Even after merging with the Third Raikage and gaining a complete transformation in both power and will, Arthur couldn't stop himself from gasping when he heard the words — Roger's Three Colors of Haki.
"What the hell, this system's insane!"
At his current strength, he could probably bulldoze through most of Paradise with ease — and now the system was offering him the Haki of the Pirate King himself? That wasn't just an upgrade… that was a quantum leap.
If he fought Magellan again, it wouldn't even be a contest. It'd be a one-hit KO.
"Fuse it! Now! Quick!"
Ding!
"Fusion of Roger's Three Colors of Haki complete.
New check-in location: Water Seven."
Before the system's voice had even faded, Arthur's body trembled. A torrent of new sensations flooded his mind — Roger's battle memories, the instinctive control of Haki, and the feel of raw, supreme power coursing through him.
He barely heard the system anymore. His consciousness was immersed in the flow of techniques and sensations.
BOOM!
He tried releasing a pulse of Conqueror's Haki—and the entire sixth level of Impel Down erupted under the pressure!
Even the monstrous criminals of Level Six — men whose very names struck terror into the world — staggered and gasped, eyes widening in disbelief.
Next, Arthur focused, activating Armament Haki. His entire body rippled with dark metallic sheen, black waves tracing across his skin until he looked like a being forged of steel and lightning.
He flexed an arm and grinned wildly, exhilarated by the solid, commanding strength that hummed through every motion.
"Now even Logia users won't be able to stand against me," he said with quiet confidence, clenching a lightning-coated fist.
From the surrounding cells came murmurs of awe and disbelief.
"That presence… what level of Conqueror's Haki is that?" whispered Avalo Pizarro, the Corrupt King.
"Not just Conqueror's — look at that coating. His Armament's top-tier," said Bundy World, eyes gleaming.
A husky voice laughed from deeper within the shadows.
"Heh-heh-heh-heh! Hey, pretty boy! You've got guts. Let me out, and I'll make you my little lover!"
The words came from Catarina Devon, the Crescent-Moon Hunter.
Arthur froze, his triumphant grin twisting into a look of pure disgust as he turned toward her cell. One glance at Devon's sharp-nosed, predatory face made his stomach churn.
"Ugh—gross. Spare me, hag."
Devon's face darkened instantly.
"What did you just say?"
"You heard me. You're a hideous toad trying to flirt with a swan. Disgusting."
"You little—! I'll kill you!"
"Sure thing. Come out here and try. I won't even blink." Arthur smirked, voice full of mockery.
Devon shook with fury, speechless, while laughter burst from nearby cells.
"Wahaha! I like this kid's spirit!" Bundy World roared, slapping the bars of his cell.
Arthur recognized the man immediately — a powerful pirate with a bounty of 500 million berries, known for his explosive temper and stubborn loyalty. Forced into piracy to protect his brother, Bundy was rough around the edges but not evil to the core.
On his way here, Arthur had already planned his next moves. He had no interest in freeing Teach's future crew — Blackbeard's monsters weren't worth trusting. But Bundy World, Redfield (Red the Aloof), and Crocodile—those were men he wanted.
A pity Shiki the Golden Lion had already escaped; otherwise, he'd have been a perfect addition.
With no time to waste, Arthur stepped up to Bundy World's cell and said plainly:
"If you're willing to follow me—be my crewmate—I'll set you free."
Bundy blinked, his grin fading into a wary frown.
"Kid, the sea's not a playground. You may have Conqueror's Haki, but on the Grand Line, plenty of people do. You'd best crawl back into your cell before Magellan comes. You don't know the pain waiting for you."
"He won't be coming," Arthur said flatly. "I already beat him."
The words dropped like a thunderclap.
Bundy's pupils shrank. Even the other Level Six inmates, those who hadn't so much as flinched until now, cracked open their eyes and fixed their gazes on him.
After a moment of stunned silence, Bundy laughed loudly.
"Hah! Nice try, brat! You might impress the clowns on Level Five, but down here? Bluffing won't get you far."
"Oh?" Arthur stepped forward without another word.
Lightning coiled around his arm as it turned black as iron. He raised his fist, drew back slightly—
BOOM!
The seastone cell door, a material said to be harder than diamond, exploded into rubble under his punch.
The entire level fell silent.
Not one of the gathered monsters made a sound. Then, slowly, every gaze turned to Arthur — no longer with skepticism or hostility, but with something else entirely.
Hope.
For the first time in years, the most fearsome pirates alive saw the faint shimmer of freedom.
"Little brother! Let me out! I'll serve under you!"
"Free me, and I'll make you Pirate King!"
"Kid! I've fought the Yonko before — take me with you!"
"I'll follow! Just open the door!"
Their voices overlapped, desperate and eager, filling the air with noise.
Arthur didn't even look at them. He knew these men — manipulative, cunning, unpredictable. The kind who'd stab him the moment they were free. He wasn't afraid, but he didn't intend to waste time on worthless recruits.
The seas awaited him — a vibrant, boundless world where his name would echo. He was no longer that insignificant, invisible nobody.
Now, every island, every great event, every legendary figure — all of it would become his stage.
Turning back to Bundy World, he met the man's conflicted stare. Bundy's fists clenched, eyes flickering with struggle. Of course he wanted freedom — who wouldn't? But a man like him couldn't surrender his pride so easily.
That was exactly why Arthur smiled.
He could tell — Bundy was a man of his word. Once he made a decision, he wouldn't betray it. And that was precisely the kind of person Arthur wanted.
He stepped closer and, with a casual sweep of his hand, shattered the seastone cuffs binding Bundy's limbs. Lightning hissed; the metal fell apart in glowing shards.
Bundy lifted his arms, staring at them in shock. He hadn't even begun to rejoice before Arthur's calm voice reached his ears.
"We fight. If you win, you're free.
If you lose — you're my crewmate."
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