With the seagulls spreading newspapers across the world, the reappearance of the Demon King Organization under a new title ignited the quieted world that had been dormant for three years.
East Blue, Windmill Village, Makino's Tavern
The villagers, including the village elder, gathered for a long-overdue village-wide celebration.
Zyhark and Aqua's bounty posters were hung in the most prominent spot, and the tavern was filled with clinking glasses, lively music, and joyous laughter.
Pride and excitement filled the room, not only because their village now boasted the highest bounty in history but also because they were relieved to hear that Zyhark had returned safely. The three shipbuilders who crafted the original Endless Dream were especially moved, shedding tears of joy.
In a way, Zyhark had fulfilled his promise to them—the ship that carried their dreams had witnessed the vastness of the ocean!
"Demon King, huh? That's so cool! Hey, Ace, who do you think is stronger—the Demon King or the Pirate King?" Luffy, leaning on the table, looked at Zyhark's bounty poster with shining eyes.
After three years of relentless training, he was no longer the kid who couldn't control his Devil Fruit powers. Just a few months ago, he and Ace had even teamed up to defeat a pirate boss who tried to take over Windmill Village, becoming the little heroes of the town!
"That doesn't matter at all—I'm definitely not losing to that jerk!" Ace retorted proudly, pouting.
Though the Celestial Dragons' assault had made him give up the idea of confronting Zyhark, he couldn't help feeling a lingering dislike every time he remembered the smug look Zyhark wore in the sunset back then.
"I'm not losing either! I'm going to be the Pirate King!" Luffy clenched his fist, the remnants of his youthful innocence replaced by a bright, determined smile.
Shimotsuki Village, Mountain Grove
Flashing sparks erupted as blades clashed, filling the air with the ringing of metal. Two figures continuously shifted positions, their movements so fast that even the hardest stones cracked and splintered in their wake.
Clang!
Suddenly, a powerful blow sent one sword spinning through the air before it embedded itself in the ground nearby.
"Sorry, Zoro, but that makes this the three-hundredth win in a row!" said Kuina with a smug smile, casually resting her sword on her shoulder as she looked down at the green-haired boy sprawled on the ground.
Since deciding to become the Sword Goddess, Kuina had agreed with Zoro to reset the tally of their duels. Despite the natural physical differences between genders, Kuina's unwavering belief had allowed her to gain an overwhelming edge, defeating Zoro in 280 of their 300 duels!
In a world filled with monstrous talents, racial advantages, and powerful backgrounds, an ordinary person achieving greatness was nearly impossible. Yet, after choosing to pursue Aqua's ideals, Kuina had gradually transcended ordinary limits through the power of her faith.
In the future, she would only grow stronger!
"Damn it! I'll definitely beat you next time, you jerk!" Zoro cursed, brushing the dirt off as he walked to retrieve his sword.
At that moment, a disciple from the Shimotsuki Dojo came running, bringing the explosive news of the Demon King Organization's return.
Almost simultaneously, reports of Zyhark's reappearance reached Alabasta and the Fish-Man Island, ten thousand meters under the sea.
Under Admiral Fujitora's protection, Alabasta had thrived over the past three years, no longer the barren, impoverished nation it once was.
Lush green vegetation had flourished along the Holy Water River, gradually spreading to the surrounding areas.
Seen from afar, vibrant greenery stretched across the golden sands, slowly forming an oasis.
With a population approaching tens of millions, Alabasta had become the largest base of the Axis Order. Upon learning of the Great Goddess's safe return, the followers immediately began a grand celebration.
Of course, under King Cobra's direction, they avoided openly celebrating her return, instead concocting humorous reasons like "celebrating the hens' newfound egg-laying spree" to express their joy.
This passion and faith, repressed for so long, even stirred something in Aqua, the clumsy goddess in the New World, allowing her stagnant divine power to rise steadily!
Meanwhile, on Fish-Man Island, being in a remote location and under the protection of the Whitebeard Pirates, celebrations were held without any restraint. Numerous citizens who had witnessed Aqua rescue Queen Otohime and Princess Shirahoshi raised their glasses, chanting the Water Goddess's true name.
Remarkably, the scene included not only Fish-Men and Merfolk but also a significant number of humans mingling with the island's native residents, chatting and laughing in harmony.
Most of these humans were residents of the Kingdom of God.
After the God Valley battle, the disappearance of the Sea Restaurant had left them in despair. Persuaded by Jinbei and King Neptune, they had settled on Fish-Man Island.
Besides the unity fostered by the Axis Order, this arrangement also played a crucial role in Princess Otohime's dream of raising Fish-Man Island to the surface.
Through interactions with humans, the Fish-Men and Merfolk gained a better understanding of the world above.
In a quiet corner of Fish-Man Island, a small grove of orange trees intertwined with coral, creating a unique, picturesque scene.
"Thank goodness… they're finally back…"
Bell-mère kicked back, crossing her legs as she held the newspaper with a faint smile.
Beside her, Nami and Nojiko, clinging tightly to each other, were sobbing uncontrollably, tears and sniffles mixing as they overflowed with emotion.
The family, safe in the remote coastal capital of Cocoa Village, had successfully evacuated during the God Valley conflict.
...
New World, the Moby Dick
"Gurarara! The sea… the silent sea that's slept for three years… is finally about to boil again, huh?" Surrounded by Marco, Vista, and his sons, Whitebeard put down the newspaper and slowly walked to the front of the ship, his gaze fixed on the deep ocean.
His eyes shifted, settling on the man with a pompadour hairstyle sitting alone in the corner, puffing on a cigar.
"What's the matter, Crocodile? Not happy to hear they're back?"
In response, Crocodile exhaled a smoke ring and replied with indifference, "Doesn't matter to me—my goal now… is you, Whitebeard!"
Unfazed, Marco strode over and threw an arm around Crocodile's shoulder, laughing, "But over the past three years, you've mentioned Zyhark's name countless times."
"S-Screw you! That bastard destroyed years of my work—I only want to crush him with my own hands!" Crocodile's cold expression broke as his cheeks flushed red with anger.
Three years of intense battles in the New World had taught him a painful truth: relying on external strength would never grant him dominion over the world; it would only lead to further decline.
Though reluctant to admit it, Crocodile felt more gratitude than hatred for the reality check Zyhark had provided. But, being the prideful Sand Crocodile, he could never bring himself to admit it.
"HAHAHAHA!"
Seeing him so defensive, the crew erupted in hearty laughter.
"You damn idiots…"
Crocodile clenched his teeth, his expression darkening.
"Enough, boys! Brace yourselves!" Whitebeard interrupted, quelling the laughter.
He spread his arms slightly, activating the Tremor-Tremor Fruit's power, shaking the surrounding sea violently.
"Prepare to face the wildest, most fearsome era yet!!!"
...
Wano Country, Onigashima
"Wororororo! So, they've finally shown up? I lent that gourd of sake three years ago—I'll definitely be collecting the heavy interest!" Kaido, seated on his throne, stepped forward, throwing down his makeshift sake jug.
Back during the Cake Island battle, Zyhark had taken his sake gourd, vowing to return on the day they'd have an all-out brawl.
Now, with the Sea Restaurant's resurgence, Kaido knew that day was fast approaching!
Crack!
Dark red Conqueror's Haki enveloped all of Onigashima, with bolts of lightning crashing down from above.
After three years of honing his skills, Kaido's Haki and martial arts had reached their peak!
"Ma-ma-ma-ma, that brat finally showed up! He kept me waiting long enough!" Beside him, Big Mom, her face filled with desire, shone with a glint of hunger.
Currently allied with Kaido, she frequently visited Onigashima for drinking (and fighting) sessions.
"Hey, Kaido, are you heading out to find that brat right now?" Big Mom shouted at Kaido's departing back.
"Not just yet. Even if I don't go after him, he'll show up soon. But I'm itching to give 'Zyhark' a good beating."
Stopping in his tracks, Kaido held his kanabo as dark red lightning crackled around it.
He grinned maliciously, "And I'm sure my idiot son would be thrilled about it."
"Ha? Yamato?" Big Mom wrinkled her nose in disdain.
Moments later, a pained scream echoed from deep within Onigashima as the dream-driven young woman received her father's "encouragement."
Elsewhere, the Four Emperors Shanks, former Warlords, notorious pirates like Blackbeard and Buggy, and even the Emperor of the Underworld were all left in shock by Zyhark's reappearance.
The delicate balance established by the World Government and Marine Headquarters had been utterly shattered.
All factions lay in wait, anticipating the impending clash between the Demon King Organization and the World Government.
Though outwardly calm, the world was rife with underlying tension, a powder keg on the verge of exploding!
Meanwhile, back on Shadow Island, the instigators of this storm, Zyhark and his crew, faced an unexpected scene.
Instead of Marines or World Government agents, a fleet of large pirate ships, all bearing the Jolly Roger, encircled Shadow Island.
Countless pirates with bounties in the hundreds of millions disembarked, heading straight for the dark castle at the island's heart.
These pirate captains, influential even within the New World, hadn't come to claim the hefty bounties on Zyhark and his crew.
No, they all shared a single goal: to join the Demon King Organization and become part of its pirate fleet!
With the rise of the Marine Admirals, Seraphim, and advanced battleships, even the Sea Emperors had formed alliances, a testament to the increasingly challenging environment for mid-level pirates.
Thus, joining the more powerful Demon King Organization had become their top choice.
If the Demon King Organization failed to topple the World Government, they could always escape when things got tough.
But if the organization succeeded, the benefits and rewards would be monumental!
True to the New World's harsh nature, none of these pirates were fools.
And if there were a few not quite right in the head, they'd already have pledged loyalty to Buggy…
"Spineless opportunists!" Moria growled, clenching his fists as he looked down from the castle at the massive pirate crowd below.
A few days ago, when the Navy had besieged Shadow Island, his calls for reinforcements had been ignored, and several of his own subordinates had deserted.
Now, hearing of the Sea Restaurant's return, these scoundrels had the nerve to bring everything they owned and come running back!
"If they want to pledge allegiance, let's grant their wish," Zyhark said, crossing his arms.
Seeing Moria's surprised expression, he continued, "For a large-scale war, we'll need plenty of cannon fodder to set the atmosphere."
These pirates were drawn to their power and resources, but he was more interested in their lives.
"Understood. That does sound like a profitable deal," Moria chuckled darkly.
"After all, I've always been a businessman, Moria." Zyhark patted Moria on the arm before turning to reenter the hall.
He had always treated his allies seriously, and Moria had indeed endured much over the past three years.
He decided to leave the opportunity to flex before these New World pirates to Moria, who sorely needed the release.
"Got it!" Moria replied, filled with excitement.
Back in the hall, most of the crew had gone about their tasks, leaving only the two clumsy goddesses still bickering:
Meowth busily worked on creating the third-generation and final mech; Uta returned to her room to explore the Song Song Fruit's infinite possibilities; Hancock had enlisted the formidable Escanor and Kanna to battle fiercely in the back mountains, hoping the intense combat would help her master Conqueror's Haki coating.
King continued his rigorous training, Darkness reveled in her antics, and Brook stood in the hall, acting as a skeletal statue to enhance the decor.
After confirming everyone's whereabouts, Zyhark withdrew his Observation Haki and took a special encrypted Den Den Mushi from Perona, dialing a secret number.
After a series of "Buru-buru-buru" sounds, someone finally picked up.
The nondescript Den Den Mushi transformed into a shifty-eyed birdman face.
"Sasuga, Zyhark."
The voice on the other end, recognizing the caller's identity, was Morgans.
"Ah, so you're still alive!"
"You bastard! Have you been waiting these three years, hoping I'd croak?" The Den Den Mushi mirrored Morgans' angry expression, turning into a snarling bird with jagged teeth.
(End of Chapter)
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