SIX PATH SAGE OF THE ROCKS PIRATES

The Rocks Pirates were notorious for their ruthlessness and ambition, a crew where only the strongest could survive. If you lacked the strength, joining this pirate group was a death sentence. It was survival of the fittest, where betrayal and infighting were common.

But Kaito, with his formidable abilities, didn't have to worry about his safety. His strength was on par with the best of them—so much so that only the top cadres of the Rocks Pirates could pose a real threat to him.

"I see," Kaito nodded, his expression calm yet intrigued.

Rocks D. Xebec, the legendary captain of the crew, leaned in close, speaking in a voice only Kaito could hear.

"Come to the bow at night. I have something to tell you."

"Hmm?" Kaito blinked, momentarily startled. He opened his mouth to question Rocks, but the captain had already turned and walked away, leaving Kaito standing there in confusion.

What could Rocks possibly want to discuss in secret? Kaito had just joined the crew today. Was there a hidden motive behind this meeting? If Rocks had something to say, why not make it clear now instead of waiting until nightfall?

The questions lingered in Kaito's mind, but he knew the answers would only come when he met Rocks at the bow later.

"Jihahahaha! Congratulations, Kaito! You're now an official member of the Rocks Pirates!"

The familiar laughter of the Golden Lion, Shiki, interrupted his thoughts. Shiki approached Kaito with a wide grin, as if Kaito's induction into the crew brought him more joy than it did Kaito himself.

"You're… awfully cheerful about this, Shiki. Don't tell me there's some hidden benefit to joining the Rocks Pirates?" Kaito asked, raising an eyebrow.

Though Kaito had seen Shiki's exploits in the original timeline, this was his first time meeting the infamous swordsman in person. Despite their lack of history, Shiki spoke to him with a familiarity that felt oddly natural.

"Jihahaha! I just like dealing with smart people," Shiki replied, his golden mane of hair swaying as he gestured dramatically. "Be my subordinate, Kaito! You know as well as I do that without proper guidance, swordsmanship can take many wrong turns. My mastery of the blade is far beyond yours, but with my mentorship, you'll rise to heights you can't imagine!"

Kaito narrowed his eyes. He understood Shiki's intentions clearly. While Shiki was a prominent cadre of the Rocks Pirates, the crew's infamous reputation was built on selfishness and ambition. Every member had their own agenda, and loyalty to Rocks D. Xebec was tenuous at best.

Shiki's proposition was no different. The Golden Lion saw potential in Kaito's swordsmanship—a raw talent that had even managed to wound him in their earlier confrontation. Kaito's skills were a rare find, and Shiki saw an opportunity to groom Kaito into a powerful ally who could help him achieve his personal goal of ruling the seas.

Shiki leaned in closer, his grin widening. "With my guidance, you'll surpass your current limits. And together, we'll forge a path to domination—without needing Rocks or anyone else."

Kaito remained silent, his thoughts racing. He had seen through Shiki's motivations, but that didn't mean he could dismiss the offer outright. On this ship, strength was the only currency that mattered. If he wanted to carve his own destiny, he had to play the game carefully.

For now, though, his priority was the mysterious meeting with Rocks. Whatever the captain had to say might hold the key to his future on this chaotic and dangerous crew.

Kaito's eyes widened slightly at Golden Lion Shiki's sudden remarks. It was only his first day aboard the Beast King, and yet Shiki's words were far beyond what Kaito had anticipated.

"To think you'd bring this up so soon, Mr. Shiki," Kaito said, his bright, curious eyes locking onto Shiki's piercing gaze.

Shiki smirked, his infamous golden mane catching the sunlight. "I don't beat around the bush. You've got something special, kid. You've got potential. You've got fire. So, what do you say? Want to be under my wing? I'll make you invincible."

Kaito hesitated. The offer was tempting. After all, Shiki wasn't just any pirate—he was a living legend, a swordsman capable of slicing through entire islands with his Oto no Tachi. The opportunity to learn from someone of his caliber wasn't something to dismiss lightly.

But Kaito wasn't an ordinary person. The system he possessed was a secret weapon, capable of granting him strength that could transcend not just this world but any world. Shiki's guidance, as invaluable as it was, paled in comparison.

"Thank you, Mr. Shiki, but I'll have to decline," Kaito said firmly, his tone polite yet unwavering.

Shiki's grin widened, a glint of amusement sparking in his eyes. "Jihahaha! Bold. I like that. But don't think I'll give up so easily. Someone like you… you're a gem waiting to be polished, and I'm the man to do it!"

Before Kaito could respond, another voice cut through the tension.

"Hey, Shiki, you're embarrassing yourself," came a sharp, almost sing-song tone. Turning, Kaito saw none other than Charlotte Linlin—Big Mom in her younger, more fearsome days. She sauntered over, a smug grin plastered across her face.

"Back off, Linlin. He's mine," Shiki growled, folding his arms.

Linlin ignored him, her attention fixed on Kaito. "Listen, kid. The name's Charlotte Linlin. Remember it, because one day, I'll be queen of the seas. What do you say? Want to follow me instead of this washed-up fool?"

Kaito blinked, caught off guard. He wasn't used to this kind of attention, let alone from two of the most dangerous pirates in the world. His gaze flicked between Shiki and Linlin, their rivalry simmering like an active volcano.

"Uh… I appreciate the offers, really, but I'm here to follow Captain Rocks," Kaito said carefully, dropping the name of the Rocks D. Xebec. It wasn't just a strategic move—it was the truth. Rocks had goals far beyond ruling the seas. His ambition stretched to world domination, a scope that dwarfed the petty squabbles of Shiki and Linlin.

Shiki snorted, leaning casually against the railing. "Told you, Linlin. He's not interested in you either."

"Shut up, Shiki," Linlin snapped, her temper flaring.

Before their argument could escalate, a trembling crew member approached cautiously. "C-Captains… Captain Rocks has asked me to escort Lord Kaito to his quarters."

Both Shiki and Linlin paused, their gazes shifting toward the towering figure of Rocks D. Xebec in the distance. With an aura of dominance that seemed to warp the air around him, Rocks was clearly in a league of his own.

"Hmph. Guess this isn't over," Shiki muttered, stepping aside.

Linlin, however, shot Kaito one last grin. "We'll see, kid. You might change your mind."

As Kaito followed the crew member, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly. He had a feeling that this was just the beginning of a much bigger adventure—and far more chaos.