Under the full moon, Saint Figarland's Devil Fruit ability reached its absolute peak.
Confidence radiated from him.
Yet through his Observation Haki, he could clearly sense that Whitebeard's presence was in no way inferior to his own.
As the Commander of the Holy Knights, Figarland was proud—but not foolishly so. Before the war began, he had reviewed intelligence on the key figures of the Rocks Pirates.
Among them, Whitebeard's profile had drawn particular attention.
Orphaned at a young age.
Sailed alone.
Possessed monstrous, innate physical strength.
Wielder of the Gura Gura no Mi—the Devil Fruit with the greatest destructive power.
Master of all three types of Haki.
Seeing him in person today—
The reputation was well deserved.
"First Division Commander of the Rocks Pirates… It seems I'll finally have some real fun."
Whatever Whitebeard's reason for protecting Roldy—
Figarland had already chosen his opponent.
Opportunities to fight someone of this caliber were rare.
"Mr. Newgate… thank you."
Roldy's voice was weak.
He forced himself upright and addressed Whitebeard formally.
The casual "Whitebeard" had become "Mr. Newgate."
A life-saving grace.
A debt far too large.
Large enough to make Shiki burn with envy.
Shiki could almost taste the missed opportunity.
If he had stepped in at Roldy's moment of life and death—considering their prior connection—wouldn't he have secured a fiercely loyal right-hand man? One who would never betray him, and might even surpass him one day?
A permanent first mate.
Just like that.
His fury ignited.
A true schemer, Shiki usually conserved strength mid-battle, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
But now—
His rage overrode his caution.
His twin blades danced like blooming flowers. Blood sprayed from the two Holy Knights blocking him, both already at Admiral threshold.
He vented his frustration upon them.
"Gurararara! No need to be so polite. I've got my reasons."
Whitebeard grinned.
"I saved you today. That means you owe me a massive favor."
"And I won't be shy about collecting it."
Blunt.
Direct.
Roldy felt no resentment.
It was fair.
It was honest.
Exactly the kind of exchange he respected.
"Enough chatter! Have you forgotten I'm standing here?!"
Ignored.
Saint Figarland had never experienced such a thing.
Predictably—
He exploded with fury and lunged at Whitebeard.
Whitebeard met him head-on.
Murakumogiri swung.
Dark red lightning crackled.
Advanced Conqueror's Haki Coating collided midair.
Their first exchange—
Perfectly even.
Shockwaves tore across the battlefield.
Figarland's heart churned.
Under the full moon, his power was amplified to the extreme.
And yet—
He could only fight Whitebeard to a standstill?
This man would become a future threat to the World Government.
Unless—
He was a fool with no ambition.
But a man with such presence?
Impossible.
The two titans clashed relentlessly.
Meanwhile, Gol D. Roger grew restless.
Roldy was gravely injured—pressing him now would feel hollow.
And after Figarland's arrival, Charlotte Linlin and Kaido had also reappeared.
Both were battered.
Especially Kaido, his body drenched in blood.
Big Mom surveyed the battlefield briefly.
When her eyes landed on Roldy—
She stepped in front of him.
She wanted a favor.
And she got one.
With Big Mom shielding him, Roldy finally had room to breathe.
Whoosh—
A plain pirate cutlass suddenly whizzed past Roger's nose.
With his Observation Haki, it posed no threat.
Annoyed, Roger turned—
And saw Rocks' furious, arrogant grin.
"I used to think you had some potential, Roger. Didn't expect you'd help the World Government."
Rocks sneered.
"Small-town brat. Were you born with your back bent?"
The mockery was merciless.
Roldy had just saved his life.
Rocks had publicly declared him his proudest first mate.
If he showed no reaction now, what kind of captain would he be?
Roger, already seeking a worthy opponent, bristled at the insult.
He despised the World Government's lackeys.
And now he was being accused of siding with them.
Even a saint would snap.
Without hesitation, he drew his blade and charged at Rocks.
Part rage.
Part necessity.
Rocks' very existence suffocated the New World. Every pirate was overshadowed by him, unable to rise.
Their crews had clashed many times before.
Roger seeing Rocks as an enemy was only natural.
Even the World Government likely hadn't anticipated this—
Roger fighting alongside them, if only temporarily.
"Garp! Let me help! Let's knock this idiot flying together!"
Roger shouted instinctively to the man he had crossed fists with countless times.
Under normal circumstances, Monkey D. Garp would have fired back with an insult and stood shoulder to shoulder with him.
But this time—
Silence.
Roger turned in confusion.
Garp's expression was murderous.
Cold.
Unmistakable.
Beside him, Sengoku rubbed his temples in frustration.
How thick could Roger be?
He had nearly beaten Garp's most prized disciple to death moments ago—
And now he wanted cooperation?
The only reason Garp hadn't punched him outright was the presence of the World Government.
He was holding back.
Barely.
One thing was certain—
Roger's future days at sea would not be peaceful.
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