Under the veil of night, a one-sided slaughter unfolded across the East Blue. The armies of Morass tore through everything with unparalleled force. Any faction that dared to resist was sent scurrying like rats under the barrage of roaring flames, unable to cause even a ripple.
Meanwhile, on a small island somewhere in the East Blue, Wilder was drenched in sweat, relentlessly pummeling a massive, hard reef before him.
He had single-handedly moved this reef from the coastline to the island's center. The sharp shells embedded in it, hardened by years of erosion, could draw blood with the slightest touch.
But under Wilder's fists, these petrified shells shattered like powder, scattering into the air. The enormous reef visibly shrank, rock fragments flying in all directions.
With a final booming crash, the reef utterly exploded. Wilder retracted his fist but didn't pause. With a stomp, his body launched high into the air.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Dull thuds resonated through the air as shockwaves bloomed in the sky. Wilder's figure became impossible to track, moving at extreme speed!
Little Aisha sat on a rock, gnawing on a stupid lamb leg while looking up at the sky. She had been swinging her little legs, but in the next instant, with a whoosh, Wilder had snatched her up.
"Ahhhhhh!" No figure could be seen in the sky, but Little Aisha's miserable cries echoed through the clouds.
After landing, Little Aisha collapsed bonelessly to the ground, her eyes spinning. The stupid lamb leg in her hand had vanished at some unknown point.
Wilder glanced at her coolly. "If you don't want to experience that again, start training. Now."
"Okay…" Little Aisha responded, devoid of all will to live, her eyes still spinning.
Warm-up complete, Wilder began to try and mobilize the swamp within his body, continuing his training.
His goal was singular this time: Wilder intended to use this period to thoroughly bring out the Swamp Gas characteristic.
However, it was no simple task.
Even though Wilder was mentally prepared, he was still taken aback. The Swamp Gas characteristic was incredibly difficult to activate—far harder than his other traits! Ten times, a hundred times harder! But no matter how difficult, Wilder wouldn't give up on Swamp Gas. Seating himself cross-legged on a large boulder, he closed his eyes, quietly feeling the flow and changes of the swamp within him.
Wisps of gas flickered in and out of existence. Wilder struggled to control their growth, but the gas dissipated faster than it formed. Whenever he managed to coalesce a tiny strand, any previously generated, free-floating gas would vanish without a trace within moments.
Wilder didn't get discouraged, continuing to generate gas within the swamp.
Time ticked by, second by second.
Wilder sighed and opened his eyes.
"It seems Swamp Gas can't be generated in a short amount of time." Wilder knew this situation likely arose because his development and application of the swamp hadn't reached a sufficient level. The same went for his physical strength and stamina; everything relied on gradual accumulation.
Having thought this through, Wilder began to consider his current situation and make some future preparations.
He wasn't worried about the situation in the East Blue. Taking it over was a certainty; neither his strength nor his determination would allow for failure. With so many preparations made, Wilder simply wouldn't consider, nor permit, failure. So, he didn't need to worry about the East Blue for now and could set it aside.
"Then, the next step is to plan for advancing into the New World." Wilder's eyes gleamed, ambition spreading within him.
The New World. A base was paramount to establishing a foothold. Unlike the Black Serpent headquarters in the East Blue, any territory in the New World would have to be taken by force. Most islands in the New World were already claimed, under the jurisdiction of the Four Emperors. Therefore, the difficulty of seizing territory and the enemies and challenges one would face were incomparable to those in the East Blue.
Furthermore, unlike the Black Serpent headquarters, Wilder already had a vision. The New World headquarters had to be a bastion of overwhelming military power, and it also needed to be a large island, completely under his control, like a nation, with inhabitants who fully recognized and supported him.
Wilder didn't plan to secretly occupy a country like Doflamingo in the original story. That approach had too many limitations. Once exposed, the consequences were predictable, and Wilder had no intention of following in Doflamingo's footsteps.
Moreover, Wilder had requirements for the environment. At the very least… it had to be an island advantageous to him, one that could enhance his strengths, much like… Sir Crocodile. The country Crocodile chose was a desert, the advantages to himself self-evident.
However, Wilder couldn't condone Crocodile's methods. He was even less reliable than Doflamingo, neglecting his own strength to instead research Ancient Weapons. Wilder would absolutely never do something so shortsighted, neglecting the fundamentals for the superficial.
Wilder took out a pen and paper, jotting down the key points he had just considered:
Not an established nation-island.Island environment primarily wetlands or swamps.Must be large.
The island had to be large; this was essential. Otherwise, how could such a vast organization be accommodated?
"This counts as snatching food from the tiger's mouth, doesn't it?" Wilder grinned. He could already imagine how difficult it would be to obtain such an island. He would likely… have to contend with those Four Emperors for it. After all, such islands were rare finds, and the Emperors would definitely not let them go.
However, it would be even better if he could find an unclaimed island that met these conditions.
Wilder mused.
Next, Wilder threw himself back into training. This time, he didn't attempt to generate Swamp Gas again but focused on developing other swamp-based techniques or characteristics.
Little Aisha, under Wilder's compulsion, also began running around the island. The prerequisite for becoming a strong Devil Fruit user was excellent physical fitness and ample stamina.
Currently, Wilder didn't intend for Little Aisha to become too engrossed in developing her fruit abilities. That could wait until after her physical training, using her spare time. Though, how much stamina she'd have left to squander after training was debatable.
The night grew deeper. On the deserted island, one large and one small figure were engrossed in training, while the East Blue, on this night, was a boiling cauldron.
It had erupted.
"Kill!" War cries shook the heavens, cannons boomed, and the glint of blades flashed everywhere.
The black-robed army swept across the East Blue. Amidst this commotion, countless people were naturally jolted awake from their dreams! Beri-beri! Beri-beri!Clack!
"Fleet Admiral, we just received news! Riots have broken out in the East Blue! A force has suddenly appeared and is instigating war and chaos throughout the region!" At Marine Headquarters in the New World, an urgent voice came through the connected Den Den Mushi.
"Ngh…" In the office, a tall man clenched his fists, the temperature in the room beginning to rise. He looked up. His ordinary-looking face bore frostbite scars and was grim.
"Well, well, it seems something incredible is happening" The office door was pushed open, and Kizaru walked in with his usual sleazy look. He was mid-sentence when he suddenly noticed the situation in the office, pursed his lips, and stopped.
Clack. Akainu hung up the Den Den Mushi and looked up at Kizaru, who had already seated himself on the sofa and was leisurely sipping tea. Akainu's expression immediately darkened further.
"Trouble in the East Blue," Akainu stated.
"Oh, is that so" Kizaru blew on the froth of his tea, took a slow sip, and then replied.
"You go take a look. See what the situation is." Akainu had no mind to spare for the East Blue. The New World was already a mess. So what if someone took over the East Blue? He simply couldn't spare the manpower. Besides, the East Blue was, after all, the East Blue. No matter how big the uproar, it wouldn't significantly impact the Marines. They could just clean it up once they had a free hand.
Kizaru had a similar attitude. He knew Akainu's "see what the situation is" wasn't just a superficial remark but meant literally just to observe. Regardless of what the East Blue had become, based on the reports, it was inevitable that this new force would become dominant. If it were at the beginning, it might have been manageable, but now, it was too late to act. The Marines didn't have that many personnel to dispatch to the East Blue—not that they truly lacked them, but rather, it wasn't worth it.
No matter what, the main battlefield was ultimately in the New World. As for the East Blue… how big of a wave could it possibly stir up? See the situation…
Kizaru took a sip of tea. He knew the purpose of this trip was to investigate that force. Why had it appeared overnight? Had there been any prior activity? What faction was it? These were the things they truly cared about.
Before long, Kizaru departed.
Not only the Marines and the World Government but also other powerful factions had received some news about the East Blue, yet they paid it little further attention.
But soon, the next day arrived. Just as dawn broke, a storm blew from the East Blue to the rest of the world!
The East Blue had been taken! This force was named Morass!
The news instantly stirred up monstrous waves! It caused tremors in the New World, on the Grand Line, and throughout the Four Seas! Countless people were shaken! The world, at this moment, truly boiled over!
"Damn it!" In the Marine Headquarters office, Akainu slammed his fist violently onto his desk, his face filled with killing intent and fury!
He hadn't expected things to become so serious, and he had underestimated that force's ambition and operational capability! He had initially thought they would, at most, become the largest power in the East Blue. But now… the East Blue had fallen under their complete control! Everything had happened unbelievably fast!
"Where's Kizaru?! Has that bastard finished his investigation yet!?" Akainu practically bit out the words. Ever since becoming Fleet Admiral, he hadn't had a single day without grievances! Everyone seemed to think they could give him trouble! And now, this mess in the East Blue had come to vex him. It was enough to drive him mad! He really missed the days when he was an Admiral…
"My, my… Fufufufufu." In a magnificent palace, Doflamingo had also received news about the East Blue. He, too, was considerably shaken. Such an event was unprecedented. To have their influence span the entire East Blue overnight—not even the Four Emperors could achieve such a feat.
"Impressive." Doflamingo's grin nearly split his face, his words filled with curiosity and interest in that faction.
This was just a glimpse. Many more in the New World were shaken by this event. Countless eyes turned towards the East Blue, the Four Emperors included.
"Mamamamamama! The East Blue might not be much, but taking it overnight is no simple feat! Mamamamama! Such an aggressive entrance! Someone incredible!? Then… who could it be?" On Whole Cake Island, a colossal figure lay on her side, saliva dripping from the corner of her mouth, corroding the ground and causing white smoke to rise. The ugly woman's eyes glinted menacingly as she muttered to herself with a strange laugh.
The Marines eventually took action. After all, if they remained indifferent to such a major event, they would be looked down upon.
However, by the time the Marines arrived, that force had vanished. The occupied islands, though, now had a new power present: the Black Serpent Merchant Guild.
Naturally, the Black Serpent Merchant Guild became the Marines' target. Everyone in the higher echelons knew whose enterprise the Black Serpent Merchant Guild was. Naturally… they wouldn't resort to force before attempting diplomacy.
The frustrating thing was, even if the Black Serpent Merchant Guild was highly suspicious, the Marines couldn't do anything without evidence.
However, an off-the-record negotiation or warning was still necessary.
In an elegantly decorated room, Wilder and Kizaru sat facing each other on a wine-red sofa. Neither was being particularly formal, and their conversation initially had nothing to do with the purpose of their meeting.
But eventually, they had to get to the point.
"Maa, well, that's how it is I hope Wilder-kun will be mindful of the proper scale. Compared to other places, the East Blue is still quite peaceful, uuh… The Marines also hope the East Blue can be even more peaceful, But the East Blue cannot be handed over to a criminal. The Marines won't allow it" Kizaru drawled, his eyebrows drooping downwards as he spoke.
"I wonder what Mr. Kizaru is talking about?" Wilder took a sip of wine and said with a grin.
Kizaru hadn't expected Wilder to admit anything; a mutual understanding was enough. Thus, their subsequent conversation was like talking at cross-purposes, each saying their own piece.
"So, don't exceed that scale,…Otherwise, the Marines will intervene."
"I'm afraid I don't understand."
"In other words, given the lack of evidence, the Marines will allow your influence to remain the largest in the East Blue, but you cannot control the entire East Blue, You must coexist with other powers."
"I'm afraid I don't understand."
"Otherwise, we can find a reason to revoke your Warlord status at any time" Kizaru said his final piece, and it was this sentence that made Wilder somewhat restrain himself.
A direct confrontation with the Marines was impossible, at least for now. Moreover, Wilder still needed to rely on his Warlord status for future development, so he couldn't afford to lose it.
Actually, Wilder had long anticipated this conversation. Correspondingly, he was already prepared for appropriate compromises. Taking over the entire East Blue was impossible; he could only pretend to take it over. Then, by taking a step back, he becomes the top dog of the East Blue. If he had only aimed to be the top dog from the start, then taking a step back… would make him second best.
So, wasn't this compromise, in a way, a deeper form of cooperation? Mutual apprehension led to seeking space for adjustment. A monopoly was undesirable; cooperation was the key.
The Marines were wary of Wilder acting recklessly; after all, the East Blue becoming Wilder's backyard was an unchangeable fact now.
And Wilder was also afraid of the Marines acting recklessly, stripping him of his Warlord title and targeting his organization. Such an outcome would mean… a devastating blow, and all his long-term efforts would be wasted.
Kizaru was someone who acted according to his salary, and he didn't have Akainu's temperament of not tolerating a single speck of dust in his eyes. Relatively speaking, he was easy to talk to. He and Wilder had a very pleasant chat—if you ignored the fact that one of them was emitting light from behind him, and the other, swamp.
Ultimately, the two reached a verbal agreement. Kizaru departed, but both knew in their hearts that this agreement would be torn up sooner or later. It was merely the correct choice made by both sides seeking temporary stability. Once the Four Seas and the Grand Line regained relative peace, that would be the time this agreement was shredded.
After Kizaru left, Wilder was about to deal with subsequent matters when Claire's Den Den Mushi rang.
"Boss, nobles in various regions have launched armed rebellions."
"Kill them," Wilder said after a moment of silence, uttering only two words.
One directive after another was issued. Suppression efforts were still needed in the East Blue; after all, with some places having just been conquered, it was inevitable that some people would be unwilling to submit.
Then came the operations of the Black Serpent Merchant Guild. With Morass paving the way, the various pre-prepared branches of the Black Serpent Merchant Guild brazenly planted their flags on the conquered islands.
It was as if they were saying to everyone: Look, only we dare to set up shop in places taken by Morass. We have a Warlord backing us, so come do business with us!
Ordinary people naturally didn't know the shady dealings between Morass and Black Serpent. They only knew that behind Black Serpent was Wilder, one of the Warlords. They thought to themselves: As expected of a Warlord, only he dares to operate unafraid of Morass at a time like this. Thus, they flocked to cooperate.
This formed a chain of interests, binding many individuals and factions to Wilder. This invisible power was the most formidable. No one wanted their interests undermined, so they would spontaneously protect this chain.
The Black Serpent Merchant Guild's business flourished, with countless riches flowing in daily. With money, the organization developed better and faster. The members' equipment was upgraded, their military strength increased, and their cohesion grew.
It even reached a point where Black Serpent no longer needed to actively recruit; instead, many people came forward offering their services.
But things were different now; the recruitment threshold had also been raised. Applicants first had to undergo screening to weed out spies and traitors, then pass trials, undergoing multiple selection rounds.
However, the requirements for the lowest-ranking members hadn't increased too much. As long as they were young, strong, capable in a fight, and willing to swear a vicious oath of loyalty to the organization—that their entire families would kick the bucket if they betrayed it—they were accepted.
Wilder used the additional funds to cultivate elites and invest in scientific research and development, as well as arms manufacturing.
He had already built up a massive organization before even entering the New World.
Soon, a new day dawned.
Wilder was training, doing squat jumps while carrying a heavy barbell and a three-ton weight on his back.
The development of Swamp Gas was still moribund, with no significant progress. Wilder had no choice but to continue strengthening his physical training and the development and application of his swamp powers.
Little Aisha had been thrown by Wilder into the training island to undergo inhuman, hellish training with the other members. Now, Little Aisha could run two or three kilometers at a time, even while carrying weights. Her growth was incredibly fast, but every time she saw Wilder, she would glare at him as if he were her mortal enemy for ten lifetimes.
At such times, Claire would appear with a stupid lamb leg and sand-sculpture fish to smooth things over, preventing a conflict where the strong bullied the small.
In reality, Little Aisha was very grateful to Wilder. She was very satisfied with her current life. If not for Wilder, she would probably have starved to death on the streets by now.
So, Aisha was obedient to Wilder from the bottom of her heart. Regardless of her mood or mental state, as long as Wilder spoke, she would obediently carry out his instructions.
Days passed one by one, and the East Blue gradually returned to peace. Wilder knew it was time to advance into the New World.
But not his organization—himself.
Wilder decided to be the vanguard, to scout the New World first. Ideally, he would find an island suitable for his organization's development. Only then could they undertake a "full-scale migration."
Otherwise, if such a large organization rushed into the New World like a headless fly, it would be far too conspicuous, which didn't align with Wilder's principle of maintaining a low profile.
Wilder looked at a map, planning his route.
Ultimately, Wilder felt that any normal route would be too troublesome. So, he decided to take an unconventional one.
He ordered his subordinates to customize a small boat, suitable for only one person. The hull was made of Adam half-wood. Its interior was fully equipped, with a bedroom, a washroom, and a kitchen. Hmm… it wasn't so small after all.
Afterward, Wilder had Claire check where he could catch a large bird. Upon receiving a reply, Wilder set off.
Alone, he sailed away from the Black Serpent headquarters in his small wooden boat.
The sea was a lonely place, especially when one was alone. But Wilder felt at ease; he wasn't a person who particularly craved crowds.
The small sail pushed the little boat across the sea for half a day. After the initial boredom passed, Wilder calmed his mind.
He took out a metal fishing rod from the cabin. He hadn't prepared bait beforehand. Instead, he scanned the sea beneath the boat's edge with his Observation Haki. Soon, a small, wandering fish appeared in Wilder's perception. He secreted a hardened swamp harpoon from his palm and speared the fish. The process was simple, a direct hit.
Big fish eat small fish, small fish eat shrimp. After getting the small fish for bait, Wilder prepared to fish for a big one.
He baited the hook, cast it out, and waited quietly.
Fishing was all about the mystique, so Wilder didn't stoop to using his Observation Haki to check the situation underwater.
Before long, there was a tug.
Wilder quickly lifted the fishing rod. Bubbles began to rise to the surface. Wilder was somewhat surprised by the force transmitted to his hand through the rod.
Splash! A huge disturbance erupted on the sea surface! A fish tail, its scales alone the size of fists, occasionally thrashed out of the water.
"This is some fish!" Wilder grinned broadly. He put his strength into it, and the specially made fishing rod bent to its limit. Instantly, the water surface exploded! A shadow fell over Wilder.
The moment he saw the fish clearly, Wilder moved. Because… the fish was bigger than his boat. If it landed on him, the consequences were obvious.
With a leap, Wilder instantly appeared beneath the fish's belly and kicked it hard. Crimson-tinged seawater gradually spread across the surface.
The ugly, enormous fish had its spine broken by Wilder's kick. Its body, unable to withstand the force, snapped in two and flew back into the water.