Regina reminded Caesar, "Be sure to keep these blueprints safe. This is extremely important."
"Yes. If these blueprints are lost, no one will ever be able to design the Ark Maxim again," Caesar nodded, carefully securing them.
With the Goro Goro no Mi (Rumble-Rumble Fruit) and the Ark Maxim blueprints in his possession, Caesar's purpose on Birka was considered fully accomplished.
The crew had spent ample time exploring Skypiea, enjoying themselves and acquiring valuable materials and unique resources. There was little reason to stay any longer.
"Alright, we've accomplished everything we came here for. Everything went perfectly, and everyone had a great time. Now, it's time to leave."
Caesar's words were met with reluctant nods. While they had thoroughly enjoyed their time, they knew it was time to move on.
The ship set sail once again.
Previously, they had arrived in Skypiea via the Knock Up Stream, but leaving was an entirely different challenge. Without a natural descent route, Caesar relied on his mental power to envelop the ship, allowing them to safely pass through the White Sea and White-White Sea before free-falling toward the Blue Sea (Qinghai).
The return to the Blue Sea's familiar atmosphere was a relief. Unlike the high-altitude White Sea, the oxygen levels, pressure, and overall environment were far more comfortable.
However, having dropped straight from the sky, they had no idea of their current location. The only option was to pick a direction and sail until they found an island.
A week into their voyage, Arnold, the lookout, suddenly shouted, "Pirate ship spotted!"
His call immediately drew everyone's attention. The crew rushed to the deck, binoculars in hand, scanning the horizon.
A pirate ship with a Jolly Roger was approaching.
As they observed, the opposing crew also took notice of them.
"They're heading straight for us?" Lily blinked in surprise.
"I think they have a death wish," Hades sneered. The Caesar Pirates had a reputation—no pirate had dared challenge them before.
Soon, the two ships drew dangerously close.
Suddenly, two puffs of black smoke erupted from the bow of the enemy ship, followed by the loud boom of cannon fire.
Arnold reacted instantly, firing two precise shots that detonated the incoming cannonballs mid-air.
Now within close combat range, the enemy flag became clear.
"It's the Twin Swords Pirates," Regina recognized.
"Their captain, Brett, has a bounty of 130 million. He's skilled in Armament and Observation Haki and is a formidable swordsman," she continued.
"Their vice-captain, Borg, has a 90-million bounty. He's also a skilled swordsman, and his signature move is the 'Vortex Baptism.'"
While Wei Na read the latest newspaper, she coincidentally stumbled upon an article about the Caesar Pirates.
"Well, since fate brought us together, let's eliminate them," Hades said eagerly.
But before he could act, Caesar intervened.
"Gnali, Brad, Hades, and Yaxi—sit this one out. Let the others handle it for practice."
The four had no objections.
As the ships clashed, a boarding battle erupted.
Lily, Wei Na, Regina, Arnold, and Eli—known as "Caesar's Vanguard"—stormed the enemy deck.
A fierce battle ensued.
The Twin Swords Pirates were no weaklings, but the Caesar Five held the upper hand, with Arnold providing expert sniper cover.
Wei Na engaged Brett, the captain, while Eli faced off against Borg.
Ordinarily, Borg, as the second-in-command, would have fought Lily or Regina, but Eli insisted—wanting to push the limits of his Self-Healing Fruit ability.
The chaotic melee raged on, but gradually, the Caesar Pirates gained the advantage.
Eventually, the Twin Swords Pirates were wiped out.
Arnold and the others suffered minor injuries, but Eli took the most damage—as always. Ever since obtaining the Self-Healing Fruit, he recklessly threw himself into fights, confident in his ability to recover.
After looting the enemy ship, the Caesar Pirates continued their journey.
Days later, land appeared on the horizon.
Excitement filled the crew.
As they approached, a colossal tree came into view—a legendary tree towering over the island.
[125] The Treasure Tree Adam – A New Bounty Increase!
Their ship closed in, revealing a bustling island with ships constantly arriving and departing.
"This island seems lively," Yakesi grinned. "A perfect place to stock up on supplies."
Though they had gathered provisions on Skypiea, each region had its own unique delicacies—an opportunity Yakesi wouldn't pass up.
"Caesar, how do you always find such fascinating islands?" Wei Na teased.
"It's pure luck," Caesar shrugged with a grin.
As they neared the shore, the islanders noticed their Jolly Roger, and a wave of panic spread among the crowd.
"Look! It's the Caesar Pirates!"
"Why are they here? Didn't they just clash with the Marines?"
"I heard they fought against the Marines, and even Fleet Admiral Sengoku personally led the charge!"
"Not a single crew member was lost, and they still escaped!"
"They're unbelievably strong! Avoid provoking them at all costs!"
Murmurs and hushed warnings spread across the island.
As the Caesar Pirates docked and prepared to disembark, they were met with a mix of fear and curiosity from the locals.
Caesar, unfazed, led the way.
"Let's see what this island has to offer," he said.
On the bustling shore, Gnali casually stopped an old fisherman.
"Hey, old man. What's this place called?"
The fisherman hesitated before responding cautiously, "This is the Island of Treasure Trees."
"So, this is it, huh?" Lily's eyes gleamed as she gazed at the towering tree.
"You know this place?" Regina asked.
"Of course! I'm a navigator!" Lily smirked.
"This world has a few legendary trees called Adam—trees that have survived centuries of war and cannon fire."
She pointed at the enormous trunk in the distance.
"And that tree over there is one of them."
The crew marveled at the towering Treasure Tree Adam—one of the rarest and most coveted materials in shipbuilding history.
Famed for its indestructible quality, ships made from Treasure Tree Adam were considered the strongest in the world.
For many shipwrights, obtaining this wood was a lifelong dream.
But Caesar? He simply shrugged.
"No matter how legendary it is, it's still just wood."
For him, strength lay not in materials, but in the will of the one who wielded them.
Subscribe to Patreon.com/Akeyno to get 30+ chapters