This sea region was a unique danger zone, where the surrounding heaven and earth energy was chaotic and unpredictable. The seabed teemed with reefs, violent undercurrents, and spontaneous whirlpools. Sudden storms and tsunamis erupted at random. Ordinary ships that neared this area would be torn apart and sunk.
Even within the treacherous Demon Sea, this place was treated as a forbidden zone.
Its name—Treasure Bay.
Legend had it that deep within Treasure Bay stood an island containing astonishing riches. The dangers and remoteness made it a natural vault. Many sea tribes had stored treasures retrieved from the ocean floor here. If someone found it, they could become rich overnight.
Indeed, such an island existed.
Treasure Island.
The infamous Whitebeard had once discovered immense treasure here. His personal stash was also hidden on this island. It was effectively his secret base, unknown to anyone but him. The only safe navigational route through the turbulent waters was one only he possessed.
But today, a fleet of ships was seen entering Treasure Bay, all headed toward Treasure Island.
Each one belonged to a notorious pirate crew from the Demon Sea. Once, these names could make people tremble with fear. Wherever they went, they were dominant and arrogant. But now, those same pirates wore uncertainty on their faces—anxiety replacing bravado.
The changes had come too fast.
Who could've imagined that, in a single night, the entire Demon Sea's sky would change?
The former Tianlong Dynasty and Naval Headquarters had been replaced by Great Yi. A dynasty being replaced by a Sacred Court—these were two entirely different levels of power.
Many of the pirate crews had personally participated in the battles against Great Yi. They had seen its terrifying strength. Four realms had attacked simultaneously, yet failed to shake it. Instead, they suffered heavy losses. Great Yi even advanced to Sacred Court status and massacred countless demons and monsters in response.
That war had left a deep mark on all who witnessed it.
"Great Yi isn't like the Tianlong Dynasty—those pleasure-drunk fools.
When they go to war, they're ruthless, relentless, and well-equipped.
You can't match their gear, you can't match their might, and you certainly can't match their depth of resources."
Now that Great Yi had occupied the Demon Sea, the pirates—whose lives revolved around plunder—were at a loss. They had no direction. No idea where their future lay.
For the first time, they were forced to contemplate fate—an unfamiliar and heavy burden.
This time, Whitebeard had issued invitations to all major pirate factions. Each contained a safe navigation chart for Treasure Bay.
Given Whitebeard's unrivaled prestige among pirates, few dared refuse. Like a flag raised high, his call drew a surging tide of followers.
Soon, pirate ships from across the sea gathered at the heart of the chaotic waters—Treasure Island.
The island itself wasn't large—only about three thousand li in radius, just a small island compared to others.
But strangely, the chaotic storms, whirlpools, and violent currents all calmed when they approached the island. Even the dangerous undercurrents around the island became still.
Warships clustered around the shores as crowds of pirates disembarked.
In the center of the island stood a strange structure—a gigantic shipwreck, salvaged from who-knows-where and transformed into a fortress-like building.
It served as a residence, meeting hall, tavern, and barracks, capable of accommodating tens of thousands with ease.
Outside, fires blazed on the beach. Pirates cooked seafood and wild game, drank heavily, and feasted.
But the atmosphere remained unsettled. Even in revelry, the shadows of uncertainty loomed large.
Inside the shipwreck, in a vast hall, the true leaders of the sea had gathered.
At the head of the table sat Whitebeard, his imposing figure commanding the room.
Around him were many notorious pirate captains:
Shanks, captain of the Red-Haired Pirates
Marshall D. Teach (Blackbeard)
Buggy the Clown, captain of the Ugly Freak Pirates
Big Mom, captain of the Big Mom Pirates
Silver Fox Foxy, of the Foxy Pirates
Arlong, captain of the Fish-Man Pirates
Kaido, captain of the Hundred Beast Pirates
Capone Bege, of the Fire Tank Pirates
Urouge, the Mad Monk of the Broken Army Monks
Each one was silent and contemplative.
Whitebeard looked around the room and spoke solemnly:
"Everyone should be here by now.
Let's begin.
The topic is simple:
Now that the Demon Sea has changed hands, where do we pirates go from here?"
"Pardon me for the interruption, but I hope I'm not disturbing the meeting?"
A voice called out from the entrance.
Everyone turned toward it—and many gasped in shock.
"The Pirate King… Gol D. Roger."
"And the Red Count, Bartholomew Ledfield…"
These two were living legends.
Roger had once ushered in an entire era—universally recognized as The Pirate King.
His prestige equaled or surpassed Whitebeard's.
The Red Count was another top-tier powerhouse, with the Bat-Bat Fruit granting him a vampire form. Few dared provoke him.
Each of them was as mighty as Whitebeard—and their arrival caused a stir.
"It's great that you've come,"Whitebeard nodded with a smile.
"This meeting is about seeking a path forward. The more insight, the better."
"Then we'll leave it to you to lead,"Roger replied warmly.
"We're just here to listen."
Whitebeard began:
"Great Yi now controls the entire Demon Sea.
Every landmass now has an Immortal City—each one as fortified as a king's capital.
The people are numerous, the defenses are terrifying, and Great Yi's army can be instantly transported between cities.
Attacking one is nearly impossible.
"The Tianlong Dynasty has already submitted to Great Yi, trading loyalty for wealth.
The Navy Headquarters will likely do the same.
That leaves us pirates."
"Let's face it.
We don't have a good reputation.
But if we surrender, given the Holy King of Great Yi's reputation, we may be spared.
We could become commoners, or even join the Great Yi navy.
Who knows? We might get to sail again.
"You've all seen the Nobility Roll.
That thing promises titles and fate boosts to anyone who earns merit—even former pirates.
"That leaves us with three choices:
Leave: Abandon the Demon Sea.
Stay: Submit to Great Yi.
Die: Go to war and be annihilated.
"I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts."
Everyone knew he was right.
No one would choose death if they could live.
The real decision was between leaving or staying. But even that needed coordination.
If they joined Great Yi together, they might be treated with more respect.
If they left together, they could protect each other during the journey.
Unity was key—no matter the path chosen.
"But… would Great Yi really accept us?"
Buggy the Clown frowned.
"We're pirates. What if we walk in and get arrested or killed?"
A fair concern.
What if they surrendered only to be executed on arrival?
Just then, a hearty laugh echoed from the door.
"Who's there?"
All eyes turned toward the entrance.
A man in white robes entered, flanked by two imposing figures:
One held a war blade in his arms.
The other carried a battle sword on his back.
Both radiated an aura of cutting sword intent and dominant saber intent, like weapons made flesh.
The man at the center spoke calmly:
"I am Jia Xu, Lord of the Heavenly Strategy Hall under Great Yi.
I heard there was a gathering here—thought I'd join in.
I hope I'm welcome?"
His tone was polite, with a trace of warmth.
The pirates were all stunned.
They hadn't expected someone this high-ranking from Great Yi to show up—in person.
That could only mean one thing:
Their every move was already under Great Yi's watchful eyes.