Ashveil's smile carried no warmth, his tone as cold as steel. Above him, a colossal axe of Conqueror's Haki condensed in the air, streaked with golden light — the mark of his Glint-Glint power.
Marineford, already reduced to ruin, trembled once again. If this attack landed, the entire island — along with every Marine on it — would be erased from the map of the New World.
At the Room of Authority in Mary Geoise, the Five Elders listened in silence. Veins pulsed on their foreheads as they clenched their fists in fury.
Saint Saturn, known for his explosive temper, was about to lash out when Saint Ethanbaron Nusjuro and Saint Marcus Marsraised their hands to stop him.
Saint Ethanbaron Nusjuro spoke first, his tone calm but strained.
"Tell us, besides two hundred billion Berries, what other demands do you have?"
Down in Marineford, Sengoku froze in disbelief. The all-powerful Gorosei — the highest authority of the World Government — were actually yielding to Ashveil's threat?
It was unthinkable. But looking at the desolation around him, Sengoku realized the truth — Ashveil's might had become an existence the World Government could not risk provoking. If the Elders had lost control and provoked him further, the Marine Headquarters would have been annihilated completely, especially with the Whitebeard Pirates still waiting just beyond the walls of destruction.
Ignoring the disbelief and fear surrounding him, Thorne Ashveil spoke again, his voice even and measured as he repeated his demands — territorial control and war reparations.
For a long time, the Den Den Mushi carried only the sound of heavy breathing. Then, at last, a frail yet commanding voice echoed through the receiver.
"…Agree to him, Sengoku."
The connection cut abruptly, replaced by a long, hollow buzz.
Silence engulfed Marineford once more. Every Marine stood motionless, their faces pale. The unthinkable had happened — the Marine Headquarters had fallen in a single day.
Not only had they agreed to pay a massive sum in reparations, but eight entire countries were now to be handed over to Ashveil's control. The Gorosei, protectors of the Celestial Dragons' dominion — had agreed to this humiliation.
Has Ashveil truly grown this powerful…?
The thought rippled through the survivors. The very foundations of the world seemed to tremble.
Standing amidst the broken island, Ashveil's lips curved upward. "Good," he murmured softly.
Under the gaze of the defeated Marines, Ashveil's Conqueror's Haki surged once more, propelling him into the sky. The pressure of his presence alone made even the strongest Marines flinch.
"Then farewell," he said casually, his voice carrying across the battlefield. "I hope the Marines think carefully before targeting the Whitebeard Pirates again."
He paused, the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Otherwise… next time, I might not stop at Marineford. Who knows — I might erase the Holy Land of Mary Geoise itself."
The words were spoken softly, almost lazily, but they froze the blood of every Marine who heard them.
This man…. he's worse than Rocks.
In the skies above the ruined city, a single figure drifted away, surrounded by shimmering light.
Far from the chaos, on the sea outside Marineford, Marco spotted the golden shimmer in the sky and shouted in relief.
"Ashveil! He's back! Hahaha!"
Whitebeard let out a booming laugh, his deep voice rolling across the deck. The tension in his shoulders eased for the first time since the war began.
"Gurararara! Ashveil, you've truly surpassed my expectations. I never thought you'd grow this strong so quickly — stronger than when you went after Teach!"
Diamond Jozu grinned wide. "Last time I saw you, your Conqueror's Haki only suppressed Atmos and Marco. Now it's strong enough to crush even a powerhouse like Kong! You're a monster, Ashveil!"
From a nearby ship, Dracule Mihawk watched silently, eyes gleaming with renewed excitement.
"Your swordsmanship… no, your presence itself has evolved," he murmured. "I cannot grow further without crossing blades with you."
He approached, his cloak fluttering in the sea breeze. "Ashveil, would you spare me a duel?"
Ashveil chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "Another time, Mihawk. I've had enough exercise for one day — running a lap around Marineford with Conqueror's Haki isn't exactly restful."
He yawned slightly, turning toward the Whitebeard fleet. "Right now, I just want to return, eat, drink, and sleep. Swordsmanship can wait."
Mihawk paused, then gave a faint nod. "You're right. I was too abrupt. But one day, I'll come find you."
He sheathed his blade and stepped onto his small black ship. Whitebeard's men called after him, offering food and drink, but as always, Mihawk refused. A lone swordsman walks his own path.
Whitebeard laughed heartily, shaking his massive shoulders.
"That Mihawk fellow never changes! Gurararara! Don't mind him, sons! Tonight, when we return, we drink until dawn! Not a soul will stay sober!"
The Whitebeard Pirates erupted in joyous cheers, their voices rolling like thunder over the waves.
"We're going home — victorious!"
Their laughter echoed across the sea, vibrant and alive. The Marines, broken and silent, could only watch from the shattered remnants of Marineford as the pirate fleet sailed into the sunset.
---
Two hours later, across the Grand Line, a pirate flag bearing a skull fluttered in the wind.
A round man wearing small sunglasses gnawed on a chicken leg as he approached the ship's red-haired captain standing at the bow.
"Hahaha! Shanks, Kaido's not around, and the Beasts Pirates were pushovers. Next time, leave one of his All-Stars for me — fighting those Flying Six members was too boring!" said Lucky Roux, his mouth full.
Benn Beckman exhaled a plume of smoke, expression serious. "Don't get careless, Roux. Next, we're dealing with the Marines and the Whitebeard Pirates. If negotiations fail, we're heading into another war."
Red-Haired Shanks rested his hand on his sword, Gryphon, staring out at the horizon. The ocean breeze caught his crimson hair as he smiled faintly.
"I hope the Marines shows some respect ."
A sudden surge of Conqueror's Haki burst from him, spreading like an invisible storm across the deck.
"Captain! Your Haki… it's even stronger than before!" one of his crewmates exclaimed in awe.
Shanks' eyes darkened slightly as he looked toward
the direction of Marineford.
"Let's hope strength alone doesn't decide what happens next."
_____
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