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If Gol D. Roger single-handedly jump-started the New Era, then the Golden Lion's suicidal assault on the World Government was the spark that detonated the powder keg.
The world had seen the terrifying power of the World Government, yes. But the "adventure gene" buried deep in pirate DNA doesn't understand fear. It only understands chaos. Shiki's actions emboldened them. They would become more reckless, more brazen.
The seas were about to boil over. Major clashes on the Grand Line would become a daily occurrence.
This was the fuse. Once lit, every major pirate in the New World would be dragged into the inferno. No one could stay on the sidelines.
Maybe it would take a year, maybe two, maybe four. But eventually, the New World would reach a saturation point. The dam would break.
Total War would erupt.
Those dissatisfied with their status would launch endless assaults on the summit.
Right now, the peak of piracy was occupied by only four people: Whitebeard, the Thunder Emperor, Kaido of the Beasts, and Big Mom. These four Kings ruled the ocean. But in the coming storm, it was inevitable that one of them would be dragged off their horse and beheaded.
Who would carve out a new territory from the Four Emperors and be crowned the fifth King? Or would someone slaughter one of the existing Emperors and take their throne?
It was the unknown that made the blood boil.
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"Contact Shanks. The Era of the Four Emperors is coming," Arthur said, staring coldly at Rayleigh. "If he stumbles in this coming war, if he gets wiped out by my subordinates before he even reaches the summit… then the man Roger bet on was nothing special."
Only a King can challenge another King. If Shanks dared to challenge Arthur without taking the time to build his territory and army, he would be drowned by the ten divisions of the Thunder God Pirates.
To get to Arthur, Shanks would first have to break through his captains.
Vice Captain: "Red Earl" Redfield.
1st Division Captain: "Rain" Shiryu.
2nd Division Captain: "World Destroyer" Byrnndi World.
3rd Division Captain: Naguri.
4th Division Captain: "The Drill" Don Chinjao.
5th Division Captain: "Corrupt King" Avalo Pizarro.
6th Division Captain: "Crescent Moon Hunter" Catarina Devon.
7th Division Captain: "Heavy Drinker" Vasco Shot.
8th Division Captain: "Colossal Battleship" Sanjuan Wolf.
Then there were the newer additions, personally battle-hardened by Shiryu:
9th Division Captain: "Silver Fox" Foxy—now a capable warrior in his own right.
10th Division Captain: Bill of the Silver Alliance—recruited to supply metal for Punk Hazard.
The struggle in the New World was a crucible. Entering that sea forced rapid growth. Foxy and Bill were evolving at terrifying speeds.
Vegapunk and Morgans were non-combatants, so they didn't count toward the frontline strength.
However, Arthur realized a problem. His crew was elite—terrifyingly so—but small. Compared to Whitebeard's massive fleet of dozens of ships, Big Mom's army of blood-related powerhouses, or Kaido's legion of Zoan users, ten divisions weren't enough.
Recruitment was now priority number one.
When armies clashed, Arthur didn't want to waste his time clearing out foot soldiers. Regardless of how strong he was or how easily he could wipe out thousands with a wave of his hand, he was the Captain. The King shouldn't have to sweep the floor.
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"The War of the Four Emperors, is it?"
Rayleigh narrowed his eyes. He could almost see it—a conflict as terrifying as the era he had lived through.
The Old Era was dominated by Roger, Whitebeard, Shiki, and Redfield.
They were all lawless monsters who couldn't stand anyone being above them. Three of them had aimed for the Pirate King's throne. It was a constant, violent deadlock where only one King could emerge.
They fought until the sky cracked and the earth shattered. In the end, Roger was the only victor. The other three were just remnants of a bygone age.
But in this era? Whitebeard had no interest in the throne; he just wanted to sail with his sons. Arthur only sought strong opponents and excitement; he looked down on the title of Pirate King. Even if Kaido and Big Mom wanted to rule, they were gridlocked by the two monsters blocking their path.
So, the four of them had carved up the New World. For the sake of their own ideals, they had existed in a relative peace, with only minor skirmishes… resulting in the world crowning them the "Four Emperors."
"Alright," Rayleigh nodded. When Shanks was mentioned, a nostalgic smile touched his lips. "I'll contact him. The kid Roger chose won't let you down."
"I hope so," Arthur replied indifferently.
He turned his head, his electric gaze bypassing Shakky to land on the girl hiding behind her. The girl who had not yet become the arrogant, narcissistic, haughty Empress of the future—Boa Hancock.
"Little girl. Come here."
"Ah!"
Hancock nearly fainted at the sound of his voice. Her face went sheet white. She had never seen a man this terrifying. To her, he was infinitely scarier than the Celestial Dragons.
"If you want to know what kind of person I am, asking others won't give you the answer. You have to understand it yourself. You have to experience it."
Arthur looked down at her, his presence domineering, crushing the pitiable trembling girl with his gaze.
"Grow up. Kill the current ruler of Amazon Lily. Conquer your island. Become the new Empress!"
"And then, bring your Kuja Pirates to Raijin Island in the New World to find me. Right now, you are weak. You have absolutely no value."
The Thunder God Pirates only had ten combat divisions. It was too shabby compared to the other three Emperors. If not for the terrifying strength of his top officers, he wouldn't even be able to hold his current territory.
Hancock was, without a doubt, a woman with immense potential.
In the original timeline, she became the Empress of Amazon Lily and the Captain of the Kuja Pirates at eighteen. In just two years, she went from a traumatized slave to a ruler, earning an 80 million Berry bounty on her first expedition. Her potential far outstripped the Supernovas of the future generation.
Right now, Hancock was fifteen—released from Mary Geoise a year earlier than in the original timeline. With the right guidance (or trauma), she would surpass her original trajectory during this critical growth phase.
She led a warrior race. Every citizen on her island was a Haki user. Her crew was elite.
Why not imprint his dominance on her soul now, while she was young and impressionable? Why not guide her path?
In the future, the probability of bringing Amazon Lily under the Thunder God Pirates' banner would be high. Boa Hancock could lead the 11th Division of Arthur's fleet.
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