Sweet Island, in the study of Caesar's residence.

Yes, Caesar had ordered the construction of an enormous study in his living quarters.

It was filled with books from all over the world—covering humanities, history, geographical charts, exotic customs, as well as comprehensive information on various countries, other pirate factions, the Marines, and even the Revolutionary Army.

Every day, Katakuri would report to Caesar about the latest developments on the seas.

It was after observing this habit of Caesar's that Katakuri admire his father even more.

Linlin had never concerned herself with such matters before.

Even when major events signaling the changing of eras occurred on the high seas, few could pique Linlin's interest.

At the moment, Linlin had gone alone to the island's restaurant to enjoy some ice cream.

Kaido, meanwhile, had transformed into his Azure Dragon form and taken Ain with him, reportedly to search for Sky Island or something of the sort.

Only Caesar, like Katakuri, remained on Sweet Island.

Katakuri strode in, stepping lightly into Caesar's residence until he reached the study door, where he knocked.

"Come in."

Caesar's deep voice echoed from inside.

Katakuri pushed the door open, and the sight before him made his brows rise slightly in surprise.

Caesar was sitting directly on the floor of the study, surrounded by countless books. His massive frame, even while seated, was nearly as tall as Katakuri.

At that moment, Caesar held a book in his hand, flipping through its pages—a stark contrast to his terrifyingly powerful physique.

"Father, are you... looking for some kind of information?" Katakuri hesitated before asking.

Caesar shook his head. "No, just browsing."

Katakuri subtly glanced at the book in Caesar's hand and realized it was a manual on martial arts—apparently an advanced version of the Navy's Six Powers.

He vaguely remembered this book.

It had been brought by Doflamingo a few days prior.

Upon hearing that Caesar wanted a large number of books, Doflamingo had been visibly shocked.

It seemed incomprehensible to him that a monster like Caesar, nearly invincible, would want to read.

In Doflamingo's understanding, only scholars like those from Ohara would have any interest in books.

Pirates? What a joke.

Most pirates on the high seas had only slaughter, money, women and territory on their minds.

How many would ever sit down and read?

Shocked as he was, Doflamingo was no fool.

He immediately offered up the vast collection of books in his Donquixote Family's treasury—many of which were training manuals like the Navy's Six Powers, all acquired through underground auctions to train his subordinates.

Yet, after all these years, the only notable martial artist under his command had been Vergo.

The Marine didnt returned Vergo, leaving Doflamingo in mourning for quite a while.

Caesar set the book down and motioned for Katakuri to step outside to talk.

"Have you found any leads on the Blackbeard Pirates?"

A trace of shame crossed Katakuri's face.

"Not yet. However, their captain, Marshall D. Teach, was last seen at their stronghold, Hachinosu."

"Hachinosu?" Caesar paused, then suddenly smirked in amusement. "This Blackbeard guy... interesting. I heard his ship is named the Saber of Xebec?"

"Yes. Is there a problem with that?" Katakuri asked, puzzled.

"Do you know of Rocks?" Caesar countered instead of answering directly.

Katakuri frowned, thinking for a moment before replying slowly.

"I've heard Mother mention him a few times, but never in detail. Supposedly, Mother, Uncle Kaido, and Whitebeard were once crewmates under him."

"Borororo, that's right, it's him. Rocks' full name is Rocks D. Xebec. And Hachinosu Island was the stronghold of the Rocks Pirates back then."

Caesar picked up a bottle of liquor from the table beside him, uncorked it, and took a swig.

"So, you're saying Blackbeard might have some connection to this Rocks? Could he be his son?"

"Son? Don't be ridiculous." Caesar shook his head, took another gulp, and continued.

"Xebec didn't have any sons. This Blackbeard might have some secrets related to Xebec, though. Heh, I've heard he's a freak of nature—now possessing two Devil Fruit abilities?"

"Yeah, he has the Dark-Dark Fruit, said to nullify any Devil Fruit user's powers, and he also stole Whitebeard's Tremor-Tremor Fruit, gaining the power to destroy the world."

"The power to destroy the world?" Caesar scoffed. "You think it's the Tremor-Tremor Fruit's power that can destroy the world? Hmph, what a bunch of ignorant fools. The reason the Tremor-Tremor Fruit has that reputation is because it was in Newgate's hands. Listen well, Katakuri—any Devil Fruit ability, when mastered to its peak and wielded by a true warrior can achieve the power to devastate entire world."

"It was Newgate who made the Tremor-Tremor Fruit legendary, not the other way around."

Seemingly stirred by something deep within, Caesar sighed.

"Xebec was a formidable man. Among the descendants of the D. lineage, he was exceptional. Pity, though—he died to early... to another D no less. That guy kill an Admiral casually as he escaped from the Holy Land Mariejois with five kings, carrying a sack full of rare Devil Fruits, along with a trove of famed swords and treasures. Hmph, he wanted to use these to gather a crew of warriors at the pinnacle of strength to accomplish something."

As Caesar drank and spoke, Katakuri listened with gleaming eyes, stunned by the sheer depth of these hidden truths.

"What kind of history would the World Government go to such lengths to erase? If Xebec were just an ordinary pirate, would they bother covering it up? Katakuri, how would you rate my strength?"

Suddenly, Caesar posed this question, snapping Katakuri out of his reverie.

But he quickly composed himself, answering with reverence.

"Father's strength is likely unmatched in this era."

"Borororo, unmatched in this era? Perhaps in raw physical power, I might deserve that title." A complex, unreadable expression flickered across Caesar's face.

"But this world harbors many hidden forces far beyond your imagination."

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