One Piece: Heaven-Defying Talent

"Heh, don't get too confident just yet. Joz isn't as simple as you think," Vista said, still brimming with confidence.

Vista knew Joz's strength well. Even without the awakened String-String Fruit, Joz could already go toe-to-toe with a Marine Admiral. Now, after eating the fruit's awakened form, his power must have soared to an incredible level. Even top Marines like Kizaru, Aokiji, and Fujitora would probably struggle against him.

The current Joz could likely match Ace, and perhaps only Captain Chiba could truly contain him.

Suddenly, a loud horn sounded, and Vista's face darkened. "No, it's a Marine fleet! Everyone, prepare for battle!"

At Vista's command, the pirates rushed to their stations, aiming their cannons out to sea.

Hearing the commotion, Chiba stopped his training and joined the others at the shore, with Ace, Hancock, Hina, Peacock, Koby, and Helmeppo quickly following. The sound of the horn signaled the approach of a Marine fleet, and everyone was on high alert.

As they watched the horizon, they couldn't help but wonder which powerful Marine might be coming after them this time. Marines like Kizaru, Aokiji, Sengoku, and Garp were among the top powerhouses of their era—especially Garp, who had once struck down Whitebeard himself with a single punch during the Summit War. If Garp was on his way, they'd likely have no choice but to flee.

Chiba focused his gaze on the distance and saw nine warships sailing toward them, with smaller pirate ships trailing behind.

"Huh? What's going on here?" Everyone squinted, noticing something unusual: the lead warship was hardly moving.

"Joz? Why is Joz on a Marine warship?" Ace said, confused. "And why is there only one Marine on board, while the rest are pirates?"

"That Marine… is that Gaia?" Hina asked, looking closely. "Director, look! That Marine on the battleship—it's Gaia, the little guard!"

Chiba peered closer and recognized the familiar face. Indeed, it was Gaia, the young guard who'd served as a loyal escort in his laboratory. But how could Gaia be with Joz now?

Moments later, Joz led the nine warships into the port.

The Marine warships dwarfed even the pirate ships led by Ace.

"Unload the treasures!" Joz commanded.

The pirates scrambled to obey, excited for the chance to show off their haul in front of their comrades.

Landing on the shore, Joz strode up to Chiba with a wide grin. "Captain, I brought back all the medicinal materials you requested—courtesy of the Shiny White Spider!"

Chiba laughed. "Where did you get nine warships from? Don't tell me you robbed the Marines."

Joz chuckled. "Captain, you're as sharp as ever!"

Ace interjected, "Joz, are you telling us that all nine ships are loaded with treasure?"

Joz grinned even wider. "That's right! Nine warships, each one brimming with treasure."

Ace raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Nine ships' worth of treasure? The only way that's possible is if you looted the heavenly tribute."

Joz laughed, proudly replying, "You're exactly right, Vice-Captain Ace. I raided the heavenly tribute five times and brought back these nine warships."

Ace's jaw dropped as he stared at the mountains of treasure being unloaded. "Joz… you actually raided the heavenly tribute?"

"Didn't you even know the Marine transport routes?" Ace asked in disbelief.

Joz's smile faded slightly. "Vice-Captain Ace, you're underestimating me."

Ace sighed, crossing his arms. "It's not underestimating, it's just realistic. So, tell me—what exactly happened?"

Joz recounted how Gaia had contacted him, provided the Marine routes, and helped him ambush the convoys.

Hearing the story, Ace studied Gaia carefully, intrigued by the young man's resourcefulness. "Never judge a book by its cover. At such a young age, you planned a successful raid on Marine's heavenly tribute. Impressive."

Gaia smiled humbly. "Just a simple strategy, nothing extraordinary."

With that, Gaia approached Chiba, bowing respectfully. "Subordinate Gaia, at your service, Lord Chiba."

Chiba examined Gaia closely, and Gaia felt as though Chiba was seeing straight into his soul. He couldn't help but feel a shiver down his spine.

"Gaia," Chiba began, "you're a Marine Rear Admiral with a bright future. Why abandon all that to join a pirate crew?"

Gaia replied, "A title means little. By staying at your side, I can gain true strength."

He continued, "Take swordswoman Rebecca, for example. Once, she was unknown. But after training with you, she became powerful enough to defeat someone like Burgess. Following you is my best path forward."

Gaia then added, "I'm also skilled in navigation, so I believe I can contribute as a navigator. Though I've left the Marines and technically betrayed them, I made sure my superiors' families were protected and properly relocated. I may not be perfect, but I hope that's enough for you to consider taking me in."

Chiba thought it over, and Joz quickly added, "Captain, Gaia's a rare talent. We should keep him."

[•———•——•———•]

𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.