One Piece: Fist of the World

"Rod, other warships are approaching."

The battles in both locations had concluded, and Neru spoke up to alert them.

In his perception, several warships were rapidly heading their way.

"Then let's retreat as well."

Holding a saw blade taller than himself, Rhode glanced at Barrow, who had never found an opportune moment to attack.

Having experienced a relatively exhilarating battle, he was no longer interested in opponents of this caliber.

"These two navy guys?"

Neru gestured towards Rhode.

Whether it was Drake, whom Neru had defeated, or Hina, whom Nia had knocked unconscious, they were both Devil Fruit users. With luck, they might be able to obtain two Devil Fruits.

"Forget it. They are among those in the navy who genuinely uphold justice. I don't harbor any hatred towards them. Moreover, they are also outstanding officers in the younger generation of the Navy. If we kill them, we will undoubtedly be pursued relentlessly by powerful figures within the navy."

"You're the captain, your decision is final."

Neru nodded, surveying the surrounding navy soldiers.

While they were fighting, the soldiers on the warships had already formed ranks at the port. Even the soldiers who had entered the town had returned to the port and surrounded them nervously, yet dared not act rashly.

Glancing at the apprehensive navy soldiers, Rhode smiled. Then, the three of them turned and walked towards the Polaris.

"Hahaha, I was just wondering how to persuade you to spare the life of that beautiful navy girl. Although she's an enemy, I admire her greatly."

Nia followed Rhode, laughing heartily.

"After all, I'm not a devil. I admire those who truly possess a heart of justice."

Watching the three figures swagger back to their pirate ship with their backs turned to him, Colonel Barrow gripped his weapon tightly, his face etched with internal conflict.

Lieutenant Commander Hina was defeated and unconscious; Colonel Drake was severely injured and unable to rise; Rear Admiral Bastille had even been knocked away by a single punch, his condition unknown.

Only he, who had sustained minor injuries, remained to command the remaining navy soldiers.

But, relying on himself alone, what could he possibly do now...?

"All soldiers!"

Clutching his weapon tightly, Colonel Barrow suddenly stood tall and shouted loudly.

The surrounding soldiers all turned their heads towards Colonel Barrow. Only Rhode and the other two continued walking directly to their pirate ship, their backs to the numerous navy personnel. Rhode still carried Rear Admiral Bastille's distinctive weapon slung over his shoulder.

Observing the complex expressions on the faces of the navy soldiers around him, Colonel Barrow released his grip on his weapon, letting it fall to the ground.

"Do your utmost to treat the wounded!"

Hearing the commander's order, the surrounding soldiers first let out a collective sigh of relief, followed by a wave of unspeakable shame washing over them.

Regardless, they had retreated in the face of pirates.

Leaping onto the ship, Rhode looked at the pirate flag that Penguin and Shachi had hoisted, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.

Unlike ordinary pirate flags, Rhode's flag didn't feature the common skull and crossbones. Instead, it displayed Neru's gun and Law's sword crossed to replace the bones, and above the crossed weapons was a massive fist, representing Rhode's ambition to rule the world with his fists.

"Crewmates! Set sail!"

"Aye!!"

With the loud responses of Bepo, Penguin, and Shachi, the sails on the ship were raised, and the logo of the Rhode Pirates was painted on them.

"I said, Why don't you guys shout along? The atmosphere isn't lively enough!"

"Tsk, don't make so many demands. We all have work to do."

Law leaned casually against the deck. He had just checked Gray's condition and administered an antidote. He should recover soon.

"Oh! So where should we head next, Captain?"

Neru said "Oh" perfunctorily, holding the rudder and a sea chart in his other hand.

"Oh!! Let's head to the Grand Line quickly!"

Nia raised her hands and shouted excitedly.

Delicious food, breathtaking scenery, diverse customs and practices, and thrilling adventures awaited her.

"That's right!"

Rhode reached out and high-fived Nia. After Penguin and Shachi secured the sail, they also rushed over, their faces beaming with anticipation.

"I heard there's a Fish-Man Island in the Grand Line! I want to see the mermaid princess!"

"I want to go to the Land of Women! I want to see the world's most beautiful woman – the Pirate Empress!"

"Hehehe, there should be a mother bear..."

Bepo also joined them, a blush creeping onto her face, and her eyes filled with longing.

"You're blushing way too early!"

"Superficial man."

Nia curled her lips in disdain and turned to look at Rhode.

"Captain, what about you!"

"The mermaid princess is quite cute, but she's too young now, so she should be considered a child. The Pirate Empress has a bad personality; I don't like her very much."

"Have you seen them with your own eyes, Boss Rhode?"

"No, I haven't."

"Then what you said is just speculation!"

"Sure enough, all men are the same. I misjudged you, Rhode."

"Your opinion of me changes really fast."

"That's right!"

"While you were fighting, I took some things from the navy's warships and piled them together with the things I moved back from the Donquixote Family in the lobby on the first floor. You might be interested."

Law, who had been napping on the deck, suddenly spoke.

"Yes! Our spoils!"

Several people exclaimed simultaneously, and then everyone exchanged excited glances.

···

"Is that all? This is from a Seven Warlords of the Sea affiliate."

After counting the treasures plundered from the Donquixote Family, Nia was filled with disappointment.

Excluding the food and drinks they had taken, there were only about 70 million Berries in cash, and even with the addition of the precious jewelry, the total was only around 110 million Berries.

"This is just a base in the North Blue. The collected treasures will be sent back to the headquarters in the New World regularly. It's already good to have this much."

After adjusting the ship's course, Neru also joined the happy treasure-checking session. Hearing Nia's complaints, he explained.

"Law, have you completely betrayed the family?"

Gladius, who had regained consciousness at some point, suddenly spoke.

His entire body was soaked in seawater, and he was utterly devoid of strength. Only his severed head, a result of Law's ability, rested on a wooden box on the other side. Because everyone had been engrossed in the joy of opening the treasure boxes, they hadn't even noticed he had woken up.

"What nonsense are you spouting? Isn't it obvious?"

Law glanced at Gladius. The good mood brought by the treasure discovery waned slightly, but the next moment, a smile returned to his face, though that smile looked rather menacing in Gladius's eyes.

"We still have the biggest prize to open!"

Hearing Law's words, everyone shifted their gaze from the treasure to Gladius's face, all wearing creepy smiles, and Bepo consciously placed a box of fruit next to Gladius's severed head.