News and bounty posters of Rolan's crew spread throughout the world of Pirates, naturally causing a stir wherever they appeared.
East Blue – Windmill Village
"So cool! Rolan is getting stronger and stronger! His bounty is already 1.2 billion berries, he's just too awesome!" Luffy exclaimed, holding a large piece of meat in front of Rolan's poster.
Though Luffy didn't understand the full significance of 1.2 billion berries, he knew it meant Rolan was incredibly strong.
Ace, standing nearby, clenched his fists, heart secretly shaking. "Is this Rolan's true strength? Terrifying… there aren't many pirates in this world with bounties that high, are there?"
In a few days, Ace planned to set sail himself, wondering what bounty he might earn at his current level of power.
Shimotsuki Village – Isshin Dojo
A samurai with a ponytail held Roronoa Zoro's bounty poster, expression unreadable. "Zoro, is this the path you've chosen?" he murmured.
Setting the poster aside, he walked slowly from the dojo and gazed at the clouds drifting across the sky. "Perhaps this is destiny. If one moves toward their dream, even hardship becomes sweet."
---
Alabasta – Endless Desert
Golden sand stretched infinitely under the scorching sun, each grain sparkling like gold.
The wind whipped through the dunes, stirring up sandstorms.
"Wow! Is this Alabasta? An endless desert… and so hot!" Lina exclaimed, her curiosity childlike.
Snap!
With a flick of Nami's fingers, a dark cloud appeared above their heads, providing instant shade.
"Nami-chan, saikō!" Lina hugged Nami's arm affectionately.
Rolan took the lead. "Let's go. Time to meet our new companion."
---
Rainbase Casino – Top Floor Office
A woman in black leggings, a crop top, and a wide-brimmed hat stood in the office, reporting to the figure seated on the platform sofa.
"Mr.0, Baroque Works intelligence reports Rolan has arrived in Alabasta."
"Rolan? The pirate who attacked the Celestial Dragons?" The man took a puff of his cigar.
"Yes, it's almost certainly him," she confirmed.
These two were Nico Robin and Crocodile.
Crocodile scoffed. "Attacking a Celestial Dragons' ship? A bounty of 200 million berries is probably inflated."
He extinguished his cigar in an ashtray shaped like a crocodile, expression haughty. Petals floated as Nico Robin handed him the latest bounty poster. "Look. According to Morgans' agency, Rolan's strength rivals that of an Admiral!"
"What?! This kid?" Crocodile was incredulous; Rolan appeared only seventeen or eighteen.
But his arrogance quickly returned. "Who cares if he's an Admiral? I am Crocodile!"
Robin cautioned, "Still, be careful. We don't know his purpose in Alabasta. If he causes trouble for us, we gain nothing."
Crocodile threw the poster into the giant fish tank. A massive Crocodile inside tore it to shreds, banana on its head.
"And their purpose here?" Crocodile asked Robin. "Is it Pluton?"
Robin shook her head. "Unknown. Perhaps we'll only understand if we ask him directly."
"Keep eyes on them. If necessary…" Crocodile drew his hand across his neck.
Robin nodded silently. "Understood, boss," before leaving the office.
---
Alabasta Desert
Rolan's crew trudged through the desert, each footprint marking the scorching sand.
"Rolan, can you stop using gravity? I can't walk anymore!" Lina complained, wiping sweat from her brow.
Rolan's expression turned stern, rare for him. "Walking with a heavy load in the desert strengthens both body and will. If you can't endure this, how can we even think of overturning the world?"
Lina pouted but reluctantly agreed. "Got it, got it."
"Someone's coming," Kuro said, adjusting his glasses.
Rolan already knew. "Ignore them for now. Let's see their intentions."
Zoro released his Observation Haki but sensed nothing, frustrated. It's one thing not to match Rolan… but not even Kuro? My usual training isn't enough!
Nami and Lina looked around bewildered. To them, the desert seemed empty.
---
A giant turtle slowly moved through the desert, pipe in mouth, pulling a carriage. A woman sat inside.
"Robin, what are you looking for? Is it me?" a male voice appeared beside her.
Robin turned and saw a handsome young man smiling at her. Stormy emotions churned within her. Is this Rolan? Appearing out of nowhere… teleportation?
"Yes, as per the boss's orders," she replied.
Rolan's gaze swept across the horizon. "Did you come specifically to ask about my purpose in Alabasta?"
Robin crossed her legs, tilting her head. "Yes, Rolan-san. What is your purpose here?"
A slight curve appeared on Rolan's lips. "Well, I came here for you. I doubt you believe me though."
He was internally shocked at her calm demeanor.
Robin rested her chin on her hand, eyes narrowing slightly. "What could Rolan-san want with me?"
A subtle unease flickered within her. Could this be about Ohara? Or something else?
But she realized: few could resist the aura of this young man. His eyes held depth no one could read. Rolan was more formidable than the rumors suggested.
He leaned back in the carriage chair, arms spread. "I want to know the history of this world, to uncover its truth!"
___
Milestone
100 Powerstones = 1 Bonus chapter.
I've been getting little to no Powerstones, don't be greedy with them 😪