Ding!
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Ding! Rewards Issued:
[World Gate Fragments·Fire] (2/4)
Evaluation: Collect all four fragments to unlock the gateway to another world. The time flow rate is 1 day: 1 year, meaning one day in this world equals one year in the alternate realm.
[Super Armament Haki · Ryou]
Special Ability Unlocked: The pinnacle of Advanced Armament Haki, also known as Ryou, to dominate the battlefield. This technique allows you to channel Haki beyond mere surface hardening, enabling it to flow into objects or enemies. With Ryou, you can penetrate any defense and destroy targets from within, delivering devastating internal damage while maintaining an indestructible external armor.
"Another one of these?" Buggy, sitting in the palace atop Adam's Treasure Tree, furrowed his brow at the sudden notification from the [Story Change Panel] in his mind. He scratched his head in confusion. "Didn't changing Robin's fate get one of these last time? The [World Gate Fragment Ninja], right?"
"Looks like there are two pieces left." Buggy pinched his chin, deep in thought for a moment before speaking again, "If I'm not mistaken, this must be the key to the world of ninjas, right?"
He mulled over it briefly. "The combat power in that world should be higher than this one. But I'm not sure about that Im person…"
From what he knew of his previous life's information, Im's abilities likely involved phantom beasts. The Five Elders had displayed powers that resembled Zoan Devil Fruits, particularly the ability to transform into various mythical Yokai and monsters.
"It's hard to imagine they're using a Zoan-type Devil Fruit at their level, though…" Buggy mused. "Add in the Celestial Dragon symbol—the Hoof Of The Soaring Dragon —and it's more likely that Im am some kind of dragon or snake or Yokai. But what kind, I'm not sure yet."
Buggy's eyes gleamed as he continued his mental analysis. "I'd say the abilities of those six should be linked to mythical beasts. Either Zoan-type mythical Zoan or some sort of Human Fruit mythical Zoan. Nothing more than that, I suppose."
With a satisfied grin, Buggy let the rewards settle within him. As the power of Super Armament Haki merged with his body, a fierce, overwhelming aura surged around him. "This haul's looking pretty damn good."
Zizizi!
For a moment, Buggy's body was consumed with an overwhelming aura of arrogance, almost as if he were on the verge of a Super Saiyan-like explosion!
"This is why my [Gildarts Template]'s crush magic is so overpowered," he thought, grinning to himself. "Otherwise, it would be nearly impossible to break through the defenses of Kaido and Big Mom."
Even with Ryou, the ability to break defenses was only part of the equation. It could shatter barriers, but breaking a defense didn't always guarantee victory. The former king, Luffy, had mastered both high levels of Armament haki and Ryou, yet even he couldn't defeat Kaido outright without unlocking his fifth Gear.
"It just goes to show… Having a similar defensive-breaking ability isn't enough to take down opponents at that level," Buggy mused. "You also need the power of a top-tier fruit to actually kill someone like Kaido or Big Mom."
He thought about the fruits of Luffy, Law, and Kid—their powers were undoubtedly exceptional. Luffy's Nika fruit, Law's Op-Op no mi, and Kid's Magnetic Fruit were all considered top-tier devil fruits.
Luffy and Law had developed their powers to an impressive level, while Kid's abilities… well, they were a bit more gimmicky. With his Magnetic Fruit, Kid could only manage a few flashy feats—making things bigger, generating electricity, or manipulating thunder. The potential for real power was there, but it was underdeveloped, almost like a flashy trick rather than a true weapon.
"And don't get me started on Shanks," Buggy thought with a smirk. "That guy knows how to take care of the kids. If not for him, Kid would have been killed out a long time ago."
Buggy chuckled to himself. "It's a good thing Shanks takes worries so much about balance and those idiots or they'd be done for."
Buggy's attention turned back to the sensation coursing through his body. He could feel the power of the top-level Armament Haki surging within him. "This feels incredible… Is this the pinnacle of Armament Haki?" he thought, clenching his fists. His black and gold-infused Haki, merged with his shattering magic, pulsed with energy, flowing and jumping on its own. There was an air of mystery about it that Buggy found exhilarating.
Crack!
A flash of blue lightning lit up the skylight above, and suddenly, Enel's figure appeared in the doorway.
Seeing Buggy, surrounded by black and golden flames, Enel's eyes widened in surprise. "No way… Captain, you've gotten even stronger! What's up with that energy? It's terrifying!"
Buggy, smirking, turned toward him. "Oh? You noticed that, did you?"
A smile tugged at the corner of Buggy's mouth. "Seems like you're getting more skilled at controlling the Thunder Fruit. A mere fluctuation like that and it's enough to catch your attention."
Enel raised an eyebrow, his forehead creasing. "You call that a small fluctuation?"
He pointed to the sky, his voice rising in disbelief. "Captain, just now your aura made a hole in the clouds! You almost destroyed the place where I sleep!"
Enel shuddered, a hint of concern in his voice. "And what's with the colors around your Armament Haki? Why does it feel so different from Gabban-san's? It gave me the chills… a dangerous feeling that made my hair stand on end!"
Buggy grinned maliciously, his eyes gleaming. "Want to feel it for yourself?"
Enel recoiled instinctively. "No, no! Not a chance!" He shook his head quickly. "I was already nearly beaten to death by Gabban-san not too long ago, just to awaken my fruit. I don't want to go through that again, especially not with your kind of Armament Haki. The gap between your power and mine is still too vast!"
He winced at the thought. "If I ever fought someone at Admiral-level, maybe I'd stand a chance. But against you? I wouldn't last a second."
Buggy chuckled, shaking his head in mock disappointment. "Tsk didn't think you guys were getting so self-aware."
Enel gave a wry smile, a touch of bitterness in his tone. "I don't mind being aware of it. After all, I get beaten up by the old monsters every day. Lately, Bullet's been getting stronger and stronger. If it weren't for my fruit, I'd be lucky to last even fifty-fifty with him. My Haki's still too weak."
Buggy smirked, scolding him lightly. "At least you know your limits. Sure, you rely on that fruit a lot, but your personal growth's been lacking."
He waved a dismissive hand. "Alright, get out of here and practice your Haki. Don't bother me while I continue to get acquainted with mine."
Enel froze for a second before responding with a sigh. "Well… actually, Captain, Miss Uta seems to be coming to you for a consultation."
Buggy's eyes flickered. "Then bring her over later." His voice turned sharper, an unspoken demand hidden beneath the calm.
Enel grinned, a playful smirk crossing his face. "Captain, don't you want to practice more Armament Haki?"
Buggy raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Train later. Right now, I've got better things to do than waving my hands around like a lunatic."
Enel blinked, caught off guard by the response. "Well, you're the captain, and you get what you want," Enel scoffed, a flash of lightning bursting around him as he vanished from his spot.
Zzziip!
In an instant, another crack of lightning split the air, and Enel reappeared not far from Buggy. His expression was serious. "By the way, Captain, I forgot to mention… the woman named Uta has been secretly live broadcasting since she entered our Crimson Empire. It's been going on for a while now. Kalifa seems to be escorting her to Fish-Man Island and won't be back for some time. Should we cut the signal?"
Buggy smirked, his eyes gleaming with wicked amusement. "No, let her continue. It'll be more effective this way."
A dangerous grin spread across Buggy's face as he continued, "Originally, I wanted Morgan to help us improve the image of Crimson Empire, but it seems that won't be necessary now. One thing's for sure: there's something about Uta's live Den Den Mushi that I can use. When the time comes, I'll have Vegapunk clone some for us. We could use these ourselves."
"Got it. I'll take care of it," Enel nodded, flashing another lightning bolt as he disappeared once more.
As Buggy and Enel conversed, the entire world was in an uproar. Thanks to Uta's live broadcast, a new empire was rising before their eyes. Viewers watched in awe as the infrastructure, the urbanization, and the thriving livelihoods of the Crimson Empire far surpassed that of many countries around the world.
Even more astonishing was the state of the empire's six counties that Uta had casually visited. The Crimson Empire, which had just endured a devastating war, seemed to have recovered almost overnight. The buildings were intact, and even the dilapidated log cabins in the countryside had been completely restored. Every household now had its own two-story stone house.
Upon further inspection of the villages, it became clear that the small stone houses were all identical in design, built as part of the same project. But the real question was: How had such a massive, coordinated effort been completed so quickly and so efficiently?
The smooth, solid roads were another mystery that left people around the world puzzled. Some of these roads cut straight through a small mountain range, without even a detour. That made things even more baffling.
The sight of the mountain, seemingly split in half, looked like it could never have been built by ordinary hands. Could it be that the world's greatest swordsman, Hawkeye, had cleaved it apart with his massive sword?
Some of the more astute observers suspected that it was the work of a Devil Fruit power. But before these speculations could settle, they were once again stunned by the spectacle unfolding before them.
As Uta, Kalifa, and their group passed through the gate of space, arriving at a mangrove island above the Fish-Man Sea, the onlookers were left dumbfounded.
"Sabaody Archipelago? No, this place is much smaller!"
"My God... what is this place? It's so beautiful!"
"Mermaids! Look at the sea—there are so many mermaids! The night view is breathtaking!"
"Fishmen! There are Fishmen selling takoyaki!"
"Isn't that like… cannibalism or something? Should we be calling the Marines?!"
"It's made from octopus, not Fishmen, you clown."
"Oh, so it's octopus. And here I thought you'd put your cousin on the grill! But aren't their squid and octopus fishmen too!"
"I've never seen so many Fishmen in one place. They seem to get along so well with regular people. Wait a second... are those mink tribes?"
"Oh my god! This place is incredible! Is there a tour?"
"Don't be ridiculous. The Crimson Empire is in the New World. Most of us have no way of getting there."
The island Uta and the others had arrived at was part of the Yarukiman Mangrove, a stretch of land Buggy had planted more than a year ago on the Fish-Man Island. Over time, several small reefs and uninhabited islands emerged, improving the mangroves' ecosystem.
Many Fishmen had started doing business with other races, and some people from the Crimson Empire, particularly those near the Fish-Man Sea, came to visit. Fishermen often stopped here when returning late from the sea.
Occasionally, members of nearby mink tribes would visit the island. At this point, the small island had taken on an ecology similar to the Sabaody Archipelago, with bubbles emerging from the land and vibrant lights illuminating the surroundings, creating a surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere.
The shore was bustling with Fishmen, while under the water, a beautiful mermaid swam gracefully—an enchanting sight that left everyone in awe.
As Uta stepped onto the island, her excitement was palpable. She couldn't stop exclaiming in amazement, her mouth full of takoyaki, oil dripping from her lips as she gazed around in wonder.
In that moment, Uta finally understood: she had been deceived by the World Government. This wasn't a nation enslaved by pirates at all. Just look at this thriving country, at the happy, healthy people living here—where was the famine they had been told about?
And as for the Fishmen, the ones supposedly destroyed by the "God-Slayer Pirates" in the newspapers, weren't they alive and well?
Most striking of all, the Fishmen and mermaids here were living in harmony with humans, openly and peacefully. This was a beautiful, serene nation, far from the harsh, chaotic world described by the World Government.
The most incredible part? Uta had just seen the legendary mink tribe for the first time.
After her shock wore off, she turned eagerly to Kalifa, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Miss Kalifa, how is it that the mink are part of your Crimson Empire? And how did you manage to move Fish-Man Island from the depths of the sea to your empire? That's amazing!"
Her face lit up with realization. "I can't believe I was misled by the World Government! To think there could be such a peaceful and joyful country in the world... I really want to live here."
Kalifa chuckled softly, shaking her head. "I can't tell you the secrets of Fish-Man Island, Miss Uta. That's one of the Buggy Pirates' secrets. But I can tell you this: the Fishmen chose to trust us, and we want to help them build a better life."
She paused for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "As for the mink... I'm sure you've heard that they once lived on the back of the Giant Elephant, Zunisha."
"However, over the years, their population has gradually increased. This has not only placed a heavier burden on the Zunesha but also made the mink tribes more demanding in terms of the resources needed for their daily lives.
To ease the load on the elephant, and to help the tribe grow and thrive, they ultimately decided to join our Crimson Empire. After all, our empire was founded to bring Lord Buggy's ideals to life!"
Kalifa's voice was filled with pride as she spoke. "The dream Buggy shared with us is already half realized."
"I know! I know!" Uta replied, her excitement practically overflowing. Holding a piece of takoyaki in one hand, she threw her other hand in the air as if singing an anthem.
"'Although we have faced all kinds of difficulties and setbacks, I still have a dream! I dream that one day I will connect all four seas and the grand line."
"I have a dream that one day we all will be able to visit the Red Line, or even the holy Marygeoise, from the perspective of ordinary people and marvel at its history. I dream that one day there will be no more slave trade in the world and children can get the education!"
"I dream that one day any race can talk and live happily together, and the world will no longer have racial discrimination.
I dream that one day, our future will be able to provide for the old, the strong, and the young, and the old and disabled will all be supported!
This is the dream I want to realize!'"
Uta's voice faltered as she continued, tears welling in her eyes. "I thought it was just an impossible dream... until today when I saw the Crimson Empire with my own eyes. Now, I know such a place really exists."
She wiped her eyes, her smile shining through her tears. "Buggy is definitely a great man. To have built such a country—one where people are prosperous, happy, and free from discrimination—is greatness in itself. And he's provided such incredible living conditions for everyone here!"
Uta shook her head in disbelief, still wiping away the tears. "I can hardly believe it... I really hope this beauty can last forever and spread to the world. It's so inspiring!"
As Uta spoke, she took Kalifa's hand, her voice choked with emotion. "Finally, I want to thank you, Miss Kalifa, for all your hard work today."
Kalifa smiled softly, her expression warm. "Miss Uta, we haven't even reached the underwater Fishmen Island yet. Once we get there, you can thank me properly. It's a true paradise."
"Okay, okay!" Uta exclaimed, her excitement returning as she laughed brightly.
Her words, full of admiration and excitement, quickly spread across the world through the Den Den Mushi, reaching countless viewers. Those watching the live broadcast fell into stunned silence.
The earlier excitement, the gloating anticipation of seeing suffering, and the curiosity that once fueled their attention... all faded.
A thought flashed through many minds: Oh...
So, the dream of the great pirate at the top of the world can really come true?
It was ironic, in hindsight, that many had once called Buggy a dreamer. His vision had seemed so far-fetched, so unrealistic. But now, as the reality of the Crimson Empire unfolded before them, it became clear. The man they had once dismissed was not only serious about his dream—he had never let it go, and he had been actively working toward it all along.
How miserable Wanokuni had been in the past... and how happy the Crimson Empire was today.
Yet, despite the obvious success of the empire, many still found themselves disquieted. It was the kind of mentality that revels in someone else's suffering but grows resentful when that person surpasses expectations.
At that moment, the Marine executives, who had been invited to watch the broadcast from Naval Headquarters, sat in stunned silence as well. They had never imagined that a pirate could govern a country so effectively. Was there even such a thing as a king anymore? Weren't all kings on the island mere puppets installed by the world government?
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