At this moment, Sengoku had a steel-cold expression on his face, shocked, and filled with disbelief.
Who was Akainu?
One of the Marine's top forces. A Marine Admiral, user of the Logia Magma-Magma Fruit, a battle-hardened veteran with immense strength and experience. Someone feared by pirates and respected by all within the Marines. A nightmare to the vast majority of the world.
And yet, that very person had been lifted into the sky and turned into a moon above the sea?
A Marine Admiral, utterly defeated!
And not just him, ten Vice-Admirals, five thousand elite Marines, and an entire military base, all destroyed by a single individual!
What kind of monster was this? What a horrifying, bone-chilling display!
"Asura of the Blood Eyes!"
Sengoku's pupils contracted as he clenched his jaw and muttered the name.
Since the founding of the Marines, nothing like this had ever happened. The enemy was completely deranged, killing Tenryuubito, destroying a military base, and even defeating a Marine Admiral. Any one of these acts would be a heinous crime against the world. But the most terrifying part, their strength was still unknown and immeasurable.
"Even an Admiral isn't a match for this person?"
Sengoku narrowed his eyes and thought for a moment before suddenly standing up.
"Garp! Looks like this time, we old warhorses will have to step in personally!"
"A monster like this must be suppressed immediately!"
"Otherwise, the dignity of the Marines and the authority of the World Government will be completely wiped out!"
The murder of the Tenryuubito and destruction of the 66th Marine base were catastrophic blows to their prestige. If they couldn't regain control quickly, the consequences would only get worse.
That very night, Marine Headquarters held an emergency meeting to discuss the crisis.
Meanwhile, out in the world, that day, the entire globe was boiling over.
"Breaking! Tenryuubito massacred by a mysterious figure, Marine base annihilated!"
"Marine Admiral Akainu, turned into a full moon over the sea, fate unknown!"
"Terrifying! Who is this man? The mighty Marines were powerless against his overwhelming assault!"
News of all kinds spread like wildfire across the world, shaking people from every nation and region to their core.
In Alabasta, under the bright full moon…
Qin Yi lounged half-reclined in a chair, casually scanning through a newspaper in his hand.
"Madara… I hope you can withstand the storm that's coming next."
There was no doubt, what Madara had done was nothing short of earth-shattering. Neither the Marines nor the World Government would ever allow such actions to go unpunished. Killing Tenryuubito, beating up an Admiral… these were world-shaking events.
But at the same time, once it was announced that Madara belonged to Qin's Nation, the global shockwaves and the reputation gained would absolutely be proportional.
Of course, before that, Qin Yi still had a few key preparations to make.
In the New World…
Under the moonlight, the blue ocean shimmered like silver.
A massive pirate ship rose and fell with the waves. On its sails was the unmistakable symbol of a white crescent mustache. The ship was alive with noise and excitement, everyone was talking.
The shocking event that had just occurred left everyone onboard buzzing with curiosity.
"What incredible guts, clashing head-on with the Marines! Just who is this guy?"
"Fire Fist Ace was part of it too? Are rookies these days all this bold?"
"Unbelievable! Rumor has it the guy's called the 'Asura of the Blood Eyes'!"
Officers and crew members all chatted animatedly.
At the center of their circle, on an enormous throne-like chair, sat a giant of a man with IV tubes hooked up to his body. This broad, imposing figure suddenly threw his newspaper aside.
"Gurararara!"
A booming laugh rang out, followed by the man's deep voice.
"To heavily injure Akainu and sink an entire island… such strength, I respect that!"
"If he ever comes to the New World… I would love to have a match with him!"
This man was none other than the strongest man alive, the one closest to the One Piece, a Yonkō, Whitebeard, whose real name was Edward Newgate.
"Father, don't! This man is elusive and mysterious, with unknown intentions, even the Marines are having a hard time dealing with him."
"Yeah, I bet right now the Marines are racking their brains trying to figure out how to stop this guy!"
"Exactly. You're the strongest, Father, he's definitely no match for you. There's no need to take interest in him."
"To deal with him, Captain Marco alone would be more than enough!"
The crew shouted one after another.
Whitebeard let out a faint smile, but his eyes remained fixed on the distant ocean, filled with a trace of curiosity and anticipation.
He was already old, half a foot in the grave. If he could choose, he hoped to pick a good burial ground, where his tombstone could bear a better epitaph, one worthy of his legacy.
On a desolate island…
A red-haired man sat cross-legged by a campfire, a Western sword hanging at his waist. His gaze had grown sharp and serious.
"Even Akainu wasn't his match? And his targets were the Tenryuubito…?"
"What exactly is this man after?"
He spoke solemnly, eyes filled with contemplation.
Faintly, he could already sense the storm gathering, dark clouds rolling in with the rising winds.
On this quiet night, people all over the world found their hearts restless because of the shocking global news. Compared to Alabasta's regime change, this kind of event was undoubtedly far more gripping and attention-grabbing.
Sabaody Archipelago, in a usually boisterous bar, the moment five people entered, the entire place fell silent. The expressions of those present turned pale with fear, but none dared move.
"This is bad… really bad. The whole world is going to be thrown into chaos because of you, Madara!"
Qin Lin said with a grim face.
"Your emperor told me to do it. I was bored anyway, so I thought I'd stretch my legs a little."
Madara said indifferently.
Raising his glass, he downed the colorful cocktail in one gulp.
"The drinks in this world have quite a unique taste."
At this moment, Ace (As) and the Spade Pirates had already regrouped. Seeing Madara remain so calm after causing such a global upheaval, their feelings were complicated, full of respect and conflicted admiration.
"His Majesty is really too bold… If the whole world turns against us, our development will face countless obstacles."
Yang Yi muttered.
"Shut your mouth! His Majesty is not someone you can criticize. He surely has his own plans!"
Qin Lin snapped.
Yang Yi stuck out his tongue, then raised his drink and downed it in one go:
"Punishment drink, punishment drink!"
"That kid's got his own schemes. Even though I've been used by him, it suits my interests perfectly."
"If I don't throw this world into utter chaos, wouldn't my visit here be in vain?"
Madara's eyes flickered coldly as he spoke in a low voice.
"The Marine's counterattack will definitely be even fiercer now… Madara, can you handle it?"
Qin Lin asked solemnly.
"Let them come. I haven't even played all my trump cards yet."
"That Akainu brat? That was just my warm-up."
Madara scoffed, speaking casually with a disdainful smile.
Night passed swiftly, and in the blink of an eye, the next morning's sunlight shone down.
Alabasta, or rather, it should now be called Qin's Nation.
In the royal palace of Qin's Nation…
Under Qing You's careful service, Qin Yi stretched out his arms as he donned his black dragon robe. His gaze was commanding, and a faint smile curved his lips.
"So it's Aokiji who's coming? That's... unexpected."
"Well then, let's go see for ourselves."
(End of Chapter)
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