The moment Kai uttered those words, his world shattered. A cold, agonizing sensation clawed through his chest, as if an invisible hand was pulling the very essence of his youth out of his body. His dark hair stayed the same, but his breath became heavy, and a sharp pain flared in his joints.
[Trade Successful!]
[5 Soul Coins Deducted. 40 Years of Life Span Consumed.]
[Current Status: Weakened / Accelerated Aging (Internal).]
But Kai didn't care about the pain. Above the execution platform, the golden light of Roger's soul didn't vanish into the heavens. Instead, it surged downward like a falling star, straight into Kai's outstretched hand.
"Stop that boy!" a Marine captain roared, recognizing that something unnatural was happening. "He's reaching for the platform!"
Kai felt the heat of the golden fragment entering his palm. It was pure, raw power—the echo of a man who had conquered the entire Grand Line.
[Ding!]
[Fragment of 'The King's Will' Acquired.]
[Permanent Skill Unlocked: 'Intimidation of the Void' (Rank F).]
As the Marines closed in, their muskets aimed at his chest, Kai felt a surge of ancient authority ripple through him. He didn't have a weapon, and he couldn't fight ten trained soldiers, but he had the will.
He looked at the nearest soldier, his blue eyes suddenly flashing with a terrifying, golden hue. The Marine froze, his hands trembling so hard he dropped his rifle. It wasn't Haki—not yet—but it was something just as haunting.
"Move," Kai commanded, his voice raspy and older than it was minutes ago.
The crowd was a blur of chaos, but in the distance, the man in the green cloak narrowed his eyes, watching the pale boy who had just performed a miracle in the shadow of the gallows. Kai knew he had to disappear before the monsters of the Navy realized what he had stolen.
[New Mission: Escape Loguetown.]
[Reward: Soul Recovery Potion (Junior Grade).]