Pirate: I have a Hollow living inside me!

It is worth mentioning that.

In order to break free from his "gluttonous" state, Rocks ate two more Devil Fruits—the Porcupine Fruit and the Target-Target Fruit.

The Porcupine Fruit enhanced Rocks' physical strength, while the Target-Target Fruit made Rocks' attacks more targeted and controllable.

Rocks is even stronger than he was in Dressrosa!

"Lord Rox!"

Just then, Leilia, who was in charge of cooking, trotted over and blinked her beautiful eyes at Lox: "Lunch is ready! Today I made your favorite dish!"

"..."

Nami stared at Lelia and slightly pursed her lips.

That despicable cat that steals fish!

Being a good cook isn't everything!

Lox nodded. "Thank you for your help, Leilia."

Leilia smiled and said, "You're welcome, it's what I should do!"

Rocks said to Nami and Robin, "Let's go eat first, and then we'll consider our next move."

With the Dressrosa matter resolved, it's time to consider the next steps.

Speaking of which...

Has the date for Hawkeye's "Kendo Showdown" not been set yet?

Rocks was getting impatient...

……

the next day.

Another piece of news has drawn the attention of the entire ocean—

The date for the "Swordsmanship Competition" established by the world's greatest swordsman, "Hawkeye" Mihawk, has been set!

We cordially invite renowned and powerful swordsmen from across the seas to come!

This is the battle for the title of "World's Greatest Swordsman"...

This newspaper quickly spread throughout the world, piquing the interest of many swordsmen...

After Hawkeye's "warm-up," Duanshan Island had already gathered quite a few swordsmen.

However, many more swordsmen are waiting for a specific time.

It's finally here!

Especially after the Dressrosa incident, news of a confirmed date emerged, and astute individuals had already begun to guess what was going on...

The real purpose of "Hawkeye" Jorracor Mihawk is probably for "Blackwing Demon" Rocks!

These two once fought a battle, a battle that ended in a draw!

This so-called "swordplay contest" must be a stage that Hawkeye deliberately set up for Blackwing Daemon, right?

The stage to compete for the title of "World's Greatest Swordsman"!

Undoubtedly, this battle for the title of "World's Greatest Swordsman" is also very eye-catching.

Even if many people can't participate, just watching the battle between these two powerful individuals up close is worth the trip!

This matter has attracted the attention of countless people...

……

Whitebeard Pirates territory.

On the sea.

The Moby Dick was moving slowly.

"Gurarara, if you want to go, let's go together, Vista!"

Whitebeard couldn't help but burst into laughter when he saw Vista, the "flower swordsman," so enthusiastic about the "swordplay contest."

"I happen to be interested in that Blackwing Demon kid too, so I'll go and meet him and talk about what his plans are for bearing that name!"

“I do want to participate in this ‘Kendo Competition’.”

Vista hesitated, then said, "But is it really possible? Dad, for my sake..."

"Gurala, you don't need to say these things among your companions!"

Whitebeard took a big gulp of wine and laughed, "Besides, it's not just you; Ace is also getting restless."

"If others are also interested in such a 'grand event,' then let's go and join in the fun!"

Because of Whitebeard's existence as the "strongest man," almost no one in the New World would provoke the Whitebeard Pirates.

Therefore, the daily life of the Whitebeard Pirates was actually quite boring.

Now that there's something interesting to see, many people want to go and see for themselves.

Such an opportunity and event is rare even in the New World!

"Yes, yes, Vista, what do you think I trained so hard for?"

Ace laughed and said, "I will not give up this opportunity now that I can surpass the Blackwing Demon one day!"

Ace's goal remains unchanged!

No matter how strong Rocks becomes, he will never give up the goal he set!

Upon hearing this, Marco raised an eyebrow at Ace and teased, "As expected of our Second Division Captain, do you still have the courage to target that monster, Blackwing Demon?"

Say something.

He did admire Ace to some extent.

Not only did he practice diligently, but his beliefs and willpower were also extraordinary.

The Blackwing Demon has now demonstrated a strength that has exceeded many people's expectations, firmly establishing himself as the "Emperor of the Sea."

Ace also possesses a will that surpasses that of his opponents, which is not something an ordinary person should have.

Ordinary people have long since fallen into despair...

Ace said firmly, "We have to give it a try!"

Marco gave a thumbs up!

Whitebeard chuckled and tapped Marco on the shoulder: "Gurarara, if you don't work harder, your position as captain of the First Division will become meaningless, Marco!"

Marco didn't seem to care, shrugging and saying, "Isn't it normal to be surpassed by a monster? Ace was a little monster too, it's normal that I wasn't his match..."

"You, you..."

Whitebeard, somewhat exasperated, could only shake his head helplessly: "Like a child who never grows up..."

Marco chuckled. "Heh heh, aren't we your children, Dad?"

Marco doesn't care about these things right now.

He used to have his father to support him, and even now that his father has stepped down, he still has Ace to support him, so he can still obediently be his second-in-command.

This is the life he longs for.

He doesn't like fighting with others; a peaceful, stable, and harmonious life is what he wants most!

"..."

Whitebeard took a sip of his drink, unsure of what to say.

However, that's just Marco's personality; he's easygoing and has no ambition to dominate...

Whitebeard didn't think much of it and said with a smile, "I remember that Broken Mountain Island is located near Shanks' territory, right? If we go there now, we can still make it in time."

"Then let's not waste any more time, men, turn the rudder and head towards Broken Mountain Island!"

"Oh oh oh!"

The Moby Dick began to change course, heading towards Broken Mountain Island, the site of the "Swordsmanship Showdown"...

……

The Grand Line.

somewhere.

Sky islands of varying sizes float in the sky.

Above the floating island, some powerful and ferocious beasts can be vaguely seen. These beasts are extremely violent and powerful, and they are exhibiting a survival-of-the-fittest ecosystem.

There is a palace on the sky island in the middle.

On the throne in the palace.

A man with long, blond hair like a lion's mane and a half-ship's rudder sticking out of his hair like a rooster's comb was reading a newspaper and intelligence reports...

"It really is 'Lox'!"

"Blackwing Demon Lord Locust, hehehe, what a long-lost name!"

"Anyone who dares to use this name these days? That's really... audacious!"

The blond man with the mane of a lion laughed loudly, his laughter shaking the entire palace!

He was once one of the three legendary pirates, the captain of the Flying Pirates, a crew on par with powerful figures like Roger, Whitebeard, and Shanks.

Shiki the Golden Lion!!

After escaping from Impel Down.

The golden lion then concealed its whereabouts.

He and his subordinates painstakingly researched a plant that could drive animals into a frenzy, cultivating a large number of ferocious beasts, intending to use these powerful beasts to take revenge on the Navy and the World Government!

Because it is located on a "sky island" and the island can be self-sufficient in resources, the Golden Lion is practically isolated from the world.

It wasn't until recently, when they encountered a storm and were forced to land in a certain sea area, that they learned about the recent turbulence at sea!

Among them, "Blackwing Demon" Lox was undoubtedly the one that intrigued the Golden Lion the most...