After the war at Marineford, the Grand Line was engulfed in smoke and turmoil. Various powers emerged, and pirate crews of all kinds, both good and bad, swarmed like locusts, frantically seizing territory in the New World that once belonged to Kaido, Big Mom, and Whitebeard.
Among the Four Emperors, three had already fallen. Big Mom and Kaido were killed by Kaguya, and Whitebeard died of exhaustion during the Marineford War. Only Shanks of the Red-Haired Pirates remained.
For some reason, Shanks acted with restraint and did not rush to expand his territory. On the contrary, the Red-Haired Pirates turned a blind eye to the chaotic plundering by other pirates in the New World and did not interfere in their conflicts.
As the New World was carved up by pirates, the situation on the Grand Line gradually stabilized. But just then, a bombshell dropped—like a massive explosive, it rocked the Grand Line and stunned the entire world.
"Usurpers?"
"Are you saying the World Government's origin was a group of pirates?!"
"How is that possible?"
"Stop joking—the World Government is the embodiment of justice. There's no way they'd do something like that!"
"It must be slander, definitely slander."
"But if it's really just a rumor, why hasn't the World Government said anything yet?"
"Liar, big liar!"
This sudden news was like an earthquake, shaking the world to its core.
The story was first reported by an obscure small newspaper. At first, no one took it seriously. After all, it was a little-known paper, and people thought it was just a gimmick by some upstart trying to gain attention. Some even mocked that the paper would soon be shut down.
To dare defame the World Government like this—they must have a death wish.
But for some unknown reason, this seemingly ridiculous report spread like wildfire. It was quickly reprinted by major newspapers, and within just a few days, it had circulated throughout the Grand Line. The entire public was discussing it.
What was even more surprising was how well-organized the report was—clear logic, vivid descriptions, and even evidence to support it. Readers couldn't help but believe it, at least a little.
According to the report, the World Government was founded 800 years ago by twenty ambitious kings. Their headquarters is in "Holy Land Mariejois," with supreme authority held by the Five Elders. The Navy, Cipher Pol (CP), and the Seven Warlords were all formed under this government to enforce law and maintain order.
But in reality, it was all a lie to deceive the world. The truth was that these twenty kings were actually pirates. Eight hundred years ago, several traitors conspired with them to overthrow the existing kingdom.
And those traitors are the Five Elders, now the top authority of the World Government!
This earth-shattering revelation naturally caused an uproar. Most people couldn't believe such an absurd story, thinking it was just a baseless street rumor.
After all, who could possibly know what happened 800 years ago? And how could the Five Elders, as humans, have lived that long?
It just didn't make sense!
Yet, as this fantastical tale spread widely, with some intentional boosting by interested parties, it gradually gained a surprising number of believers. The phenomenon of "three men make a tiger" took hold—perhaps even the original author hadn't expected it.
"Looks like the Revolutionary Army made their move," Kaguya said, placing the newspaper with the World Government exposé on the table. "I didn't expect even the Navy headquarters to be infiltrated by the Revolutionary Army. Dragon, their leader, is doing quite well."
Kaguya could tell at a glance that this was the Revolutionary Army's doing. Only they could have spread such information worldwide in just a few days. Without a powerful intelligence network, it would've been impossible. The Revolutionary Army had been operating for years—this was nothing new for them.
Monet hesitated beside her and said, "Isn't this a bit too hasty? After all, the Navy hasn't deteriorated to that extent yet."
"No," Kaguya replied. "This is the Revolutionary Army's best chance—and their only chance!"
Monet looked puzzled. "Only chance?"
"That's right. Because in front of me—" Kaguya's eyes burned brightly as a smirk curled at her lips, "they have no chance at all!"
Looking at Kaguya, radiating an aura of dominance over the world, Monet's heart skipped a beat.
This is my master!
Just then, Monet seemed to sense something and glanced toward the door. A shadow flitted past the crack of the door.
Monet's lips curved into a smile, and a peculiar glint appeared in her eyes.
Kaguya stood up and said, "I'll leave things here to you for now. I'm going out."
Monet rose with her and asked, "Master, shall I accompany you?"
"That won't be necessary. It's nothing serious," Kaguya said as she pinched Monet's chin and kissed her lips. With a devilish smile, she added, "Be sure to wash up and wait for me."
"Yes, Master," Monet replied respectfully.
Watching Kaguya walk away, Monet glanced at the door, her cheeks tinged with a blush—no one knew what she was thinking.
Meanwhile, at the Revolutionary Army's camp—
"Chief, why not join forces with Kaguya and take this chance to eliminate the Navy? It would greatly weaken the World Government, which would benefit our future plans." The speaker was a young man with short blond hair—Sabo.
Seated behind a desk, a middle-aged man in a long cloak paused and put down his pen. "Sabo, this matter is far more complicated than you think. Stay out of it."
He was none other than Dragon—the leader of the Revolutionary Army, Garp's son, and Luffy's father.
Sabo pressed his hands on the table and said anxiously, "But victory is within reach! After all these years of effort, we're finally on the brink of success. This is our best chance!"
"You're wrong!" Dragon shook his head and said sternly, "If we do this, the Revolutionary Army will be pushed to the brink of destruction—beyond redemption!"
"The brink of destruction?" Sabo asked in disbelief. "That's too much of an exaggeration."
Dragon glanced at him with a meaningful look. "Do you really think Kaguya is our ally?"
Sabo was stunned, then said, "But aren't we all enemies of the World Government?"
"That's true," Dragon said, "But—do you really think Kaguya wants to wipe them out completely?"
Sabo was speechless.
...
...
Lately, Sharlia had been feeling quite troubled—or rather, quite annoyed. Not because of anything else, but because of her recent circumstances.
Back when Kaguya was around, there wasn't a soul in Mariejois who didn't know her name. No one dared to provoke her. Those other Celestial Dragons, so high and mighty outside, would flatter her with fawning smiles and shower her with gold and silver treasures, terrified of offending her or making her angry.
Sharlia walked with her nose in the air, riding on Kaguya's reputation to bully others with impunity. Her entourage was even more extravagant than when she had been a Celestial Dragon.
Back when she was a Celestial Dragon, the people trying to curry favor with her were just ordinary folk. In her eyes, they were nothing more than slaves, serving the noble Celestial Dragons as a matter of course.
But now, things were different. The ones trying every possible way to please her weren't lowly commoners—they were Celestial Dragons like her. Some even held higher status within the Celestial Dragon ranks, people her former family had to treat with respect.
Yet these same people—old, grey-haired, and wrinkled—would stand by her side with ingratiating smiles, saying the most sickeningly flattering things. The smug satisfaction Sharlia felt from this was beyond description.
It was far more impressive than anything she'd experienced before. Even she couldn't help but indulge in it, and her impression of Kaguya had shifted considerably.
That woman wasn't entirely detestable after all.
Sharlia knew full well that these repulsive flatterers weren't doing it because she was a Celestial Dragon—but because of her.
That woman was known as the strongest in the world, possessing unparalleled power. On the Grand Line, no one could match her. Even the World Government—the world's rulers—were wary of her.
What's more, she had previously annihilated several unruly noble Celestial Dragon families, striking fear into the hearts of the rest. She didn't care about shared bloodlines. If anyone provoked her, she would destroy them without hesitation.
In her eyes, Celestial Dragons were nothing more than parasitic worms, human filth, garbage of the world. She never spared them a second thought.
But even so, the Celestial Dragons could only swallow their resentment and keep smiling. They didn't even have the guts to complain. In their eyes, Kaguya was a demon who killed without blinking—someone you absolutely must not cross.
And Sharlia understood this better than anyone.
But ever since Kaguya suddenly disappeared—especially after she was declared a wanted criminal—everything changed.
The once-crowded estate was now deserted. The flattering old men vanished. The gifts they once showered her with were now being reclaimed. Some even took the chance to kick her while she was down, proposing that the World Government round up the remnants of her household.
The loudest voices came from those same people who once groveled before her. Sharlia was so angry her face turned pale. She had never seen such shameless individuals!
In the blink of an eye, the estate became empty and its gates tightly shut. Even thugs and hooligans started coming around to stir up trouble. If not for the lingering fear of Kaguya's name, they might've already broken in.
Even so, life at the estate was severely impacted. Even basic daily necessities had to be purchased separately. The steward, Shirley, was constantly worried about their day-to-day survival.
"Time to eat, Sharlia!" Shirley's voice called from outside.
Sharlia angrily tossed her pillow aside and shouted, "I'm not eating! You all go ahead!"
"How can you skip a meal?" A beautiful young woman walked in gently and said, "Come on, everyone's waiting for you."
That gentle voice belonged to Shirley.
"I said I'm not eating! You're so naggy!" Sharlia huffed. "I don't want to eat that kind of food again."
Ever since Kaguya was declared a wanted criminal, the estate had been locked down. Entry and exit were strictly monitored, and even daily supplies were scrutinized. Food, in particular, had been sabotaged by malicious actors—its quality and quantity drastically reduced. As a result, their meals consisted of coarse, bland food. For Sharlia, who was used to luxury, it was unbearable.
"Don't worry, it's different this time," Shirley said with a gentle smile. "We've prepared your favorite dishes today."
"Really?" Sharlia eyed her with suspicion.
"Of course," Shirley replied with a soft chuckle.
If there was anyone most beloved in the entire estate, it was undoubtedly Shirley. With her gentle personality and kind nature, she cared for everyone like a big sister. Even Sharlia held her in high regard.
But when Sharlia eagerly stepped out and saw the dishes on the table, her face fell immediately.
"Why is it this stuff again?! And there's so little!" Sharlia grumbled as she poked at the potatoes on her plate with a knife and fork.
"I'm sorry, I..." Shirley said apologetically.
Just then, Sugar's eyes narrowed. She grabbed Shirley's arm and exclaimed, "Shirley, what happened? Why are you hurt?"
A vivid red scratch marred Shirley's pale arm—it looked like it had been clawed by fingernails. It was painfully obvious against her fair skin.
Sharlia was stunned, then exploded in anger. Gritting her teeth, she shouted, "Was it those bitches again?! Unforgivable! I'm going to make them pay!" She stormed toward the door.
The ones Sharlia referred to were young ladies from other Celestial Dragon families—longtime rivals of hers. She had once harshly punished them.
When Kaguya was around, they dared not act up. But ever since her disappearance, they had become bolder and seized every chance to get revenge on Sharlia and her household. But now they had gone too far—they had hurt Shirley!
Before Sharlia could make it far, Shirley grabbed her arm and said, "Don't go! It's not what you think. I... I scraped it by accident. It has nothing to do with anyone else."
"You're hurt and you still say that?!" Sharlia growled. "This is just bullying!"
Shirley shook her head. "It's fine. It's just a small wound. It'll heal in a few days."
At that moment, a maid came running in and said urgently, "Miss Tiliah and Miss Sophie are here!"
"Them again!" Sharlia clenched her teeth, furious. "Perfect. I was just about to settle things with those two bitches!"
"Yeah!" Sugar chimed in angrily. "We have to teach them a lesson!"
For once, she and Sharlia were in complete agreement.
Ignoring Shirley's protests, Sharlia and Sugar stormed over. Pointing at the two elegant young ladies who had just arrived, Sharlia shouted, "Perfect timing! I've got a bone to pick with you two!"
But the moment Tiliah and Sophie opened their mouths, Sharlia froze in place.
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