Spring turned to autumn, and three years passed in the blink of an eye.
In those three years, the world saw drastic changes, most notably the emergence of the “Four Emperors.”
The Whitebeard Pirates, the Red-Haired Pirates, the Beasts Pirates, and the Big Mom Pirates were dubbed the Four Emperors, reigning as the absolute rulers of the New World.
Countless challengers and dissenters fell during this period, solidifying the Four Emperors’ dominance.
Their rise also prompted a significant restructuring within the Marines.
Former Fleet Admiral Kong was promoted to Commander-in-Chief of the entire military, while former Admiral Sengoku took over as Fleet Admiral. Vice Admirals Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan were promoted to Admirals, now known by their code names: Akainu, Kizaru, and Aokiji, respectively.
When Sengoku assumed command, both the Beasts Pirates and Big Mom Pirates tried to test him. New to the role, Sengoku refused to back down.
Leading Admirals Akainu, Chief of Staff Tsuru, and Vice Admirals like Onigumo, and Sengoku almost reached the Beasts Pirates’ headquarters on Onigashima.
Meanwhile, Marine hero Monkey D. Garp, along with Admirals Aokiji and Kizaru, directly confronted and drove the Big Mom Pirates back to their base on Whole Cake Island.
During that time, the Marines were unstoppable.
Beyond these clashes of powerful figures and factions, other strong individuals began to carve their own paths.
Among them were the Four Emperors’ top fighters: Marco the Phoenix, Diamond Jozu, Vista the Flower Sword, Charlotte Katakuri, Charlotte Cracker, King, Queen, Benn Beckman, Yasopp, and others.
Additionally, there was the Marine Hunter Dracule Mihawk, who openly hunted Marines and pirates. Sengoku dispatched Aokiji to capture him, but Mihawk ultimately eluded capture.
Mihawk gradually earned the title of the world’s greatest swordsman.
Other notable figures, such as Gecko Moria, Heavenly Yaksha Donquixote Doflamingo, Empress Boa Hancock, Tyrant Bartholomew Kuma, Sea Knight Jinbei, and Crocodile of the Desert Croc, also made names for themselves.
Besides these renowned individuals, there were numerous old and new monsters, and countless formidable characters of various types.
The Great Age of Pirates had begun.
As powerful pirates and malicious forces grew in number, the pressure on the Marines and the World Government increased. Over the past year, the World Government authorized the Marines to establish the Shichibukai system, forming the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
The Shichibukai were seven powerful pirates chosen by the World Government. Each possessed catastrophic, destructive power and the strength to rival a nation.
However, becoming a Shichibukai had both benefits and drawbacks.
The benefits included the suspension of their bounty, the World Government overlooking their past crimes, and even tolerating their privateering activities if they paid tributes when caught.
Additionally, to maintain the “cooperative relationship,” the World Government would agree to certain individual requests. For example, Boa Hancock could prohibit Marine ships from entering the waters around Amazon Lily, and the crimes of the Fish-Man Pirates’ crew would be pardoned.
These were the privileges of being a Shichibukai. In return, they had duties.
They had to use their power and reputation to deter common pirates. If the Marines enforced a compulsory summon, the Shichibukai had to assist, making them widely viewed as “lapdogs” of the World Government.
Overall, the Shichibukai were outcasts.
Despised by both the Marines and pirates, they stood at the center of the disdain hierarchy.
Prodence Kingdom
Western Coast
Yarderd Town
Compared to three years ago, when Yarderd Town was mired in turmoil, it was now much more stable and harmonious. This improvement wasn’t limited to Yarderd Town; the entire kingdom had seen significant enhancements in order.
The citizens of Providence Kingdom clearly felt the positive changes, thanks to the wise and mighty King Elisabello II.
And then there was the legendary, elusive bounty hunter known as the Grim Reaper, the Hunter King, Hermes Jormungandr.
It was said that the Hunter King was a close friend of King Elisabello II. Over the past three years, Hermes Jormungandr has eradicated numerous powerful bandit groups, criminal organizations, and pirate crews.
Coupled with King Elisabello II’s enlightened reforms, the people’s lives had greatly improved, far removed from the dire conditions of three years prior.
“This place is now claimed by the Momos Pirates. Everyone, get out!”
“Barkeep, bring me the most expensive food and the strongest drink.”
The largest tavern in Yarderd Town bustled with business daily. No longer plagued by protection rackets, it led to overflowing profits. The owners often woke up laughing from dreams of their newfound wealth.
Suddenly, the noisy hall fell silent as thirty or so dusty pirates, armed with various weapons and exuding hostility, stormed in, their attitudes arrogant and domineering.
“They’re pirates.”
“Must be outsiders; they wouldn’t be this brazen otherwise. The Hunter King just cleared out a band of mountain bandits a few days ago and might still be in Yarderd.”
“I’ve heard of the Momos Pirates. That must be their captain, Momos, with a bounty of fifty-eight million. He’s a ruthless pirate.”
“Fifty-eight million? That’s high!”
“We should leave.”
“What’s there to fear? This isn’t the Prodence Kingdom of three years ago. Under the wise rule of the king and the Hunter King, these pirates should be the ones afraid.”
Some young hotheads refused to back down.
Their greatest dream was to go to the capital, join the military to protect their homeland, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the king and the legendary Hunter King, Hermes Jormungandr.
“Huh?”
“A bunch of lowly scum. Throw these people out.”
Momos, the leader, frowned and ordered his men to throw out the nearest people.
After ten days and nights at sea, and even evading Marine pursuit, they had landed in Prodence Kingdom, desperate for food and supplies.
There was no time to waste with these lowlifes.
“Get out, or I’ll make you.”
“Quick, get out!”
The pirates began roughly grabbing people and tossing them out into the street, accompanied by curses and groans.
“I’m not afraid of you! Let me go!”
The young hothead from earlier was thrown out, landing face-first and chipping a few teeth, his mouth full of blood, creating a frightening sight.
Inside the tavern.
Most people, afraid of being thrown out and injured, hurriedly fled, except for one person still eating and drinking heartily at a table by the counter.
“Hey kid, didn’t you hear?”
The lone person stood out.
A pirate approached to throw him out, but as he reached out, his body stiffened, and he fell back with a bloody hole in his torso, dead.
All eyes turned to the scene.
“One of ours was killed?”
Some pirates muttered in disbelief.
“Bang!”
A pirate drew his pistol and fired without hesitation, anger in his eyes.
Killing a person was second nature to them.
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