First, Thorne Ashveil alone challenged nearly every powerhouse in existence.
To the astonishment of the entire world, he stood against the combined might of the United Army — and won.
With a single devastating strike, he crushed every major force allied against him, leaving them utterly powerless to fight back.
This overwhelming victory made it clear: Thorne Ashveil was not just strong — he was a force capable of overturning the entire world.
While the world reeled from this revelation, the Revolutionary Army gathered in secret.
Revolutionary Army Dragon's voice carried deep conviction as he spoke to his commanders.
"Shocked, aren't you? When I first learned of this truth, even I couldn't believe it. But Imu… that being truly exists. A so-called god who has ruled the world from the shadows for thousands of years."
He clenched his fists, his expression firm and resolute.
"That's why I'm asking every one of you to rise up. We will bring an end to Imu and liberate humanity from the Celestial Dragons' control!"
Sabo's eyes burned with determination.
"Don't worry, Dragon-san. We'll win this war — and I'll bring Kuma back!"
Inside, Sabo swore that no matter what, he would free his comrade and destroy the world order that bound them all.
The Revolutionary Army fleet surged toward Holy Land Mary Geoise, sails whipping in the fierce sea wind.
Every member aboard carried the same purpose — to end the age of oppression.
---
Far across another sea, aboard the Red-Haired Pirates' ship, Shanks and his crew watched the broadcast replaying Ashveil's battle.
Shanks narrowed his eyes, his tone heavy.
"I didn't expect him to be this terrifying. The Elders— beings of immense power — were obliterated by the aftermath of his attack."
Even if Emperors like Kaido or Big Mom had fallen, Shanks wouldn't have been surprised.
But the Gorosei being annihilated so effortlessly… that was something else entirely.
Beckman crossed his arms, still staring at the screen.
"From the way they fought, the Gorosei weren't ordinary men. Each one's presence rivaled legends like Garp. Yet none could withstand even the remnants of Ashveil's attack. That's beyond comprehension."
Lucky Roux gave a low whistle.
"He took down the entire United Army in one strike. Tell me, who in the world could still stand against him?"
Shanks' gaze darkened.
"There's still one person."
The entire crew turned toward him, stunned.
One person? After what they'd just seen, who could possibly surpass Thorne Ashveil?
"In this world," Shanks continued quietly, "perhaps no one surpasses him. But there exists someone who stands on the same level — a being the world calls a god."
He exhaled slowly, his voice dropping to a whisper.
"Imu — the ancient ruler of the Celestial Dragons."
The crew fell silent.
Even the ever-calm Beckman's eyes widened.
"You mean that Imu-sama? The old monster who's lived for millennia?"
"That's right," Shanks said gravely.
"Imu has survived countless eras. Powerhouses like Ashveil have appeared before — yet the world government still stands. What does that tell you?"
Beckman's jaw tightened as the truth dawned on him.
"That Imu dealt with them… every single one."
"Exactly," Shanks said.
"So if Imu decides to make a move… then this war is far from over."
Lucky Roux swallowed hard.
"Wait, are you saying another war's coming? One even bigger than this?"
Shanks nodded.
"A battle between a god and a monster. The ruler of the old world, and the man who'll bring the new one."
The deck fell silent again.
Every pirate aboard the Red Force felt the same thing — awe and dread at what was to come.
They were living witnesses to history, standing at the edge of an era that was about to end.
---
Meanwhile, across the seas, the Supernovas were just as stunned.
Eustass Kid stared at the screen, unable to believe what he'd seen.
"That monster wiped out the Gorosei in one move…" he muttered.
Even as a man with the highest bounty among the Supernovas, Kid felt like a child watching a god of war descend from the heavens.
No matter how hard he trained, he knew he could never reach that level.
Beside him, Killer let out a low breath.
"Back at Sabaody, he killed Admiral Sakazuki with his own hands. Now… this doesn't surprise me at all."
The explosion that followed Ashveil's strike had turned an entire hundred-kilometer radius into nothing but barren earth.
Watching it felt less like seeing a battle and more like witnessing the birth of a natural disaster.
Everywhere, from pirates to marines, from revolutionaries to citizens, the same thought echoed through their minds —
---