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Ayr stood at the rail of the ship, still feeling the overwhelming surge of top-level Conqueror's Haki coursing through his body. His aura had undergone a complete transformation, shifting from its previous intensity to something beyond even the comprehension of the Yonko-level figures around him.
Just then, a deep voice broke through the silence.
"Ayr?"
Ayr closed the system panel, the translucent screen vanishing from his vision. He turned around to see Whitebeard standing behind him, arms crossed, an unusually serious expression on his face.
"What's the matter, Edward?" Ayr asked, tilting his head.
Whitebeard stroked his chin, narrowing his eyes as he observed Ayr closely.
"You… you feel different from just a moment ago. What happened?"
He had been watching Ayr the entire time and instinctively sensed that something had shifted.
The aura Ayr emitted now was something far beyond what it had been mere moments ago. It was like a dragon awakening from its slumber—silent, yet suffocating in its intensity.
Yet, even as a man known for his sharp battle instincts, Whitebeard couldn't pinpoint exactly what had changed.
Ayr smirked.
"Different? Are you sure? Maybe you're imagining things."
Even though he tried to play it off, he knew the truth.
Elevating Conqueror's Haki to the top was the right decision.
Conqueror's Haki was the rarest and most powerful form of Haki, unable to be trained like Armament or Observation. It was an ability that only the chosen ones could wield—those with the spirit of a King.
And yet, Ayr had forcefully pushed it to the peak using the Ability Promotion Card.
Now, his aura had changed so drastically that even a monster like Whitebeard could sense it instinctively.
"I don't know what you just did… but I can tell your power has grown again." Whitebeard said solemnly.
Hearing this, Golden Lion, Charlotte Linlin, and Kaido, who had been bickering amongst themselves, all turned their attention to Ayr.
Their eyes narrowed.
Ayr's presence felt heavier—like an unseen force was pressing down on them.
"Ayr, you bastard!!!"
Golden Lion's usual arrogant smirk faded for a moment as he carefully examined Ayr.
Even though he couldn't explain it, he could feel it—Ayr's very spirit had changed.
There was something monstrous about him now.
Charlotte Linlin let out her eerie laugh, her eyes flashing with curiosity.
"Mamamamama~ Ayr, don't tell me that battle at Mariejois made you stronger again? You really are a monster! If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe someone could grow this fast!"
It was an absurd thought, but the proof was standing right before them.
Just one battle—a battle that should have drained even the strongest warriors—had instead made Ayr even stronger.
And what was even more terrifying…
He wasn't even tired.
Ayr merely smiled in response.
There was no point explaining the system, and even if he lied, none of them would believe him.
Kaido stepped forward, his enormous frame casting a shadow over Ayr.
His bestial eyes were filled with an intense, unwavering resolve.
"Ayr… one day, I'll surpass you."
Ayr raised an eyebrow at Kaido's words.
Kaido clenched his fists, his muscles tensing like a coiled beast.
Even back then, Kaido had always believed he was destined to be the strongest creature in the world.
And even though Ayr stood at the top now…
Kaido was convinced that he had the potential to rise higher.
Golden Lion suddenly burst into laughter.
"Jihahahaha!!! Confident words, Kaido. But you're wrong! The only one who can surpass Ayr is ME!"
Golden Lion may have accepted that Ayr was stronger than him now…
But he refused to believe that was permanent.
Like Kaido, he was still growing. He was in his prime, and there was still untapped potential within him.
Charlotte Linlin sneered.
"You're both wrong. The one who will rule the seas… is ME!"
Golden Lion scoffed.
"Don't be ridiculous, Linlin. You? Surpass Ayr? That's a joke."
"What was that, Shiki?! Are you looking for a fight?!"
Golden Lion's grin widened as he stepped forward.
"Do you think I'm afraid of you?!"
Without another word, Golden Lion took to the sky, his Pika Pika no Mi ability letting him float effortlessly.
Charlotte Linlin wasn't far behind, summoning Zeus, her massive thundercloud homie, and flying up to meet him.
Within seconds, the two clashed in mid-air, unleashing shockwaves that sent ripples across the ocean.
Ayr, Whitebeard, and Kaido watched without interfering.
After all, after such a brutal battle at Mariejois, it was entertaining to watch these two go at it.
Whitebeard, still watching the sky, took a seat beside Ayr and handed him a bottle of sake.
After a brief hesitation, he finally spoke.
"Ayr… do you really want Captain Rocks to rule the world?"
Ayr took the bottle, swirling the liquid inside before smirking.
"Do you think anyone on this ship actually wants that?"
Whitebeard sighed.
Ayr was right.
The Rocks Pirates weren't like other crews.
Every single cadre on this ship had their own ambition, their own dreams of conquest.
None of them—not Whitebeard, not Big Mom, not Kaido—would ever bow to another person.
And that was why Rocks would never achieve his dream.
But still…
"Once we hand Rocks the Eternal Pose to the Valley of the Gods… I'm afraid none of us will have a choice." Whitebeard muttered.
Ayr took a slow sip from the bottle before shaking his head.
"That's where you're wrong, Edward."
Whitebeard frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Ayr chuckled.
"That idiot Shiki ran his mouth in front of me. He let it slip that he leaked the information about the Valley of the Gods to the World Government."
Whitebeard's expression darkened instantly.
"That reckless fool…!"
Ayr's smirk faded.
"If the information reached the World Government… then the Valley of the Gods will be crawling with their strongest forces."
Whitebeard clenched his fists.
He already knew that the Admirals and Marines would be involved…
But if what Ayr was saying was true, then it wasn't just the Marines.
The full force of the World Government would be waiting for them.
And that meant only one thing.
The Battle of the Valley of the Gods… would be unlike anything the world had ever seen.
Whitebeard exhaled.
"If that's the case… finding Uranus should be the last thing on our minds. The real question is… will any of us make it out alive?"
Ayr's eyes gleamed as he downed another drink.
"We'll find out soon enough."
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