ONE PIECE: THE GREAT VOYAGE

The Will to Become Stronger

"I want to fight against the strong on this island," Caesar declared.

Brad's jaw dropped.

"Nani?!"

Over the years, Brad had grown stronger, but his mindset remained that of a child. His reverence for powerful fighters had never wavered.

"After training for so long, it's time for real combat," Caesar continued. "Locking yourself away and training alone will only make you a frog in a well."

Caesar's determination caught Brad off guard.

His heart wavered.

"You're right."

A flicker of ambition shone in his eyes as he closed them.

Suddenly, an invisible force spread across the island. His Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki) unfurled like an immense net, covering the entire area.

It was no wonder Enel called it Mantra—Caesar's perception had become incredibly refined. He could now see the ebb and flow of life across the island.

Within his mind's eye, he visualized the battlefield.

Faint blue lights—ordinary people.

Reddish auras—warriors.

A deep, intense crimson—true monsters.

"You are the one," Caesar murmured.

The First Challenge—The Martial Arts Master

Across from him stood a towering fighter—Dazhi.

Two meters tall.

Muscles like iron.

A human fortress.

Brad gulped.

Caesar, however, remained calm. He bent slightly at the waist, cupped his fists, and introduced himself.

"Caesar."

Dazhi scoffed.

"A brat like you should go play in the sand," he sneered.

The only reason he even considered this match was to save face in front of his students. Otherwise, he wouldn't have wasted his time.

But something about Caesar's composed expression irritated him.

Was this kid... looking down on him?

Rage surged through Dazhi.

"RAAHH!"

He charged forward, swinging his massive fist like a war hammer.

Brad flinched, closing his eyes.

But the impact never came.

Caesar shifted ever so slightly, dodging the punch with fluid precision.

Then, with movements akin to Jujitsu, he countered.

"Hmph! A soft style like that has no power!" Dazhi scoffed.

But in the next moment—

Three precise strikes.

A sharp touch to the throat.

Dazhi froze.

He hadn't even processed what had happened.

The students erupted into applause.

Caesar withdrew his hand, bowed lightly, and spoke with humility.

"Accepted."

His fighting style was different from anything in this world—unpredictable, efficient, and impossible to read.

With this victory, his skills had begun to evolve.

But he wasn't done.

That same day, he challenged two more opponents.

The Second Challenge—Kendo Duel

The next morning, Caesar found himself at a Kendo Dojo.

A seasoned samurai stood before him, gripping a long wooden sword.

The sight of the blade stirred something within Caesar.

It looks cool...

But admiration aside, he was here to fight.

Caesar bowed.

The duel began.

The samurai's movements were sharp and practiced. Caesar engaged in quick exchanges, testing his opponent.

Then, he launched his attack—

A swift dash, a midair spin, a powerful downward kick.

Clang!

His foot struck the wooden sword, but the samurai blocked it effortlessly.

He tried again.

Side kick.

Boom!

The samurai countered, striking him with the back of the blade.

Caesar crashed into the dojo wall.

He gritted his teeth, forcing himself up.

But this time—

He lost.

A New Path—Learning the Sword

On the way back, Brad helped him walk.

"Don't be too discouraged. That guy is a famous master," Brad consoled him. "You're just a kid, he's an adult."

Caesar clenched his fists.

In the world of pirates, age meant nothing.

Only strength mattered.

The next day, Brad found Caesar training—slashing relentlessly at a wooden dummy with a sword.

"You want to learn swordsmanship?"

Caesar nodded.

With his talent, it was only a matter of time.

Three years passed.

Mastering Haki

Under the moonlit sky, Caesar stood unarmed.

Facing him was Brad—transformed into a saber-toothed tiger using his Zoan Devil Fruit.

The two exchanged blows, their battle fierce.

With a deafening roar, Brad lunged, fangs bared.

But Caesar remained still.

The moment Brad's teeth made contact—

A metallic clang.

"Agh!" Brad recoiled in pain. "You're... too hard!"

Caesar's entire upper body gleamed—coated in Busoshoku Haki (Armament Haki).

After awakening it earlier this year, he had mastered it quickly, strengthening his body to withstand direct attacks.

Later that night, they sat around a campfire, grilling meat.

Above them, the stars twinkled.

Caesar closed his eyes, extending his Kenbunshoku Haki.

His awareness stretched beyond the island, reaching the coastline one kilometer away.

He did this every night, pushing his limits further.

Suddenly—

A faint sound.

Hiss…

A venomous snake slithered 500 meters away, flicking its tongue.

Caesar glanced in its direction.

The snake dropped dead.

Three years of relentless training had honed his Haki to frightening levels.

And his ambition only continued to grow.

The Journey Continues…

Through battle after battle, he had sharpened his skills.

But deep down, he knew—

This is only the beginning.

He still wasn't strong enough.

Not yet.

But he would be.

Because in this world—

Only the strong survive.