Brrr…
Sengoku and the others were about to leave, but Kong treated them as trusted allies and answered the Den Den Mushi without concern.
"Codename 009 reporting to Commander-in-Chief! Big Mom appeared at G-K Branch on Kaixi Island, attempting to erase it, but was lured away by Creed. Admiral Aokiji has safely evacuated all personnel… The scene was recorded via surveillance Den Den Mushi and transmitted to you."
"What! That brat's insane—he dared face Big Mom head-on! That's a Yonko!"
Garp slammed the table with such force that it cracked. Sengoku and Zephyr calmed him, knowing it was worry for Creed.
Kong pulled out the surveillance snail and played the recording at slightly faster speed.
It had been filmed from afar on Island 643. Though blurry, the battle's ferocity was breathtaking.
"Big Mom went too far! She even used the Giants' ultimate Hakoku!" Zephyr cursed when the attack nearly split the Island.
"Your student Aokiji did well. Looks like his Ice-Ice Fruit has awakened—he froze even Hakoku," Sengoku noted.
"You should say Creed did better," Zephyr retorted.
It was obvious—Creed was the true star. Sixteen or seventeen years old, standing against an Emperor, with Cracker and an entire fleet involved. One man against thousands!
And Cracker, worth 860 million, couldn't even withstand a single sword strike. Creed hadn't even reached his peak yet—already Admiral level, with limitless growth ahead.
All three turned to Kong.
Moments ago, he had declared the Marines and World Government would never regret.
"As Fleet Admiral, I'll say it—we Marines already regret it. We never should've recalled him, letting the Government intercept him mid-route," Sengoku murmured. He never imagined Creed would grow to rival a Yonko in less than a year.
"Sengoku, mind what you say. Speak such things only here, never outside," Kong snapped.
Then, another call. Kong answered lazily—
"Commander-in-Chief! Creed fought Big Mom nearly three hours. He captured her Homie Zeus, destroyed Jack's entire fleet, then escaped easily. Big Mom, unable to catch him, rampaged and destroyed over ten islands…"
Silence.
Uneasy silence.
Sengoku, Zephyr, and Garp all looked at Kong. Even he froze, lips twitching.
The meaning was clear: Creed = Yonko.
And at his age, he would one day surpass them.
Kong still forced a cold tone. "Enough. The Five Elders and Celestial Dragons themselves made this decision. There's no turning back."
"Hmph!"
Garp stormed out, Zephyr's face dark. Sengoku sighed, shook his head, and followed.
Only after they left did Kong exhale. Even as Commander-in-Chief, he had no say. The Marines were dogs of the World Government, which in turn bowed to the Celestial Dragons.
New World.
Coconut Island, a peaceful springlike haven under Shanks's protection. Today, it hosted a wedding, lively with celebration—made even grander by the arrival of two legendary guests.
After the banquet, the two slipped to a seaside tavern to drink more.
Had pirates seen them, their eyes would've popped. One was Shanks the Yonko. The other—Dracule Mihawk, the World's Greatest Swordsman.
"Still the same, Shanks. Always chasing noise and free drinks," Mihawk sighed.
"Haha, forget that. Did you hear? Creed's bounty hit 2 billion. You'll meet him soon. Maybe time to pass your title of greatest swordsman," Shanks teased.
"Stormed Mariejois, killed a Chief Justice, turned Celestial Dragon elders into beasts, battled Big Mom, destroyed Jack's fleet, and escaped unscathed…" Mihawk actually smiled faintly. "Feels like I'm under pressure."
"This kid's more monstrous than Roger ever was. Sixteen, seventeen at most. Give him two years, and… tch tch. Maybe I should've passed Roger's hat to him. Too bad he's a Marine traitor now."
Shanks sipped deeply.
"That's your relief, isn't it? If he stayed Marine, he might've dragged all you Emperors to Impel Down."
Mihawk drank too. "You became an Emperor in your twenties—a legend. Yet Creed is already equal to a Yonko. If my title goes to him, so be it. I feel you Emperors will end in his hands."
"Then should we strike first? He's worth 2 billion," Shanks asked seriously.
"If he survives the Government's full pursuit for three months, I'll seek him. Perhaps he'll give me the breakthrough in swordsmanship I've long sought."
"Sorry I can't help anymore. Just one hand left," Shanks said with regret. "If not Creed, maybe Big Mom could."
"Bah! I'd never spar with that monster!" Mihawk scoffed.
"I feel… a new era is coming. Perhaps the one Roger spoke of." Shanks narrowed his eyes, watching a storm gather on the horizon.
(End of Chapter)
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