Behind this grand pirate gathering, some had already discerned the invisible hand of the Empire pushing events forward.
Yet, even so, the Four Emperors still dared to come in person—something Shisui suspected might mean they had their own confidence to rely on.
However, that confidence was built on their ignorance of the true power of the Empire.
Inside the resting quarters, Luffy was growing increasingly restless, bouncing around the room.
The day of the meeting, set by Crocodile's illusion a month prior, had finally arrived, yet no one had made a move.
Shisui sat quietly, his gaze fixed on the clock on the wall.
He was here solely to maintain order and prevent the pirates from causing trouble—the actual host of this pirate gathering was not him.
At last, the door to the room opened—this time without so much as a knock.
A lone figure stepped inside.
It was Kakashi.
Seeing this, Shisui grinned and said, "You've finally arrived, Kakashi-senpai."
Kakashi replied, "Test-driving took a little longer than expected."
He had come directly via the Empire's internal teleportation array.
Terumi Mei, Hoshigaki Kisame, and Crocodile all rose to their feet.
"It's time to begin."
At this moment, within the Lightmarker Island, the Four Emperors and the Seven Warlords of the Sea had all gathered.
This was an unprecedented pirate assembly.
Countless attendees had already grown impatient, having waited on the island for a long time—some arriving early only to lose their spots to stronger rivals.
The streets were packed with people, a dense, black sea of figures as far as the eye could see.
Finally, a cry erupted from the crowd near the island's center:
"They're coming out! They're finally coming out!"
—Whoosh!—
The message spread like wildfire, and the streets surged with movement as people pushed forward, struggling to get a better view.
In the chaotic crush, inevitable conflicts and trampling incidents broke out.
But what was happening on the outskirts was of no concern to anyone.
Within the island's interior, the area surrounding the Four Emperors and the Seven Warlords of the Sea was completely empty—no one dared to approach.
This was a grand plaza.
In the center, a tall platform had been erected, with a row of ninja standing neatly atop it.
These were all elite Jonin, ninja of incredibly high status within the Ninja Guild, yet even they were merely assigned to guard duty here.
Shisui and Kakashi led their group slowly into view.
Upon seeing Kakashi, both Whitebeard and Shanks had a flicker of recognition in their eyes.
Their gazes then shifted to the man walking beside him—Uchiha Shisui.
After rejecting Kakashi and Hakumen's recruitment efforts that day, they had thoroughly investigated the intelligence available on the Empire.
One particular piece of information stood out—the Ten Crown Guards, the ten strongest warriors under the Emperor of the Sun Empire.
They had already witnessed the strength of Hatake Kakashi firsthand, and if he was considered one of the strongest, then the title was well deserved.
The Four Emperors had ruled the seas for many years, and they had an acute understanding of their own power levels.
Shisui's gaze swept across the Four Emperors and the Seven Warlords before he finally spoke.
"Pirate friends, greetings."
Silence.
The plaza remained eerily quiet.
No one cared about what was happening in the chaotic outer areas—this gathering was solely focused on this small group of individuals.
"We are ninja of the Sun Empire, and we have gathered here today to discuss a matter of great importance concerning the future."
"I believe you are all well aware by now that this world is not the same as the one you originally came from. As outsiders, the Empire does not reject your existence—everyone has the right to live in this world…"
"However, your identities as pirates, and your actions, are affecting the lives of the Empire's citizens."
Shisui's words were direct, causing many in the audience to subtly shift their expressions.
Was this Sun Empire planning to govern them like the World Government?
The Seven Warlords of the Sea were relatively calm—they were individuals who had already compromised in exchange for certain benefits.
Otherwise, they wouldn't have become Warlords in the first place.
What they truly cared about was whether this Empire was stronger than the World Government.
However, some of the subordinates of the Four Emperors were already showing hostile expressions as they looked at the figures standing on the platform.
From their perspective, not even the former Navy had ever dared to speak to them in such a tone.
Kaido and Big Mom sat calmly, their expressions unchanged.
However, their subordinates were visibly irritated.
Shisui continued, "The Empire wishes to establish a Maritime Guild to maintain peace across the seas. We are willing to accept all pirates and forgive all past actions committed upon arriving in this world. In the future, we will also provide suitable and legal work for you.
Of course, there won't be too many restrictions—all we ask is that you respect the laws within the Empire's territory and do not harm its citizens."
"What if we refuse?"
Before Shisui could finish speaking, a proud and cold voice rang out from below.
Everyone on the platform turned their gaze toward the speaker—a massive member of the Beasts Pirates.
He was as tall and imposing as Kaido himself, with golden braided hair, a metallic jaw, and two ivory-like horns on his head and shoulders.
He wore a fur coat and spiked metal armor.
The Beasts Pirates were known for their massive warriors, making them stand out the most among the Four Emperors' crews.
Shisui glanced at Kaido, who remained seated, calm and indifferent—he made no move to restrain his subordinate.
The other Four Emperors simply observed in silence, while the Seven Warlords said nothing, adopting a watchful stance.
Shisui suddenly smiled, as if amused.
These people had never witnessed the Empire's true power—it was only natural for them to be so insolent.
Then, he answered plainly:
"You will die."
The words echoed throughout the plaza in an instant.
A dead silence fell over the area.
Some of the Seven Warlords now wore expressions of amusement, as if enjoying a show.
This Sun Empire wasn't here to negotiate—they were here to coerce.
Die?
The Four Emperors had dominated the seas for years, yet even the three Admirals of the Navy had never dared to threaten them like this.
One of the Three Calamities, Jack the Drought, instantly narrowed his eyes, his gaze turning ice-cold.
"Just you—"
However, before he could finish his sentence, his voice suddenly cut off.
His entire body froze, his eyes widening in shock and horror.
A moment later, his pupils dilated, and his expression twisted in pure fear.
Thud—
His massive body collapsed to his knees.
The entire Beasts Pirates gasped in disbelief.
Jack the Drought—one of the Three Calamities.
His name was feared across the New World.
Even though he wasn't a right-hand commander, he ranked just below the Emperors' top officers.
Yet now, he was kneeling in terror, his whole body trembling.
What just happened?!
Everyone's gaze immediately shifted to the platform—to Uchiha Shisui.
Boom!
At that moment, a terrifying aura erupted from Kaido.
His unimaginable presence exploded outward, sweeping across the entire area.
And the first ones to bear the full brunt of it—
—were the Empire's envoys standing on the high platform.
This was Conqueror's Haki.
A power that only one in millions could awaken—
—the presence of a true king.
Everyone in the plaza could barely withstand it.
But in the outer areas, countless pirates collapsed unconscious where they stood.
Shisui, however, remained completely unfazed.
The tempest of Haki raged around him—
But he stood still, unshaken.
Then, he spoke:
"This world is different now. This is not your sea—"
"And there is no 'One Piece' here."
"The freedom you seek— Is the one the Empire grants you."
Among the Seven Warlords, several of them seemed deep in thought.
If the Empire was planning to establish some kind of maritime guild, then why weren't they negotiating?
Why were they being so arrogant?
Kaido gripped his enormous kanabo, Hassaikai, and planted it firmly into the ground as he stood up.
His piercing gaze locked onto Shisui.
"You're an arrogant brat."
Beside him, Whitebeard and Shanks had already realized—
This Uchiha Shisui… was on their level.
And if the Empire truly had ten warriors of this caliber,
Then they were dealing with an absolutely terrifying enemy.
Shisui narrowed his eyes.
"Arrogant?"
Boom—!
At that moment, a thunderous roar erupted from the distance.
Like rolling thunder, the deep rumbling sound shook the air.
The crowd outside the plaza erupted into chaos.
Countless people turned to stare at the horizon.
A massive shadow was speeding across the sea, Crashing waves surging in its wake.
That deafening roar— It came from that thing.
"What the hell is that?!"
"A monster… it's a monster!"
The black silhouette moved at blinding speed.
Within moments, those on the island could finally see it clearly.
Because it was colossal.
Seventy to eighty meters tall!
Its mechanical wings spread wide as it soared into the sky.
A powerful storm blasted across the island, Sending countless people tumbling to the ground.
A giant hovered above, Like a god looking down upon the countless pirates below.
Its body was made entirely of metal, Its sharp, angular frame gleaming like blades, Its massive arms wielding twin greatswords, And its mechanical wings casting a shadow over the entire island.
Compared to the colossal form of the "Brutal Justice",
This machine was more streamlined, colder, and deadlier.
But to the pirates below— It was still an unimaginable horror.
This was Unit-02.
The "Cruiser Destroyer".
A weapon designed to eliminate all threats to the Empire.
At that moment, whether it was the Seven Warlords or the Four Emperors,
They all stared in stunned silence.
Their hearts shaken to the core.
Kaido, Whitebeard, Big Mom…
These towering giants of the sea— Now looked like nothing more than insects before this colossal war machine!
What the hell was this monster?!
Could such a thing even exist in this world?!
Even Crocodile, standing on the high platform, couldn't help but swallow hard.
He already knew about the Brutal Justice, But he never expected the Empire to have a second titan!
Would there be a third? A fourth in the future…?
"Kaido."
Shisui spoke from atop the platform.
"Do you still think I'm arrogant?"
His gaze swept across the crowd— Whitebeard, Shanks, Big Mom, the Seven Warlords…
"The Empire is giving you all a chance to live."
Jack the Drought still knelt on the ground,
Trapped in the clutches of fear.
Kaido's grip on Hassaikai tightened, His furious eyes locked onto the massive machine hovering above.
Were they trying to force him to bow down— Just because of this metal giant?!
A terrifying aura erupted from him, His already massive muscles bulging even further.
With a thunderous roar, His seven-meter-tall form began to change.
His skin turned a deep azure, And the sky above the island darkened instantly.
Thick, stormy clouds swirled, gathering in the heavens, Lightning crackled in the air.
Then— A massive blue dragon soared into the sky, Its earth-shaking roar echoing across the island.
The winds howled.
Thunder rumbled.
As if the world itself was trembling at the arrival of this divine beast.
Yet— The Cruiser Destroyer suddenly swung its massive sword, Slashing directly toward the heavens.
In an instant, The dark clouds split apart, Revealing the brilliant blue sky once more.
The slash had carved a gap through the storm, A rift so vast that it stretched to the very horizon, As if even the heavens had been cleaved in two!
Silence.
The entire island of pirates stood in stunned shock.
Every eye was locked onto the battle above— A mechanized god and a colossal azure dragon, Now clashing in the boundless skies.
If these two were to truly go to war…
It would be nothing short of apocalyptic.
This island wouldn't survive, And neither would they.
The Cruiser Destroyer suddenly flapped its massive wings, Ascending even higher into the sky.
Since Kaido wanted to challenge its might— Then it would grant him the opportunity.
The blue dragon roared and gave chase, The two titans vanishing into the vast expanse above.
Back on the island, The entire pirate world fell silent.
Every eye was fixed on the heavens— Where the mecha warlord and the azure dragon prepared for battle, High in the skies beyond mortal reach.
BOOM!
Another earth-shattering explosion echoed through the heavens— The battle above had begun.
The sky darkened in an instant, Rain poured down like a raging torrent, Winds howled, Lightning tore through the clouds.
Yet no one sought shelter.
No one dared to look away.
Every second of this battle was history in the making.
The stormy heavens would flash with blinding bursts of light, Only to vanish just as quickly.
Even through the roaring downpour, The thunderous clashes from above still rang out, So loud they made ears bleed.
On the high platform, Shisui and his comrades watched in silence.
This was the Cruiser Destroyer's very first battle.
To the pirates below, the fight seemed like an evenly matched duel.
But in truth— It was nothing but a one-sided slaughter.
Kaido, in his Azure Dragon form, Had thrown everything he had at this towering machine of war.
He unleashed his most devastating attacks, Summoned storms and lightning, Roared with the fury of a god— But nothing could harm the colossus before him.
That metallic body— What the hell was it made of?!
It was tougher than anything he had ever encountered.
Down below, the pirates heard endless roars— Two darkened silhouettes clashed in the skies, Blood began to mix with the falling rain.
Within the Beasts Pirates, King, one of the Three Calamities, Recognized Kaido's voice— A roar of pain.
His expression darkened with dread.
Then— With one final, piercing scream— A dark silhouette came plummeting down from the heavens!
BOOM!!!
The island trembled violently.
The seas raged, waves crashing furiously against the shores.
And then— A massive blade, dozens of meters long, Had been driven straight through the Azure Dragon, Nailing it to the very ground.
The mighty dragon— Kaido himself— Thrashed in agony, struggling to break free.
But the blade did not budge.
SLASH!
A scarlet sword light tore through the sky.
The storm instantly ceased.
The dark clouds vanished.
The sun shone once more,
Bathing the island in its merciless glow.
Above— The Cruiser Destroyer descended, Stopping just dozens of meters above the ground.
It gazed down upon the island.
A silent, mechanical deity.
There was no aura of dominance.
No haki, no pressure.
Yet, Many fell to their knees in absolute terror.
Silence.
A deathly silence blanketed the entire island.
Then— From atop the platform, Shisui's voice echoed through the air:
"Now, let me ask again."
"The Maritime Guild—"
"Who agrees?"
"Who opposes?"
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