One Piece: With Sign-in System

"The power of the Float-Float Fruit combined with swordsmanship provides a means for large-scale, long-range attacks. But if I want to engage in close combat with the strongest fighters of this sea, physical prowess and Haki are what truly matter."

Ron mused to himself.

Of course, that was assuming his Tenseigan Eye remained sealed.

If he could break the seal on his Tenseigan Eye, there was no doubt his overall strength would skyrocket once again, elevating him to a level that could match—or even surpass—the very strongest of this ocean!

"I still need to keep tempering my body and refining my Observation and Armament Haki. I have to break through as soon as possible."

Ron had a strong premonition—if his Observation and Armament Haki reached the next level, then the next time he encountered Kizaru, the one forced to flee wouldn't be him…

…

Ron spent another day alone on the desolate Thunder Island, getting accustomed to the surge of power after his vitality had increased by over a hundred points. Then, after ensuring he had fully adjusted, he returned to the Traveler, which was still floating amidst the storm clouds.

Nearly a week had passed since he had fallen into Thunder Island.

When Robin and the others saw that he was safe and sound, they all breathed a sigh of relief.

"Captain, it's only been a few days, but how did your hair grow so long?"

Conis looked at Ron curiously and teased, "Could it be that getting struck by lightning helps with hair growth?"

"No, I heard it just turns you into an afro."

Bonney, who was lounging on the deck, casually chimed in as she switched between her child and young woman forms.

"Captain with an afro…"

Conis imagined the scene for a moment and then burst into giggles, covering her mouth with both hands.

That would look way too funny.

"Do you want me to help you cut it?"

Robin walked over with a pair of scissors, smiling gently at Ron.

"Huh?"

Kuina, who had been standing off to the side with her arms crossed, occasionally stealing glances at Ron's long hair, was startled by the suggestion.

She couldn't help but ask, "You're cutting it off?"

"If I don't, it might get in the way," Robin replied, looking at Ron. "What do you think?"

"It's a bit of a hassle, and besides, I'm a guy. What do I need such long hair for?" Ron said as he ran a hand through his hair.

"But…"

Kuina hesitated, looking a little conflicted.

"But what?"

Robin, Conis, and Bonney all turned their curious gazes toward her.

Under their expectant stares, Kuina suddenly became flustered. She turned her face away, lowered her head slightly, and murmured in a small voice,

"…Ron with long hair… has that wandering swordsman look… It actually looks kind of cool…"

Robin, Conis, and Bonney were momentarily stunned.

Then, all three of them broke into amused smiles.

"Ohhh~~ So that's the style Kuina likes."

Bonney smirked mischievously, teasing, "Then maybe the captain should keep it."

"N-No, I didn't mean—"

Kuina's face turned red as she waved her hands in embarrassment, completely flustered.

Robin's eyes curved into a smile as she watched her.

Most of the time, Kuina was composed and reliable, making people feel at ease. But when it came to things outside her comfort zone, she became awkward and easily flustered.

That part of her was unexpectedly… quite cute.

"Alright, Bonney, don't tease Kuina. She can't handle it."

Ron spoke up, bringing an end to the playful banter.

"The hair is getting a bit long, and it might interfere with battle. Robin, go ahead and trim it for me."

"Alright."

…

After leaving the uninhabited Thunder Sea, where few dared to venture, the Traveler descended from the skies and returned to the vast sea below.

They passed by several large and small islands scattered across the New World.

At the same time, word of their movements in this turbulent ocean quickly spread.

…

That day.

Not long after Ron and his crew had left an island called Heales in the New World—

A thunderous cannon blast tore through the sea ahead of them, roaring straight toward The Traveler!

Dressed in black, with a black blade at his waist, his eyes closed, and his long, dark hair swaying in the wind, Ron slowly reached for his sword.

With a single slash, a massive, jet-black crescent-shaped sword wave surged forward.

The sea itself split apart under its force, as the devastating attack cleaved through the incoming cannonfire and continued its unstoppable path forward.

"Hmph, a strike from a Great Swordsman, huh…"

A deep voice rumbled from the ship ahead.

A towering figure leaped into the air, emerging from the enemy vessel.

A massive crusher-like right arm, wrapped in Armament Haki, swung forward.

Boom!

With a single punch, the monstrous sword wave that had split the ocean apart was shattered into pieces!

The figure continued soaring toward The Traveler, his presence overwhelming.

Kuina tightened her grip on her sword.

The others also tensed up, their expressions turning serious.

But Ron, standing calmly on deck, slowly sheathed his sword.

"You don't need to step in." His voice was casual but firm. "This opponent is far beyond your level."

Robin and the others were stunned.

Just who… was this terrifying enemy?

The moment before anyone could ask questions, the towering figure descended from above.

His massive, crusher-like right fist came crashing down toward Ron, and even before it landed, the very air groaned under the unbearable pressure. The terrifying wind force sent everyone's hair whipping wildly, their shoulders growing heavy under the sheer might of the incoming attack. Below them, the ocean churned violently, waves surging in all directions.

Buzz!

Ron's right fist hardened with Armament Haki, turning pitch black like tempered steel. Without hesitation, he swung his own punch upward to meet the attack head-on!

Boom!

The colossal crusher-like fist and Ron's jet-black, iron-like punch collided with an earth-shattering impact!

The Traveler sank several feet into the ocean from the sheer force of the clash.

A shockwave, like a hurricane, erupted from the point of impact, spreading outward in all directions. Robin, Conis, and the others were forced to take several steps back, struggling to maintain their footing as the powerful gusts swept across the deck.

As the two fighters' fists and Haki clashed, a series of violent shockwaves rippled outward, spreading nearly a thousand meters in all directions. The ocean itself seemed to explode as massive waves surged outward from the ship, as if heralding the battle between two monstrous forces!

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