Ocean Calendar 1519.
Five years had passed since the public execution at Marine Headquarters.
The seas were turbulent, with countless people pouring into the Grand Line from the Four Seas each year, chasing the One Piece spoken of by Pirate King Roger.
The Marines' hope that executing Shanks would end the Great Pirate Era was clearly an unrealistic fantasy.
Once the floodgates of desire were opened, they could not be stopped until the world was submerged.
...
Many major events had occurred over the past five years.
First:
Douglas Bullet entered the chaotic region of the New World and single-handedly destroyed four nations occupied by powerful pirates, establishing an organization modeled after an army. It was named the "Steel Legion," and he declared himself the Legion Commander.
Two years ago.
When the Steel Legion invaded a World Government Affiliated Nation, Marine Headquarters dispatched Reserve Admirals Momousagi and Momonga, leading thirty warships to attack.
The Marines suffered a crushing defeat.
Bullet refused to let up, leading his forces in pursuit all the way to the Marines' G-179 Branch.
After three days of fierce battle, Bullet's fleet was completely annihilated, with only him escaping.
...
Following this battle, Bullet was officially recognized by the World Government as the fourth Pirate Emperor, and the Marines were forbidden from engaging him without permission.
He was the only one among the four Pirate Emperors to be elevated to that position after a defeat.
All because...
...
The former Pirate Paradise, now the Pirate Forbidden Zone—G-179 Branch.
Since that man took up residence there, the area spanning a thousand miles around the island seemed to have opened a bloody maw, mercilessly devouring any pirates who ventured in.
The Marines there never transported pirates to Headquarters; whether they were Devil Fruit users or not, they were all executed on the spot.
Before Bullet, not a single pirate had ever left that region alive.
...
Pirates called it the "Land Where Demons Dwell, Place Where Life is Extinct."
But in the accounts of some visiting tourists, it was an entirely different place.
There grew a Golden Great Tree so magnificent it could be described as epic, illuminating the entire island even in the dead of night.
The massive Cross Ice Flower erected outside the island displayed different colors under sunlight at various times of day, attracting numerous photographers.
Beyond the breathtaking scenery that seemed otherworldly...
The island boasted countless restaurants serving cuisine of every style, making it a holy land for gourmands.
Not only that, it was fully equipped with all kinds of entertainment facilities, collaborating extensively with the Sea Gold City and drawing many gambling enthusiasts.
The grand theater on the island regularly staged novel plays and performances by singing troupes...
Rather than a Marine base, it more closely resembled an exceptionally livable metropolis.
...
Morgans visited once, and for three consecutive days afterward, the World Economic Journal ran positive reports about the G-179 Branch.
It could all be summarized in one sentence:
"Perhaps only the Holy Land Mary Geoise can compare to this place."
When these irreverent words spread, the World Political News, rival to the World Economic Journal, could not refute them.
It wasn't that they didn't want to...
It was that the World Political News personnel were simply not permitted to report on it.
Despite being an official organization under the World Government just the same, they were treated this way... What could they do?
...
...
The man responsible for this extreme phenomenon is the one known as White Wolf.
A power surpassing the legends of the old era, the absolute monarch of the new era.
Uchiha Griffin!!
——
His only public appearance in five years crowned Bullet as an emperor, leaving a deep mark on the title of 'Emperor.'
What the world fails to understand is why such a man is still not promoted by Marine Headquarters.
Even creating a new Admiral position wouldn't be excessive, yet he remains relegated to the rank of Rear Admiral!
The pirates also have strong opinions.
Many of their reckless brothers, hearing only the 'Rear Admiral' rank, fearlessly tried to test his depths, only to never return.
...
In response, the Marines publicly stated that this was Rear Admiral Griffin's own choice—refusing promotion until he completely ends a Pirate Emperor.
This declaration of 'no promotion until pirates are eradicated' inspired many passionate youths to join the Marines, striving to join G-179 as their goal.
...
Since Uchiha Griffin entered the world's view, this man has consistently ridden the crest of the era's wave. Even formidable figures like the Devil's Child and the legendary great pirate Shiki are merely his foils.
Discussions about his appearance have shifted to…
When will he defeat Whitebeard and ascend to the position of the world's strongest!
——
——
New World, uncharted waters.
On a pirate ship as massive as a White Whale.
A group of pirates gathered for a feast, with a mountainous man seated at the center—Whitebeard!
Even as dusk deepened, his majesty remained undiminished.
...
"Second Division Commander… me?"
A black-haired young man with freckles on his cheeks pointed at himself.
Portgas D. Ace.
A rising star on the seas over the past five years, the Pirate Supernova following White Horse Cavendish.
...
Driven by the desire to rescue Luffy's savior, he set sail during the Marineford execution incident, but by the time it ended, he hadn't even left the East Sea.
Given the circumstances, he felt too ashamed to return to see his brother and continued his voyage with the goal of becoming the Pirate King.
About two years ago, he entered the New World, displaying formidable strength that made him famous across the seas, and he rejected the Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea invitation issued by the World Government.
Afterward, he headed straight for the world's strongest, 'Whitebeard.' After being defeated, he was won over by Whitebeard's spirit and joined the Whitebeard Pirates.
...
Marco, holding a wine glass, smiled and said, "What, lacking confidence?"
Ace hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
"The previous Second Division Commander… was that man, right?"
"Marco, I've never understood—he's a Marine, yet you all… how should I put it…"
Ace shook his head, unable to find the right words to describe the feeling.
The first time he heard that name was because Luffy's savior had been arrested by him.
After joining the Whitebeard Pirates, Ace heard more about that person, and the outline in his mind became much clearer.
Over the years, Marco no longer changed expression at the mere mention of that name.
Casually, he said, "You want to know why we don't hate him?"
"Haha, we used to care a lot, but thinking about it now…"
Marco smiled with relief. "As Pops said, some people are destined to walk together only for a part of the journey. As long as the memories from that time are beautiful, that's enough."
As if remembering something, Marco chuckled.
"By the way, if you're unlucky enough to run into him, remember to show him the tattoo on your back right away."
"Our Whitebeard Pirates' reputation can still keep you safe."
...
Ace pouted in dissatisfaction. "Is he really that scary...?"
"Even if he's stronger than me, I don't have to beg for mercy the moment I see him, do I?"
He was the kind of reckless daredevil who, at seventeen, dared to challenge the Four Emperors one by one according to a list. He couldn't find Kaido in Wano Country, and although he lost to Bullet, his entire crew managed to escape unscathed.
Unfazed by these setbacks, he immediately turned his sights on Whitebeard.
...
Everyone stared at him for a while, their eyes filled with teasing amusement, making Ace feel somewhat embarrassed.
Jozu patted Ace on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Whitey Bay thought the same way before. Just because she hesitated for two seconds before begging for mercy, she lost two of her ships."
Whitey Bay, the Ice Witch, was a founding member of the Whitebeard Pirates who later formed her own pirate crew to operate independently.
...
"Gurararara..."
Whitebeard's laughter remained as distinctive as ever.
"That kid has a terrible temper. In short, try not to go near his territory."
...
"Territory..."
Marco took a swig of wine and chuckled. "That guy's base is sandwiched right between several of ours. He claims to be with the Marines..."
"But he acts more like a Pirate Emperor!"
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