In this vast ocean, powerful figures emerge one after another.
Rocks, Roger, Edward Newgate, Shiki, Kaido, and Charlotte Linlin were all prominent figures in one era.
However—
No matter how gifted or renowned these heroes of the seas were, they still couldn't shake the dominance of the Celestial Dragons. Even the most daring among them retained the absolute notion of not challenging the Celestial Dragons.
It's a harsh reality.
For 800 years, everyone who attempted to challenge the Celestial Dragons ended up buried at sea. The untouchable status of the Celestial Dragons has been cemented with the blood of countless strong individuals and the lives of many.
But now, Nicholas is about to challenge that high and mighty position once again.
Ignoring the intense clashes of Conqueror's Haki around him, Nicholas walks forward, facing the stormy atmosphere created by the colliding auras of Charlotte Linlin, Bullet, Edward Newgate, Kaido, and Shanks.
"Enough of these tricks that only scare kids. You should at least act like real Emperors of the Sea."
Glancing at the pirates around Lodestar collapsing with white eyes due to the overwhelming Conqueror's Haki and feeling the mental pressure from the clashes, Nicholas says with irritation.
Then, a wave of domineering intent bursts out, sweeping away the surrounding Haki with an overpowering force.
As the nearly tangible intent spreads out, the previously opposing Haki withdraws back into their respective owners' bodies.
"Hahaha, you've really become more terrifying, Nicholas."
Amidst the characteristic laughter, Kaido's massive figure appears not far from Nicholas. In his huge dragon-human form, he casually rests his kanabo on his shoulder.
"Nicholas!"
Following Kaido, Charlotte Linlin also appears. However, unlike Kaido, her current ferocious expression makes her seem like a sore loser.
"Oh, Charlotte Linlin, even without the influence of Sister Carmel, you're still like this. It seems some things never change."
Nicholas speaks, "But it's fine, once I get rid of you, it'll be over."
"You—"
Just as Charlotte Linlin is about to retort, she notices Bullet and Shanks approaching from the distance.
"Nicholas, let's have a real battle. Once I defeat you, I'll truly be the strongest on this sea."
Bullet's battle intent surges out uncontrollably. This is the kind of fight he craves—facing off against top-tier opponents like Charlotte Linlin, Kaido, Whitebeard, Shanks, and Nicholas.
"Nicholas, are you really willing to risk everything by starting this war? Don't you understand what it would mean for this sea if the balance in the New World is disrupted?"
Shanks holds his saber, Gryphon, and looks at Nicholas with a stern expression.
"Balance exists between all things. The balance you're talking about, Shanks, is that something you have to carefully maintain? I'm really curious—what happened to you after leaving the Roger Pirates that made you like this? Did Roger's disbelief in fate turn into something you now believe in?"
Nicholas asks curiously while looking at Shanks.
He's not just putting on an act; he's genuinely curious. He once asked Shanks during the Wano incident why he became like this, but never got an answer.
The old Shanks was calculated but never like this.
He attacked a World Government ship to steal the Rubber-Rubber Fruit, then suddenly went to the East Blue while his ventures in the New World were thriving, betting his arm on a seemingly random kid like Luffy.
In the original story, Shanks even stops Kaido from joining the war at Marineford. If Kaido had gone, the war might have escalated into a full-scale conflict between pirates and marines, making the pre-planned outcomes impossible.
In that light, Shanks stopping Kaido aligns with his role as someone committed to maintaining the balance of power on the seas.
"Sorry, no comment."
Shanks replies to Nicholas before raising Gryphon and pointing it at him.
"Nicholas, if you insist on fighting today, then let me be your opponent."
"All of you can come at me together."
Nicholas is unimpressed by Shanks' politeness. Since he's already decided to clear out the pirates, nobody's face matters anymore.
Hearing Nicholas' words, Kaido, Charlotte Linlin, Bullet, and the others all visibly stiffen.
In this world, there are only a handful of people who can stand toe-to-toe with them.
Let alone someone who dares to tell them to join forces against him.
Both Kaido and Bullet's faces turn grim, while Charlotte Linlin's expression becomes terrifyingly twisted.
"Don't think I'm joking."
Nicholas points at Shanks, Bullet, Charlotte Linlin, and Kaido one by one, speaking calmly: "I said all of you, come at me together."
"!?"
This is infuriating.
For Bullet, Kaido, and even Shanks, although Nicholas said for them to team up, they are men who still care about pride.
But Charlotte Linlin, being an old woman, isn't bothered by such things. She attacks immediately.
"Thunder Fire Strike!"
Charlotte Linlin raises her arm in a throwing motion.
Instantly, the flames of Prometheus and the raging thunder of Zeus merge into a spear of lightning and fire in her hand, which she hurls directly at Nicholas.
Nicholas eyes the incoming thunder-fire spear as it rapidly enlarges in his vision.
Facing the incoming attack, Nicholas simply raises his palm, enveloping it in Armament Haki.
In the next moment—
With a single backhanded slap, he disperses the spear of fire and lightning.
Seeing that Nicholas effortlessly blocked her combined elemental strike, Charlotte Linlin's eyes flash with shock. Only she knows how terrifying that attack truly is.
When the smoke clears, Charlotte Linlin's eyes frantically scan the area as Nicholas' figure has vanished from sight.
By the time her vision and Observation Haki locate him again, Nicholas is already within three feet of her.
With Nicholas suddenly appearing so close, Charlotte Linlin can only swing her massive blade, Napoleon, down at him.
Clang!
Just as the blade is about to strike Nicholas, he reaches out with a claw-like hand, firmly gripping the blade's edge.
In an instant, black and purple energy erupts around Charlotte Linlin.
Dense streams of energy engulf her entirely.
"Ahhh!"
Amidst the relentless energy assault, Charlotte Linlin hears the anguished cries of her sword, Napoleon.
"Mama, save... save me!"
Before she can react, she sees Nicholas' claw-like hand tightening its grip, shattering Napoleon's blade.
As the blade snaps, the soul homie, Napoleon, instantly rolls his eyes back and loses consciousness.
[AN- I might release 10 chs today 😉 stay tuned]