SIX PATH SAGE OF THE ROCKS PIRATES

"It's just a coincidence," Kaito said, spreading his hands and smiling faintly.

It truly was. Kaito hadn't known about the Marines in the back mountain. He had only come here to test his newly acquired Rasengan technique and a freshly purchased Grade Two Sword.

It was sheer happenstance that he had stumbled upon Garp and his group.

"Hahaha… You're full of surprises, Kaito," Rocks D. Xebec said, his eyes gleaming as he studied Kaito carefully. "Your strength has grown significantly in just a few days."

Rocks' mastery of Advanced Observation Haki allowed him to sense the full extent of Kaito's progress. The Kaito standing before him now was leagues stronger than when he first joined the crew.

The sight of Kaito's rapid improvement pleased Rocks greatly. For him, the growth of any member was directly tied to the strength of the Rocks Pirates as a whole. Kaito's potential was immense, and Rocks could already envision a future where this young man would help him achieve his ultimate goal—world domination.

"It's all thanks to your leadership, Captain," Kaito replied humbly, his smile modest but confident.

Rocks nodded, crossing his arms. "You know how things work here, Kaito. Strength is everything on this ship. It determines your status and your survival."

His gaze sharpened as he continued. "Your recent performance puts you close to the level of a cadre. Keep pushing forward, and I won't hesitate to promote you when the time comes."

While the scale of the battle in the back mountain suggested a cadre-level combatant, Rocks couldn't promote Kaito without firsthand confirmation of his strength. The Rocks Pirates valued tangible results, and a cadre's role required absolute dominance.

"I understand, Captain. I'll do my best to prove myself," Kaito said with a respectful bow.

Rocks turned to address the group. "Now, it's time to leave. Our location has been exposed, and the Marines will send reinforcements soon."

Though Rocks was confident in his crew's strength, he saw no benefit in engaging the Marines further. A protracted battle would only drain resources and weaken his crew.

"We leave now. This island is no longer worth the risk," Rocks commanded, and the pirates began to prepare for their departure.

---

Meanwhile, on the Marine Side

Having escaped the battlefield, Garp, Sengoku, Zephyr, and Crane regrouped. Ensuring no pursuit from the Rocks Pirates, they immediately contacted Vice Admiral Kong using a Den Den Mushi.

"We've encountered Rocks' crew, and there's urgent intelligence to report," Sengoku said firmly.

Hearing the details, Kong wasted no time. He relayed the information to Marine Marshal Brownie, who ordered a high-priority meeting with the World Government's Five Elders.

The Holy Land Mariejois

Atop the Red Line, the Holy Land Mariejois' highest meeting chamber convened. The Five Elders, representing the World Government's ultimate authority, sat in silence as Marine leaders arrived one by one.

The Naval Headquarters' Marshal Brownie began, his voice stern. "We've received critical intelligence regarding the Rocks Pirates from New World operations. Kong and I will brief the Five Elders directly. Prepare to act accordingly."

The assembled Marines and government officials knew the gravity of the situation. A meeting of this magnitude was rare and signaled that the Rocks Pirates' threat was escalating to unprecedented levels.

Back at the Rocks Pirates

As the Rocks Pirates prepared to leave, Kaito remained seated, watching the activity around him. His mind drifted back to his clash with Garp and the overwhelming power of his newly mastered Rasengan.

Though he had won, the battle had revealed just how much further he had to grow. Garp was young but already one of the Marines' most promising stars. Kaito knew that future encounters with Marines of his caliber—or stronger—were inevitable.

From a distance, Golden Lion Shiki grinned as he observed Kaito. "You've got potential, kid. Let's see how far you'll go in this crazy crew."

"Potential?" Linlin scoffed. "If he keeps growing like this, he'll be a monster even Rocks might have to watch out for."

Rocks overheard the exchange and smirked. "Let him grow. That's exactly what I want."

As the Rocks Pirates sailed away, the stage was set for a clash of titans—one that would change the course of history.

---

The Meeting Begins

The highest conference room in Mariejois was filled with tension. High-ranking officials of the World Government and the Marine's top brass sat around the table, their expressions ranging from concern to outright anger.

Vice Admiral Kong stood at the center, his demeanor somber. He began the briefing.

"The Rocks Pirates were confirmed to have appeared in a country within the New World. We dispatched Garp, Sengoku, Zephyr, and myself to investigate and gather intelligence. However…" Kong paused, his voice heavy, "…an incident occurred."

The room fell silent for a moment before one of the senior World Government officials slammed the table and stood up.

"What the hell is wrong with you Marines?!" he shouted. "Why would you assign such a dangerous mission to the Four Stars of the Marines? Don't you realize these people represent the future of your Navy—and the face of the World Government?"

Another high-ranking official chimed in. "Garp, Sengoku, Zephyr—they're not just promising recruits. They're a symbol of both Marine and World Government pride. If something happens to them, who will bear the responsibility?"

The Marine Four Stars, an elite group of rising talents personally selected by the Navy, were viewed as the next generation of leadership. Among them, Garp stood out even more, garnering attention from both Marine Headquarters and the World Government.

"Kong," Admiral Zhen, one of the Marine's highest-ranking officers, spoke up. "What exactly happened? Are you saying they were ambushed by Rocks' cadres?"

Zhen's voice grew more serious. "If all four were surrounded and killed, the Marines would lose an entire generation of elite combat power in one stroke."

The room filled with murmurs of agreement. Losing the Four Stars in such a manner would cripple the Navy's future.

Kong sighed deeply. "No, they are alive. Garp was severely injured during an encounter but is currently receiving treatment and out of danger. Sengoku, Zephyr, and Crane managed to retreat safely."

The tension in the room eased slightly at his words.

Admiral Zhen let out a relieved sigh. "So, this meeting was convened because Garp was defeated? I assumed the Rocks Pirates had launched a large-scale ambush."

For a moment, the severity of the meeting seemed unwarranted.

"It's not unusual for Garp to be injured. He's talented but still developing. If he encountered a cadre from the Rocks Pirates, losing the fight isn't unexpected," Zhen added.

Kong's expression grew even grimmer as he spoke. "The focus of this meeting is not simply that Garp was defeated—but who defeated him."

The room fell silent.

"What do you mean?" one of the senior officials asked, leaning forward. "Isn't it a typical loss against a cadre?"

Kong shook his head. "It wasn't one of the Rocks Pirates' established cadres. It was a young pirate… by the name of Kaito."

The name drew confused expressions from the room.

"Kaito?" Admiral Zhen frowned. "Who's that? I've never heard of him among the known members of Rocks' crew."

Kong continued. "Kaito is a relatively new recruit to the Rocks Pirates. He's not even considered a cadre. His bounty is only 100 million berries."

The room erupted in disbelief.

"What?! Are you telling me that Garp, one of the Marine Four Stars, was defeated by a 100-million-berry rookie?"

"That can't be right. Garp has taken down pirates with bounties far higher than that!"

The murmurs grew louder, disbelief turning to outrage.

"I understand your reaction," Kong said firmly, silencing the room. "But the facts are clear. Kaito's strength far surpasses what his bounty suggests. During the encounter, Garp fought him one-on-one and was completely overwhelmed."

He paused, his voice growing more severe. "The scale of the destruction Kaito caused during the battle was nothing short of cadre-level. If he's allowed to grow within the Rocks Pirates, he could surpass their current leaders. He is a threat far greater than we've anticipated."

The senior officials turned to the Five Elders, who remained seated at the head of the room, their expressions unreadable.

Finally, one of the Elders spoke, his voice calm but firm. "If what you say is true, then Kaito represents not just a threat to the Marines but to the balance of power in the world."

Another Elder nodded. "The Rocks Pirates are already a destabilizing force. A recruit like Kaito could push them to new heights."

"What are the Marines planning to do about this?" one of the Elders asked, their gaze fixed on Kong.

Kong straightened his posture. "We will conduct a full investigation into Kaito's capabilities and origins. Additionally, I recommend we increase surveillance on the Rocks Pirates' activities and fortify our presence in the New World."

The Elders exchanged glances before one of them spoke. "Do what you must. But ensure that this Kaito does not reach his full potential. He must be stopped before he becomes a threat greater than even Rocks himself."

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