ONE PIECE: THE GREAT VOYAGE

[7] Ready to Set Sail—The Pirates Are Coming!

An empty clearing deep in the forest.

"You are Caesar?"

A middle-aged man with a sword at his waist, Riens, lifted his chin slightly, studying the young swordsman before him with interest.

For years, Caesar had been challenging the strongest fighters on the island, his name growing more and more well-known.

"I humbly ask for your guidance, senior."

Caesar smiled politely, but his determined gaze was impossible to ignore.

He drew his sword—a long, battle-worn blade that had accompanied him through countless duels.

The tip pointed directly at Riens.

From the sidelines, Brad observed, anticipation in his eyes. He had witnessed Caesar's rapid growth firsthand.

In the next instant, a flash of movement—too fast to follow.

The two swordsmen clashed.

Clang!

Their blades met in a flurry of strikes.

Caesar had honed his swordsmanship for years, training against the best the island had to offer. Now, he stood toe-to-toe with Riens, one of the island's strongest warriors.

Brad's eyes darted between their figures, barely able to keep up.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Caesar swung his blade forward with force.

A powerful slashing wind shot through the air, cutting straight toward Riens.

He barely dodged, but the attack didn't stop there—its force carried on, slicing through the trees behind him.

The sheer destructive power was undeniable.

Riens frowned.

He was starting to feel the pressure.

Just as he steadied himself—

Another flying slash!

He quickly sidestepped, but Caesar was already closing in.

Clang! Clang!

Their duel shifted to close-quarters combat.

Sparks flew as steel clashed against steel.

With each strike, Riens realized something unsettling—Caesar's strength was overwhelming.

Every impact sent vibrations up his arms, threatening to numb his grip.

Not to mention the sheer force of those flying slashes.

"One-Sword Style: Spiral Wind!"

Caesar raised his blade.

A spiraling gust erupted from his swing, kicking up dirt and gravel.

Riens instinctively retreated—

But there was no escape.

The storm-like force engulfed him.

"Ugh!"

Riens was sent flying backward, landing hard on the ground.

Brad's eyes widened in shock before a grin spread across his face.

"Caesar, that was amazing!"

Caesar exhaled, sheathing his sword.

"I'm the strongest on this island now."

---

A Few Days Later…

After defeating Riens, Caesar had been busier than ever.

Brad finally caught up with him on the road.

"I've been gathering supplies to set sail."

"Sailing? You're… leaving the island?"

Brad blinked in surprise.

The sea was vast and unpredictable, filled with dangers beyond imagination.

"Yeah."

Ever since his victory over Riens, Caesar had been thinking about it.

He had reached the peak of this island's warriors.

If he wanted to grow even stronger—if he wanted to become one of the world's top swordsmen—he had to venture beyond this place.

Brad studied Caesar's face.

That unwavering confidence.

He had always been like this—pushing forward without hesitation.

In contrast, Brad had never thought much about his own future.

"Come with me, Brad."

Caesar's invitation was clear.

Brad was his closest friend on this island.

He wanted him by his side on this journey.

Brad hesitated, pressing his lips together.

"Why do you want to go to sea?"

"To become stronger, obviously."

"And after that?"

Caesar met his gaze.

His eyes burned with conviction.

"Becoming the strongest is the only way to protect what matters."

His life.

His friends.

Everything.

Brad remained silent for a long time.

Then—

"I'll go with you."

He made up his mind.

He wanted to see how far Caesar could go.

To witness the day he stood at the top.

---

The Day of Departure

After making their decision, the two bid farewell to their island friends—especially Green and the others.

Even though their time together had been short, they had grown up side by side.

They also visited the tavern owner, who had often let them stay the night.

Despite the sadness of parting, the future ahead was vast and full of possibilities.

That day, the skies were clear, the sun shining brightly.

Caesar and Brad, carrying their packed bags, stood ready at the shore.

Just then—

A frantic voice called out.

A young man sprinted toward them from the dock, his face pale with fear.

"It's bad—really bad!"

"The pirates are coming!"

Caesar paused.

Exchanging a glance with Brad, he immediately activated his Observation Haki.

At the edge of the horizon, a ship was approaching.

A massive vessel, its mast bearing a black pirate flag with a crimson skull.

The sails were emblazoned with a matching red skull symbol, surrounded by white lettering forming a complete Roman alphabet.

But more importantly—

The ship was brimming with powerful auras.

Some were so strong that even Caesar wasn't sure he could defeat them.

His fists clenched involuntarily.

His body trembled—not with fear, but excitement.

"No need to set sail just yet," he murmured, eyes gleaming.

"A worthy challenge has already arrived."

Brad sighed, rubbing his forehead before fixing his gaze on the ship.

This was just the beginning.