A massive crater erupted in the lush grasslands of Whole Cake Island as a figure crashed down from the sky like a meteor.
The sheer impact sent shockwaves rippling across the land, shaking the island to its core.
The deafening sound immediately caught the attention of the island's inhabitants.
"What the hell was that?!"
"Let's go check it out!"
Not far from the impact site, Charlotte Perospero, the Candy Minister, heard the commotion.
Curiosity piqued, he gathered his men and hurried to the scene.
As they arrived at the grasslands—
They saw a tall, imposing figure emerging from the enormous crater, stepping out slowly and deliberately.
The moment Perospero got a clear look at the young man, his eyes widened in horror.
A black sword hung at the figure's waist.
His expression was eerily calm and composed.
Perospero, wearing his signature high-top hat, froze in place.
Then, as realization hit him—
His pupils shrank violently, and his entire body stiffened.
In that very instant—
A terrifying force crashed down upon them.
Perospero's knees buckled, forcing him halfway to the ground.
They were completely flattened, unable to move an inch.
And as the black-clad man continued to approach—
The pressure grew stronger and stronger.
The very ground beneath them began to sink, crushed by the sheer force.
Perospero's men screamed in agony, their bodies pinned to the earth by the immense weight.
Sweat poured down Perospero's forehead as he struggled to lift his head.
Through his blurred vision, he saw the black-haired swordsman standing before him—
His piercing azure eyes gleaming like starlight.
"W-Why... why are you here...?!"
Then, with a voice that sent chills down their spines, he uttered the name—
At the mention of this name, the fallen subordinates shuddered violently.
The most feared name in the world right now.
The World Government feared him.
The Four Emperors feared him.
No one could ignore that name anymore.
Yet, Ron did not answer.
He merely walked past Perospero, his face utterly indifferent.
The gravity pressing down on Perospero became unbearable.
Despite being one of the highest-ranking officers of the Big Mom Pirates—
He was completely crushed to the ground.
Only when Ron had completely left did the overwhelming pressure finally dissipate.
Perospero gasped for air, his entire body drenched in sweat.
The gap in their power was immeasurable.
If Ron had wanted him dead—
He would have died instantly.
Perospero swallowed hard, his mind racing.
"What the hell is he doing here...?"
He reached into his coat and pulled out a Den Den Mushi.
"I need to report this to Mama—"
But before he could even dial—
A colossal black sword slash ripped through the sky, darkening the heavens above.
Perospero's eyes nearly popped out of his skull.
The titanic blade of energy shot straight toward the highest tower of Whole Cake Island—
Elsewhere in the city—
Charlotte Smoothie, one of Big Mom's Sweet Commanders, snapped her head up.
She stared at the oncoming slash, her face twisted in shock.
It was unlike anything she had ever seen.
Deep within the Biscuit Forest—
Charlotte Cracker's expression darkened as he abruptly lifted his head.
Elsewhere, on the main street, Charlotte Katakuri stood motionless, his sharp gaze fixed on the monstrous sword slash cutting through the sky.
His expression turned grave.
The entire Whole Cake Island was thrown into chaos by this single slash.
Inside the grand palace—
Big Mom was leisurely enjoying her pastries when she narrowed her eyes, sensing the immense force approaching from outside.
Her lips curled into a sinister grin.
"Oh? Looks like we have a guest..."
She reached out her hand.
The hat on her head morphed into a massive sword, landing firmly in her grasp.
The black slash had already reached the palace gates.
Its terrifying sword pressure unleashed a storm of destruction, making the entire building tremble violently.
With a thunderous step, Big Mom planted her feet into the ground, gripping Napoleon's hilt with both hands.
Lightning and Haki crackled around the sword's blade.
Her eyes glowed crimson.
She swung down with all her might!
A ferocious counter-slash erupted from Napoleon—
Colliding head-on with the black sword energy.
Haki clashed against Haki.
Blood-red sparks burst into the air.
The impact sent violent shockwaves tearing through the surroundings, splitting the earth below into a twisting, gaping fissure.
The entire palace groaned under the pressure, its very structure ripping apart from the sheer force of the two slashes.
Inside, the countless animated pastries—imbued with souls by Big Mom—screeched in terror as they scattered in all directions, desperate to escape.
Even beyond the palace—
The entire city shook.
A clash of titanic forces had begun.
Katakuri leaped onto a rooftop, his expression filled with shock and disbelief.
"Such swordsmanship... Who the hell is this?!"
With a deep breath, he activated his Observation Haki, pushing it to its third stage.
Beyond the city, in the vast open plains, he saw him.
A black-clad young man stood calmly, gripping a black sword in one hand.
His posture was composed.
His presence was unshaken.
The moment Katakuri recognized the figure—
His eyes snapped open, filled with shock.
Ron stood motionless, his grip steady on the black blade, Shusui.
His piercing blue eyes swept in Katakuri's direction.
"Hmm... This Observation Haki..."
A familiar system notification sounded in his mind.
[Ding! Current Location: Totto Land—Eligible for Sign-In. Would you like to check in?]
Ron's lips curled slightly.
[Rewards Obtained—Vitality +10. Current Vitality: 4,978.]
[Additional Reward—Sage's Body. Would you like to claim it?]
[Sage's Body: A unique physique from another world. Those who possess this body will have an extraordinary life force, vastly exceeding that of ordinary beings.]
Ron's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise and excitement.
Without hesitation, he muttered—
A warm, boundless power surged through his body.
It was different from his existing life energy—
This power was delicate, yet brimming with endless vitality.
It flowed like a sacred nectar, nourishing every cell, strengthening every fiber of his being.
His muscles, bones, and organs underwent a rapid transformation.
His body—already immensely powerful—began evolving at an astonishing pace.
Becoming something beyond human.
Becoming something indestructible.
A thought crossed Ron's mind—
This newfound vitality, when combined with his existing life force, was pushing him closer and closer to something...
Something only one other being had ever achieved in this world.
The immortality of the Strongest Creature—Kaido.