"Oh? Tell me about it," Whitebeard said, narrowing his eyes. Zephyr had trained many students within the Marines, and as a former Admiral, he knew countless secrets. If anyone could uncover major movements within the world, it was him.
"That is—the Four Emperors, Kaido and Big Mom—along with the newly appointed Warlords of the Sea, have all allied with the Marines!" Zephyr's tone was heavy.
"And not just the Marines," he added grimly. "This time, all the Science Division units and every operative from CP0 will be dispatched. Their only goal… is to kill you, Thorne Ashveil!"
The atmosphere on the Moby Dick froze. Kaido and Big Mom—their crews joining forces with the Marines? That was something the seas hadn't witnessed in decades.
The sheer scale of this coalition was unprecedented. Kaido, Big Mom, Fleet Admiral Kong, Garp, Sengoku, CP0, the Science Division, the Admirals, the new Warlords, King, Katakuri—so many terrifying names, each one enough to shake the world.
Doflamingo's veins bulged with tension, and Hancock's expression darkened. The thought that such a monstrous alliance was coming for them sent chills through the air.
Even Whitebeard's face grew somber. The enemies gathering this time were far greater and far more numerous than during the Marineford War.
"It's not surprising," Ashveil said calmly, his voice steady like the deep sea. "Last time, their so-called surrender was only temporary."
If he had faced these forces before, it might have been a challenge. Even with his Phoenix defensive barrier, a combined assault from such powers might have overwhelmed him.
But now… things were different.
Since awakening the Golden Conqueror's Haki, his strength had transcended into a realm few could comprehend.
These legendary names—these so-called titans of the sea—were, to him, nothing more than a rabble.
Zephyr blinked in disbelief. Ashveil's composure was beyond human. Any ordinary man, hearing such news, would've crumbled in terror.
Golden Lion Shiki suddenly burst out laughing. "Hahaha! That's the spirit of a true king, Ashveil! Join forces with me, and every beast on my Sky Island will obey your command!"
"Don't interrupt, Golden Lion. I'm not done," Zephyr interjected, his tone growing heavier. "Aside from these forces, even more terrifying powers are joining in."
"Even stronger?" Doflamingo asked skeptically. "On this vast sea, aside from Red-Haired Shanks, who else is left?"
"Yes," Hancock added, puzzled. "The strongest powers in this world are the Marines and the Emperors. What could possibly surpass them?"
Zephyr drew in a deep breath. "The Gorosei."
The name struck the deck like thunder.
Whitebeard and Golden Lion's faces hardened. They had both once felt the oppressive presence of two among the Five Elders. That memory alone was enough to freeze the soul.
They hadn't exchanged blows back then, but the sheer aura radiating from those two old men had been enough to rival Garp's.
"The Five Elders?" Hancock murmured, shocked. "I thought they were just political relics sitting in Mary Geoise."
Marco frowned. "Yeah, I've only heard of them, never seen them fight."
"You underestimate them," Whitebeard said sternly. "They've ruled the World Government for centuries. Do you think that's possible without overwhelming power?"
"Pops, have you ever seen them make a move?" Marco asked.
Whitebeard fell silent for a moment before answering, "No. But they were the ones who oversaw Rocks' capture back then."
"That aura…" Golden Lion muttered, eyes darkening. "Even Rocks couldn't ignore it. True monsters recognize monsters."
Even Mihawk's eyes gleamed faintly with intrigue. "The Gorosei, huh… perhaps I could test my blade against them."
Ashveil, however, remained utterly unfazed.
"I thought it was something serious," he said with a faint smile. "If those five old men come, I'll deal with them all at once."
To him, it didn't matter who they were. Before his Golden Conqueror's Haki, everyone was the same—insignificant.
If all these forces were coming together, it only saved him the trouble of hunting them down one by one later.
His casual words made the others breathe easier.
Indeed, as long as Thorne Ashveil was there, there was no need for fear.
Boa Hancock looked at him with admiration that bordered on reverence.
Doflamingo grinned wickedly. "Kuhahaha… this man really makes the impossible sound trivial."
Whitebeard's booming laugh followed. "Gurararara! With Ashveil here, let the Gorosei come!"
Zephyr and Golden Lion exchanged helpless looks. Everyone aboard seemed to have unshakable faith in the man who stood before them. One sentence from Ashveil had erased their doubts.
So this is what it means to be a true powerhouse… Zephyr thought.
"Still, Zephyr," Ashveil said with a faint smirk, "the gift you brought me isn't that great. Aside from those useless piles of gold, you've given me nothing but grim news."
Golden Lion chuckled under his breath. His pride had been bruised by Ashveil earlier, and seeing Zephyr getting the same treatment somehow made it satisfying.
Zephyr sighed. Negotiating with Thorne Ashveil was clearly more difficult than fighting Kaido. "Then what do you want?" he asked cautiously.
Ashveil raised an eyebrow. "Hmm… gourmet food and fine wine, some high-end Transponder Snails, manga, game consoles—you know, the good things in life."
Both Zephyr and Golden Lion blinked, utterly dumbfounded.
So this was what a supreme being desired? Leisure and entertainment?
"I've heard that North Blue produces top-tier manga, like Sora, Warrior of the Sky," Zephyr said quickly. "I'll have them sent to you."
"As for food and wine, I can fetch the best from around the world," Golden Lion added eagerly. With his Float-Float Fruit, that was no exaggeration.
Ashveil smiled faintly. "Good. See that you bring plenty."
Without hesitation, the two legendary figures departed.
The Whitebeard Pirates watched, dumbfounded, as two world-class legends became errand boys for one man.
Ashveil stretched lazily. "Well, I've eaten plenty. And I jogged for a bit. Guess that counts as exercise. Time for a nap."
Everyone went silent.
Exercise? Walking from the cabin to the deck? Less than a hundred meters?
He slept more than anyone on the ship—yet somehow never gained a single ounce.
Of course, no one dared say such things aloud. Not when even Golden Lion and Zephyr acted like subordinates in his presence.
As Ashveil's back disappeared into his cabin, quiet murmurs spread across the deck.
"True powerhouses really are… unique," Marco said with a wry smile.
"It's crazy," Doflamingo muttered. "The man eats, sleeps, and does nothing, yet his strength keeps growing."
"Guess that's what happens when your talent breaks the limits of the world," Jozu said.
"Yeah…" Vista sighed. "Makes sense, in a terrifying sort of way."
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