Strength. Speed. Haki. Devil Fruit power. Physical durability…
Only when every one of these reaches the absolute summit can one dare to call himself an overlord.
"In strength, in speed, in Devil Fruit power—you have no chance."
The aura radiating from Rocks D. Xebec was terrifying.
Having been slammed into the ground, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn felt his vision spin. He struggled to rise—
but Rocks leapt onto him.
The size difference between them was like that of a housecat and a tiger.
Yet with a single downward step—
Saturn was forced flat once more.
"I've seen your future."
"You don't stand a chance."
Future Sight-level Observation Haki.
As he spoke, Rocks drove a punch into one of Saturn's spider-like legs.
The thick limb shattered instantly—
it didn't even last a tenth of a second.
Advanced Armament Haki—Ryuo.
Dark mist surged violently from Rocks' hand as the power of the Dark-Dark Fruit activated.
He grabbed Saturn.
In an instant—
the Gyūki traits vanished.
That was the terror of the Dark-Dark Fruit.
Saturn felt as if a hundred tons of seawater had been poured into his body. His connection to his Devil Fruit was severed completely.
His enormous form shrank back to normal.
Rocks seized him by the throat, lifting his somewhat heavyset body into the air.
Saturn couldn't muster even a trace of strength.
Crack.
Rocks tightened his grip.
A crisp snapping sound echoed—
Saturn's head lolled to one side.
His neck had been broken.
"The Five Elders? What a joke."
Rocks tossed Saturn's corpse aside disdainfully.
His gaze shifted to the treasure atop the platform. According to intelligence, there were several rare items worth taking.
Interest sparked in his eyes.
But the moment he stepped onto the platform—
Behind him—
Saturn's fading presence returned.
The corpse that had lain lifeless began to emit eerie black smoke.
His broken neck repaired itself at a visible speed.
The wounds across his body vanished after a few steady breaths.
Like a child discovering a new toy, Rocks crouched beside him, fascinated.
Saturn's breathing stabilized.
In seconds—
he would awaken.
"How interesting."
"An immortal body?"
"You were clearly dead… yet here you are again."
Murmuring to himself, Rocks grabbed one of Saturn's legs.
With a flick of his wrist—
he tore it clean off.
Saturn's unconscious face twitched instinctively in pain.
Rocks sat there, casually playing with the severed limb like a deranged experimenter.
Roughly ten breaths later—
Rocks watched without blinking as a brand-new leg regenerated.
Finally—
Saturn's eyes opened slowly.
"…What is…"
Freshly revived, Saturn's mind was foggy. He looked around in confusion.
Then he saw Rocks crouching at his feet.
"Jihahahaha! You're awake?"
"Congratulations—the operation was a success. You're now a beautiful young lady."
Rocks grinned wickedly.
"Ah?"
Saturn blinked blankly.
His thoughts were sluggish—
until he noticed the leg in Rocks' hand.
"That leg… looks familiar…"
Memories reconnected.
Saturn's pupils widened.
In a flash—
Saturn vanished.
He reappeared twenty meters away from Rocks.
"Damn you… Rocks…"
He ground his teeth.
His wariness had reached its peak.
The overlord of the New World lived up to his name.
Saturn possessed combat power on par with a Marine Admiral—
yet in that brief exchange, he had been killed without even the chance to retaliate.
Such strength—
could not be handled alone.
Had Rocks truly reached… that realm?
A bold thought surfaced in Saturn's mind—
only to be dismissed instantly.
Impossible.
Even that person had only barely reached such a level.
What right did Rocks have?
"Why'd you stop sleeping? Had enough rest?"
"You were just bragging about the World Government's eight-hundred-year foundation."
"In the time it took you to say that, I could've killed you three times."
Rocks showed no mercy with his words.
But it was the truth.
"Hmph. I admit—you are formidable. An astonishing man."
"Which is precisely why…"
"You will now witness the true power of the World Government."
Saturn tapped his cane against the ground.
Black lightning crackled through the air.
Beneath his feet, a black pentagram-like ritual circle slowly formed, radiating an ominous presence.
…
Elsewhere—
Two figures dashed through the forest at high speed.
They wore combat uniforms similar to the late Saint Batista.
Their Observation Haki was fully unleashed, searching relentlessly for their enemies.
"Where did those damned pirates go?"
"A bunch of brainless fools. If I catch them—"
These were two more members of the Holy Knights.
Their attire was luxurious, their bearing proud. One of them radiated an aura even stronger than Batista's had been—
though his arrogance was equally greater.
Mid-complaint—
the stronger of the two suddenly paled.
"Move!"
He shouted to his companion.
Though confused, instinct and battle-honed trust made the other man dodge left without hesitation.
The instant he moved—
A flash of cold steel split the air.
The ground where he had just stood was cleaved clean in two.
"Not bad reflexes."
Two towering figures emerged from the trees.
"Fourth and Fifth Division Commanders of the Rocks Pirates…"
"Captain John."
"Silver Axe."
PS : I've been consistently releasing chapters for many days now, and If you want to support my work and read the complete fic (soon all chapters will be added), you can check out
my P@treon. -> patreon.com/Sagamaster789
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 70 chapters ahead on P@treon → patreon.com/Sagamaster789