The night the Punk Hazard battle concluded.
The uppermost floor of Thriller Bark Mansion had been transformed into Buggy's private chamber. This entire level was now his domain. Buggy lounged on a recliner on the expansive balcony, gazing upwards at the sky, relishing a moment of leisure.
"Ding."
At that instant, a familiar notification chimed in his ears. The sudden sound caused Buggy to spring from his recliner in alarm.
"Congratulations, Host, for completing the [Plot Change] once again, significantly altering the course of the Punk Hazard plotline. Additionally, you've redirected Kaido's enmity, leading to a complete change in the story in the next ten events."
"Reward: 'Self Crush' – Disintegrate your body into countless dust particles, making it challenging for conventional energy-based enemies to target the physical form!"
A cold sigh escaped Buggy's lips as he absorbed the detailed information and usage instructions of this ability. He couldn't help but draw in a lungful of salty sea breeze. This felt like the embodiment of logical alchemy.
Unbelievable!
Chop-Chop Fruit had ventured into a direction he hadn't anticipated before. The concept of an ability that defied logic was captivating.
So, now he could chop chop himself?
If Crushing an enemy incapacitated them quickly, then what about Crushing himself? Could the ability still function and will he be able to reverse it?
His curiosity sparked, and Buggy resolved to test it.
"Self Crush!"
Buggy whispered the phrase within his mind. What followed was the gradual disintegration of his body, starting from his feet. Countless minuscule fragments floated upwards.
This precise control was of his own making.
Even as he disintegrated to the point where only his head remained, Devil Fruit's abilities could still be used.
He could utilize his Devil Fruit abilities and Crush Magic without materializing his form. Even in fragments, he could perform these abilities.
These fragmented body parts could even disperse and maneuver through the air, shaping themselves as he wished. It was eerie yet remarkably practical.
And practical it indeed was!
By fragmenting himself to the size of dust, he could maintain access to all of his fruit abilities. The shattered pieces had to remain relatively close; otherwise, the abilities wouldn't function. Even if a portion was separated by distance, within a few kilometers, the main body could pinpoint its whereabouts.
Satisfaction welled up within Buggy.
However practical it might appear, he wasn't likely to fracture himself into countless fragments during a battle, unless he was fleeing for his life. But as things stood, there wasn't anyone in the seas capable of forcing him into such a situation.
Perhaps the figure occupying the empty throne could potentially do so, but Buggy had no intention of provoking that being on a one-on-one battle yet.
Having altered the known course of events, he believed his abilities were poised to undergo tremendous growth.
This "Self Crush" ability seamlessly augmented his usage of his Devil Fruit abilities. Yet, when employing Haki, his body needed to remain solid for its power to manifest. If an opponent attacked him during this state, he could instantly employ "Self Crush," achieving at least half-elementalization.
In effect, he now possessed a remarkably versatile ability!
Presently, Buggy was akin to a Logia user.
To a large extent, acquiring the Gildarts template opened up new development avenues for Chop-Chop Fruit.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have so quickly devised the "Nuclear Crush" attack.
The ability to "Self-Crush" had inspired him with fresh insight into his fruit's potential.
Given that he could Crush himself, could he potentially fragment space as well, crafting his pocket dimension?
Digging deeper, he might find a way to use spatial shattering to bolster his attacks, elevating the potency of his techniques to even greater heights. In other words, weaving the Gildarts template's Crush magic and Chop-Chop Fruit's awakened could destroy the red line at least.
If he could combine them he would be able to infuse his every attack with with spatial shattering effects!
When combined with Armament Haki and Conquerors, his technique's might would likely ascend to unimaginable levels!
Of course, at this juncture, these were merely Buggy's musings.
The merit of each notion could only be proven through intense training, an area in which Buggy wasn't well-versed yet. His current strength was the culmination of his arduous efforts to change the plot.
Soon, as he pondered the fusion of his fruit's abilities. Buggy drifted into slumber.
That night, while Buggy slept peacefully, the rest of the world was embroiled in turmoil, the aftermath of the Punk Hazard broadcast still rippling.
This turbulence persisted through the night.
It wasn't until the following day, with the release of the Buggy Pirates' updated bounties, that the world would be shocked anew.
Buggy, as their leader, stood out prominently.
His title read: [New Yonko – God Slayer Buggy!]
In the accompanying image, Buggy loomed above, bathed in platinum light against the backdrop of the sky. Hands plunged into his pockets, he stood with a portion of his iconic clown makeup illuminated while the other half remained concealed in shadow.
Underneath, the upper segment of a pyramid was partially visible, topped by a cross.
Though a figure was discernible on the cross, the details remained obscure.
Upon seeing this bounty, Buggy couldn't help but burst into laughter, acknowledging Morgan's commendable photography skills.
He considered enlisting the man as his royal photographer in the future. The other members of his pirate crew are also featured in remarkable photographs. Buggy was thoroughly content with the outcome.
More gratifying still was his bounty. Considering his recent feats, his victory over Kaido and Sengoku on Punk Hazard, this bounty seemed reasonable.
After all, Kaido had earned the title of the Yonko with a staggering bounty of 4.6111 billion belli.
Having subdued Kaido and defeated Sengoku, wasn't a bounty of 4.9999 billion Belli perfectly fitting? You must be aware that Shanks' current bounty stands at merely $4 billion.
Considering the magnitude of the bounty offered, one would expect the World Government to aspire to elevate its image to the highest degree. Allowing a newcomer like him to acquire the highest bounty among the Four Emperors could be interpreted as a form of flattery. This would pave the way for the subsequent plans of the World Government. Create an urgency among Big Mom and Hundred Beasts pirates.
However, Buggy remains indifferent to this matter.
Whether it's $4.9 billion or $5 billion, His power is destined to grow stronger! His rate of progress is beyond the imagination of the World Government!
Following the incident at Punk Hazard, he gained the "Self crush" ability, equivalent to the elemental transformation of Logia, which further augmented his strength.
Their power has reached an unprecedented level, and even marginal improvements are quite noteworthy.
Furthermore, Buggy dedicates his time to enhancing his strength.
The journey from Punk Hazard to Dressrosa takes around ten days, particularly with the cumbersome Thriller Bark which was made from an entire island, which tends to slow things down.
Utilizing this brief period, he focuses on honing his mastery of the six-style grandmaster body techniques.
Moreover, there's the task of instructing the new Seraphim Boa and Seraph Dracule aboard the ship, as well as training Moria in the ways of Haki.
However, a concern arises.
Contemplating these three individuals, Buggy's thoughts drift to Robin, Kalifa, and Shirahoshi. It appears that at least two of the three should be entrusted to Gabban and the others for instruction.
In the case of Boa, Robin, Shirahoshi, and Kalifa, he holds the most confidence in his ability to train them. Of course, absolutely without any ulterior motives!
Thus, amidst Gabban's resentful gaze, Buggy transports the four women to another uninhabited island to initiate training in Haki and combat.
Meanwhile, the world outside is in utter shock.
Fishman Island
Alvida, a former member of the Buggy Pirates, awakens the next day to a scene on Fishman Island. Both adults and children excitedly brandish ten wanted posters, cheering uproariously. They eagerly hold up reward notices for all to see.
Even the confident Alvida is taken aback by the bounties listed on the posters. Among these rewards, the cumulative values for many of the wanted criminals exceed that of their entire pirate group!
How can they compare to this? Are they truly going to pursue Captain Buggy? But what if they locate him?
They are too weak!
Even the highest bounty pales in comparison to the weakest under Captain Buggy. It's important to note that recent news has extensively introduced the members of the Buggy Pirates.
Even this secretary named Kalifa is a former CP9 elite agent and possesses a Devil Fruit power! Such a woman seems unattainable to them, let alone those of higher ranks.
After a moment of silence among Alvida and her cohorts, a decision is made to seek out Buggy. After all, they've come this far.
Meanwhile, Amazon Lily,
"Empress! Empress! Look, there's news today about Mr. Buggy and others."
The empress, amid a leisurely breakfast, initially responds with annoyance upon hearing the boisterous cries of her subordinates. Yet, her expression swiftly morphs into joy upon hearing the subsequent words:
"Hurry and show it to me!"
Within moments...
Hancock inhaled sharply, her gaze fixed on the bounty poster in her hand for several minutes before sighing, "As expected of that man. He is indeed strong and dangerous enough to become one of the Four Emperors! However, it seems he has yet to establish his territory."
As she speaks, the empress seems to recall something and turns her attention to Shakky, who stands nearby. She addresses her, "Sister Shakky..."
"That's impolite! Address her as Grandma Shakky!" Elder Nyon interjects loudly, rapping her crutches on the ground for emphasis.
A loud thud resonates as Hancock promptly ejects Grandma Nyon from the palace, then scolds her, "Those who rely on their age for respect have nothing valuable to say!"
"Exactly!"
Shakky also expresses her indignation; Why should she be addressed as a Grandma just because she used to be the former empress of Amazon Lily and former captain of the Kuja Pirates from two generations before Boa Hancock and one generation after Gloriosa?
The old woman is simply asking for trouble!
"Hancock, you've done well. By the way, what did you want to inquire about?"
Hancock's demeanor changes to a slightly embarrassed one upon this question. After a brief hesitation, she gathers her resolve and continues, "Sis Shakky, you mentioned that Buggy has become one of the new Yonko; what about his territory? Is he truly planning to take over Whitebeard's territory?"
"I recall him mentioning during the Summit War that he intended to assume command of Whitebeard's forces in the future."
"Hehehe, so our little Hancock insisted that I stick around a few more days to inquire about these matters."
With a finger propped against her chin, Shakky teases Hancock before pondering for a moment.
Then she shakes her head and imparts her insight, "Buggy's declaration at the Summit War was simply a jest. Based on what I know about Buggyboy, under ordinary circumstances, he wouldn't seize control of Whitebeard's forces. After all, Marco and Ace are still in the picture. They were comrades during the Summit War, and no matter what, it's unlikely he would vie for control in such a manner. Of course, if it were someone else, the possibility might exist. But Buggyboy isn't that sort. He does not incline to wrest territory from Whitebeard's sons unless...."
The empress listens attentively and promptly asks:
"Unless what?"
Sighing softly, Shakky takes a deep breath and speaks with a meaningful tone, "Unless Marco and Ace are unable to protect the territory and they seek his assistance, or if the territory is stolen and he decides to reclaim it."
The New World
When today's newspaper and the bounty posters reached the hands of the major supernovas, a hush fell over the crowd. Until now, they hadn't fully comprehended the chasm that separated them from the Four Emperors.
After all, the three Four Emperors groups—Red-Haired Shanks, Big Mom, and Kaido—had held their fame for an extended period, and hardly anyone had cared about the cumulative bounties on their crews.
Thus, their understanding of the Four Emperors was incomplete.
But today, as the World Government unveiled bounties for every member of the Buggy Four Emperors group, Kid, Trafalgar Law, Hawkins, and the other supernovas began to grasp the reality.
Especially the colossal 4.99 billion bounty on the members sent shockwaves through them.
How immense must a power be to command such an astronomical reward?
In truth, they already knew the answer to that question.
"Only by toppling Kaido and besting Sengoku can you achieve a status in the new world as a Yonko."
But it was the blatant display of their might that truly astounded the supernovas.
"Hey, hey, the combined bounty amounts to 20.9 billion Beli! This is getting absurd!"
"Is this the strength of the most dominant Yonko pirates in the New World? It's beyond formidable!"
"In the New World, should we challenge the Four Emperors or consider joining them? So, what's the plan? Do we join if we can't beat them?"
Certainly, joining appears to be the logical choice. Yesterday's battle illustrated that Kaido proclaimed the [God Slayer Buggy] to be the strongest among the Yonkos. And today's bounties corroborated this claim. What else could they do?
"Is it even possible to challenge [God Slayer Buggy]? No one would dare."
"As expected of [God Slayer Buggy], daring what none of us would! The new emperor is here to conquer the world! Let the madness begin! Ha-ha-ha!"
While the supernovas were still grappling with the awe-inspiring might of the Buggy Four Emperors, another submarine emerged underwater near Punk Hazard.
Observing the ravaged landscape of Punk Hazard, a man with a long Sword strapped to his shoulder sighed deeply.
"Captain, what should we do now?" This man was one of the supernovas, Trafalgar Law. Facing his crewmates.
Law inhaled heavily and spoke solemnly, "Everyone, you know my longstanding desire is to kill that man! Originally, Ceaser was part of my scheme. However, that man is likely in the clutches of the new Yonko, God Slayer Buggy. Thus, I have a new proposition."
With a pause, he locked eyes with his crew, their gazes expectant, and continued, "I'm considering joining the Buggy Pirates first; if he accepts my terms, I'll genuinely align myself with them. Should he not find my offer appealing, then I'll sever my ties with the Buggy at some point! When the time comes, I'll come find you again! My apologies, everyone, for this decision."
Law's words prompted silence among his crew. His decision had caught them all off guard. To quit if the conditions weren't met.
Were the Yonko pirates from New World that weak? That you can join and quit at your conditions?
At that juncture, given the Buggy Pirate's might, whether the captain survived was an open question!
So, was their captain gambling his lives to protect them?
"Captain!!!"
At this very moment, Bepo, usually gentle and reserved, let out a thunderous roar, "Captain, do you doubt us? If you're willing to wager your life, count us all in!"