NOVEL NEXT Chapter 2: Chapter 1: Joining the Rocks Pirates
On an isolated island in the New World, Himmel leaned against the bar, his sword resting across his lap.
"Captain, I heard the Rocks Pirates are recruiting."
"Rocks Pirates?" Himmel's eyes narrowed as his hand instinctively gripped the hilt of his blade, a subtle hum of energy vibrating through it.
For a moment, an intense fighting spirit enveloped him. Was the man himself—Rocks D. Xebec—on this island?
But the moment passed, and Himmel let out a breath, his grip loosening. He wasn't ready. Not yet.
Taking a swig from his bottle, he let the alcohol burn his throat. This island was well-known for its abundant supply of fine liquor, attracting pirates from all over for rest, revelry, and the occasional exchange of critical information.
Himmel was one of them, a wandering swordsman with a single crewmate, Albert—a man stretched far too thin serving as navigator, cook, and general handyman.
"So, Himmel, do you think joining the Rocks Pirates will make you stronger?" Albert asked, exhaustion heavy in his voice.
"At least it'll be better than the two of us barely scraping by," Albert muttered. "I can't keep doing four jobs, you know."
Himmel chuckled, his drunken haze giving way to a sharp gleam in his eye. "Then let's go see what they're made of."
The sword at his side quivered with anticipation, as if it, too, sensed the challenge ahead. Himmel had decided—he would join the Rocks Pirates.
"Let's see if their so-called 'monsters' can handle me."
---
Himmel glanced at the shimmering panel that only he could see:
[Host: Himmel]
[Character Template: Sword God - Gai Nie (85% Fusion)]
[Skills: Hundred-Step Flying Sword, Changhong Piercing Sun, Ghost Valley Techniques]
[Current Mission: Join the Rocks Pirates]
[Reward: +15% Fusion, Unlock Next Swordsman Template]
His lips curled into a smirk. Just 15% more and he'd fully unlock Gai Nie's abilities. The thought made his blood stir.
If Gai Nie was already this strong, how powerful would the next swordsman template be?
His strength had grown through endless battles and bloodshed, but in the New World, raw skill wasn't enough. Without mastery of Haki—Armament and Observation alike—he would never reach the top.
The answer was simple: join a powerful pirate crew. The Marines weren't an option. With a bounty of 150 million berries on his head, Himmel was more likely to be executed than welcomed.
That left one choice: the Rocks Pirates.
---
The port was bustling with activity, though a wide berth had been given to a specific set of ships flying the unmistakable Jolly Roger of Rocks D. Xebec.
The massive black flag, adorned with a skull and crossbones, was a symbol of terror across the seas. Few dared to dock near it, and those who did were either reckless or suicidal.
Himmel's gaze swept across the intimidating vessels. He knew of the monsters that served under Rocks.
Edward "Whitebeard" Newgate, the man who would later be hailed as the world's strongest.
Golden Lion Shiki, whose ambitions would shake the seas.
Charlotte Linlin, the future Big Mom, and Kaido of the Beasts, who would one day be emperors of the New World.
And at the helm of it all, Rocks D. Xebec—a man so fearsome that even the combined might of Gol D. Roger and Monkey D. Garp barely brought him down during the legendary battle on God Valley.
Joining this crew wasn't just about survival—it was about strength, knowledge, and ambition. Himmel's goal was clear: mastery of Haki and domination of the seas.
---
A burly pirate guarding the gangway to the ship scrutinized Himmel's wanted poster.
"150 million berries?" he muttered, raising an eyebrow. "Dark Demon Himmel, huh? You've made quite the name for yourself."
The pirate smirked, clearly impressed. Destroying five Marine warships and cutting down thousands of Marines wasn't something just anyone could pull off.
"Alright, you've got the bounty for it. Get on board."
Himmel stepped onto the deck, his hand brushing against the hilt of his sword.
A new chapter in his journey had begun, and the Rocks Pirates were about to witness the rise of a swordsman destined to carve his name into the annals of history.
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Sorry for short chapter, even the raw was just so so short.
Patreon for advance chapters: patreon.com/TLLina
Power stones are the game changer! It decides if I'll update more and more or less and less.