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Many kings in West Blue were already secretly plotting to take over the entire Figarland Chamber of Commerce!
Meanwhile, on a pirate ship in the first half of the Grand Line, Duke had started training like crazy.
Yesterday, to celebrate the hard work of his summoned heroes, Duke and Ahri spent the whole day relaxing.
During that time, Duke had a moment of clarity and realized what life truly meant.
From today onward, he planned to double his training.
With the Outlaw Armor protecting him, Duke believed, "If training doesn't kill you, keep going until you're stronger!"
After summoning god-level heroes like Garen and Nasus, the Desert Shinigami, Duke had no doubts about his future goal: dominating the pirate world.
However, a question began to creep into his mind: as he summoned more and more powerful heroes in the future, and as they grew even stronger with their increasing levels, could they stay loyal to him forever?
Even if they wanted to stay loyal, what about the loyalty of heroes who were more powerful than gods?
Could someone like Duke, just a mortal, truly manage and command them?
Duke wanted to give it a shot. He wasn't intimidated by the idea of working alongside goddesses or terrifying void-like creatures such as Kaya. But there was a problem: mortals cannot stand side-by-side with gods.
Mortals, compared to beings like gods or creatures of the Void, were nothing more than ants.
Duke wasn't as powerful as those heroes, but he had no intention of staying weak like an ant.
The system hadn't directly given him overwhelming power, but it had gifted him something greater—endless potential.
So, the choice was clear: would he accept being an ant, or work tirelessly to surpass the gods with his mortal body?
Duke chose the latter.
Power is the most secure when it's in your own hands.
As Duke stretched out his hand, the force of it created a massive sonic boom.
He thought about his king, Luffy, who had gone from being an underdog to fighting in the Summit War against elite Vice Admirals in just a few months.
Duke, who had limitless potential, had been training like a madman for several months with the Outlaw Armor.
How strong was he now? No one knew. After all, Duke rarely had the chance to show his strength.
Now, Duke was aboard a special merchant ship heading back to West Blue. But in the shadows of West Blue, powerful forces were beginning to stir.
The true chaos is already brewing silently in the deep sea, 10,000 meters below the surface.
"Kaido! It's Kaido of the Beasts, one of the Four Emperors!"
"Reporting to the Queen! Kaido of the Beasts has broken through the blockade of the Sea Kings and is heading straight for Fish-Man Island..."
Several fish-man warriors gazed into the depths of the sea, their faces filled with terror.
Kaido, still on a rampage, effortlessly tearing apart numerous Sea Kings that tried to block his path, continued his relentless advance. Those reporting this alarming news trembled as they spoke.
Even though the powerful tidal spirit Nami and the mighty Fizz had displayed extraordinary strength, the fear of the Four Emperors had already sunk deep into the hearts of the people on Fish-Man Island.
For the countless fish-men, especially those near the waters of the New World, the terror of the Four Emperors was an undeniable reality.
These were the rulers of the seas, standing at the very top of the pirate world. Each one of them was capable of destroying entire nations with ease.
And now, Kaido of the Beasts had broken through the Sea Kings' defenses around Fish-Man Island and was heading straight for the heart of their home.
"Will Fish-Man Island be destroyed today?"
Despair and hopelessness filled the eyes of countless fish-man warriors.
After years of guarding their routes and experiencing newfound respect and prosperity, the fish-men had only recently begun to enjoy a peaceful life.
But now, would all of that be destroyed?
"Fish-Man Island will not fall today!"
Mrs. Shyarly, Arlong's sister and a well-known fortune teller on Fish-Man Island, calmly spoke as she gazed into her crystal ball. She exhaled a series of smoke rings, her expression serene.
Within the crystal ball, she had seen a future where Nami became the leader of Fish-Man Island, guiding it into an era of prosperity.
Her predictions had never been wrong.
"Fish-Man Island is finally stepping into a new era," Shyarly said with certainty. "Fish-Man Island will not be destroyed!"
"Kaido of the Beasts?"
Jinbei, the leader of the Fish-Man Pirates, stood tall with unwavering resolve. A fierce determination flashed in his eyes as he declared,
"Anyone who threatens the future of Fish-Man Island—"
"Even if it costs us our lives—"
"We will stop them!"
With that, Jinbei and the leaders of the Fish-Man Pirates charged forward, fully prepared to face Kaido, even though they knew...
Even in the deep sea, the Fish-Man Pirates knew they stood no chance against Kaido, one of the Four Emperors and the world's strongest creature on land, sea, and air.
Though the seawater slightly weakened Kaido's power, granted by his Fish-Fish Fruit, Model: Azure Dragon, it wasn't enough for Jinbei and the Fish-Man cadres to gain any meaningful advantage. Unlike Big Mom, Kaido had no glaring weaknesses.
Yet Jinbei and his comrades had no choice but to fight. Behind them lay their home—Fish-Man Island—and its people. The destructive power of a Four Emperor could annihilate the entire island with ease.
With no option to retreat, Jinbei and the Fish-Man Pirates bravely confronted Kaido. Countless soldiers of the Poseidon Army followed close behind, ready to give their lives to protect their homeland.
Meanwhile, in a mansion on Fish-Man Island, King Neptune received news of Kaido's attack. Pushing aside Minister Zou, who was attempting to reason with him, Neptune stood in silent thought.
"Your Majesty," Minister Zou urged, leaning heavily on his cane, his long beard swaying as he spoke, "this is the perfect chance to reclaim your throne!
"If Nami and the other rebels fall to Kaido, you could pledge loyalty to him, plant his flag on Fish-Man Island, and place the island under his protection.
"With Kaido's support, you can take back full control of the island and restore its order!"
The aging Minister Zou, his voice thick with desperation, pleaded, "Those traitors—Nami and her followers—will only lead the island to ruin.
"You are the true king of Fish-Man Island! Only you can ensure its survival in this harsh sea!"
Though Neptune had willingly abdicated, there were still many who remained loyal to him, including the Ministers of the Left and Right, as well as part of the Ryugu Kingdom's Imperial Army.
Neptune gripped his trident tightly, his expression conflicted. "Am I truly the rightful king of Fish-Man Island?" he murmured, his voice heavy with doubt.
"But if I am, then the duty of a true king..." His eyes burned with resolve. "Is to protect his people!"
At his command, his sons—Shirahoshi's brothers Shark, Emperor, and Mambo—readied their weapons.
Neptune may not have been the most accomplished or powerful king, but his love for Fish-Man Island and its people was unmatched. Determined to defend his home, he prepared to fight alongside his sons and his people.