Chapter 191 – Post-War Turmoil
A week had passed since the end of the world-shaking War of the Best—the battle at Marineford that had altered the balance of power across the seas.
Though the fighting was over, its impact had only just begun.
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The World Government's Announcement
The first ripple came in the form of an official proclamation from the World Government:
> "The pirate known as 'Blackbeard,' Marshall D. Teach, used despicable means to deceive the Navy into granting him the title of Shichibukai. During the war, he betrayed that trust, launching a cowardly attack against Fleet Admiral Sengoku. Though Sengoku was gravely wounded, he sacrificed himself to take the traitor down with him, preserving the Navy's honor."
This statement spread across the world in moments. The Government had buried the truth of what happened at Impel Down and shifted all blame for the Navy's defeat onto Blackbeard.
The message was clear: Whitebeard's victory was nothing but the product of betrayal. The Navy, they claimed, would recover its strength and deliver an even harsher blow to the pirates of the seas.
To that end, the Government announced the launch of a World Military Draft, calling upon strong fighters from across the globe to replenish the Navy's ranks.
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The Struggle for the Fleet Admiral's Seat
The fall of Fleet Admiral Sengoku left the highest seat of the Navy vacant.
Among the Admirals, only three could lay claim to the title:
Akainu (Sakazuki)
Aokiji (Kuzan)
Kizaru (Borsalino)
Kizaru, embodying his "unclear justice," was the first to step aside, unwilling to commit fully to the responsibility.
That left Aokiji and Akainu. Though Aokiji had the vocal support of Vice Admiral Garp, his popularity and ideals fell short against Akainu's hardline "absolute justice." The higher-ups of the World Government leaned toward Sakazuki.
With no other path forward, the two Admirals resolved to decide the matter through strength.
Thus, a duel was declared: one month later, on the deserted island of Punk Hazard, Aokiji and Akainu would clash. The victor would claim the title of Fleet Admiral.
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World Military Draft
In the wake of Marineford, the Navy's power had been crippled. With at least one Admiral seat set to become vacant after the duel, the Government's World Military Draft became even more crucial.
It was announced that any fighter, anywhere in the world, could be conscripted—and those who demonstrated overwhelming power might immediately be granted high rank. Some even whispered that a candidate strong enough could be promoted directly to Admiral.
The news ignited the seas. Warriors, bounty hunters, and ambitious men from every corner of the world set their sights on this stage, eager for power, prestige, or the chance to stand alongside the Navy's strongest.
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Shifting Titles and Bounties
While the Government tried to paint the Marines as victims, the pirates had not escaped notice.
The most talked about was none other than Portgas D. Ace.
His title shifted from "Fire Fist" to "Fire Emperor," and his bounty skyrocketed by 1 billion berries—from 1.45 billion to an astonishing 2.45 billion, placing him just below the Four Emperors themselves.
Some even whispered of him as a potential "Fifth Emperor." But after Whitebeard himself declared Ace his heir, the title quickly lost meaning. If Ace inherited the Whitebeard Pirates, he would naturally stand among the Yonko.
Though skeptics argued Ace's power was unworthy of such recognition, those who had witnessed Marineford knew better. Ace had faced the three Admirals in succession and not only held his ground but even pressed the advantage.
He was in his early twenties—already stronger than most legends of the sea. With the blood of the Pirate King in his veins, few doubted that Ace would only grow stronger. Some even believed he would one day surpass his father, Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King.
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The second figure to capture global attention was Enel.
The man who had descended from the sky and single-handedly ended the war revealed his power before the world for the first time.
Though he had never carried a bounty before, the World Government placed his first at 500 million berries.
To Enel himself, the amount was laughably small—but for a newcomer whose true limits remained unknown, it was a historic figure.
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The Spade Pirates, while less prominent than Ace or Enel, also saw symbolic increases in their bounties, having stood on the grand stage of Marineford.
The Whitebeard Pirates, already infamous across the seas, saw little change. Their reputations and bounties had long since peaked. Only one stood out:
"Great Whirlpool Spider" Squard.
For reasons unclear, his bounty rose by 200 million berries. Squard himself reveled in the increase, proudly boasting of his newfound infamy.
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Thus, the world entered a new era.
The Navy sought to rebuild, the pirates carried their scars and victories, and whispers of power shifts spread across every sea.
The war was over—but its consequences were only just beginning.
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