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Gran Tesoro, The Warlords' Council Chamber
Inside the opulent meeting room of the maritime entertainment city, the air was thick with greed.
"Every scrap of Pure Gold in existence is in the hands of the Thunder Emperor... AND THE QUANTITY IS STAGGERING!" Tesoro's eyes burned with a primal hunger. The gold coin he was fiddling with was crushed into a shapeless lump by a sudden, uncontrollable surge of strength.
It was clear that his composure had shattered. The mere mention of this legendary substance had stripped away his usual theatrical calm.
After Tesoro spoke the words "Pure Gold," the breathing of both Doflamingo and Mad Treasure grew ragged. For those with twisted hearts and grand ambitions, the allure of immortality was an irresistible siren song.
With it, could they not live forever to fulfill their darkest desires?
Doflamingo dreamed of world destruction—Mad Treasure wanted to be immersed in the thrill of the hunt for all eternity—and Gildo Tesoro sought to control the world's entire wealth.
"No wonder the Thunder Emperor is nearly thirty, yet his appearance hasn't changed in a decade. He looks younger than any of us. Now I see why..." Doflamingo mused. He had crossed paths with Arthur many times, yet time never seemed to leave a mark on the man.
"No wonder he had no need for the Immortality Surgery and chose to eat the Op-Op Fruit himself... But what is he planning? And how did he manage to consume two Devil Fruits?"
The secrets surrounding the Thunder Emperor were like a thick fog. Any single mystery he harbored was enough to drive the entire ocean into a frenzy. However, the man was simply too dangerous—no one dared to peer behind the veil.
"The quantity is large..." Mad Treasure's eyes lit up as he grasped the tactical implication. "That means he can't carry it all with him. He likely keeps a small amount on his person, and the rest must be hidden!"
"The Thunder God Territory!"
"The Thunder Emperor has mobilized all the elites of his crew to declare war on Whitebeard. The two sides must have already made contact. Right now, the defenses of his home base must be at their weakest. Even if there are people left behind, they're likely just the dregs... This is the greatest opportunity Heaven has ever granted us!" Tesoro's voice was laced with temptation. "Treasure, isn't treasure hunting what you love most?"
"Gyaralalalalala..." Mad Treasure's heart itched with anticipation. "But even if the elites are gone, the remaining forces can't be underestimated. I need help!"
"Doffy, I'm counting on you!" Both men turned to look at the brooding Donquixote Doflamingo.
"My, what dangerous thoughts you have. Fuffuffuffuffu..." Doflamingo frowned, the veins on his forehead bulging as if he were wrestling with a monumental decision.
"I have no desire to risk my 'family' on such a perilous gamble. If the Thunder Emperor returns... we are all dead."
Those who hadn't stood directly in the shadow of Arthur's terror could never truly comprehend his power. Mad Treasure and Tesoro might have seen Arthur, but their understanding was superficial—they only saw the "monster" on the surface.
"Fuffuffuffu... Pure Gold is a fine thing, but I'm afraid I wouldn't live long enough to enjoy it. I can pretend I never heard a word of this today, but if you want to drag me into it—I'm sorry, I decline."
"You could walk up to the Thunder Emperor and tell him you want his gold—he might even admire your balls. But trying to steal it behind his back? That is a path to ruin, and I won't join you on it!"
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Whitebeard's Territory, The Moby Dick
Under the suffocating atmosphere of the impending massacre, Jinbe remained silent for a long moment before bowing his head in contrition.
"Pops... I was wrong. Without my silent approval, Arlong and Hody Jones would never have gone out to hunt members of the Thunder God Pirates."
"What are you saying, Jinbe?" Marco chimed in warmly. "Since you've become family, the Whitebeard Pirates will shoulder everything for you."
"We were bound to clash sooner or later," Jozu added. "It doesn't matter when. Besides, you didn't do anything wrong!"
"Hahahaha! We'll just kill a few extra of them later!"
The Captains offered their comfort, dismissing the gravity of the provocation. To them, the bond of family stood above all else.
"Foolish talk," a voice muttered. "Repel the Thunder God Pirates first, then talk."
"Pops!" Jinbe felt the weight of Whitebeard's deep paternal love, and tears welled in his eyes. This was the Great Father who tolerated the mistakes of his children and stood ready to bear the consequences on his own broad shoulders.
"Gurararararara! My sons, get ready!! The Thunder God's men are here. Drive them back, and then we feast!"
Whitebeard set down his massive sake jug. His eyes, full of disdain for the world, swept across the horizon where the sea was now teeming with enemy ships. His mountain-like physique rose slowly from his seat—the sheer pressure of his presence made it difficult for anyone nearby to breathe.
The titles "Legendary Pirate" and "World's Strongest Man" were not mere words—the deterrent they carried was beyond imagination.
Nearly ten years had passed since their last encounter. Now, the two men who stood at the absolute apex were finally meeting again!
Their monstrous spirits collided across the open water. A terrifying aura enveloped the entire sea, turning the wind into a gale and the clouds into a vortex. The clash of their Conqueror's Haki began to warp the very weather.
CRASH—!
Shockwaves rippled outward, turning the surface of the sea into a chaotic mess of giant swells that battered the hundreds of pirate ships gathered in the area. The members of both crews released their killing intent without restraint, locking horns in a battle of wills.
The air grew so heavy it was physically painful. Driven by the wind, the ships drew closer until they were nearly within boarding range.
Suddenly, a vessel as large as an island surged from beneath the waves, positioning itself directly between the two armadas. The massive displacement of water pushed the two fleets back to either side. On the deck of this island-ship, Sanjuan Wolf and his Giant Warrior Pirates stood tall, though even their colossal bodies occupied only a corner of the gargantuan deck.
This was the designated battlefield Arthur had prepared.
"Have you already chosen your burial ground, boy?" Whitebeard asked, his voice booming with absolute authority. His expression didn't flicker at the sudden appearance of the island-ship.
Arthur's cold gaze swept over Whitebeard, lingering on the IV drips and the nurses tending to him.
"You look pathetic, Whitebeard. I hope you still have enough strength to throw a punch... otherwise, I'll be very disappointed."
"I have more than enough strength to blow out your candle, brat!" Whitebeard retorted.
"Thunder Emperor! Today is the day the Thunder God Pirates meet their end!" the sixteen Division Captains of the Whitebeard Pirates roared in unison.
"My blade has hungered for this slaughter!" Shiliew sneered, drawing his sword.
"Let me petrify their filthy bodies!" Hancock cried out.
"Captain, give the order to attack!!"
The crew of the Thunder God Pirates was already a coiled spring, ready to snap.
"Heh... Hahahahaha!" Arthur's laughter cut through the roar of the sea. "Whitebeard, the only reason I'm here is to tell you one thing: THE THRONE OF THE WORLD'S STRONGEST... OFFICIALLY CHANGES HANDS TODAY!!"
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