After the events of the Summit War, the world collectively believed that no major upheaval would occur in this twilight of the Pirate Era.
Most hoped for a quiet transition period, waiting for the Marines to establish their G-11 base in the New World, marking the dawn of the so-called "Marine Year One."
After all, even the "strongest" Whitebeard had fallen at Marine Headquarters, cementing the Soryu (Azure Dragon)'s legendary name. Now, the seas appeared devoid of any force capable of challenging the Marines or the World Government.
But who could have predicted that less than three months later, a terrifying wave of chaos would erupt across the entire world!
Thousands of pirate crews surged madly toward the Red Line convergence point, represented by the Sabaody Archipelago, leaving countless islands in their wake ravaged by war and death.
This was an unprecedented turmoil that stunned the entire world!
No longer was it a single faction or individual challenging the government— it was an uncountable number of pirates and ambitious figures banding together in a temporary alliance of shared interests to confront the government.
For once, the perpetually squabbling pirates found unity, gathering at the end of the First Half of the Grand Line and the starting point of the Second Half to face off against the prepared Marine forces.
All of this originated from the legend of Pure Gold!
…
On one of the islands near Sabaody, aboard a pirate ship, a few pirates sat in discussion.
The Marines had established a blockade around Sabaody, and while awaiting the right moment to act, most pirates had set up camp on the surrounding islands.
"Do you think this Pure Gold is real? They say it's worth enough to buy the world, but where's the Gold Emperor? Haven't seen him around."
"Maybe because he doesn't need the money…"
"..."
"Shut up if you can't contribute!"
"Actually, I've heard a different version of the story."
"Oh? What's that?"
"Have you noticed? The people we brushed past a few days ago weren't pirates. So, I did some digging and found out— we've all been tricked!"
"What? Pure Gold is fake?!"
"Calm down! I'm not done talking yet!"
Rolling his eyes impatiently, the man continued, "What I'm saying is, the true value of Pure Gold isn't whether it's worth money— it's that it grants eternal life!"
"Eternal life... Immortality?! Are you serious?"
"Of course! Otherwise, why would those big shots get involved? They may not be as wealthy as the Gold Emperor, but they're definitely not short on cash!"
"No wonder some of those guys didn't seem like pirates. That explains it!"
As the chaos grew, the supposed "true value" of Pure Gold spread rapidly among the pirate community. While some suspected it was a deliberate ruse to provoke them, more believed it to be true.
Otherwise, why would so many globally renowned figures send people to participate?
The World Government, as the holder of Pure Gold, understood the situation perfectly. Pure Gold did indeed possess that function.
But they had no intention of compromising in the face of threats from a pack of jackals.
Thus, the standoff persisted in the seas around Sabaody, with the government relying on the Marineford defense ring, bracing for an imminent war.
…
New World, near Thunder God Island.
"This is escalating out of control!"
Rowen put down the Den Den Mushi and addressed the gathered Vice Admirals.
"Fleet Admiral just informed me that over thirteen thousand pirate crews have now assembled around Sabaody, preparing to strike."
"Hiss... That many?!"
Vice Admiral Momonga and the others widened their eyes in shock.
While en route back, the Buster Call fleet had taken on the primary responsibility of escorting valuable cargo. Every pirate daring to approach was obliterated by Marine cannon fire.
But compared to the scale of pirate crews gathering at the First Half's endpoint, the skirmishes they'd encountered were insignificant.
"And that's not all," Rowen continued. "Over three thousand unidentified factions have also joined the fray, showing subtle signs of hostility."
"This will be a war larger than the New World clash or the Marineford War— combined! It would be an unprecedented, massive battle!"
"The Headquarters has mobilized all forces, coordinating with Chief Commander Kong to establish a defensive perimeter around Sabaody... You know, once those lunatics go berserk, it's not impossible for them to ride the bubble elevator straight to the Holy Land."
"What should we do then, Rowen?" Vice Admiral Momonga spoke gravely, "With your abilities, you could take the Pure Gold and leave, couldn't you?"
Under no circumstances could Pure Gold fall into pirate hands!
This wasn't just a treasure hunt anymore; it was a matter of protecting the authority and dignity of the government and Marines.
If they caved to the pirates' collective uprising this time, all the sacrifices and efforts made thus far would have been in vain.
"It's possible," Rowen admitted, exhaling a puff of cigar smoke. "But the key lies in how the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) decide to handle this."
He looked toward the Red Line with a contemplative gaze.
Meanwhile, in the "Holy Land" Mary Geoise, in the room of the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars):
"These bastards dare to threaten us?!!"
The swordsman of the Gorōsei, seething with rage, scattered a pile of documents across the floor.
These were proposals jointly drafted by the major powers of the Underground World, expressing their intent to negotiate. They claimed they did not wish to fight the government to the bitter end but also would not relinquish Pure Gold so easily.
Thus, they offered an exchange of benefits.
They didn't demand all of the Pure Gold, just a portion.
They were willing to offer wealth, influence, or submission in return. But if the government refused... if it wanted their lives, they warned, "You won't have it easy either!"
This was a standard coercion tactic in the Underground World.
But this time, their target was none other than the World Government, the sovereign authority of the world for the past 800 years!
The Gorōsei's anger was palpable.
The allure of Pure Gold, however, was simply too great for these old powerhouses. So great, in fact, that they dared to risk everything to challenge the government and negotiate with the Gorōsei.
"It is only when facing death that one realizes how desperately they wish to live."
Especially for those with immense power, who cannot bear to part with their authority, wealth, or status.
This was precisely why, in the original story, Rob Lucci abandoned the search for Pure Gold.
He understood clearly: the World Government, though the nominal ruler of the world, derived its authority entirely from the military might of the Holy Land and the Marine Headquarters.
Their global deterrence radiated from the Red Line, upheld by vast legions of armed forces.
But the world is vast, and beyond the Grand Line, their influence dwindles significantly.
In regions like the Four Seas, Marine branches were often the sole pillars maintaining order.
In many remote areas, the government's control was laughably weak.
As a result, these fragmented territories fostered independent militias, local power struggles, and the rise of autonomous leaders. The Gorōsei had no choice but to tolerate these de facto fiefdoms, so long as they didn't cross the red line.
"If the Underground World learned of Pure Gold's existence, these "feudal lords" might incite rebellions, shattering the balance of global power."
Just like Lucci, Rowen recognized the World Government's greatest vulnerability.
It wasn't their military strength but the instability of centralized power.
Their rule lacked universal recognition. Allied nations and non-member states coexisted uneasily.
In some fringe regions, people only knew the name of their island's king, not the World Government itself.
Much like the Qin Dynasty Rowen knew of, the government appeared to wield absolute authority, but its actual control over remote areas was negligible.
Add to that the inhumane Heavenly Tribute system, which only exacerbated the chances of rebellion.
Otherwise, why were there so many pirates setting sail?
If central power were stable and people lived peacefully, anyone trying to become a pirate would likely be tied up and turned in by their own families.
"Such wasted potential."
For Rowen, it was almost laughable.
The Pirate Era sparked by Roger awakened the common people's yearning for freedom, breaking the chains of fear and inspiring defiance against government authority.
All Rowen needed was to fan the flames, and this resistance would become deeply rooted.
And Pure Gold was the spark he had chosen to ignite it.
(End Of Chapter)
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