SIX PATH SAGE OF THE ROCKS PIRATES

"BOOM!!!"

The Tailed Beast Bomb hurtled forward like a star falling from the heavens, colliding head-on with Golden Lion Shiki's dual-sword technique.

In the next instant, it was as if an entire island had detonated. A devastating explosion erupted, shaking the very foundation of the flying ship, Island of Gold. The force swept across the battlefield like an uncontrollable hurricane, warping the visible air into a vortex of destruction.

The pressure wave slammed into the Rocks Pirates crew, sending many sprawling across the deck. Even those standing farther away could feel the overwhelming power tearing through the atmosphere.

When the dust finally settled, the scene was devastating. Golden Lion's once-pristine golden coat was torn in multiple places, and small cuts marred his hardened frame. The deck beneath his feet, made of Adam Wood, the sturdiest material in the world, had been ripped apart in a jagged circle spanning tens of meters. Splinters and cracks radiated outward as though a giant beast had clawed at the ship itself.

"This… this is insane!" a crewmate gasped, his voice trembling.

"Captain Shiki's dual-sword style couldn't fully block it?" another exclaimed in disbelief. "Not even Adam Wood can stand up to this guy's attack. It's just… unreal!"

"Thank goodness we're not the ones fighting Kaito! That blast would've obliterated us!" a younger pirate muttered, visibly shaken.

Golden Lion, unfazed by the murmurs, stood tall, though his grip on his blades tightened. His pride as one of the strongest swordsmen of the seas had been challenged.

"A brat like you… daring to scar me twice? Don't get cocky, Kaito!" Shiki growled, though a glint of respect flashed in his eyes.

Meanwhile, Kaito stood amidst the chaos, his form glowing faintly with the chakra of Kurama, the Nine-Tails. The faint image of a fox's tail swayed behind him, a testament to his newfound, partially unlocked power.

"Not bad," Kaito muttered, surveying the destruction left in the wake of his attack. "Looks like Kurama's power really packs a punch… even at this level."

From the sidelines, Whitebeard observed with his massive bisento resting on his shoulder. His booming laugh echoed across the deck.

"Gurarara! This brat's got some bite! To think a kid with a measly 100 million bounty could land a hit on Shiki. Interesting!"

Charlotte Linlin's eyes glimmered with a dangerous light, licking her lips as she spoke. "Such a promising young talent. He'd make a fine addition to my crew…"

Silver Axe shifted his massive weapon on his shoulder, giving a curt nod. "Another monster aboard our ship, huh? Seems like we're collecting them."

John scoffed, arms crossed. "Tch. He's just a kid. Shiki'll finish this soon."

Ochoku frowned, his tone serious. "Don't underestimate him, John. When we were his age, we were just trying to survive out here. This kid has already scarred one of the world's greatest swordsmen. That's no small feat."

Golden Lion grinned despite the pain, his aura flaring as he prepared his next move. "You're good, kid. But let's see if you can survive what's next."

Kaito, unfazed, smirked back. "Bring it. I've got more where that came from."

The power of the Tailed Beast Bomb is not yet at its peak in this confrontation, but even in its current state, it is awe-inspiring. The sheer destructive force demonstrated by the Nine-Tails' Chakra—a power born from Kurama's influence—shows its overwhelming potential.

It is conceivable that if more of Kurama's power were unlocked—more of his tails fully manifested—the Tailed Beast Bomb could annihilate not just a battlefield but an entire country. This destructive scale rivals even the Ancient Weapons of the One Piece world, such as Pluton or Uranus.

"Jie ha ha ha… Have I underestimated you?" Golden Lion Shiki laughed, his tone mixed with surprise and intrigue. Despite his pride, Shiki realized he had been caught off guard. When Kaito unleashed the Tailed Beast Bomb, Shiki initially dismissed its threat, believing it to be a lesser attack.

After all, Kaito was a new face, a pirate with a bounty of only 100 million berries. Shiki hadn't deemed it necessary to fight seriously. But now, as the burning pain from his injury throbbed with every movement, Shiki realized his mistake.

The blast had not been a random attack—it had been calculated. Shiki tightened his grip on his Oto and Kogarashi, the dual blades that made him famous, and readied himself to respond in kind. "Looks like I'll need to take you seriously."

But before Shiki could continue, Rocks D. Xebec, the captain of the Rocks Pirates, intervened.

"Stand down, Shiki."

Shiki froze, the aura of tension around him dissipating. His fiery eyes flicked toward Rocks. He had just begun to enjoy himself, intrigued by Kaito's unexpected strength, and Rocks' interruption soured his mood.

However, Rocks' piercing glare left no room for argument. Reluctantly, Shiki sheathed his swords, muttering under his breath, "Tch. Just when it was getting interesting."

Rocks stepped forward, his domineering presence eclipsing even Shiki's. He turned to Kaito, a sly grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "Your name is Kaito, right? From this moment on, you're an official member of my crew."

The murmurs among the other pirates grew louder.

"Promoted to full crew status already?"

"Didn't he just join? This guy's strength must be insane!"

"Hurting Captain Shiki twice in a duel? No wonder Rocks promoted him. I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes a main cadre soon."

Kaito smirked but kept his composure. "Thank you, Captain Rocks."

The promotion meant more than recognition—it meant money. As a full member of the Rocks Pirates, Kaito's share of the loot would skyrocket. And for Kaito, wealth was a critical piece of his plan. He needed funds to purchase Devil Fruits at the auctions of the New World, aiming to strengthen himself further.

Rocks clapped a hand on Kaito's shoulder, his grin widening. "This crew rewards strength. Prove your worth, and you'll rise higher. Fail, and you'll fall—simple as that. But I have no doubt you'll shine."

Kaito nodded, his mind racing with ambition. His gaze briefly flicked to Shiki, who was still watching him with a mix of curiosity and annoyance. The Rocks Pirates were a den of monsters, but Kaito was determined to carve out his place among them.

The whispers around him continued, some envious, others impressed. For Kaito, this was only the beginning.

If the Tailed Beast Bomb was powerful now, what would it be when he unlocked Kurama's full potential? When fused with Devil Fruits, such as the Goro Goro no Mi or the Magu Magu no Mi, it could transcend its limits entirely, reshaping the very nature of power in this world.