One Piece: I'm not Roger

Several seagulls landed on Urouge's head, pecking relentlessly in search of fleas. Yet their harassment did not disturb the monk's patient wait.

The moment Urouge felt the fishing line twitch, he opened his eyes. A mysterious, profound sensation spread through his senses as he calmly prepared to reel in his catch.

Just as he pulled the hook back with a faint smile, a high-tech submarine suddenly surfaced from beneath the sea, startling him. Its streamlined hull immediately drew shocked reactions from the surrounding crowd.

"Is that a ship that can dive underwater?"

As a Sky Island dweller, Urouge had never seen a submarine before. Even many of the nearby spectators were equally stunned by the appearance of the Kubi Submarine.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, the submarine hatch opened. A burly man stepped out, no smaller in stature than Urouge himself. His sharp, fierce gaze swept across the surroundings, carrying an overwhelming sense of authority even without anger.

He wore a black military uniform, and his muscular frame surpassed even Urouge's already massive build.

Ignoring the whispers and pointing of the crowd, the man walked straight toward the island's interior. His imposing presence alone made weaker individuals tremble.

"Who is that? He feels like a giant Sea King…"

"I don't know, but I feel like I've seen him somewhere before."

Sensing the pressure of the intruder, Urouge stepped forward as a member of the Aether Pirates.

"Who are you, and what is your purpose for coming to Dinghai Island? You must register before landing."

The man stopped briefly and looked down at him. Although Urouge's physique was impressive, his aura was far too weak in comparison. A faint look of disdain crossed the intruder's face as he ignored him completely and continued walking.

Seeing himself disregarded, Urouge immediately judged him as hostile.

Without hesitation, he roared and launched forward.

"Stop! If you don't answer, I'll treat you as an intruder. Karma Iron Fist!"

His heavy fist tore through the air toward the man's head.

But before it could land, another fist struck first.

Bang!

A deafening impact rang out as Urouge was blasted away instantly. His massive body crashed through a warehouse and rolled across the ground for dozens of meters, blood spilling from his nose.

Spitting out blood, Urouge widened his eyes in shock.

"What terrifying power… This is no weaker than that monster Jack."

The intruder did not even glance at him and simply spoke one word.

"Trash."

That single word caused a ripple of tension across the island. Several pirates immediately drew their weapons, while others stepped back in alarm. Over the past months, Aether's influence had forged strong cohesion among the Aether Pirates.

Even so, seeing a Supernova level fighter comparable to a Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral instantly defeated made hesitation unavoidable. They shouted loudly, trying to maintain courage.

"Stop! This is Pirate King Roger's Aether Pirates territory!"

"Quickly report this! A strong enemy has invaded, Urouge has been defeated!"

As the intruder advanced, the surrounding pirates unconsciously stepped back, forming a path. His aura alone was enough to suppress most resistance.

Just as he was about to leave, Urouge appeared in front of him again.

This time, his body had expanded to seven meters, far larger than before. His fists were coated in Armament Haki, turning pitch black.

Blood still stained his face, but his eyes burned with excitement.

"This is incredible… As expected, there are still stronger opponents in the New World. Karma Retribution! Let me feel your fist again!"

Urouge charged once more without hesitation.

The intruder's expression darkened further. He hated wasting time on weak opponents.

His arm immediately hardened with Armament Haki as well, turning pitch black.

He struck.

Boom!

A sonic blast erupted as the collision ended instantly. Urouge's Armament Haki fist was shattered, and the counterattack slammed directly into his chest.

His massive body was sent flying once again, smashing through multiple buildings before collapsing unconscious. Blood flowed continuously from his nose and ears.

At that moment, several veteran pirates finally recognized the intruder.

"He is the Demon Heir, Douglas Bullet!"

The name alone sent a wave of shock and fear through the crowd.

Although Douglas Bullet had disappeared for over twenty years, his Admiral-level strength had once caused massive chaos, forcing Sengoku to personally intervene while Garp observed.

Even more terrifying was his cruelty. He showed no distinction between Marines and pirates, crushing anyone who opposed him.

Some, unaware of the full truth, whispered in confusion.

"Wasn't Douglas Bullet a member of Captain Roger's crew? Maybe he's here to join them."

"Haha, if someone like him joins, the crew will become even stronger."

Those words seemed to reach Bullet's ears.

A terrifying burst of Conqueror's Haki erupted instantly, knocking out most of the weaker fighters on the spot.

Bullet's expression turned ferocious.

"I don't need comrades. I came here to challenge Roger, and to destroy this pirate crew that's just playing house!"

The remaining pirates trembled, their faces pale.

"He's not here to join us, he's an enemy!"

"Run! We can't handle a monster like this!"

The crowd scattered in panic.

Bullet stepped forward, clearly intending to strike them down.

But a voice suddenly cut through the tension.

"Bullet, stop."

The aura in the air shifted.

Bullet paused and turned his head.

Not far away stood Rayleigh, his presence steady as he locked onto Bullet with his own Haki.

A grin slowly appeared on Bullet's face.

"Rayleigh, you old man, you're here too."

In response, Rayleigh released his own aura. The two forces collided, stirring violent winds across the port.

During the standoff, Bullet narrowed his eyes slightly. Something was wrong.

The Rayleigh in front of him looked too young, almost like the version he remembered from decades ago, back when he first joined Roger's crew.

He had spent months recovering and had finally returned to peak condition before setting out to challenge Roger.

He had heard rumors about "restored youth" along the way, but never believed them.

Now, seeing it with his own eyes, even Bullet's confidence wavered slightly.

"Rayleigh… how did you become young?"

Rayleigh chuckled lightly.

"Haha, surprised? I was shocked too when I returned to my forties. It was thanks to two longevity pills Roger gave me. If you ask him, he might give you some as well. After all, he used to think highly of you."

Rayleigh's tone carried a trace of nostalgia.

But Bullet's expression darkened slightly.

Twenty years lost in imprisonment.

Twenty years of wasted time.

Even if his body had recovered, that gap remained a wound he never accepted.

Still, his obsession did not shift.

What he pursued now was absolute strength, something even his former captain Roger could not change.