Chapter 5: Moxxi and the Good News
About twenty minutes later, Ross sensed through his surveillance cloud that Sakazuki had reached his physical limit. Without delay, he dispersed the vibrating cloud.
Thud!
As expected, Sakazuki collapsed onto the floor like a pile of wet mud, limbs splayed out.
"Not bad at all, Sakazuki. You lasted even longer than I predicted. Now, take a proper rest."
Ross lifted the nearly unconscious Sakazuki using a cloud and offered sincere praise. Thanks to the surveillance cloud, he knew just how much progress Sakazuki had made in those twenty minutes—his physical prowess had essentially doubled. Under such extreme pain and pressure, Sakazuki had undergone a rebirth of sorts.
Ross still remembered how, during his own first time using the same method, he barely lasted five minutes. Compared to Sakazuki, he was far less impressive back then. Truly, monsters have their own monstrous ways of growing—something that even a natural genius like Ross might never replicate.
"Only twenty minutes… That's all?"
Unlike Ross's satisfaction, Sakazuki was filled with frustration. He felt weak—pathetic, even—that he couldn't last longer than that.
Even as his body screamed in agony, his will only hardened. He desperately tried to force his body to move.
Compared to his ideals… compared to the cruel world he wanted to protect others from… what did this pain amount to?
Why couldn't he be stronger?
Why had he been so weak in the past?
Why couldn't he endure even this much?
So what if his bones were fractured? So what if his organs were damaged? He wasn't dead. No way he was going to surrender to mere pain!
Slowly, the seemingly lifeless Sakazuki began to move. With trembling arms, he pushed himself upright—and to Ross's astonishment, he stood up.
"Master… I'm ready for more."
"You've already done more than enough, Sakazuki. Don't push it. Once your body recovers, I'll arrange the next step."
Before Sakazuki could protest further, Ross bound him up in a resting cloud, forcibly putting him into recovery mode.
What a monster. Ross admitted that in terms of willpower, even he couldn't match Sakazuki.
"Master!"
A voice called out as Moxxi stepped into the room, blocking Ross just as he was about to leave.
He stood tall—about three meters—with a lean but not weak frame. Despite his height, he had a wiry, almost fragile appearance. His spiky hair and the long scar across his face gave him a sharp, battle-worn look. He wore a light jacket and carried a massive, four-meter-wide sword on his back.
In his hands was a giant lunchbox, radiating a delicious aroma that made one's mouth water.
"Oh, Moxxi. Just got back?"
Ross gave a small nod as he greeted him.
Not far off, Sakazuki stared curiously at this "big brother." He hadn't seen Moxxi around in the past few days, and now he was trying to get a sense of who this man was. The crew liked Moxxi a lot—and because Sakazuki was Ross's second disciple, they affectionately called him "Second Brother," which made him feel both welcomed and responsible.
"Yeah. I confirmed the news. There's going to be a large-scale auction at the Sabaody Archipelago in half a month. The fruit you asked about is on the list."
Moxxi answered flatly. He then glanced at the restrained Sakazuki and asked:
"This is your new disciple? Sakazuki, right? He looks pretty impressive."
Hearing this, Sakazuki gave a slight nod in acknowledgment—though his eyes were clearly fixed on the food in Moxxi's hands. Even though he'd had breakfast earlier, he felt ravenously hungry now.
Ross chuckled and released him from the cloud restraints. He took the lunchbox from Moxxi and handed it to Sakazuki, who immediately began devouring its contents.
Ross and Moxxi moved to a quiet corner to sit and talk.
"Sakazuki's talent is excellent. Later on, I'll need you to train him in swordsmanship as well. It'll help develop his patience."
"No problem," Moxxi replied with a nod. As the senior disciple, teaching the younger one was natural. Besides, even Ross was impressed with Sakazuki's potential, which made Moxxi curious. If he could successfully train him, maybe he'd finally get the chance to journey into the New World himself.
After all, you don't become the world's greatest swordsman by staying in one place. That was his dream—and he needed real experience to pursue it.
Ross nodded in agreement. "Alright. Later, have your sister instruct the sailors to find the nearest island to dock. Once you're settled, I'll head to Sabaody myself."
A few days ago, Ross had sent Moxxi ahead to scout out the Sabaody auction based on a report from a mid-sized newspaper. It advertised the sale of a Devil Fruit—an unusual one that grew five small fruits on a branch, shaped like tomoe beads, each with adorable little eyes.
He recognized that fruit immediately:
> Paramecia-type Devil Fruit – The Ghost Fruit.
A highly functional fruit with decent offensive potential. If possible, Ross wanted to purchase it and pass it down to one of his children.
In the world of pirates, bloodline and talent matter, but strength wasn't always inherited. For children lacking natural gifts, Ross wasn't going to abandon them—he would compensate with powerful Devil Fruits.
After careful thought, Ross decided he should go himself. Sabaody wasn't like the Four Seas—it was chaotic, crawling with danger and, worst of all, Celestial Dragons. Who knows what those arrogant nobles might try? What if they decided they wanted to enslave one of the orphans he was raising?
Would he be able to walk away?
Probably not.
And those big auctions always attracted the Celestial Dragons. Ross's goal was simple, and he preferred not to stir up unnecessary trouble.
"Don't worry. Just go," Moxxi said with a grin, removing his sword. "There's no pirate in the North Blue who can beat me. I'll keep everyone safe."
That was Moxxi. Proud, confident—and reliable. Ross trusted him with his life.
"Then I'll leave it to you."
Ross smiled warmly. Moxxi, his brother-in-law and first disciple, was dependable to the core. Ross also knew Moxxi still dreamed of going to the New World—and Ross felt a twinge of guilt for keeping him back so long.
Once things settled down, maybe he'd send Moxxi out there. After all, every journey comes to an end, and the North Blue would be his final stop. Once this was over, he planned to settle in the East Blue, where business and peaceful life awaited.
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