Who else is there to be called the 'Four Emperors' now?
The silver medalists?
If that were possible, they should have taken the title right after Whitebeard's death. It's precisely because they lack the necessary influence, power, and force that they haven't earned this title.
As for Buggy...
Without Teach, their title should disappear too.
Because...
Sage erupted into wild laughter:
"While I am here, no one dares to call themselves emperor or king! Hahaha, hohohoho!"
He had long been dissatisfied with the title of 'Four Emperors.' Previously, he had to admit that Kaido and Big Mom were formidable foes worthy of the title.
Now they're long gone, and Sage has reached a level far above them, especially after single-handedly annihilating the entire Red Hair crew.
The Sea Emperor transforming into the Pirate Emperor was the title Sage found most satisfying!
...
Later in the New World.
In a small town engulfed in flames.
Jin, who had long since stopped wearing his helmet, revealing his brown skin and white hair, sat on a stone in the center of the town, staring at the scattered flames. After a moment of silence, he spoke blandly: "How many has it been."
Beside him, the navigator and secretary responsible for recording smiled and said: "Lord Jin, I almost can't remember, it's either thirty-two or thirty-three islands."
"Hmm, make sure to verify it when we return, it's important to keep it clear for reporting."
Jin nodded, looked around again, and said: "It's almost burned down, have them prepare to board the ship and head for the next island."
Conquest, massacre, this is what he's been doing recently.
There's nothing wrong with that.
He's not that resistant to joining Sage's side, even though Kaido was taken down by Sage himself. But then, he understood Big Brother Kaido.
Giving weapons to Sage indeed signifies acceptance; in some ways, Sage is no different from inheriting the Beast Pirates, with everyone except the deceased Yamato being present.
Regarding status, he doesn't actually mind.
Neither Queen nor Jack concerns themselves with it either, and their status isn't bad. Although they're not the core, they're still considered part of the upper echelon.
Especially with Wano Country dismantled, after they manage other areas, following Sage's rules really isn't much different from before.
Somehow, Big Brother Kaido's wish has already been realized by Sage.
Pulling people to the same level through war and acknowledging only the strong, ignoring nobles, has been well implemented by O'hara.
And because the Big Mom Pirates now belong to the same faction, he sometimes chats with Katakuri, who also agrees with it.
Big Mom's wishes and ideals have been realized with Sage, and there's even a Giant here, and Jin himself from the Lunaria Race. Even the Bakania Race has someone waiting to be studied by Vegapunk to see how to restore their original consciousness and intelligence.
True equality among all races can be realized here.
Everything is proceeding as they intended.
"Blu-bu-lu-bu-lu-bu..."
While mulling it over, the ringing of the radio snail suddenly sounded from his pocket. Jin furrowed his brows, took out the palm-sized radio snail, and pressed the connect button.
"Hello, it's me."
Jin said, then his brows furrowed tightly.
"Yes, I understand, I will depart immediately."
Within a short while, he hung up the phone, not caring about the navigator's shocked expression beside him, he turned his head towards O'hara.
"A convocation order...I thought we would wait for a bit longer. I didn't expect the world to change so fast. It's not surprising for a pirate to become a kingdom's king, but for a pirate to establish a Pirate Kingdom and then become a kingdom within an alliance. Hmph, as expected of the decaying ones, let us, let Sage change this world! He is stronger than Big Brother Kaido and more ambitious; we will definitely succeed!"
...
Paradise.
Impel Down.
Ever since it was infiltrated by Sage, then rampaged by Straw Hat, and invaded by Teach, the former warden Magellan, admitting his crimes, was demoted to vice-warden, and Hannyabal became the warden.
"What did you say!"
In the warden's office, Hannyabal shouted at the radio snail: "I absolutely refuse! How can we let that guy come over again! Besides, becoming a kingdom's king being outlandish enough, but a Pirate Kingdom! I will not acknowledge it! How should we explain this kingdom for these criminals to the innocent civilians and those harmed by pirates!"
"This is an order from above, Warden Hannyabal. They are almost there, hurry to receive them." The radio snail's expression turned cold.
"Don't joke around! That guy, Marshall D. Teach! How he broke into Impel Down last time, haven't you received the news! Now, you're just going to let it pass lightly? Where does that leave the face of Impel Down! Vice-Warden Magellan has always kept it in mind!"
Hannyabal shouted: "I will not go to welcome them! Nor will I let him in! Absolutely not!"
"Impel Down is merely an outer organization of the World Government, understand your place, Warden Hannyabal. This is not a discussion, it's a notification, and, whether you like it or not, they are already there."
Clack.
Boom!!
Almost the moment the call ended, a loud noise erupted from outside.
Hannyabal was startled and hurriedly grabbed the Double-Headed Glaive 'Kessui,' rushing out of the office.
Their offices had not been swapped; Magellan was still on the fourth floor, and Hannyabal was still on the first floor.
After all, they had to consider Magellan's constitution, and Hannyabal was not used to such a hot environment himself.
And the first floor was the main gate of Impel Down.
But this main gate had, for the second time in two years, been violently broken open, causing an intense shock.
When Hannyabal arrived, he first heard this distinctive laughter.
"Ze hahaha!"
At the entrance, Blackbeard, in a king's attire, with his gemstone-ring-adorned hand radiating a light of vibration, laughed aloud.
Next to him, in a military uniform that hadn't changed much since before, Shiryu bit a cigar and smiled lightly: "It's been a long time since I came back, Impel Down..."
"Teach! Shiryu!"
Hannyabal gripped the long handle of the Double-Headed Glaive tightly, glaring at them, "Get out! You're not welcome here, Pirates!"
"Oh...Hannyabal, now you've become the Warden. Looks like you've fulfilled your wish."
Shiryu laughed deeply: "You should be thanking us for becoming the Warden. Is this how you treat your benefactors? Moreover, Impel Down is the place that welcomes pirates and criminals the most. How could you say they're not welcome now, has it become a children's paradise over time?"
"Ze hahaha, I remember you."
Teach pointed to Hannyabal and laughed: "That naive guy with all that talk about right and wrong. Hey, you've seen the papers, right? I'm now the king of the Pirate Kingdom, a kingdom within an alliance, specially permitted by the World Government to be here. We're allies, aren't we? Treating me like this isn't very nice."
"I don't acknowledge you at all!"
Hannyabal shouted angrily: "In any case, don't step forward. Otherwise, even if I die, I will take you down!"
"You don't have the capability for that...not even Magellan could."
Shiryu glanced quickly at the rushing Impel Down guards around, subconsciously gripping his sword hilt, licking his tongue, revealing a bloodthirsty intent. "Or perhaps, here in a place I haven't returned to for so long, I can have a nice slaughter spree."
Upon hearing this, Hannyabal became even more vigilant, posing in a striking manner, preparing to counter.
"That's enough, Hannyabal."
Just then, a voice came from behind him.
The elevator in the back quickly ascended, revealing Magellan standing within.
He stepped out of the elevator, his already fearsome face now appearing more stern, standing beside Hannyabal.
"We must follow orders, Hannyabal...warden."
Magellan glanced at the arrogant Teach, and the bloodthirsty Shiryu, saying: "By orders, I'll take you down, but even as 'allies,' I still hope you follow the rules."
"Of course..."
Teach said, laden with hidden meanings: "I'm here to select someone with the perfect ability to deal with my dear Aibo! I won't make any extra moves. Last time, there was no choice, but this time, since I can choose freely, naturally, I won't. I won't even need to take people away, ze hahaha..."