Chapter 2: Become My Disciple, Sakazuki
"Let's go, child. There's nothing left here worth staying for."
Ross spoke softly to Sakazuki, who sat in silence before a grave.
After eliminating the small-time pirate crew responsible for the massacre, Ross had helped the boy bury the girl's body. His parents, on the other hand, had been reduced to ash—consumed by the raging flames along with the rest of the town.
"Thank you, Mr. Ross. Could I ask you to take me to the Navy? I want to enlist."
Though still small in stature, Sakazuki stood tall with resolve. He had pushed aside his grief—perhaps for the last time in his life. Or the second-to-last. He figured the final time he would cry would be upon hearing of Ross's death.
To this man who had avenged his family, Sakazuki felt a deep respect and admiration. Ross had opened his eyes to the vastness of the world, and in doing so, given him a goal—a dream to pursue.
"The Navy only accepts recruits starting at age fourteen. If you don't mind, why not come aboard my ship instead? You'll find others your age there."
Seeing Sakazuki's surprise, Ross chuckled.
"Don't look at me like that. I simply want my kids to grow up surrounded by more friends. And honestly, if I don't take in these children who've lost their homes and families… who else will?"
Ross was twenty-six. He had been in this pirate-infested world for as many years—ever since crossing over. Aside from the Logia-type Cloud-Cloud Fruit he had eaten as a child, he had no special powers or cheat codes. His physical talent wasn't top-tier either, so he had long since given up on ambitions of domination.
Naturally, marriage and children had followed. After all, people crave companionship.
And while his reasons for adopting children weren't entirely altruistic, what he said was still the truth.
Sakazuki was stunned. People like this—kind, selfless—should only exist in fairy tales. In a world where even wise kings were as rare as pandas, how much rarer were decent rulers of remote islands?
Kindness? It flickered like a lone firefly in the endless dark.
"And more importantly, you have talent. Your reaction time is the sharpest I've seen in someone your age. I'm thinking of taking you as my disciple—if you're willing."
Ross didn't mince words.
There was a reason Sakazuki would one day rise to be an Admiral. The fact that he instinctively reacted the moment Ross appeared spoke volumes.
Such innate combat talent was rare, even across the entire sea.
Even if the boy couldn't stay by his side forever, mentoring him would leave a lasting legacy. This wasn't some military training program like Zephyr's—it was closer to genuine kinship.
And who knew? Maybe someday, one of Ross's own children would follow Sakazuki into the Navy. At least he would do his best to protect them.
Letting them run wild like Garp's family? No thank you.
"Master!"
Without hesitation, Sakazuki dropped to his knees before Hailey's grave and bowed his head.
To someone who was both benefactor and powerful mentor, there was no reason not to kneel. Sakazuki understood the value of guidance—and what Ross had done for him and his family was more than enough.
That kneel was gratitude. It was heartfelt respect.
"Very good, very good. Sakazuki, was it? From today onward, you are my second disciple. Let's go—we can talk on the way."
As Ross finished speaking, a familiar cloud manifested beneath their feet, lifting them skyward and carrying them toward the horizon.
About eight nautical miles out—nearly 14,500 meters over the open sea—three large sailing ships floated calmly on the waves. Each one was finely crafted, with more than enough room for hundreds to live aboard.
In this era, sailing ships were still powered by the wind. Only the Navy and World Government had ships with propulsion engines.
From high above, Sakazuki could see the decks bustling with figures—most of them teenagers and children.
Ross hadn't lied. And seeing the truth with his own eyes only reaffirmed Sakazuki's belief that pirates were hellspawn.
If pirates weren't running rampant, would there be so many orphans in the world?
What about the children who didn't have someone like Ross to save them?
This was just a glimpse—but enough to understand the whole.
Sakazuki clenched his fists tight.
Here, over this vast ocean, he swore to her, to them, and to himself:
Pirates must be eradicated. All of them.
Ross could feel the cold fury radiating from Sakazuki's body. But he said nothing. There was nothing he needed to say.
If any of his own children ever wanted to become pirates… well, he wouldn't stop them. But he would personally bring them back—and let them feel the firm hand of fatherly discipline.
What had started as a journey for strategic reasons had evolved into something more: a personal transformation.
The more he saw of the world, the more he understood his place in it. There was no need to conquer. What he truly wanted… was peace.
The ocean was far too vast. One person, far too small.
"Papa! Hug!"
Ross had just stepped onto the ship when a tiny figure in a frilly princess dress ran up and jumped into his arms.
"Of course, sweetie. Have you been behaving on the ship?"
"Ummm…"
"I see, I see. Next time you'll behave, right?"
"Next time for sure!"
Following behind her were two young boys who bore a striking resemblance to Ross—good-looking kids by this world's standards.
Ross had started his travels at twenty. Along the way, he married three women and had three children—all bearing the surname Nasdaq.
His children were:
Eldest son, Nasdaq Ator, age 6
Second son, Nasdaq Alisan, age 5
Youngest daughter, Nasdaq Mona, age 2
The three were the youngest among the children on the ships. Naturally, because of Ross, they were beloved by everyone.
"Come, Ator, Alisan—let me introduce someone to you. This is Sakazuki. From now on, you'll call him 'Big Brother,' just like Moxxi."
Ross introduced Sakazuki with great enthusiasm, holding his daughter as he gestured.
Mona was intrigued. Her father had never introduced anyone this warmly before. Normally, it was just a quick hello.
Could this new brother be special? Like Big Brother Moxxi?
Ator and Alisan were curious too. Moxxi wasn't just anyone—he was their third aunt's little brother, their father's student, and the second strongest person on the ships—capable of punching out a Sea King in one blow!
To be called Big Brother… this guy must be something!
"Sakazuki-nii, I'm Ator!"
"I'm Alisan!"
"Nice to meet you both. I'm Sakazuki, disciple of Master Ross."
Though his tone was cool and detached, the slight upturn of Sakazuki's lips gave away his mood.
Big Brother, huh?
He would bear that responsibility with pride.
From now on, no one precious to him would ever fall again.
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