Chapter 6: 6. The Starting Target, Wanokuni

Time flowed like a fleeting moment. As Alex remained fully absorbed in his training, four and a half years passed in the blink of an eye. Throughout this time, the turbulent waves of the Great Pirate Era continued to rage. Since the Sea Circle Calendar year 1500, following the successive downfalls of legendary pirates Roger and the Golden Lion, the once-vast territories and influences held by the Roger Pirates and the Flying Pirates became key contributors to the growing chaos in the New World. At its height, one of the most monumental clashes erupted between the Whitebeard Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates. Shortly after the Golden Lion's demise, Whitebeard—the only legendary pirate still active—began asserting his strength across the New World. Countless challengers flocked to test him, yet they either joined him or faced annihilation. Over a grueling two-and-a-half-year campaign against the Big Mom Pirates, Whitebeard emerged victorious, securing nearly a third of the New World territories. Among his spoils were nearly a dozen ships once loyal to the Golden Lion. This relentless conquest cemented the Whitebeard Pirates as the world's largest and most powerful pirate fleet. Despite facing setbacks, Big Mom's forces expanded their Totto Land territory by dozens of nautical miles, solidifying their rule over the "Ten Thousand Kingdoms" and further bolstering their influence. When news of the battle's sheer devastation between Whitebeard and Big Mom spread, the world stood in awe. With Roger's era seemingly at an end, Whitebeard and Big Mom were informally acknowledged as the two "Emperors of the Sea" in the New World. While these monumental clashes dominated headlines, other significant events also unfolded during these years. In 1501 of the Sea Circle Calendar, the rising rookie "Moria" from the first half of the Grand Line led his crew in an ambitious assault on the Beasts Pirates in the New World. However, Moria was ultimately defeated, his fleet destroyed, and he later accepted the World Government's offer, becoming the second member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, following Crocodile. In 1502, the archaeological sanctum in West Blue disappeared from history in a Buster Call launched by the World Government, due to violations of their laws. That same year, the infamous "Red Count" Patrick Redfield clashed with Fleet Admiral Kong. Following a fierce battle, Redfield was captured and imprisoned in Impel Down. Now, in the year 1504, halfway through the current Sea Circle Calendar, a familiar giant island in the Calm Belt bore witness to another phenomenon. "Boom..." A thunderous tremor shook the heart of the island, reverberating across the land. "Roar!!" The ear-splitting roar of a colossal beast rang out, mingled with powerful gusts and clouds of flying soil. The beast before him was an immense tiger, towering eight meters tall. Its vicious fangs, massive limbs, and fearsome claws clearly marked it as a deadly creature—the undisputed king of this island's central forest. Yet, this apex predator, after dropping the elk it had been carrying at Alex's feet, displayed an almost human expression of fear and submission. Seeing this, Alex extended his hand toward the tiger. Instantly, the beast's eyes widened in alarm, as if recalling a terrible memory, and it bowed its head obediently, allowing Alex to stroke its fur. As Alex looked at this once-imposing king of the forest, he couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. Only half a year ago, this tiger had been his most challenging opponent. Now, it cowered before him like a tame housecat. After four and a half years of relentless training, Alex had transformed. Once slight of frame, he was now a powerhouse, his body strengthened by intense training and a diet rich in the island's bountiful game. He had grown from 1.7 meters to a towering 2.63 meters, and his strength had developed to a level worlds beyond his former self. In terms of Haki, he had unlocked Conqueror's Haki, and his mastery of Armament Haki had advanced to the "Emission" technique, allowing him to project force without direct contact. He had even begun to grasp higher-level Haki applications. As for his swordsmanship, although he hadn't yet crossed blades with other masters, he was confident he was approaching Golden Lion's level—already a formidable swordsman in his own right. His Devil Fruit abilities had also improved, thanks in part to his enhanced physical capabilities. Techniques like Shiki's Lion Menace: Earth Coiling, where massive rock formations could be raised from the ground, now felt effortless for Alex. It had taken four and a half years of brutal training to bring him to this point, a transformation far beyond the ordinary. The benefits of modeling his training after Golden Lion Shiki extended beyond talent alone; they shaped his very cultivation. Driven by intense discipline, Alex had trained without rest or hesitation, reaping the rewards of every drop of blood and sweat. But now, he sensed himself nearing a bottleneck. For almost three years, he had dominated this remote island in the Calm Belt, yet the beasts here could no longer push him to new heights. While they had once provided valuable combat experience, he knew he needed something more—a challenge from worthy opponents who could test his mettle and push him to new limits. Gripping a well-cooked cut of venison, Alex decided it was time to venture back into the world. No amount of fighting with wild beasts could match the experience of clashing with truly strong opponents. Like the Straw Hats in the original story who grew through continuous battle, he would now take that path to convert his abilities into hard-won experience. With his mind set, Alex didn't delay. Finishing his last meal on the island, he activated his Devil Fruit powers, lifting himself into the air, much to the astonishment of the giant tiger, and departed. By the Sea Circle Calendar year 1504, Alex knew, a significant event was set to unfold: the conflict between Kozuki Oden and the Beasts Pirates. In the aftermath, the Kozuki family would be overthrown, and Kaido's ally, Kurozumi Orochi, would seize control of Wano. Thinking about Wano stirred something in Alex. The isolated land held treasures that could empower even the mightiest pirate—abundant resources, masterful craftsmen, and most enticing of all, the Ancient Weapon Pluton. A warship capable of obliterating islands in a single strike, Pluton would amplify his Float-Float Fruit abilities to devastating effect. With this in mind, Alex resolved to head toward Wano. But first, he glanced down at his rugged, primitive attire. Before stepping back into the world, he'd need to secure proper resources and equipment.