"The New World is really not that big."
Hearing Ryu's words, Stussy turned to the group of skeptical women and explained, "Ryu is right. The first and second halves of the Grand Line together aren't even as large as the East Blue, let alone the entire world. So, in comparison, the New World is actually quite small."
She continued, "If you divide it further, each major pirate's territory becomes even smaller. The title of 'Four Emperors' sounds powerful, but in reality…"
Stussy stopped mid-sentence, choosing to save face for the Yonko. But the women understood.
The Four Emperors had always been fighting over a relatively small space. They claimed they weren't interested in the world, but in truth, they weren't capable of holding it—not entirely.
Perona muttered, "Then why are you still fighting the Four Emperors? Wouldn't it be easier to conquer the whole world?"
Ryu flicked Perona's forehead again. "A small territory today means a large territory tomorrow. Why don't you just suggest I march straight into Mary Geoise?"
Perona got excited. "Hmph! Then go ahead and do it!"
For such a defiant response, Ryu's punishment was immediate—a playful but firm slap.
"Smack, smack, smack!"
Perona was once again disciplined, leaving the other women both amused and embarrassed.
After putting down the flustered Perona, Ryu continued, "None of you will be participating in the upcoming battle. Your mission is simple—brainstorm, plan out the sea routes of our territories, and establish our own rules in advance."
"First things first, we need to rename that sea and change the ruling order!"
The women were momentarily confused by his words, but when they heard the latter part, their interest was piqued.
Nami was the first to raise her hand. "Let's call it the 'Sea of Beauties!'"
Ryu narrowed his eyes.
Nami quickly corrected herself. "I mean, uh… how about the 'White Sea'?"
Ryu's expression darkened. "I have a strong suspicion that you're mocking me… This won't do."
The women continued throwing out name suggestions, but Ryu dismissed them one by one.
Meanwhile, baby-5 remained happily serving tea and refilling cups as usual, while the three newcomers—Monet, Sugar, and Viola—watched in silence, stunned by the chaotic yet oddly warm atmosphere.
Monet turned to Robin and whispered, "Isn't this… a bit too hasty?"
The battle hadn't even started yet. Wouldn't it be embarrassing if things didn't go as planned?
Robin glanced at Monet, then suddenly complimented her. "You're very beautiful."
Monet was caught off guard. "Hehehe… No, I'm not that beautiful…" She blushed, feeling unexpectedly happy at the praise.
Robin was briefly surprised by her reaction, then smiled. "Your personality is cute, but let me remind you and the other newcomers of something important…"
She looked at Monet and Sugar seriously. "No matter why you joined, you only have one choice now—trust Ryu."
"Because we are not just allies anymore; we are a family. The family Ryu spoke of. That means we must take the initiative to trust him."
Monet and Sugar fell silent. They understood that sentiment—after all, they had once trusted the Donquixote Family.
It was just that, after being removed from that family, they weren't quite used to trusting a new one.
Ryu then turned to Robin and Stussy. "You two will lead the discussion. From naming the territory to structuring our governance—plan everything in detail. Everyone else, take these ten days to rest, then resume training once the plans are finalized."
The women nodded in agreement.
"Good. I'll go prepare for tonight's banquet."
With that, Ryu teleported to the Empress' chambers. Seeing that Boa Hancock was still resting, he quietly left.
Calm Belt – A Remote Island
This was an island where Ryu had left a space marker while traveling in his spaceship, scouting for Amazon Lily. It was isolated and quiet—perfect for what he needed.
"This place will do."
Ryu was preparing to release the undead prisoners, but more importantly, he wanted to combine his powers.
He had accumulated many abilities.
With Hancock now fully enhanced by the Ice Heart, and Sugar's Childlike Fruit, merging the two would be a major breakthrough.
"System, initiate strength fusion!"
"Ding! Detected new crew members/subordinates: Boa Hancock, Stussy, Monet, Sugar, Viola, baby-5. Commencing fusion!"
A dazzling aura enveloped Ryu. This power boost was going to be unprecedented.
Three Hours Later
Ryu gradually adapted to his new strength and checked his stats.
• Host: Ryu
• Physical Strength: ★★★★★
• Spirit: ★★★★★
• Martial Arts: ★★★★½
• Swordsmanship: ★★★★½
• Armament Haki: Advanced (External/Internal Destruction)
• Observation Haki: Advanced (Ultra Range, Precision Perception, Coverage Shielding)
• Conqueror's Haki: Advanced (Overwhelming Domination)
• Innate Abilities: Teleportation, Immortality, Transfer
• Special Abilities: Restoration, Cloud Manipulation, Ghost Manifestation, Hana Hana no Mi, Hobi Hobi no Mi, Mero Mero no Mi, Ice Heart, Yuki Yuki no Mi, Hypnotic Gaze, Weapon Mastery
• Special Skill: 100% Hand-to-Hand Combat Success
• Special Items: Dimensional Ring, Angel Wings, Holy Water, Sealed Status, Time Machine, Senzu Bean Maker
• Basic Combat Power: ★★★★★ (Ordinary Yonko Level)
• Additional Power: ★★★★★★ (Super Admiral/Yonko+ Level)
"I'm basically at a standard admiral-level strength now."
Ryu analyzed his combat potential. His basic combat power alone didn't include any supernatural abilities.
If he fought Mihawk without using any abilities, he would likely lose—the gap in pure swordsmanship was still significant.
But if he did use his abilities…
Forget healing, teleportation, and space transfer—just the Hana Hana + Hobi Hobi combo was a game-changer.
Sure, strong Haki users could resist Devil Fruit abilities.
But if his top-tier Conqueror's Haki fueled these powers, who could stop him?
"The greatest suffering in the world is being forgotten by everyone…"
"Who could endure that? Well, I suppose the protagonist never gives up, right?"
To test his new abilities, Ryu found a small animal and experimented with the Hana Hana + Hobi Hobi fusion.
He was very satisfied.
"Ding! Routine broken! Host has achieved an unmatched level of power in this world. New title awarded: 'Fake World's Strongest!'"
"Effect: Absolute Dominance Aura!"
• When activated, all beings weaker than the host will subconsciously believe he is invincible.
• Note: Although you have achieved top-tier power in this world, your basic combat strength is still lacking. Keep training!
"Why 'Fake' World's Strongest? That's insulting!"
Ryu sighed but accepted the title.
At least, now, whenever he unleashed his aura, weaklings would think twice before challenging him.
Now, it was time for his undead prisoners to work for him.
"Come out."
As his voice echoed through the prison, Crocodile scoffed, "Tch. Is this another trap? Last time I got dragged out just to be used as a disposable fighter before being thrown back in!"
But when Ryu added, "Anyone who doesn't come out will have their limbs cut off and die a hundred times!"
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
The next moment, everyone rushed out.
Even the captured CP0 agents tried to make a break for it.
Ryu smirked. "Now, let's get started."
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