One Piece: King of the World

When all the high-ranking officers had gathered, Fleet Admiral Sengoku knocked on the table to get everyone's attention and said, "Now then, I officially announce that, as of this meeting, Naval Headquarters will initiate a crusade against the Whitebeard Pirates. The details are as follows—"

As soon as Sengoku spoke, the entire conference room was shocked into silence. But within seconds, the room became noisy, with officers leaning toward each other and whispering in hushed voices.

This large-scale Marine meeting lasted for three consecutive days. Each day, after the meetings ended, the previously disorganized force of 100,000 Marines gradually became more orderly and disciplined.

By the time the third day concluded, Marineford was in full combat readiness. Units rehearsed their formations, familiarized themselves with the terrain, and drilled their combat procedures for the upcoming battle. Meanwhile, other teams worked on constructing the execution platform and setting up live broadcast equipment to relay the event to the world.

At the same time, the World Economy News Paper broadcasted two major news stories that shook the world.

The first piece of news was the announcement that the vacant Shichibukai seat, left empty nearly a year ago after the disappearance of Gecko Moria, had been filled. The new holder of the title was none other than the former Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, Marshall D. Teach, known as Blackbeard.

The world immediately sensed that something was off. A division commander from the Whitebeard Pirates had defected and joined forces with the World Government?

Teach's name, which had caused a stir when he was first appointed commander of the second division, was once again the center of global attention.

But before the world could digest this news, the second announcement hit like a bombshell, sending shockwaves across every sea.

"Big Event – Public Execution!!!"

"On November 23, 1517, according to the Sea Circle Calendar, Fleet Admiral Sengoku of Naval Headquarters will oversee the public execution of Thatch, Captain of the Fourth Division of the Whitebeard Pirates, as well as Edward Weevil, known as Whitebeard Jr., and his mother, Miss Buckin. The execution will take place at Marine Headquarters—Marineford."

The message was simple and direct, yet the implications behind it were monumental.

This wasn't just an execution; it was a declaration of war.

Naval Headquarters was declaring war on the Whitebeard Pirates.

No one doubted that Whitebeard would respond. The "Strongest Man in the World" wouldn't sit back while his family was threatened. Everyone knew that Whitebeard never tolerated harm against his crew. The Marines' provocation was blatant, and Whitebeard's retaliation was guaranteed.

The upcoming clash between the world's strongest pirate crew and the Marines, who ruled the seas for centuries, promised to be a battle that would reshape the world.

No one dared to predict the outcome. The Marines had clearly made extensive preparations, giving them an apparent edge. But they were facing Whitebeard, the pirate who had dominated the seas for decades, a living legend with unmatched strength.

Even Sengoku, who had orchestrated this plan from the start, wasn't completely confident in victory. However, there was one person who was—Saint Claudius.

---

Meanwhile, on the Sabaody Archipelago, in Shakky's Rip-off Bar, Rayleigh sat with a grim expression as he read the newspaper. Shakky, beside him, was sifting through her files, her brows furrowed in concentration.

Just as Rayleigh was lost in his thoughts, Shakky suddenly exclaimed, "I found it!"

Rayleigh turned to her. "Found what?"

"Edward Weevil," Shakky said. "The last confirmed sighting of him was more than three months ago, on Polani Island. At the time, the island declared a state of emergency, claiming there was a pirate invasion. But afterward, there were no reports of significant damage."

She continued, voice low, "There were rumors that day of sightings of Admirals Borsalino and Kuzan… along with someone believed to be Saint Claudius."

Rayleigh's eyes narrowed. "So they were already preparing months ago," he muttered. "Claudius… that man just doesn't stop. He's really going after Newgate, huh?"

"No," Shakky said, shaking her head. "If we look further back, the pieces were being set into motion even earlier. Half a year ago, during the World Summit, the World Government passed resolutions that greatly expanded the authority of the Marines and CP-0. We thought it was about tightening global control but now it's clear that the summit was nothing more than a smokescreen."

She tapped the newspaper. "Their real target was the Whitebeard Pirates all along."

Rayleigh sighed, a somber look in his eyes. "And no one saw it coming… not even Newgate. This time, he's walking into a trap."

Rayleigh and Newgate had never been close. They were rivals on the sea, crossing swords more than once. Yet, Rayleigh couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness knowing that Whitebeard was being drawn into such an elaborate conspiracy.

"Do you think Newgate will fall for it?" Shakky asked softly.

Rayleigh shot her an exasperated look. "What kind of question is that?"

Shakky smiled wryly. "Right… of course. If he doesn't go, he's not Whitebeard."

"Exactly," Rayleigh said. "Newgate knows it's a trap, but he'll walk into it anyway. That's who he is, a man who protects his family, no matter what. He'll try to end this war with brute force. But… it won't be that simple."

---

Far across the seas, in the Calm Belt near West Blue, the Red-Haired Pirates had just crossed from the New World.

Shanks held the newspaper in both hands, his expression serious. After skimming the article, he slammed the paper down and barked, "Turn the rudder! Turn the rudder right now! Head back to the New World, full speed ahead!"

The crew jumped into action.

"This came out of nowhere," Yasopp muttered, adjusting his rifle.

"No," Beckman said, lighting a cigarette as his eyes scanned the article again. "The signs were there. We just didn't see them."

"Teach…" Shanks growled, his eyes darkening. "I knew that bastard was dangerous the moment I saw him. Newgate trusted him too much. Now, that mistake is going to cost him dearly."

"Why are we rushing back?" Lucky asked. "Are we joining the war?"

Shanks fell silent for a moment before shaking his head. "No. I'm going to try to stop it or at least minimize the damage. If this war erupts unchecked, the whole world will be thrown into chaos."

Yasopp snorted. "That's the World Government's problem, not ours. Why should we care?"

Shanks didn't answer immediately. He gazed at the horizon, eyes filled with unease. "Because someone has to."

Yasopp groaned. "We're pirates, remember? Aren't we supposed to enjoy a bit of chaos?"

"Sometimes," Shanks said. "But not this time."

Beckman chuckled. "I get it. You want us to intercept Kaido, right?"

Shanks nodded. "Yeah. We can't stop Whitebeard, but we can stop Kaido from turning this war into an even bigger disaster."

The crew grumbled but ultimately obeyed, turning the ship around.

The Red-Haired Pirates, who had just crossed into West Blue, now turned back toward the New World.

***

This book is completed so you can read all chapters on: /Blownleaves

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