Chapter 93 – Dawn of Liberation
The morning sun stretched its golden fingers over the horizon, spilling light onto the once-oppressed city of Cleaica. Smoke still curled lazily from the scattered fires, mingling with the scent of salt from the harbor. The city had been torn by conflict, but today, amidst the ruins of the royal palace and broken streets, a new sound rose above the chaos—a chorus of hope, joy, and freedom.
Arthur stood at the helm of the Silver Gale, silver hair glinting in the sunlight, eyes scanning the harbor. Below, citizens flooded the docks, throwing flowers that tumbled over the water like a river of color. Shouts and chants echoed through the air:
"Silver-Hair! Silver-Hair!"
"Arthur! Arthur!"
Children waved handmade banners, while adults danced along the streets, their laughter rising above the echoes of battle. Broken weapons and shields littered the plaza, remnants of a tyranny that had just been overturned.
Arthur's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. "This is what freedom smells like," he murmured softly, voice barely audible over the cheers. His hands rested lightly on the wheel, steady, unshaken. The tension of the past night—the fight against the king, the CP9 ambush, and the near-death clash with Kizaru—still lingered in his muscles, but now it was replaced by an unfamiliar calm. A calm that only victory could bring.
Beside him, Leo Von Seo gripped his battle-worn axe, eyes wide as he took in the crowds. His chest rose and fell quickly, the adrenaline of the fight still coursing through his veins. He had survived, and more importantly, his city, his family, and the people he loved were finally safe. For the first time in fifteen years, he allowed himself to feel a glimmer of peace.
Leo's mind drifted to that day fifteen years ago, long before the darkness had consumed Cleaica. He was ten years old, sitting on the wooden steps of the family home, watching his father teach him the basics of the axe. "Strength, Leo," his father had said, his voice firm but kind. "Isn't just about muscle. It's about heart, focus, and protecting those who cannot protect themselves. Never forget that."
The memory tore at him, knowing now that the king's cruelty had snuffed out that guiding hand. His father had been executed publicly, a warning to anyone who dared defy royal edicts. Leo clenched his fist, the scars of grief and rage simmering beneath his calm exterior.
Arthur's voice pulled him back to the present. "Leo, you fought well. Your family is safe, and your people are free. Today, your father's spirit walks with you."
Leo nodded, voice thick with emotion. "Thank you… for giving me this chance." He lifted his axe and, with a mischievous grin that hid the weight of his grief, began strumming it like a guitar. Notes rang out across the harbor, wild, free, and defiant. The melody danced with the morning breeze, filling the city with the anthem of liberation. Citizens cheered louder, some joining in with whistles and drums, as the Silver Gale slowly cut its anchor free.
Surv leaned casually against the railing, arms crossed, electricity faintly crackling along her forearms. "Well, that's a first. Never thought I'd see an axe double as a musical instrument." She smirked, lightning arcing playfully to punctuate the sound. "If you can hit someone as hard as you can play that thing, you'll fit right in."
Leo laughed softly, his hands flying across the axe with precision. "Trust me. I've learned how to hit and play."
Lisa, watching from a safe corner, shook her head with a gentle smile. "You two are ridiculous," she teased. "But… seeing the city rise again, hearing the music… it's magical."
Hiroshi leaned on the rail, watching the citizens dismantle the remnants of the royal banners. "It's more than magic," he said quietly. "It's a testament. We came, we fought, and they've reclaimed what was stolen from them. That's power. That's hope."
Arthur's gaze swept over the city one last time. His chest felt lighter, yet the weight of responsibility remained. "This is only the beginning," he said softly, voice carried by the breeze. "The seas are waking. And those who try to keep them in chains will feel our storm."
---
Navy HQ
Far from Cleaica, alarms blared at Marine Headquarters. Vice Admiral Akainu, barely twenty-six but already infamous for his ruthless pursuit of "absolute justice," slammed his fist against the polished wooden table. The sound echoed through the chamber like a cannon shot.
"They've taken Cleaica?!" he bellowed, eyes blazing. "Arthur… the Silver-Hair Pirate… he defeated Kizaru? An Admiral? He liberated an entire kingdom?! How is this even possible?!"
Fleet Admiral Kong, his hands clasped behind his back, remained calm despite the tension in the room. His aged eyes, sharp and discerning, studied Akainu without judgment. "It's true, Akainu. Kizaru has been forced to retreat, badly injured. We cannot underestimate him. The situation demands… measured action."
Akainu slammed the table again, his voice a thunderclap. "Measured?! The world cannot wait for measured action! Every fleet under my command will hunt him! I want him eliminated immediately! No delays!"
A young lieutenant hesitated, sweat beading on his forehead. "Sir… the Five Elders have been observing the events… they may wish to intervene directly. Cleaica could be the first of many kingdoms he liberates."
Kong sighed, a shadow crossing his features. "Then we prepare, and soon, Akainu, you may find yourself reporting directly to the Elders. This is beyond even the Admirals' authority."
---
Mary Geoise
In the gilded halls of Mary Geoise, atop the World Government's sacred platform, the Five Elders convened. Their presence exuded authority, their expressions carved from stone.
Saint Marcus Mars, known as the Warrior God of Environment, spoke first, voice calm but resolute. "Reports from Cleaica are accurate. The Silver-Hair Pirates have liberated a kingdom and hold the Uranus blueprint. Their influence grows unchecked."
Saint Topman Warcury, the Warrior God of Justice, veins bulging, slammed a fist into the table. "This is intolerable! One pirate destabilizing entire regions? His actions could inspire rebellion across all the seas."
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, titled Warrior God of Finance, adjusted his robes, eyes calculating. "Worse, they operate without fear. Arthur's crew is disciplined, precise, and now bolstered with new allies. This is not mere chaos; it is strategy."
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, the Warrior God of Agriculture, spoke softly but with gravity. "The people are rising. If the world sees this, many may choose to follow. We must act carefully, lest this rebellion spreads beyond our control."
Finally, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, Warrior God of Science and Defense, leaned forward, fingers steepled. "Even Kizaru has been injured. This is unprecedented. We cannot allow this pirate to dictate the course of history."
Mars's eyes narrowed. "We have delayed too long. Arthur is no longer a minor threat. Perhaps… it is time to summon the Holy Knights."
From the shadows, a faint figure observed, silent yet commanding—Imu. Nothing needed to be said. Their gaze alone carried the weight of the entire world's expectation and fear.
---
Shanks in the New World
Far to the east, the red sails of the Red-Haired fleet cut through the New World's waves. Shanks stood at the bow, cape fluttering, eyes narrowed toward the distant horizon where Big Mom's territory loomed.
"The seas are shifting," he muttered, voice low, but carrying a weight that rippled through his crew. "Arthur is moving… shaping this world in ways no one expected. Let's see how far he can go… before we meet him. And before I face Big Mom."
---
The Crew's Reflection
On the Silver Gale, the crew gathered, gazing back at Cleaica. Survivors helped rebuild the harbor, citizens cheering, children laughing, and everywhere, the banners of oppression lay torn.
Leo strummed his axe, the melody carrying over the waters, harmonizing with the voices of the liberated city. Surv leaned casually against the mast, arms crossed, lightning sparking subtly as she watched him.
"You play it loud," she remarked with a grin. "But it's not half bad. Just don't let your next fight sound like a concert."
Leo chuckled softly, his eyes glimmering. "Every note is a promise. Every swing is for those who can't fight for themselves. Father… this is for you."
Hiroshi, observing the crew, spoke quietly. "We've changed the world today. One kingdom, yes, but a message to all tyrants: rebellion is no longer just a rumor."
Arthur's hands rested on the wheel, fingers tightening slightly. His silver hair whipped in the wind. "We've sent a signal. And now… the seas will wake. The world will take notice. Let them come."
Lisa, ever pragmatic, added softly, "And we'll be ready. Every step, every choice… we've learned to think ahead. We survive, we fight, and we protect."
Arthur closed his eyes briefly, inhaling the scent of freedom mingled with sea air. "The world is finally waking up. And we will be the storm guiding it forward."
The Silver Gale set sail once more, the cheers of Cleaica fading behind them, but the resonance of hope echoing across the seas. The Silver-Hair Pirates were no longer shadows in the dark—they were a beacon, and the seas themselves were beginning to change.