An uninhabited island near the Sabaody Archipelago.
The massive ships belonging to the Wind Rider and Gecko Moria were docked along the shore, completely exposed.
Saint Charlos and Saint Rosward were still unconscious, tied to a large tree in the center of the island. Blood dripped slowly from their bodies, and their breathing grew fainter by the minute.
"Moria, are you scared?"
Caelan sat cross-legged on the ground, his giant sword resting flat across his knees.
"Not scared."
Moria stiffened his neck and answered.
"You've got guts. This time, it's Garp, Borsalino, and Akainu."
Caelan casually spoke as he sensed several powerful presences approaching.
"That's… a little scary!"
Hearing those legendary names, cold sweat broke out across Moria's forehead.
Each of them was a top-tier powerhouse on the sea. Any one of them could flatten him. Even Kaido-sama had to tread carefully when facing all three together.
Now they'd all gathered just to deal with Caelan. That kind of attention was way too much.
"If you're scared, go hide. Come pick me up after I win."
Caelan lowered his gaze, fully confident in the outcome.
"Thank you, Caelan-sama!"
Moria glanced at him. Seeing that Caelan wasn't joking, he bowed in sincere gratitude.
At this level of battle, even being a bystander could be fatal. Trying to get involved would be suicide.
"Open the Air Door."
Bleuno activated the powers of the Door-Door Fruit, opening a gateway to a pocket dimension.
Moria led his men and the captured shadow materials through the door.
Moments later, the island fell silent again. Only the painful, ragged gasps of the two Celestial Dragons echoed in Caelan's ears.
Even though he was confident of victory, being in peak condition was still the best plan.
"System, consume 1.2 billion Berries to increase Synchronization Progress."
Caelan muttered under his breath as a surge of immense power poured into his body.
The energy twisted and expanded his muscles and bones. His physique strengthened instantly.
Then came a torrent of Heracles combat memories.
Twelve impossible mythological feats. The Berserker class template remained vague, but the combat experience of the Heroic Spirit was crystal clear.
Saber's sky-piercing sword strikes. The Hero King's overwhelming rain of treasures. Ancient magic from the Age of Gods...
And a certain blue lancer who never stopped spinning and stabbing?!
Something else had clearly slipped in.
[Host: Caelan Alaric]
[Template: Berserker Class · Heracles (New template unlocked, please activate in a secure location)]
[Synchronization Progress: 100%]
[Berries: 4.86 billion → 3.66 billion]
[Attributes]
Strength: A → A+
Durability: A
Agility: A
Magic: A
Luck: A
Noble Phantasm: A+
[Personal Skills]
Battle Continuation (B)
Mind's Eye (Fake) (B)
Valor (A+)
Divinity (A)
Madness Enhancement (B)
[Other Skills]
Swordsmanship: A
Armament Haki: A
Observation Haki: A
Conqueror's Haki: A
[Noble Phantasms]
God Hand: The Twelve Labors (B)
Nine Lives: Shooting the Hundred Heads (C–A+)
---
The panel showed his Synchronization Progress had reached 100%. All other attributes remained the same, except for his Strength, which had risen from A to A+.
That alone was enough to satisfy Caelan. His power had more than doubled. Now, he truly felt like a berserker.
More importantly, he had obtained a complete spiritual foundation.
He had gained a form of immortality. Even if critically injured, his body could quickly regenerate under the influence of magic.
Feeling the surging power within, Caelan couldn't wait for the battle ahead.
"Two Admirals and a legendary Vice Admiral. This island's about to get really lively."
Caelan narrowed his eyes as he sensed the three fierce presences.
He pulled out a golden Den Den Mushi from inside his coat. It was a trophy from killing Spandam. Perfect timing to use it.
"Since it's already chaos... why not add some more fuel to the fire?"
A sharp glint flickered in Caelan's eyes as he pressed the golden Den Den Mushi.
Time to make some real noise. Big enough to shake the entire world.
Now that he was no longer affiliated with the World Government, he needed overwhelming might to declare the rise of a new Emperor.
…
At Marine Headquarters, ten elite warships set sail, heading straight for Caelan's location.
"Gion, who do you think issued this Buster Call? And so close to HQ too?"
Tokikakke slicked back his hair, looking confused.
"No clue. It was issued directly to you and me. Even Fleet Admiral Sengoku wasn't notified. My guess? A CP higher-up."
Gion looked puzzled as well.
There were two types of Buster Calls. One required authorization from the Fleet Admiral and other senior officers, typically used to take down notorious pirates.
The other type was activated directly via a golden Den Den Mushi, bypassing all procedures and launching an all-out annihilation strike.
This was clearly the latter. They had the right to execute it—but not to question it.
"Eh, whatever. At least this one's on a deserted island. No civilians, no cleanup."
Tokikakke shrugged in relief.
Despite its name, a Buster Call usually caused more collateral damage than it solved.
But this time, with no civilians in sight, there were no such concerns.
"Admiral Akainu's ship was rerouted on short notice. Seems like he's headed the same way. Something's off."
Gion's eyes narrowed. The unease in her gut only grew stronger.
What kind of opponent would require a top Admiral and a full Buster Call?
"Maybe we're sailing straight into hell. If this is my last mission, Gion, will you marry me?"
Tokikakke suddenly pulled out a rose and proposed on the spot.
Even on the brink of war, he was committed to his hopeless romance streak.
Gion twitched, black lines appearing on her forehead.
"I refuse."
"And call me Vice Admiral."
She snapped the rose in half and flung it into the sea.
"Okay, Gion."
Tokikakke didn't look the least bit disappointed. He was used to it by now.
…
Even though Garp's warship was closing in fast, Akainu's ship reached the island first.
"Instead of running, he's just sitting here waiting for us."
Akainu frowned as he looked at the Wind Rider and Moria's ships on the shore.
Caelan could have easily escaped into the sea.
But instead, he had chosen to remain on a remote island and calmly await the Navy's arrival. This was a blatant provocation toward the World Government.
"Fine. Then let this island be your grave."
Akainu sneered and strode toward the island's center.
He walked at the front, flanked by Garp and Borsalino.
Any two of them working together could suppress even a Yonko.
Now, with all three assembled, Akainu couldn't imagine any way Caelan could survive.
Unless Caelan had nine lives… he was dead.
(To be continued.)
Fun fact: He has twelve lives xD
***
For every 200 PS = 1 extra chapter. Support me on P/treon to read 30+ advanced chapters: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves
(Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)