One Piece: Waves of Destiny

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After Stella tested some of the fruit's abilities, she released her transformed form.

As evening fell, she decided to prepare a sumptuous dinner for Roja.

In the kitchen, two women worked together, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.

Roja watched the scene, a rare contentment settling over him.

Isn't this what strength is for? To live in comfort and freedom? he mused.

In this sea, the strong thrive while the weak are devoured—a reality he knew all too well.

The next day arrived swiftly.

Roja stretched lazily after waking and made his way to the living room.

Ain had already returned to her quarters, leaving Stella alone in the kitchen. She wore an apron, diligently preparing breakfast.

Seeing Roja enter, Stella turned and addressed him.

"Master, Fleet Admiral Sengoku called earlier through a Den Den Mushi. He requested you visit his office after breakfast."

"Understood," Roja replied, taking his seat to await the meal.

"How is your progress with the Devil Fruit?" he asked.

"I can freely shift between forms now," Stella replied confidently.

"Good," Roja said with a nod. "Make sure to train diligently. The fruit must be awakened. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Master!"

To Roja, mastery over the Devil Fruit was non-negotiable. To dominate the seas without fear, even the power of awakening was a basic necessity. Only with such mastery could they guarantee survival, if not total victory.

After breakfast, Roja made his way to Sengoku's office.

Upon entering, he noticed Kizaru seated casually in the room.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, you called for me?" Roja asked, taking a seat on the couch opposite the Fleet Admiral.

Without a word, Sengoku handed two documents to Roja and Kizaru.

"This concerns the reward for the success of the recent Buster Call. The World Government has decided to grant only one reward, leaving it to the two of you to determine who shall receive it."

Hearing this, Roja opened the file in his hands.

What immediately caught his attention was the bold heading: "Reformation and Command of the Science Division."

His eyes narrowed slightly as he read further.

The Science Division—responsible for advancing naval technology, from warships to weaponry—was a critical strategic asset. Controlling it would mean immense influence within the Navy.

In the original timeline of the One-Piece universe, Kizaru had assumed command of the Science Division.

But this time, Roja wasn't about to let such an opportunity slip through his fingers.

Kizaru, with his usual laid-back demeanor, leaned back and commented in his signature drawl, "Ohhh, the Science Division, huh? Quite the enticing reward, don't you think?"

He closed the document, his expression inscrutable as always.

Sengoku, sensing the tension building, explained, "Because of the significance of this reward, the World Government has left the final decision to the two of you. Whoever does not take command of the Science Division will instead receive ten times their current salary."

For any ordinary marine, such an increase in pay would be life-changing. But compared to controlling the Science Division, it was a trivial consolation prize.

Kizaru turned his gaze to Roja and spoke with mock generosity.

"Admiral White Dove, you're already incredibly strong. If you hand the Science Division over to me, I promise to grant you access to all its technological advancements—free of charge, of course."

Roja smiled faintly, his expression warm, but his eyes gleamed with determination.

"Admiral Kizaru, I've always admired the Science Division. It would mean the world to me if you granted me this small wish."

The air in the room grew heavy as Sengoku observed the exchange, fully aware of the brewing conflict.

Privately, Sengoku had opposed the World Government's decision to pit the two admirals against each other. But his protests had been overruled by the Five Elders.

Sengoku could only watch as their rivalry unfolded, understanding the political maneuvering at play. The Five Elders intended to curb Roja's rising influence in the Navy by forcing him to share power.

For Sengoku, the stakes were clear. If Kizaru—known for his indifference—took command of the Science Division, little would change.

But if Roja, with his ambition and rising reputation, were to gain control, it would shift the Navy's balance of power entirely. Roja's potential was undeniable, but so was the threat of his growing dominance.

Breaking the tense silence, Roja turned to Kizaru and said lightly, "Admiral Kizaru, I trust the sake and roast bird I sent to your quarters last night were to your liking?"

Kizaru's lips twitched in amusement, recalling the fine meal Roja had treated him to.

With his usual smirk, Kizaru stood and stretched. "Well, Admiral White Dove, how about we settle this fairly? A little friendly competition, two out of three."

"Oh?" Roja replied, raising an eyebrow. "And what kind of competition do you have in mind?"

Kizaru's grin widened. "Simple. Let's pit our subordinates against each other. Best of three matches. The winner takes command of the Science Division."

Roja leaned back in his seat, his calm demeanor unchanged, though his mind churned with calculations.

"Interesting. Very well, let's see who has the stronger team."

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