One Piece:Becoming the King of the World from the Rocks Era

The Roger Pirates fear only the World Government. Outside of that, no force, not even the Infinite Pirates or the Flying Pirates, makes them tremble. If they can't win, they are adept at retreating, a strategy they've employed before.

Roger's confidence inspired his crew, yet Rayleigh couldn't help but feel a bit exasperated. He was concerned about what would happen if the Flying Pirates engaged them next. With their flying ships and an army of over 200,000 pirates, even if Roger's crew could win, it would be a costly victory.

After battling the Infinite Pirates for half a month, Rayleigh wasn't eager for more conflict. Yet Roger seemed ready to fight again, leaving Rayleigh resigned to their captain's boldness.

Infinite Pirates:

"Husband, just as you predicted, the Flying Pirates have set watchers everywhere. The Roger Pirates won't easily escape their pursuit this time," Shakky reported after Roger left.

"It seems Shiki is eager to defeat the Roger Pirates," Li Yuan mused.

"Why is Shiki targeting the Roger Pirates? It doesn't seem beneficial. Even if he defeats them, they would never submit to the Flying Pirates," Shakky wondered, puzzled by Shiki's motives. 

"Perhaps Shiki once invited Roger to join forces to rule the world, and Roger refused, angering Shiki. Now, feeling confident, Shiki might believe he can forcefully subdue Roger's crew," Li Yuan speculated humorously.

Even Li Yuan wasn't sure why Shiki was pursuing a clash with the Roger Pirates, as in the original timeline, it was about ancient weapons, a secret known only to Shiki and Reinhardt.

"Regardless of the reason, do we need to intervene when the Flying Pirates and Roger Pirates clash?" Shakky asked.

"No need. Let them fight. We can sit back and watch," Li Yuan replied.

Marine Headquarters:

"Report, Fleet Admiral. The battle between the Roger Pirates and Infinite Pirates has ended without casualties. They even held a banquet together. Now, the Roger Pirates are at sea with the Flying Pirates tracking them," a communications officer reported.

"Understood. Inform Vice Admiral Garp not to leave his post in the New World and avoid pirate affairs. Our priority is recovery," Sengoku ordered.

The Navy was in dire straits, lacking admirals and with Garp stationed in the New World while Zephyr retired. The defeat had led to chaos, with pirates running rampant across the seas.

"We'll endure a few more years until the new generation of marines matures," Sengoku sighed, feeling the burden of leadership without strong support.

West Blue, Besk Island:

Zephyr led the current elite training camp on a mission. Among them was the future Admiral Kuzan and Munis, an undercover member of the Infinite Pirates. Although not as powerful as Kuzan, Munis was still a formidable talent.

"Listen up! Your mission is to eliminate the Spark Pirates. Neither I nor the instructors will assist you. If you die, it's due to your lack of strength. We might avenge you, but that's it," Zephyr commanded loudly.

No one backed down; their resolve was clear.

"Good. The Spark Pirates are on this island. Find and destroy them!" Zephyr ordered, confident that the trainees could handle the pirates.

"Hey, Munis, want to team up? Together, we might take down the Spark Pirates ourselves," Kuzan suggested, recognizing Munis's skills.

"I prefer not to. You're stronger, and the credit would go to you. If I find them first, I can claim the top spot," Munis replied, declining the offer as he dashed into the island.

"Munis is always so pragmatic. But I won't lose!" Kuzan muttered, lacking experience in finding targets, which is why he sought Munis's help.

Once alone, Munis searched not for pirates, but for a specific location.

"Found it!" He located a distinctive tree, punched it lightly, and retrieved a small box from the cavity containing a Devil Fruit.

Without hesitation, Munis ate it.

"Logia-type Steam Fruit!" Munis's lower body transformed into white steam, a gift prepared by Li Yuan, knowing Zephyr's training would bring Munis here.

Munis's talent was promising but insufficient to rise high in the Navy without an edge. The Steam Fruit, previously used by the late General Hamadi Fisher, would give him that edge.

"Now I've closed the gap with Kuzan. Someday, I'll surpass you, Kuzan!" Munis declared, unaware of Kuzan's full potential, making catching up a daunting task.

The Spark Pirates were soon located by trainees who wisely waited for backup before attacking. With Munis and Kuzan leading, they overwhelmed the pirates, though many were injured in the fierce battle.

Zephyr and instructors observed from a distance.

"When did Munis acquire a Devil Fruit, especially a Logia like Steam? Did he find and consume it during the mission?" an instructor wondered, noting Munis's steam form, a recent development.

"Logia Fruits are rare, and the Steam Fruit is powerful. Treat him like Kuzan, a future pillar of the Navy," Zephyr advised, impressed by Munis's initiative.

Munis's acquisition of the fruit during training was within Navy regulations, especially given his promising performance and mastery of basic Haki. Without Kuzan overshadowing him, Munis might have been the top trainee.

"Zephyr, Munis transferred from West Blue. Though his record is clean, his behavior isn't exemplary," an instructor noted.

"What behavior?" Zephyr inquired.

"Before joining headquarters, Munis was a major in West Blue's Karina Island. Although strong, he kept most pirate treasures for himself, frequenting casinos and brothels, tarnishing the Navy's image," the instructor explained.

Munis's bad habits developed after moving to West Blue but didn't detract from his focus on strength and rising in the Navy, which Li Yuan tolerated, seeing them as manageable flaws.

"Did he break any major rules, harm civilians, or damage Navy interests?" Zephyr asked.

"No," the instructor admitted.

"Then these habits aren't too bad. The Navy accepts those who uphold justice, fight pirates, and protect civilians," Zephyr stated, willing to overlook minor vices if Munis excelled.

Flying Pirates:

"Captain, the Roger Pirates' clash with the Infinite Pirates was just a sparring match. No casualties, and they've left Infinite territory," Reinhardt reported.

"Shahaha, finally, we've cornered the Roger Pirates. Order everyone to assemble. We'll crush them!" Shiki laughed, eager to seize the ancient weapon secrets from Roger and elevate the Flying Pirates above all, challenging even the World Government.

"Yes, Captain! Now is the perfect time, with the Navy crippled and other pirate crews unwilling to intervene," Reinhardt analyzed, readying the crew for battle.

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