Conqueror's Haki—one of the rarest powers on the seas.
Those who possessed it were destined to be strong. Only those with the disposition of a king could awaken such supreme power.
"The son of a Conqueror's Haki user… whose father was a great pirate. Only eight years old, yet already possessing a physique comparable to a Marine Headquarters field officer. Born with Armament Haki. A Mink hybrid—likely capable of entering Sulong form as well…"
After going through the facts one by one, Sengoku drew in a sharp breath. Across from him, Kong's expression was equally grave.
"A child with such talent will inevitably carve out a place for himself on the future seas. Fortunately, he joined the Marines. If he had become a pirate instead—and that violent bloodline within him were awakened—he could have grown into a major enemy of the World Government."
"Admiral Kong, but he is the son of a pirate…"
Bang!
Kong suddenly slammed his palm against the desk. Sengoku instinctively flinched. He had been beaten by this old man far too many times in the past.
Looking up, he saw Kong frowning deeply, his expression dark.
"The son of a pirate must become a pirate? Sengoku—my proudest student—since when did you start believing in such so-called bloodline theories?"
"No matter who his father is, the boy is innocent. He's only eight years old!"
Kong spoke with righteous conviction. Gradually, shame crept across Sengoku's face.
"Never say that again. A person cannot choose their birth. But no one should be shackled for life by what they were born with. Even if he carries a violent nature within him, are we Marines so incompetent? One year, two years—even ten years—we can afford it. With proper guidance, he will become an upright man."
"Yes, sir. I understand."
"I had planned to establish the Recruit Training Camp a few years from now… but this boy…"
It was clear that Roldy's potential had already influenced the decision-making of the Marine leadership. The training camp, originally planned for perhaps a decade later, might now be advanced significantly because of him. Of course, such matters would still require approval from the Marine high command.
"For now, let the boy stay with Zephyr. And tell that brat not to lead the future pillar of the Marines astray."
"Don't worry, Admiral. Zephyr may be a hothead, but he's reliable."
Marineford — Western District (Residential Area)
In front of a white, minimalist villa in the living district of Marineford—
"Uncle Zephyr… Th-this is your house?"
Roldy was stunned.
This was far grander than Uncle Isidun's home back in town! Isidun had been the richest man in their village. Roldy had once visited his two-story house and thought it incredibly luxurious.
But compared to this villa…
"What's so shocking about it?" Zephyr snorted proudly. "I'm a Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral. The Marines provide food and lodging. Once you reach field officer rank, you can apply for a private room. Become a Rear Admiral, and they'll allocate you a house outright! But if you want a place like this—wait until you're promoted to Vice Admiral!"
He paused, then realized the boy before him was only eight—and had just survived a life-threatening ordeal. The amazement was only natural.
His tone softened.
"My house is big. Letting rooms sit empty is a waste. From now on, you'll live with me. Pick whichever spare room you like."
"Really?!"
Hearing Roldy's excited laughter, Zephyr's face softened into a smile he had rarely shown before—gentle, almost paternal.
Thus, Roldy settled down at Marine Headquarters.
He moved into Zephyr's villa, and the two began living together—
Alright, alright. Just kidding.
Perhaps noticing that Roldy still bore minor injuries—and considering everything he had just endured—Zephyr didn't push him during the first two days. Instead, in his free time, he showed Roldy around Marine Headquarters.
Roldy met many of the Marines' core figures.
The ones who left the deepest impression were Zephyr's close friends: Vice Admiral Tsuru and Vice Admiral Garp.
One was a gentle, warm-hearted aunt.
The other… a slightly goofy-looking uncle.
Of course, in the residential district of Marine Headquarters, there were also children around his age.
At first, Roldy hadn't expected to make any friends.
With his size, that seemed unlikely.
But before long, a boy and a girl—both around his age—came looking for him.
"Hey! You're the genius Vice Admiral Zephyr brought back, right?"
The afternoon sun was warm and pleasant. Roldy had been lying in the yard, basking in it—his favorite pastime. The warmth seemed to wash away every lingering discomfort in his body.
Just as he was about to drift off, a rather irritating voice rang out nearby.
Roldy opened his eyes and sat up.
On top of the courtyard wall stood two children, about eleven or twelve years old, craning their necks with obvious curiosity.
The annoying voice belonged to the boy.
To be fair, although he was still young, his features were already somewhat… rough around the edges. Standing next to the porcelain-doll-like girl beside him only made it worse.
"Genius? What genius? But yes, Uncle Zephyr brought me back."
The moment Roldy finished speaking, the rough-looking boy's eyes lit up.
He planted both hands on the wall and vaulted over with what he clearly believed was a dashing, stylish move.
Unfortunately, luck was not on his side.
There was a dip in the lawn where he landed. Losing his balance, he fell flat on his face with a loud thud.
His already "rough" face made intimate contact with the emerald grass.
…
Roldy could almost see an imaginary crow of awkwardness flying overhead.
Compared to him, the girl was far more graceful. Like a nimble cat, she landed lightly, making barely a sound.
"Damn it!"
The boy scrambled to his feet. But the moment he looked up, the sky seemed to darken.
A massive hand appeared before him.
Gulp.
The boy stood at barely 1.3 or 1.4 meters tall. Roldy, at 2.6 meters, was literally twice his height.
That hand in front of him was larger than his entire head.
"Who are you two?" Roldy asked curiously.
"My name is Gion! And this is Tokikake. We heard Vice Admiral Zephyr brought back a top-tier genius, so we came to challenge you!"
Gion sized up Roldy's terrifying height. Though only a young girl, her features were already strikingly beautiful.
"Um… I actually think it would be better if we interacted in a more friendly way."
Tokikake grabbed Roldy's hand and shakily pulled himself up.
What the hell? Wasn't he supposed to be just an eight-year-old kid? This height? These muscles? And you're telling me he's eight?!
"Nope. Auntie said I'm not allowed to fight."
Roldy shook his head decisively.
Gion's eyes widened in disbelief.
The two of them were practically the little tyrants of the Marineford residential district. Every child their age had been beaten by them at least once. Their parents had been high-ranking Marines—now fallen in battle—and clearly, they had inherited their talent.
Children their age were no match for them.
Over time, they had grown accustomed to the loneliness of being invincible.
And now, a so-called monstrous genius had finally appeared—
Only to back down before even starting?
"You're… not scared, are you? If you're scared, just say so. It's not embarrassing!"
Seeing Roldy refuse, Tokikake assumed he was all bark and no bite. In an instant, his pride overwhelmed his fear. In front of his childhood friend, he had to show off his manly charm!
"Scared?" Roldy tilted his head. "What's that?"