Chapter 183: A Toast to the Sea and the New Era
Initially, people thought The Zodiac was just a splash of waves.
Like the powerhouses appearing in the tides of every past era—they were part of the era, perhaps changing some things where their waves reached, but nothing more.
As The Zodiac's fame grew, their actions influenced the sea more and more.
People began to think The Zodiac might be the threat of the next era on this sea.
After the era of the Four Emperors ended, they might become new existences similar to the Four Emperors in the future.
But now, The Zodiac proved with actions that they didn't need to wait for the "Future".
Or rather...
The future belonging to them had already arrived silently.
Yes—news of what the world already called the "Battle of Totto Land" spread to every corner of the world in a short time.
[Emperor Falls, A Pillar of the New World Breaks]
[Big Mom Not Dead Yet? Sources Say Star Lord Has Ability to Control Souls]
[Situation Out of Control? New World Pirates Raid Totto Land]
[Pirate Guru Ochoku Suspected Dead on Whole Cake Island Too]
[New Bounties Released! Hitsujii, Inu—Two More Zodiac Members Added?]
[Ryuji's Bounty Updated, Warlord 'Gecko Moria' Died at His Hands Recently]
[Government Experts Analyze Subsequent Impact of Totto Land Battle for You]
Big and small newspapers worldwide, even obscure tabloids usually reporting gossip, began printing extra editions uniformly.
The most absurd thing was that each publication focused on different points.
To be blunt.
Whether "Hitsujii" (Sheep), owner of Neverland, or the newly appeared "Inu" (Dog), or the fall of a Warlord and the recently discovered Pirate Guru Ochoku—each news alone was enough for a headline.
But now, these sea-shaking news items were recorded casually in the same issue as if free.
And people's desire to buy these newspapers was unprecedentedly strong.
Because the concept this time was different from before.
Robbing Heavenly Tribute, destroying Sabaody, piercing the Red Line—although major events shaking the world, they essentially looked like a rising powerful force displaying strength.
But this time, the concept was completely different.
As mentioned before, the Four Emperors were the symbol of this era.
They occupied the New World, were Emperors of the Sea, behemoths even the World Government and Marine Headquarters were helpless against in people's eyes.
They were a pole of the world, a pillar of the era.
But now, witnessed by everyone.
Phantasm Legion, six Zodiac members, and the mysterious Star Lord—"The Zodiac" used direct war means to shatter an Emperor's rule.
They weren't displaying strength, but truly "Overturning the Old Era's Structure".
Like the special issue released by the most influential World Economic News Paper among all newspapers.
[The New Era of the Sea Has Arrived—Its Name is 'The Zodiac'?]
One could only say "Big News" Morgans indeed had methods for big news.
Unlike almost all other publications, the World Economic News Paper didn't have lengthy descriptions and reports.
Instead, they obtained relevant recordings of the battle broadcast from Totto Land through some means—said to cost Morgans a fortune.
The final content presented in the newspaper was shocking enough.
In the first picture, the broadcast Den Den Mushi faithfully recorded the entire Totto Land scene.
The dream island hanging above Whole Cake Island, and dream creatures fighting in the sky and on the ground throughout Totto Land.
Phantasm Legions on various islands had their photos.
Every creature was magnified, every part labeled in detail. Morgans even hired legendary creature researchers from various countries to analyze what these phantoms were and their powers.
Besides the Phantasm Legion creatures, the second picture showed a series of battle scenes on Whole Cake Island.
The terrifying destruction caused by the battle between Big Mom and The Zodiac on Whole Cake Island was hideous and dazzling.
Broken clouds, roaring thunder, shattered earth, scattered fire—every scene captured and cut perfectly.
Especially the last scene, amidst the falling golden rain curtain, Big Mom sacrificing almost all lifespan confronting three Zodiac members together, made people worldwide doubt... were the creatures in battle still human?
Of course.
Finally, what truly silenced the world was the third picture.
Compared to the first two, the third picture was simple.
It wasn't a collage of multiple scenes, but just one scene.
That was—as the sun rose on the horizon, surrounded by countless dazzling "Soul Stars".
Star Lord stood with hands behind his back amidst starlight.
In the scene, the shattered black soul of "Mother Carmel" fell like rain.
And the six Zodiac members who directly led the Battle of Totto Land, shaking the era, bowed respectfully to him around.
Like his name.
He was the "Lord of Stars".
No one could state clearly how much shock this picture brought to the world.
But according to incomplete statistics—sales of this special issue broke historical records and were still growing at an exaggerated speed.
Besides that, sales of cups and bowls were extremely hot recently because people everywhere accidentally broke them upon seeing this newspaper and picture.
After the release of this newspaper destined for history books.
The changes in the entire sea could be imagined.
Most obvious were World Government allied nations—especially members who expressed clear malice toward The Zodiac fearing Nezumi's assassination before.
It was said many kings issued clarifying edicts on the day of release, stating their previous remarks about The Zodiac were purely misunderstandings.
Many kings who sent troops to chase Nezumi or wanted to occupy Neverland rushed to Mary Geoise overnight.
Also, non-allied nations and illegal forces searching for The Zodiac to make a profit ceased immediately. Many underworld nations became gentle as pacifists.
Because they knew well.
If The Zodiac had the strength to crush Totto Land in a frontal war and kill "Big Mom" in her capital.
Dealing with them, sending just one executive plus part of the Phantasm Legion would be overkill.
Those in power feared power beyond their cognition most.
So they naturally became very obedient.
Besides them—pirates, Marines, civilians, Revolutionary Army, World Government... forces big and small on the sea naturally took their own actions.
Of course.
Among all forces, what the sea focused on most was naturally existences similar to Big Mom.
Namely... Other Four Emperors.
New World.
"Gurarararara... gulp gulp... haa..."
On the Moby Dick, Whitebeard drank the fine wine in his cup in one go.
THUD!
The huge cup was put down, its heavy weight shaking the nearby deck.
"Linlin... was killed."
"Confirmed killed according to intel, and heard her soul was taken too."
Beside Whitebeard, Thatch, pouring more wine under Marco's "that's enough" gaze, said emotionally.
"Star Lord's ability... truly weird."
Not just showing terrifying destructive power piercing the Red Line before, but now displaying soul control—what exactly was his fruit ability? Seemed more abnormal than Pops'?
Muttering internally, Thatch looked solemn. "And The Zodiac... is indeed strong."
"Only six appeared, each a terrifyingly strong ability user."
Speaking of this, other Whitebeard Pirates members looked solemn too.
Yes.
As the Whitebeard Pirates dominating the sea for years, they were confident in their strength.
They believed under Pops' leadership, they were the strongest among "Four Emperors" crews.
But even so, they acknowledged the Big Mom Pirates' strength.
Killing Big Mom directly in her lair Totto Land—even if The Zodiac planned it, this was absolutely shocking enough to them.
So naturally, they became wary of The Zodiac.
But now, compared to his sons.
Whitebeard seemed unconcerned.
"How is Linlin's territory now?"
He asked casually.
"Situation is stable."
Jozu said deeply. "Some reckless pirates tried to attack Totto Land recently but were annihilated by Charlotte Katakuri leading the Homie army, deterring many."
"And since The Zodiac left not long ago, seemingly saying something to Katakuri before leaving, capable guys are still watching."
"But according to intel, Katakuri started organizing Charlotte members to evacuate civilians to core islands, and Homies started building defenses..."
"By the way, they seem to be transferring massive treasures recently, even willing to sell Totto Land video info to Morgans... so we guess The Zodiac made Berries-related demands."
Despite his rough appearance, Jozu organized intel quite logically.
"Linlin's second son?"
Whitebeard grinned. "That kid is indeed good."
Saying so.
He clearly had no interest in intervening, attacking Totto Land.
Seeing this, Whitebeard Pirates members weren't surprised.
They knew their Pops' personality.
He would occupy territories and plunder like a pirate, enjoying notoriety on the sea.
But—attacking her children while Big Mom died, killing the man trying to protect his citizens and siblings... that wasn't something Whitebeard would do.
"What about Kaido and Red-Haired brats?"
Whitebeard continued asking.
"Red-Haired as usual, no movement, just seemed to leave his territory once recently."
Speaking of this, "Flower Sword" Vista replied casually—as a swordsman, he gathered intel on Red-Haired most diligently.
He knew Shanks shared similar views on territory occupation with Whitebeard, not interested in Totto Land.
The only surprise was...
"Kaido has no movement either."
"Hm?"
Even Whitebeard seemed surprised.
Unlike Whitebeard and Shanks, "Kaido of the Beasts" was a man putting ambition almost on the surface.
Yet facing Totto Land without an Emperor now, he had no movement, which was strange.
"Maybe because of his past friendship with Big Mom?"
Vista could only guess, looking at his Pops.
"Friendship?"
Hearing this, Whitebeard laughed again. "Gurarararara!"
He raised the cup again, drinking it all, seemingly recalling past years. "That kid indeed had good friendship with Linlin... knowing she lost, he probably wailed loudly."
But speaking here, Whitebeard's tone became stern. "But..."
"Bound by friendship? He's not that kind of pirate!"
Whitebeard clearly knew Kaido very well.
Other Whitebeard Pirates members weren't surprised hearing this.
They fought Kaido more than once, so they knew.
"Kaido of the Beasts" was indeed a bold man, even wailing for a rival's death when drunk.
But regarding his ambition.
He was the purest pirate—not bound by character or morality.
Respecting rare strong opponents, then killing them by any means.
That was Kaido's style.
So compared to "Red-Haired" and Big Mom.
In Whitebeard Pirates' view, Kaido was actually the closest rival in recent years.
"I heard he seems close to Joker recently, discussing something important, said to even go..."
At this moment, Marco, who had been silent with a dark face, spoke reluctantly.
"I think he didn't move on Totto Land, maybe related to this—he can't spare time recently."
"Ha... Joker, the Donquixote brat?"
Whitebeard said, then looked at the empty huge cup. "Hey, Marco, pour wine... agreed on three cups today, right?"
"...You are cheating!"
Hearing this, Marco with a gloomy face finally couldn't bear it.
Agreed on three cups today, but who knew the old man would use this trick.
"I clearly put away those cups bought in Elbaf, who knew you hid one—two cups are already the limit, how can I pour the third?"
Yes.
He recognized at a glance the huge cup Whitebeard drank from was a Giant race cup produced in Elbaf.
And judging by appearance and texture, it was quite old.
So Marco was naturally annoyed, feeling his Pops was cheating completely.
"Hahahaha!"
"Marco, totally outplayed!"
"Zehahahaha, as expected of Pops."
"Hey, Teach, your injury from last battle isn't healed, don't laugh so loud!"
Other Whitebeard Pirates members laughed together.
"Ha?"
Hearing this, Whitebeard looked sharply at the "Unfilial Son". "Hey Marco, I said it... once a man makes a promise, he must follow through!"
"Silly son, pour wine for your father!"
Hearing this, Marco gritted his teeth in anger.
"You stubborn old man!"
He shouted angrily, clenching his fist, wishing to punch his old man.
But finally, he was helpless, pouring wine for his Pops.
"Gurarararara—I am Whitebeard!"
Whitebeard didn't care about his son's complaint.
When the cup was full, he raised it again.
But unexpectedly to Marco and all Whitebeard Pirates members.
Whitebeard didn't drink the wine in one go.
He stood up, holding the huge cup, walking to the bow.
"Hey, you guy."
Raising the cup high, looking at the distant sea.
He said.
His gaze seemed to penetrate the sparkling sea, returning to thirty-two years ago.
Under that huge World Tree, he raised a toast to a man who came back from the dead.
Yes.
Marco's guess wasn't entirely correct.
The cup in Whitebeard's hand wasn't hidden by him.
On the contrary, this cup was always in the captain's room on Moby Dick, in his most precious "Treasure Chest".
Because as Whitebeard just said—to him, promise and friendship were most precious.
And this cup carried a "Promise".
Taking it out today wasn't just for drinking.
More importantly, he confirmed that matter now.
"The New Era you chose... has begun!"
"Gurarararara!"
He laughed, pouring the wine from the cup.
Fine wine reflecting sunlight sprinkled into the sea.
Splash!
The sea rippled, drinking the wine fully.
Then, Whitebeard turned around.
Looking at the puzzled children behind him, he didn't explain.
"Brats—Today... Let's have a banquet!"
☆☆☆
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