"Ah~ What a happy day for this humble man~"
Hammer hummed a cheerful tune as he headed home, groceries in hand. Such a fine occasion called for celebration.
But he overlooked one thing.
Whenever Hammer was in such a good mood, he always celebrated.
So by the time he returned with all his ingredients, his house was already full of guests.
"Wait a minute… is this even my house?"
"Did I just spot Sengoku? Kong? Garp?"
"And Kuzan? Teacher Zephyr? Vice Admiral Tsuru?"
"Why are Gion and Lance here too?!"
Hammer stared blankly at the group gathered in his yard. They had already skillfully set up the barbecue, brought fine meats and dishes, and even booze.
"Hammer! You rascal! You don't even come visit me, so I had to come visit YOU! "
"Tonight, you're cooking us a feast, or I'll pound you into the ground!"
Zephyr was the first to stride over, face beaming with approval.
"Hold up. Why are all of you here? And so… organized?"
"Did you all plan this just to mooch off my cooking?"
Hammer was surprised, but not annoyed. After all, everyone here was a friend.
"HAHAHA! Today I gave you a massive reward. If you don't celebrate, then you're not the Hammer I know!" said Kong gleefully, downing a whole glass of sherry.
"Alright then! Lance, Shirley, Gion, Kuzan, come help me. Tonight, we drink until we drop!"
"Why do we have to help??"
"Because we're the youngsters, duh~"
The four were speechless.
"Hoho! Hammer, your cooking is top notch. Kuzan, chill my wine!"
"No wonder Sister Tsuru brought me here. Hammer, you're full of surprises."
The table was lively, the food delicious, and Hammer's smile couldn't have been wider.
After all, he was about to be promoted to Vice Admiral. He was thrilled. Next stop: Logistics Chief, and when that happens… keh keh keh, revenge from dawn till dusk. Just wait!
Suddenly, Hammer glanced over at Kong, who was drinking with Zephyr, Sengoku, and Garp. Something crossed his mind.
He went inside and brought out the Winterborne, tossing it down in front of Kong, who blinked in confusion.
"What's this, Hammer? Isn't this the famous Winterborne?"
"Yep. I'm lending it to you. Aren't you heading out to sea? Take the best sword the Marine has, can't let us look bad, right?"
"Oh? Why the sudden generosity?"
Hammer rolled his eyes. 'No way he could say, I know what's about to happen on your voyage. Or: You're about to make a crucial mistake, and then our Marine heroes will suddenly claim more glory.'
"Just take it. Whether it's to show off or to cut down foes, doesn't matter. With your Armament Haki skills, even if the sword doesn't accept you, you can still swing it just fine. The ice element plus unmatched sharpness, it's a beauty in battle."
Kong looked at the gleaming Winterborne and its custom memory-metal sheath. He couldn't help but feel a little tempted.
"Alright then! I'll take it. A token of your kindness!"
"Hahahah, come on, Hammer, drink up!"
It all seemed like nothing on the surface, but it made some people suspicious. After all, Hammer wasn't known for random acts of kindness.
Sengoku and Tsuru exchanged glances, unease flickering in their eyes.
Meanwhile, things weren't so festive for the Roger Pirates and Golden Lion Pirates.
After escaping the storm, the Oro Jackson spent a full day sailing before finding an island to rest and repair.
The three who got struck by lightning, and the ship, were all in bad shape.
First, Roger: thrilled to break free from the storm, he raised Ace to the sky and let out a triumphant roar, only to get zapped by lightning and turned into a human charcoal stick.
Bullet had it worse. He was standing too close to Roger. Boom, electricity transfer!
As for poor Buggy… well, that was just a mix of bad luck and divine punishment.
"Damn it, that lightning was insane. I'm still shaking. Rayleigh, give me a massage!"
"Get lost! Stay away from me. I don't want your bad luck. Bullet, that goes for you too!"
Rayleigh gave them both a look of utter disgust, leaving Roger and Barrett looking very sour.
"Also, why hasn't Buggy woken up yet?!
"Crocus already checked him. He's fine, but still out cold."
Shanks sat beside the tiny blackened Buggy, full of worry.
Just then, Bullet moved. Ignoring the tingling in his body, he strode over to Roger.
"Captain Roger! I challenge you!"
Everyone was stunned.
"Bullet, what the hell?"
"We just escaped death, and now this?!"
Others were upset, but Roger remained calm.
"Captain Roger, I saw your battle with Golden Lion. Do you still have that strength that once stood above all others?"
"I want to know. I want to fight you myself and see!"
Bullet's eyes burned with obsession.
But what Roger said next crushed him.
"Hahahaha, I'm not gonna fight you, Bullet. You're right. My strength…"
"Wait… Captain Roger, are you seriously-"
"Yes, Bullett. I don't have much time left."
It hit Bullett like a thunderclap. His body trembled.
Emotions swirled in his eyes, regret, sorrow, defiance, and confusion.
The two locked eyes: one smiling, the other hollow.
"If you've lost that strength, then there's no reason for me to stay in the crew."
Bullett's emotions vanished into a cold void.
Without a word, he turned and walked away toward the other side of the island.
"Bullett! Where are you going?!"
"Our journey's not over yet!"
Rayleigh and Gaban tried to stop him, shocked.
"Let him go, Rayleigh, Gaban…"
Roger's voice called out, and Bullett paused for a moment.
"Go chase your dream of becoming the world's strongest. I believe you'll find your own path."
Bullett turned back with a feral grin.
"Roger, you're not the strongest anymore. But I will be. I'll surpass your limits—"
And then he vanished into the distance.
After being ambushed by something unknown, Shiki had fallen unconscious. His men barely managed to fish him out of the sea.
Now, he had just woken up.
Every muscle ached, his body screamed with fatigue.
He struggled to his feet and saw the worried faces surrounding him.
"Why the hell do you all look like your dads just died? I'm the Golden Lion!"
"Ow… my head. Huh? What's this??"
Suddenly Shiki dashed over to a mirror.
"WHAT THE HELL?! WHO IS THIS ROOSTER-HEADED FREAK???"
Embedded in his head…
...was none other than the infamous object adored by One Piece fans from a previous life:
The Legendary Ship's Wheel, one of the 12 Supreme Grade Blades!
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
[email protected]/DaoistJinzu