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Then, he no longer paid any attention to the two of them. His figure suddenly shot up into the sky.
After five or six breaths, a grand and majestic voice spread across the entire battlefield.
"Everyone!"
The immense voice echoed endlessly, entering everyone's ears and causing them all to look up.
"What is that?!"
"Fleet Admiral Arashi!!" Upon seeing the massive figure in the sky, everyone cried out in alarm.
A behemoth was rapidly expanding, growing enormous, and in the blink of an eye, it had blotted out the sun, covering the entire sky. Its familiar appearance was that of the Kunpeng Fruit's beast form.
"Pirates, lay down your weapons! This war is over! Kaido's head has been severed, Big Mom has been captured, and Red-Haired Shanks has been defeated."
"Marshall D. Teach is lying right over there." The shocking voice echoed across the heavens, causing every pirate's face to change colour.
"In this war, you pirates have lost! As long as you lay down your weapons, I can spare your lives."
The deep voice shook the pirates' hearts, and it also brought them the greatest despair. "We lost? How is that possible? How could we possibly lose?"
"That was an alliance of the Four Emperors! Three full-fledged Emperors of the Sea, and Blackbeard on the verge of becoming one."
"Plus one of the five most powerful Elders in the world." Such an outcome completely subverted their worldview, leaving them numb.
"Lay down your weapons and surrender immediately!" Arashi's massive body roamed the sky, his voice like that of a god, entering everyone's hearts.
Some pirates were terrified, their weapons involuntarily falling to the ground with a clatter.
In the next second, the rousing cheers of the Marines erupted.
"Lay down your weapons and surrender immediately!"
At this moment, in stark contrast to the despair of the pirates, was undoubtedly the elation of the Marines, their fighting spirit reaching its peak.
The outcome of the battle between the top powerhouses undoubtedly determined the course of this war.
Arashi's victory had allowed the Marines to secure victory in this war ahead of schedule.
The future course of the battle was now incredibly clear. The pirates, disheartened, threw down their weapons and surrendered to the Marines.
Those who resisted were quickly dealt with. The sound of clanging weapons rang out, and the battlefield grew quiet.
A short while later, Kizaru and the others arrived. Arashi stood there quietly, not asking about the battle situation of the five Admirals.
Seeing that they were a bit battered but otherwise unharmed, it was clear they were not seriously injured.
"One man against the whole world."
"One man beat up the whole world."
"Our Fleet Admiral." Surveying the scene before him, Kizaru said with emotion. The other four Admirals were silent.
Such a stunning battle record was indeed enough to make one tremble. "So, what are your plans for the future?"
Fujitora asked with reverence, looking at the Red-Haired pirates being shackled and led away by the Vice Admirals.
"Plans?" Arashi narrowed his eyes, then chuckled softly. "The New World is my plan."
This sentence left the people present confused. "Kaido's defeat, Big Mom's defeat, these are the achievements of the Marines."
"I will not allow this sea to fall into chaos again." The voice was somewhat low, but it sent a chill through the hearts of the five Admirals, their expressions turning grave.
Arashi's ambition was now incredibly clear. He wanted to take over the territories of the two defeated Emperors.
If this were to be accomplished, the entire New World would become the Marines' backyard, and they would have absolute control over it.
"That would be a massive undertaking! Even the Pirate King, Roger, couldn't accomplish that," Aokiji said in a low voice, a thoughtful expression on his face.
Unifying the New World, the difficulty of such a grand project was imaginable. The number of Marines required would be unprecedented if it could truly be achieved.
Aokiji's pupils suddenly contracted, and even his heart began to beat faster.
That would mean the Marines, led by Arashi, could potentially pose a huge threat to the World Government. Wait.
Aokiji suddenly looked up, staring at Arashi. Was this his goal from the very beginning?
From the moment he joined the Marines, had such an idea, or rather, such a lofty ideal, been born in his heart?
Recalling when he first met him, and then again today, Aokiji felt a sudden realisation.
He watched in a daze as Arashi laughed and chatted with Kizaru, Crocodile, and the others about post-war work, but his mind had already drifted elsewhere.
"If it's him, perhaps it's possible," Aokiji murmured to himself. "Will he change the entire world?"
"Unbelievable." Looking at this familiar old friend before him, Aokiji felt a sense of unfamiliarity. For the first time, he felt that the distance between them was vast.
"Kuzan!" Suddenly, Arashi's voice echoed in his ear.
Aokiji was taken aback. "Huh?"
"What do you mean, 'huh'? You suddenly started spacing out," Arashi said with a laugh.
"It's nothing, just thinking about some things," Aokiji shook his head, then looked carefully at his old friend.
"I suddenly feel that you are truly remarkable." Arashi was stunned, not understanding what he was talking about.
"Remarkable? Are you referring to defeating them? That's hardly anything!"
He shook his head with a smile, feeling that what he had done was no big deal. "Right now, we've only dealt with a large mountain standing in our way!"
"This world is still a complicated place!" As he spoke, Arashi's expression became slightly serious.
"Wait, just wait a little longer. In a little while, this world will become a better place. It will become the world we hope for."
Aokiji stared blankly at him, his heart filled with confusion. What kind of world was this beautiful world in his old friend's heart?
After the victor was decided in the central battle, the outcome of the entire war was already clear. The pirates began to surrender on a large scale.
The saying "an army in retreat is like a landslide" was perfectly demonstrated here.
The rivers leading to the outside world, the sea currents, and the pirates' ships had all been frozen by Aokiji, cutting off the pirates' last escape route.
Facing the powerful Marines, they had only one choice. A short while later, Kozuki Oden, carrying a head, came before Arashi.
His expression was solemn. He knelt on both knees, his forehead pressed tightly to the ground. "On behalf of all of Wano Country, I thank Fleet Admiral Arashi for his help!"
Arashi smiled slightly and gestured with his hand, helping him up. "The interests of the Marines and Wano Country are aligned. Helping this country is helping ourselves." Kozuki Oden nodded.
He naturally understood this point and had some understanding of the Marines' next objective. "So, what do you plan to do next?" Arashi said softly.
His gaze was deep as he looked at the chaotic battlefield before him.
"This country has been closed for hundreds of years. Have you decided whether to let it face the world?" Hearing this, Kozuki Oden's expression grew serious.
Opening the country! For the successive Daimyo of Wano Country, this was an event of extremely great significance.
From the moment he was born, to when he left Wano with Whitebeard many years ago, to now, he has always regarded this as his lifelong ideal and goal.
"I know that for you, this is a crucial decision. You can take your time to consider it."
"But undoubtedly, using this opportunity to have it face the entire world is the best time."
"I believe that in Wano Country, there should also be many patriots who hold the same ambition and dream as you in their hearts." Arashi smiled slightly.
"Wano Country should have long wanted to see the scenery outside."
As soon as these words were spoken, Kozuki Oden's expression changed slightly, and he fell silent.
After a long moment, his expression became firm. "I know what to do!"
The Beasts Pirates were crushed, and along with them, the forces of Big Mom, Red-Hair, Blackbeard, and many others were dismantled in this one war.
The chain reaction it caused would undoubtedly turn the world upside down. And in this chaotic situation, Wano Country had undoubtedly encountered a rare opportunity.
"Arashi is going to usher in a brand new era! And Wano must step into this era. Earlier than any other place," Kozuki Oden said silently to himself.
...
The Marines' work of cleaning up the battlefield proceeded quickly.
On the morning of the second day, the fleet departed, escorting a large number of pirates toward the Flower Capital of Wano Country.
At the same time. In the Holy Land, Mary Geoise, deep within Pangea Castle, in the Room of Flowers.
At the top of a long flight of stairs, on a dark throne, a pair of blood-red eyes looked down, filled with indifference and coldness. "Saturn pressed that button."
"This represents the failure of his mission, and it also represents that your judgment and speculation were wrong!" A cold, majestic voice came from the throne.
The noble figure slowly stood up. The Four Elders knelt on both knees, silent. This result was something they could not believe.
An Elder at full power had failed. "Failure is unforgivable!"
The voice was chilling, and it sent a cold shiver down the spines of the four.
"Should we activate that weapon?"
"What is the status of its research?" the person on the throne asked coldly.
He also knew in his heart that he couldn't blame the Five Elders. After all, no one could have predicted just what level of strength the man named Arashi possessed.
"It is ready for use!" the Warrior God of Justice, Saint Topman Warcury, said immediately.
"Then activate it! It's a good time to test its power," Imu said faintly, as if speaking of a matter of no concern.
"Yes!" the four old men responded. Imu said no more, but reached out a hand and picked up the giant straw hat in front of him.
A light flashed in his eyes. "Will you cause a greater turmoil than the one behind this straw hat? Arashi!"
The death of Saturn undoubtedly enraged the highest authorities worldwide.
The issue of the Marines and Arashi had also become the most prominent threat in the mind of the mysterious man on the throne in the Room of Flowers.
"The young boy who was a slave among the nobles back then. Has now grown into a figure that even the world cannot ignore?" the mysterious man murmured, his scarlet eyes looking on.
An immortal body and immense power had made Arashi the most difficult enemy he had ever encountered in his life.
This was a feat that not even Joy Boy in the past could accomplish. "The New World?"
The grave words floated down softly from the throne. The four old men kneeling on both knees had serious expressions and said nothing.
After a long moment, they saw the figure on the throne slowly wave a hand at them. The four retreated, walking out of the Room of Flowers.
Only after they were some distance away did the four stars appear. Finally, speak in a low voice. "Saturn's death is undoubtedly a huge loss for us."
"We already held Arashi's power in extremely high regard, even dispatching Saturn for this, but the battle was still a failure."
"We are still unclear about the specific details of the war. We will have to wait for some time before we know the full story."
"Go and deploy that weapon. I hope there will be no more accidents in this operation."
"Wano Country? That is an island that even the World Government was once reluctant to provoke easily. What a pity that it, along with most of the Marines, will disappear from this world."
The voices of the Four Elders were soft and heavy. Their conversation did not seem to avoid the servants in the surrounding castle.
But after the four had passed by, mysterious figures would always appear and silently take these servants away in Wano Country, the Flower Capital.
As the capital of Wano Country, this city was now one of the few areas in the country that could maintain its prosperity. At this moment, in the Shogun's castle.
"Cheers!"
The sound of clinking sake cups rang out, intermingled with great peals of laughter, and the rich aroma of alcohol filled the air.
After a victorious war, celebration naturally followed. Arashi sat without question in the seat of honour, holding a large sake cup in his hands.
Before him were the various Marine Admirals, Vice Admirals, and the samurai led by Kozuki Oden.
Most of them were wrapped in bandages with plasters on their faces. Although they had been injured in the battle on Onigashima, it could not hide the joy in their hearts now.
"This is great, Wano Country can finally be rebuilt!"
"The Beasts Pirates are gone, our Wano Country is finally free! We must thank Lord Oden, and even more so, the Marines he brought."
Some were red-faced from drinking, tears streaming from their eyes as they sobbed with emotion.
Others sat outside the Shogun's castle, cradling their longswords, and turned to look at the streets, a smile on their faces as they tilted their heads back and drained the sake from their bowls.
"A new era has arrived!" The light words came from a samurai's mouth.
Following his gaze to the street, one could see long, winding processions of people, like dragons, dancing and singing with excitement.
In unison with the Shogun's castle, the streets were also celebrating.
Undoubtedly, this day was a day of celebration, a victory day belonging to the Marines and the people of Wano Country.
The streets and alleys were filled with the sounds of cheering, as people screamed and cried with joy for this victory.
In the afternoon, a group led by samurai rushed to the factories built all over Wano Country. Someone threw a torch, turning their anger into flames.
One factory after another was consumed by the raging fire, burning to ashes.
"How satisfying! A new era has arrived! Oden will take the position of Shogun and ally with the Marines! We will have the chance to go out into the world!"
"This is truly great news!"
"Opening the country? After hundreds of years of isolation, is Wano Country finally going to open its eyes and see the world again?"
As evening approached, another piece of explosive news spread among the samurai, shocking countless people.
Opening the country! These two words were undoubtedly heavy for the people of Wano Country.
Through how many generations of shoguns, for how many years had they been in a state of isolation, unable to receive any outside information?
For so many years, only Kozuki Oden had managed to sneak out more than twenty years ago.
What was the world outside like? Some said that beyond the island, there were endless icebergs.
Beyond the icebergs was another world. Some said the world consisted of only the island of Wano Country, and to leave it was to enter an endless sea where sea monsters would eat one.
Others said the outside world was vast, with countless countries just like Wano. Wano
The country naturally had news of the outside world, but the period of isolation had been so long that people thought it was all just a legend.
Now, suddenly hearing such news, they were instantly in an uproar, and in a very short time, it spread to every city throughout the country.
"Opening the country? How is that possible? The outside world is a den of ravenous beasts! How can Wano Country open its borders? That would invite a great disaster!"
"Has Kozuki Oden gone mad? He hasn't even succeeded to the position of Shogun yet! How dare he dream of doing such a major thing?"
"This will bring disaster to Wano Country! Opening the country! Not!"
Naturally, there were voices of opposition. For a time, the entire Wano Country was in chaos, with a wide range of opinions being voiced.
In the streets and alleys, people were discussing this matter with great enthusiasm, even leading to arguments.
There were supporters, opponents, and those who didn't care about the matter.
The debate over opening the country intensified further on the second day following the victorious return from the battle on Onigashima.
"It seems the people of Wano have many opinions on this matter," Arashi said with a smile, looking down at the bustling crowd below from the balcony of the Shogun's castle.
"There is resistance, but I have already made up my mind about opening the country," Kozuki Oden said in a low voice.
"In the future New World, I plan to rebuild it into a unified, peaceful region. Islands will no longer be divided, no longer hostile to each other, but will become a whole."
"Only under the premise of great unification. Will there be no conflict, discrimination, or disputes between people?" Arashi said softly.
"Therefore, the opening of Wano Country is also a necessary step in my vision." Pausing for a moment, he turned to look at Kozuki Oden.
"I know you are not very willing to serve as the shogun of this country. But, you must take the position."
"At the very least, until our dreams and ambitions are achieved, you need to bear this heavy responsibility!"
As he spoke, Arashi smiled. "Are you satisfied with just the peace and prosperity of one Wano Country? Oden! What about this entire world? How many people are still experiencing oppression, torture, and war?"
"How many are displaced, lost, yet filled with hatred and fear, living day after day?" His voice became serious, with a slight undertone. "The creed of the Marines is very good. For Justice. Two simple words, but to do it well."
"To achieve it is too difficult. We have too many things to do, even if it's impossible to be perfect."
"But as long as this world's tomorrow is better, more peaceful, and has a little more kindness than today, that is enough. Isn't it?" Arashi said softly.
Kozuki Oden was silent, his eyes filled with shock. These words from Arashi were undoubtedly eye-opening for him.
As long as the world's tomorrow is better, more peaceful, and has a little more kindness than today, that is enough.
In the past, his dream was limited to Wano, confined to one country and one island. Even after leaving this country, he still hadn't thought too much beyond it.
Until today, hearing his opponent's words, he has faintly grasped Arashi's ambition and also seen a much wider world.
"Would you be at ease entrusting Wano Country to someone else? Aren't you afraid of another Kurozumi Orochi? Oden!"
Unconsciously, Arashi placed his right hand on his shoulder. Kozuki Oden's heart trembled. He looked up into his opponent's eyes.
"Right now, the entire country supports you, and only you are the one everyone is counting on. Succeed as Shogun!" Arashi turned and left without saying another word.
Kozuki Oden was silent for a long time. Finally, he stood on the balcony, quietly watching the crowds moving through the streets and alleys, listening to their joyous laughter, their arguments, and their brawls.
He understood many things. Arashi needed him to control Wano Country. Many people in this country also required him to hold power.
At noon, Kozuki Sukiyaki arrived. The two sat across a tea table from each other, both appearing very silent.
Steam rose from the tea in their cups, and the lid on the stove trembled continuously under the force of the steam, letting out a sharp whistle.
"Oden, all sorts of rumors have already started to spread in the outside world," Kozuki Sukiyaki said with a sigh.
"I have never said that I would serve as the Shogun of Wano Country," Kozuki Oden replied.
"I know. Your personality isn't really suited for a key position like Shogun," Kozuki Sukiyaki sighed.
"I have already sent people to investigate who is behind spreading this false news," Kozuki Oden said in a low voice.
"This is why I think you are not suited to be Shogun, Oden," Kozuki Sukiyaki said, shaking his head and sighing.
"Regardless of who is spreading these rumors, what you should be doing now is not investigating the source of this news."
"Because that is completely meaningless. It only proves." He paused.
"That someone wants you to become the Shogun of Wano Country, to take control of this nation that is waiting to be rebuilt.
Perhaps they are your subordinates, some families close to you, some commoners who admire you. Or perhaps it's someone else entirely,"
Kozuki Sukiyaki said, raising his head to look directly at his foolish son. "But regardless, you should understand what you need to do next."
Hearing this, Kozuki Oden's body shuddered, thinking of the conversation he had with Arashi not long ago.
"And you? I want to know your opinion. Do you also think I should serve as the Shogun of Wano Country?" he asked in a low voice.
Kozuki Sukiyaki held his teacup with both hands, his expression also appearing exceptionally grave. The hot steam wafted into his nose.
He took a light sip before finally speaking slowly. "You don't have many choices, do you? My son. Besides, only you can lead Wano Country to a better tomorrow."
This single sentence caused Kozuki Oden's body to tremble slightly.
After a long while, he nodded. "I understand!"
The conversation between father and son brought the succession ceremony for the Shogun of Wano to the forefront. On the fourth day.
Kozuki Oden, under the witness of the various daimyo, numerous nobles, and samurai from all the major cities of Wano Country, ascended to the position of Shogun.
This position, which had originally belonged to his father, Kozuki Sukiyaki, was usurped due to Kurozumi Orochi's conspiracy.
After more than twenty years, it had returned to the hands of the Kozuki clan, inherited by Kozuki Oden.
The position of Shogun, one could say, had been returned to its rightful owner.
Amidst enthusiastic cheers, Kozuki Oden succeeded to the position of Shogun of Wano Country.
He stood on the high platform, raising the samurai sword in his right hand, his expression solemn and dignified.
"I, Kozuki Oden, the new Shogun of Wano Country! Hereby swear an oath to use my entire life to ensure that every person in Wano Country can live a better life!"
"Peace, prosperity, and happiness will be the highest ideals that I, as the new Shogun, will strive to achieve for you!" This inauguration speech made the samurai and commoners below the stage shout with excitement.
Undoubtedly, Kozuki Oden's ascension was what everyone had hoped for! Then, a day later, the highest directive was issued from the Shogun's castle.
"Wano Country will unite with the Marines, forming an unbreakable alliance and based on this, we will step out into the world."
This directive sent the entire country into an uproar and caused a great sensation.
"Opening the country! This is Shogun Oden's policy of opening the country!"
"What does this mean? Will we have the chance to go out into the world? The Marines have built military bases in all the major cities and are recruiting new soldiers."
"Without a doubt, this was all approved by Shogun Oden. You must know that he is also a highly respected Marine Vice Admiral!"
"After going to various parts of the world, the Marines will do everything in their power to guarantee the legal rights and interests of us, the common people of Wano."
"Can we really go abroad?" The entire country of Wano was buzzing, engaged in heated discussions.
In the afternoon of that day, in the Shogun's castle. "Fleet Admiral, an unexpected group of guests has arrived at the hidden port."
Arashi looked up, glancing at the other party with confusion. "Unexpected guests?"
"The reason we have not confirmed their enemy status is because their leader has stated their position, that they are here to support us." The officer's tone was somewhat strange.
"Support?" Arashi was also stunned.
He asked with great interest, "I am rather curious, who are they?"
"The world-famous Germa 66 army," the officer replied. Arashi was taken aback, and then a smile appeared on his face.
"Interesting. The Vinsmoke family? Let them in. I am very interested in their purpose for coming here." The officer bowed and withdrew.
"Yes!" Arashi then looked down again at the sea chart on the table.
With the fall of Kaido, Big Mom, Red-Hair, and Blackbeard. The New World had naturally freed up a lot of territory.
He would certainly not let go of this large area. In the past few days, he had already assigned tasks, ordering the five Admirals to take the Vice Admirals and go make arrangements.
In this special period, what he lacked was not high-end combat power, but grassroots personnel.
As for the Germa army, although he was puzzled, he was not concerned. Arashi already had some guesses about their purpose.
(T/N: Please give me some power stone, I hope it can at least reach top 100)
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