The Source Devouring System
Name: Sakazuki
Constitution: 185
Strength: 399
Agility: 274
Devil Fruit: Magu Magu no Mi (47%)
Haki: Armament (Untrained), Observation (8%), Conqueror's (Unawakened)
Charge: 3.34%
Realm Breaking Gate: Not Opened (Requires 80% Charge)
Through continuous patrols and eliminating pirates over three years, his attributes have greatly increased. Following guided training, he has preliminarily grasped Observation Haki, capable of covering the size of a village.
Sakazuki has now grown to 2.23 meters tall. His white Marine uniform, robust muscles, and the fluttering banner of justice on his large axe exude overwhelming presence just by standing there.
Not to mention Sakazuki never leaves survivors. Pirates in the North Blue now tremble at the mere mention of his name.
Two years ago, Sakazuki's activities extended beyond the North Blue; he would patrol other seas whenever he had free time. Over these two years, he has become well-known among the Four Seas Marines.
One week later...
The Marine headquarters warship sent to pick up the elite class cadets will arrive at Branch 194 tomorrow. On the eve of his departure, Jorison summoned Sakazuki to his office.
"Three years have passed in the blink of an eye. I didn't expect time to fly so fast. Sakazuki, take this letter."
As he spoke, Jorison produced an envelope. Sakazuki took it, looking at Jorison with confusion.
"This is a letter of introduction. I've been in the Marines for most of my life, and I still have some connections at headquarters."
"When the time comes, give this letter to Vice Admiral Zephyr. We are old friends. If you have any training problems in the future, feel free to consult Zephyr."
Upon hearing this, Sakazuki solemnly put away the envelope.
"Thank you, Minister."
"Haha, it's rare to hear you say thank you. Don't always wear such a stern face, go out and have some fun!"
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The next day, after a hug and farewell with Jorison, Sakazuki boarded the Marine warship that had come to pick him up.
The warship responsible for transport was a large headquarters vessel. As Sakazuki boarded, numerous eyes turned towards him.
Besides the regular patrolling soldiers, there were dozens of young Marines on board, mostly silent, sizing each other up on the deck. These were outstanding soldiers recommended by the Four Seas branches to headquarters.
When Sakazuki boarded, many frowned. Sakazuki's name circulated widely across the Four Seas, and reputation precedes him. Young people naturally tend to compare themselves.
Seeing Sakazuki in person, most had to frown. This oppressive aura...
Sakazuki had no intention of interacting with them. Led by a ship soldier, he chose a room to stay in alone.
After Sakazuki disappeared from view, soldiers who knew each other began discussing in small groups.
"Hiss, is that Sakazuki? He's just as the rumors say."
"Tch, he's just big. I don't see what's so much stronger about him than me."
"Don't underestimate him. If he didn't have ability, how could he be so famous?"
"Maybe he paid people to promote him. Besides, this is where real strength counts. If you stand out, your future is limitless. What's the point of being afraid of this and that."
"Easier said than done. Compared to those from the Grand Line, there's still a gap between us."
"But we still have to try! Do you want to stay in a small place like the Four Seas your whole life?"
"......"
"......"
Over the next month, the warship finished picking up individuals from various branches across the Four Seas and then set sail for the Grand Line.
After passing Reverse Mountain, Sakazuki expected to travel through the Calm Belt directly to Marineford. However, they did not; instead, they headed into the Grand Line.
It made sense. With forty years until the main story begins, Vegapunk likely hadn't started developing Seastone warships yet.
On the tenth day after entering the Grand Line, an alarm sounded. Sakazuki immediately donned his gear and left his quarters.
"Line up!"
Rear Admiral Wells, in charge of escorting them, gave the order with a stern expression.
Although they were unfamiliar with each other and it was their first formation, they were outstanding soldiers from various branches. After initial disarray, they quickly adjusted and formed neat ranks.
"Two nautical miles ahead, a pirate ship has been sighted. Verified as Banzoku Norse."
"All of you here are outstanding soldiers recommended by your respective branches. A mere pirate with a bounty of 70 million should be no problem for you, right?"
As his voice fell, some cadets couldn't help but whisper amongst themselves.
"Silence!"
"I ask you, do you have any problems!"
Wells roared, looking at the whispering cadets.
"No!"
Seeing the Rear Admiral of Marine Headquarters' anger, most cadets trembled and shouted in unison.
"Very good."
"Order to accelerate."
"Prepare for boarding combat."
Under Wells' series of commands, the warship accelerated towards the pirate ship.
The Banzoku Maru.
"This is bad! Captain! A warship is chasing us from behind!" shouted the lookout.
Banzoku, who had just finished robbing a merchant ship, hefted a dripping, unknown beast's giant bone and laughed.
"Ah ha ha ha ha! What are you afraid of? Turn the ship around! I am the notorious pirate Banzoku Norse with a bounty of 70 million! How dare a mere warship chase me!"
"Aye!"
"Ha ha ha ha, Captain Banzoku is invincible!"
"Kill those worthless Marines!"
"My sword is already thirsty!"
"Ooh! Ooh!"
"Charge!"
On the warship, seeing the pirate ship turning and charging towards them, Rear Admiral Wells sneered inwardly and ordered, "Prepare for boarding combat."
He then adjusted his mindset, ready to rescue them if necessary. While a pirate with a 70 million bounty was nothing to him, it was still somewhat challenging for these promising Marines.
As the two ships were mere hundreds of meters from collision, Sakazuki, ignoring the tension of the other cadets, revealed a cruel smile.
"Pirates of the Grand Line, their origins must be considerably more than those in the Four Seas, right?"
Sakazuki then walked to the bow of the ship and stood firm, ignoring the surprised glances of others.
A magma heart formed in his right hand, pulsing like a living thing. A continuous stream of magma flowed into it, yet the magma heart did not grow larger.
When the warship was only a hundred meters from the pirate ship, Sakazuki powerfully hurled the magma heart.
"Ryusei Bakudan!" (Meteor Bomb)
It shot into the pirate ship's hull like a meteor. Before the pirates could react,
BOOM!
Endless magma erupted from the hull, soaring upwards and then crashing down. The entire ship instantly turned into a moving volcano.
"Damn it! What is this!"
"Ahhhhhhh! It's so hot! It's so hot!"
"Captain! Save us!"
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!"
Unfortunately, no one came to save them. As for their captain, he was unfortunately standing right on top of the erupting volcano and, without any reaction, turned to ash in the first instant.
When the two ships made contact, everyone stared at the half-submerged pirate ship, falling into silence. Looking at Sakazuki's figure, a single emotion flashed through their minds: fear.
Countless pirates were engulfed by the magma, their bodies melting. The entire ship was littered with dismembered limbs, and every face wore an expression of despair and terror as they died.
"Hiss!"
"This..."