know its true nature.
"He wouldn't run." Rocks lifted his gaze from the assembled crowd to the distant sea.
He understood Renji. That man would return even if it meant certain death. Though it was a pity - when he first joined, Renji had been too weak. Were it not for his exceptional talent and being the first to pledge loyalty, he'd never have made commander.
Still, Rocks had trained him well. He'd expected Renji to seek last-minute training before the competition. Though time was short, improvement was still possible...
Yet Renji's departure left Rocks slightly puzzled, unable to comprehend why he would make such a choice.
Could there really be something outside that could boost his strength faster than Rocks' own training?
"Gurararara! That guy definitely wouldn't run. Speaking of which, since he left with John, maybe John found him a Devil Fruit?"
Everyone in the Rocks Pirates knew Captain John and Renji were close. Given John's habit of hoarding treasure, it wasn't impossible for him to have a Devil Fruit in his collection. Eating one could provide a significant short-term power boost.
"Mamamamama! But if he ate some trash-tier Devil Fruit, his future would be ruined!"
"Jihahahaha! Even if it's trash, there's no helping it. I bet everyone's going to challenge him later. What a shame—we'll have to replace a commander soon. Speaking of which, Whitebeard, how's that brat you brought back?"
Golden Lion turned to Whitebeard. The guy he'd brought back, Kaido, was actually from the Oni race—a rare sight these days. Rocks himself had specifically ordered his recruitment, originally meant to be handed over to the World Government as part of the Heavenly Tribute. Even Golden Lion was intrigued by him.
But unfortunately, Rocks had no intention of letting anyone poach him.
Though they had joined the Rocks Pirates, many still maintained their original crews, with their divisions acting as their personal fleets. Among them, Golden Lion, Ochoku, Silver Axe, and John still had their own ships.
Renji's crew had mostly been wiped out in battle. Whitebeard didn't want one—he dreamed of a crew made entirely of his "sons." And Charlotte Linlin? She was even crazier, planning to birth an entire pirate crew herself.
So when Kaido joined, Golden Lion had immediately tried to recruit him. But since Rocks had personally brought him in, Kaido ended up as part of Rocks' core crew.
Lately, though... he seemed to be getting awfully close to Charlotte Linlin.
Golden Lion shot a glance at Linlin, a cold smirk forming. This pirate alliance was just a temporary arrangement, after all.
And if Rocks' so-called "big plan" didn't interest him, he'd take his crew and leave immediately. Even Rocks wouldn't be able to stop him—after all, he was the Sky Pirate!
"Don't underestimate human potential."
Silver Axe, usually a man of few words, had a neutral relationship with Renji. As fellow commanders, they'd crossed paths. Renji wasn't particularly strong now, but Silver Axe saw potential in him—though time was running short.
Rocks' plan was likely to begin soon. If not for that, Silver Axe believed Rocks would have given Renji more time to grow.
"It's tough. Losing his commander position might shake his confidence. Looks like I'll have one less swordsman rival!"
Ochoku polished his massive blade as he spoke, a hint of regret in his eyes. Among the crew, Renji was one of the few skilled swordsmen who focused purely on the blade. Whitebeard and Golden Lion used swords too, but they relied heavily on their Devil Fruit powers—hardly true swordsmen in Ochoku's eyes.
Renji had the potential to become a master swordsman like himself, which was why Ochoku had always held high hopes for him. But if he lost here, who knew how it might affect him?
What a shame to lose a worthy opponent.
"Mamamamama! At best, that guy's potential has a low ceiling. I'm much more interested in that Oni brat!"
When Charlotte Linlin mentioned Kaido, a gleam flashed in her eyes.
She was already imagining it—what if she had a child with Kaido? A child inheriting both her powers and the Oni's natural strength...
What a glorious beginning that would be!
"They're back. Seems like you really gained something from this trip, huh? Kihahahaha..."
Rocks chuckled darkly, his gaze fixed on the returning ship in the distance. Even from afar, his Haki could sense the change in their auras—especially Renji's.
This wasn't the same Renji who had left. He had clearly grown stronger.
It seemed this trip had brought him some unexpected fortune.
This actually put Rocks at ease. The current lineup of commanders was ideal, and he didn't want any changes. The only reason he'd brought Kaido in was as insurance—if a replacement was needed, he'd rather it be Kaido than some unknown variable.
Given Kaido's background, there was no way he'd collude with the Marines or the World Government. Even if he became a commander, it wouldn't interfere with Rocks' plans.
But if Renji could hold his position? Even better.
"So they're really back. Should we head down now?"
With Renji's return confirmed, it was time to make their appearance.
The pirates below were already growing restless.
"Let's go. Time to test the strength of the Rocks Pirates!"
Rocks stood and strode toward the arena.
Under his rule, Hachinosu had been transformed into a paradise for pirates—every corner of the island catered to them, including this combat arena.
Since there were seven commander positions, seven platforms had been set up, each corresponding to a division.
From first to seventh:
1. Whitebeard
2. Golden Lion
3. Charlotte Linlin
4. Renji
5. Ochoku
6. Captain John
7. Silver Axe
The five present commanders took their positions at their respective platforms.
But when they arrived, the surrounding pirates were left confused.
Where were the other two?!
"Captain! Where's Renji? We want to challenge him!"
"That's right! You can't play favorites, Captain! You said this would be fair—fair, and damn fair!"
"Did Renji and John run off together?"
"Let's just start without them! Whoever's left standing can take the Fourth and Sixth Division spots!"
"Hah! I knew Renji would run! If it weren't for the Captain's favoritism, there's no way that guy would've become a commander in the first place!!!"
(End of Chapter)
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