One Piece: Fist of the World

Off the West Coast of Tiger Shark Island, on the Polaris:

"Damn it, they had the nerve to sell it at such a high price!"

Nia and Penguin finished stowing the purchased items in the warehouse. Recalling the inflated prices in the small town, Nia still simmered with discontent.

"Don't worry about it now. We still have enough money anyway," Law replied, not looking up from the comic book he was reading on the deck. This was a rare moment of peace for him.

"Wow, Sea Warrior Sora! When did you buy that, Law?" Shachi leaned over, spotting the comic's title, and immediately grew excited. Hearing Shachi's words, Bepo instantly rushed behind Law, craning his neck to peer at the comic in Law's hands.

Sea Warrior Sora was a comic serialized in the World Economic Forum. It chronicled the adventures of the valiant sea warrior Sora, who led combined robots and seagulls against the wicked Germa 66. The comic was a vital tool for the World Government to promote Marine justice, wielding enormous influence worldwide.

Given its North Blue setting, the comic's impact was even greater there. Almost every child had read it, practically growing up with its stories. The crew was no exception; they were all loyal readers, and Law was an absolute die-hard fan.

"I'll give it to you after I finish reading it." Law, without answering Shachi, remained absorbed in the comic, speaking without looking up.

"Tsk, boys are so childish!" Nia scoffed, casting a disdainful glance at the engrossed group. She preferred reading the daily newspaper to Law's comics.

"By the way, Rhodes and the other two are taking forever!" After waiting on the ship for ten minutes, Nia grew restless. They had agreed to finish stocking supplies as quickly as possible and rush into the Grand Line. She had even bought everything without haggling. Yet, Rhodes and Neru were late.

Hearing Nia, Law suddenly looked up, quickly snapping out of his comic-induced trance. A flicker of thought crossed his eyes. Rhodes and Neru were only supposed to be gathering intelligence; they should have returned by now. Especially Neru—his Observation Haki covered a vast range. Even while scouting the island, he would be keeping tabs on the Polaris. Upon realizing Nia and the others had finished purchasing, he should have returned immediately.

Unless they'd encountered an unexpected situation.

An Unexpected Arrival

Snap—

Law closed the comic book. Without waiting for Penguin and Shachi, who were still engrossed in their reading, he began issuing orders.

"I'm afraid they've run into something. Penguin, Shachi, raise the anchor. Get ready to set sail at any moment."

"Nia, go with Bepo to the North District to check out the situation. No matter what's happening over there, do not get involved impulsively. Trust Rhodes and the others! Your job is to gather intelligence and report back to us."

"Understood." Seeing Law's reaction, Nia seemed to sense the gravity of the situation and responded in a somber tone.

"So here you are. I found you!"

Just as Nia and Bepo were preparing to leave, a voice suddenly echoed in her ears.

Clang!

Law also heard the sound from not far away, and his face changed drastically. He hadn't sensed anyone approaching.

"Neo..."

Hearing the familiar voice, a trace of recognition and fleeting surprise flashed in Nia's eyes. Despite nearly two years apart, she still remembered her brother's voice.

Still somewhat disoriented, Nia was suddenly met with a forceful kick to the stomach, sending her flying off the Polaris.

Damn it! My body's been in a state of extreme fatigue from the intense training these past few days, and I didn't even notice anyone approaching!

Seeing Nia kicked away in an instant, Law gritted his teeth. He clutched his Kikoku in one hand, while a blue light pulsed in the other.

"ROOM!"

A blue halo instantly enveloped the entire area, and a faint smile returned to Law's face. His ability was activated; this was now his domain.

"Shambles!"

From a distance, Law swung the Kikoku in his hand towards the young man who had appeared out of nowhere. Within his ROOM, he could cut any person or object at will, even without direct physical contact.

Clang!

Law's pupils suddenly constricted.

The invisible cutting force struck Neo's body, but it didn't slice him in half as it usually would!

A faint black light shimmered on Neo's body. It was a thin layer of power, yet it had blocked Law's ability.

"Armament Haki!" Law uttered, speaking each word deliberately as he stared at the young man.

"It's a very strange ability, but without Haki, you can't cut through me when I'm imbued with Haki."

"Eh? The one he has on him is Haki? Why is it this color!?"

Only then did Bepo react. He looked at the boy not far away and exclaimed in surprise.

"Besides, he looks just like Sister Nia."

"Idiot! It's the color of his skin!" Penguin knocked Bepo on the head.

"Sorry..."

He must be Nia's brother.

Ignoring the comic relief unfolding nearby, Law fixed his gaze on the young man opposite him. The other person shared Nia's wheat-colored skin and purple hair, and even his face was seventy percent similar. The only noticeable difference was his eyes; unlike Nia's yellow pupils, Neo's were reddish-brown.

Just as Rhodes had said, this guy was indeed a genius, having mastered Armament Haki at such a young age.

No, it's not just Armament Haki.

The previous scene flashed through Law's mind. When Neo used Armament Haki to defend against his ability, he hadn't coated his entire body, but only the specific area Law intended to cut.

I'm afraid he also possesses Observation Haki!

Just as Law was reeling from the shock of Neo's dual-Haki mastery, Neo shifted his feet and attacked Nia again.

So fast!

Law only saw a blur of motion before the other party appeared in front of Nia, raising his right foot high, and unleashing a fierce kick.

"ROOM!"

Law's ability activated again. Since his power couldn't affect Neo directly while he was coated in Haki, Law would simply teleport Nia.

Bang!

A figure suddenly appeared in front of Law, delivering a kick to his arm, interrupting the ability he was about to unleash.

"I'm Ernest Gula. You must be Nia's companion. I'm truly sorry our child has caused you trouble."

A middle-aged man with purple hair and wheat-colored skin stood before Law, impeccably dressed in a black suit. It was he who had just interrupted Law's ability.

"The Vice Admiral of Marine Headquarters is also on this island. While it's commendable that you've achieved such notoriety right after your debut, for you, a Vice Admiral of the Headquarters is an insurmountable peak."

Gula didn't continue his attack; he simply looked at Law with calm eyes.

"Run quickly. I can pretend I didn't see you."

"Heh~"

Law chuckled, looking at the middle-aged man in front of him, but changed the subject entirely.

"Your family's genes are truly strong!"

"However, only the captain can decide our course!"

"Really." Gula reached out and tugged at his shirt collar, loosening his tie slightly. "I am your elder, so allow me to teach you a lesson."

"The most important thing for people is to face reality!"

Soru!

As soon as he finished speaking, the opponent flashed in front of Law and suddenly thrust his finger forward.

"Finger Gun: Madara!"

His rapidly moving fingers blurred into an afterimage, completely shrouding Law's body.

"ROOM—"

The blue halo reappeared, and Law's body instantly teleported behind Gula. His Kikoku suddenly thrust out.

Soru!

As if he had eyes in the back of his head, Gula stomped the ground, his body instantly appearing a distance away. He then unleashed a fierce kick, sending a massive air slash flying.

"Rankyaku!"