The death of Big Mom sent shockwaves across the New World. Luffy stood among the rubble of Whole Cake Chateau, surveying the fallen Yonko's decapitated head. His cold determination was palpable; there was no hesitation in his demeanor as he ensured the end of one of the mightiest emperors of the sea. He stared at her lifeless gaze, thinking only of the bounty money that would fuel their future battles.
Luffy turned to his crew, who stood at attention. Each of them was bruised but standing, their gazes steady and resolute. This was the turning point; they all knew it. The defeat of Big Mom wasn't just another victory—it was a declaration of war against the entire Yonko system. And there were two more left. Luffy clenched his fist, and his Conqueror's Haki flared, rippling through the air around him.
"Sora, Zoro, Jinbe. We're not stopping here," Luffy said, his voice carrying across the now-silent battlefield. "We're taking every last inch of her territory. Anyone left who stands against us, anyone still holding loyalty to her... they're done."
Sora smirked, her eyes glinting with excitement. "I thought you'd say that, Captain. This isn't just about territory, it's about making a statement."
Zoro grunted, his eyes still alight with the thrill of battle. "Aye, just point me at whoever's next."
The Straw Hat Pirates dispersed, moving swiftly through the scattered islands of Totto Land, bringing each one under their control. Every island was different; some offered resistance, clinging desperately to Big Mom's name, while others, fearing the wrath of the Straw Hats, willingly surrendered. To those who resisted, Luffy showed no mercy.
He personally dealt with any of the Charlotte children who remained, their once-fearsome power diminished before his overwhelming abilities. With his More More Fruit and Indra powers, entire islands were brought under his control in mere minutes, leaving no trace of the former regime but ash and smoldering ruins.
Chiffon and Lola were spared, given their previous defiance of Big Mom's tyranny, and they, in turn, helped secure support from some islands that had long been under the oppressive rule of Charlotte Linlin. The power vacuum Luffy created was filled quickly, with allies and those loyal to the Straw Hats establishing their presence, setting a firm foundation for Luffy's new dominion.
The Straw Hat flag now flew over Totto Land, a symbol of Luffy's victory, his strength, and his determination. The vast sea territory of Big Mom, once her pride, was now an extension of the Straw Hat Pirates' influence.
With Big Mom's territory secured, Luffy called for a meeting of all their allies. The newly acquired territory was bustling with Straw Hat allies—the Grand Fleet, the Mink tribe, and the Kozuki retainers, all gathering to prepare for what was to come. They had come far, but the journey ahead was even more treacherous.
Luffy stood at the head of the table, arms crossed, his eyes fierce with a focus that none of them had ever seen before. Around him, the core Straw Hat members, as well as Jinbe, Law, and the Minks, listened intently. Even Capone Bege, who had barely escaped Luffy's wrath during the Whole Cake infiltration, had now pledged his resources to this new alliance.
"Kaido and Blackbeard," Luffy said, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "They're next."
Law nodded. "Kaido will be expecting us. After Jack's disappearance, he must be on high alert."
"We have the Samurai, the Mink forces, and the resources of Wano," Kin'emon added, determination burning in his eyes. "Lord Momonosuke is preparing as well. Wano will rise to defeat Kaido once and for all."
Sora, leaning casually on the table, chimed in, "Blackbeard might be the bigger wildcard here. His crew is all over the New World, trying to steal powers and territories. He's bound to come for us after he hears about Big Mom."
Luffy narrowed his eyes, a smirk slowly forming on his face. "Let him come. We'll be ready."
As they plotted their next move, the tension in the air was palpable. Luffy's ambition was no longer just about becoming the Pirate King. He intended to break the status quo, to rip down the system of Yonkos that had ruled the seas through fear and power. His own power had grown to a level where he no longer saw these titans as insurmountable obstacles; they were merely steps on the path to something far greater.
The alliance moved swiftly, a fleet of ships heading for Wano. This time, they weren't sneaking in—they were marching in openly, a declaration of war against Kaido. Luffy knew that Kaido would be waiting, and that only made his blood pump harder. He was ready for this fight.
Meanwhile, reconnaissance reports arrived on Blackbeard's movements. He had seized more territory while the rest of the world focused on the battle against Big Mom. Blackbeard's ambition mirrored Luffy's in its intensity, but not in its nature. Where Luffy sought freedom, Blackbeard sought domination, and their inevitable clash would be the ultimate test of Luffy's resolve.
Back on the Thousand Sunny, Franky made the final adjustments to their weaponry, his laughter echoing across the ship as he installed new artillery in anticipation of the battle with Kaido. Usopp worked beside him, his hands deftly preparing ammunition, his heart pounding with both fear and excitement. This was it—the final push.
Sanji—now Sora—stood in the kitchen, preparing a feast for the crew. The smell of roasted meat and spices filled the air, her thoughts on the battle to come, and on Luffy. She knew he would need every ounce of strength he could get for what awaited them in Wano and beyond.
On the deck, Zoro sharpened his swords, his focus unbreakable. His recent fights had pushed him, but nothing compared to the battle that awaited with Kaido. He intended to finish what they had started in Dressrosa, and this time, he would make sure there was nothing left of Kaido when he was done.
Luffy stood at the helm of the Thousand Sunny, the wind whipping his hair as he looked out over the horizon. The sea stretched endlessly before him, and somewhere beyond it, Kaido and Blackbeard waited. He thought of his crew, of his allies, and of all the people who had placed their hopes in him.
This was no longer a journey just for adventure. It was a mission to bring down those who ruled through terror and strength. He had the power now, the allies, and the will to take on anyone who stood in his way.
"Kaido... Blackbeard... You're next," Luffy muttered, a spark of electricity dancing across his clenched fist. "And I'll make sure you regret ever standing in my way."
With that, the Straw Hat Pirates set their course for Wano—another Yonko to defeat, another step closer to the throne of the Pirate King.
The chapter ends with the ships of the Straw Hat fleet cutting through the waves, leaving the fallen empire of Big Mom behind, ready to take on the world.