One piece: Establishing a Pirate Family

Chapter 137: Valley of the Gods (Persuasion)

Roger's words struck a chord with Whitebeard.

As Whitebeard thought about his loyalty to Rocks, memories of the children he had adopted came flooding back.

After a long pause, Whitebeard closed his eyes and stepped back, signaling his decision.

Roger's face lit up with joy at Whitebeard's response.

"Hahahahaha! Whitebeard, you'll be glad you made this choice," Roger said, his laughter ringing out.

With that, Roger turned and ran toward the center of the island with Rayleigh at his side.

Garp, watching the scene unfold, clenched his fists.

"Damn it! Roger, don't think you can just run off!" Garp yelled, rolling up his sleeves and chasing after them.

Whitebeard stood still, sighing as he watched the three figures disappear into the distance.

He couldn't bring himself to follow them immediately. He knew that his decision to step back had already betrayed Rocks. There was no turning back now; he could only see this path through to the end.

---

Meanwhile, Roger and Rayleigh were running at full speed when they spotted a golden figure in the distance.

Roger stopped in his tracks, frowning as he recognized the person ahead.

On a small hill stood Shiki, the Golden Lion. The devastation around him—the overturned earth and the severed arm lying nearby—made it clear he had just finished a battle.

"Roger~!" Shiki called out as he spotted the approaching figures, his voice carrying a mix of surprise and amusement.

"Hahahahaha! Long time no see, Shiki!" Roger called back, forcing a smile despite his unease.

"Roger! What are you doing here?" Shiki asked, narrowing his eyes at Roger and his companions.

The two had crossed paths many times in the New World, with Shiki often hunting Roger under Rocks' orders. Over time, they had developed a complicated rivalry.

Roger, noticing Shiki's tense demeanor, decided to speak bluntly.

"Shiki, I'm here to kill Rocks. Don't get in my way," Roger said calmly, his gaze steady.

Rayleigh groaned and covered his face with his hand, anticipating trouble.

Shiki blinked in shock, momentarily speechless. Then, to everyone's surprise, he burst into laughter.

"Hahahahahaha! Are you serious, Roger?" Shiki asked, his laughter echoing across the hilltop.

"Hahahahaha! Of course I am! I've come here just for Rocks D. Xebec!" Roger replied, his conviction clear.

Shiki's laughter continued for a moment before he suddenly turned and stepped aside, clearing the path.

"Hahahahaha! Thank you, Shiki!" Roger said, grinning as he rushed past with Rayleigh and Garp.

"Idiot! Who said I was helping you? We're still enemies!" Shiki shouted after them, though he couldn't suppress the smile on his face.

He sat back down on the hilltop, watching the chaos unfold with amusement.

---

At the center of the Valley of the Gods, the battle raged on.

Rocks was relentlessly pummeling Saint Satan, one of the Five Elders. The once-dignified leader was now barely recognizable, his face swollen and his clothes in tatters.

Blood dripped from Saint Satan's wounds as he staggered to his feet, determined to keep fighting despite the odds.

"Hahahahaha! Five Elders! Is this all the power you have left? After today, you might just be the Four Elders!" Rocks taunted, his voice filled with mockery.

Saint Satan clenched his fists, blood dripping from his cracked knuckles. "Rocks D. Xebec! If you want to get past me, you'll have to kill me first!"

"Don't worry, old man. I'll grant your wish," Rocks replied, his fist crackling with black lightning as he prepared to strike the finishing blow.

Charlotte, standing nearby, watched with a mix of awe and unease. Rocks' overwhelming power was undeniable, and the scene before him was a stark reminder of the pirate's ambition and ruthlessness.

As Rocks' fist descended, a powerful voice rang out.

"Divine Departure!"

A golden slash tore through the air, heading straight for Rocks.

Sensing the danger, Rocks retracted his fist and turned to meet the attack head-on.

"Asshole!" Rocks growled, raising his Haki-coated fist to intercept the slash.

Clang!

The clash sent shockwaves rippling through the area, scattering debris and forcing everyone nearby to shield their eyes.

When the dust settled, Rocks saw the source of the attack.

Standing before him, sword in hand, was a man with a large mustache and a straw hat.

"Gol D. Roger," Rocks muttered, his eyebrows arching in recognition.

"Rocks D. Xebec," Roger replied, his voice steady as he raised his sword again.

This was their first meeting, and the tension between the two was palpable.

"Are you here to stop me?" Rocks asked, his gaze narrowing.

Roger didn't respond with words. Instead, he pointed his sword directly at Rocks, his intent clear.

Garp stepped forward, standing beside Roger, his fists raised and ready.

The stage was set for an epic confrontation.

---

Read up to 20 Chapters ahead on patreon.com/Fanglin

[Please leave a 5 Star review and power stone for this novel]

*Thank you*