The news of Whitebeard's defeat spread like wildfire across the world, from small villages in East Blue to islands in the New World, stirring waves of shock wherever it reached.
Seven pirate ships of vastly different styles floated on the sea, their sails flapping in the wind. The figures on their decks, bathed in the setting sun, each harbored their own thoughts.
"Captain Drake, the war is finally over!" a crew member exclaimed, gazing at the distant smoke on the horizon with a tone of relief.
Drake crossed his arms, leaning against the ship's railing as he stared darkly toward Marineford. "Over? This is just the beginning. With Whitebeard gone, the Marines will have to change. The world won't be peaceful from now on."
On the deck of the Fire Tank Pirates' ship, Capone Bege clenched a cigar between his teeth and tapped the map sharply with his finger, his voice icy. "The territories Whitebeard left behind will plunge into chaos in an instant. Blood will flow like rivers as people fight over this fat prize."
His eyes gleamed with calculation, as if he could already see the coming slaughter.
Urouge of the Fallen Monk Pirates sat cross-legged on the deck, hands clasped together, yet his expression was anything but serene. "The key lies with that Blasphemer, Bahr. A man who dares challenge the Celestial Dragons will undoubtedly expand his influence like mad during this time, becoming the new storm's eye."
"And then there's Blackbeard—he's taken Whitebeard's power and recruited new allies. He'll stir up trouble too. The New World is in for a spectacle."
On the Bonney Pirates' ship, Jewelry Bonney gritted her teeth, fists clenched tightly, her face full of urgency. "That guy must know something. I have to find him immediately!"
She whirled around and shouted at her crew, "All of you, snap to it! We're setting sail for the New World!"
Kid stood at the prow of his ship, his metal arm glinting coldly in the sunlight. After listening to the surrounding chatter, he scoffed disdainfully. "A bunch of useless fools, just talking big. With Whitebeard gone, this is our chance. Who cares about Bahr or Blackbeard? Anyone in our way gets crushed!"
His eyes burned with arrogance and ambition. With a swing of his arm, the ship emitted a metallic screech, clearly ready to depart.
Scratchmen Apoo cradled his shamisen, plucking the strings lightly to produce an eerie melody. He narrowed his eyes, a playful smirk on his lips. "Interesting, truly interesting. This is going to be quite the show. I wonder who'll have the last laugh?"
Though he seemed nonchalant, his mind was already calculating how to reap the greatest benefits from the coming chaos.
Basil Hawkins drew a tarot card, his expression grave as he studied it. "Too many variables. The future is growing murkier. But within this chaos lies opportunity—if one can seize it."
He pocketed the card, his gaze resolute. He clearly had his own plans.
The seven pirate ships were like seven stones cast into the sea, about to send ripples across the waters of the New World.
At Marine bases, soldiers stationed across the world erupted in celebration. They flooded the decks, cheering at the top of their lungs as celebratory cannon fire split the sky, shaking the very sea.
"The Marines are invincible!"
"Salute the heroes of Marineford!"
A young sailor, face flushed, gripped the hilt of his sword and pumped his fist excitedly. "One day, I'll serve at headquarters too—just like Admiral Akainu and the others—fighting for justice!"
Veterans clapped their juniors on the back, tears glistening in their eyes.
Though they hadn't witnessed the war's brutality firsthand, the reports carried the weight of blood and fire. Their cheers held the relief of survivors.
Civilians gathered in the streets, crowding around posted newspapers and cheering. Children ran about waving small Marine flags, while adults embraced, their faces alight with relief.
"Whitebeard's been defeated! That legendary pirate has finally fallen!"
"The war is over! No more living in fear!"
"Long live the Marines! Long live the World Government!"
Their voices brimmed with simple hope, as if this victory could sweep away all suffering, leaving only peaceful days ahead.
Yet in other corners, darkness festered beneath the cheers. Thugs in taverns fired their guns into the air, bullets piercing the thatched roofs and sending nearby civilians fleeing.
"Look how happy they are—what a joke!" A scar-faced pirate kicked over a table and took a swig from his flask. "That old man Whitebeard said it himself—One Piece is real!"
"Damn right!" his companion roared, slamming the table. "What 'Marine victory'? It's just a fancy way of saying the treasure's still out there in the New World, waiting for us to take it!"
The outlaws' revelry was tinged with madness, the clinking of glasses masking their contempt for order and greed for riches.
In even darker alleys, hooded figures whispered among themselves, voices thick with suppressed excitement.
"Did you hear? Someone dared to challenge the Celestial Dragons' authority during the war..."
"That man is a legend—even the Marines couldn't stop him!"
"I'm going to follow him. That's the kind of man who deserves to be called strong!"
Though they spoke in hushed tones, the fervor in their eyes was unmistakable—as if they'd found a faith that could overturn the world.
The same news took on different meanings in different hearts.
Some saw peace. Others saw opportunity. Some saw the spark of rebellion. The world's tremors had only just begun, and the sea known as the "New World" grew ever more turbulent in the wake of this victory.
....
The sea shimmered with fragmented light as Law's submarine surfaced. The hatch creaked open, and Hancock stepped onto the deck in her high heels.
"Straw Hat Boy... how is he?" She stood at the hatch, her voice carrying a barely perceptible tension.
She wasn't concerned about the boy's life—only that if he didn't make it, she'd have to answer to Lord Bahr. He had specifically tasked her with protecting the boy. If she failed, Lord Bahr would surely be disappointed in her.
Law emerged from the submarine, removing his hat to wipe sweat from his brow. His tone was grave. "His injuries are severe. Whether he pulls through depends entirely on his willpower."
"What?" Hancock's heart clenched. Her serpent-shaped earrings swayed in the sunlight, reflecting the anxiety in her eyes.
What should she do?
She took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. She couldn't afford to panic now.
Hancock met Law's gaze, her voice suddenly firm. "If the Marines find out Straw Hat is alive, they'll send assassins. You're coming with me to Amazon Lily. It's my territory—completely safe."
The moment the words left her mouth, she froze.
Amazon Lily had never allowed men to set foot on its shores. It was a rule passed down for generations.
But then she reconsidered—this was for Lord Bahr. Breaking one rule meant nothing if it was for him.
She'd bring one man, or even a dozen. Who would dare object?
She had to do this right. She had to prove her worth to Lord Bahr.
Hancock straightened her back, a glint of unshakable resolve flashing in her serpentine eyes. "It's decided. We leave immediately."