Chapter 14: United in Purpose

Copper Jabba: Sea Circle Calendar, 1493. About twenty-nine years ago, in that very year, Captain Roger, you discovered an illness with no cure.

Upon mentioning this, it stirred the emotions of countless members of the Roger Pirates across the globe. Their captain, despite reaching the pinnacle of his life, was grappling with an incurable ailment.

The crew deeply admired his exceptional abilities.

If the captain hadn't faced that incurable illness, they wouldn't have separated so soon. They didn't desire a fate similar to Whitebeard's.

Roaming the seas or searching for a particular area, spending the rest of their lives in contentment – that's what they longed for. Living a life on the sea was considered a cool and fulfilling existence for those men of the ocean.

Now, a seabed in the New World awaits them.

Beneath the ocean depths, a man with powerful muscles exuded unparalleled strength within a steel submarine resembling a whale. In this moment, a sense of nostalgia crossed his formidable visage.

"Captain Roger."

Bullet sighed in relief, "Twenty-nine years have gone by."

That particular day remained etched in Bullet's memory, unforgettable.

The day Captain Roger was diagnosed with his incurable ailment marked the final clash between them, leading to Bullet's departure from the Roger Pirates. Since that day, only strength held sway in his world.

It felt like returning to a hometown entrenched in perpetual warfare.

"I need to bring you back, Roger."

In the profound silence that followed, Bullet uttered in a hushed tone. No, he wasn't seeking a binding partnership; he aimed to defeat the seemingly invincible captain with his own hands – that's all.

Crocus reminisced, "It's been a while. I joined the Roger Pirates around that time."

Kozuki Oden added, "This year holds significant memories. It's the year Xiao and I became husband and wife."

King Riku: Cyrus, I recall you achieving 100 consecutive victories in the arena this year.

Cyrus replied humbly, "I must admit, Lord Liku, I wasn't on the right path until this year under your guidance."

In the world of One Piece, watching movies is a novel experience for everyone. For those who have lived through much, it serves as a means to reminisce about the past. As they watch these films, memories of their own era come flooding back.

Even though watching movies may not define their lives.

[In a corner of the Krojashi Kingdom, on a grassy field near the sea]

[In front of a somewhat rundown house, Fujitora and Roja stand with swords]

[Roja wields a wooden sword, and Fujitora holds a stick sword, yet the blade remains sheathed]

Roja shouts, stomps on the ground, causing a crack, and swiftly charges towards Fujitora with incredible speed, almost leaving an afterimage in his wake.

[The wooden sword in Roja's hand carries a powerful force, creating whistling waves with each swing]

[Yet, Fujitora remains unmoving, and just as the wooden sword is about to strike, the stick sword lightly taps the top of the wooden blade]

[A formidable force erupts, sending Roja tumbling through the air]

[Roja crashes heavily onto the ground. In an instant, Fujitora strides forward like a nimble tiger, reaching Roja's landing point in a single step]

[He extends the sword in his hand.]

["It's over," Fujitora said lightly.]

[As anticipated, the strike halts at Roja's throat.]

[However, what he didn't foresee was that the moment he extended his stick sword, Roja appeared to have sensed his move in advance, ready with a countermeasure.]

[Roja's wooden sword swiftly swung, slightly intercepting Fujitora's stick sword.]

[Despite the strength disparity, Roja is still sent tumbling through the air, executing a few somersaults.]

["Not bad," Fujitora exclaimed with a simple and gentle smile. "I didn't expect you to have mastered Observation Haki."]

Tea Dolphin remarked, "Observation Haki? Really, just a year ago, he was still a kid who knew nothing. What rapid progress."

Rocks chimed in, "It's not that surprising. Observation Haki is the Conqueror's Haki, requiring minimal physical prerequisites. Even an eight-year-old boy or a newborn baby can potentially wield Observation Haki."

Katakuri added, "Indeed, starting with Observation Haki isn't challenging. Many renowned instructors can teach it. It's not unusual to use it occasionally. What's rare is mastering it, using Observation Haki consistently, and ultimately foreseeing the future."

Roger remarked, "The talent is there, but the age is still too tender. Considering the era he's entering, there's not much time for him to mature."

Roja's generally not perceived as a top powerhouse surprises many. However, the seasoned players remain unperturbed by Roja's growth rate. After all, they have witnessed the true colour and presence of the natural Conqueror's Haki.

Compared to mastering Haki, advancing Haki and physical strength to higher levels is genuinely challenging.

For instance, the most formidable challenges are progressing from understanding and knowledge to predicting the future, from mastering Armament Haki to rending the very essence, and from perfecting Conqueror's Haki to navigating its intricate use.

Truth be told, looking at it now, when compared to Dragon and Roja, they hold more optimism for Dragon. Be it age or strength, Roja faces significant disadvantages.

[Over the past year, Roja's strength has seen significant growth. Since mastering the Color of Observation, he now stands on par with pirates holding bounties ranging from 20 to 30 million.]

[The reason for the seemingly low bounty is his age; being too young, his strength and speed aren't fully matured yet.]

[With this level of strength, he can defend himself across the Four Seas. It's this capability that has led Fujitora to consider departing. Roja has his own plans and paths to tread.]

[He aspires to sense the prevailing currents of this world, exploring the darkness—a skill that evolved from his insightful knowledge, even after sacrificing his eyes.]

[He possesses the ability to keenly perceive the emotions of a nation's people and discern the concealed darkness within.]

[Fujitora shares his travel plans with Roja.]

[After a brief contemplation, Roja smiles.]

["Mr. Fujitora, since you intend to journey worldwide, why not join me? I, too, plan to conduct some research across the Four Seas."]

["Research?"]

["Indeed. Didn't I mention it earlier? Without research, one lacks the authority to speak. If you aspire to reshape the world, you must comprehend it more profoundly than anyone else."]

["If Mr. Fujitora aims to contribute to changing the world, why not engage in some research with me first?"]

[Roja expressed this lightheartedly, but his idea held a sense of righteousness, and everything he said was remarkably convincing.]

["That sounds like a good plan."]

[Fujitora pondered for a moment, then nodded and remarked,]

["Alright, we're comrades." Roja said with a smile.]

["Comrades?" Fujitora was puzzled by this unfamiliar term but also curiously amicable.]

["Yes, comrades."]

[Roja beams with a bright smile.]