Chapter 5: Rocks Are Coming!

Facing the hail of bullets, Carl and his companions successfully rushed into the city. In the process, Kuma was injured due to his large size, but the impact on his actions was not significant.

After entering the city, the four of them did not dare to waste a moment, searching for the Devil Fruit everywhere. Kuma was about to enter a grand, ornate house when suddenly, a man in a black suit and sunglasses appeared in front of him, raising his leg and kicking him in the stomach.

Though Kuma was far larger than the lean man, the impact sent him flying backward like a rubber ball, crashing through a wall.

Hearing the commotion, Carl and the others rushed over. Seeing Kuma lying in the ruins, trembling, Ginny burst into tears and called out to him desperately. Ivankov, equally anxious, shouted his name.

Carl quickly moved to Kuma's side. Fortunately, he was still conscious. He coughed violently before struggling to straighten himself up. The attack had clearly inflicted serious damage, but Kuma endured the pain and said weakly,

"This man is very strong. Carl, take Ginny and the others and run. I'll hold him back!"

Carl's expression turned grim. This was trouble.

The man in the suit raised an eyebrow, seemingly amused that Kuma could still stand.

"You're that Buccaneer brat, huh? Tougher than I expected."

With his hands still in his pockets, he took a step forward, his tone calm yet threatening.

"What exactly are you four brats looking for? Everyone else is running for their lives, but you're sneaking around? Suspicious."

Ivankov quickly stepped in front of Carl and Kuma, arms spread wide.

"Don't you dare hurt them!"

The man in the suit barely acknowledged Ivankov. Slowly raising a hand, he prepared to strike. Ivankov instinctively shut his eyes, bracing for impact.

But before the attack landed, Carl spoke up.

"You're not even allowed to kill us, are you? The only ones who can are the Celestial Dragons. Do you want to break the rules of the game?"

The man's hand stopped mid-air. Though irritated at being talked back to by a slave, Carl's words hit the mark.

He wasn't actually allowed to eliminate them. The Celestial Dragons wanted the thrill of the hunt—if he acted outside the rules, it could cost him.

More importantly, he nearly let the Buccaneer brat enter that house. If anything inside was lost… his own life would be in danger.

After a moment's thought, he spat on the ground and scoffed.

"Tch. Whatever. You brats won't last long anyway. Get lost and don't come near here again."

Carl didn't hesitate. He, Ivankov, and Ginny helped Kuma up and quickly left without looking back.

As they moved through the streets, Ivankov leaned in and whispered,

"Carl, that house…"

Carl didn't need to hear more. His voice was firm.

"There must be a Devil Fruit inside."

He suppressed his excitement, fearing another sudden bout of illness. The man's reaction had confirmed it—something important was in that house. And what else could it be but a Devil Fruit?

Ginny, however, remained cautious.

"But how do we get in with that guy there? And Kuma is seriously injured…"

Kuma tried to speak but was overtaken by another fit of coughing. Ivankov scowled, supporting him.

"That bastard! Look what he did to Kuma!"

Carl clenched his fists. His voice was cold.

"He'll pay for this. I swear it."

Suddenly—

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Explosions erupted across the town, thick smoke rising into the sky.

Then, a voice roared through the chaos—

"Dragon bastards! Are you ready to face my wrath?!"

Carl's heart pounded with excitement. There was only one person who would dare to shout that—Rocks!

The Palace

At the heart of the city, within the grand palace, Saint Garling, one of the Knights of God, frowned deeply. His expression darkened as he vanished from sight, reappearing outside the palace in the blink of an eye.

Sensing the terrifying auras approaching, he took out a Den Den Mushi and spoke in a low voice.

"Saint Charlos, return immediately with the Knights of God. The Rocks Pirates are here."

A response came swiftly.

"I know. Leave it to us."

Shortly after the arrival of the Rocks Pirates, Marine warships loomed in the distance. An Admiral led the charge, stepping onto land with Garp and other Marine officers following close behind.

But the Marines were too late. The Rocks Pirates had already landed.

The Battlefield

Rocks D. Xebec stood in the middle of the street, his piercing gaze fixed on the palace. Beside him, Saturn observed as well.

Their eyes met for a moment. Then, without a word, Rocks raised his fist.

A surge of red and black lightning crackled around it as he unleashed a devastating punch toward the royal city. The sheer force obliterated everything in its path—people, buildings, all reduced to dust.

Saint Garling's face twisted with frustration. He knew his own strength wasn't enough to face Rocks head-on.

But he couldn't dodge. The weak Celestial Dragons were still inside. If he abandoned them, they would be slaughtered.

With a deep breath, his body suddenly transformed. His lower clothing ripped apart as eight black spider legs sprouted from his back, and a pair of curved black horns emerged from his forehead. His entire form expanded, becoming monstrous.

Gripping his crutch tightly, he lunged forward to meet Rocks' attack.

The moment their blows clashed, the ground beneath them collapsed. Tremors shook the entire city as the sheer force of their battle forced everyone to retreat.

Just when it seemed Garling was about to be overwhelmed—

SHING!

A blade slashed through the air, dispersing the shockwave.

The Knights of God, led by Saint Charlos, had arrived.

With their combined strength, they managed to deflect Rocks' attack.

Rocks, however, merely grinned.

"Heh. I've got plenty of time to deal with you Celestial Dragons today."

The Alley

From a hidden alley nearby, Carl and his group watched the battle unfold.

Kuma and Ginny were speechless. The sheer destructive power on display left them stunned.

Ivankov's voice trembled.

"Th-That's Captain Rocks? He destroyed all that with just one punch… What kind of monster is he?!"

Carl, too, was awestruck.

He had read about top-tier fighters in the One Piece world. But seeing them in action was something else entirely.

Strangely, however, he didn't feel fear.

Instead, his blood boiled with excitement.

This rush, this uncontrollable thrill…

It felt dangerous.

It felt like… he was sick again.