Big Mom had intended to test the waters first, say a few hard words, and see whether Good's so-called Justice League would really interfere in her affairs. If it came to the worst, she could always yield later.
But she never expected that Good's immediate response would be… a punch.
It was a plain, unadorned strike — no fancy techniques, just simple Armament Haki.
Yet when it landed, Big Mom felt as if a mountain had crashed into her.
Yes — a real, immovable mountain.
The "Iron Balloon" herself coughed blood and was hurled backward, slamming into the ground, unable even to stand.
It happened so fast, so suddenly, that everyone was left frozen.
Then the silence broke into uproar.
"Big Mom… defeated!?"
"One punch! Good only used one punch!"
"Unbelievable! This is the man who fought ten armies and lived — terrifying!"
"The Justice League really means what it says!"
On the walls, soldiers erupted in cheers. Good had proven beyond doubt that the Justice League was not mere words.
Any force that violated peace would face judgment.
On the other side, Big Mom's children and subordinates stared in horror, realizing that Good and the Justice League were absolutely serious.
There would be no long negotiations. Break the rules, and you'd be crushed.
…
The king of this country, wearing his crown, stepped forward with trembling gratitude.
He bowed deeply before Good.
"Thank you, Lord Good, for saving us. Thank you to the Justice League for your aid! We of the Arthur Kingdom never joined the World Government because we could not afford the Heavenly Tribute. In these harsh seas, we've only survived under Shanks's protection. But now, Shanks is gone. Please — let us join the Justice League!"
"We will gladly pay our share in taxes to support the League."
Many nations had hesitated to join, fearing the Justice League would be another World Government — demanding crushing tributes that poor countries could never afford.
But Good grinned and waved his hand.
"To join the Justice League, there are no heavy tributes. I don't really know the exact amount… but one thing's certain: if you can't afford it, we won't abandon you. Protection is unconditional."
The king froze, stunned. His lips trembled.
"Lord… Lord Good, is this… truly real?"
The people came forth, their faces gaunt, their bodies thin — proof of years of hardship.
Good nodded.
"That's right."
And in that instant, hope flared in their lifeless eyes.
They fell to their knees.
"Thank you, Lord Good!"
"Thank you, Justice League!"
"Our country has hope again!"
Tears filled the eyes of many.
Even Momousagi, watching beside Good, felt her chest ache with sorrow and pride.
…
Meanwhile, the Big Mom Pirates cowered. None dared move, lest they draw Good's wrath.
Katakuri slipped quietly to his mother's side. Though beaten, Big Mom was still conscious.
"Mom," he whispered, "we can survive this. Let's join the Justice League. If we don't, Good will destroy us to prove a point."
Big Mom knew he was right. The Justice League needed an example, and who better than a Yonko?
But Katakuri leaned closer, offering one last idea.
Her eyes lit up. There was still a chance to live.
So, Big Mom agreed.
The Big Mom Pirates would surrender half their wealth to the Justice League, and of the remainder, half again would be given to the Arthur Kingdom, lifting its people from ruin.
Thus, the Big Mom Pirates escaped annihilation.
The Arthur Kingdom rejoiced. The people wept with relief, hailing the Justice League as their true salvation.
(End of Chapter)
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