"I knew it! Boss! I knew it, you would come back someday!"
On the other end of the Den Den Mushi, Morgans's voice was so excited it was practically cracking. "I finally waited for this day! This sea is finally going to churn again!"
"Heh," Roa chuckled. "I thought you, like the sea, had forgotten my name."
"How could I!" Morgans's voice was as solemn as an oath. "A world without you is simply too boring! It's been so long since I've encountered a shocking headline that gives me goosebumps! When you were around, the world was shaken every three days! Based on that alone, you should believe I would never betray you!"
Roa let out a light laugh.
That was true. Morgans was not a normal person.
For him, even his life was less important than creating a major news scoop.
It should be said that as long as Roa remained Roa, this guy would likely remain on his side.
Not because of threats or coercion, and certainly not because of the bomb planted in his heart years ago.
On this level, Morgans's loyalty might not be inferior to King and the others.
"So, what have you been up to all these years?" Roa asked, intrigued.
"Heh heh, I haven't just been annoyed by the lack of sufficiently shocking news, you know!" Morgans chuckled. "Boss, our informants are all over the world. Every country, every Marine base, and even the Pirate Emperors or Warlords—except for places like Amazon Lily, which are impossible to infiltrate—even Mary Geoise has our eyes and ears!"
"Oh? Well done." Roa gave a slight laugh.
"Because Dylan left me an exaggerated sum of treasure before he left the sea," Morgans explained. "Most of that money is still left even now. If it weren't for that wealth, development wouldn't have been so smooth."
"Dylan, eh? He did well," Roa raised an eyebrow. "Do you still keep in contact with them?"
"One-sided contact," Morgans laughed casually. "They don't seem to trust me much, either. They just contact me every once in a while to ask if you've returned."
"However, Boss, we have people inside the Teach Pirates, the Giant Pirates, and the Moria Pirates," Morgans added. "Are you going to look for them next?"
"They will come looking for me themselves," Roa said casually. "If they are still willing to follow me."
"Hahahaha! Understood! I completely understand, Boss!" Morgans's voice suddenly became more fervent. "How are you planning to announce your return to the whole world? I will fully cooperate with you!!"
Roa could feel the man's excitement even through the Den Den Mushi.
"I will go to Hachinosu Island and wait for them." Roa said. "After that, you help me notify everyone, tell the whole world: I am back."
"YES!!!"
Morgans's shout was almost a frantic roar. "Even if the World Government comes for me afterward! I will transmit the news of your return across the entire world immediately!"
"A reckoning?" Roa's smile was light as he tilted his head to look at the bright moon in the sky. "The moment I crossed twenty-five years to arrive in this era, the tables have turned. Now, it is the World Government that should feel fear!"
"Boss!! I swear my life's loyalty to you!!"
On a desolate island in the New World, Morgans was so excited that tears and snot were streaming down his face.
It has to be the Boss!
Only with the Boss's return will the sea churn even more violently!
Does this mean the Boss is preparing to formally declare war on the World Government?
I knew it!
I knew it!
Compared to the Boss, those so-called Pirate Emperors and the Seven Warlords of the Sea are just pathetic small fry!
Then, Morgans heard the Boss's voice coming through the Den Den Mushi. "Right, how are the West Blue and the North Blue? I heard the North Blue experienced a riot a little over a decade ago?"
"Yes, Boss!" Morgans quickly replied. "About thirteen years ago, the people of Flevance, scattered across the North Blue, began to face their end."
"The latent Amber Lead Disease finally began to break out. The elderly and children with weak resistance were the first to fall ill."
"Then, the people of Flevance fell into complete madness."
"The extremists need no mention, but even the previously moderate Flevance people completely broke down when facing certain death. There were many who did."
"They decided, in the final moments of their lives, to launch one last act of vengeance against the World Government that persecuted them. They wanted to destroy the world."
"Thus, a truly indiscriminate attack began."
"The frantic people of Flevance attacked all World Government affiliated countries indiscriminately. Although they no longer had the Calamity Company supplying them with weapons, they still managed to acquire a lot of firearms. The entire North Blue was plunged into despair."
Whole Cake Island.
Hearing Morgans's words through the Den Den Mushi, Roa nodded slightly, then asked, "So, did you have a hand in stirring things up?"
"Heh heh heh," Morgans chuckled. "Because there hadn't been such a shocking news story in a long time, I thought I could make it a bit more spectacular."
"So, what was the result? I hear the Revolutionary Army shone brightly during that incident?" Roa asked.
"Yes, Dragon's group already had many people from Flevance in their ranks," Morgans said. "So he didn't have to put in much effort to figure out what the Flevance people were doing, and he sent his fighters to save many countries during that turmoil."
"Thus, the Freedom Fighters, renamed the Revolutionary Army, became famous throughout the world twelve years ago!"
"The whole world learned that such an army exists, dedicated to overthrowing the World Government and all corrupt Royalty!"
"Since then, although the Revolutionary Army has been constantly hunted by the World Government, their power has also expanded significantly."
"Now, not just in the North Blue, they are secretly developing their strength in many countries worldwide. They guide the oppressed masses to rise up and resist, and they've already toppled several countries."
"Oh, not bad," Roa smiled faintly.
It seemed the Revolutionary Army played a significant role in making the world's 'darkness' so potent today.
Dragon, you haven't disappointed me after all.
"Of course," Morgans's smile became more meaningful. "Just like in the past, I continue to watch them for you."
"Even now, the Revolutionary Army cannot hide from our sight."
"Very good." Roa's smile grew more satisfied. "Morgans, you've done well."
"You're too kind, it's my duty!" Morgans continued. "As for the West Blue, Bege's father has also done well. His influence has completely extended from the simple underworld to the aristocracy of the West Blue."
"He even holds a Duke title in a powerful World Government affiliated country right now."
"A large number of nobles have been pulled into his network of interests. It's only because of your temporary departure and the disappearance of the Calamity Company that they haven't dared to do much. So, the West Blue is still calm for now."
"However, the powder keg is ready! The heavily interconnected nobles mean they can plunder and exploit even more wantonly. Over these past twenty years, the standard of living for the people of the West Blue must have continuously declined!"
"Also, the Flower Country is still under control, thanks to your influence."
"Is that so?" Roa chuckled. "Then, let's ignite the powder keg soon."
"Yes!!"
After ending the call with Morgans, Roa put away the Den Den Mushi.
Turning around, he spoke casually, "How long are you going to wait there?"
"Hahahaha, I just saw you plotting some new scheme, didn't I?" Katakuri slowly walked out from the corner, carrying two bottles of liquor. He casually tossed one to Roa.
"Don't worry, I'm not interested in your crazy plans, Lord Roa. Want a drink?"
"Human liquor, huh?" Roa flicked the bottle cap off with his thumb, speaking with some distaste.
"I don't have any liquor brewed for demons here, even if you wanted it."
Katakuri casually tilted his head back and took a few gulps. Without wiping the liquor from the corner of his mouth, he spoke,
"Wang Zhi is just the beginning, isn't he?"
This brat, having gained even greater power, how could he possibly settle down?
He dared to take revenge on the World Government twenty-five years ago. Now, not launching a full-scale war would completely contradict Roa's maniacal personality.
Roa took a sip of the liquor and smiled. "You'll help me, won't you, Katakuri?"
"When I was a kid, I helped you hunt pirates; now it's time for you to help me hunt the World Government."
"Heh, you have the nerve to say that!" Katakuri smirked and said irritably. "When were you ever truly involved back then? You always just watched from the side, didn't you?"
"When does the Boss ever take action right away?" Roa asked, surprised. "I had to deal with you first before I could take action, but those pirates were too weak."
"Who are you calling your Boss?" Katakuri laughed in annoyance.
"Hey, Katakuri," Roa smiled. "Tell me about the things you've experienced over the years."
"Forcibly changing the subject? Well, that's quite a long story."
So, Katakuri told Roa about his experiences over the past two decades.
He mostly complained.
As the family's second-strongest fighter, he had to fight battles all over the world for the family.
As the elder brother trusted by everyone in the family, he frequently had to mediate conflicts among his younger siblings.
As a great pirate feared by the World Government and the Marines, he also had to be constantly wary of their hidden schemes.
These things were already frustrating, but what was more troublesome was that as his strength grew rapidly, his mother began to grow suspicious of him.
Inevitably, Katakuri's strength was nearly equal to Charlotte Linlin's, and his prestige among his siblings was incomparable to hers.
So, naturally, Katakuri was suppressed.
He had a rough time during that period, as there was still a slight gap in power.
However, the facts proved that Charlotte Linlin's suspicion was not unfounded, because just four years later, Katakuri led his siblings in a rebellion against their mother.
After that battle, Charlotte Linlin's reign was overthrown, and Katakuri became the ruler of this country.
But that wasn't the end, because he couldn't simply kill their mother or permanently imprison her, could he?
Not only was Charlotte Linlin a tremendous fighting force, but as one of the oldest children, there was genuine mother-son affection between her and Katakuri.
So, Charlotte Linlin, who was mostly unrestricted, would cause trouble every now and then.
Although Katakuri and his siblings fiercely suppressed her every time, it genuinely annoyed him.
Listening to his old friend's complaints, Roa couldn't help but laugh.
The two talked until the middle of the night.
Then, the next morning, a large ship sailed from Whole Cake Island towards Hachinosu Island, in the second half of the New World.
The ship's name was the Cream Donut, clearly Katakuri's flagship.
Like all large ships of the Charlotte Family, this one was also a massive Homie.
Auntie Linlin had angrily run off to find reinforcements, but the Homies were still active in this country.
"Do we need to bring so many people?" Roa sat cross-legged on the ship's rail, looking with interest at the Charlotte Family Officers gathered on the deck.
Not only was Katakuri personally present, but two of the Sweet Generals, Smoothie and Cracker, were out, along with other officers led by Oven.
This force was enough to take on other Pirate Emperors.
"If we don't bring enough people, Mom probably won't come back willingly," Katakuri said.
Roa immediately burst into laughter again.
He's really planning to forcibly persuade Auntie Linlin, isn't he?
"Are we going straight to Silver Axe's territory?" Bonney leaned over expectantly. "I've been wanting to chop that guy to pieces! Hey, Roa, how about letting me fight him first!"
"That won't do, Little Bonney. I have to say a proper goodbye to Old Man Silver Axe myself." Roa chuckled, then looked at Bonney and raised an eyebrow. "Also, you should at least call me Brother Roa, shouldn't you?"
"Huh?" Bonney scornfully twisted her mouth and raised her eyebrows. "You should be calling me Sister Bonney! After all, you're only sixteen, and I'm twenty-four this year!"
"Hmm—Sister Bonney, you say?" Roa stroked his chin, deep in thought. "That doesn't sound bad either."
His aesthetic certainly leans towards the 'older sister' type.
"Alright, just call each other by name." Katakuri waved his hand, forcibly ending the topic.
It felt awkward no matter what they called each other.
Roa was indeed only three years younger than him, but eight years younger than Bonney.
"However, Roa," Katakuri's gaze towards Roa was solemn. "Besides his immortality, that Silver Axe guy should also have the ability to summon God's Knights."
"I won't give him the chance." Roa chuckled. "I will destroy every place he could possibly inscribe a magic circle in an instant."
"I'll be looking forward to that!" Katakuri's eyes were blazing.
If Roa could truly break immortality—Heh!
In any case, a few days later.
Ansela Island.
This island was the headquarters of the Silver Axe Pirates.
The island originally had a somewhat prosperous small kingdom, but all the citizens had been driven out more than twenty years ago. Now, the island was merely a paradise for the Silver Axe Pirates.
Tens of thousands of pirates gathered here, spending their days in revelry and debauchery.
Meanwhile, in the sky above the island.
A startlingly pitch-black hand was floating there.
Four people stood on the open palm of the huge hand: Roa, Toki, Katakuri, and Bonney.
"You can use this move in this way?" Bonney stomped her foot, testing the firmness of the hand.
Roa actually created a Haki arm and flew them all from the distant sea!
"Want to learn?" Roa chuckled. "Call me Brother Roa, and I might teach you."
"Who's interested?" Bonney folded her arms and snorted coolly. "A sword is enough for me!"
She wasn't even a Devil Fruit user.
Katakuri felt that only a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit was worthy of his sister.
But unfortunately, Mythical Zoan abilities are not easy to find.
"In that case, I can teach you how to forge a Black Blade, too." Roa said.
"Huh? A Black Blade?" Bonney was momentarily stunned, instinctively looking at the Hupoo at Roa's waist.
That sword is a Black Blade? Like Mihawk's?
"Alright, enough chitchat." Katakuri said impatiently. "Roa, it's your turn to perform."
"Fine, Katakuri, you're really impatient." Roa complained.
"Enough nonsense!"
Following Katakuri's irritated voice, Roa lightly leaped forward.
In the next instant, his body suddenly began to inflate.
A sudden gust of wind instantly swept through the sky.
This was because two large, dark, cloud-like wings slowly began to flap.
"So big!!" Bonney couldn't help but gasp.
The sight before the three of them was indeed an extraordinarily massive being.
A massive, black, ferocious tiger slowly flapped its wings, hovering in the long sky in a manner completely defying the laws of physics.
Its length from head to tail was probably over two hundred meters, not counting the length of its tail and horns—a true behemoth!
Just like his human-beast form, the pitch-black fur on Roa's full-beast form had clumped together, forming an exoskeleton-like structure, adding a layer of thick, ferocious armor to his massive body.
Sharp bone spurs extended from various joints, especially the back, trailing from the neck down the spine to the tip of the tail.
The colossal horn on his forehead was winding and terrifying, pointing proudly toward the sky, leaking a dominating aura.
Mysterious dark currents also swirled around his body. Just by being close, Bonney felt a strange pressure.
It was as if she were an ant sensing an impending catastrophe!
Not just her, even Katakuri's face was slightly pale.
With that kind of pressure, is Roa really a Devil Fruit user, or is he the incarnation of this monster?
"Ugh! It's been a while since I've used this form; I'm still a bit unaccustomed to it." Roa twisted his neck.
The human-beast form was certainly more convenient and practical.
But it had to be said that the beast form was the physically strongest and most defensive.
"And then," Roa lowered his head, looking down at the island below.
"For a traitor, a heavenly punishment must be delivered."
On the horn on his forehead, the patterns representing calamity began to spread.
Then, the air in the sky below suddenly began to rain.
It was golden flame.
A rain of fire descended from the sky, mixing with the sulfur intertwined within, turning the entire sky a shade of golden yellow.
This was not a simple mixture of fire and sulfur, but the true Sulphur Fire of Heaven descending from myth.
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