CHAPTER 49
"Well then, we should get going too. No point in sticking around. Looking forward to our next encounter, Ayr… but hopefully not with the entire Rocks Pirates," Roger said with an awkward chuckle.
He had now fully grasped the overwhelming strength of Ayr.
At this moment, Roger understood the sheer difference in power between the Roger Pirates and the Rocks Pirates.
Deep down, he hoped that if fate ever led him to clash with Ayr again, it would be a personal duel—without the involvement of the monstrous pirate crew that Ayr was part of.
With those parting words, Roger stretched, loosening his muscles, then waved at Ayr before turning toward his crew.
Moments later, the Roger Pirates set sail, leaving the island behind.
Ayr, alongside Charlotte Linlin, also boarded a ship to return to the Rocks Pirates.
---
On Board
Ayr sat atop the ship, his gaze locked on the endless horizon.
A soft rustling sound caught his attention.
Without even looking, he knew who it was.
Charlotte Linlin.
The massive woman approached, her expression unreadable. "Ayr… I never expected you to be so powerful," she said solemnly.
"Tch. Don't even talk to me right now. I get irritated just looking at you. If you wanted to cause chaos, you could have waited. You nearly got me killed," Ayr muttered, his tone slightly annoyed.
If Roger had simply refused the offer, things would have ended peacefully.
But this crazy woman had to stir trouble, pushing them into a battle with the Roger Pirates.
"Mmmmmm-mamama…" Linlin let out a laugh, completely unfazed. "Really? I think it worked out perfectly. If it weren't for this fight, no one would've known how deep you're hiding your true strength within the Rocks Pirates."
While Ayr had made a name for himself by defeating Silver Axe and earning a spot as a cadre, he had remained relatively quiet afterward, not showing much of his power.
But after witnessing his fight with Roger firsthand, Linlin realized just how terrifying Ayr truly was.
As much as she hated to admit it, she knew deep down—Ayr's strength might even surpass hers at this point.
She thought back to when Ayr first joined the Rocks Pirates. Back then, he struggled against Golden Lion even when Shiki wasn't using his full power.
But now?
Now, he had reached an absurd level of power.
"Don't put me on a pedestal, Linlin," Ayr responded dismissively.
"I'm not exaggerating. Your strength honestly shocked me."
"…"
"Whatever. Think what you want," Ayr sighed, shaking his head. "Just don't report this fight to Rocks. Only tell him that Roger declined the offer."
"What? Are you still trying to hide your strength?" Linlin asked with a smirk.
"Let's just say I prefer it that way," Ayr replied with a nod.
The truth was, he had relied on the Kurama Chakra Mode experience card in his fight with Roger.
Now that it had expired, his strength was back to its normal state.
If Linlin went back and reported that Ayr was at the level of the strongest members of the crew, it would certainly boost his standing.
But… if Rocks officially recognized him as one of the top cadres, that also meant that next time Marine Headquarters made a move, he would be sent to face their strongest forces.
That was a responsibility he wasn't interested in—at least not yet.
"Hmm… well then, Ayr, you owe me a favor," Linlin said with a sly grin.
Ayr stared at her, dumbfounded.
What?!
I saved your ass, and now I owe you a favor?!
Damn, not even the most ruthless African warlords are as shameless as you!
"The hell are you talking about? I saved you! You should be the one owing me a favor. Do you really think you could've handled the entire main force of the Roger Pirates alone?" Ayr snapped back.
"You bastard, don't think I didn't notice that you were looking for a chance to retreat! If Rayleigh hadn't stopped me, you'd be the one in trouble right now!"
Oh, so we're just gonna be shameless now?
Fine. Who's afraid of who?!
Ayr fired back immediately. "Get lost! If you hadn't picked a fight, would Roger and his crew have even attacked us in the first place?!"
---
Back at the Rocks Pirates' Base
Although Ayr and Linlin had technically failed their mission, Rocks kept his word and awarded them one billion Berries each.
As for Roger's refusal? Rocks barely reacted—just making a few passing comments before moving on.
Ayr had originally planned to look into upcoming auctions in the New World in hopes of acquiring a Devil Fruit.
But Rocks had other ideas.
Since the Rocks Pirates were constantly being targeted by Marine Headquarters and the World Government, Marine forces were launching relentless attacks against them.
Rocks wasn't allowing any of his key members to leave the crew during this period.
He didn't want Ayr to end up being hunted down and erased by the Marines.
Although he didn't say it outright, Rocks valued Ayr's potential and wouldn't let him take unnecessary risks.
Ayr didn't argue. He wasn't in a rush.
---
Time Skip: Growth Under Fire
As time passed, the Rocks Pirates endured countless battles under the Marines' relentless suppression.
Yet, instead of breaking, the crew only grew stronger.
One by one, they survived near-death encounters, sharpening their abilities.
Meanwhile, across the New World, the Roger Pirates, Byrnndi World's crew, and many other emerging pirate factions began rising to prominence.
With so many powerful crews running rampant, the Marines could no longer focus solely on taking down the Rocks Pirates.
Eventually, their ironclad grip loosened.
With this shift, members of the Rocks Pirates were finally allowed temporary leave—as long as they returned within a set period.
Failure to do so would be considered desertion.
And Rocks had a very clear policy on deserters:
He would personally hunt them down and execute them.
---
Ayr's Next Move
One day, as Ayr finished training on the deck, he felt the cool sea breeze brush against him.
Just then, a pirate rushed over.
"Ayr… Captain Ayr!"
"Hmm?" Ayr turned.
"Did you find any news about the auction?" he asked.
Since crew members were now allowed to leave, Ayr had tasked a few of them with gathering intel on upcoming auctions.
The pirate, eager to earn favor with Ayr, nodded excitedly.
"Yes, Captain Ayr! According to the information I gathered, there's a massive auction happening soon on Hive Island. It's being called the biggest auction in history!"
"Hive Island?" Ayr muttered, rubbing his chin.
Hive Island—also known as Pirate Island—was where Rocks first formed his crew.
Because the Rocks Pirates were so infamous, the island had become a hub for outlaws from across the sea.
And with so many pirates present, ambitious merchants often risked setting up shop there.
Apparently, some of the most powerful merchants in the world had gathered to host this upcoming event.
"Captain Ayr, the Hive Island auction will be starting very soon!" the pirate added.
"Got it," Ayr said with a nod.
He reached into his pocket and tossed the pirate a stack of Berries.
If you wanted people to work for you, you had to pay them.
If he didn't, no one would be willing to gather information for him next time.
However, the pirate hesitated, then handed the money back.
"Captain Ayr, I didn't do this for money. I want to follow you!"
"Really now?" Ayr smirked.
"Yes! I'll do whatever it takes!"
Ayr wasn't interested in gathering subordinates, so he simply replied, "Do more for me, and we'll see."
Hearing this, the pirate's eyes lit up with excitement.
"Yes, Captain Ayr!"
HEY GUYS,
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ 50+ ADVANCE CHAPTERS
USING THE LINK BELOW:
patreon.com/Oreski