The harbor docks.
Under the wary eyes of many onlookers, the massive branch of Adam Wood was carefully secured, and Ghost Hand Rowan reached out to push it into the water.
A branch of Adam Wood worth 200 million Berries drew envious glances, but the memory of Rowan's massacre a few days prior kept most pirates at a safe distance. No matter their curiosity, few dared interfere.
"Now that he has a branch of Adam Wood," one pirate murmured, "if he builds a proper ship, the Marines won't be able to touch him anymore."
"Heh," another said, frowning. "I doubt the Marines will let him convert it into a ship unopposed. A suppression force might already be on its way."
Rowan ignored the chatter. Once the timber was afloat, he had the Odd Jobs Crew untie the ropes, raise the anchor, and sail slowly from the port.
"To Shipwright Town."
East of the Flower Country lay Shipwright Town, one of the West Blue's major shipbuilding hubs. Its residents were either master shipwrights or apprentices. The crucial keel for Rowan's new ship was secured; the remaining materials could be purchased there. With over 90 million Berries left, funds were ample.
On deck, Rowan gazed at the horizon. "Once the ship is ready, we can start planning the Grand Line."
"The Grand Line…"
Robin's calm, sea-like eyes glimmered with resolve. For her, the true goal was uncovering the Poneglyphs scattered across the world, revealing the secrets of the Void Century. Based on intelligence she had painstakingly collected, most of the Poneglyphs were located within the Grand Line.
The Grand Line, notorious as the graveyard of pirates, was naturally treacherous. Tales of the strongest regional pirates being obliterated there reached the outside seas constantly. But for Robin, it was the only path to achieving her goal. She quietly observed Rowan's back, a faint hope stirring within her that following him might bring the impossible within reach.
As the Flower Country faded into the distance, a shadow approacheda ship rapidly closing in from behind.
"Captain Rowan," Robin said, her eyes narrowing. "It seems we've attracted attention."
"Oh? The Marines?"
"Not exactly. It's the Eight Treasures Water Army from the Flower Country."
Robin and Rowan moved to the stern, watching the approaching vessel. Its form grew clearer with each passing minute. Though large, it was clearly not a Marine ship.
"Right," Rowan said, eyes calm as he scanned the pirate flag. "It's a pirate crew. They won't let me sail off with 200 million Berries' worth of Adam Wood without a fight."
Rowan's ship, a light caravel, struggled with the weight of the Adam Wood, making its speed slower than usual. Soon, the pursuing Flower Country pirate ship began closing the distance.
Crowds of armed pirates crowded the deck, prepared for battle. These were no ordinary West Blue piratesthey were seasoned veterans of the Grand Line.
"As expected, dragging a massive log slows you down," Abu, a younger cadre of the Eight Treasures Water Army, called out from their deck, three axes strapped to his back.
Vice-Leader Old Cai leaned on his long-handled nodachi, his expression serious. Leader Green Pepper was absent; this vessel sailed under his temporary command.
It was the eleventh year of the Great Pirate Era. Though Old Cai had yet to inherit leadership of the Eight Treasures Water Army, and Abu was a subordinate, both had seen the Grand Line firsthand under Green Pepper's command.
"Report! The enemy ship is within cannon range!" a subordinate yelled.
"Hold your fire," Old Cai ordered. "Don't damage the Adam Woodit's worth 200 million Berries."
Abu tilted his head. "Adam Wood is nearly indestructible, but still… they won't get away whether we fire or not."
The two ships drew closer. At this distance, faces could be clearly made out on both sides.
"Old Cai and Abu, the 13th generation Vice-Leaders of the Eight Treasures Water Army, are at the bow," Robin whispered, analyzing. "Green Pepper is not aboard."
Rowan's eyes glinted. A bounty of 500 million Berries like Green Pepper's would be too dangerous to engage directly. But without him…
Rowan's body tensed. Calmly, he assessed the distance, then spoke, "Keep your distance. I'll be back."
Before Robin could react, Rowan vaulted into the air, stepping across the waves in a wide arc. Using his Moonwalk, he landed effortlessly on the rear deck of the Eight Treasures Water Army ship.
"What?!"
"Is that… Moonwalk?"
Abu and Old Cai turned, their eyes widening. Traveling the Grand Line had made them experiencedthey recognized the Rokushiki technique. Moonwalk was notoriously difficult, typically mastered only by Marine officers of General rank or higher. Rowan wielding it surprised them.
But Rowan's arrogance was clear: he had no intention of negotiating, no care for their numbers.
"The most vicious pirate in the West Blue… certainly has guts," Abu muttered, raising his axe. He signaled the other pirates to step back and charged at Rowan.
Old Cai remained observing, folding his hands calmly, trusting Abu to test this newcomer.
However, as Abu advanced, Rowan placed a foot on the deck.
Crack! Crack!
The Warp-Warp Fruit's power radiated instantly through the ship's center. A strange distortion rippled across the planks, bending and twisting the deck unnaturally.
"Damn it! He's trying to destroy the ship!" Abu roared, momentarily frozen. Then, with a furious cry, he leaped, axe swinging downward toward Rowan.