With the powerful influence of the Axis Church now behind it, the Demon King Organization had already established a significant global presence.
Adding the title of "Pirate King" would surely attract countless pirates to its cause. Clearly, this was a scenario the World Government would find unacceptable!
Yet, despite the Demon King's expanding power, the Celestial Dragons, led by Imu, had taken no action beyond publishing a tepid news report. Their silence was unsettling.
The search for Raftel and the great treasure hidden there could not go unnoticed by the World Government. After all, Imu had ruled the world for over eight centuries; it was unlikely they didn't know the location of Raftel.
This all pointed to one likely conclusion: the final battlefield in the war against the World Government would most likely be Raftel.
To prepare for this showdown, Zyhark knew he needed to gather every bit of strength possible for his allies. He secretly sought alliances with the two main factions in the seas today: the alliance between Red-Haired Shanks and Hawkeye Mihawk, and Whitebeard's forces.
Following that, and with Ginny's help, Zyhark traveled to the Revolutionary Army's hidden base, where he held a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with Monkey D. Dragon, ultimately uniting them under a common cause.
After paying off Sabo, who eagerly demanded compensation, and giving the brash young man a quick zap, Zyhark headed to the Sky Island of Birka.
Morgans, the news mogul, was thrilled to hear that the final battle might unfold on Raftel, trembling with excitement at the thought. This would be the scoop of a lifetime for the World Economic Journal, the first report in its history to reclaim global headlines.
Thus, those who had learned of the Demon King Organization's journey to Raftel began mobilizing, preparing for a clash destined to surpass even the great battles of the Land of Gods and God Valley, and perhaps even reveal the secrets of the Blank Century.
…
At the New Marine Headquarters.
With the intelligence on the Demon King Organization brought back by the Admirals, Sengoku sat at his desk, a deeply serious expression on his face.
"In a world ruled by the Celestial Dragons, the justice you pursue is laughable. All the lives you save aren't worth as much to them as a single massacre of a nation."
"Come with me, Sengoku. It's time to remove the World Government from history."
Zyhark's words echoed in Sengoku's mind.
Fully aware of the World Government's terrifying power, Sengoku had initially declined what was essentially an invitation to a fight that could spell doom for the entire Navy—despite Zyhark's considerable wealth and advanced weaponry.
They had struck a deal instead: the Wano battle would prove whether the Demon King Organization could stand against the World Government.
Clearly, the mysterious young woman capable of defeating Big Mom and the massively empowered Hancock and Moria had shown Sengoku the unimaginable potential of the Demon King Organization.
The helplessness of being forced to watch the Celestial Dragons' tyranny gnawed at Sengoku, who began to waver.
Compared to the Celestial Dragons, who treated commoners as mere animals, the Demon King Organization's sincerity toward its people made it far more trustworthy.
After a long period of deep contemplation, Sengoku's conflicted gaze turned resolute.
"If that man can truly accomplish such an unimaginable feat, then let's overthrow the World Government together!"
With his mind made up, he secretly summoned Garp and Zephyr, two old friends who shared his grudge against the Celestial Dragons.
…
Even with the Rumble-Rumble Fruit's incredible speed, by the time Zyhark completed his tasks and returned to Shadow Island, it was already the dead of night.
The pale moonlight shone on the dark castle, casting a faint glow that mingled with the electric arcs coursing across its walls.
After obtaining Raftel's exact coordinates from Robin, Zyhark expanded his Observation Haki over the entire castle, ensuring no suspicious observers were present.
What he was about to do was of utmost secrecy—something that could not be leaked under any circumstances!
That task: to resurrect and recruit Kaido and Big Mom, powerful allies necessary to close the loop on the final battle.
Given their past conflicts with the World Government and their dreams, they had every reason to join forces.
And the only way to bring these unruly emperors to his side was, well…by killing them once more. A straightforward approach, to say the least. This, too, would be the final weight Zyhark offered to Sengoku—a guarantee that would eliminate any remaining doubts and commit him fully to the fight against the World Government.
Of course, considering that Kaido and Big Mom were still adversaries, Zyhark chose not to reveal Aqua's involvement, attributing the resurrection ability instead to his "racial talent."
Under the astonished gazes of his allies, Aqua stepped forward, holding the goddess staff as she approached Kaido and Big Mom's corpses.
After three years of growth and mastery in her own world, Aqua now had the magical reserves to resurrect multiple people at once without needing rest.
With an intricate incantation, the hall lit up with a grand, holy magic circle.
Radiant beams intertwined and merged, and after a few seconds, the towering forms of Kaido and Big Mom gradually emerged.
"Huh? What's going on? Didn't I die at the hands of that crazy goddess?" Big Mom exclaimed, disoriented.
"Worororo! Looks like even Hell didn't dare to accept us, Linlin!" Kaido laughed.
But before they could fully grasp their miraculous return, Aqua's indignant voice rang out.
"You cursed old hag! Who are you calling a crazy goddess?! I, the noble and esteemed Aqua, the Water Goddess revered across the divine realms, am the one who revived you!"
Zyhark: "…."
She connected the insult to herself right away. Maybe this ditzy goddess wasn't entirely unaware after all.
As Zyhark approached the stunned Kaido and Big Mom with a calm smile, he said, "Welcome back, you two. Interested in teaming up for a big score?"
…
On the Red Line, at Mary Geoise, the Empty Throne.
A thin shadow sat upon the high platform, blades piercing the floor around the throne. Only a pair of ringed eyes was visible.
Below, the Five Elders knelt on one knee, displaying their absolute submission to Imu, the sovereign of the world.
Satan, who was supposed to have died in the Land of Gods battle, stood among them once more.
"Lord Imu, based on the intelligence we've gathered and the Demon King Organization's recent movements, they seem to have acquired all four Road Poneglyphs."
Environmental God Marcus Mars bowed his head, speaking in a low, grave tone.
"An ignorant fool attempting to defy the world—let him end that foolish dream on the final island."
Imu's tone was emotionless, like a judge addressing an ant, the voice's neutrality betraying no hint of emotion.
"And on the Navy's side, Sengoku has been acting quite unusually. He's secretly summoned all officers ranked Vice Admiral and above," Satan added, his expression dark.
In addition to his old scar, Satan now bore several permanent injuries, including a large, gruesome fist-shaped mark on his chest.
"Those traitorous mongrels—if they wish to die, let us oblige them. The rule of the world's nobility has no place for disobedient dogs."
Imu's voice remained indifferent, filled with unshakeable confidence.
Imu slowly rose from the throne, his/her gaze carrying a pure, though faint, killing intent.
"Even Joy Boy, who once united the world's races, is now but a distant memory. The Demon King Organization and those fools like Sengoku will likewise become mere history."
"We shall remain as this world's eternal rulers!"
Understanding Imu's terrifying authority, the Five Elders lowered their heads even further, responding in unison, "Yes!"
(End of Chapter)