Before the towering, ominous shadow, the Five Elders bowed their heads low, their expressions growing ever more reverent.
If this moment were ever revealed to the world, it would shake the seas to their core.
An existence unknown to the outside world—wielding immeasurable power—sat upon the Empty Throne, a seat forbidden even to the Celestial Dragons, and issued commands to the Five Elders, the supposed highest authority of the World Government.
In this world… there truly existed someone whose power and status surpassed even theirs.
"Yes, Great Creator."
"A situation has arisen that we have never encountered before."
"The poor and chaotic North Blue has declared independence from the World Government."
"That Marine brat, Rogers Daren, and the North Blue Fleet under his command... have declared military protection over the region."
"This boy already possesses power on par with our own, and his intellect is frightening. He's turned the seas upside down."
At those words, the Five Elders leaned forward in unison, respectfully bowing their heads as they made their solemn request:
"Please, give the order… extinguish this blinding light."
…
Somewhere in the New World.
Aboard the Moby Dick.
Every member of the Whitebeard Pirates stood frozen, expressions of shock still etched on their faces.
"What the hell just happened..."
"So from now on, the North Blue is officially no longer under the World Government?"
"This world's gone mad..."
"..."
Seated in the central throne, Whitebeard's heart, too, was in turmoil. His brows were tightly furrowed.
He never imagined things would escalate this far.
The same Marine brat who couldn't take a single punch from him back then... had now grown into a towering force capable of shaking the very foundation of the World Government's political system.
"These kids these days..."
He exhaled a heavy breath, eyes gazing out at the boundless, distant blue sea, filled with deep reflection.
"'King of the North Blue'... now that title fits him well."
Whitebeard muttered, a smile slowly curling at the corners of his mouth.
While the crew was still stunned, busy discussing the event,
off in a corner of the Moby Dick, a dark-skinned teenager with black curls and a brown hat stared intensely at the frozen screen on the Den Den Mushi.
His face was burning with fervor.
"This... this is what life should be!"
His rough fingers brushed over the sharp steel claws at his side, as the fire of ambition blazed wildly in his eyes.
…
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Top Military Conference Room.
The air was frozen stiff, and the silence was absolute.
Every Marine officer present sat with heads bowed in silence, eyes averted. No one dared glance at Fleet Admiral Sengoku, whose expression was darker than a storm cloud.
Even Kuzan, who had been fired up and ready to comment, awkwardly lowered his raised hand under Sengoku's murderous glare.
Snap!
A crisp sound suddenly shattered the stillness.
The officers: "..."
Thick veins bulged on Sengoku's forehead. He whipped his head around, eyes blazing, and fixed his gaze on Garp—who had half a rice cracker stuffed in his mouth.
"Garp, you bastard! Would it kill you to stop eating for five damn minutes?!"
Garp froze for a second, quickly swallowed the cracker, then slung an arm around Sengoku's shoulder with a grin.
"Come on, don't be so angry, Sengoku... Isn't letting that kid Daren handle the North Blue a good thing?"
"Besides, Marine Headquarters is broke anyway. If Daren's protecting the North Blue, people there will live better lives, and we'll save time and money. Doesn't that sound great?"
"Bwahahahahaha!"
As he delivered that final line, the dog-headed Marine hero stood tall, hands on hips, laughing loudly—clearly proud of his insight.
Sakazuki twitched at the corner of his mouth, then quickly forced his expression back to neutral.
Borsalino rubbed his temples with a sigh.
The rest of the officers all had metaphorical black lines hanging over their heads.
Just then,
"Right! Why didn't I think of that!"
Kuzan suddenly slapped the table and stood up, eyes sparkling as he looked at Garp with admiration.
"Garp-san… that's so cool, to come up with something like that..."
"You two damned idiots!"
A furious roar echoed through the room as golden light suddenly exploded throughout the conference hall.
Boom!
Boom!
Garp and Kuzan were both launched like cannonballs, their heads slamming into the wall, leaving only four legs sticking out and flailing weakly.
The gathered officers stared in stunned silence at Admiral Sengoku, who had transformed into a golden Buddha wreathed in black and red lightning.
Not a soul dared to speak.
Staff Officer Tsuru covered her face in agony.
"Relay my orders—have all remaining troops in the North Blue withdraw immediately!"
Sengoku's bloodshot eyes flashed as he returned to human form. He turned and stormed out of the conference room, panting with fury as he barked out the command.
The Marine officers exchanged helpless glances, then could only smile bitterly in resignation.
…
New World, near Coin Island.
1,000 meters above sea level.
"How spectacular... So this is the invincible flying fleet that nearly wiped out Mary Geoise?"
Morgans stood atop the North Blue fleet's flagship, his yellowed eyes gazing down at the island shrinking in the distance, his expression filled with awe and admiration.
The fleet was still rising, climbing so high that the sea of clouds seemed within arm's reach. A cold wind howled against his feathers, causing them to ripple in the breeze.
Streamlined metal warships patrolled around the flagship, forming a distinct formation that flickered in and out of view amid the clouds.
Morgans didn't understand military strategy or formation tactics, but even he could tell this fleet's coordination was remarkable.
If anything unexpected happened, each ship could respond instantly.
Sure, the World Economic News Agency's headquarters could also float using massive hot air balloons, but compared to this—be it altitude or speed—they were miles apart.
And as for firepower, the difference was like that between cavemen and the modern age.
"They're not invincible—just taking advantage of aerial superiority."
Daren stepped out from the cabin, chewing on a cigar, and offered one to Morgans with a grin.
Morgans took it and chuckled,
"Back in the day, Shiki the Golden Lion used the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi to float his fleet into the sky. But even he couldn't manage something like this."
"You took the North Blue straight from the World Government with nothing more than a simple act of deterrence..."
"The Five Elders talk about the World Government's '800 years of legacy'—and just like that, it's been smashed to pieces."
"Daren-san, you've truly opened my eyes."