Dragon Clan Lonely One Piece

The surrender of Whole Cake Island was like a bombshell dropped into the world of One Piece, and the shockwaves it generated quickly swept across the entire world.

Shiki the Golden Lion's reputation reached an unprecedented peak.

Countless pirate crews that were still observing or trying to establish their own independent groups finally gave up their last shred of hope after hearing the news of the death of "Big Mom" ​​Charlotte Linlin and the surrender of the powerful "King of Bronze and Fire" Norton with his troops.

The seas of the New World became more "lively" than ever before.

Pirate ships of all sizes flocked from all directions to the area that was formerly known as the "First Province of the Empire," as if on a pilgrimage.

They brought their treasures, their followers, and most importantly—their submission.

Standing atop the partially restored Cake Castle, Stark overlooked the harbor, where ships flew in an endless stream, their flags flying high. His eyes gleamed with undisguised smugness.

"Hahahaha!! Do you see that? Horaswald! This is power! Absolute submission brought by absolute power!"

"Whitebeard, Kaido, Linlin! They're all just stepping stones in front of me! This sea was born to be ruled by me!"

He opened his arms as if to embrace the whole new world.

Heraswald stood to one side, still with that elegant and composed demeanor, bowing slightly.

"Without a doubt, Admiral. Your strength and spirit have already captivated the entire New World. The 'Pirate Empire' is no longer just a concept; it is becoming a reality at an astonishing pace."

"Not fast enough!"

Shiki suddenly waved his hand, pointing into the distance.

"What I want isn't this piecemeal alliance! That old tortoise Wang Zhi, and those rats lurking in the shadows, like the 'Council of the Immortals'! They have to make a choice right now! I don't have time to play hide-and-seek with them!"

Herraswalg offered timely advice.

"The Admiral is wise."

"Only by integrating all forces can we sweep away all obstacles with overwhelming force."

Governor Norton is utilizing the resources and technology of the World Kingdoms to accelerate the repair and strengthening of our fleet. I believe that soon the Empire will possess a war machine sufficient to support your ambitions.

A hint of satisfaction flashed in Skye's eyes when Norton was mentioned.

This newly recruited subordinate is not only powerful, but more importantly, he is extremely "pragmatic," and his technical skills are indeed visibly enhancing the empire's strength.

Those warships that have been modified, covered with bronze alloy armor, and equipped with new energy weapons are far more powerful than before.

"Norton is indeed a rare talent. Tell him to just ask for whatever resources he needs! I want to see an invincible fleet in the shortest possible time!"

Shiki rarely offered a compliment.

"Yes, Admiral."

Just as Shiki was riding high and expanding rapidly, the final route was also lit up on the other side of the world.

Nico Olvia, a survivor of the tumultuous Ohara, finally reunites with the pirate crew led by Gol D. Roger after overcoming countless hardships.

When she presented Roger with the secrets of the Poneglyphs that the scholars of Ohara had guarded and deciphered with their lives, this destined-to-be-extraordinary pirate laughed heartily, his laughter filled with magnanimity and a sense of destiny.

"So that's how it is! The Void Century, the Will of D, the Ancient Weapons... Laugh Tale!"

"Brothers! Change course! We've found our final island!"

Roger's eyes shone with an unprecedented light.

The Roger Pirates, this small boat carrying destiny, began their final sprint toward the end of the Grand Line, the legendary final island, Laugh Tale.

The wheels of history, driven silently behind the scenes by Ilya and carried out on Roger's fateful journey on the stage, accelerated dramatically.

Marineford, Elijah's office.

The night was deep, and only one desk lamp was on in the office.

A document lay open in front of Ilya, titled "Application for Defense Plan of G-5 Branch in Response to the Deterioration of the New World Situation and Potential Threats".

His quill pen flowed smoothly as he wrote annotations, agreeing to send more troops and strengthen fortifications. His wording was precise, perfectly befitting a dutiful and responsible naval rising star who was deeply concerned about the current situation.

However, on a spiritual level, another silent meeting was taking place simultaneously.

Through the soul link, Norton's and Herraswalg's thoughts crossed space and appeared directly in his consciousness.

"Master, Shiki's ambition has been fully ignited. He has ordered me to fully upgrade the fleet, with his sights set on Wang Zhi and the Council of the Elders. The integration of resources and technology from the entire kingdom is progressing smoothly, and the first batch of enhanced warships is expected to be operational within fifteen days."

Norton's thoughts were cold and precise, as if he were reporting experimental data.

"Ski is now extremely confident, believing that the situation is set and has begun to plan the 'coronation' ceremony."

"He longed to rule the new world in the name of 'Emperor'."

Herraswalg's thoughts carried a subtle hint of mockery.

Ilya's will, like unchanging ice, responded calmly.

"Satisfy him. Accelerate the integration of the fleet, and push him toward the Council of the Elders and Wang Zhi. Make him feel that his power is invincible, and make his empire appear impregnable."

"Should we guide him to engage in more direct provocations against the world government?"

Herraswalg asked.

"Not for now. Let him focus on 'unifying' the new world. The World Government's hostility will naturally build up. The best time will be when he believes he has everything under control."

"Where has Roger's voyage progressed to?"

Lia's mind remained completely unmoved.

Norton responded.

"Based on scattered intelligence, they have entered the final route and are approaching their destination. The resonance of the 'promised land' is intensifying."

"very good."

A faint glint of light flashed in Ilya's golden eyes in the darkness.

"Keep a close eye on it. When Roger arrives at Laugh Tale, when Shiki is 'coronated,' when the world's attention is drawn to these two 'grand events'... that will be our time to step in."

"clear."

The link was severed.

Ilya put down his pen and picked up another document, a request from Dr. Vegapunk of the Naval Science Unit to assist in testing a new project.

He read it carefully, as if the secret conversation that had just taken place, one that could have determined the fate of the world, had never happened.

He was like a master chess player, simultaneously controlling all the important pieces on the board.

The arrogance of Shiki, Roger's destiny, the World Government's fear, the Navy's unease...

All of this was within his calculations; it was the fuel and anvil he used to forge a new era.

He picked up the slightly cooled coffee next to him and took a small sip.

The taste was as bitter as ever.

But it is precisely because of this that the "sweet wine" that is about to arrive, brewed from blood and destruction, seems all the more... anticipated.

The tides of time surge and swell, but beneath them, the true deep-sea behemoths patiently await the moment they rise to the surface.

At that moment, the world will understand who the true master is.