One Piece: Waves of Destiny

Thank you, Shiro22, for becoming an Arcane Mage on P@treon! Your support means the world to us. Shoutout to you enjoy all the exclusive perks that come with it!

---

Drop Some power stones! If you like the chapter! It helps to keep me motivated to upload more!💎💎💎

---

Roja looked at Kizaru, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Time seemed to freeze for a moment.

After what felt like an eternity, Roja finally broke the silence, smiling at Kizaru. "Alright, as you wish."

Kizaru raised an eyebrow, his usual carefree demeanor hiding a trace of unease. "Roja, you do realize this is a competition between subordinates, yes?"

Sengoku chimed in, his tone firm. "He's right, Roja. You need to think this through carefully."

Roja's calm gaze met Sengoku's. "I never do anything without preparation."

Kizaru's unease deepened at Roja's unwavering confidence. Before Kizaru could press further, Roja glanced at him and added, "Admiral Kizaru, I propose we hold this competition in a month. Surely, that's acceptable?"

Roja's last words were directed at Sengoku.

Sengoku nodded. "A month? That's fine."

Kizaru opened his mouth to protest but stopped when he saw Roja's piercing gaze. Finally, he relented with a drawn-out sigh. "Oh la la~ Since Admiral White Dove insists, see you in a month!"

With that, Kizaru vanished from Sengoku's office in a flash of light.

Sengoku turned to Roja, his brow furrowed. "Are you sure about this?"

Roja smirked. "Consider it training for them."

"But Roja," Sengoku pressed, "you don't have many subordinates at your disposal. Ain is your strongest option, and Kalifa is away on special training. You're effectively down to one combatant!"

"Don't worry, Fleet Admiral Sengoku," Roja said confidently. "I never do anything without preparation."

With that, Roja left the office, leaving Sengoku shaking his head. Despite his reservations, Sengoku couldn't help but admire Roja's poise.

News of the upcoming competition spread like wildfire across Marineford.

When Roja returned to his quarters, Ain and Stella were already waiting.

"Ain," Roja greeted her, "done with today's training?"

"Yes, Lord Roja," Ain replied, giving a crisp salute. "But I've already heard..."

Roja held up a hand to stop her. "I was just about to tell you myself."

He sat down, addressing both Ain and Stella. "You've likely heard about the competition between Kizaru and me."

Ain nodded vigorously. "We'll give it everything we've got, Lord Roja!"

"I know you will," Roja replied, his tone softening. "You're both my trusted confidants. That's why I've decided to push you harder this month. It's time for both of you to grow stronger."

Ain looked puzzled. "But Lord Roja, isn't the competition supposed to be three against three? With Stella and me, we're still short one person."

Before Roja could respond, a knock sounded at the door. Roja snapped his fingers, and a phantom appeared, opening the door before disappearing into thin air.

Standing at the entrance was a woman with long, light pink hair.

"Lord Roja, let Hina join as your third member," she said confidently as she stepped inside.

Hina's sudden offer didn't surprise Roja. He smiled faintly.

"Your initiative is commendable, Hina, but I already have someone in mind for the third position."

Hina's face flushed crimson. "Ah... I see. Then, um, just pretend I wasn't here."

She turned quickly, embarrassed, but Roja called after her. "Wait, Hina. It's almost time for dinner. Why not stay and eat before you leave?"

Hina hesitated, then nodded. "Alright, Lord Roja. Thank you."

During dinner, Hina, unable to suppress her curiosity, asked, "Lord Roja, may I ask who you plan to recruit as the third member?"

Roja took a sip of soup before answering. "A woman highly skilled in swordsmanship."

The room fell silent as Ain, Stella, and Hina tried to deduce who Roja might be referring to. Yet no name came to mind.

The next afternoon, during the Marines' midday break, Roja made his way to the Vice Admiral residential quarters.

Standing before one of the doors, he knocked lightly.

The door opened to reveal a regal figure—a woman with long hair and a sharp gaze.

"Admiral White Dove," said Gion, also known as Pink Rabbit, "what an unexpected visitor."

Roja smiled warmly. "I've been meaning to visit you for some time, but my duties have kept me occupied. I hope you'll forgive my tardiness."

Gion arched an eyebrow. "Does this visit have anything to do with your upcoming competition with Kizaru?"

"Partially," Roja admitted.

Gion crossed her arms. "If that's the case, then I'm sorry to disappoint you. I won't be taking sides. You may leave now."

Despite her curt response, Roja's smile didn't falter. His calmness seemed unshakable.

"Gion," Roja said softly, emphasizing her title, "are you sure you won't reconsider my offer?"

His tone and choice of words caught Gion's attention. She hesitated for a moment, her curiosity clearly piqued...

---

For early access to advanced chapters visit my P@treon:

P@treon/ Nyxal

Thank you so much for your support and for reading!