The natural system started off strong, but the navy finally reached its peak!

After all, the Glint-Glint Fruit and the Rumble-Rumble Fruit are the top-tier "light-speed" or "near-light-speed" fruits among the Logia-type fruits.

Both are highly similar in their movement methods (photon/lightning), attack speed, and large-area AOE clearing capabilities.

Kizaru can completely understand Enel's fighting system.

Even Gern himself initially developed the Sky-Quake Fruit by imitating Kizaru's abilities.

Of course, most importantly... Kizaru's carefree attitude and "clocking in" mentality mean he's unlikely to have a direct confrontation with Enel.

Kizaru will not try to "reshape" Enel with absolute justice like Akainu, nor will he have conflicts with Aokiji due to differences in ideology.

He's more likely to adopt a "do what you want, as long as you get the job done" attitude, which is exactly what Gern needs.

Gern was pleased, but Kizaru's mouth gaped open in an "O" shape after hearing it, and he couldn't close it for a long time.

He finally understood: Gern was determined to pass this hot potato to him, euphemistically calling it an "accompanying mission" and "guiding his studies."

He's basically just asking for a huge problem for himself!

"Sigh~" Kizaru let out a long, despairing sigh.

He seemed to lose all color, turning ashen, and slumped weakly back onto the sofa.

"It's all over... my relaxing vacation... my afternoon tea time... all gone..."

He could already foresee that in the next few days, he would constantly hear cringeworthy phrases like "Yehahaha," "God's punishment," and "humble mortal," as well as thunderstorms that could strike him at any moment.

Seeing Kizaru's utterly dejected expression, Gern's smile widened even further:

"Then it's settled."

I'll go and inform Enel right away, and have him 'cooperate' with your work."

Kizaru: "..."

(Inner monologue: Is it too late for me to apply for a transfer back to headquarters?)

...........

Time flies, it's the middle of the year in the Haiyuan calendar, 1505.

This year should have been peaceful, but an even more shocking piece of news swept across the world like a hurricane.

The entire Whitebeard Pirates crew set out, and their massive fleet headed straight for the notoriously closed and treacherous Wano Country!

Nobody knows exactly what happened.

All the world saw was the Whitebeard Pirates' Moby Dick leading its fleet.

Ignoring the strange climate and precipitous waterfalls surrounding Wano Country, it finally anchored at the edge of that forbidden sea.

He didn't send any of his sons forward, but instead, he leaped to the front of the fleet alone and raised his arms, which were powerful enough to destroy the world.

He showed the world the unreserved, destructive rage of the "world's strongest man"!

Finally, this earth-shattering commotion forced out the giant dragon that had been entrenched on Ghost Island!

A massive blue dragon soared into the sky, its ferocious head filled with shock and rage!

He never expected that Whitebeard would be so insane as to directly use such a nation-destroying power!

"Whitebeard!!! Are you insane?!" Azure Dragon spoke in a human voice, his voice like thunder.

"You're the one who's insane!!! Kaido!!!" Whitebeard's roar grew even more ferocious, his second punch already poised to strike.

"Pay the price for everything you've done!!!"

There was no negotiation, no challenge, and not even a chance for his crew to intervene!

The next moment, the "world's strongest creature" and the "world's strongest man," two emperors standing atop this vast ocean.

In the skies and seas of the new world, another earth-shattering battle, one that would go down in history, erupted!

This one-on-one duel between emperors lasted for ten days and ten nights under Whitebeard's wrath, and the commotion even spread throughout a large part of the New World.

But in the end, no one knows the specific process and outcome of that battle.

All we know is that Kaido said "sorry" to Whitebeard at the end.

Chapter 267 The Fifth Pole and the Sea Emperor

The aftermath of the Emperor-level conflict in the Wano Country waters has not yet subsided, but the world has not fallen silent as a result.

On the contrary, a much stronger undercurrent is surging in the New World and throughout the entire Grand Line.

World Economic News Agency, a newspaper with unfathomable underground connections and enormous influence in public opinion, would naturally not let go of such excellent material.

They cleverly utilized and exaggerated the earth-shattering battle between "Whitebeard" and "Kaido of the Beasts".

Through exaggerated headlines and highly sensational reporting, the chaos of the New World and the terrifying power of the powerful pirates are vividly portrayed.

Wrath of the Emperor! Whitebeard vs. the Beasts, the Sky of the New World is Torn Apart!

The Struggle for Maritime Supremacy! Who Will Dominate the Next Era?

A series of reports greatly stimulated the public's nerves and made countless ambitious people more clearly aware of the terrifying nature of the new world's top combat power.

For a time, the New World was in turmoil. Pirate crews of all sizes either chose to attach themselves to the strong or struggled to survive in the cracks, and conflicts and mergers occurred frequently.

The so-called "emperor" power ruling over the seas is beginning to take shape!

Meanwhile, at Marineford, the Naval Headquarters.

Sitting upright in the marshal's office, Sengoku clearly felt the restless pulse emanating from the new world.

Although after several years of hard work, he finally secured his position as Admiral of the Navy and became a true power holder.

At the same time, Sengoku also gained a deeper understanding of the almost independent and powerful force possessed by Gern and his "Calamity" faction.

This power is a barrier, but it could also be a variable.

Thus, under the framework of balancing and checks and balances in the political game, the Warring States period began to adopt more concrete measures.

He cited the rise of the pirate era, the need to rebuild the Grand Line and the four seas, the requirement for comprehensive planning of most naval bases, and limited resources as reasons.

Initially, restrictions and delays were imposed on the approval of military funding and supplies for G-10, where Gern was located in the New World.

They attempted to use logistical means to slightly restrain Gern's overly rapid expansion and to remind him of the authority of headquarters.

However, Gern's response was far more direct and... domineering than Sengoku had anticipated.

You're restricting my funding and actions? Then I'll just "open up new sources" myself!

Gern immediately dispatched his two strongest spearmen—Douglas Barrett and Enel!

Like tigers unleashed from their cages, these two, centered around Unit G-10, began a high-intensity, indiscriminate "sweep" of the surrounding waters.

Any ship flying a pirate flag, regardless of its size or background, will be destroyed and its crew killed the moment they encounter it!

Barrett revels in his passion for pure destruction and combat, leaving a trail of carnage in his wake.

Enel, needless to say, was completely immersed in the crushing pleasure of "divine retribution".

This bloody "purge" operation was ostensibly to uphold justice and combat pirates.

In reality, they are using the most barbaric and effective methods to expand the sea areas and influence that Gern controls!

In a manner almost akin to a pirate "planting a flag," they declared that this sea area was under the protection of "Skyquake" Gern!

The effect was immediate.

On the one hand, by seizing the pirates' treasure and supplies, G-10 Division instantly alleviated its financial constraints and even became wealthier.

On the other hand, this extremely forceful deterrent approach has led to a rapid expansion of the scope of Gurn's "protection."

Even many smaller naval bases in the New World, such as G-66, G-12, and G-54, were taken over by Gern...

Of course, more importantly, in this great pirate era, in the New World...

For islands and nations that are not members of the World Government and lack the protection of a powerful military, this is tantamount to a hellish abyss.

Their requests for assistance from the Navy Headquarters often went unanswered, because the Navy's primary responsibility was to protect the member states.

However, Gern's move with the G-10 became the only lifeline they saw in their despair.

Then, a remarkable phenomenon occurred: many non-member states, autonomous islands, and even some small kingdoms took the initiative to send envoys.

They went to G-10 with generous "sponsorship money" and supplies, requesting General Guern's "protection" and hoping that his sphere of influence could cover their territory.

Guern accepted almost any offer of this.

Soon, the actual control and sphere of influence of Division G-10 expanded at an astonishing rate.

Its reach even exceeds the combined reach of several other important naval bases in the New World!

It is precisely at this critical moment of turbulent change and reshaping of the landscape that the World Economic Herald has dropped another bombshell.

In a special issue dedicated to analyzing the new world situation, they formally used the highly weighty and symbolic term "Emperor" for the first time.

To define those three great pirates who reign supreme at the pinnacle of the New World, possess the power to destroy the world, and command vast armies:

[Captain of the Whitebeard Pirates: Edward Newgate, "Whitebeard"!]

[The Beasts Pirates' Commander-in-Chief: "Beast" Kaido!]

[The Queen of the Big Mom Pirates: "Big Mom" ​​Charlotte Linlin!]

The newspapers referred to the three of them together as the "Sea Emperors," who ruled over the vast seas of the New World!

This concept immediately sparked heated discussions and gained worldwide recognition, and quickly became a fixed part of society.

At the end of the report, the tone shifted, mentioning the navy's only foothold in the New World.

G-10 base and its commander, Admiral "White Scale" and "Heavenly Tremor" Gern.

The newspapers described Gren and his powerful "Cataclysmic" faction (Ribo, Barrett, Enel, Boa Hancock, Tesoro, etc.) as standing alongside the three emperors of the New World.

It is also known as the "Fifth Pole"! Or, to put it more bluntly, the "Spear of the Navy"!

The report states that, with his formidable personal strength and ruthless methods, Gern firmly established a stronghold for the Navy in the New World.

Its actual control and deterrent range are no less than any maritime emperor, making it a unique "fifth pole" force influencing the new world order!

This argument caused an uproar worldwide!

The Navy was abuzz with discussion about this, while the World Government felt an unprecedented sense of unease and vigilance.

A naval admiral has been given a title and status on par with the Emperor of the Sea in the media. Is this a glory for the navy, or a sign of... getting out of control?

However, it cannot be denied that Gern's Cataclysm faction has grown into an uncontrollable force during the years that Sengoku has been trying to establish a foothold in the main camp!

Chapter 268 "Eagle Eye"

The New World Seas have just experienced a brief period of "divine retribution".

The wreckage of a three-masted pirate ship was slowly sinking, arcs of electricity crackling on the charred planks.

Enel stood atop the mast, lazily yawning, and casually tossed the last pirate captain he had electrocuted into the sea like trash.

Then, he picked at his ear, his face full of boredom and annoyance: "Tsk, this is getting more and more boring..."

Do the bedbugs in this sea area disappear without a trace at the mere mention of God's name?

"There's not even a decent opponent, it's so boring!"

Just as he was complaining about the sluggish business and considering whether he should find a place to take a nap...

Or when he went back to fight that muscle monster Barrett to relieve his boredom, his powerful mental network (Observation Haki) suddenly sensed something.

In the far distance, a small boat that looked less like a ship and more like a coffin.

It is moving calmly in this direction, silently cutting through the waves at an unusually steady speed.

There were no sails on the ship, and no one was rowing; it seemed to be simply drifting with the current, yet its course was remarkably straight.

"Oh?" Enel raised an eyebrow with interest, slung his golden staff over his shoulder, and fixed his gaze on the only figure on the small boat.

He had short black hair, a short beard, and a stern expression.

Wearing a simple white shirt, black trousers, and ankle boots

What's most striking are his sharp, eagle-like yellow eyes.

Although the style is simple, it exudes an extraordinary and powerful aura.