SIX PATH SAGE OF THE ROCKS PIRATES

Brownie took a breath before answering. "We must escalate our operations in the New World. Surveillance on the Rocks Pirates must increase, and we need to find out if there are more like Kaito among their ranks. Immediate action is required before their strength becomes insurmountable."

The Elder with fluffy white hair nodded slightly. "Do what you must, Brownie. But remember, the Rocks Pirates are not just a threat to the Marines. If they continue to grow unchecked, they could challenge even us."

The Elder holding the First Generation Kitetsu added coldly, "Kaito must be eliminated before he reaches his full potential. Ensure this happens."

Brownie took a deep breath. "And that's not the worst of it. I suspect Kaito isn't the only one. The Rocks Pirates may have more recruits like him—young, talented, and full of potential. If that's true, and these individuals grow under Rocks' influence, we're looking at a force capable of challenging not just the Marines but the entire World Government."

The blond Elder's impatience faded, replaced by concern. "If there are more like Kaito, we can't let the Rocks Pirates continue to grow unchecked. This is no longer just a Marine issue. It's a global threat."

The scarred Elder nodded grimly. "We must take immediate action. Hunt down Rocks and his crew, prioritize eliminating Kaito, and identify any other promising recruits in their ranks. They cannot be allowed to mature into their full potential."

The Elders' decision was unanimous: the Rocks Pirates had to be stopped before they became unstoppable.

Meanwhile, aboard the Rocks Pirates' flagship, the atmosphere was eerily calm. The crew carried on as usual, blissfully unaware of the growing storm brewing against them.

A sudden flutter of wings broke the peace as a news coo delivered a stack of bounty posters, scattering them across the deck.

Ochoku bent down, picking up the posters. As he shuffled through them, his eyes narrowed when he spotted a familiar face.

"Kaito…?" he muttered, his voice tinged with surprise.

The poster depicted Kaito's stern expression, and below it, the bold lettering revealed his bounty:

"WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE – Kaito – 450,000,000 BERRIES."

The crew quickly gathered around Ochoku, murmuring among themselves.

"450 million berries? Already?" one pirate muttered in disbelief.

"He's only been with us a few days!" another exclaimed.

Golden Lion Shiki leaned against the ship's railing, a grin spreading across his face. "Jihahaha! The Marines aren't messing around. Looks like you've made quite the impression, Kaito."

Charlotte Linlin smirked, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Looks like our little recruit is already shaking things up."

From the shadows, Rocks D. Xebec watched silently, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Let them come," he muttered. "We'll see who's truly ready for the throne."

___________________________

This chapter is dedicated to Robert Jefferson.

Visit patreon.com/shirokendama to read up to 25+ chapters