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

And what about myself? Looking back now, it seems that my journey has also been fixed by the timeline, and the anomaly of that time has found its place.

His current position, his identity as a Marine, marks the end of the previous Pirate King era; he is now the sole ruler of the New World, suppressing the Four Emperors...

From Luffy's perspective as the protagonist, or on his journey to achieve his dream, isn't he the ultimate boss?

However, we may only know the truth when the true protagonist sets sail.

Chapter 405 The True Beginning of an Era, The Voyage Begins

In the middle of the year 1519 in the Haiyuan calendar, although the gears of fate were slightly delayed due to certain variables, they still stubbornly turned back to their predetermined track.

Having recently regained his freedom, Fire Fist Ace's inherent stubbornness and desire to uncover the truth about his origins led him to make choices similar to those in the original history.

First, he entered the closed-off Wano Country, intending to challenge the Four Emperors—Kaido of the Beasts—who was entrenched there.

Unfortunately, at the same time, Kaido went to challenge Gern again, so by a twist of fate, Ace did not directly encounter Kaido.

However, it was here that he met Xiaoyu and Yamato.

After a brief time with Yamato, Ace left Wano Country with unfinished goals in mind.

Afterwards, he stubbornly ventured into the territory of another sea emperor, "the strongest man in the world," Whitebeard, intending to prove his path by challenging the strong.

Based on his experience with Gern, he still believes: If we can't beat Gern, can't we beat you?

Unfortunately, fate was still on his side; Ace didn't encounter Whitebeard immediately, but instead met with one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea who had come on his orders.

"Sea Knight" Jinbe and the others meet on a narrow path.

The two engaged in an epic five-day battle, which ultimately ended in a draw.

Just as Ace was exhausted, the massive figure of the Moby Dick broke through the waves.

Whitebeard himself appeared and, with an irresistible force, forcibly took the son of his old friend.

It could even be described as a "troublemaker" young man bringing his own boat.

However, the real reason behind this was that Akainu, who had just left G-10, learned of Ace's movements through the Navy's intelligence network.

The presence of a highly promising "supernova" right under his nose undoubtedly touched a nerve regarding his sense of "absolute justice."

Akainu originally intended to arrest him while he was at it, but Whitebeard intervened in time.

In a way, it actually protected Ace in advance.

Thus, despite some twists and turns, Portgas D. Ace finally boarded Whitebeard's ship.

Blackbeard's betrayal then occurred, and everything returned to the tragic fate that lay hidden within it.

As time passed, the year 1520 of the Haiyuan calendar arrived as scheduled.

The true beginning of a new era sets sail from this moment in the year!

In this year, the true protagonist of this world, Monkey D. Luffy, officially set sail from Windmill Village in the East Blue!

After defeating Bucky the Clown and thwarting Captain Crook's plot, he had a fateful first encounter with Hawkeye Mihawk while strolling through the Baratie sea restaurant.

Then, in Cocoyasi Village, Orange Town, right under the nose of former Marine Bellemere, Nami, who dreams of drawing her own world map, was 'abducted'...

In a short time, he gathered his companions at an astonishing speed and formed the Straw Hat Pirates, stirring up a storm in the weakest sea in the East Blue!

Although the presence of Guern and the chain reaction it triggered subtly altered the landscape of the sea and the details of certain events.

Although Luffy missed out on some of the originally planned "training," the rubber boy's adventure is still incredibly powerful!

The protagonist, bound by a hurricane of the same fate, is irresistibly drawn into the Grand Line.

Then, in the same year, in the desert kingdom of Alabasta, he defeated Crocodile, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, exposing his plot to overthrow the kingdom and saving millions of people.

Ascend to the sky island where Enel is absent, unravel the historical mysteries that have entangled the world for four hundred years, and ring the golden bell above the clouds to proclaim peace and the covenant, its sound resounding throughout the heavens and earth.

After experiencing betrayal and rescue in Water 7, in order to win back his friend Robin, he did not hesitate to go to war with Enies Lobby, which was directly under the World Government. In the end, he defeated all the members of CP9 and burned the World Government's flag in front of the whole world!

In an instant, the name of Monkey D. Luffy, the Straw Hat Boy, resounded throughout the entire sea!

.......

New World, G-10 base, Gern's office.

Afternoon sunlight streamed through the large glass windows, illuminating the front page of the newspaper spread out on the table.

The image prominently displayed was of the World Government flag burning during the Enies Lobby incident, along with a significantly updated photo of the Straw Hat Pirates' wanted posters.

Gern rested his chin on one hand, while the fingers of his other hand tapped absently on Luffy's carefree smiling face on the newspaper, a playful smile playing on his lips.

"Tsk tsk, he's way more formidable than his brother who only knows how to stubbornly challenge the Four Emperors..."

Look at this commotion! Declaring war on Enies Lobby—is this something a newbie who's only been at sea for a year would do?

Gern tilted his head, as if talking to himself, or perhaps to someone else in the office.

"However, Alabasta has made me start to wonder if something's wrong with Crocodile..."

I met him back then!

Although he was kicked a few times each time, his strength as a Shichibukai and his ability to go toe-to-toe with others were not fake.

Why are they like paper tigers in front of this straw hat kid?

Wow, the protagonist's halo is so good, I'm so envious~

When he got to the end, he even deliberately drew out his words.

Then his gaze fell upon Jorah Mihawk, who was sitting quietly on the opposite sofa, sipping his black tea.

He pointed to Zoro's new wanted poster on the newspaper with his finger, a signature wicked grin spreading across his face.

"Hey, Mihawk, you 'ran into' this green-haired swordsman in the East Blue before, didn't you?"

So, what's it like to 'stab' someone with a knife? Isn't it particularly 'educational'?

Upon hearing Gern's words, Mihawk raised his sharp, hawk-like yellow eyes and glanced at Gern indifferently.

Having grown accustomed to this guy's tone, he put down his teacup and calmly said, "A promising talent."

His conviction was unwavering, and his eyes held a wild, unyielding determination.

He paused, seemingly recalling the scene, his tone remaining calm.

"However, the three-sword style of biting the hilt with one's mouth is truly the only one I have ever seen in my life."

Looking at Zoro's wanted poster, it's as if I'm seeing him again, the one who never flinched even when facing the world's strongest black sword.

The green-haired swordsman who would rather bear all the damage head-on than leave behind scars that point to his peak.

"Moreover, he... said almost the same things to me after our battle back then."

Mihawk's tone remained calm, but the content of his words made Gern's wicked smile fade slightly.

Guern stopped tapping his fingers on the table, his eyes flickering slightly.

Mihawk didn't repeat what Zoro had specifically said, but there was no need to.

It must be about dreams, vows, and never giving up until a certain goal is achieved...

So, Gern gave a soft "heh," leaned back in his chair, and looked back at the wanted poster of Zoro on the newspaper, a picture of a man with a fierce yet resolute expression.

"Is that so... It seems that the tides of time on this vast sea are becoming more and more interesting."

As he spoke, Gern stood up nimbly from his chair and casually straightened his slightly wrinkled cloak of justice.

He walked up to Mihawk and patted the world's greatest swordsman on the shoulder.

“Let’s go.” Gern’s tone carried a hint of eager anticipation, as if he were about to witness a spectacle.

"That Kuzan guy had already 'bumped into' Garp's precious grandson at the entrance of Enies Lobby, and even gave him an Ice Age as a greeting gift."

As an elder, if I don't show up and show my respect, wouldn't I seem very impolite?

"And I estimate they're here now..."

Hmm, it seems to be on that guy Gecko Moria's Thriller Bark...

As he spoke, Gern clicked his tongue, a hint of sympathy on his face, and walked toward the door.

"Tsk tsk tsk, poor Moria, another Shichibukai is going to suffer."

It seems that the title of 'One of the Seven Warlords of the Sea' is no different from an experience pack in a beginner's village for the Straw Hat Pirates.

Watching someone leave on their own, Hawkeye sighed, slung his black sword 'Night' over his shoulder, and reluctantly followed.

Unfortunately, after all these years, his record against Barrett in a one-on-one fight with Gern remains...

Complete defeat.

Chapter 406 Can it really make people negative?

A month later, on a calm sea in the first half of the Grand Line, an extremely bizarre scene was unfolding.

The world's greatest swordsman, Dracule Mihawk, was seen charging forward at an astonishing speed completely at odds with his appearance.

The way the power is provided is enough to break the heart of any swordsman who witnesses this scene.

On either side of the ship stood two of the world's only two Supreme Grade Swords, renowned for their black-bladed forging.

(Shusui is also one of the black swords, but considering that Zoro later chose to return it in exchange for Enma, Shusui is more like a decorative treasure without an owner.)

Gern's black sword "Eight Desolations" and Mihawk's black sword "Night" were being frantically paddled across the sea by their masters, one on each side, like ordinary oars.

Each stroke was an extreme slash, compressing air and water waves to generate powerful thrust, propelling the small coffin boat to incredible speed...

"I can't take it anymore!" Gern, utterly dejected, tossed aside the Eight Desolations and sprawled on the small deck, completely unconcerned about his image, unable to contain his frustration.

"No, Mihawk, do we really have to ride in your... unique 'vehicle'?"

I am a dignified Admiral and Commander-in-Chief of the New World Strategy!

You, the world's greatest swordsman!

If some clueless reporter were to take a picture of this and put it on the front page of the newspaper, our reputations would be completely ruined for life!

"No, besides you, Enel, and Kizaru..." Mihawk maintained his ever-present icy expression, his wrist steadily swinging the black sword "Night" once more.

A condensed slash cut into the water, unleashing even greater thrust, propelling the small boat forward with a sudden surge.

At the same time, the tone was flat, stating a perfectly natural fact.

"If anyone else sees this, no matter where they are, I will hunt them down to the end and eliminate any future trouble."

“You bastard…” Gern’s lips twitched upon hearing this, “It seems Krieg’s fleet didn’t die unjustly…”

After making his rant, Gern's gaze once again swept over Mihawk's sharply defined profile. He narrowed his eyes and lowered his voice.

He murmured in a mocking tone, "But is it true? I don't believe it."

As he spoke, Gern deliberately drew out his words: "Or... do you just want to impress that 'green-headed' guy?"

Just continue to maintain your persona of being 'aloof, mysterious, and high-class'?

I'm afraid that if I were on a warship or a merchant ship, it wouldn't fit the image of the world's greatest swordsman~~

"Ahem!" Mihawk coughed softly, as if his thoughts had been exposed.

He subconsciously turned his head slightly to avoid Gern's teasing look.

Because... he actually guessed seven or eight parts correctly. He had indeed harbored this intention.

Otherwise, given their status and wealth, acquiring a comfortable and fast warship or a luxury merchant ship would be a piece of cake.

But how can Hawkeye Mihawk's uniqueness and power be demonstrated by traveling on such an "ordinary" boat?

If you're going to show off, you still have to.

He is the world's greatest swordsman, Hawkeye, Dracule Mihawk!

Gern couldn't help but roll his eyes at Mihawk's stubborn pride and self-inflicted suffering.

He then rolled over as if resigned, and continued to "paddle" with his Eight Directions sword, muttering under his breath.

"Fine, fine, you're handsome, you get to decide... Anyway, this old man will just go along with your nonsense."

Hopefully, by the time they arrive, the Straw Hat Boy won't have already been turned into a shadow specimen by Moria.

However, based on his protagonist archetype, it should be Moria who lost...