Thus, Newgate and Shaq settled down in that quiet valley on Sphinx, far removed from the chaos of the seas.
Time flowed on like an unceasing tide.
Seasons shifted, years passed, and before they realized it, five full years had gone by since they first made this place their home.
Five years later, Newgate, now forty-one, still carried the same overwhelming presence, yet it had grown more subdued.
The sharpness that once defined him had softened into something calmer, more controlled.
At a glance, he no longer resembled a fearsome pirate who shook the New World, but rather an ordinary man one might see resting beneath the sun.
Shaq, however, had changed even more dramatically.
At seventeen, he was no longer the small, underdeveloped boy he once was.
His long hair had been cut short into a clean, practical style, accentuating his now resolute features.
His height had surged to an astonishing degree, his body growing into that of a true giant among men, with powerful muscles concealed beneath simple clothing.
Every movement carried restrained strength, as though explosive force lay just beneath the surface.
During these five years, the two had remained on Sphinx, protecting the island while helping its people rebuild their ruined homes.
At first, the residents had feared them pirates, after all, were synonymous with disaster.
But as time passed, that fear gradually turned into trust and respect.
Under Newgate’s guidance, Shaq even helped organize a militia, training the townspeople to defend themselves.
Over time, this force grew disciplined and capable, strong enough to rival even the standing forces of lesser nations.
As for Shaq himself, the bottleneck that had once held him back had long since been shattered.
Through years of accumulation and real combat, he had stepped into the realm of a true swordsman, his blade capable of cutting through steel with ease.
His Armament Haki had also awakened, tempering both offense and defense.
Occasionally, he would sail out alone, testing himself against the dangers of the New World.
In doing so, he carved out a reputation that spread rapidly across the seas a rising figure known for his ruthless swordsmanship.
“Pops, the new bounty posters are out,” Shaq called as he walked toward Newgate, who was lounging lazily under the sun, holding two sheets of paper.
Newgate opened one eye, interest flickering within.
“So?
Did you finally pass five hundred million?”
Shaq grinned.
“Of course.”
He handed the posters over.
Sword Demon Shaq — 520,000,000 Berries Dead or Alive
Edward Newgate — 3,288,000,000 Berries
Dead or Alive
In recent years, Newgate had rarely made a move.
But when he did, it shook the entire sea.
Not long ago, several forces under Charlotte Linlin had attempted to extend their reach toward Sphinx.
They were swiftly repelled by Shaq, but when news reached Newgate, he responded in his own way by taking the fight directly to Totto Land.
The clash that followed was nothing short of catastrophic.
Newgate and Linlin fought for days, their power tearing through the land itself.
Entire sections of territory were devastated, the sea itself trembling under the force of their blows.
In the end, Linlin was forced to concede, sustaining heavy injuries.
At the same time, Shaq moved freely through enemy ranks, cutting down opponents with overwhelming skill.
Even among Linlin’s powerful children, few could stand against him.
That battle reignited Newgate’s name across the seas, reminding the world that his strength had never faded.
And alongside him, Shaq’s reputation surged, marking him as a rising force to be reckoned with.
Newgate lowered the bounty posters and stood up slowly, taking a sip from his sake jug.
“We’ve rested long enough.
It’s time to head out again.”
Shaq’s eyes lit up immediately.
“Finally!
Let’s go, Pops!”
“Gurararara!
Not just the two of us this time,” Newgate added, a grin spreading across his face.
“It’s about time I form a proper crew.
And you’ll be my first mate.”
Shaq laughed loudly.
“That’s perfect!
Let’s hurry and find crew members I’m already looking forward to it.”
Newgate shook his head, amused.
“Still as impatient as ever.”
He picked up his weapon and gestured forward.
“First, we’ll gather supplies.
Then we head to Water Seven and build a proper ship.
Only then will this crew truly begin.”
“Whatever you say, Pops.”
…
At the port, the entire town had gathered to see them off.
“Take care of yourselves,” the old town chief said, his voice filled with emotion.
Newgate waved casually.
“You too.”
Shaq tossed a folded black cloth toward him.
“Hang this up after we leave.
It’ll keep troublemakers away.”
The old man unfolded it, revealing a skull marked by a crescent-shaped white mustache the symbol of Newgate himself.
Tears welled in his eyes as he nodded.
Without further words, the two boarded their ship.
The sails were raised, catching the wind as the vessel slowly pulled away from Sphinx.
“Pops… do we actually have enough money for a new ship?” Shaq asked as he adjusted their course.
Newgate answered casually, “Not quite.”
“How short are we?”
“About five hundred million.”
Shaq froze.
“…And how much do we have now?”
“A few million left, maybe.”
Silence.
Shaq slowly turned his head.
“You’re not planning to turn me in for the bounty, are you?”
“Gurararara!
You could just escape afterward,” Newgate replied with a laugh.
“…Is it too late to go back?”
“What do you think?” Newgate shot him a glance.
Seeing Shaq’s defeated expression, he burst out laughing.
“Relax, I’m joking.”
Shaq snorted.
“I knew you wouldn’t sell me out.”
Soon, their ship left the familiar waters of Sphinx, heading deeper into the sea once more.
But the weather turned suddenly.
Dark clouds gathered, and rain began to pour as violent winds whipped across the ocean.
Massive waves rose and crashed toward them.
Shaq drew his blade and cut through the incoming swells, stabilizing their course.
Through the storm, he spotted a small island ahead.
After receiving Newgate’s approval, they steered toward it, intending to take shelter.
Battling the wind and rain, they finally made landfall.
After securing the ship, the two moved into the forest in search of refuge.
Before long, they found a cave.
However, the moment they stepped inside, both of them realized
They were not alone.