21 Vice Admiral

"Byrnndi World is dead!?"

In the New World, on a remote island, Roger glanced at the newspaper with a Big smile.

"I thought I was the only one who hated that guy. Looks like the World Government didn't like him either."

"Is it really time to celebrate?" Rayleigh held a glass, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Was the World Government's attack on Byrnndi World an accident or premeditated?"

"Does it matter?" Roger took a swig, his face calm and unconcerned.

"We're having a banquet today. Let's drink until we drop!"

Boom!

Suddenly, a violent explosion erupted. On the coast, gravel scattered as a shell exploded.

"Captain, Garp is on our tail again!" A pirate rushed over in panic.

"Looks like the banquet ends here." Roger shrugged helplessly, signaling his crew to board the ship.

And so began another round of their escape.

Though strong, Roger still A little weaker in comparison to the monster that was Garp.

News of Byrnndi World's death caused a stir across the seas, but at Naval Headquarters, the mood was celebratory.

"Although the primary goal wasn't achieved, Byrnndi World's death and the destruction of the Ward Pirates mark the successful completion of our mission," Marshal Kong announced, unable to hide his joy.

"The World Government has awarded medals to Sengoku, Tsuru, and Zetafa for their roles. Sakazuki, who was a Commodore, has been promoted to Rear Admiral and reassigned to command the G7 Fortress."

"Ron has been promoted to Vice Admiral for eliminating Byrnndi World. The World Government has also approved the expansion of his fleet."

Kong slapped the award documents on the table with satisfaction. Cleaning up Byrnndi World had been no small feat for the World Government, and Kong knew this would fast-track his promotion.

"Though we didn't capture Byrnndi World alive, the primary objective was met, and the Five Elders are satisfied. Ron, especially, has exceeded expectations. If he hadn't stepped in at the crucial moment, this mission might have failed. Well done."

Kong patted Ron on the shoulder approvingly.

"I'll have Headquarters prepare a special ceremony for you and Sakazuki," he added.

As Ron and Sakazuki left the office, Sakazuki turned to Ron, his gaze serious.

"What's your current strength?" he asked. "I can't quite figure it out anymore. You used to be only slightly weaker than me, but after our last battle, I felt you pull ahead. It's as if the gap keeps growing."

Ron smiled and stretched out two fingers, measuring an imaginary distance. "Just a bit stronger than you."

"Let's spar. I want to see the gap between us," Sakazuki insisted.

"You asked for it," Ron replied, just as eager to test his strength.

The two made their way to a nearby isolated island, the same place they had last fought.

"Great Eruption!" Sakazuki's body turned to lava as he launched an attack without hesitation.

"No honor in this fight, huh?" Ron grinned as his Haki wrapped around him.

Boom!

With a single punch, Ron shattered Sakazuki's magma attack.

"That's incredible. Is this what they call Armament Haki Release?" Sakazuki's face was filled with shock. While basic Armament Haki is like a hard shell, the released form layers additional armor onto the user, multiplying their defense exponentially. The difference was staggering.

Now, feeling the vast gap between them, Sakazuki's scalp tingled with disbelief.

"The released form of Haki? Exactly." Ron stepped forward, grabbing Sakazuki's wrist and landing a clean punch.

Sakazuki barely dodged by transforming his head into magma just in time. "Red Lotus Magma!"

Furious, Sakazuki launched another brutal assault, but his attacks were blocked by Ron's Haki-covered body.

"Finger Pistol!"

Ron extended his finger, poking Sakazuki's head, and declared, "It's over."

Sakazuki froze for a moment, realizing that had the strike been coated with Haki, he would have died instantly.

"You were careless. Otherwise, you wouldn't have lost so easily," Ron said nonchalantly.

Though primarily a swordsman, Ron wasn't weak in hand-to-hand combat. With his superior Haki, even a simple punch could defeat a Rear Admiral-level opponent.

"I lost. I won't make excuses," Sakazuki replied, surprisingly calm. He had underestimated the gap between them, but now he saw it clearly.

The difference was far greater than he had imagined. Though Sakazuki was confident in the potential of his Logia Devil Fruit powers, he knew he was no match for Ron at present. However, he believed his fruit's potential for growth could one day close the gap.

"I'm not ashamed to lose to you, Ron. I just hope this won't be permanent."

"Don't worry," Ron said, patting Sakazuki on the shoulder. 

The power difference between us is not as big as you think.