Wanokuni
The land of Wanokuni had transformed dramatically from the isolated and oppressed nation it once was. The once strict policy of isolationism had been completely abolished, opening the country to the world beyond its shores. What was once a complex and treacherous sea area, nearly impassable even for Marine warships, had been subtly altered by advanced human intervention. Now, ships from the outside world could navigate these waters with relative ease. Yet, the natural barriers had not been destroyed; they had merely been concealed, waiting to be activated if needed, turning Wanokuni into an impenetrable fortress when necessary.
The traditional attire that once defined the culture of Wanokuni had also evolved. Gone were the garments of old, replaced by more modern and diverse clothing styles. The oppressive regime of Kaido, which had left the people starving and struggling for basic necessities like clean water, was now a distant memory. Wanokuni had experienced an economic boom, and its citizens now enjoyed a life of abundance. The people could afford to hold banquets several times a week, a stark contrast to the days of scarcity and despair.
On the outskirts of Wanokuni, massive shipyards had sprung up, dominating the landscape. These shipyards produced colossal vessels, surpassing even the most advanced seastone-coated warships of the Marines. These mighty ships regularly set sail, patrolling the territorial waters of Wanokuni, asserting the nation's newfound strength and influence. The once-closed ports of Wanokuni were now bustling with activity, with a constant flow of ships arriving and departing, a symbol of the country's integration into the global community.
Under Kaido's rule, Wanokuni had been reduced to a mere weapons factory, but that dark era was now firmly in the past. Today, Wanokuni's reputation as a producer of the finest weapons in the world was well-established. The nation was renowned not only for its high-quality arms but also for its strict control over the export of seastone, a rare and highly sought-after resource. The seastone exports were limited, making them all the more valuable, and further elevating Wanokuni's status on the world stage.
Wanokuni's blacksmiths were celebrated as the best in the world, and the swords they crafted were legendary. Though the weapons exported to the world were not as exquisite as the famous swords forged by the master smiths of Wanokuni, they still outclassed those produced elsewhere. The nation's output wasn't limited to swords; it also included a wide array of firearms, ammunition, artillery, and shells. In Wanokuni, as long as one had the money, there was no weapon that couldn't be bought.
The transformation of Wanokuni was nothing short of miraculous. From a nation shackled by tyranny and isolation, it had emerged as a powerful and prosperous player on the world stage, a place where the past was remembered, but the future was embraced with open arms.
What truly captures attention throughout Wanokuni is the sight of the Entei Pirates' flags flying proudly from every corner and atop the mighty sea monsters patrolling the waters. These flags, emblazoned with the Haki-infused skull wrapped in flames, symbolize more than just dominance—they represent the ironclad rule of the Entei Pirates, whose presence ensures public order surpassing even that of the World Government's member nations. Here, no pirate or bounty hunter dares to disrupt the peace. The sight of these flags fills onlookers with a mix of awe and fear, a reminder that this is the domain of the man who defeated not one, but two of the Four Emperors: the Beasts Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates.
The sea's power dynamics have shifted dramatically from the days before the Entei Pirates' rise. Back then, three major forces held sway over the Grand Line, maintaining a delicate balance: the Four Emperors, the Naval Headquarters, and the Seven Warlords of the Sea. These factions restrained each other, leading to a tenuous peace that persisted for years. However, the Entei Incident disrupted this balance. The Entei Pirates emerged as a new superpower, rivaling the Four Emperors and capable of standing toe-to-toe with the World Government itself.
Although the original power structure persisted for a while, with the Naval Headquarters, Four Emperors, and Seven Warlords maintaining their positions, everything changed after the Entei Pirates annihilated the Beasts Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates. With two of the Four Emperors defeated in quick succession, the sea's power balance was irreparably altered. The title of "Four Emperors" became obsolete, as only two remained: Red-haired Shanks and Whitebeard, Edward Newgate.
In this new era, there is one figure who stands above all others: the Flame Emperor, Ace. For him, the title of "Four Emperors" is insufficient. He is not merely one of four; he is the undisputed ruler of the seas, a man whose power and influence eclipse all others. No one refers to Ace as a mere emperor; he is known as the absolute emperor, a legendary figure who reigns supreme over the Grand Line.
This new power structure is referred to as "Two Emperors and One Emperor," signifying the two remaining Four Emperors and Ace, the Flame Emperor, who sits unrivaled at the pinnacle of the pirate world.
In the past year, the Entei Pirates have also addressed their last remaining weakness: the lack of a defined territory. The vast areas once controlled by the Beasts Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates are now firmly under the control of the Entei Pirates. Their flags are a common sight across the New World, marking a sphere of influence that surpasses even the combined territories of the Red Hair Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates.
Under Ace's leadership, the Entei Pirates have not just filled the void left by the fallen emperors; they have expanded their reach to unprecedented levels, establishing a reign of power that has no equal in this era. The sea is no longer just a battleground of factions—now, it is the dominion of the Flame Emperor, with the Entei Pirates as the undisputed rulers.
What is even more terrifying is the emerging alliance between the Entei Pirates and the Revolutionary Army. Originally, the Revolutionary Army operated in the shadows, constrained by limited combat power, and focused on liberating non-World Government member countries. However, recent developments have seen a dramatic shift. The Revolutionary Army's activities have intensified, with increasingly bold actions, including the overthrow of royal families in World Government member nations. Behind these actions lurks the unmistakable influence of the Entei Pirates.
In every liberated country, a new symbol of authority rises—the flag of the Entei Pirates. These nations, without exception, pledge their allegiance to the Entei Pirates, offering substantial resources and manpower annually. Yet, despite these contributions, the people of these countries celebrate. For them, the flag of the Entei Pirates has become a beacon of hope and prosperity.
This enthusiasm stems from the transformation brought about by the Entei Pirates. Under their rule, resources are utilized with unprecedented efficiency, producing results that surpass expectations. Countless new technologies have been introduced, revolutionizing daily life. Prosperity spreads across the lands, and under the Entei Pirates' banner, hunger is eradicated, and street children are a relic of the past. The landscape of these nations is reshaped with new buildings and infrastructure, marking a clear departure from their former struggles.
The people, now thriving, even worry that they may not be contributing enough to the Entei Pirates. In fact, when the Entei Pirates recruit manpower, it's not uncommon for people to compete for the chance to join. The Entei Pirates have evolved into a force capable of rivaling the World Government not just in military might, but also in influence. They stand as one of the two dominant powers in the world—a true superpower on the seas.
As the Entei Pirates expand their influence and support the Revolutionary Army in liberating countries, the World Government finds itself uncharacteristically silent. While the Naval Headquarters and World Government agents occasionally intervene, they have faced significant setbacks. Each time they deploy forces to confront the Revolutionary Army, they are met with unexpected resistance. Leaders of the Entei Pirates, previously unseen, suddenly appear, inflicting heavy losses on the government forces.
This unpredictability stems from the Entei Pirates' most formidable asset: Ace, the Flame Emperor. Ace possesses a power that shakes the foundations of the World Government—a power that allows him to wield the abilities of all Devil Fruits. Known as the strongest Devil Fruit user in the history of the seas, Ace's presence alone instills fear in his enemies.
Recent skirmishes have revealed that the Entei Pirates no longer rely on the Door-Door Fruit to transport their leaders. Instead, they have access to a superior Devil Fruit ability—the Space-Space Fruit. This power allows Ace and his commanders to appear anywhere on the seas at a moment's notice, striking with devastating precision. Faced with this overwhelming capability, the World Government and Naval Headquarters have been forced to retreat from direct confrontation, allowing the Entei Pirates and Revolutionary Army to continue their activities unchallenged.
For now, the World Government and Naval Headquarters bide their time, gathering strength for the inevitable Final War. They know that a clash with the Entei Pirates is unavoidable, but until then, they must endure the rise of this new, unstoppable force.
Let's discuss the fate of the last of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, once a key pillar among the three major powers. Unlike the need for a World Summit to dismantle the system in the original timeline, the Seven Warlords of the Sea have been systematically dismantled under the decisive actions of the Flame Emperor, Portgas D. Ace.
Over the past year, this once formidable group has crumbled. 'Moonlight' Moria, one of the Seven Warlords, openly renounced his title and pledged allegiance to the Entei Pirates. Similarly, 'Sea Knight' Jinbei followed suit, leaving his position to stand by Ace's side. Moreover, Boa Hancock, the 'Pirate Empress,' a former Shichibukai and now one of Ace's top cadres, has ascended to a level of power comparable to that of the former Four Emperors, including the mighty BIG MOM.
With these three pivotal figures defecting to the Entei Pirates, the Seven Warlords of the Sea have been left in shambles. The Entei Pirates had previously eliminated two other Warlords: the 'Sand Crocodile' Crocodile and the 'Heavenly Yaksha' Doflamingo. This leaves only a few remnants like Edward Weevil to maintain the title of Shichibukai. Even if the World Government attempted to restore the ranks, the void left by these departures is too vast to fill quickly.
As it stands, the Seven Warlords of the Sea are a mere shadow of their former glory, effectively nullified as a force within the current power dynamics. The great reshuffling of the sea's power structure is complete.
While the world still recognizes the pirate landscape as divided between "two emperors and one king," the reality is clear to everyone: there is only one true overlord of the pirate world, and that is the Flame Emperor. Ace's Entei Pirates have the capability to annihilate what remains of the Four Emperors without breaking a sweat. But Ace chooses restraint, for the remaining Four Emperors—Red-Haired Shanks and Whitebeard, Edward Newgate—are good men, with whom Ace shares a deep respect.
The true structure of the sea now revolves around two major camps, two superpowers poised for the final conflict: the expansive fleet of the Entei Pirates and the formidable World Government. They stand in direct opposition, each amassing their strength for the inevitable showdown.
This current calm, this momentary peace, is nothing more than the silence before the storm. When these two superpowers are fully prepared and the war finally erupts, the seas will be engulfed in chaos. In the end, only one force will emerge as the ruler of the world. The battle for dominance is on the horizon, and the world awaits the rise of its ultimate overlord.
Wanokuni, a Luxurious Room
Ace stood in a grand room, the intricate designs and opulence reflecting the newfound prosperity of Wanokuni. He gazed at the atmospheric screen before him, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"How is it? Are you satisfied with my arrangement for your Charlotte family, Katakuri?" Ace asked, his voice calm yet commanding.
On the screen, Charlotte Katakuri, the current head of the Charlotte family, appeared. The background behind him was Whole Cake Island, the former base of the BIG MOM Pirates, now under his control.
"Thank you for your arrangement. The Charlotte family will become your absolute power, Admiral," Katakuri replied, his tone respectful and resolute.
After the war, Ace had skillfully integrated Katakuri and the surviving members of the Charlotte family into his ranks. The loyalty of these members to Charlotte Linlin had always been tenuous at best, given her tendency to treat them as mere tools. Katakuri, in particular, had long harbored the dream of protecting his siblings, a dream that Ace had granted him the opportunity to fulfill.
Katakuri had been surprised by the extent of Ace's trust and generosity. Allowing the Charlotte family to return to and govern Cake Island, despite keeping some of its members in Wanokuni, showcased Ace's strategic acumen and magnanimity. Compared to the volatile and gluttonous nature of their mother, Katakuri found Ace's leadership refreshingly sane and stable.
Although Katakuri's ultimate loyalty lay with his family, making him not as blindly loyal as other top cadres of the Entei Pirates, Ace valued him for his reliability and competence. For a king, having a subordinate with an exploitable weakness could be just as useful as one with unwavering loyalty.
"Very good. Continue to complete the tasks I've given you," Ace said with a light smile.
"Keep working hard," Charlotte Smoothie added, her lips curling into a smile as she stood beside Ace.
"Ah, Admiral, I'll take my leave," Katakuri responded. Seeing his sister content and thriving in Wanokuni reassured him. He nodded respectfully, and the screen blinked off.
Just then, Sabo burst into the room, a wide grin on his face, holding a freshly printed bounty poster. "Ace! There's news!"
Ace's eyes gleamed with interest as he took the poster from Sabo's hand. A deep smile spread across his face as he read the name and the bounty amount.
Straw Hat Boy, Monkey D. Luffy! Bounty: 35 million Berries!
"Finally, you've made your move, Luffy," Ace murmured, staring at the familiar, grinning face of his younger brother. The thought of their inevitable reunion brought a surge of pride and anticipation. The corner of Ace's mouth curled into a knowing smile. His brother had finally embarked on his own journey, and the sea was about to become even more interesting.