Body Enhancement Attributes:
Name: Sir Crocodile (Rosen)
Abilities:
Suna Suna no Mi (Sand-Sand Fruit) awakening imminent – Advanced (Proficiency: 1061/2000)
Martial Arts: Intermediate (Proficiency: 980/1000)
Haki:
Conqueror's Haki: Intermediate (Proficiency: 440/1000)
Armament Haki: (Proficiency: 280/300)
Observation Haki: (Proficiency: 160/300)
Swordsmanship: Intermediate (Proficiency: 480/1000)
Enhancement Count: 9
Effects: Defense ×8, Speed ×6, Vitality ×6, Strength ×4, Experience Pack ×1
Next Enhancement Requirement: Defeat a foe with a bounty over 1 billion berries (Speed ×6)
Random Reset Task: Defeat a foe with a bounty over 400 million berries (Defense ×4)
Additional Devil Fruit Capacity Mission: Progress 3/5 (Zhu Zhu no Mi...)
Note: For safe activation, defense should be at least ×8. Transfer is optional.
"Even though my strength has increased significantly after enhancement, my martial arts still haven't quite reached the advanced level. And the higher it gets, the harder it is to raise proficiency—but progress is still progress," Rosen thought to himself while speaking with Robin.
He had taken a moment to review his attributes. After defeating Enel, his strength had once again improved, and he was only a step away from reaching 1000 in martial arts proficiency.
Though leveling up was getting harder, he was confident that with more training and combat, he could push through—even without completing a mission.
As long as two of his abilities reached the advanced tier, Rosen believed he could face Kizaru without falling behind again. He might no longer be completely overwhelmed. With Hathaway at his side, the two of them could achieve what previously required three people.
That is, if Rosen improved his martial arts quickly. Completing just one of the two tasks would likely elevate him into full Admiral-level combat strength.
At that point, unless he was targeted by the top brass of the World Government, he could move more freely across the seas.
"Let's spar," Hathaway said, noticing the subtle change in Rosen's aura. She had been eager for a fight but ended up watching from the sidelines. After the battle, she sensed his presence had become more solid—just as she expected, fighting was crucial for getting stronger.
"Not the best timing now, is it?" Rosen was also tempted. He wanted to see just how strong Hathaway really was, though her power sometimes felt unpredictable.
"Then let's spar after everything is settled," she said, glancing toward Robin, who was still in talks with the Shandians and Gan Fall.
As time passed, more and more people began to gather. Skypieans had arrived—members of the guard and even some bold civilians.
The Shandian chief had also shown up. He hadn't planned to come, but after Rosen exposed the location of their village, he had no reason to stay in hiding.
"Sure," Rosen replied casually.
"Boss," Robin said, "based on what we've gathered, the Skypieans don't feel a particularly strong connection to Upper Yard. They value it mainly for its resources—especially the rare soil. The Shandians, however, seem to be fulfilling a centuries-old vow. That means, if the two tribes could set aside their hatred, coexistence might be possible."
"What do you think we should do?" Rosen asked.
"Forcibly integrate them," Robin said after a pause.
Rosen was surprised. Was she encouraging him to use force?
"That'll only cause problems later," he frowned.
"Yes," Robin agreed, "but not immediately. There are two reasons. First, you just defeated Enel. His attempt to destroy Skypiea is now widely known. From many perspectives, you're their savior. Not everyone will appreciate that right away, but in time, most people will come around.
"Second, your ability is sand—something extremely rare and valuable on Sky Island. That gives you an inherent advantage. In fact, it wouldn't be unreasonable to say Upper Yard belongs to you, since you can control the land itself. That alone makes you more convincing as a ruler."
Rosen paused. That… actually made sense. If many people revered the precious earth, then someone who could control it would, essentially, be a god—a literal and rightful one.
"So, if both tribe leaders agree, you can govern Sky Island. The real question is whether under your leadership, the Sky Islanders can feel happiness instead of fear. If your new order takes hold, then opposition will naturally fade. This is one of the ways we test whether our vision can work."
Robin's point was clear. Rosen understood that the key lay in the upcoming conversation with the Shandian chief and Gan Fall.
If they didn't agree, then the whole idea fell apart. Violent rule would only bring chaos, and it wouldn't help prove anything.
"I think it's doable," Hathaway said. She had been quietly listening the entire time. When she finally spoke, Rosen was reminded that she was an expert in this field. With her support, he had no reason to hesitate.
Once everything was laid out clearly, it was easier to decide where to start. Otherwise, a stranger from the Blue Sea suddenly trying to rule Sky Island would be completely unrealistic. Only with enough information could he even attempt it.
"Boss, the Shandian chief and the previous 'god' of Skypiea want to meet you," said Daz Bones as he approached.
"Bring them in," Rosen replied. His Dawn Pirates had taken full control of the sacred grounds. Their numbers were small, but in the eyes of Sky Islanders, they were more than formidable.
Soon after, Rosen—accompanied by Robin, Hathaway, and Daz Bones—began talks with the Shandian chief, key warriors like the battle demon, Gan Fall, and members of the Skypiean guard.
"No way! Why should some outsider be allowed to rule Upper Yard?" Wyper's response was as expected.
Both the Shandian chief and Gan Fall looked surprised. They had assumed this group of Blue Sea pirates would have some demands—after all, pirates were known to take what they wanted. The idea that they hadn't looted anything already was unexpected.
But trying to take Enel's place as ruler of the divine land? That, they wouldn't accept.
Still, they didn't lash out. If this man from the Blue Sea really wanted to take over—especially with everyone gathered here—he could wipe them out with ease. No one would be able to stop him.
But since he hadn't done that, it meant there was more to come.
(End of Chapter)