SIX PATH SAGE OF THE ROCKS PIRATES

The tension on the deck was palpable as cadres of the Rocks Pirates gathered, their imposing presence filling the air. Even Rocks himself stood at the helm, his piercing gaze locking onto Silver Axe, who had stepped forward with bold determination.

"Silver Axe," Rocks began, his voice carrying the weight of a man who commanded the strongest crew in the world. "Do you truly wish to rise as one of the main cadres? If so, the path is simple: defeat one of the strongest among us. Shiki, Edward, Linlin—choose your opponent. Fight them to a stalemate, and you will earn your place as a main cadre of this ship."

At Rocks Pirates, hierarchy was everything. Cadres were ranked, and only a select few could be called main cadres—second only to Rocks himself. These elite individuals, such as Edward Newgate (Whitebeard), Charlotte Linlin (Big Mom), and Shiki the Golden Lion, were renowned across the seas. They enjoyed twice the spoils of ordinary cadres and wielded influence unmatched by most.

Silver Axe was a formidable fighter among the ordinary cadres, but he had yet to step into the ranks of the elite. Today, however, he sought to change that.

"Jihahaha! Silver Axe, save yourself the embarrassment!" Shiki jeered, perched on the guardrail with his ever-present grin. "You think you're ready to challenge the likes of us? Dream on."

Linlin chuckled, her voice laced with a mixture of menace and amusement. "If you're looking for a fight, Silver Axe, I'd be happy to entertain you. But don't think for a second I'll hold back."

"Why bother with him, Captain Rocks?" Ochoku scoffed, leaning casually against the mast. "He won't last a second against any of us."

"Foolish," John added with a sneer. "You'll be dead before you even see the end of your first clash."

Despite the mockery, Silver Axe stood his ground, his eyes fixed on Rocks. "I request a duel with you, Captain. Test my strength yourself."

The murmurs among the crew grew louder, disbelief and laughter rippling through the deck. Even Linlin's usually calm expression shifted to one of surprise. Shiki burst into laughter. "You've got guts, Silver Axe, but guts won't keep you alive!"

Rocks, however, raised a hand to silence the crowd. A smirk played on his lips, though his eyes gleamed with cold authority. "Interesting. You'd rather face me than them? Do you understand what you're asking for? I won't go easy on you, Silver Axe."

"I understand," Silver Axe said firmly, his fists clenched. "But if I'm to stand at the top, I must prove my worth—directly to you."

The crew's jeers gave way to a tense silence. Whitebeard, who had been quiet all this time, finally spoke, his deep voice resonating. "You've got spirit, Silver Axe. But spirit alone won't carry you through this fight. Rocks… is a different kind of monster."

Rocks' smirk widened, his presence suffocating as he stepped forward. "Very well. If you can entertain me, I'll grant you the title of main cadre. But… prepare yourself. I will not hold back."

The deck seemed to tremble under the weight of Rocks' words. Silver Axe braced himself, knowing he was about to face a storm unlike any other. Rocks wasn't merely the captain of the strongest pirate crew; he was a man destined to shape the world—and to challenge him was to risk everything.

Rocks stood tall on the deck, his presence commanding absolute attention. The entire crew felt the weight of his aura as he surveyed them, his grin sharp and menacing. This wasn't just a fight—it was a declaration. Rocks wanted to remind every soul on the ship why he was the undisputed overlord of the seas.

"Certainly."

"Come on, Silver Axe," Rocks said, his grin widening, exuding an air of supreme confidence.

The crowd parted, creating a makeshift arena on the deck. The tension was thick, the whispers louder.

"He's really doing it," Kaito muttered, leaning against a mast with a bemused smile. "Silver Axe must have a death wish, challenging Rocks. Still… I can't say I'm not curious. It's been a while since I've seen the captain fight."

Others murmured in agreement.

"It's starting! A battle like this is a rare treat."

"Silver Axe wants to be a main cadre, huh? He's got guts, but guts won't save him from Rocks."

"Captain Rocks hasn't fought seriously in ages, but do you really think Silver Axe has a chance?"

"Chance? He's lucky if he doesn't get crushed!"

The murmurs faded as Rocks stepped forward, his hands clasped behind his back, exuding unshakable dominance. "Well? Are you going to make your move, Silver Axe, or do I have to come to you?" His voice was calm but carried a weight that made even the strongest shudder.

Silver Axe's gaze didn't falter. His grip tightened around his massive axe, the weapon shimmering as a thick layer of Armament Haki enveloped it. His eyes burned with determination.

"Here I come!" Silver Axe roared, his massive frame moving with surprising speed. The deck trembled under the force of his steps as he closed the distance between himself and Rocks.

In a flash, Silver Axe swung his weapon, a devastating overhead slash aimed to cleave Rocks in two. The air itself screamed under the force of the attack, the sheer power splitting the clouds above and sending a gale through the crew. It was an attack capable of leveling mountains and tearing apart islands.

But Rocks didn't flinch.

With a single hand, wrapped in an almost impenetrable coating of Armament Haki, he caught the axe mid-swing.

"SNAP!"

The sound of impact echoed like a thunderclap. The deck quaked, and the force of Silver Axe's blow dissipated in an instant. Rocks held the massive axe as if it were nothing more than a child's toy, his expression calm and unimpressed.

The crew collectively gasped.

"Impossible…" one whispered.

Silver Axe's eyes widened, disbelief flickering across his face. That strike had been his all-out attack, a blow designed to force Rocks to acknowledge his strength. Yet Rocks had stopped it with a single hand—effortlessly.

"You've grown stronger since last time," Rocks said coolly, his grip tightening on the axe. "But strength alone isn't enough to impress me, Silver Axe. You're still leagues away from the strength of a true main cadre."

Rocks flexed his arm slightly, sending Silver Axe flying backward with a flick of his wrist. Silver Axe tumbled across the deck, his massive frame crashing into the ship's railings with a resounding CRACK.

The crew erupted into murmurs again, the sound of awe and fear mixing in their voices.

"He stopped that with one hand!"

"This is the power of Captain Rocks… It's terrifying."

"Silver Axe didn't even stand a chance."

Rocks dusted his hand off as if swatting a fly. "If this is all you've got, you're not ready for the title of main cadre. Strength, ambition, and courage—you need all three. Come back when you're stronger, or don't come back at all."

The confrontation ended as quickly as it had begun, but the message was clear. Rocks was the undisputed king of the seas, and anyone who dared to challenge him needed to be prepared to face a true monster.

Silver Axe, bruised but not broken, struggled to his feet. His eyes, though shaken, still burned with determination. "I'll return stronger, Captain Rocks," he muttered under his breath.

Rocks gave a faint smirk, already turning away. "We'll see."

The crew erupted in laughter and applause, but one thing was certain: no one would forget the display of Rocks' power today.