The towering trees surrounding them trembled as if affected by an invisible force. Their thick branches shuddered, and leaves scattered like falling embers. Deep, fresh gashes continuously appeared on the trunks, as though an unseen blade was carving through them.
From time to time, a severed branch tumbled to the ground.
"Is this also the temper of the blade?" Gliner asked, eyes fixed on the sword's unsettling aura.
"Yes," replied Shimotsuki Kozaburo, his expression calm yet intrigued. "Now we'll see if Caesar can truly tame it."
Caesar tightened his grip on the sword's hilt, his eyes sharp with determination. With a cold snort, he declared, "Hmph. This sword has a temper, but it won't dare be arrogant before me. My will cannot be consumed by a mere blade!"
Summoning his full strength, he wrestled with the weapon's rebellious energy, forcefully reclaiming the Haki it had absorbed. His powerful Haoshoku Haki (Conqueror's Haki) surged forth, overwhelming the sword's will and subjugating it completely.
The moment the blade was tamed, the chaotic energy affecting the surroundings dissipated. The once-turbulent weather over the island swiftly returned to normal.
"Congratulations!"
Kozaburo's eyes gleamed with excitement as he spoke. "A great blade with a master like you… I believe it will one day become a Supreme Grade sword."
"Perhaps even the strongest among them," he added, nodding in admiration.
Caesar, satisfied, examined the magnificent weapon in his grasp. The blade, a striking 1.5-meter length of deep purple-black steel, was adorned with intricate dark gold patterns. It radiated an aura of dominance—noble, untamed, and invincible.
As he felt its presence, a name surfaced in his mind.
"This sword… shall be called the Tyrant Blade."
Brad, unable to contain his excitement, urged, "Boss, let's see what it can really do!"
Hades, Gliner, and the rest of the crew shared the same anticipation. Especially those who had received weapons from Kozaburo—they had already experienced the power of his craft. But this sword… this was different. This was forged with serious intent.
The Tyrant Blade.
And the disturbance it had caused moments ago only fueled their curiosity about its true strength.
Even Caesar himself was eager to test its might.
Walking toward the shore, he faced the vast ocean.
"Then let the sea bear witness to its weight."
He gripped the hilt firmly. Both Busoshoku Haki (Armament Haki) and Haoshoku Haki infused into the blade. Then, with a single decisive motion, he swung it downward.
CLANG!
The sound of the slash echoed like the roar of a mythical beast. A massive surge of purple-gold Conqueror's Haki erupted, engulfing the surroundings in its domain.
Something remarkable occurred.
Within the Haki's range, slashes materialized from nothing—flying blades entwined with Conqueror's Haki, carrying a sharpness and authority far beyond what Caesar had wielded before.
A 360-degree onslaught.
Even his own crew was caught within its range.
Gliner and the stronger members tensed. They could handle it.
But Lily and the weaker crew members had no way to defend themselves.
Realizing the danger, the senior crew members rushed forward, intent on shielding them.
Caesar's heart lurched.
Yet—just as he panicked, something unprecedented happened.
The slashes, as if responding to his thoughts, veered away. They shifted at the last moment, grazing past his crew without harming them before striking the ground.
The earth beneath them was shredded, left pockmarked with deep gashes.
But compared to the devastation upon the sea—
That was nothing.
Caesar's main attack had been directed at the water.
The moment his blade met the ocean, a massive rift split the sea in two.
The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the deep, sending countless marine creatures into turmoil.
Then, as the ocean rushed to fill the void, the collision of forces sent colossal waves into the sky, creating an artificial downpour over the island.
"Unbelievable..." Gliner muttered, his pupils constricting in shock.
Brad, still in awe, blurted out, "If Boss had this sword earlier, he would've had the upper hand against Garp last time!"
[98] Ready to Start Again from the East Blue—A Familiar Yet Strange Boy
---
The following days were spent refining Caesar's control over the Tyrant Blade.
The sea was split more times than anyone could count.
Yakexi, ever the opportunist, took advantage of the carnage, collecting an absurd amount of fish that had perished in the chaos. The crew feasted on nothing but seafood for days—grilled fish, steamed fish, fried fish—until everyone begged Caesar to stop "terrorizing the ocean."
Meanwhile, Hades and the others dedicated themselves to training, engaging in fierce sparring sessions, using Gliner as their primary opponent. Their strength steadily climbed after six months of steady improvement.
Half a month later, Caesar had completely mastered the Tyrant Blade.
One midday, as training concluded, Caesar gathered the crew.
"We've been here long enough. It's time to set sail."
His words ignited excitement.
They had been stranded for nearly seven months since escaping the Navy's surveillance. Seven months without causing a stir—unthinkable for pirates.
And now, they were stronger.
Eager to make their mark on the world once more.
"Boss, where to first?"
"How about checking in on Garp? I kinda miss fighting him."
"I wonder if the Navy rookies have been training hard… I'd love to teach them a lesson!"
"Hahaha! They've probably been searching for us all this time. Imagine their faces when we suddenly reappear!"
Caesar smirked at their enthusiasm.
"We're starting over… from the East Blue."
His crew exchanged glances.
"A full journey across the world?"
"It makes sense. We've changed—we're stronger, more experienced. A new voyage is fitting."
"I want to see what's so special about the East Blue… after all, it birthed legends like Roger and Garp."
Kozaburo, who had been listening quietly, nodded.
"Then let's go. I should return to Shimotsuki Village to see the children."
Their course was set.
Brad then pointed at Caesar's blade and chuckled, "Boss… do you really have to carry the Tyrant Blade like that? It's a bit much."
Caesar knew what he meant.
Instead of strapping it to his back or waist, he let it float beside him using his mind's power. It hovered effortlessly, ever at the ready.
But a blade of this size—1.5 meters long—was cumbersome to carry traditionally.
And besides—
"Aren't we famous enough already?"
Caesar smirked.
"Whether pirate or Navy, everyone knows our flag. Another legendary blade won't change that."
"And if anyone dares challenge us…" He lifted the sword slightly, its edge gleaming ominously.
"They'll be cut down where they stand."
Brad had no response.
Indeed, their name was already feared.
---
The Caesar Pirates were ready to set sail once more.
Their first destination: Shimotsuki Village, East Blue.
After retrieving their ship, their new journey would begin.
And the world would once again tremble at their return.
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