PS : I was working on this chapter while listening to "THE WEEKND - SAO PAULO (BEST PART LOOPED)," and it was absolutely flawless!
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"Rowen!" Seeing Rowen step forward to face Mihawk directly, especially after witnessing Zoro's utter helplessness against him moments before, Nami cried out, her eyes filled with fear and worry.
Zoro was renowned throughout the East Blue, a pirate hunter feared even by pirates with multi-million Beri bounties. Yet, before the Hawk-Eyed man, he was as fragile as an infant.
Rowen was strong, yes... but against a monster like this...
Nami watched Rowen's back as he faced Mihawk, her hands clasped tightly over her heart, fraught with anxiety.
"One after another... are they all crazy?! That moss-head... he was facing the World's Strongest! He should have known the outcome before even starting! Couldn't he just give up on his ambition? It's simple, right? Just give up..." Sanji muttered, watching Johnny and Yosaku haul Zoro's broken body onto a small boat.
He then looked at Rowen, who stood firm before Mihawk despite the vivid example of Zoro's defeat.
Sanji wasn't dismissing Rowen or Zoro.
Instead... he was trying to convince himself!
Although he found the moss-headed swordsman annoying and deeply envied Rowen for winning the beautiful lady's favor, Sanji looked at them and saw... kindred spirits.
People willing to risk everything, even their lives, for their ambitions and dreams.
His own act of feeding Don Krieg earlier... fundamentally, how different was it from that idiot moss-head challenging Mihawk?
Sanji felt a flicker of longing... a pull towards joining this crew.
But he still owed Zeff a debt of gratitude he hadn't fully repaid...
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"You are companions of that young swordsman, correct? Thank you for staying to witness the end," Mihawk stated calmly, looking at Rowen. A faint crimson-black light flickered within his hawk-like eyes.
"To possess Haki of this caliber... in the weakest sea... It is quite surprising," Mihawk acknowledged, his tone becoming slightly more serious.
This was respect offered to another man who had awakened Conqueror's Haki, who possessed the disposition of a King.
"It seems you have business with me. However... allow me to conclude this matter first," Mihawk said slowly.
The simmering Conqueror's Haki around Rowen subsided slightly, indicating his assent.
"Young swordsman! It is too early for you to die!" Mihawk called out, looking towards Zoro who had just been pulled aboard the boat.
"My name is Dracule Mihawk! Discover yourself! See the true world! Become strong! No matter how many years it takes, I shall wait for you at the top! Surpass this sword! Surpass me! Roronoa Zoro!"
Mihawk's words were an acknowledgment from the World's Greatest Swordsman of Zoro's performance.
This young swordsman possessed the powerful spirit required to become a truly great swordsman. He also possessed... the pride of a swordsman.
It had been a long time since Mihawk encountered a newcomer with such potential, one worth anticipating.
Ever since Shanks lost his left arm, sealing away his left-handed swordsmanship forever, Mihawk had felt a profound loneliness.
In terms of pure swordsmanship, no one left on the seas could truly force him to be serious.
"Big Bro! Wake up!" Johnny and Yosaku sobbed, while Usopp frantically applied medicine and tended to Zoro's wounds.
Mihawk, however, knew Zoro was merely unconscious. He had held back.
"Boy. What is your goal?" Mihawk turned his gaze towards Luffy.
This boy... chosen by Shanks.
"To be King of the Pirates!" Luffy declared loudly, facing the World's Strongest Swordsman without flinching.
"Hmph. That is a path even more arduous than surpassing me," Mihawk replied, a slight curve appearing on his lips.
Just as expected. A boy chosen by Shanks should be like this.
"I don't care! I'm gonna be it anyway!" Luffy finished, then stuck his tongue out and made a face at Mihawk.
"He's alive! Just passed out!" Usopp's shout drew Luffy's attention back to Zoro.
Rowen, the crimson-black light in his eyes softening slightly, also looked towards Zoro.
"Big Bro, say something!" Johnny and Yosaku pleaded tearfully.
Clank! With his last ounce of strength, Zoro raised his only remaining sword, Wado Ichimonji, high into the air.
"Luffy! Rowen! Can you hear me?!" Zoro gasped, exhausted and severely injured, but his voice remained firm.
"Yeah!" Luffy yelled back.
"We hear you," Rowen replied, his expression solemn.
Even an awakened King would show full respect to a man like Zoro.
"Sorry... for making you worry!" Zoro held the sword aloft.
"If I... don't become the world's strongest swordsman... it would cause you guys trouble, right?! Cough cough!" He couldn't finish before a wracking cough shook his body due to his severe injuries.
"Big Bro! Don't talk anymore! Your wounds are reopening!" Johnny and Yosaku cried out anxiously.
But Zoro pushed through the pain, continuing.
"I... will never... lose again!" Zoro covered his eyes with his free hand, tears streaming down his face. This incredibly tough man, who could endure twenty days of starvation without showing weakness, shed tears of humiliation after suffering such a crushing defeat.
It also signified... Zoro's ambition would continue!
"Until I defeat him... and become the world's greatest swordsman! I absolutely... will never lose again!" Zoro roared. Mihawk's lips curved slightly further.
"Do you have a problem with that?! King of the Pirates! Sky Sovereign!" Zoro yelled defiantly.
"Shishishi! Nope!" Luffy grinned widely, overjoyed.
Rowen didn't answer verbally. He simply smiled, then the crimson-black light in his eyes flared intensely as he turned back to face Mihawk.
His actions would be his answer to Zoro.
"'Sky Sovereign'... Is that your title? Quite arrogant," Mihawk commented.
"You are not a swordsman. What business do you have with me?" Mihawk asked calmly.
"How about you do me a favor? Measure... my 'Disposition'," Rowen replied, a confident, powerful curve to his lips.
Encountering a man like Mihawk, standing at the absolute pinnacle of the seas... how could Rowen not want to gauge his own current 'Disposition', to understand the gap between himself and such a peak powerhouse?
And given Mihawk's connection to Shanks, he was the most suitable target for such a measurement.
"Hm?" Hearing Rowen's words, and following his subtle gesture towards Luffy's hat, Mihawk understood.
This young man... knows about my relationship with Shanks?
Then this favor... indeed, must be granted.
"'Disposition', you say? Very well," Mihawk agreed, the crimson-black light within his own hawk-like eyes beginning to flash intensely.
"And also..." Rowen continued before Mihawk could finish.
"...Let my comrade know what kind of power he needs to attain... before he can challenge you again!" Rowen laughed, and incredibly, faint arcs of crimson-black lightning began to crackle around his body.
Without the power of Infused Conqueror's Haki, defeating Mihawk completely was impossible.
"Hm?" Hearing this, and seeing the crimson-black lightning flickering around Rowen, Mihawk's eyes suddenly narrowed.
"You... have you been to the Grand Line? No... to the New World?" Mihawk asked gravely.
This young man had not only awakened Conqueror's Haki, but he also knew it could be infused into attacks—knew it was the most domineering power on these seas? Otherwise, why would he say such a thing?
In the East Blue, even the first half of the Grand Line, forget Conqueror's Haki; most didn't even know about Armament Haki.
No, even in the New World, only a very small number of top-tier powerhouses understood the true nature of Conqueror's Haki.
"Never been. But my comrades and I... are about to conquer it," Rowen replied boldly.
"Though I do not know how you learned the truth about Conqueror's Haki... since you know... what is the point of displaying such power to that young swordsman? This power is innate. Without the aptitude, it cannot be awakened," Mihawk stated, his sharp eyes fixed on Rowen.
Aside from Rowen with his System, even Mihawk couldn't know for certain if Zoro possessed the disposition of a King.
Therefore, Mihawk's earlier words to Zoro—telling him to get stronger and surpass him—referred purely to swordsmanship. Without Infused Conqueror's Haki, even if Zoro's skill eventually equaled Mihawk's, he would have no chance of truly winning.
Mihawk had simply intended to plant a seed, to see if this young swordsman's skill might one day reach a level where they could spar for enjoyment, allowing Mihawk to briefly alleviate his boredom.
Of course, in such a spar, Mihawk wouldn't use his own Infused Conqueror's Haki.
"He will awaken such power, of course," Rowen stated, a supremely confident curve to his lips.
"He is, after all... a man acknowledged by me, Rowen!" Rowen laughed boldly.
The wreckage of Don Krieg's ship around them seemed to tremble and crumble slightly under the pressure of his aura.
Standing upon the sea, empowered by his Born of the Sea Trait, and unleashing his Conqueror's Haki... even Mihawk could not ignore Rowen now.
"Hm?" Mihawk's pupils constricted sharply.
This is... already capable of causing tangible physical effects on the surroundings.
After awakening, Conqueror's Haki initially only affected weaker wills, causing them to faint.
With further strengthening, it could exert physical force on the environment. Eventually, one could learn to infuse it into attacks, and finally, complete mastery of Infused Conqueror's Haki granted the power to become one of the absolute strongest on the seas.
This young man before him... was already walking the correct path... the path towards the absolute pinnacle of this world.
And!
Mihawk wasn't sure if his sharp eyes were deceiving him... but in this young man... he thought he saw a faint shadow... of the man whose execution he had once witnessed... the Pirate King!
Extreme confidence, extreme dominance... just standing there, he seemed like the radiant center of the sea itself.
Although this young man's Haki was far weaker than the Pirate King's, the potential... the nascent form... was unmistakably there.
The weakest sea, the East Blue... has produced such a young man.
Waves stirred within Mihawk's usually calm heart.
"Zoro... is the man who will become... the World's Greatest Swordsman!" Rowen declared, laughing boldly.
Zoro, still covering his eyes, felt fresh tears flow uncontrollably. Rowen!
He... would never lose again!
"Hmph." A genuine smile touched Mihawk's lips.
Interesting!
The next moment!
VMM! BOOM!
Rowen's eyes narrowed intensely. The crimson-black light within them solidified, erupting outwards like a raging storm.
BOOM! Mihawk's hawk-like eyes narrowed in response. His own Conqueror's Haki roared forth to meet the challenge.
Two storms of pure will collided mid-air!
CRACKLE! BOOM! Crimson-black lightning tore through the atmosphere, two opposing forces clashing violently!
A tempestuous vortex of power erupted, centered between Rowen and Mihawk, raging outwards...
"AAAAHHH!" Luffy, standing closest to the clash, was instantly blown away by the sheer force of the colliding Haki storms.Amidst the yelling, Luffy immediately used his rubber powers, stretching his arms to grab onto the Baratie's railing and pull himself back aboard the restaurant ship.
RUMBLE!
The terrifying storm generated by the clashing Haki lifted the wreckage of Don Krieg's galleon right out of the sea, tossing debris high into the air!
Thump! Thump! Thump!
As the tempest swept past, the remaining Krieg Pirate grunts' pupils constricted in terror. Their eyes rolled back, and they all collapsed, unconscious.
Then, they too were swept up by the raging vortex and blown away.
High above, even the clouds began to recede, frantically pulling away from the space directly above Rowen and Mihawk.
This was a clash between two Kings!
Nothing, not even the clouds, could presume to remain above them!
Conqueror's Haki... Clash!
"W-What's happening?!" Sanji braced himself against the buffeting winds, staring wide-eyed at the epicenter of the collision, cold sweat dripping down his face.
Many of the chefs around him couldn't withstand the impact either and had fainted.
What—is this power?!
"Conqueror's Haki! So this is the power of Conqueror's Haki?! Truly astounding!" Zeff, who had heard legends but never witnessed it firsthand, stared with undisguised shock.
"Conqueror's... Haki?" Sanji murmured the term.
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"Conqueror's Haki... So, it's not just for knocking out weaklings... it can be used as raw power too?! Is this what you wanted to show me, Rowen?!" Zoro gritted his teeth, his body shielded by Usopp, Johnny, and Yosaku from the worst of the tempest's effects due to his injuries.
But a feral grin spread across Zoro's face.
This power... He would obtain it too!
With power like this—he could challenge Hawk-Eyes again, right?
As for whether he could obtain it? Zoro had no doubts.
Rowen said he could—so he would!
Otherwise, how could he live up to Rowen's acknowledgment?!
"Hah..." The storm gradually subsided.
The intense crimson-black light in both Rowen's and Mihawk's eyes slowly faded.
Splash! Splash!
The wreckage of Don Krieg's ship rained back down into the sea!
"Astonishing Haki! To possess such 'Disposition' without even having sailed the Grand Line... 'Sky Sovereign' Rowen. I shall remember that name," Mihawk stated, a hint of surprise in his eyes.
Only after clashing could one truly gauge the depth of another's Conqueror's Haki.
This young man's 'Disposition'... felt far beyond what someone of his age and experience should possess.
There were undoubtedly individuals on the Grand Line with Conqueror's Haki far stronger than this young man's.
But considering his youth, the fact he hadn't yet ventured into the Grand Line, and had Trained Haki of this level solely within the East Blue, the weakest sea...
This young man's potential was limitless!
Furthermore, Mihawk felt he saw in this young man a faint shadow of the Pirate King!
Although this young man's Haki was far weaker than the Pirate King's, the resemblance, the potential, was definitely there.
The weakest sea, the East Blue—has produced such a young man.
For the first time in a long while, even Mihawk felt a tremor of genuine surprise ripple through him.
———
—[Clashed Conqueror's Haki with Pirate Faction iconic figure, Warlord 'Hawk-Eyes' Mihawk, causing slight mental fluctuation.]—
—[Faction Fortune (Apex Gold) hidden effect triggered. Plundering a portion of target's 'fortune'.]—
—[Awakened! Armament Haki, Observation Haki.]—
———
A series of notifications, visible only to Rowen, appeared.
And the gains didn't stop there.
———
—[Your words significantly increased bond with Zoro. Trait equipping progress increased.]—
—[Demonic Physique (Deep Purple) equipping complete!]—
———
Rowen looked at the notifications, his eyes flashing.
The completion of Demonic Physique's equipping was already part of his plan.
But he hadn't expected that clashing Conqueror's Haki could trigger Faction Fortune's (Apex Gold) hidden effect!
Causing a mental fluctuation in an iconic Pirate Faction figure through a Haki clash allowed him to plunder a portion of their 'fortune'.
Makes sense. After all, completely defeating such a figure allowed Faction Fortune to plunder their entire 'fortune'.
And causing mental fluctuation during a Haki clash could grant a tactical advantage in battle.
No wonder in the original story, Conqueror's Haki users, even those who hadn't mastered infusion yet, often clashed their Haki before engaging in a final life-or-death struggle.
However, this 'slight fluctuation' was negligible for someone like Mihawk; he would recover completely in moments.
This was only possible because Mihawk, respecting his connection to Shanks, had significantly restrained his own Haki release.
Otherwise, Rowen wouldn't have appeared to be evenly matched in that clash.
Shanks's connection really is useful.
Although it was just a slight fluctuation, it was enough for Rowen. That tiny sliver of plundered 'fortune' was sufficient to awaken his Armament Haki and Observation Haki.
As expected of one of the Pirate Faction's top figures, second only to the Emperors among the Warlords. Just a tiny fraction of his 'fortune' yielded such significant gains!
This power was exactly what Rowen needed most before entering the Grand Line.
Plus, Zoro's Demonic Physique (Deep Purple)... completed equipping at this very moment!
"Check Traits!"
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Rowen Traits: Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple), Demonic Physique (Deep Purple), Armament Haki (Deep Purple), Observation Haki (Deep Purple), Conqueror's Haki (Pale Gold), Faction Fortune (Apex Gold), Born of the Sea (Apex Gold);
Asura Aura (Special) (Equipping...): [|||....]
Anthem of Courage (Special) (Equipping...): [||.....]
Sun God (Apex Gold) (Equipping...): [||||...]
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Armament Haki and Observation Haki—both had reached the Deep Purple tier!
Through the Trait System, the moment they awakened, Rowen gained a deeper understanding of Haki.
The strength of Armament Haki was related to the user's physique combined with their 'Disposition'.
The strength of Observation Haki was related to the user's spirit/mental fortitude combined with their 'Disposition'.
Rowen had already awakened Conqueror's Haki, and his 'Disposition' was constantly being enhanced by Born of the Sea. As a result, his Conqueror's Haki was already strong enough to cause tangible physical effects on his surroundings.
In terms of the 'Disposition' component influencing Haki strength, Rowen certainly didn't lack it.
However, the physique component required for Armament Haki strength was currently only at the Deep Purple level (from the Superhuman Physique Trait).
Therefore, Rowen's current Armament Haki Trait was also ranked Deep Purple.
Furthermore, Rowen received new information regarding the upgrade conditions for Physique-related Traits.
Below the Pale Gold tier, the rank of Physique Traits was still somewhat linked to directly demonstrated combat power.
But at the Pale Gold tier and above, the rank of Physique Traits became more closely tied to stamina.
After all, the minimum threshold for a Pale Gold combat Trait was equivalent to the strength of a Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral.
Powerhouses at that level almost universally possessed strong Armament Haki.
No matter how much one trained their physique, they were still carbon-based lifeforms. Except for special cases like Big Mom with her 'Iron Balloon' ability, or unique races like Giants...
How could other strong individuals, relying solely on their physical bodies—without using Haki, Devil Fruits, or techniques like Tekkai (Iron Body)—possibly exert strength equivalent to or greater than a Vice Admiral?
Consider Garp the Fist, one of the absolute strongest individuals on the seas. In the original story, when caught off guard while sleeping—not using Haki or Tekkai—he could still be injured by Morgan's axe.
Therefore, from the Gold tier onwards, the key factor determining the rank of Physique-type Traits was the amount of stamina they provided.
In the One Piece power system, stamina was the foundation of everything.
Whether it was Haki or Devil Fruit powers, the fuel driving these abilities came from the user's stamina.
Like Luffy in the original story—once his stamina was depleted, he couldn't use Haki or his Devil Fruit powers anymore.
Essentially, stamina was the fuel for powers like Haki and Devil Fruits.
So, the subsequent upgrades for Physique-type Traits primarily depended on the amount of stamina they contained.
For example, if the stamina provided allowed the user to exert Haki or Devil Fruit powers at the minimum Marine Vice Admiral level (Pale Gold), then the Physique Trait itself would be ranked Pale Gold.
If it provided enough stamina to exert powers at the minimum Marine Admiral level (Apex Gold), then the Physique Trait would be ranked Apex Gold.
'Very straightforward and easy to understand.' Rowen nodded.
But Rowen's gains weren't finished yet.
——
—[Identical type Traits detected: Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple), Demonic Physique (Deep Purple). Automatic fusion initiated.]—
—[Fusion complete. Acquired: Superhuman Demonic Physique (Deep Purple).]—
——
Superhuman Demonic Physique (Deep Purple): Possesses digestive capabilities surpassing Superhuman Physique (Deep Purple), allowing rapid absorption of vast nutrients for self-strengthening. Furthermore, no matter how extreme the training or severe the damage to muscles and bones, can utilize absorbed nutrients to recover completely at a speed surpassing Demonic Physique (Deep Purple), consequently growing even stronger.
——
The two Physique Traits—had fused!
Just as I thought! Superhuman Physique and Demonic Physique are perfectly complementary!
After fusion, Rowen's digestive ability now surpassed even Luffy's base Superhuman Physique, and his ability to repair damaged muscles and bones through training surpassed even Zoro's base Demonic Physique!
Furthermore, because the Demonic Physique was acquired through direct equipping from Zoro, its inherent quality (likely above base threshold, similar to Luffy's) was merged as well.
Now, Rowen's Superhuman Demonic Physique only needed five more base Deep Purple materials to evolve to the Apex Purple tier!
——
—[Physique enhanced. Born of the Sea (Apex Gold) Trait activated. Armament Haki strengthened!]—
—[Armament Haki upgraded to Apex Purple tier!]—
——
Another notification screen, visible only to Rowen, appeared.
Ordinarily, even if someone's physique improved, they would still need their 'Disposition' to increase and undergo dedicated training to strengthen their Armament Haki.
But thanks to the Born of the Sea Trait, Rowen's 'Disposition' was constantly being 'digested' and perfectly controlled. The Trait allowed him to directly enhance his Haki!
Therefore, as soon as Rowen's physical strength (stamina capacity) increased, his Armament Haki strength increased correspondingly!
Unlike others who needed arduous training.
Truly—the ultimate Haki training cheat code!
Looking at the Armament Haki (Apex Purple) Trait, Rowen felt extremely satisfied with Born of the Sea.
This was Rowen's first Apex Purple Trait.
Below the Gold tier for combat Traits, Armament Haki was incredibly powerful; after all, it was a power that only became commonplace in the New World.
Even though Rowen's Superhuman Demonic Physique (Deep Purple) was currently still ranked Deep Purple, the corresponding Armament Haki now displayed combat power at the Apex Purple level!
However, once combat Traits reached the Pale Gold tier (Vice Admiral threshold), the rank of Physique Traits would likely align more closely with the Armament Haki rank.
Because powerhouses at that level almost universally possessed Armament Haki.
At this moment, Rowen had acquired the most crucial piece for conquering the Grand Line: Armament Haki.
With Armament Haki unlocked, Rowen's strategic thinking became more active.
Before entering the Grand Line and confronting the Warlord Crocodile... there was one more Devil Fruit that might be worth acquiring—
The Logia-type Smoke-Smoke Fruit. Its user: Captain Smoker of the Loguetown Marine Branch.
Rowen's eyes glinted.
While the Smoke-Smoke Fruit was considered low-tier among Logias, it was still a Logia.
Possessing this fruit would give him more options when dealing with Crocodile.
In the original story, Luffy's victory over Crocodile relied heavily on plot armor.
Rowen preferred to hold his destiny firmly in his own hands.
Simply by being near Mihawk, he had plundered a minuscule amount of 'fortune', which triggered the awakening of his Armament and Observation Haki.
While Crocodile couldn't compare to Mihawk, he was still one of the Seven Warlords, an iconic figure of the Pirate Faction.
By thoroughly defeating him and plundering his entire 'fortune'... Rowen wondered just how much benefit the Faction Fortune (Apex Gold) Trait would provide.
Rowen eagerly anticipated finding out.
Although he had awakened Armament and Observation Haki, and his Armament Haki had even reached Apex Purple due to the physique enhancement...
Thanks to the Strongest Trait System and Born of the Sea (Apex Gold), this entire process had completed almost instantaneously.
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Rowen composed himself and looked towards Mihawk.
"Thank you for this, Hawk-Eyes Mihawk," Rowen said with a smile.
Although Mihawk had acted primarily out of respect for Shanks, without him, Rowen wouldn't have finished equipping Zoro's Demonic Physique Trait.
Nor would he have awakened his Armament and Observation Haki.
Since Mihawk had shown him 'Face', Rowen wouldn't begrudge a simple 'thank you'.
"I did not expect to encounter young people like you in the East Blue. I look forward to meeting you again on the Grand Line," Mihawk replied with a faint smile, assuming Rowen was thanking him for measuring his 'Disposition' and showing the young swordsman the nature of the sea's most domineering power.
He had been bored for far too long since Shanks lost his arm.
Providing some 'nourishment' for these budding sprouts of the new era—perhaps it would make the future more interesting.
With that, Mihawk turned to leave.
"Hey! Hawk-Eyes! Weren't you here to take my head?!" A furious roar suddenly halted Mihawk's departure.
"To take the head of me—Don Krieg—the Overlord of the East Blue!"
Seeing Mihawk interacting only with Rowen's group and completely ignoring him, the ruler of the East Blue... Krieg, whose pride had already been wounded by Rowen, erupted in rage.
"That was my original intention. However, I've had my fun. I'm going back to sleep now," Mihawk replied dismissively, not even turning around.
"You may have had your fun, but I've been taking a beating this whole time! Before you go back... DIE!" Krieg roared, deploying all the cannons hidden within his golden armor.
"Such an ignorant man," Mihawk sighed, feeling no goodwill towards such a fool who didn't know his place.
After his interactions with Zoro and Rowen, Mihawk now lacked even the slightest interest in cutting down such a weakling who couldn't recognize his own limitations.
With a single, effortless swing of his black blade, Yoru, Mihawk detonated all the incoming cannonballs and shells. Then, his figure flickered and vanished without a trace.
"Hmph! Running away?" Krieg spat contemptuously.
"Pfft!"
A sharp, derisive chuckle cut through the air, making veins bulge on Krieg's forehead.
"Brat! What are you laughing at?!" Krieg glared murderously at Rowen.
This brat... earlier, using that strange power, had made even him hesitate to look directly, and knocked out his subordinates!
'But!' A cruel smile spread across Krieg's face.
"How could a human cut a massive ship with just a sword?! That Hawk-Eyes must have used the power of one of those legendary Devil Fruits! And that strange power you and Hawk-Eyes used... that must be a Devil Fruit ability too, right?! Ability users like that are dime a dozen on the Grand Line! That Zeff guy managed to survive a year on the Grand Line; he must know how to deal with ability users like you! Once I get his logbook, I'll conquer the Grand Line again!"
Krieg looked at Rowen, who seemed less imposing now that his Haki had subsided, spread his arms wide, and roared with laughter.
"And you were foolish too! After using up all that power earlier, you must be completely exhausted now, right?!" Krieg leered at Rowen, his expression turning savage.
"Pfft... Haha... HAHAHAHAHA!" Hearing Krieg's words, Rowen couldn't hold back any longer. He burst into laughter, tears streaming down his face.
Krieg was just as idiotic in the original story... but to think, even after witnessing the clash of Conqueror's Haki between me and Mihawk, this fool still lumps Conqueror's Haki together with Devil Fruit abilities!
A frog in a well...
So, what exactly are you laughing at?!" Krieg roared, thoroughly enraged, pointing his arsenal of weapons directly at Rowen.
"Hahaha! Sorry! You're just too good at making me laugh," Rowen replied, wiping away tears of mirth from the corner of his eye.
"But if you want to fight me—you should be prepared to lose everything." Rowen's smile slowly faded.
"Lose everything? Are you talking about that so-called 'Davy Back Fight' game?" Krieg demanded, veins bulging on his forehead.
'Making him laugh?!' The words infuriated Krieg.
(The 'Davy Back Fight' was the pirate game played between Foxy and Luffy's crew in the original story, where losers could have their comrades, pride, and even Jolly Roger stolen—losing everything precious to a pirate. It was a well-known game among pirates.)
"What I'm talking about isn't some childish game," Rowen stated, looking at Krieg with his 'intimidating villain' expression.
"Old Man Zeff! If I take out this idiot—can Luffy's one year of work here be canceled?" Rowen called out, looking towards Zeff.
"I couldn't ask for more! If that brat worked here for a year, he'd probably destroy my entire restaurant!" Zeff replied, his eyes narrowing slightly.
He also wanted to see what capabilities this [Conqueror's Haki] user truly possessed.
"Alright then! Luffy! Zoro! Usopp! Nami! And you too, Sanji! Watch closely. This is the true power—of Haki!" Rowen declared, turning back to face Krieg, a confident, powerful curve returning to his lips.
"Haki?" Luffy and Zoro immediately focused their attention.
"Hey, hey! Why are you including me?" Sanji protested verbally, but his eyes were glued intently on Rowen.
"There's a limit to looking down on people! Brat!" Krieg roared, unleashing his entire arsenal of cannons towards Rowen.
BOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!
A massive explosion erupted, engulfing Rowen in dust and smoke.
"Hmph! Serves you right!" Krieg laughed triumphantly.
"Hey, hey—So-called Overlord of the East Blue, Is this toy all you rely on?"
Krieg's pupils constricted as he stared intently into the settling dust. Rowen stood there, completely unharmed, having blocked the entire barrage with just his outstretched palm.
This application of Armament Haki worked on the same principle as the Three Admirals blocking Whitebeard's shockwaves during the Summit War.
Rowen then casually brushed non-existent dust off his clothes and began walking towards Krieg.
With Armament Haki, the dust hadn't actually even touched him.
But the gesture... looked cool.
"SUGEEE!!! ROWEN!" Luffy, fulfilling his usual role of providing maximum emotional support for his comrades, yelled out excitedly.
Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp stared wide-eyed as well.
Nami covered her mouth, gazing blankly at Rowen, who seemed to radiate light like the sun at the center of the sea.
"Armament Haki can become armor—for defense," Rowen explained calmly as he walked towards Krieg, who was now breaking out in a cold sweat.
"It can also—" Rowen continued.
WHOOSH!
With a powerful push off the deck, Rowen instantly appeared directly in front of Krieg.
"Armament!" Rowen raised his right fist. The next moment—
VMM! CLANG!
Accompanied by a metallic sound, Rowen's right fist was enveloped in Armament Haki, turning jet black.
'Armament Haki - Hardening!'
"Don't get too cocky, brat! If you wanna fight, then try this!" Krieg snarled, revealing a cruel smile. With a swift motion, he donned a spiked steel cape that bristled with needle-sharp points.
"Hey! That's cowardly!" Sanji yelled upon seeing the armor.
But the next moment, he was left utterly speechless.
"—Punch through anything!" Rowen finished his sentence, his black fist descending forcefully.
CRACK!
The steel cape, composed of countless sharp spikes, shattered like brittle candy upon impact.
WHOOSH!
The blackened fist continued unabated, slamming violently into Krieg's horrified face.
BANG!
With a sickening thud, Krieg collapsed heavily to the deck.
CRACKLE!
The remaining wreckage of Krieg's ship beneath him instantly buckled and splintered from the force, the impact even causing the surrounding seawater to churn and splash violently.
Sanji stared blankly at the scene.
Krieg's face now sported a deep, concave fist imprint. His eyes had rolled white. He was completely silent.
The Overlord of the East Blue—had been defeated—instantly!!!
"Plunder."
<><><><><>
Sanji and the other chefs stared, dumbfounded, at Don Krieg lying motionless at Rowen's feet.
The supposed Overlord of the East Blue, the great pirate with a 17 million Beri bounty—defeated instantly?!
That impenetrable cloak, forged entirely from steel spikes, shattered by a mere fist?!
Was this man even human?!
"SUGEEEEE!!!" Luffy roared with excitement.
"Haki... Is this the power of Haki?" Zoro muttered, struggling to push his heavily injured body upright.
This power... can only truly be grasped on the Grand Line.
'It's exhilarating!' A fierce, beast-like grin spread across Zoro's face.
"Amazing," Usopp breathed, completely stunned.
How could a human fist punch straight through steel and remain completely unharmed?
"Rowen," Nami whispered, covering her mouth as she gazed at Rowen, who seemed to almost glow at the center of the chaotic scene.
So strong...
Don Krieg, despite his reputation and 17 million Beri bounty as the Overlord of the East Blue, couldn't even withstand a single blow from Rowen. He was taken out in an instant!
Arlong's bounty was only 20 million Beri. Even if Arlong was stronger than Krieg, surely not strong enough to defeat him with a single punch like that right?
At that moment, remembering Rowen's earlier words to her, Nami pressed her lips together tightly.
<><><><><>
"Captain!" Gin cried out in horror.
The invincible Captain Krieg defeated by this man with a single punch?!
"Plunder." Rowen commanded inwardly.
A purple light, visible only to Rowen, separated from Krieg's body and flowed into Rowen.
Krieg possessed one Deep Purple Trait related to brute strength.
Rowen didn't bother examining the details; he immediately converted it.
Krieg's combat prowess relied heavily on external equipment; his only notable personal attribute was his raw physical power.
After conversion, Rowen obtained one Deep Purple Strength-type Upgrade Material. A decent gain.
"Gurgle!" Under the horrified gazes of Gin, Sanji, and the other chefs.
Don Krieg—the supposed Overlord who had rampaged across the East Blue relying on brute force and weaponry—his superhumanly robust body suddenly began to deflate.
His prominent muscles rapidly atrophied, leaving him utterly powerless.
When Rowen plundered a Strength-type Trait, both the associated power and the physical attributes supporting it were absorbed as 'nourishment' for Rowen's own strength.
They were stripped away completely.
"Y-You! What did you do?!" Gin rushed to Krieg's side, staring in horror at the bizarre and terrifying transformation, then looked fearfully at Rowen.
"I told you. If you fight me, you must be prepared to lose everything," Rowen replied, adopting his 'intimidating villain' expression.
Gin fell silent. After a moment, he slowly stood up, raising his weapons—a pair of tonfa, each tipped with a heavy iron ball.
"Oh? You saw what happened to Krieg, yet you still dare raise your weapon against me? 'Man-Demon' Gin," Rowen stated calmly, looking at Gin.
"Gin! What are you doing?!" Sanji yelled, his eye twitching. He hadn't expected Gin to be the Krieg Pirates' Battle Commander.
"12 million Beri, You're pretty strong, Gin! But you're no match for Rowen! That guy Rowen beat up wasn't a good person! Why fight for him?" Luffy called out to Gin.
"I know I'm no match for Mr. Rowen, But! I am still the Captain's subordinate! My dream is to support him!" Gin declared, his face grim but his eyes resolute.
"Admirable conviction. However—are you ready to lose everything too?" Rowen asked, a confident curve touching his lips.
"My resolve has been ready for a long time!" Gin roared, swinging his iron-balled tonfa towards Rowen.
CLANG!
A metallic impact echoed through the air. Gin's forehead broke out in cold sweat as he stared in horror at what happened.
He had aimed for Rowen's abdomen, near the liver—a major human weak point. A solid hit there with his tonfa should have ruptured internal organs, instantly incapacitating his opponent.
But!
Looking at the area he struck on Rowen's abdomen, which had turned jet black, Gin felt drenched in cold sweat.
This is the power that defeated Captain Krieg?!
So it can cover not just fists, but the body too?!
So strong—like a monster!
Only a man like this could conquer the Grand Line, right?
Me and Captain Krieg... we were just frogs in a well...
<><><><><>
Gin let out a wry, almost liberating laugh, then looked straight at Rowen.
"Come on! End this! Mr. Rowen!" Gin shouted.
"Very well!" Rowen looked at Gin and smiled.
WHAM! Gin didn't resist as Rowen's fist struck his head, instantly knocking him unconscious.
"Gin... you idiot," Sanji murmured, watching Gin fall.
He didn't blame Rowen. This was Gin's own choice.
If Rowen hadn't struck Gin down, it would have been an insult to a man who had already steeled his resolve.
Men of the sea could die, but they could not lose their dignity or their dreams.
But Sanji looked at the fallen Gin, then at the heavily injured Zoro nearby, his own eyes hardened with resolve.
One after another, all charging forward for their dreams and ambitions.
Knowing they couldn't win, yet still pushing themselves.
But!
Sanji clutched his chest. Why did he feel such a surge of excitement himself?
ALL BLUE—the legendary sea where the four oceans meet, said to contain every species of fish and marine ingredient.
Sanji's dream reignited fiercely after witnessing these events, impossible to extinguish.
"Plunder." Rowen showed no mercy.
Admiration was one thing, but as Rowen had stated—once you raise your weapon against him, you must be prepared to lose everything.
For Gin, who had made his resolve clear, Rowen would not hold back.
This is what it means to be a pirate!
Plundering Gin's Traits and converting them, Rowen obtained six Pale Purple Strength-type Upgrade Materials.
Gin's strength was clearly inferior to Krieg's, and also less than Kuro's before his Traits were plundered. Gin possessed no Deep Purple Traits.
The reason Sanji struggled against Gin in the original story was primarily because Sanji was already injured from previous fights.
Furthermore, without Haki, relying solely on kicks against an armed opponent like Gin naturally put Sanji at a disadvantage.
"Gurgle!" The power drained completely from Gin's body.
WHOOSH!
Rowen picked up Gin's unconscious form and leaped lightly over to Sanji's side.
"He's something of a friend to you, right? Don't worry, he's not dead. I just took his power," Rowen explained, placing Gin down beside Sanji.
"As long as he's alive..." Sanji replied, looking down at Gin, a faint smile on his lips.
"But, who in the world are you? Stealing other people's powers like that." Sanji looked at Rowen, his eye twitching slightly.
Witnessing such power firsthand was truly terrifying.
"You'll understand once you become our comrade," Rowen replied, smiling knowingly at Sanji.
"Old Man! I don't have to work for a year anymore, right?" Luffy called out, having already seen Rowen's power-stealing ability back in Syrup Village. He grinned hopefully at Zeff.
"Yeah, yeah. You're free to go," Zeff replied with a smile.
"Alright! We can set sail!" Usopp cheered.
"We can set sail now, Sanji," Luffy looked at Sanji, grinning broadly.
When did I say I was going with you guys?! Everyone around here, one unreliable idiot after another, How can I possibly leave this place?" Sanji muttered, lighting a cigarette as he gazed out at the sea.
"But someday I will go to the Grand Line," Sanji added quietly to himself.
"Then come with us now!" Luffy popped up beside Sanji, grinning broadly.
"The time isn't right," Sanji murmured, then a genuine, heartfelt smile spread across his face.
"Hey! Have you ever heard of the All Blue?" Sanji asked excitedly, launching into a passionate explanation of his dream to Luffy.
<><><><><>
Rowen glanced over at Nami, noticing her troubled expression.
'Looks like Nami's ready to talk to me.' Sensing the emotional turmoil through his Observation Haki, Rowen's lips curved slightly.
Up on the second-floor railing, Zeff watched Sanji talking animatedly about his dream, his eyes softening almost imperceptibly.
The captured Krieg Pirate grunts were left for the Baratie chefs to handle; none possessed Traits above Purple tier, making them useless to Rowen.
However, from Pearl, the Krieg Pirates' 2nd Unit Commander (whom Sanji fought in the original story before Gin finished him), Rowen did manage to plunder and convert one Pale Purple Trait.
Adding that to Gin's six Pale Purple combat Traits and the three from Jango, Rowen now possessed a total of ten Pale Purple Strength-type Upgrade Materials.
Since Rowen's Armament Haki strength was now directly linked to his physique.
Without hesitation, Rowen used all ten materials to enhance his Superhuman Demonic Physique (Deep Purple). Now, only three more base Deep Purple materials were needed to reach the Apex Purple tier!
Consequently, Rowen's Armament Haki intensity grew even stronger.
After enhancing the Superhuman Demonic Physique (Deep Purple) Trait again, Rowen, under the stunned gazes of Zeff and the others, proceeded to devour a massive amount of food to digest and refill the newly expanded stamina reserves.
"Hey! Who made this soup?!" Patty suddenly yelled while eating, pointing accusingly at a bowl of soup.
Rowen, having mostly finished his own meal, watched the scene unfold with an amused smile.
What a bunch of awkward idiots, Still, Rowen didn't dislike this kind of clumsy affection.
"That was me! Pretty good, huh? I was feeling particularly inspired today!" Sanji laughed boastfully.
"This stuff tastes awful! Who could drink this?! Is this pig slop?!" Patty retorted with disgust.
"Is there something wrong with your tongue?! Today's soup is my masterpiece!" Sanji snapped back, veins popping on his forehead. He would never compromise when it came to his cooking.
"Awful! Truly awful!"
"What is this garbage?"
More chefs came over, tasted Sanji's soup, and echoed Patty's disgust.
Sanji's expression grew increasingly thunderous until he finally exploded.
"What the hell is wrong with you guys?!" Sanji roared, glaring around at the other chefs.
"You're just a fake sous chef anyway! Only know how to solve problems with violence!"
"Yeah! Never liked you from the start!"
The chefs shot Sanji hostile glares.
"We are chefs of the sea! We cannot waste a single scrap of food!" Zeff suddenly spoke up, drawing everyone's attention.
Under Sanji's watchful eye, Zeff picked up the bowl of soup and finished it. Then—
CRASH!
To Sanji's utter disbelief, Zeff violently smashed the empty soup bowl.
"What is this mud-like soup?! If I served this to customers, my restaurant would go bankrupt!" Zeff sneered coldly.
"Hey! You damn old geezer! Take that back! What's the difference between my soup and yours?!" Having his cooking insulted by the person he respected most was unbearable. Sanji lunged forward, grabbing Zeff's collar, yelling furiously.
"Talk cooking with me? You've got another billion years to go, brat! I'm a man who's cooked on seas all over the world!" Zeff retorted, punching Sanji hard and knocking him down.
Sanji clutched his cheek, stunned. After a moment, he slowly pushed himself back up.
"Damn it!" Sanji roared in frustration, then stormed out of the restaurant.
Even after being insulted like that, he wouldn't lay a hand on Zeff.
Zeff was like a father to him.
"This soup is actually super delicious though," Luffy commented, helping himself to another bowl after Sanji left.
Usopp nodded vigorously in agreement.
Even Zoro, who seemed inexplicably predisposed to dislike Sanji, didn't deny it.
Nami quietly ladled another bowl for Rowen and herself.
Rowen looked at Nami and smiled. Sanji's cooking truly was excellent.
"Of course it's delicious. Everyone here recognizes Sanji's skill," Zeff stated calmly.
"But if we didn't say those things... how else would that idiot Sanji ever agree to leave?" Zeff looked towards Luffy and Rowen.
"Your ship still needs a cook, right? This isn't a request—but could you take that brat with you? You've seen his skills... His dream—lies on the Grand Line," Zeff said, his voice softening slightly with emotion.
"No thanks," Luffy replied simply, looking up.
"Eh?!" The other chefs stared, bewildered.
"Didn't you say your ship needed a cook?" Zeff was equally confused.
"I really want him to come with us! But he said he wants to stay here and be a cook! Even if you guys say it's okay, I can't just drag him along!" Luffy explained, then held up his empty plate.
"Another bowl!"
"So you want him to come with you willingly, is that it?" Zeff chuckled, understanding.
"That's right," Luffy mumbled around a mouthful of food.
"But will that brat actually leave willingly?" Zeff stroked his braided beard thoughtfully.
"Probably not. He's a super stubborn idiot," the chefs murmured amongst themselves.
"I heard all of that you bastards," Sanji's voice drifted in from outside. He had returned, leaning against the doorframe, lighting a cigarette and gazing up at the sky.
"Well, we're heading out now! Thanks for the hospitality!" Having finished eating, Rowen's group prepared to leave. Luffy grinned broadly.
"Hey. Wait up." Just then, Sanji approached them, carrying his packed bags.
"For the sake of my dream, I guess I'll tag along with you guys," Sanji announced, looking up with determination.
"Shishishi! We got a cook!" Luffy cheered loudly.
"Welcome aboard, Sanji," Rowen smiled.
"Yeah. Leave the cooking to me from now on," Sanji replied, walking towards the Going Merry.
"Aren't you going to say goodbye to them?" Luffy asked, pointing back towards the group of chefs and Zeff watching from the Baratie deck.
"No need," Sanji exhaled a puff of smoke.
"Hey! Sanji!" Just as Sanji was about to board the ship, Zeff's voice called out.
Sanji paused but didn't turn around.
Damn old geezer... what does he want now? Does he expect a hug? A tearful farewell?
That's not how men say goodbye.
Sanji resolved not to look back, no matter what the old geezer said. He would depart with dignity, like a true man of the sea...
"...Don't catch a cold." Zeff said, a rare, genuine smile gracing his features.
Sanji bit down hard on his cigarette. His nose stung sharply. Tears welled up, blurring his vision.
"Uwaaaaahhh"
He spun around, dropping to his knees on the deck, bowing deeply towards Zeff.
"OWNER ZEFF! For all these long years—thank you for everything! I'll never forget your kindness for as long as I live!" Sanji choked out, tears streaming freely down his face.
"....."
Rowen watched this iconic scene unfold, a smile playing on his lips.
'Don't catch a cold.' Such simple words... hitting right at the heart.
"Damn brat," Zeff muttered, his own eyes misting over.
"We'll miss you!"
"Take care of yourself, Sanji, you bastard!"
The other chefs were now openly bawling as well.
"You bastards! See you again!" Sanji yelled back from the deck of the Merry, laughing through his tears.
——
—[Sanji has joined the Straw Hat Pirates. Equipable Trait list updated.]—
—[Modified Exoskeleton.]—
Somewhere in the East Blue, aboard the Going Merry.
The ship sailed onward. Yosaku and Johnny had already parted ways with Rowen and the crew.
The topmost level of the Merry had been converted into a training room, as requested by Rowen and the others.
<><><><><><><><>
WHAM! BANG!
With two sickening crunches, Luffy and Zoro slammed hard against the walls.
"Ow ow ow!" Luffy yelled, clutching his already bruised and swollen face.
"I'm made of rubber! How can it hurt this much?! Was Gramps using Haki when he hit me too?!" Luffy rubbed the sore spot, wincing.
The sensation was painfully familiar—exactly like the feeling of his grandfather's so-called "Fist of Love" during his childhood training.
Even with his rubber body, it hurt like hell.
Now that he knew the power Rowen used was Haki, Luffy finally understood what Garp had been hitting him with all those years.
"Hah... hah... strong," Zoro gasped, pushing himself up from the floor, his eyes still wide with shock.
Although two of his swords had been shattered by Mihawk, leaving him with only Wado Ichimonji (and he wasn't particularly skilled with one-sword style compared to three), and despite still recovering from his injuries, limiting his full strength...
The power of Haki was overwhelming.
He and Luffy, working together, had been completely powerless against Rowen.
Looking at the jet-black coating on Rowen's fists, Zoro's expression turned grim.
—Armament Haki!
His swords couldn't even scratch it!
And its offensive power was unparalleled.
And that was just coating his fists... What if that power could be infused into his swords?!
A fierce, beast-like grin spread across Zoro's face.
With that, he could become countless times stronger!
But the next moment, Rowen's words shattered Zoro's fantasy.
"Can neither of you sense Haki—even a little bit?" Rowen asked, looking helplessly at Zoro and Luffy.
"Rowen—don't look at me like that! You're making me feel like I'm as big an idiot as Luffy!" Zoro exclaimed, his face twitching uncontrollably under Rowen's gaze.
That was the look you gave an utter moron!
How did Zoro know? Because that was exactly how he usually looked at Luffy!
"What?! Zoro! I just wasn't serious yet!" Stung by Zoro's words, Luffy instantly leaped up, yelling defiantly, and charged towards Rowen again.
"Take my full power! Gomu Gomu no——!"
SMACK!
Zoro's eye twitched as he watched Luffy scream, getting punched straight into the wall by Rowen, becoming embedded so deeply it took a while to wiggle free.
What an idiot!
But why... why was he, just like that idiot, completely unable to sense the Haki Rowen spoke of?
Seeing Rowen's slightly exasperated sigh, Zoro's face twitched even more violently. 'Am I really that dense?'
"Let's take it slow. Can't rush this," Rowen sighed, looking at Zoro and Luffy.
He had hoped to teach these two, get them to learn Haki before reaching Loguetown, so they could help out against Smoker.
But now it seemed... teaching Haki to Luffy and Zoro, who had only just set out to sea, was proving much harder than expected.
Of course, Rowen's idea of "Teaching" was arguably even worse than Rayleigh's notoriously hands-off approach.
How could Rowen possibly know how to teach Haki?
Others, even after awakening Armament Haki and meeting the requirements for 'Disposition' and physique, still needed dedicated training to strengthen it.
But Rowen, equipped with Born of the Sea (Apex Gold)—his personal Haki training cheat code—only needed to improve his physique, and his Armament Haki automatically grew stronger alongside it!
Possessing Born of the Sea (Apex Gold), Rowen was now, without a doubt, the most terrifying Haki prodigy on these seas.
And for a super-prodigy like him, how did one learn Haki?
Didn't you just... think about it, raise your hand, and Haki comes out? Did it even need learning?
So, Rowen's training method for Zoro and Luffy was brutally direct:
—Get beat up!
Force their bodies to directly experience the power of Haki, hoping they'd eventually learn to sense and use it themselves.
Naturally, Rowen held back significantly when sparring with the injured Zoro.
He had initially wanted Zoro to fully recover before training, but seeing Zoro's determination to train even while injured, Rowen didn't argue further.
With Zoro's Demonic Physique Trait, as long as Rowen was careful, nothing serious would happen.
Still... this training progress wasn't ideal.
Luffy and Zoro had only just begun their journey; their strength and 'Disposition' were far from the levels they possessed in the original story when they learned Haki.
Even at that point in the story, both Luffy and Zoro had to train intensely for a long time before mastering Haki.
Rowen knew getting them to learn Haki quickly was unlikely. They'd just have to take it slow.
These two are my best future employees, after all! They need to get strong quickly to help me gather those super powerful Traits!
Rowen sighed again.
Seeing Rowen sigh made Zoro's face twitch even harder.
"SUGEEEEE! Rowen is seriously strong!" Usopp exclaimed from the sidelines, watching Luffy and Zoro get effortlessly handled.
Nami nodded silently, her eyes fixed on Rowen, unable to look away.
Click!
"Alright, idiots! Time to eat!" The training room door opened, and Sanji entered carrying trays laden with food, calling out to Luffy and Zoro.
"Rowen, this portion is yours," Sanji said, his tone much more polite towards Rowen as he handed him the largest serving.
"Who are you calling an idiot?! You curly-browed moron!" Zoro, already sensitive about the word 'idiot', instantly bristled at Sanji's words, veins popping on his forehead as he snarled back.
"What did you say?! Moss-head! Wanna fight?!" Sanji immediately flared up, and the two instantly started brawling.
"This is delicious!" Luffy commented happily, stuffing his face with Sanji's cooking.
"Mm, truly exquisite," Rowen agreed, enjoying Sanji's culinary artistry while casually watching Zoro and Sanji scuffle.
The ingredients and seasonings are completely different from Earth. For someone from Rowen's background, nothing beat enjoying a delicious meal after a hard workout.
Even better, all the food consumed was being efficiently converted by his Superhuman Demonic Physique (Deep Purple) Trait to strengthen his body—the ultimate enjoyment.
As for why Sanji wasn't training Haki with Zoro and Luffy? Because Sanji's role was cook.
Compared to training, Sanji prioritized ensuring Rowen and the others had balanced, nutritious meals after their workouts. Strengthening himself came second.
Zoro and Sanji tussled for a bit before Zoro collapsed, exhausted. Constantly getting hit with Haki, combined with his unhealed injuries, had pushed Zoro to his limit.
Sanji didn't kick him while he was down, though. Sanji's principle was to feed anyone hungry first—even an annoying moss-head like Zoro.
Now, Zoro was ravenously devouring Sanji's cooking.
'Damn cook is annoying, but his skills are undeniable.' Zoro thought grudgingly between bites.
"Delicious, right? Moss-head? Make sure you eat every last bite—" Sanji commented, lighting a cigarette and smirking slightly as he watched Zoro inhale his food, alongside Rowen and Luffy who were also praising his cooking.
For a chef, what moment could be more fulfilling than this?
"Didn't need your commentary, Curly-brows," Zoro retorted, then ignored Sanji and focused on eating.
"Hmph."
Sanji grinned. 'That damn moss-head finally admitted his cooking is delicious!'
"Finished! Let's eat!" Luffy cheered, wiping his mouth.
"Alright, rest up, everyone. That's enough Haki training for now. We'll pick it up again when we reach the Grand Line," Rowen announced, having consumed enough food to satisfy his Superhuman Demonic Physique's digestive needs.
Sailing at night was dangerous. Even with a navigator, standard procedure was to anchor the ship at sea and wait for daylight to continue.
"Oh! Tomorrow, we finally head to the Grand Line!" Luffy cheered excitedly.
These past few days anchored in this area, Rowen had been instructing them in Haki.
Zoro and Sanji both smiled. Their dreams could only be realized on the Grand Line.
Only Rowen remained silent, walking towards the door with a thoughtful expression, observing the sky through the cabin window.
His Observation Haki had already picked up the subtle shift in Nami's emotions when Luffy shouted about heading to the Grand Line.
Lingering in this sea area these past few days to train Luffy and the others—was also intended to give Nami enough time to gather the resolve to finally confide in them.
Looks like there's still some Trait harvesting to do before reaching the Grand Line.
Rowen smiled faintly and headed towards the bathroom.
<><><><><><>
"Hah..." After a comfortable hot bath, Rowen sat on his bed, letting out a relaxed sigh.
"But, as expected of Haki—Even training Observation Haki is surprisingly brutal." Rowen's expression turned serious.
While his Conqueror's Haki intensity grew stronger daily thanks to Born of the Sea (Apex Gold)—
—His Armament Haki and Observation Haki still required strengthening his physique and spirit, respectively.
Improving Armament Haki was straightforward; thanks to Born of the Sea (Apex Gold), Rowen only needed to enhance his physique, and his Armament Haki would strengthen automatically.
As for Observation Haki... through sparring (beating up) Luffy and Zoro, combined with feedback from the System, Rowen had figured out how to improve it.
The strength of Observation Haki depended on a combination of one's spirit (mental fortitude) and 'Disposition'.
Here, 'Spirit' could be understood as an extension of the user's five senses, allowing them to perceive the presence, emotions, and movements of enemies.
After awakening Observation Haki, enhancing the five senses through training strengthened the Haki itself.
Furthermore, the five senses played a more significant role in determining Observation Haki's strength compared to 'Disposition'.
Essentially, Observation Haki acted as an amplifier and manifestation of the user's five senses.
And enhancing this manifested sensory perception—aside from rare geniuses—typically required engaging in life-or-death battles against opponents of at least equal strength!
Yes, unlike Armament Haki, Observation Haki did have geniuses.
For example, Katakuri—though only Yonko Commander level—had trained his Observation Haki to its absolute peak, achieving something many Emperor/Admiral level fighters couldn't: briefly seeing into the future.
This ability to glimpse the future was essentially an evolution of Observation Haki—a manifestation and extension of the user's sixth sense.
Additionally, some individuals were born with unique, innate forms of Observation Haki that couldn't even be obtained through training.
For those who weren't geniuses like Katakuri, improving their manifested five senses required life-or-death combat against equally strong opponents. It made sense.
Even people on Earth experienced heightened senses during moments of extreme danger or tension.
By pushing oneself into perilous life-or-death situations, a strong individual who had awakened Observation Haki could sharpen this manifested sensory perception.
But engaging in life-or-death combat against equally matched opponents... one wrong move, and you could genuinely die.
Those who survived were tempered by the experience; their manifested senses grew stronger, forging more powerful Observation Haki.
And even then, natural talent played a role. Some hotheads might be strong but possess poor manifested senses—Emperor Big Mom being a prime example.
Truly a brutal—'survival of the fittest' power system. Even the supporting Haki, Observation, required conditions for improvement even more bloody and harsh than Armament Haki.
No wonder there were many users of Armament Haki on the seas—some, like Zephyr 'Black Arm' in his prime, reached Admiral level relying solely on Armament.
But those who could train Observation Haki to its absolute peak, capable of briefly seeing the future, were so few.
Rowen chuckled at the thought.
For Rowen, with his Strongest Trait System, there was another way to improve Observation Haki: directly upgrading it with materials.
Reaching the level of 'seeing the future' was just a matter of time for Rowen.
But he wasn't in a rush for that yet. In the first half of the Grand Line, situations requiring ultra-advanced Observation Haki were rare.
Rowen's current priority remained strengthening his physique.
Knock~ Knock~
As Rowen was contemplating, a soft knock came at his door.
Having already awakened Observation Haki, Rowen knew who was outside even without opening the door, simply by sensing their presence.
Click.
Opening the door, Rowen offered a gentle smile to the figure standing outside.
"Come in, Nami," Rowen stepped aside.
"Did you know I was coming, Rowen?" Nami asked, biting her lip upon hearing his words.
"Of course. I can clearly sense every little change in your emotions," Rowen replied, smiling kindly at Nami.
With Observation Haki, combined with his knowledge of the plot and the groundwork he'd laid over the past few days, predicting Nami would come to him was simple.
"Rowen..." Nami murmured, biting her lip again, her eyes filled with emotion. 'Rowen cares about me that much?'
"Nami, you..."
"Oof!" Just as Rowen started to say something more, he felt a warmth press against his chest.
Nami had thrown herself into his arms, her shoulders trembling slightly. Rowen gently stroked her orange hair.
"You've been through a lot, Nami," Rowen said softly.
He could feel a dampness spreading on his chest.
Nami bit her lip, then lifted her tear-streaked face.
Seeing her like this, looking so vulnerable yet beautiful, tugged at Rowen's heartstrings.
Nami... enduring the pain of her mother's murder since she was ten, carrying the burden of her village's safety on her shoulders, striving to earn that exorbitant sum of 100 million Beri...
100 million Beri! In the East Blue, the highest bounty belonged to Arlong, at a mere 20 million!
For a ten-year-old girl, that burden was like an impossibly heavy mountain.
Yet Nami, through her own efforts—and notably, through her kindness, choosing only to steal from evil pirates—had nearly accomplished this incredible feat.
Nami... truly had suffered immensely.
"Rowen... Help me..." Nami whispered, her voice choked with emotion. For the first time since her mother Bell-mère was killed, she allowed herself to show the vulnerability of a young woman in need.
Rowen's simple words, "You've been through a lot," had completely broken down her defenses.
Rowen gently wiped away Nami's tears. Then, his eyes hardened, filled with a cold fury. He stepped out of the room, his voice booming through the ship in a deafening roar.
"OF COURSE—!!"
His eyes blazed with chilling intensity.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
Lights immediately flickered on in four other cabins.
<><><><><><>
Luffy, Zoro, Usopp, and Sanji quickly emerged onto the deck, fully dressed and ready for action.
"Nami! Where are we going?!" Luffy demanded, rolling up his sleeves, his 'serious business' expression firmly in place.
"Just tell us who, Rowen. We heard your voice. We're ready to fight," Zoro stated grimly, drawing Wado Ichimonji slightly.
"Hah..." Sanji exhaled a stream of smoke, his face set in a cold, determined mask.
Usopp said nothing, but his legs—which usually trembled uncontrollably whenever trouble arose—were now perfectly steady.
"Nami. Let's go. The ones who hurt you... we're coming for their lives. We're pirates, after all!" Rowen declared, his expression chillingly fierce.
This was the first time since arriving in this world that Rowen had felt truly enraged.
"Cocoyasi Village—" Nami whispered, her eyes red but resolute, finally naming the place.
East Blue, Cocoyasi Village.
This island was the heart of the Arlong Empire, the domain ruled by the pirate Arlong, who carried a 20 million Beri bounty.
Here, humans were treated as inferior beings, subjected to the violent rule of Arlong and his Fish-Man crew.
Within the Arlong Empire, every village was forced to pay tribute based on population: 100,000 Beri per adult, 50,000 Beri per child.
Failure to pay resulted in death.
Nami's adoptive mother, Bell-mère, possessed only 100,000 Beri. Choosing to save Nami and her other adopted daughter, Nojiko, Bell-mère paid for their lives with her own, murdered right before Nami's eyes.
Afterwards, Arlong recognized Nami's exceptional talent for navigation and cartography.
To force Nami to draw sea charts for them, Arlong made her a promise: if she could gather 100 million Beri, he would sell her hometown back to her.
And so, at the tender age of ten, Nami began her life as a pirate-robbing thief, continuing until this very day.
<><><><><><>
Aboard the Going Merry, the expressions of Rowen and the crew were grim.
Although Rowen already knew the story, hearing it directly from Nami, seeing this beautiful, incredibly strong young woman finally break down sobbing before him...
Even the flickering Conqueror's Haki in Rowen's eyes began to burn with uncontrollable fury.
"I-I didn't want to involve you guys, Arlong and his crew are Fish-Men! Their physical strength is naturally ten times greater than humans! They're real monsters! I originally planned to handle this myself—" Nami choked out between sobs, looking up at Rowen, biting her lip.
Even though she had witnessed Rowen's strength these past few days...
Even after seeing him defeat Krieg with a single punch...
Even after witnessing the incredible clash of Conqueror's Haki between Rowen and the legendary World's Greatest Swordsman, Hawk-Eyes Mihawk...
The psychological scars from her childhood ran too deep. After the initial emotional outburst, Nami still couldn't be absolutely certain that Rowen and the others could defeat Arlong and his crew.
After all, the trauma was immense. In Nami's mind, Fish-Men were the true monsters of this sea; humans were simply no match for such creatures.
The reason she hadn't left earlier was because of Rowen's words—telling her to rely on him, that he would risk his life for her.
But Nami hadn't intended for Rowen to actually fight for her.
She had planned to make some other excuse, just to say a proper goodbye.
Nami didn't want to disappoint Rowen—the man who spoke such kind words to her, treated her so gently, protected her throughout their journey.
At the very least, they deserved a proper farewell.
During the days Rowen spent training Luffy and the others in Haki, Nami had been racking her brain, trying to come up with a plausible excuse to leave gracefully.
But Nami knew she was only deceiving herself. She didn't want to leave. She didn't want to leave Rowen.
However, during Rowen's Haki training sessions, he had also explained some realities of the Grand Line.
Only then did Nami learn that Fish-Men—creatures she viewed as unbeatable monsters—were actually treated as slaves by humans on the Grand Line.
She learned that legendary races far stronger than Fish-Men, like Giants, truly existed on the Grand Line.
Yet, even with beings as powerful as Giants existing, humans still ultimately dominated the seas.
She also learned that before the power of Haki, sheer physical strength meant little.
Someone without Haki facing a Haki master, the outcome would be just like Krieg facing Rowen: utterly powerless.
This applied even to races like Fish-Men.
And Haki, was a power that only became common in the New World, the second half of the Grand Line. It was extremely rare in the Four Blues, even in the first half of the Grand Line.
Arlong and his crew did not possess Haki.
Finally, when Rowen and the others decided they would head for the Grand Line tomorrow, Nami resolved to tell Rowen the truth.
Initially, however, Nami had only intended to share her story, still hoping to resolve the situation with money.
But Rowen's gentle understanding, his simple acknowledgment of her suffering ("You've been through a lot")... caused years of suppressed grief and pain to finally burst forth.
"Maybe... maybe I should just try to buy the village back with the 100 million Beri first... Arlong usually keeps his promises," Nami murmured, trying to regain control, biting her lip as she looked at Rowen.
It wasn't Nami's fault her thoughts kept wavering. The psychological trauma had affected her too deeply.
Even after her emotional outburst, a part of her still desperately wanted to prevent Rowen from fighting Arlong's Fish-Man crew.
"You know that's impossible, right, Nami?" Rowen asked softly, forcibly suppressing his own boiling rage as he looked down at her.
"You said yourself, those Fish-Men rule that area with impunity. For them to operate like that for so many years without attracting serious Marine attention... It wouldn't be possible without collaborators within the Marines. The moment you gather the 100 million Beri, what's stopping Arlong from having those corrupt Marines confiscate all your money as 'stolen goods'? What could you possibly do then?" Rowen looked at Nami, his eyes filled with sympathy and pain for her plight.
This was the Great Pirate Era. Even for a colossal organization like the Marines, resources were stretched thin.
Therefore, pirate pursuits were prioritized. Those who committed heinous acts—murder, pillaging—became top targets.
This was why many pirates, while engaging in robbery, avoided wanton killing; it attracted too much attention from powerful Marine forces.
It was the Marines' way of maintaining some semblance of order; the sea was too vast, the pirates too numerous to capture them all. Deterrence was key to minimizing harm to civilians.
Someone like Arlong, imposing bloody rule over more than twenty villages like Cocoyasi... if Marine Headquarters learned the full details, his operation would undoubtedly be crushed.
Therefore, bribing the local Marine branch responsible for that territory was essential to prevent HQ from discovering the truth.
That's exactly what happened in the original story. The local Marine branch was bought off by Arlong.
Captain Nezumi, the commander of that branch, confiscated all the money Nami had painstakingly saved, allowing Arlong to force Nami to start earning the 100 million Beri all over again.
It was a cycle designed to be endless.
<><><><><><>
Nami's pupils constricted.
That possibility... she hadn't dared to consider it.
Or perhaps, she hadn't allowed herself to.
Before meeting Rowen, she had no one to rely on.
When you have no one, when you stand utterly alone, you cling to any hope, even if it means deceiving yourself.
Buying back her hometown from Arlong with 100 million Beri... was Nami's only hope.
If that hope shattered—Nami didn't know what she would do.
Nami looked up at Rowen, biting her lip hard.
But now... she did have someone to rely on. Nami allowed herself to confront the horrifying possibility Rowen presented. It was entirely plausible.
If Arlong really had bought off the Marines, having them seize her money as 'stolen goods'... she would be utterly powerless.
Forced to continue drawing charts for Arlong forever, never gaining her freedom.
"Nami. Stand behind me. Pirates—have pirate ways of solving problems," Rowen declared, turning his gaze towards the distant sea, his eyes filled with icy resolve.
"That's right! Let's go beat up all those Fish-Men!" Luffy yelled furiously.
"Just cut them all down, right?" Zoro stated grimly, his hand resting on Wado Ichimonji.
"Hah..." Sanji exhaled a plume of smoke, his expression dark. Though he respected and blessed Nami's connection with Rowen—they were still comrades. The bastards who caused Miss Nami so much pain... Sanji would uphold his code of chivalry.
"First step to becoming a brave warrior of the sea!" Usopp declared, pulling down his goggles and loading his slingshot with special ammunition.
"Rowen... Everyone..." Nami covered her mouth, trying hard not to cry again.
Controlling her trembling body, she stepped behind Rowen, gently resting her forehead against his broad back.
She wasn't alone anymore.
"Set course immediately! Let's show these Fish-Men what real pirates are!" Rowen snarled, his expression utterly ruthless.
"OOOHHHH!"
Arlong Park.
"Here's this month's payment. Take it," Arlong grinned, revealing rows of sharp shark teeth as he looked at the Marine officer before him. Arlong was a Sawshark Fish-Man.
"Brother Arlong! You're different from other pirates! You really understand how things work! Gyahahaha!" Captain Nezumi of the 16th Marine Branch cackled, his eyes gleaming greedily at the pile of Beri Arlong pushed towards him.
"Shahahaha! Likewise! As long as you're willing to be my friend, you'll enjoy endless benefits here in the East Blue. The fact that you understand this proves you're a smart Marine Captain!" Arlong threw his head back and laughed loudly.
"Thank you kindly for your continued generosity," Nezumi replied smoothly.
Captain Nezumi tucked the money safely into his coat.
"Shahahaha! No need for formalities now! Harmony brings wealth, after all! Money is a wonderful thing—more trustworthy than anything else! Am I wrong?" Arlong grinned, flashing his rows of sharp shark teeth at the Marine captain.
"Y-Yes, quite right! Well then, I shall take my leave," Nezumi replied, his eye twitching slightly. Dealing with these Fish-Men always left a bad taste in his mouth, but the money made it tolerable. Now that he had it, he didn't want to stay a second longer.
"Have a drink before you go! Relax a little," Arlong offered with a wide grin.
"A patrolling Marine warship docked at a pirate's base... It wouldn't look good, no matter how you slice it," Nezumi quickly made an excuse, eager to leave.
"If anyone reported this to Headquarters, I'll kill them," Arlong growled, his expression turning cruel. This Captain Nezumi, though a lowly human, was crucial to his operation. If Marine HQ learned the full details of what he was doing here, they'd likely send powerful forces from Headquarters itself.
And HQ Marines... were on a completely different level than these branch officers.
The mere thought of HQ Marines made an old wound ache phantomly—one inflicted by Kizaru, back when he was still a Vice Admiral—now a full Admiral.
But as long as this rat was on his payroll, Arlong didn't have to worry about HQ finding out the details.
"Very well. I'll have my men see you out," Arlong said, watching Nezumi.
<><><><><><>
BOOOOM!
Just as Captain Nezumi was about to leave, the main gate of Arlong Park exploded inwards with a deafening roar.
Thump! Thump!
Several Fish-Men, already dead, were tossed like garbage out of the dust cloud, landing heavily on the ground.
"WHO DARES?!" Arlong roared, veins bulging on his forehead. 'How dare they harm his precious brethren!'
"Don't worry. You're next—Arlong," a cold voice declared as the dust settled, revealing several figures standing before Arlong and his crew.
Rowen stared icily at Arlong.
"Nami? What do you think you're doing?!" Arlong bellowed, his eyes bloodshot with rage upon seeing Nami among the intruders.
"It's true! Just like Rowen said—You really are colluding with the Marines, Arlong! Is that why the government lets you run wild here?!" Nami screamed, trembling uncontrollably as she stared at the still-present Captain Nezumi.
It was exactly as Rowen had said.
If she hadn't met Rowen... if she had hopefully gathered that 100 million Beri, only to have it stolen by these corrupt Marines...
Imagining that scenario...
Nami bit her lip so hard it nearly drew blood, her eyes burning with absolute hatred.
"Ah, Captain Nezumi? He's our friend, Nami. Which makes him your friend too! Just keep drawing those maps nicely for me, and we can forget this little incident ever happened—" Arlong sneered, then turned his murderous gaze towards Rowen and the others.
"As for you lot... laying a hand on my precious brethren... You'll all die right here!" Arlong snarled, his expression utterly ruthless.
"???!" Arlong suddenly sensed something was wrong. He looked over at Captain Nezumi.
Nezumi looked like he had seen a ghost, utterly terrified, trembling violently.
"Sk- 'Sky Sovereign' Rowen?!" Nezumi squeaked, recognizing the name Nami had shouted.
Just seeing the person, he might not have recognized him. But hearing the name 'Rowen' spoken by Nami, and then seeing the man himself... Captain Nezumi immediately knew who it was.
The super rookie who had emerged from the East Blue, causing a significant stir even at Marine HQ—'Sky Sovereign' Rowen!
"'Sky Sovereign' Rowen?! So that's you?!" Arlong whipped his head towards Rowen, cold sweat suddenly breaking out on his own brow.
To maintain his dominion, Arlong needed to stay informed about major events on the seas. News from the East Blue was naturally a top priority.
And the most talked-about news in the East Blue recently?
It was the super rookie whose fame already surpassed even 'Pirate Hunter' Roronoa Zoro...
'Sky Sovereign' Rowen! User of Conqueror's Haki!
As a former member of the Sun Pirates, Arlong knew exactly what possessing Conqueror's Haki meant.
It was the power that even Kizaru—the Admiral who had scarred him—didn't possess!
Why had Arlong come to the East Blue in the first place?
Precisely because it was the weakest sea, making it easier to rule!
Users of Conqueror's Haki, even on the Grand Line, were all powerhouses capable of carving out their own territories!
"Hey, hey, Nami! Don't look so scary! I told you, once you save up 100 million Beri, I'll sell the village back to you," Arlong forced a smile, turning back to Nami.
Damn it! How did this little brat Nami get involved with someone possessing Conqueror's Haki?!
"And then... have this Marine confiscate all my money as 'stolen goods'?" Nami spat, seeing right through Arlong's sudden change in attitude. It confirmed everything Rowen had said was true.
Just hearing Rowen's name was enough to make Arlong shift his stance so drastically?
Even after his precious brethren were killed, Arlong could still force that expression?
Compared to Rowen—maybe Arlong wasn't such a monster after all.
Hearing Nami's direct accusation, Arlong's forced smile froze on his face.
Nami instantly caught the flicker of confirmation in his eyes.
"Just as I thought, Arlong!" Nami snarled, grinding her teeth, her beautiful eyes turning blood-red with fury.
Arlong really had intended to betray her!
"Hey, hey! I never said anything like—" Arlong started to deny it, but his pupils suddenly constricted.
WHOOSH!
CLANG!
Accompanied by a sharp, metallic sound, a dense, jet-black fist appeared directly before Arlong's eyes.
Arlong's eyes widened in shock.
CRACK!!!
With a sickening crunch that set teeth on edge, Arlong was slammed violently into the wall behind him. Under the stunned gazes of the other Fish-Men, the structure of Arlong Park crumbled under the terrifying force.
"ARLONG-SAN!" the other Fish-Men cried out in horror.
Captain Nezumi completely lost his nerve, paralyzed by fear.
"We didn't come here to listen to your bullshit. So, Arlong... how do you want to die?" Rowen stated coldly, watching Arlong struggle to pull himself from the rubble.
Rowen didn't even bother using Conqueror's Haki.
Nami's suffering... he would make these Fish-Men pay for it, piece by agonizing piece.
"H-Haki?!" Arlong's pride and joy, his rows of sharp shark teeth, had been completely shattered by Rowen's single punch.
Staring at the dense black coating covering Rowen's fist, Arlong's eyes filled with utter terror.