c10: Conqueror's Haki
"It's being drawn."
A disk only visible to Moran spun slowly before his eyes, inscribed with various rewards from across the countless worlds.
"Congratulations to the host for obtaining Advanced Conqueror's Haki."
Comfort surged through him. Moran had coveted Conqueror's Haki for a long time.
"The system, open the personal page."
(Summon Lottery System)
Host: Alphad D. Moran
Identity: Captain of the Wanjian Pirates
Age: 18
Abilities: Intermediate Observation Haki (2800/4000), Intermediate Armament Haki (3000/4000), Advanced Conqueror's Haki (4000/8000), Advanced Taijutsu (4200/8000), Marine Six Styles - Intermediate (Moonwalk, Shave)
Swordsman: (3800/4000)
Strength Level: Comparable to a Vice Admiral
(Three advanced abilities currently approach Admiral-class level)
With around 500 million Berries remaining, he could summon once more. First, he needed to return to the ship.
As soon as he exited the system, he spotted Ace standing not far ahead.
Ace saw Moran as well and immediately approached, his expression fierce, shouting for a duel.
"Your name is Alphad D. Moran, right?"
"I'm here to challenge you one-on-one."
"Why, was this morning's defeat not enough?"
"You want another one-on-one?"
Moran stepped toward Ace at a steady pace. His pupils briefly glowed crimson, and powerful shockwaves of invisible pressure pulsed outward in growing rings.
The wooden planks beneath them cracked, nearby windows shattered into pieces.
Bystanders collapsed one by one, overcome by sheer intimidation, their eyes rolling back. Only Ace remained standing, sweat rolling down his temples, face taut.
Ace, you're still too weak. One day, your strength will betray you, and you'll pay the price.
With that, Moran passed Ace without even drawing his sword. A few crewmates followed him in silence.
After they left, Ace collapsed onto the ground, breathing hard.
"So strong..."
His momentum alone had overwhelmed him. Ace sat there in disbelief, shaken.
"Master Moran, why don't I have Conqueror's Haki?" asked Chitong.
"Chitong, Conqueror's Haki doesn't just depend on talent. It requires the spirit of a king."
"Acedes has a domineering will, a natural drive to rise above others, so it's not surprising he awakened Conqueror's Haki."
"On the other hand, you have a heart built to protect, not dominate. Your strength lies in your compassion, not ambition."
"You two... One is born to be a general. The other, a king."
"Captain, you understand people so deeply. Even couples can't see into each other like that!" Robin added with a teasing smile.
Acedes and Chitong both flushed red at Robin's words.
(They were all dream wives in my past life. How could I not understand?)
"Go, go, go! No one will think you're mute if you stay quiet for a moment!"
At the port, Moran looked out toward their pirate ship. Only four cabins, and their crew was growing fast. It was getting too cramped. Time to find a bigger ship.
He sat casually on the railing and called Van Augur.
Brrr. Brrr.
"Captain Mossy, you need something? Are we headed for the New World?"
"The plan changed. Are you still near Water 7?"
"You head to Water 7 and place an order for a mid-sized ship. Use Adam Wood—only the best. I want fifteen rooms, a dragon figurehead at the prow, and a flat, open deck surface for bedding. That should cover it."
"Captain, I don't have enough funds. I've only got just over 100 million Berries on me."
"I already placed the order without a deposit. The ship's almost done. You just have to finalize it when you arrive."
"Understood, Captain. I'll handle it."
The current vessel only had four cabins, so there was no need to call everyone out yet.
"Let's go, little ones."
"It's the captain!"
"It's the captain!"
"It's the captain!"
"Master Moran, I'm hungry," said Chitong.
"Master Moran, me too!"
"And me, Captain!" the other two chimed in.
They had just set sail, and now three women were staring up at Moran with eager expressions that seemed to say: If you don't feed us, we might cry.
Moran sighed and quietly headed to the kitchen. He bore the weight of everything alone.
An hour later...
Three girls lay sprawled on deck chairs, bellies round and full, watching Moran train.
"Master Moran's cooking is always amazing. I want more, but I seriously can't eat another bite," Chitong murmured.
"Mmm," the other two agreed with satisfied sighs.
"Being able to eat Mr. Moran's meals every day... I'm really lucky," Acedes said softly.
At that moment, a News Coo flew down from the sky, circling the ship before dropping a newspaper.
Robin caught it with practiced ease. "Got it, Captain."
"Heh. The Marines move fast. It's only been half a day, and they've already updated the headlines."
A few days later – Gaya Island, Mock Town
Inside a run-down tavern, the crew rested after resupplying fresh water. The bar was filled with rowdy pirates gossiping about tales from the past.
"Do you think the story of Shandora and the golden city that Moran's crew talks about is real?"
Outside the bar, Chitong turned to Moran with wide eyes.
"Gol D. Roger visited that place over 20 years ago. I know where it is. But right now, we're on a tight schedule. We can't go just yet."
At that moment, they were surrounded in the street by a flamboyantly dressed group in pink feathered cloaks.
"The Warlord of the Sea, Donquixote Doflamingo. What business do you have with me, birdman?"
"Fufufufufufu..."
"The new Shichibukai—Alphad D. Moran?"
"When did the standards for Warlords fall so low that a flashy brat like you could take the title?"
Acedes moved to attack but was halted by Moran's outstretched hand.
Doflamingo's gaze narrowed. His pupils gleamed crimson as Conqueror's Haki burst forth.
Moran's own eyes flickered red, meeting the wave head-on. Invisible shockwaves clashed violently in the air.
The street cracked. Glass windows shattered into shards.
All the bystanders nearby collapsed, unconscious from the pressure.
"Whoa, he's got Conqueror's Haki... just like Doffy," Trebol muttered.
Doflamingo's forehead was damp with sweat as he took a small step back, affected by Moran's presence.
"Fufufufufufu..."
"Fine then, Alphad D. Moran. I acknowledge your strength."
"Heh. Since when did I need acknowledgment from a sewer rat like you?"
Doflamingo's crew glared at Moran. A few looked ready to pounce before Doflamingo raised a hand to stop them.
"Fufufufu... Stay arrogant while you can. Let's move."
"Doffy, why didn't you let me cut him down?" Pica asked.
"Quiet," Diamante said. "That crew gave Kizaru a hard time. You think they're pushovers?"
"Master Moran, why did you stop me? He insulted you. I'll kill them," Acedes said through gritted teeth.
"Doflamingo's status is complicated. We'll deal with him later."
"For now, hold your position as a Shichibukai. Opportunities will come."
"Okay!"
—