Naruto: In Konoha Village, I awakened Wood Release at the start.

The Holy Land, Mary Geoise.

The room of power.

The empty room was eerily quiet.

The five elderly men, who stood at the pinnacle of power, were now ashen-faced.

The five blond elders paced back and forth irritably, their leather shoes making dull thuds on the carpet.

"That idiot from the Warring States period is still constantly asking for help!"

"He has absolutely no idea what kind of monster we're facing!"

The bald Five Elders, holding the first generation Kitetsu, sat on the sofa, their fingers unconsciously stroking the hilt of the sword.

A lingering fear flashed in those cloudy old eyes.

"That man named Chiba is terrifying."

"Just a gaze that spans space makes me feel like my soul is frozen."

"Our general, CP0, didn't even have a chance to fight back against him."

"Are we just going to stand by and watch the world fall into the hands of that empire?"

"How can the World Government's 800-year-old foundation be ruined by a few suddenly appearing individuals!"

The man with the mustache gritted his teeth and slammed his fist on the coffee table.

The porcelain cup on the coffee table suddenly jumped up, spilling tea all over the floor.

"This is not something we can decide."

The long-bearded Five Elders sighed.

He looked up and gazed at the door at the back of the room.

That's the direction leading to the flowers.

"Lord Im's attitude is really hard to understand."

"Logically speaking, an empire that shakes the foundations of the world should have been wiped out by divine punishment long ago."

"However, Lord Im has not given any instructions."

"Even when we suggested using that weapon, the adults remained silent."

The five elders, who had birthmarks on their heads, straightened their suits.

"Without Lord Im's order, no one is allowed to act rashly."

"Sending people to the Western Sea now would be nothing more than sending them to their deaths."

"Tell Sengoku to guard the Grand Line and put aside matters of the four seas for now."

The five blond elders stopped in their tracks.

"Should we put it aside for now?"

"If the four seas were to slip out of control, the world government's tax revenue and manpower would face collapse."

"By then, without the Empire even attacking, those pirates from the New World will be able to take down the Marine Headquarters!"

The bald Five Elders snorted coldly.

"Then let the Navy and the pirates fight like dogs."

"As long as Mary Geoise is safe, the World Government will not fall."

"The most urgent task now is to find out the Empire's true intentions and Chiba's real purpose."

……

News travels faster than the wind.

News of the annihilation of the Admiral of the Naval Headquarters and the complete loss of the West Sea spread like wildfire across the entire ocean.

New world.

An unknown, bustling island.

The once peaceful town has now become a living hell.

The pirates' wild laughter and the civilians' screams mingled together.

"Hahaha! Kill! Rob!"

"Naval Headquarters is finished! Even that old geezer Garp has been captured alive!"

A burly pirate captain was carrying a blood-stained money bag.

He kicked away the crying civilian in front of him.

"From now on, this ocean belongs to us pirates!"

"What general, what justice, it's all bullshit!"

The surrounding pirate henchmen raised their weapons and cheered wildly.

"The captain is awesome!"

"I heard that the navy's high command has been completely wiped out, and they can't even send out a decent vice admiral!"

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Let's hurry and seize those wealthy countries!"

This kind of scene is constantly playing out in every corner of the new world.

Without the absolute deterrent of the navy, the ambitious individuals lurking in the shadows have completely descended into madness.

The notorious pirates with bounties exceeding 100 million led their fleets toward the waters that were previously heavily protected by the Navy.

The Navy's branch in the New World suffered a series of devastating blows.

The remaining naval soldiers were no match for the hordes of pirates.

The Den Den Mushi kept ringing, calling for help, but the only reply was always "Hold on and wait for help."

The new world order collapsed completely in just a few days.

……

Deep in the New World, the Moby Dick.

The massive whale ship sailed smoothly on the sea.

on the deck.

Marco, the captain of the First Division, strode towards the head of the table, clutching several newly printed newspapers.

"Dad, something terrible has happened."

Marco's voice was filled with undisguised shock.

He handed the newspaper to the towering figure.

Edward Newgate, with his white beard, sat in a huge chair with IV tubes inserted into his body.

He casually took the newspaper and glanced at the striking bold headline.

A disgrace to the Navy! Three admirals fall in the West Blue, and legendary Vice Admiral Garp becomes a prisoner!

A Mysterious Empire Rises, the World Falls Apart!

The white-bearded man raised an eyebrow.

"Gurarararara!"

A hearty laugh echoed throughout the entire Moby Dick.

Whitebeard ripped off the IV tube from his body and grabbed the huge wine bowl next to him.

"That guy from the Warring States period, he's finally met his end!"

"I've disliked him for a long time. He's always talking about justice, but secretly he's cleaning up the messes of the Celestial Dragons."

The team leaders around them quickly gathered around.

"Dad."

"What exactly is this empire that the newspapers are talking about?"

Third Division Captain Diamond Jozu scratched his bald head, looking puzzled.

"To be able to take down Garp and three admirals in one go, that's an unbelievable level of strength."

Fifth Division Captain Vista stroked his mustache and echoed.

"yes."

"Even if our entire regiment were to mobilize, it would be impossible to accomplish this."

"Not only did they succeed, but they reportedly only sent a few people."

Marco pushed up his glasses on the bridge of his nose.

"The information is very vague."

"But one thing is certain: that empire possesses overwhelming power."

"Their experts use an ability that has never been heard of before."

"Moreover, they seem to be promoting a completely new order."

The white-bearded man tilted his head back and downed the strong liquor in his bowl in one gulp.

The liquor trickled down his chin and onto his chest, but he wiped his mouth without a care.

"Forget about empires, forget about the new order."

"Those are things that the Warring States period and the World Government should be worrying about."

Whitebeard grabbed his naginata and slammed it heavily onto the deck.

The wooden deck made a muffled thud.

"My only goal is to protect my sons!"

He glanced around at the crew members, his gaze gentle yet imposing.

"As long as they don't provoke us, we don't need to get involved in this mess."

"Those brats who jump out to cause trouble because of the navy's decline—if they dare to touch our territory, we'll sink them to the bottom of the sea!"

The crew members raised their weapons and cheered loudly.

"oh!"

"I swear to follow my father to the death!"

The white-bearded man laughed again, his laughter revealing a worldly-wise composure.

No matter how the tides of the times surge, he, a remnant of the old era, only seeks to live in a corner of peace.

……

The New World, the Totland Sea.

World of Warcraft, Whole Cake Island.

A grand tea party is being held inside the enormous castle.

The long table was filled with all sorts of singing desserts.

Charlotte Linlin, one of the Four Emperors, is munching on a giant strawberry cake.

Cream smeared all over the corners of her mouth, but she didn't care at all.

"Mama mama!"

"This cake is absolutely delicious!"

The woman ate while letting out strange laughter.

The eldest son, Perospero, leaning on his cane, quickly walked over to the old lady.

"Mom, breaking news."

"The navy is completely paralyzed, and the four seas are now entirely under the control of that empire."

"Those small-time pirates in the New World have already started fighting over territory."

The woman stopped eating, her huge eyes gleaming with greed.

"Mama mama!"

"That old bastard from the Warring States period has really embarrassed himself completely this time!"

She stuck out her tongue and licked the cream off the corner of her mouth.

"That bastard Garp finally got what he deserved! It's so satisfying!"

Katakuri, the second son, stood to the side, his scarf covering the lower half of his face.

A dark red glint flashed in his eyes, his Observation Haki always on.

"Mother."

"That empire should not be underestimated."

"Their top-tier combat strength is probably far beyond our imagination, given that they can capture a general so easily."

"If we expand blindly and get into conflict with them, it could be very troublesome."

The woman snorted and slammed the remaining half of the cake onto the table.

The teacups on the table shattered, and the desserts screamed in terror.

"Katakuri, are you trying to boost their morale?"

"I am Big Mom! The Empress of this sea!"

"The Navy has shrunk, and these vacant territories are too good for me to pass up to that idiot Kaido!"

The middle-aged woman suddenly stood up, her massive body radiating a suffocating sense of oppression.

Zeus, the thundercloud, and Prometheus, the sun, floated on either side of her, ready to launch an attack at any moment.

"Pass down the order: send out the entire fleet!"

"I'll take back all those wealthy islands and unique races!"

"I want to double the size of the world's territory!"

Perospero immediately bowed in greeting.

"Yes, Mom."

"I will immediately arrange for personnel to take over those countries that have lost naval protection."

Katakuri remained silent for a moment, and ultimately did not try to dissuade him further.

He knew that the old lady's decision was not to be disobeyed.

But his unease grew stronger and stronger.

That empire was a monster a million times more dangerous than the navy.

……

The New World, the Land of Harmony.

Ghost Island.

The massive skull fortress was filled with the pungent smell of alcohol.

"belch--"

Kaido of the Beasts, holding a giant gourd of wine, let out a burp.

His face was flushed, clearly he had drunk quite a bit.

"Waaaaah..."

"I want to die, why is it so hard?!"

Kaido suddenly burst into tears, his huge tears falling to the ground.

The large billboards next to them looked at each other in bewilderment.

King the Wildfire crossed his arms and stared expressionlessly at Kaido, who was drunk and acting crazy.

Meanwhile, Plague Queen sat to the side, smoking a cigar and shaking off his flabby body.

Drought Jack lowered his head and remained silent.

"Boss Kaido, please don't cry."

Queen exhaled a smoke ring, trying to distract Kaido.

"The navy is in really bad shape right now; even their admirals have been captured like dogs."

Kaido's crying stopped abruptly.

He suddenly raised his head and smashed the gourd in his hand.

"empire!"

Kaido's voice echoed like muffled thunder in the cave.

He stood up, casually slinging the enormous spiked club "Eight Precepts" over his shoulder.

"I used to go to Marine Headquarters to commit suicide because I knew those idiots couldn't kill me."

"Whether I'm executed or thrown into the sea, I'll survive."

"But this empire is different."

Speaking of it.

A rare clarity flashed in Kaido's eyes.

He wasn't just a reckless fool; he had his own judgment to secure his position as one of the Four Emperors.

"Capable of capturing Garp, Akainu, Kizaru, Aokiji..."

"This shows that they possess absolute suppressive power."

"Even if I am known as the strongest creature, I may not be able to escape unscathed when facing that unknown power."

Jin stepped forward and spoke in a deep voice.

"Mr. Kaido, what's our current strategy?"

Kaido sneered and sat back down on his throne.

"With the navy down, the New World is in chaos. This is a great opportunity to expand our power."

"How could our Beasts Pirates miss this feast?"

"Let those Flying Sixs and True Fighters take their men out, seize the arsenal, and capture laborers."

Kaido paused, his tone turning somber.

"but."

"Avoid all four seas, especially the Western Sea!"

"No one is allowed to touch the empire's sphere of influence!"

"Now is not the time to start a full-scale war with them."

"Once I've built the strongest army of ability users, I'll settle accounts with that empire!"

Jack responded in a muffled voice.

"Understood."

"Boss, I will keep my men in line."

Kaido waved his hand.

"Go on, and stir up the waters of the new world even more."

"Get me some good wine, I'm going to drink my fill today!"

……

A new world, on a deserted island.

The Red-Haired Pirates' Red Voss is anchored on the shore.

A small banquet is being held on the island.

The pirates gathered around the campfire, eating meat and drinking wine heartily.

But Shanks, the captain, was sitting alone on a rock.

He held the newspaper that had shocked the world in his hand, his brow furrowed.

First mate Ben Beckman, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, walked over and sat down next to Shanks.

"What's wrong, Shanks?"

Beckman exhaled a puff of smoke, his gaze deep and thoughtful.

"Beckman".

"Don't you think this is too strange?"

Shanks shook his head and casually tossed the newspaper aside.

He raised his only remaining right hand and placed it on the famous sword "Griffin" at his waist.

"The emergence of this empire came without any warning whatsoever."

"It was as if it sprang from a stone and took over the West Sea overnight."

"Moreover, their number of powerful individuals is outrageous."

Shanks recalled the details of the battle described in the newspaper.

It can damage Logia-type characters without using Haki.

It can summon a giant wooden giant.

It can breathe fire and water, and can even run on the sea.

These abilities were completely beyond his understanding of Devil Fruits.

Beckman flicked his cigarette ash.

"That's definitely not normal."

"The intelligence agencies couldn't find any trace of their past, as if they didn't belong to this world."

"Moreover, they are extremely ruthless in their methods, and they are even more ruthless towards the Celestial Dragons, going straight for the kill."

Shanks sighed.

"That's right."

"They disrupted the balance of this world."

"Although the world government is corrupt and incompetent, they manage to maintain a semblance of order."

"Once the navy is completely paralyzed, the first to suffer will be the unarmed civilians."

Shanks stood up, the sea breeze ruffling his red hair.

His gaze was fixed on the distant horizon, his expression more solemn than ever before.

"The order promoted by the empire, though seemingly fair, is far too tyrannical in its methods."

"I always felt that a greater crisis was lurking behind this storm."

Beckman watched Shanks' retreating figure.

"What are you planning to do?"

Shanks turned his head and grinned, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

"I'm going to Mary Geoise."

Beckman paused, his hand holding the cigarette still.

"Go find the Five Elders?"

"At this critical juncture, the Holy Land is under heavy security."

Shanks patted Beckman on the shoulder.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

"The World Government is definitely hiding something, and the Five Elders certainly know some inside information about the Empire."

"If we don't figure all this out, this ocean might really be destroyed."

Shanks turned and walked toward the crew who were celebrating.

"Brothers!"

"Let's stop for a moment!"

The noisy banquet fell silent instantly, and everyone turned to look at their captain.

Shanks' smile faded.

"I'll be away for a while."

Sniper Yasopp paused for a moment.

"Boss, where are you going?"

Raki Lu asked, his mouth full of meat with bone in it.

"Yeah, it's so chaotic outside right now, don't we need to go with them?"

Shanks shook his head.

"This mission is special; I can go alone."

"Beckman, you're in charge of things on the ship for now."

"Keep everyone in check, protect our territory, and avoid conflicts with the other four emperors."

Beckman nodded solemnly.

"Leave it to me."

"Be careful."

Shanks donned a black cloak, completely concealing his figure in the shadows.

He jumped onto a small boat all by himself.

The small boat slowly sailed away from the deserted island in the night, heading towards the red earth continent.

Watching Shanks' departing figure.

A subtle glint flashed in Beckman's eyes.

As the vice-captain of the Red-Haired Pirates.

Beckman naturally knew Shanks' other identity—a Celestial Dragon.

It is precisely because of this.

Only then did a sense of unease arise in Beckman's heart.

The empire's attitude was very clear: they looked down on the Celestial Dragons.

Could Shanks also be being targeted by the Empire?