"Ahem… can everyone see me?" Might Guy asked, leaning toward the camera.
At that moment, his image filled the massive screen floating above the Ninja World.
"I know some of you are confused," Guy continued confidently. "When it comes to raw strength, most of you probably believe Madara Uchiha or Hashirama Senju should represent our world."
"That's only natural," Sasuke muttered.
Since childhood, he had grown up hearing legends of Madara. In that era, even toddlers would tremble at the sound of his name. In the entire Ninja World, only Hashirama—Konoha's founder—had ever stood on equal footing with him.
If Sasuke had to choose, Madara would have been his first pick.
Elsewhere, within the Akatsuki, Itachi watched silently. From what he could tell, this bowl-cut man possessed strength—but at best, he seemed no more than a high-level jonin.
To volunteer himself over Madara?It didn't make sense.
"This guy's desperate for attention," Kisame scoffed, resting Samehada on his shoulder. "He's lost his mind."
He nearly burst out laughing at the thick eyebrows, round eyes, and ridiculous haircut. Stronger than Madara or Hashirama? And bold enough to broadcast it to the world?
Naruto and Sakura, standing in the street below the screen, were equally confused.
"Isn't that Bushy Brows-sensei?" Naruto scratched his head. "Why would he volunteer himself?"
Something felt off. Naruto immediately turned toward the Hokage's office.
"Wait for me!" Sakura said, hurrying after him.
From behind, Rock Lee sprinted past them at full speed.
"Might Guy-sensei can definitely do this!"
Naruto and Sakura blinked.
"…He's really fired up."
Rock Lee burst into the Hokage's office first and ran straight to Guy's side.
"Sensei! Are you really going to represent our world?" he asked, eyes shining.
"Of course!" Guy replied, flashing a thumbs-up. "I'll show the multiverse the true power of the Ninja World!"
Deep within the underworld, Madara stared in disbelief.
Who is this bowl-cut lunatic?!
On screen, Guy continued enthusiastically explaining the Eight Gates, praising its power with absolute confidence—and boldly declaring that opening all eight would allow him to defeat Madara instantly.
Madara stared in silence.
"…I finally get excited for once," he muttered darkly, then burst into laughter. "And this is what I get?!"
Across the Ninja World, expressions shifted—from disbelief… to uncertainty… to shock.
In the Land of Lightning, the Raikage spoke with his brother.
"What do you think of this Might Guy?" Ai asked.
Killer Bee tilted his head."Yo, yo—bowl cut, thick brows, kinda looks—"
"Enough!" Ai snapped. "I'm being serious."
Bee shrugged. "If he wants to fight, let him."
Ai fell silent, recalling the terrifying rumors surrounding the Eight Gates. If Guy could truly bring honor to the Ninja World, then choosing him wasn't unreasonable.
Soon, villages across the land began voicing their support.
If Konoha believed in him… perhaps there really was more to this man than appearances.
Rogue ninjas and Akatsuki members ignored Guy entirely, choosing either themselves or Madara.
But when all choices were weighed—
The Ninja World had decided.
Might Guy's portrait appeared on the screen.
Opposite him: an empty black space.
Awaiting the Pirate World's champion.
Pirate World
Fleet Admiral Sengoku sat in deep thought.
This decision carried the honor of an entire world. Victory would elevate them among all universes. Defeat would make them a laughingstock forever.
Akainu broke the silence.
"This battle must be fought by the Marines," he said firmly. "And we must win. I should go."
Kizaru leaned back. "Terrifying. I'll leave it to you."
But Vice Admiral Tsuru shook her head.
"Sakazuki, have you considered this?" she asked calmly. "This isn't an official appointment. People choose with their hearts. Pirates won't willingly support you."
Akainu clenched his cigar. "Then we convince them."
Sengoku hesitated… then turned to Garp.
"Garp," he said quietly. "I want you to fight."
Akainu's eyes widened. "Fleet Admiral—?!"
"Calm yourself," Sengoku said. "This isn't about Marines. It's about our world."
Garp said nothing.
With Ace awaiting execution, his spirit was gone.
"…Let Sakazuki go," Garp muttered at last.
Sengoku felt suddenly older.
On the Moby Dick, Whitebeard's sons gathered around him.
"Old Man, you're the strongest of the Four Emperors."
"Yeah! If anyone should fight, it's you!"
More than glory, they wanted their captain restored to full strength.
Whitebeard laughed thunderously and drained his sake.
"Gurarararara! Then let these old bones stretch a little!"
The deck erupted in cheers.
Even the other Emperors took notice—but popularity mattered.
And no one commanded the seas like him.
Time expired.
Akainu slammed his fist into the table.
"WHITEBEARD!!!"
On the screen, the Pirate World's champion was revealed.
The Strongest Man in the World.Edward Newgate.
The stage was set.