In their perception, that slash clearly carried the unique "Sword Intent" aura exclusive to Shiki, as distinctive as a personal signature.
If it wasn't Shiki himself, who could execute his signature technique to such an astonishing degree?
Roger continued in a deep voice, "There's a third person on the island—a young man. The slash just now came from him."
"It seems... the Rocks Pirates have produced another extraordinary monster."
Rayleigh and Gaban grew even more astonished inside.
A young man capable of performing Shiki's ultimate technique?
They never doubted their captain's judgment.
Roger's Observation Haki, which allowed him to listen to the "Voice of All Things," had reached perfection—there was no error in his discernment of auras.
"Watch out! It's coming again!" Roger suddenly spoke up once more. "Rayleigh, Gaban, prepare to intercept!"
The two instantly dashed to the bow, standing ready.
In the distance, the sea surface abruptly surged with violent waves!
Dozens of slightly smaller but equally sharp golden slashes swept across the sky!
"It's 'Thousand Slash Valley'!"
Rayleigh drew his long sword again, transforming it into a silver curtain of light that precisely shattered the incoming slashes from the left.
Gaban let out a low shout, swinging his heavy battle-axe with both hands as he fearlessly cleaved through the group of slashes on the right!
The pitch-black Armament Haki on the axe blade burned like flames!
"Boom! Boom! Boom—!!!"
Under Rayleigh's exquisite swordsmanship and Gaban's mountain-splitting strength, all the golden slashes were intercepted and shattered!
The intense impact stirred a sky full of spray, causing the ship to toss as if in a storm, yet it remained as steady as a rock.
"Threat neutralized." Rayleigh shook the water droplets off his sword.
The excitement in Roger's eyes grew even stronger. "Interesting! So interesting! Change course—our target is that island ahead!"
"Since someone greeted us in such an 'enthusiastic' way, wouldn't it be impolite not to return the favor?"
"Let's go meet our old friends Shiki and Newgate, and that... mysterious young man who can perfectly execute Shiki's swordsmanship!"
His fighting spirit was completely ignited.
A young man who could perform Shiki's signature swordsmanship so flawlessly was definitely no ordinary individual!
This sparked his intense curiosity and competitive spirit.
Moreover, someone standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Newgate and Shiki must hold a significant position within the Rocks Pirates, likely a newly promoted Officer.
But when did the Rocks Pirates gain such a shockingly talented young Officer? Why was there no mention of him before?
Rayleigh and Gaban exchanged a glance, both feeling a surge of strong curiosity and wariness.
They, too, were stunned by the power displayed by that "young man."
Although the Roger Pirates were slightly outnumbered in top-tier combatants compared to the Rocks Pirates and generally avoided meaningless full-scale confrontations, that didn't mean they were afraid.
The quality of their peak combat strength was more than enough to contend head-on with the core Officers of the Rocks Pirates.
The true contest always lay among the few at the very top.
...
On the shore of the uninhabited island.
The three sat around the embers of a campfire, drinking strong liquor and chatting cheerfully, the atmosphere unusually harmonious.
However, Whitebeard and Shiki occasionally glanced at Raiver Sky, a flicker of unconcealed fervor and calculation in the depths of their eyes.
It was a desire for "future power" and an intention to recruit.
They all firmly believed they would eventually break away from Rocks' command and form their own pirate crews.
How could their inner pride and ambition endure remaining subordinate for long?
The deepening divisions within the upper ranks of the Rocks Pirates had long created distance among those who upheld different ideals.
But these were merely calculations kept deep in their hearts.
Rocks' unfathomable strength and ambition still hung over everyone like the Sword of Damocles.
No one dared make a move until they possessed absolute certainty.
Suddenly—
Whitebeard, who had been holding a wine bowl, and Shiki, who was likewise gulping alcohol, rose to their feet almost simultaneously!
All traces of ease vanished from their faces, replaced by the solemnity of facing a formidable enemy.
Their gazes shot like lightning toward the distant sea.
Raiver Sky also sensed the drastic shift in atmosphere and rose without hesitation, his eyes turning toward the horizon.
On the distant sea, a ship-shaped black dot was rapidly expanding!
Raiver Sky immediately activated his Space Perception, spreading it forward like radar.
Instantly, he "saw" several powerful auras emanating from that ship!
Ding! Special high-energy reaction detected approaching! Temporary challenge mission triggered!
Mission: Face the future Pirate King Gol D. Roger and his legendary crew!
Requirement: Use the Roger Pirates as a whetstone to demonstrate your training results! This battle aims for sparring and fame, regardless of victory or defeat.
Reward: Advanced Conqueror's Haki!
Raiver Sky's body trembled slightly, his eyes sharpening like blades as he looked again at the now clearly visible ship.
The Roger Pirates?! No wonder even Whitebeard and Golden Lion were treating this as a grave threat!
Learning the identity of the newcomers, Raiver Sky's defiant fighting spirit erupted within him!
This wasn't just crossing blades with legendary figures—it was the perfect opportunity to test his training results and carve his name into the seas!
By now, the Roger Pirates' ship was rapidly approaching the shore.
The figures aboard gradually became distinct.
Roger with his captain's hat and red coat fluttering in the wind.
Rayleigh with golden hair and glasses, his expression sharp.
Gaban brandishing his battle-ax, eager for action...
"HAHAHAHA! Long time no see, Newgate! And you, Shiki!"
Roger stood at the prow, flanked by his vice-captain Rayleigh and combatant Gaban.
"Save the pleasantries, Roger!" Whitebeard's voice boomed:
"Since we've met on this deserted island today, let's settle this! I will defeat you this time!"
Before the words faded, he was already moving!
His Supreme Grade Sharp Blade "Cloud Cutter" slammed down, then he sank into a low stance, gathering power.
The crescent-shaped broad blade instantly became coated with a translucent, light-distorting vibration halo.
In the next moment, he decisively swung it toward the vast sea ahead!
BOOM——!!!!!
A shockwave carrying terrifying vibrational force erupted!
Starting from Cloud Cutter's tip, the space ahead cracked like fragile glass, countless spiderweb fractures spreading wildly with cracking sounds!
The previously calm sea, under this immense power, suddenly surged into a sky-obscuring mega-tsunami!
Dozens of meters high, the colossal waves rushed violently toward Roger's pirate ship!
Before the tsunami even arrived, the suffocating wind pressure made the sails snap violently and the ship lurch wildly!
Some young crew members on the ship witnessed this scene, their eyes flickering with fear.
This kind of natural disaster-like attack had already surpassed ordinary comprehension.