In the dark castle, a group of companions gathered in front of a leather sofa, where Zyhark sat on top of the eccentric knight.
"I can't believe so much has happened in the three years we were gone…"
Zyhark took a sip of the tea prepared by Aqua and immediately spit it out.
"What kind of messed-up tea is this, you idiot?!"
Expecting purified water at most, he instead tasted a burning liquid like chili water.
"A small price for your earlier rough treatment of this goddess," Aqua snickered smugly.
Dumb goddess, you've changed! You've become devious!
Just as Zyhark thought this, Meowth burst out laughing from across the room, showing a mischievous grin.
Oh, I see—it was this rotten cat's scheme!
It seems he had gone too easy on them in this wonderful world…
"R-Rough treatment?"
Below him, Darkness gasped, "You damned Demon King! What exactly have you been up to after leaving me?"
She uttered the words "good deed" with a strange innocence, as if she meant it literally.
Yet another strange and perverted addition to our team…
Moriah glanced awkwardly at Darkness, whose face was flushed red, and felt a twinge of apprehension.
Every time he reunited with Zyhark, there were always unfamiliar and peculiar faces around.
He wondered where they found all these odd companions!
At this moment, Zyhark wasn't interested in settling scores with Aqua; instead, he lowered his head, his expression turning somber.
As Moriah had said, in the three years they had been away, the pirate world had undergone a massive upheaval.
The Shichibukai system had been completely abolished by the World Government, replaced by the highly powerful Seraphim.
This change, which was supposed to happen many years later, was expedited. The reason? Most likely, Dr. Vegapunk, using the black technology he had acquired from Meowth, accelerated the development of the Seraphim.
Given that the old man possessed the Brain-Brian Fruit, mastering centuries of scientific knowledge, achieving such a breakthrough wasn't difficult.
The abolition of the Shichibukai was the very reason Doflamingo risked angering the Sea Restaurant and attacked Shadow Island.
—A place like Punk Hazard was no longer suitable as a pirate stronghold!
Beyond the Shichibukai, the other major power, the Yonko, had also undergone significant changes.
Faced with the World Government and Navy gradually recovering from the War of the Gods, even the Emperors of the Sea sensed the growing crisis, forming alliances to strengthen their positions.
These alliances included:
The Overlord Alliance formed by the Beasts Pirates and Big Mom Pirates;The Lion Ghost Alliance led by the Golden Lion Shiki and Douglas Bullet's pirate fleet;The Red-Haired Pirates and the world's strongest swordsman, Hawk Eyes, forming a true impenetrable fortress of a crew.
The only Yonko not aligned with other top-tier fighters was the legendary figure of the old era, Whitebeard, who led the Whitebeard Pirates alone!
Even so, the overall strength of the Whitebeard Pirates had grown far beyond what it was three years prior.
Former Shichibukai, Jinbei, and Crocodile had now become the captains of Whitebeard's Second and Fourth Divisions!
Jinbei's allegiance was expected, but Zyhark hadn't foreseen that Crocodile, who once sought Whitebeard's head, would join them.
According to Moriah, after joining, Crocodile did not obey orders but frequently challenged Whitebeard.
It seemed reminiscent of Ace's time, though perhaps with a few differences.
Zyhark could only learn the details by meeting the Whitebeard Pirates again.
Apart from these four acknowledged "Sea Emperor Teams," Marshall D. Teach, who consumed the Dark-Dark Fruit, and Buggy, blessed with Conqueror's Luck, had amassed considerable power, each commanding their territories.
The mix of old and new pirate forces was shaking the entire sea.
The World Government dubbed this turbulent post-Gods' War era as the "Era of Extreme Evil."
In response, and to consolidate its absolute authority, the restored Navy initiated a worldwide draft a year ago.
Two new admirals joined, and alongside Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Borsalino, the new "Five Admirals" structure was formed.
The former Fleet Admiral was promoted to Supreme Commander of the Three Armies, becoming second only to the Five Elders in power.
Former Admiral Zephyr retired to the background, and Sengoku assumed the position of Fleet Admiral, commanding the Five Admirals and numerous Vice Admirals stationed in the New World!
And this was only a part of the changes in the Navy's upper ranks.
Below Vice Admiral level, personnel had been replenished following the massive draft, developing over three years into a stable force capable of countering the pirates!
This was Moriah's account of the world three years later.
Of course, there were many other details that couldn't be easily covered in a short time, such as the vanished Revolutionary Army and the heavily oppressed World Economic News Agency…
"Zyhark, what are we going to do next?"
Moriah clenched his fists, his teeth gritting. "The World Government knows you're back and will definitely use Hancock imprisoned in Impel Down to lure you out!"
After Zyhark's group disappeared, Moriah knew the tides had turned and chose to lay low, retreating with the remnants of his pirate crew to Shadow Island.
But fiery and headstrong Hancock was different. In her quest to learn about her beloved and to take revenge on the World Government and Navy, she ignored Rayleigh and Shakky's pleas and recklessly charged into Marineford, demolishing many buildings.
The outcome was predictable—she suffered a crushing defeat and was sent to the sixth level of Impel Down by Aokiji, Akainu, and Kizaru!
At the mention of Hancock, the light-hearted expressions of Aqua and the others immediately faded, their angry, eager gazes turning to Zyhark.
"Could this mean another Paramount War?"
Zyhark's face darkened as he set down his teacup, slowly rising, his eyes gleaming with killing intent.
"Unfortunately, I am not Whitebeard."
"Everyone, it's time to show the world we're back!"
"We'll shatter that so-called Impel Down and rescue Hancock!"
"Yeahhhh!!!"
As the crowd's morale surged, Moriah's eyes welled up with tears.
He had endured countless hardships, refusing to submit to any of the Yonko's forces, all for this invigorating moment!
Soon, the Endless Dream, transformed from its dragon form back into a ship, sank into the depths of the sea, leading the group boldly toward Impel Down.
…
At the same time, in the New World Navy headquarters.
In a spacious meeting room, all officers were recalled to address the urgent situation of the Sea Restaurant's return.
The meeting was chaired by none other than the "Meeting King" Brannew.
As the holographic screen lit up, images and detailed information of Zyhark, Aqua, and their companions appeared.
Across the screen, Navy personnel donned in Justice cloaks filled the tiered seating.
In the front row sat Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Black Arm Zephyr, Fist of Love Garp, Vice Admiral Tsuru, and other legendary figures of the old era who now held the highest positions.
In the second row, the five admirals, each with a distinct expression, represented the Navy's ultimate power.
From left to right were: the languid and disdainful Green Bull Aramaki, Borsalino filing his nails, Akainu seated upright with a wary expression, Aokiji with a blank look, and Fujitora smiling faintly.
Each posture reflected a different attitude toward Zyhark's group.
In the third row, besides rows of Vice Admirals, were three individuals with special-colored cloaks.
They were Chaton, Smoker the White Snake, and Momousagi Gion.
'So, he finally showed up…'
Smoker, biting two dangerously large cigars, fixed a piercing gaze on Zyhark's image.
Now a candidate for admiral, Smoker's calm and mature demeanor had evolved considerably from three years prior.
The vicious scar running down his cheek showed a seasoned resilience.
In just three years, he'd risen from Rear Admiral to Admiral candidate, owing not only to his talents and achievements but also to favorable timing.
At the time, the Navy's forces had suffered severe losses, and with the World Economic News Agency's continual negative coverage, the World Government needed a figure to rally morale.
With the Admirals injured and unable to appear, Smoker, as the disciple of Garp who participated in the War of the Gods, was the ideal candidate.
The World Government recognized Smoker's efforts in capturing numerous New World pirates, praising his strategic choice to prioritize protecting the Celestial Dragons and dubbing him the "New Age Navy Hero."
Smoker couldn't believe he'd earned this title simply by refusing to oppose Zyhark and taking out his anger on the pirates left behind.
What infuriated him even more was that he'd never actually protected any Celestial Dragon!
His protests were repeatedly dismissed by the new Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
Only through Garp and Sengoku's encouragement did Smoker finally accept the position, rising over the years to the rank of admiral candidate.
"In conclusion, the threat posed by the Sea Restaurant in its attempts to overthrow the World Government has far exceeded that of the Yonko. Their danger level and priority rank are the highest!"
"Following discussions between Commander-in-Chief Kong and Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Zyhark's group has been designated as surpassing the Yonko, not as a Pirate King but as a 'Demon King!'"
At the podium, Brannew listed the heinous "crimes" committed by Zyhark's group, solemnly pressing a button on his remote.
A dozen new bounty posters appeared onscreen.
…
After the meeting concluded, the Navy officers left with complex emotions.
"Hahaha! Those World Government fools must be panicking now, right?"
Walking at the front, Garp laughed heartily, unafraid to show his glee.
As someone who had encountered Zyhark early on, he, too, hailed from Foosha Village and understood him best.
Under the pressures of the World Government, true justice was hard to come by in today's Navy. Perhaps Zyhark's return might overturn the status quo, offering a sliver of hope for the world.
Three years ago, Garp wouldn't have entertained such thoughts, as he understood too well how deeply entrenched the World Government was, impervious to any single force.
But the War of the Gods and the fall of the Elder Saturn sparked a faint hope in him, not in Zyhark's strength but in his terrifying talent and influence!
"Garp, do you have any idea what you're saying?!" Sengoku snapped with a sharp voice.
"Oh? My bad, my bad. Just pretend I didn't say anything."
Garp grinned shamelessly, dismissing the matter as he waved to the Navy around him.
"You…," Tsuru sighed helplessly.
In truth, they all understood Garp's sentiments.
Yet, regardless of how they felt, the present and future belonged to the World Government and the Celestial Dragons.
"Hey, Sakazuki-senpai, is that Sea Restaurant really so formidable?"
Farther back in the group, Aramaki, with admiration in his eyes, questioned Sakazuki.
He had joined the Navy inspired by Sakazuki's deeds in recent years.
As a staunch believer in Celestial Dragon supremacy, Aramaki despised Zyhark's affront to the "gods" and sought more information to administer the harshest punishment possible.
"Brannew explained it all; they're more dangerous than the Yonko, and it's not just Zyhark. His crew is filled with formidable people."
Sakazuki took a puff of his cigar, suppressing a simmering resentment.
Even now, the memory of that man's despairing fist haunted his nightmares.
Despite three years of relentless training, he doubted any change if they clashed again.
"A frightening monster has emerged, making our jobs much harder," Borsalino remarked, hands in his pockets, recalling Zyhark's face.
For three years, he'd attempted to replicate Zyhark's immunity to the sea's effects, only to fail repeatedly.
Over time, the usually lazy man had developed an obsession.
"Their presence—whether good or bad for the world—remains uncertain…" Kuzan stared at the Navy HQ's sky, lost in thought.
The once resolute attitude now appeared hesitant and conflicted.
"Well, Kuzan, I believe an answer will emerge soon enough."
Fujitora, tapping his cane, approached him.
Since taking Vivi and Koza from Alabasta, they had visited Foosha Village in the East Blue, Water 7, and even Skypiea.
Through countless followers, Fujitora gained a comprehensive understanding of Zyhark's crew.
They were not the "irredeemable villains" painted by the World Government, nor the "world-destroying Demon King" they were made out to be.
What drove Fujitora to join the draft and settle at Navy HQ was, in truth, Alabasta itself.
As a landlocked country of millions, the rise of the Axis Order was something the World Government couldn't tolerate, and suppression became routine.
To protect Alabasta, recently freed from drought, from senseless warfare, Fujitora relied on his strength, becoming a Navy admiral.
(End of Chapter)
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