Gloriousa's mouth twitched as she watched Ron fight Ripley. With Ron's strength, it clearly looked like bullying at first glance. However, she soon noticed that his attacks were forcing Ripley to move differently.
"She's learning while fighting… no, Ron is forcing her to learn," she realized. Ron was guiding her growth through pressure, his method harsh but effective.
His attacks were real, carrying enough force to hurt badly without causing lasting damage. Soon, Ripley was covered in wounds, breathing heavily and barely able to stand.
"See? You're just a weakling," Ron said coldly. Ripley bit her lip and ran off, refusing to cry in front of him.
Gloriousa floated onto his shoulder, her expression slightly displeased. "You went a little too far, don't you think?" she said.
Ron didn't reply and simply spread his wings, flying back toward Ida's tavern. "We'll be leaving soon," he shouted as he took off.
Back at the tavern, everyone stared at Loki, who stood wounded yet determined before Rocks. Despite his condition, his eyes didn't waver.
Rocks smirked and dismissed him instantly. "Tsk, I don't take brats in," he said casually.
Newgate barely held back his laughter. "Ron is 19," he pointed out.
Rocks froze for a second before clicking his tongue in irritation. "That bastard is an anomaly. He looks like a human at nineteen," he snapped.
He turned back to Loki with a serious gaze. "I don't take weaklings. Ron is as strong as my cadres, but you're just a brat."
Harld watched the scene with annoyance, though sadness flickered in his eyes as he looked at Loki. He clearly didn't like what was happening.
"I'm strong!" Loki shouted, trying to prove himself. Rocks ignored him and began walking out with his crew.
"Think it over, Harld. I'll visit again," Rocks said.
"Don't you dare come back!" Harld shouted angrily. Rocks only laughed and ignored him completely.
At that moment, a 25-meter-tall figure landed nearby. "Hmm, done with your talk?" Ron asked casually.
Harld and Loki both locked their eyes onto him. Loki grinned despite his injuries. "You're Ron, right? Fight me. If I defeat you, I can join the crew."
Ron looked at him like he was stupid. "Are you mad? Why would you want to join that idiot's crew?" he said bluntly.
Everyone froze. Newgate and Shiki covered their faces, trying to suppress their laughter.
Rocks' face darkened as veins bulged on his forehead. The insult clearly hit deep.
Loki blinked in confusion. "But didn't you join him too?" he asked.
Ron sighed in annoyance. "I didn't have a choice. You have Elbaf—stay here and train. When you're strong enough, go to sea on your own."
"Oi! Don't corrupt my kid!" Harld roared angrily. Ron ignored him completely.
"Staying in Elbaf is better than going to sea with that idiot captain. Sometimes he can't even afford my food," Ron added casually.
Loki turned to Rocks in disbelief. "Tsk… you can't even feed your crew? Are you really the infamous Rocks Pirates?"
"GURARARRARA"
"JIAHAHHAHHA"
Newgate and Shiki completely lost it, laughing uncontrollably with tears in their eyes. Rocks finally snapped.
"You really have a death wish don't you? "
He drew his sword and swung at Ron in anger. Ron raised his hand, and Surtr flew into his grip instantly.
Their blades didn't touch as advanced armament clashed between them Black lightning crackling. Loki watched with shining eyes, completely captivated.
Ron separated from the clash and turned toward Loki. "Don't hide because of what others think. Become so strong that they only see your strength, not a monster."
After saying that, he shot into the sky. Rocks chased after him in anger, "I'm not done with you ! "
followed by Shiki and Newgate.
Gloriousa activated her gravity ability, lifting both herself and Stussy as they followed behind. The group quickly left the area.
Back at the tavern, Ida sighed softly. "Rocks has changed since the last time he came," she said.
Before Harld could respond, a massive explosion echoed from the castle, followed by cracking lightning. The sudden disturbance shook the surroundings.
"No… Ragnar!" Harld's heart skipped a beat as he rushed toward the castle.
Midair, Ron suddenly stopped, sensing something calling him. His expression shifted instantly.
Rocks also noticed the lightning from the castle. "Is someone causing trouble there?" he muttered.
Ron's flames extinguished as his speed increased sharply. His body shrank as he shot forward like a blazing meteor toward the castle.
Harld froze upon seeing it. "Damn it…" he muttered, while Loki watched the blazing figure with shining eyes.
Ron landed near the destroyed area and looked at the source. "So it really was you… the Hammer of the War God, Ragnar," he said calmly.
"Ge Ge Ge"
The hammer hummed with excitement as lightning crackled around it. It clearly reacted to his presence.
Ron grinned slightly. "I'm not the one you're waiting for. He's still a kid. Wait until he grows—when he comes, you'll recognize him."
The hammer hummed in disappointment as frost spread around it. Its reaction was immediate and emotional.
Ron chuckled softly. "Don't worry, we'll meet again. Once the Devil Fruit is eaten by the chosen one, you can choose—stay with him or come to me."
After that, Ron turned and flew back toward the ship. Harld arrived shortly after, "Good neither the hammer nor the Devil Fruit was taken." He sighed in relief.
Back on the ship, Rocks looked at Ron suspiciously. "What was that lightning?" he asked.
Ron grinned casually. "Someone got a little too excited," he replied.
Rocks stared at him for a moment but chose to ignore it. He knew Ron wouldn't answer seriously anyway. And with Harld's and Elbaf's strength there won't be any problem.
If Rocks ever found out that Ron had ignored the Devil Fruit he was desperately trying to have Harld eat, could have been eaten by Ron. he might have had a heart attack.
Ron then turned toward Elbaf's shore. A girl stood there, panting from exhaustion, holding her sword toward him.
"I won't lose next time!" Ripley shouted with determination.
Ron laughed loudly. "I'll be waiting. Who knows, my crew might need a doctor someday," he replied.
Gloriousa smiled and waved. "Train harder, Ripley," she said.
Ripley grinned despite her heavy breathing. Behind Ron, Rocks and the others gave him strange looks.
"You were there for just a few hours, and now you've got people chasing after you?" Rocks complained.
Ron laughed loudly. "It's called natural charisma, captain. You wouldn't understand."
"Charisma my foot, you playboy bastard!" Rocks snapped back.
The two began bickering again while the rest of the crew watched in silence. It had already become a normal sight.
On the shore, Loki stared at the departing ship with burning determination. "So strong that they only see strength…" he muttered.
"Fine. I'll become the strongest Sun God in history," he declared, his eyes filled with resolve.
He turned and ran toward the depths of Elbaf to train.
On another shore, Ripley gripped her sword tightly. "Next time, I'll be stronger," she said before running back.
Back on the ship, Ron and Gloriousa sat together. She smiled at him, clearly amused.
"You really are something," she said softly. Ron grinned in response.
Soon after, their room door closed behind them as their clothes disappeared, lips mate and mones started coming from Gloriousa.
{Note - suggest a female character for Suzaku DF }