Chapter 2: 2
The trio finally landed at the base, and as Carzo stepped forward to introduce himself, John approached with curiosity. "So, this is the new trainee," he remarked.
Carzo responded with a confident smile, "Hello everyone, I am Carzo."
Rocks, however, interrupted firmly, "He is not a trainee. He is directly an official member." His declaration sent a ripple of surprise through the gathered pirates.
Kaido, visibly displeased, voiced his objection. "Captain Rocks, this is not fair! When I joined the crew, I started as a trainee as well!"
Rocks' expression hardened as he addressed Kaido. "Are you challenging my decision, Kaido? Seems like I need to remind you of your place."
Before the tension could escalate further, Carzo took the initiative. "Hey, Kaido, let's settle this with a duel. If I win, you'll call me boss and work under me. If you win, I'll acknowledge you as boss and work under you. Do you accept?"
A sly grin spread across Kaido's face. "Let's do it, newcomer."
Rocks nodded in agreement. "Since you two have decided, let's begin the duel." He and the other pirates cleared a space for the fight, forming a ring around the combatants.
Kaido and Carzo locked eyes, the tension between them palpable. Kaido drew his massive mace and swung it with deadly force, aiming for Carzo's head. Carzo, significantly smaller in stature, dodged with remarkable agility.
"Barbarian," Carzo muttered as he sprinted towards Kaido. Utilizing his X-ray vision, he pinpointed Kaido's vital spots with precision. Swiftly evading another swing of Kaido's mace, Carzo struck at these critical points, delivering a series of rapid, powerful blows.
In a fluid motion, Carzo delivered a devastating kick to Kaido's stomach. The impact was immense; Kaido doubled over, vomit spilling from his mouth as the pain surged through him. The combination of targeted strikes and the forceful kick rendered Kaido incapacitated, collapsing to the ground like a felled bull.
Standing over his fallen opponent, Carzo sneered, "Only bullheads like you engage in brute combat. Now be ready to call me boss once you wake up."
The surrounding pirates watched in stunned silence, realizing that Carzo's strength and strategy had quickly subdued even someone as formidable as Kaido.
Rocks, witnessing the decisive outcome of the duel, nodded in approval. "Well done, Carzo," he said, his voice carrying both praise and a hint of satisfaction.
Carzo smiled back at Rocks, feeling a surge of pride and accomplishment. Ignis, his loyal fire elemental slug, leapt back onto his shoulder, cheering enthusiastically. "Thanks, Ignis," Carzo said, appreciating his companion's unwavering support.
Suddenly, Carzo felt a chill run down his spine, his back covered in sweat. He noticed that Big Mom, Charlotte Linlin, was staring at him with an intense, almost predatory gaze. Her eyes seemed to bore into him, and he couldn't shake the feeling that she wanted to devour him.
Inwardly, Carzo resolved, I need to maintain my distance from Charlotte Linlin. Although she's beautiful now, she will become a fat, ugly aunt in the future. According to the timeline, she has already given birth to some children. What a waste of her talent.
Carzo's thoughts raced as he considered the complexities of the situation. Big Mom's beauty was undeniable at this moment, but he knew her future transformation all too well. More importantly, he recognized the danger she posed even now. Her ambitions and appetite for power were legendary, and her gaze suggested she saw something in him that she desired, whether it was his strength, his abilities, or something else entirely.
As he mulled over these thoughts, Carzo made a mental note to remain vigilant around her. The world of the Rocks Pirates was filled with powerful and unpredictable individuals, each with their own ambitions and desires. Navigating this treacherous environment required not only strength but also cunning and awareness.
Rocks clapped his hands and declared, "Now let's throw a party to welcome the newbie!" Immediately, the pirates erupted in cheers, and the minions swiftly brought out booze and barbecue. The atmosphere became festive as everyone celebrated.
Carzo, however, sat drinking cold milk. He couldn't handle booze—he had tried it once and found it not to his liking. Beside him, Ignis was sipping cherry juice from a tiny cup, enjoying the party in his own way.
Suddenly, Carzo felt a large shadow loom over him. Turning around, he found himself face to face with Whitebeard. "Hey, Carzo, good performance during the fight," Whitebeard said, his voice resonant.
Carzo looked up at the towering pirate and replied, "Thanks, Newgate. But I'm still not as strong as you."
Whitebeard laughed heartily, his booming laugh echoing around them. "Gurararara! Boy, don't worry. You have potential, and you seem different from the rest of the crew. You're worth making friends with."
Carzo nodded, feeling a sense of camaraderie. "Thanks, Newgate. It's my pleasure to be a friend of yours."
As the party continued, Carzo couldn't help but reflect on his journey so far. Being acknowledged by someone as powerful as Whitebeard was a significant moment. Carzo knew that he had made a strong impression on the crew today, not just through his combat skills but also through the alliances he was beginning to form.
The atmosphere around them was lively, with pirates singing, dancing, and sharing stories. Carzo observed the camaraderie among the crew, realizing the importance of building relationships in this treacherous world. He thought about his goals and the steps he needed to take to achieve them.
As he sipped his milk, he glanced at Ignis, who was happily drinking his cherry juice. Carzo felt a renewed sense of determination. He was among some of the strongest pirates in the world, and he had already started to make his mark.
As the party continued, Carzo observed the dynamics among the crew. He noticed that Gloriosa had a crush on Rocks, but Rocks seemed indifferent to her affections. Similarly, Stussy had eyes for Whitebeard, but unlike Rocks, Whitebeard at least acknowledged her presence.
Amidst the revelry, Carzo spotted Kaido entering the party. Determined to assert his authority, Carzo walked towards him. Kaido tried to avoid him, but Carzo called out, "Hey, Kaido, you remember the bet, right? From now on, I am your boss, and you will work under me."
Kaido, with a reluctant expression, responded, "Don't worry, I am a man of my word, Carzo."
Carzo smirked and added, "You forgot to add 'boss.'"
Kaido's face twisted with annoyance, but he conceded, "Fine, Boss Carzo. But remember, once I defeat you, I will no longer call you boss."
Carzo chuckled, "I'm always ready for a duel, Kaido. Now, obediently be my little brother."
Kaido fell silent, accepting his new role for the time being. Carzo hadn't expected Kaido to actually honor the bet, and he found a newfound respect for the man who kept his word.
As the party continued, Carzo glanced around at his crewmates. John was busy drinking booze, surrounded by girls, while Ochoku and Silver Axe were entertaining themselves with the ladies. The lively atmosphere showed no signs of slowing down.
Later, a minion approached Carzo to inform him about his new quarters. Feeling tired from the day's events, Carzo decided it was time to retire. He made his way to his new house, where he could finally rest.
In the quiet of his new room, Carzo reflected on the day's events. He had made significant strides in establishing his position within the Rocks Pirates. The duel with Kaido, the acknowledgment from Whitebeard, and the interactions at the party all pointed to a promising start.
As he lay down on his bed, Carzo felt a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction. The journey ahead was still long and filled with challenges, but today had been a significant step forward. With a deep breath, he closed his eyes, ready to face whatever came next in his quest to become the king of the world.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone