The Four Emperors had dominated the New World for years, carving up their territories and repeatedly cutting off the Marines' and World Government's reach.
So it was only natural that the World Government's patience would eventually run out. As the world's greatest power, how could they allow an entire region to exist outside their control?
"Still, with the Marines' current strength, taking on Big Mom alone wouldn't be a problem. The real fear is Kaido stepping in to repay his debt to her. If that sparks a chain reaction and the other two Emperors decide to stand united, then the Marines will have little chance of victory."
"After all, the combined might of the Four Emperors is terrifying—enough to shake the very foundations of the world."
Creed's eyes gleamed. "But this might also be my chance. If I can extract one or two SSSS-level abilities from the Emperors, my power will advance to a whole new level."
On the way, he kept mulling it over, secretly hoping for this unprecedented war to erupt. Only under the crushing pressure of Emperor-level opponents would he have a shot at breaking his limits and raising his attributes to SSSS-level.
As Creed made his way toward the Holy Land, Mary Geoise, the New World itself was already shifting into chaos because of his actions.
—
In another part of the New World, a massive warship shaped like a whale cut through the waves, surrounded by several large escort vessels.
Every pirate and Marine knew who this ship belonged to—Edward Newgate, the great Whitebeard, one of the three legendary pirates and the man hailed as the strongest in the world.
Since Roger's execution and Shiki's defeat at Marineford, Whitebeard had stood at the peak of the seas, unrivaled in power. His fourteen divisions overflowed with powerful commanders, and under him sailed over forty subordinate crews, all formidable forces in their own right.
Recently, however, he had even drawn challenges from another Emperor—the Beast Kaido.
At this moment, Whitebeard sat on the deck, drinking from a massive bowl with Marco and the others at his side.
They had just returned victorious from a campaign and couldn't resist celebrating right there on the way back.
"Gurururu…"
A newspaper seagull delivered its goods, dropping a paper after receiving payment.
Marco casually flipped it open, only for his eyes to widen. He immediately handed it to Whitebeard.
"Pops, that Creed you've been keeping an eye on—he's made trouble again. This time, he actually defeated Katakuri!"
"Oh? This young man is interesting."
Whitebeard had paid Creed some attention ever since he stripped Crocodile of his Warlord title—given Whitebeard's history with Crocodile, it hadn't gone unnoticed. Later, the news of Creed defeating Doflamingo had only solidified the name in his memory.
A Marine, taking down two Warlords back to back, and now shaking up the balance of the New World… reckless didn't even begin to cover it.
"Not that surprising, though. That Garp family—when has any of them been normal?" Whitebeard chuckled.
The "Hero of the Marines," Garp, had a son who became the leader of the Revolutionary Army, and now this grandson was just as much a troublemaker. It seemed to run in the blood.
"Pops, there's more. Kaido's Drought Jack led men to attack the G-K Branch. Should we…" Marco trailed off, testing the waters.
It wasn't unusual. The Marines had set up a branch in the New World without permission, and the Emperors were bound to react. Wiping out the branch would hardly be unexpected.
"Kaido sure is giving Big Mom some face, sending one of his Calamities. This has nothing to do with us—just watch and let it play out." Whitebeard laughed, raising his bowl for another long gulp.
"Pops, the doctor told you to cut down on drinking, or your condition will worsen," Marco warned, frowning.
"Bah, it's fine. Today's a day to celebrate. Tomorrow, I'll drink less. Gurararara! Come, everyone—drink with me!"
"Cheers, Pops!"
The crew roared together, raising their bowls high, the deck exploding with laughter and revelry.
—
"So this is Mary Geoise? Truly magnificent…"
From a distance, Creed was struck by its grandeur and beauty. Atop the Red Line, wrapped in clouds, it gleamed like a jewel on a royal crown.
But the thought of the Celestial Dragons living inside soured his admiration instantly. Though a Marine, he despised those who hid in glass bubbles to avoid breathing the same air as commoners.
Soon, he entered the Holy Land. The streets were wide and lined with flowers, fountains sparkled at every square, elegant restaurants abounded, and the people all wore luxurious attire.
If it weren't the domain of the Celestial Dragons, Creed might have found it breathtaking. But then he saw the truth—slaves.
Men and women from every race, barely clothed, collars locked tight around their necks, even gags in their mouths. Forced onto all fours, treated like pets.
Some actual dogs rode on their backs as if the slaves were mounts, while the dogs were the true masters.
Worse still, when a dog fouled the ground, a Celestial Dragon commanded a slave to eat it.
Creed's fists clenched, fury burning in his eyes, though he forced himself to endure. His current strength couldn't yet overturn this world.
At last, he arrived at a towering building, ten stories high—the World Government's headquarters. Instead of entering through the main gate, they were led to a side door, searched thoroughly, and only then permitted inside.
After weaving through corridors, they reached a large chamber on the fifth floor.
Inside, Creed saw many familiar faces—Admiral Akainu, Vice Admirals Doberman, Dalmatian, and Onigumo, over a dozen high-ranking officers in total. Their power levels were no less than SS+, some even brushing SSS.
Creed frowned. "So important a strategy meeting… and only one Admiral present? Are the others already deployed in the New World to prepare for war?"
Then he felt it—a sharp, piercing sensation stabbing into his back. Malice.
His lips curved into a faint smile. "Heh… Sakazuki's killing intent toward me is strong."
But now? Creed no longer feared him.
(End of Chapter)
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