After the World Government cleaned up the mess caused by the ninja attack, Marine Admiral Fujitora was transferred to Mariejois to take charge of security. The Five Elders believed that Fujitora's Press-Press Fruit ability could counter the attack of the Golden Lion Shiki.
However, Fujitora's sense of justice had always clashed with the Celestial Dragons and the Five Elders. He despised them. How could he willingly accept the role of a mere security guard in Mariejois?
Yet, in the end, he took the job—not out of willingness, but because the Five Elders offered too much. Of course, being experienced and shrewd, they didn't simply hand over money to Fujitora directly. Instead, they increased Marine's military budget, ensuring that internal pressure within the Marines persuaded Fujitora to accept the position.
Three days later, Fujitora successfully repelled an attack from Golden Lion Shiki. Though Shiki regretted not being able to destroy Mariejois, he couldn't help but admire Fujitora's power.
"If only I had known about this strategy earlier in the past…" Shiki mused. Back then, Fujitora hadn't yet joined the Marines, and if he had possessed his current strength, the World Government would have struggled to stop him.
Of course, with Shiki's near-indestructible body, it wouldn't have been difficult for him to raze Mariejois to the ground. The only reason he didn't was because Lucas stopped him. If Shiki had truly wanted to wipe out the Celestial Dragons, he would have done so already.
In the days that followed, the World Government carefully analyzed information regarding the group of living dead and discovered something useful—the Wood Style technique Senju Hashirama had once used to restrain Kaido.
This led to a startling question:
"Could those mysterious figures actually be Lucas's subordinates?"
One of the Five Elders frowned. "That would make sense. We've never heard of an ability capable of controlling a Marine Admiral, and Lucas, that man, happens to possess all sorts of unknown powers."
Another elder scoffed. "If Lucas truly wielded such power, wouldn't he have replaced the World Government by now?"
"That's right," another added. "How could a pirate with ambition restrain himself after obtaining such strength?"
"Still, while those powerful individuals are unlikely to be Lucas's subordinates, he may very well have ties to them."
"Should we send someone to question him directly?"
"No. That would only alert him. The World Government is already in a weakened state—we can't afford to stir up trouble for ourselves."
"Then our best course of action is to provoke conflict among the pirates. The seas are already teeming with restless, powerful figures. If we incite them to go after Lucas, he will be forced to seek external aid."
"And when that happens…"
"We'll finally uncover his true connection to those mysterious beings."
The Five Elders quickly finalized their plan.
At that moment, in Lucas's domain…
Momousagi stared at him, her expression filled with disbelief. "Are those strange powerhouses really your subordinates?"
Lucas shrugged. "I've answered this question multiple times already. If you don't believe me, why do you keep asking?"
Momousagi frowned. "I just don't understand—what's your goal in all this?"
Lucas chuckled. "Are you asking why I captured you or why I haven't declared war on the World Government?"
"Both!" Momousagi shot back.
Lucas grinned. "Believe it or not, you being here was purely an accident. As for what to do with you… I haven't decided yet. My original plan was to send you, Chaton, and Magellan back if the World Government and Marine suffered irreparable damage—if they were too weak to stabilize the world anymore. But… the World Government turned out to be stronger than I expected. So, you can't go back."
Momousagi looked stunned. "Since when are you so kind?"
Lucas smirked. "And that just so happens to answer your second question. It's because I'm kind that I haven't declared war on the World Government. I'm a good person, you know? I was once part of the Marines—you should be aware of that. If I had been truly evil, Zephyr and Aokiji wouldn't have supported me."
Momousagi fell silent.
Lucas continued, "I have no intention of declaring war on the World Government for now, so just stay here quietly. Wano is isolated from the rest of the world—the World Government won't be able to find you. It's better for everyone this way."
Momousagi suddenly asked, "What about Chaton and Akainu?"
Lucas replied casually, "Akainu? He's my servant now. As for Chaton, he's currently working in exchange for food and lodging."
Momousagi blinked in shock. "You made him work?"
Lucas laughed. "What else am I supposed to do with him? I can't have him fighting for me, and I wouldn't trust him with any managerial tasks. That leaves manual labor."
Momousagi was speechless. "Then why don't I have to work?"
Lucas grinned. "Because I'm a man who appreciates beauty—I can't bear to make a lovely lady like you do hard labor. To put it simply, I'm keeping you as a guest."
Momousagi: "…"
Seeing the wary look in her eyes, Lucas waved his hand dismissively. "Relax! My schedule is very full recently, so it's fine if you don't agree. Anyway, I don't have time to chat—I need to go check on a few things."
In the Chat Group
Senju Tobirama: "Group Leader, we've successfully developed a drug that can artificially create bloodline limits!"
Senju Hashirama: "Does that mean it can produce Wood Style cells?"
Senju Tobirama: "Exactly! The primary material we're working with is Wood Style cells. Compared to other bloodline-based abilities, Wood Style has a major advantage."
Lucas: "How does the drug work?"
Senju Tobirama: "It acts as a key to unlocking Wood Style and Sage Body abilities. However, the actual results depend on the user's innate talent."
Lucas: "Very good! First, let's test it in Ninja world. Once it's stable, we'll introduce it to the Pirate World. By the way, any issues in the Ninja World recently?"
Whitebeard: "Ace and I have been watching the action near Kusagakure. Their so-called ultimate weapon—the Box of Bliss—is almost fully charged."
Lucas: "Oh? I'd like to see that for myself. Who wants to handle this situation?"
Pirate King Roger: "I'll go! I've always wanted to check out the Ninja World's so-called 'super weapons.' By the way, is that Box of Bliss really powerful?"
Lucas: "It's said to be a relic from the Sage of Six Paths' era, capable of granting wishes—like the Holy Grail. Someone once controlled it and nearly ruled the world."
Lancelot: "A wish-granting artifact? Sounds a lot like the Holy Grail. Does it also have a corrupting influence?"
Lucas: "Of course! The legend that it grants wishes is a lie. In reality, it's a weapon of destruction and terror."
Irisviel: "That sounds way too similar to the Corrupted Holy Grail! Are we sure nothing will happen to the village charging this thing?"
Lucas: "Do we even need to ask? Of course there will be problems. Let's go take a look at the situation in the Ninja World."
Ninja World – Kusagakure
In front of the enormous Box of Bliss, the leader of a small ninja village turned to the Kusagakure's chief and asked hesitantly, "Are you sure this thing can help us defeat Lucas, the Conqueror?"
The Kusagakure leader sneered arrogantly. "Lucas? What is he compared to the Box of Bliss? This is the ultimate weapon of the Sage of Six Paths! Our village nearly used it to rule the world back in his era!"
The smaller village's leader fell silent, skepticism clear in his eyes. Was there even a Kusagakure during the Sage of Six Paths' time? If so, your village must have quite the 'ancient history'…
Nevertheless, the ritual continued.
"Box of Bliss! Help us conquer the world!"
The Kusagakure leader, his face filled with manic excitement, made his declaration.
BOOM!
As soon as his words fell, the Box of Bliss shook violently, then expanded. In the next instant, a dark, grotesque monster leaped out.
Its unsettling form had elongated arms and legs, sharp wings, an oversized head, and a shrunken torso—just looking at it made one feel nauseous.
ROOOAAAR!
Without hesitation, the creature lunged forward, stabbing its claw straight through the Kusagakure leader's heart.
Even as he died, disbelief filled the leader's eyes. Didn't you promise to help me rule the world? Why are you attacking me instead?!
"RUN!"
Seeing their leader fall in an instant, the gathered ninjas panicked and fled, their terror spreading like wildfire. Their chaotic escape triggered even more disorder, sending the entire village into a state of pure chaos.
Some shinobi stood their ground, trying to fight the beast while avoiding being trampled by the stampede.
Outside the Kusagakure – In the Skies
Floating high above the battlefield, Lucas silently observed the unfolding disaster below.
In the Chat Group
Lancelot: "So this is the creature from the Box of Bliss? It doesn't look that strong."
Irisviel: "Are we sure it's as terrifying as the legends claim?"
Lucas: "Of course! Though it represents fear and destruction, it's far weaker compared to the true evils of this world. Who wants to take care of it?"
Pirate King Roger: "Me! Me! Me! Group Leader, summon me over!"
Lucas had previously discovered Roger's DNA in Vegapunk's experimental base. Using Reanimation Jutsu, he summoned the legendary Pirate King into the Ninja World, ready to let him wreak havoc.
Whitebeard: "Gurararara! I wouldn't mind testing this monster's strength myself. By the way, does it have a name?"
Lucas: "Born in enlightenment, moves with enlightenment, dies with enlightenment—its name is Satori [Enlightenment]."
Golden Lion Shiki: "Shihahaha! That's a great name. I want in on the action too!"
Lucas: "All three of you going in at once? That's a bit unfair to Satori."
Golden Lion Shiki: "Not my problem! It's been too boring lately!"
Lucas: "Alright then. If that's what you want, go ahead!"
With a wave of his hand, Lucas activated the Summoning Technique, and three coffins slowly emerged from the ground.
As the lids creaked open, Whitebeard, Roger, and Shiki stepped out, eyes gleaming with battle intent.
Without hesitation, the three legendary pirates launched themselves toward the battlefield, eager to test their strength against the so-called ultimate weapon.
Lucas watched them go, his expression indifferent. He had no particular fondness for Kusagakure.
...
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