The Maritime Guild governs all seas, restricting all who sail upon them from committing unlawful acts.
Its president is Crocodile, and the vice president is Hoshigaki Kisame.
The appearance of Pirate King Gol D. Roger and Rocks D. Xebec once again shifted the balance on Lightmarker Island.
The Four Emperors were indeed renowned, the most powerful pirates in the New World.
But no matter how great a pirate was, they paled in comparison to Gol D. Roger.
It was Roger's death that had ushered in the Great Pirate Era—countless people saw him as their ultimate goal, dedicating their lives to becoming the next Pirate King.
No one could compare to Roger.
On this island, no one's words carried more weight than his.
Countless pirates were overwhelmed with excitement, eagerly stepping forward to declare their willingness to join the Maritime Guild.
Shanks, however, remained motionless.
He gazed at his former captain, yet there was little sense of familiarity in his eyes.
"What's wrong?" Beckman asked.
"Isn't that your former captain?"
"..."
Shanks remained silent for a long time before finally speaking.
"Now, I am my own captain… The establishment of the Maritime Guild is inevitable. Let's just hope the Empire doesn't become like the World Government."
Then, he led his crew forward.
"The Red-Haired Pirates are willing to join the Maritime Guild."
They were the first of the Four Emperors to take the initiative, which further stirred the excitement of the gathered pirates.
One after another, they shouted their eagerness to join.
Shisui's lips curled into a faint smile.
"Once you join the Maritime Guild, you are no longer pirates, but explorers of the seas. Red-Haired Shanks… Luffy has been wanting to meet you."
Shanks' eyes flickered.
"Where is he?"
"You'll see him very soon."
At last, Kaido and Big Mom turned their gazes toward Rocks and Roger, and after a moment of contemplation, they too declared their willingness to join the Maritime Guild.
Only Whitebeard remained, standing there in silence.
Then, suddenly, a figure appeared beside him.
"Pops."
Whitebeard glanced to the side and saw Ace standing there, his gaze also fixed on Roger.
"Ace… so you are—"
"Pops!" Ace interrupted him directly.
"I am your son. No matter what you choose, we will support you."
"..."
Whitebeard gripped his naginata tightly, surrounded by his sons.
At this point, if he refused to yield, he would stand alone against everyone.
He himself neither feared nor wished for surrender, but what about his sons?
Three of the Four Emperors had already chosen to submit.
The Whitebeard Pirates were now isolated.
He knew he was no match for the Empire.
If a battle truly broke out, his entire crew could perish.
He did not fear death, and he knew his sons did not either.
But now, with all the other pirates willing to submit to the Empire, what meaning would their deaths have?
They might only leave behind a legacy of scorn and curses.
Edward Newgate— the man revered as the World's Strongest after Roger's death—remained silent for a long time before finally speaking.
"We… will also join the Maritime Guild."
Shisui smiled.
"The Maritime Guild gladly welcomes you all."
And so, this grand spectacle concluded with the official establishment of the Maritime Guild.
Under the Empire's arrangement, all pirates were to sail toward the nearest continent for registration of their identities and crews, marking their transformation.
The sheer number of pirates was staggering, and the sight of a thousand ships sailing together was truly magnificent.
Meanwhile, the Seven Warlords of the Sea and the remaining Emperors did not leave.
Instead, they stayed behind with Crocodile.
Then, Hakumen spoke.
"His Majesty wishes to meet with you."
Everyone present was deeply curious about the Emperor of the Sun Empire—just what kind of person could rule such a powerful nation and command so many formidable warriors?
Doflamingo glanced at Crocodile and asked, "What kind of person is the Emperor?"
Crocodile remained indifferent. "Doflamingo, if you keep up that attitude, you might end up dead."
But Doflamingo wasn't intimidated.
He chuckled. "Is the Emperor that short-tempered?"
"No."
At that moment, Shisui suddenly spoke up with a smile.
"Those who show disrespect to His Majesty… will die by my hand."
His face was calm and gentle, but his words sent a chilling shiver through everyone present.
Realizing Shisui was likely far stronger than himself, Doflamingo wisely chose to hold his tongue.
With that, Hakumen piloted the Cruiser away, taking Roger and Rocks with him, leaving behind only the Four Emperors, the Seven Warlords, and the Empire's people.
Not long after, a messenger arrived.
"Lord Shisui, the teleportation array has been set up."
Shisui immediately said, "Everyone, follow me."
Konoha, Imperial Palace – Main Hall
This grand hall was rarely used.
Its massive metal doors were so tall that even giants like Whitebeard, Kaido, and Big Mom appeared small in comparison.
As they approached, they could feel the sheer majesty and vastness of the palace.
None of them were worried about any traps—if the Empire had wanted them dead, they would have acted back on Lightmarker Island.
Meeting this mysterious Emperor in person wouldn't hurt.
The Seven Warlords did not accompany them.
Instead, they were led to a separate pavilion to await another summons.
Stepping into the main hall, the Four Emperors found themselves in a spacious yet eerily quiet chamber.
At the top of the throne steps, only one figure sat upon the throne.
Shisui immediately knelt.
"Your Majesty, I have brought them."
Hyuga Makoto—or Emperor Makoto—casually waved his hand.
Shisui then rose and stepped aside.
The Four Emperors turned their gaze toward the Emperor of the Empire, carefully observing the man who ruled such a vast and powerful nation.
Yet, from him, they felt no aura of strength whatsoever.
He simply looked like a young man in regal attire.
But could an ordinary person truly rule such an empire?
At that moment, Makoto suddenly spoke.
"You three are really tall. Can you sit down?"
As soon as his words fell, Kaido, Whitebeard, and Big Mom suddenly felt an irresistible force seize their entire bodies.
Before they could react, their massive forms dropped to the ground with a loud thud, the impact echoing through the grand hall.
Makoto smiled. "Much better. I don't like having to tilt my head up when I talk to people."
But the Three Emperors were utterly stunned, momentarily frozen in shock.
What kind of power was this?!
They had no chance to resist at all!
Shanks saw the expressions on their faces and subtly tensed up.
As expected, the Emperor of the Empire could not possibly be an ordinary person.
Just seeing how respectful Uchiha Shisui was, and the fact that even Hatake Kakashi was merely one of his subordinates, made it abundantly clear.
Makoto then continued, "Don't worry. I have no intention of doing anything to you."
His words were not a lie.
From the very beginning, he had never planned to kill the Four Emperors.
Other pirates could die—but the Four Emperors had to live.
This entire Grand Gathering of Pirates had been carefully arranged for them and the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
"This world is not the same as the one you came from. Once you die, everything is over."
For powerhouses of the Four Emperors' level, their souls would enter the Soul Society upon death.
Their spiritual energy remained formidable, and if they stirred up chaos in the Soul Society, it could severely disrupt Makoto's plans—which would be quite troublesome.
The so-called Maritime Guild was seemingly established for all pirates, but in reality, the true targets were the Four Emperors—the four most unruly and uncontrollable figures.
Until Makoto fully took control of the Soul Society, they must not die.
Even some of the stronger pirates should be kept alive.
On the Four Emperors' side, Shanks was the first to speak.
"Your Majesty, you've gone through all this effort to establish the Maritime Guild. What exactly are you after? Do you see us as a threat to your rule?"
His question was straightforward.
Though he addressed Makoto as 'Your Majesty,' his tone lacked any real respect.
Makoto sat casually on his throne, resting his chin on one hand, and said indifferently,
"This world is different from your original one. We are advancing rapidly, and my people are on the verge of achieving peace and prosperity. But your arrival has harmed my citizens. The fact that I haven't eradicated you all is already an act of great mercy."
They were pirates, hardened by years of war and bloodshed on the seas.
They had long grown indifferent to life and death, and plundering and violence were merely a means to obtain wealth.
Hearing Makoto's words, the Four Emperors fully understood his meaning.
Back when they first arrived in this world, many islands in the Province of Water had already suffered pirate attacks.
Whitebeard and Shanks were relatively restrained—they wouldn't harm ordinary people without reason.
The Whitebeard Pirates had even protected many islands in the past.
They didn't need to plunder; people would offer tribute willingly.
However, Kaido and Big Mom were different.
Once they fully understood the nature of this world, they would undoubtedly seek to expand their power.
And with that, killing and destruction would be inevitable.
Shanks spoke, "We have no intention of opposing the Empire. We only wish to explore the sea freely."
Makoto scoffed, "That sounds nice, but even if you can hold to that, can you guarantee the other three will as well?"
Whitebeard, Kaido, and Big Mom remained silent.
The strong bow to the stronger—what was the point in arguing?
They were once rulers of the seas; they had no interest in justifying themselves.
If this emperor were to accuse them, they would simply admit it outright.
Makoto continued, "Since you've come to this world, and since you are the Four Emperors of the pirates, it is only right that you contribute to this world's peace."
"I won't restrict your actions on the sea, but you are forbidden from invading the land or harming my people. There are many ways to gain wealth—you should have no trouble finding one."
"Furthermore, I forbid any battles between the four of you. The sea is vast enough for each of you to exist separately."
Makoto could have simply imprisoned them all, preventing future conflicts entirely.
But wouldn't it be better to turn them into 'explorers' under the Empire's name?
To make them symbols and role models in the eyes of other pirates?
With a smile, Makoto said, "This isn't a negotiation, by the way. If you disobey, I won't kill you—but there are many ways to make you wish you were dead."
As his words fell, a gleam flashed through his eyes.
In that instant, the four emperors felt an overwhelming sensation of weightlessness—then, their bodies became light.
When their senses returned, they looked down… and saw their own bodies!
The souls of all four emperors were forcibly separated from their bodies, floating helplessly in midair, unable to control themselves.
The most shocked among them was Charlotte Linlin.
As a Soul-Soul Fruit user, she understood exactly what had just happened.
With just a single glance, their souls were pulled from their bodies.
This was no human power—this was the power of a god!
Fortunately, their souls remained detached for only a brief moment before a powerful force yanked them back into their bodies.
"Do you understand now?"
For the first time, Big Mom's eyes were filled with fear.
Her voice trembled as she stammered, "Y-Yes… I understand."
Even when facing the devastating might of the Cruising Destroyers, she had never felt such fear.
But now, the man sitting on the throne—he was not of the same dimension as them.
He was a god.
And if a god wished to torment her, then true suffering would begin—a fate far worse than death.
The other three emperors also felt cold sweat running down their backs.
Makoto casually waved a hand toward Shisui.
"Enough. Take them back."
The four legendary pirates stepped out of the palace, still feeling dazed.
The experience had been too surreal, like a vivid nightmare.
Just what kind of being had they just met?
Lifting their heads, they saw the towering form of the 'Brutal Justice', standing unshakable outside Konoha.
So this… is the Sun Empire.
...........
In the Palace Pavilion
The Seven Warlords of the Sea had been temporarily settled here.
They were told that they would soon have an audience with the Emperor of the Empire, leaving them feeling uneasy and restless.
What would happen next? No one could predict.
Samui came forward, pouring a cup of tea—but it was meant for Itachi, who was also present.
The Seven Warlords had their own servants serving them tea.
As she glanced over the Warlords, her gaze lingered on the only woman among them for a moment longer than the others.
Meanwhile, Itachi seemed a bit uneasy, his eyes drifting occasionally to someone leaning against the wall not far away.
Finally, he couldn't hold back his curiosity. "Why do you keep looking at me?"
Hawkeye Mihawk's sharp gaze was actually fixed behind Itachi.
"Your sword… It interests me. You're carrying two blades, aren't you?"
Itachi was slightly surprised. "You noticed?"
Mihawk shook his head. "I can feel its presence."
Itachi paused for a moment before confirming, "Yes, I have two swords."
On his back were Dainichi-Rei and Tsukuyomi, his twin Sun Wheel Blades.
However, Dainichi-Rei remained invisible during the day, so to others, only the silver-white hilt of Tsukuyomi was visible.
Seated on the sofa, Crocodile suddenly spoke up: "His name is Dracule Mihawk. Known as the 'Marine Hunter' Hawkeye. In our world, he was hailed as the world's greatest swordsman."
The world's greatest swordsman?
Itachi's expression became more serious.
He understood the weight of such a title.
Every swordsman knew the significance of the term 'swordmaster'.
This world, too, had samurai.
Once upon a time, there was even an entire nation of warriors—the Land of Iron.
Unfortunately, Itachi was a ninja, and his swordsmanship was not purely that of a swordsman.
His gaze shifted to the unique, imposing black blade on Mihawk's back—Yoru.
Then, he suddenly said, "I may use a sword, but my swordsmanship is fairly average. However, I do know someone who is truly a master of the blade."
Hawkeye narrowed His Eyes Slightly
"Oh?"
Itachi continued, "His name is Hatake Kakashi. In the Empire's Lightning Province, the city of Iron Blade is home to many skilled swordsmen and warriors."
Hawkeye Mihawk's interest was piqued. "If I get the chance, I'd love to see it for myself."
At that moment, the door suddenly opened, and a figure walked in without hesitation.
"See what?"
Itachi immediately bowed in respect. "Your Majesty!"
The Seven Warlords of the Sea were visibly startled and quickly rose to their feet.
This young-looking man—he was the Emperor of the Empire?!
This was the first floor of the pavilion, furnished with a few sofas and tables.
Along the walls, there were shelves displaying decorative items.
Makoto casually took the main seat on the sofa, exuding an aura of complete normalcy.
There was no imposing presence, no overwhelming aura of a ruler or a supreme warrior.
Itachi stood at his side, while Samui appropriately brought tea.
Makoto glanced over the seven warlords, his gaze lingering slightly longer on the only woman among them before uttering a single word:
"Sit."
As if by instinct, the seven of them sat down simultaneously, only to suddenly snap back to reality—when did they decide to sit?!
Hawkeye Mihawk, Crocodile, Donquixote Doflamingo, Jinbe the Knight of the Sea, Gecko Moria, Bartholomew Kuma, and the Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock.
The Seven Warlords of the Sea were recognized by the World Government as notorious yet powerful pirates—wielding disastrous levels of destructive power, rivaling even entire nations in military strength.
The agreement between the Seven Warlords and the World Government was one of mutual benefit.
The World Government's reasons for establishing the Seven Warlords were clear:
To counterbalance the Four Emperors
To act as the World Government's covert enforcers, carrying out tasks that the government itself could not openly perform.
But now that even the Four Emperors had bowed their heads to the Empire, the so-called Seven Warlords of the Sea no longer held any real significance—at best, it was just a former title.
Makoto took a sip of tea before calmly addressing the gathered individuals.
"I summoned you here to tell you that there is nothing left in this sea for you to pursue. But the things you desire—I can give them to you."
"You all chose to become Warlords of the Sea. That tells me none of you are particularly stubborn individuals. So, are you willing to stay and serve the Empire?"
The seven warlords exchanged looks.
Based on what had happened on Lightmarker Island, did they even have the right to refuse?
If they said no, would they even make it out of this room?
Jinbe hesitated before asking, "Your Majesty, what would you have us do?"
Makoto crossed his legs, his gaze sweeping over them.
"Before the Empire was established, I had many enemies. But most of those enemies became my subjects—only a rare few died. Some of those who once opposed me now even hold high positions of power."
"Though you come from another world, I am willing to offer you the same opportunity. If you choose to serve the Empire, you will not need to return to the sea. I will grant you power, status, and wealth befitting your abilities."
Unlike with the Four Emperors, Makoto did not use overwhelming force to coerce them.
Sitting there, he looked so unassuming that—if not for Itachi standing rigidly behind him—one might not even realize this was the Emperor of the Empire.
At a glance, he was just a handsome young man, his authority only revealing itself in the way he spoke.
Perhaps, this was also a test—if they had to be beaten down before they submitted, could they really call themselves smart?
Suddenly, Donquixote Doflamingo stepped forward and dropped to one knee. "I would be honored to serve the Empire."
After a brief hesitation, Jinbe, Gecko Moria, and Bartholomew Kuma also knelt.
Was there any reason left to doubt this Emperor's power?
The strength Shisui and that massive mechanical giant had displayed earlier—was that not enough proof?
Moreover, outside this city, an even more colossal giant stood tall!
Hawkeye's eyes flickered for a long while.
He thought about everything that had happened on Lightmarker Island, the fate of the Four Emperors, and then recalled what Itachi had said earlier.
Slowly, he too dropped to one knee.
Now, among the seven, the only one still standing was the Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock.
Makoto rested his arm on the sofa's armrest, leaning slightly to the side as he propped his chin on his hand.
"What's wrong? Are you unwilling?"
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