The arrival of that little devil—despite his arrogance and lack of Haki awakening—already carried a fearless spirit. His raw potential was evident, and even without mastery over Haki, his momentum was undeniable.
[PS: Someone should know who it is? An incredible character.]
The young "Heir of the Devil," Douglas Barrett!
Though still a child, Barrett appeared somewhat naive and inexperienced. However, considering his future strength, even Caesar couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
This boy had astonishing potential. The title "Heir of the Devil" alone spoke volumes about his power.
With his Armament Haki, he would one day possess the strength to level entire islands. His mastery would allow him to fully coat and harden a thousand-meter-tall form—his fused body—reaching an almost unimaginable level of strength.
Caesar carefully examined the young Barrett before him.
The boy exuded an intimidating aura, making it clear at a glance—he wasn't someone to be trifled with. His spirit was unwavering.
Barrett noticed Caesar staring and furrowed his brow, puzzled.
He had never seen this man before. Caesar wasn't wearing the military uniform, nor did he belong to their army. The floating sword beside him further confirmed that he was an outsider.
Frowning, the boy—still identified as No. 9—spoke with unwavering defiance.
"Who are you? Are you looking for me?"
His unyielding attitude sent a shiver down Douglas Gray's spine.
Barrett didn't recognize Caesar, but Gray certainly did. He knew exactly who was standing before them.
If this man made a move, Barrett wouldn't even have a chance to resist.
With such a terrifying figure standing here, Barrett still held that defiant attitude. If Caesar was provoked, many would die.
Especially when Douglas Gray caught sight of Caesar's indifferent expression—his heart filled with uncertainty and fear.
Panicked, Gray swiftly kicked Barrett and roared:
"If you don't want to die, keep your mouth shut!"
But how could Barrett back down? He stood up, glaring at Gray resentfully before shifting his gaze back to Caesar.
However, Caesar ignored Gray entirely. He looked at Barrett and smiled.
"No. 9, do you want to see the real sea—the real world?"
Barrett stared blankly, not understanding the weight of Caesar's words.
For him, the most important goal right now was to earn a military medal, an honor only granted through great battlefield achievements.
Seeing Barrett's confusion, Caesar rephrased his question.
"No. 9, do you want to become a true powerhouse?"
Barrett's eyes flickered with curiosity. "A true powerhouse? What do you mean?"
Caesar nodded, his tone unwavering.
"A true powerhouse is someone with the strength to rival an entire nation."
Barrett's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Rival a nation…?"
"Exactly. So, do you wish to attain that kind of strength?"
Barrett, raised in the army and obsessed with power, didn't hesitate.
"Yes! I want to be strong enough to fight a nation alone! Can you make me that powerful?"
His eyes burned with excitement. Even as a child, his competitive nature was evident. No wonder he would grow into such a fearsome warrior.
Caesar smirked.
"That's right. If you come with me, I'll mold you into a true powerhouse. If you desire the strength to rival a nation, then follow me to the sea—where the real world awaits you."
For a moment, Caesar believed Barrett would accept without hesitation. But unexpectedly, Barrett shook his head.
"No, I'm not leaving."
Caesar frowned. "Why?"
Barrett's face was serious, his determination unshaken.
"Because I want to earn my war medal!"
Caesar exhaled, now understanding. He recalled how Barrett's trust in others was shattered when his military achievements were stolen by comrades.
Without another word, Caesar lifted his hand. His Ba Saber, which had been floating beside him, dropped into his grasp.
Douglas Gray's heart tightened in fear. Was Caesar angry?
Before Gray could react, Caesar suddenly ascended into the sky, hovering dozens of meters above the battlefield.
Gray panicked. "He's furious… he's going to attack!"
But Barrett, rather than frightened, was stunned.
"He… he's flying?"
From his aerial vantage point, Caesar surveyed the battlefield below. The armies of two nations clashed, their battle lines clearly visible.
Then, Caesar grinned.
Gray trembled with dread. Even as a seasoned soldier, he felt powerless in Caesar's presence. His overwhelming aura left him paralyzed with fear.
"It's over… Caesar is furious."
Meanwhile, Barrett gazed up at the floating figure in awe.
"How is he doing that? He's just… floating in midair!"
At that moment, Caesar's muscles tensed. His right arm, as if forged from steel, pulsed with power.
Then, he unleashed his Haki.
His Ba Saber became enveloped in a dark, crackling energy—an aura so intense it nearly drove Gray to despair.
Barrett, too, was speechless. He could feel it—this was power on a completely different level.
In the next instant, Caesar swung his Ba Saber downward.
A massive purple-gold slash erupted, expanding as it descended, tearing through the sky like a divine blade.
Then—
BOOM!
An astonishing sight unfolded.
The entire island was cleaved in half.
A massive rift—dozens of meters wide—split the land in two. Seawater flooded into the gap, forming a violent, rushing sea trench.
The impact stunned everyone. Even the Caesar Pirates turned their heads in shock.
Gnali, one of Caesar's crew, barked out: "What the hell just happened?! Did Caesar just…?!"
Gray collapsed in terror.
But Barrett…
Barrett stared at Caesar with pure awe.
He looked at the chasm, then back at Caesar, his mind struggling to process what he had just witnessed.
Then, his expression changed.
It was admiration. It was fanaticism.
"Unbelievable… he split an entire island… This is what it means to be powerful enough to fight a nation?!"
His hands trembled. "This strength… this is real power!"
Caesar landed beside Barrett. His voice was calm.
"Follow me, and I will make you a true top-tier warrior."
At this moment, Barrett's mind was made up.
With burning determination, he dropped to his knees.
"Please teach me how to become stronger! I'll follow you!"
Caesar smirked.
"Good."
Turning to Gray, he picked up a chunk of soil and compressed it with his ability, shaping it into a mock Devil Fruit.
"Find me a real one like this." His tone was calm, but the order was absolute.
Gray frantically nodded. He dared not refuse.
Just then, the Caesar Pirates arrived.
Gnali rushed forward. "Caesar! What's going on? Who's the kid?"
Barrett looked up.
For the first time, he spoke Caesar's name aloud.
"…So, his name is Caesar."
Caesar turned to him.
"From today forward, your name will be Douglas Barrett."
Barrett's heart pounded.
Then, Caesar wrapped him in his power and soared into the sky.
As they flew, Barrett stared at the land below, marveling at the sensation.
"Is this how he flies? Amazing…!"
Watching them disappear into the sky, Gnali muttered:
"Did… Caesar just recruit a new crew member?"
Brad shook his head. "A ten-year-old? Seriously?"
But Lily gulped. "That kid… there's something about him."
Gnali nodded. "Let's go. We'll ask Caesar later."
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