He was the true World's Greatest Swordsman, hidden among mortals — even stronger than Dracule Mihawk himself. Armed with the demonic blade, the First Generation Kitetsu, he had slain countless powerful beings and imprisoned the souls of Pirate King-level warriors within his cursed sword, enhancing its might with every conquest.
Each of those souls had once belonged to legendary figures who had ruled the seas. Their undying hatred and power had been forged into the First Generation Kitetsu, transforming it into the strongest demonic weapon known to man.
The Gorosei turned their gaze sideways, their expressions grim.
"That power… it feels like Conqueror's Haki. Has this boy already recovered his Haki so soon?"
"Impossible. Even if he could somehow restore it, Saint Nusjuro, with your strength, you shouldn't be at a disadvantage!"
The five Elders looked on in disbelief. Saint Nusjuro's might, augmented by the demonic blade, was on par with the strongest Conqueror's Haki users alive. Yet, Ashveil stood unshaken.
"What kind of strange power is this? How could it force Saint Nusjuro to such a state?"
Thorne Ashveil smiled faintly at their confusion and even began to applaud. His Golden Conqueror's Haki, fueled by his life force, could be released at will without pause or delay.
"Not bad. If I didn't have my Golden Conqueror's Haki, that strike might have hurt," Ashveil said calmly, his eyes sharp. "To make me use that power—you've done well. Now, show me what else you have. It's been a long time since I've felt even the slightest thrill."
His lazy demeanor vanished. He gazed at the combined forces of the United Army before him with newfound interest.
"Golden Conqueror's Haki?"
The Gorosei frowned deeply.
"Have you ever heard of such a thing?" asked Saint Marcus.
"No," replied Saint Ethanbaron. "But if his Conqueror's Haki has merged with a Devil Fruit ability, that would explain it. Only a few in history could fuse such powers."
Saint Jaygarcia nodded slightly, acknowledging Ashveil's terrifying potential.
Their brief exchange had already angered the United Army. Kaido's face twisted in fury. Moments ago, he and Big Mom had unleashed a desperate combined assault, pouring every ounce of their strength into a single strike—yet Ashveil had barely flinched.
Now, with his defense restored and his golden aura burning brighter than ever, it was clear that Thorne Ashveil still had hidden trump cards.
Big Mom's heavily painted face contorted in rage. To Ashveil, she wasn't even worth a glance.
Sengoku's glasses reflected a cold gleam. If Ashveil could withstand the full strength of a Gorosei, then even the Marines' victory was uncertain.
Around the world, people watching the broadcast could scarcely believe their eyes.
The Red Hair Pirates stared at the screen in stunned silence.
"Shanks," Benn Beckman muttered, "didn't you say the Gorosei are stronger than Garp? Why is that old swordsman unable to even scratch Ashveil?"
Shanks' expression tightened.
"It's not that the Gorosei are weak," he admitted. "It's that we've underestimated Ashveil's strength."
The attack Saint Nusjuro unleashed could have destroyed an island—yet Ashveil blocked it with nothing more than willpower and Haki.
"Wait… look behind him," Benn said sharply. "That golden energy… could that be a special form of Conqueror's Haki?"
"Perhaps," Shanks murmured, his eyes narrowing.
Elsewhere on the open sea, aboard the Revolutionary Army's flagship, all eyes were fixed on the same broadcast.
"The Gorosei's strike was blocked that easily?!" Ivankov exclaimed, her painted face twitching.
Dragon's expression darkened.
"Ashveil's power… even I can't fully grasp it," Dragon said quietly. "For the elders to be pushed back—it's unthinkable."
Sabo clenched his fists.
"Then the outcome of this war… might not be what anyone expects."
Suddenly, a deep, ancient laugh echoed across the battlefield.
"Hahahahaha!"
The Gorosei composed themselves quickly. Saint Marcus stepped forward, his expression solemn.
"Thorne Ashveil, your strength is impressive. If you join us, I'll recommend you to Imu-sama personally. You could stand beside us as an equal—commanding the full might of the World Government."
Sengoku and Kong exchanged dark looks. They knew they couldn't object. Even the highest officers were merely tools under the Celestial Dragons' command.
Kaido sneered. If Ashveil accepted, the Beasts Pirates would be finished.
But the man only laughed.
"Join you? Serve Imu?" Ashveil said disdainfully. "Tell me—does Imu even deserve it?"
He condensed his Golden Conqueror's Haki into a radiant blade and slashed toward Saint Nusjuro before anyone could react.
"Nusjuro, look out!" the other Elders shouted.
But Ashveil was already upon him.
Saint Nusjuro hastily enveloped himself in Armament Haki and infused his First Generation Kitetsu with Conqueror's Haki. The blade's demonic spirits howled, devouring his energy in desperation.
Ashveil scoffed.
"Pathetic."
A blinding golden slash cut through the heavens.
In a heartbeat, the battlefield fell silent.
The undead spirits screamed as they were bisected, their forms dissolving into black mist beneath the light. The golden energy continued onward, unstoppable.
Cold sweat ran down Saint Nusjuro's face.
"This power… it's not human!" he gasped, trembling.
A moment later, the golden slash struck. Blood arced across the sky, painting the battlefield crimson.
Crack—
The First Generation Kitetsu shattered into two halves.
"What—what just happened?" Shiryu of the Rain muttered in disbelief. "The sword broke…?"
Even Kaido's eyes widened.
Katakuri's voice trembled.
"Mama… Saint Nusjuro is dead. I saw it—the future can't be wrong."
"What?! A Gorosei?! Dead?!" Big Mom roared.
But the truth was undeniable. The swordsman of the five elders lay decapitated, his lifeless body falling across the frozen battlefield.
Golden Lion Shiki threw back his head and laughed wildly.
"Hahahaha! So this is the power of the man who defies the world! Even the Gorosei fall before him!"
Byrnndi World, Douglas Bullet, and Zephyr all stared with blazing eyes. Ashveil had done what none of them could—he had struck down one of the Five Elders.
Around the world, the seas boiled with disbelief. A single man had shaken the foundations of the World Government.
---