On the sea, news about powerhouses never required much effort to spread.

Especially when the powerhouse had no intention of hiding their existence, and even deliberately promoted themselves.

For example, recently on the sea, rumors about the ‘Sword God’ had begun to gradually spread.

According to the rumors, the Sword God was a powerful swordsman—he wielded the Black Blade ‘Shusui’, belonging to the legendary samurai ‘Shimotsuki Ryuma’.

But strangely, this powerful swordsman insisted that he was an ability user of the Human-Human Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Model: Shimotsuki Ryuma.

He first appeared in the South Blue, killing the ruler of that island with just one strike, and subsequently defeated two Great Swordsmen who had been living incognito for many years with a second strike.

According to information provided by some unknown insiders, they were confirmed to be the Wano Country samurai ‘Torrent’ Jirobo and ‘Rock’ Tenga, who had sailed out to sea with swords in hand fifty years ago. Both were descendants of the Shimotsuki clan and bona fide Great Swordsmen.

And in that battle, the Sword God used the legendary Shimotsuki Ryuma’s sword technique, the ‘Shimotsuki Style’, severing the swords of the two Great Swordsmen without taking their lives. Afterwards, even those two Great Swordsmen of the Shimotsuki clan admitted:

“That guy’s posture and sword techniques are indeed identical to the legendary Ancestor Ryuma.”

“And even putting that aside… that guy’s sword techniques are qualified to compete for the title of ‘World’s Strongest Swordsman’.”

Regarding such claims, swordsmen across the entire sea were naturally half-believing and half-doubting.

A guy popping out of nowhere who suddenly had the strength to compete for the title of World’s Strongest Swordsman?

No matter how you thought about it, such a thing was a bit too absurd.

But soon, as the situation developed, people began to waver.

Because the Sword God didn’t just appear in the South Blue and then vanish to become a ‘legendary story’.

On the contrary.

Three days later, on Sword Fighting Island in the South Blue, the swordsman ‘Flying Stream’ was defeated by the Sword God with a single strike in his own dojo.

Seven days later, in the Pirube Kingdom of the North Blue, the iron sword and iron armor of the kingdom’s handsomely compensated Captain of the Guard, former Great Swordsman ‘Iron Sword Knight’ Mias, were pierced by the Sword God with two strikes.

One after another—powerful swordsmen at or above the Swordsman level began to be continuously defeated by the Sword God.

And as these renowned swordsmen on the sea were easily struck down by the Sword God.

The people on the sea realized.

It seemed that the initial news was no joke—this ‘Sword God’ seemed to truly possess overwhelming power sufficient to challenge the position of the world’s strongest swordsman, and he was currently doing exactly that.

Some people genuinely began to wonder.

Could it be that something like the ‘Human-Human Fruit, Model: Shimotsuki Ryuma’ actually existed in this world?

At the same time, some people also noticed the Sword God’s distinctive appearance.

That figure with double wings on his back, white hair, and dark skin was clearly very unusual—especially for certain organizations that knew ancient stories.

So it wasn’t just swordsmen.

Countless factions, big and small, on the sea began to pay attention to this emerging powerhouse.

And naturally.

Everyone also began to pay attention to another person.

That was the currently globally recognized World’s Strongest Swordsman—’Hawkeye’ Dracule Mihawk.

Since the Sword God considered himself the world’s strongest swordsman and had clearly embarked on the path of challenging the strongest.

Then ‘Hawkeye’ would sooner or later have a battle with him.

Of course.

The people on the sea also knew that it would probably be some time before this battle occurred.

Not only because the Sword God’s reputation had only just begun to grow and he hadn’t accumulated the momentum truly sufficient for him to vie for the ‘Strongest’ title.

But more so because Hawkeye was very busy recently.

To be precise—all the Warlords were very busy recently.

[Warlord of the Sea ‘Knight of the Sea’ Jinbe and his ‘New Fish-Man Pirates’ were hunted by the Marines. After successively sinking five warships, they have successfully retreated to Fish-Man Island. It is said that the Marines and World Government are applying pressure, wanting Fish-Man Island to hand over the criminals.]

[Kuraigana Island, where Warlord of the Sea ‘Hawkeye’ Mihawk resides, was besieged. Marine Admiral Aokiji led a team to capture Mihawk, but Mihawk had already evacuated before they landed. Before evacuating, he sliced the entire Kuraigana Island in half with a single slash and disappeared. Currently, Admiral Aokiji is leading troops in pursuit.]

[The Dinosaur Island of Warlord of the Sea ‘Lizard King’ Hanafuda has been destroyed by the Marines, but Hanafuda himself is nowhere to be found. It is reported that he had stayed in Wano Country for a long time and is suspected to have joined the Beasts Pirates, who have just lost their Three Disasters.]

Such news were the most widely known ‘headlines’ on the sea recently, while The Zodiac temporarily lay low.

After the complete collapse of the Seven Warlords of the Sea system, all Warlords had reverted to their original identities as pirates.

Moreover, because their reputations were inherently too resounding, the Government and Marines launched a comprehensive pursuit and blockade against them immediately.

And Hawkeye, being undoubtedly the strongest among the Warlords, was even personally pursued by an Admiral.

Under such circumstances, he clearly wouldn’t have any free time in the short term.

However, among the news regarding the Warlords, the most unbelievable piece was still…

[The capture of Warlord of the Sea ‘Pirate Empress’ Boa Hancock is underway. A fierce naval battle has occurred in the sea area where Amazon Lily is located.]

[It is reported that because it is located in the Calm Belt, ordinary ships cannot enter. The Marines specially dispatched elite troops led by three Marine Vice Admirals for the capture. Not long ago, they had almost landed on the island but encountered an unexpected interception.]

[The interceptor is…]

“So, what exactly is the intelligence department doing?”

Calm Belt, Kuja Island, on the sea outside Amazon Lily.

Marine Vice Admiral Momonga had a gloomy expression.

And it wasn’t just him.

The two Marine Vice Admirals who came here with him—Vice Admiral ‘Onigumo’ and Vice Admiral ‘Strawberry’—also had serious expressions.

Right now, they were all looking at the scene before them.

In the distance, ‘Amazon Lily’, surrounded by nine snake heads, was already devastated.

Craters from bullets and artillery fire, deep and shallow, covered the island. Even the words ‘Kuja’ on the massive mountain peak in the center of the island showed signs of bombardment.

That was proof of the naval battle during the past period.

It had to be said, although Amazon Lily was located near the deep-sea Sea King nests in the Calm Belt, boasting a natural ‘barrier’.

Although the people of Amazon Lily all mastered Haki and possessed powerful combat strength.

But as the true overlords of the sea, the Marines were naturally well-prepared for this.

Sea Prism Stone technology allowed them to ignore the harassment of most Sea Kings, and the three Vice Admirals along with numerous elite combat forces ensured they could counter the warriors of Amazon Lily.

They had once gained the upper hand, and yesterday had even successfully breached Amazon Lily’s first line of defense and landed on the island.

But, just as they could now see.

On all the warships that went to land yesterday, and on the ‘area’ where they had landed—a massive sword mark had directly split open the trenches they temporarily built on the island and the sea below.

Zzt! Zzt!

Black-red Conqueror’s Haki lightning lingered over the sea.

That was the threat and warning issued by the man who appeared yesterday.

“Why would ‘Dark King’ Rayleigh appear here?”

Vice Admiral Momonga covered his face, feeling a headache coming on.

Yes.

Just when they had almost successfully landed yesterday.

That legend of the previous era, Pirate King Roger’s right hand—’Dark King’ Silvers Rayleigh—suddenly came to Kuja Island and attacked them.

With just one sword strike, the Marines who had landed were almost entirely wiped out, falling into the sea along with the sliced island.

“I-I’m sorry!”

At this moment, the marine from the intelligence department beside them spoke somewhat hesitantly: “But we truly did not detect any trace of ships in the nearby sea area…”

“No ship—then how did he get in? He couldn’t have swum in, right?”

Momonga said angrily.

“Enough.”

But at this time, Strawberry said in a deep voice: “The matter has already happened; it’s meaningless to dwell on it further—what we need to think about now is, what should we do?”

While speaking, that marine from the intelligence department also hurriedly found an opportunity to slip away.

“The mission this time is to resolve the Warlords with lightning speed to ensure the Government’s prestige…”

Speaking of this, Momonga’s expression became even more serious.

He shook his head: “If the opponent is that ‘Dark King’ Rayleigh, just the three of us won’t be enough.”

As Marine Headquarters Vice Admirals, they were all powerhouses.

And the stronger a person is, the clearer their understanding of the gap between levels of power.

They were of course very strong, but if the opponent was a ‘Legend’-level figure, then they simply weren’t enough.

“Should we retreat?”

Vice Admiral Momonga asked in a deep voice.

“Retreat?”

But Onigumo spoke coldly at this moment: “How could that be possible?”

As an absolute hardliner within the Marines, he clearly wouldn’t approve of the idea of retreating in front of pirates.

Of course, he wasn’t a fool either, so he wouldn’t advocate landing on the island.

“Let’s surround Amazon Lily first and wait for Admiral support—even the Dark King can’t make an island disappear out of thin air, nor can he take everyone on the island away.”

He said in a deep voice.

Momonga clearly disagreed: “But if the ‘Dark King’ charges out, we will suffer heavy losses!”

But Onigumo said in a deep voice: “As soldiers, sacrificing for the sake of fighting evil is a necessary resolve!”

“Admiral Kuzan went to pursue Hawkeye, Admiral Sakazuki is currently responsible for guarding Mary Geoise, and Admiral Borsalino needs to guard Headquarters…”

“What about Black Kaichi? And Vice Admiral Garp?”

“They are in the East Blue and haven’t returned to Headquarters yet. And even after returning, they will first handle the personnel selection for the Star Hunters Unit. They won’t be responsible for the Warlords’ matters!”

“Now the opponent is no longer a Warlord, but ‘Dark King’ Rayleigh!”

“No matter what, I still insist on retreating first, leaving just a few ships to maintain surveillance on Amazon Lily.”

“I also think it’s better to retreat first.”

“Ha? You two cowards…”

The three Vice Admirals exchanged words, but clearly couldn’t reach an agreement.

But exactly at this moment…

“V-Vice Admirals!”

That marine from the intelligence department ran over in a panic at this moment.

“S-Someone else has come!”

“Hm?”

Hearing this, the three arguing Vice Admirals were also stunned simultaneously: “Someone came?”

“Mm… in the sky, it seems to be…”

The marine’s words weren’t finished.

Because at this moment, the Observation Haki of the three Vice Admirals had already detected the figure flying at high speed from beyond the sky.

Black wings, black blade, white hair, white clothes.

BOOM!

That figure ignored the Marine warships, soaring over the sea surface heading straight for Kuja Island.

And its posture and appearance—the three Vice Admirals naturally recognized them at a glance.

“Sword God?”

That’s right—that was exactly the mysterious swordsman ‘Sword God’ who had made a name for himself on the sea recently.

“Wait, do not attack!”

“Let him pass!”

So at this moment, Vice Admiral Momonga also immediately ordered all the marines who had loaded cannonballs and were preparing to attack to halt their actions.

He roared in a deep voice.

And it wasn’t just him.

At this moment, the remaining two Vice Admirals had equally recovered their wits.

It was widely known—the Sword God was challenging the top swordsmen on the sea, using them as ‘whetstones’ to ascend to the strongest.

And coincidentally, ‘Dark King’ Silvers Rayleigh was exactly one of the strongest swordsmen of the previous era.

So…

“The Sword God came for the ‘Dark King’.”

The three Vice Admirals realized this and couldn’t help but feel a jolt of alarm in their hearts.

They naturally had never imagined—that someone in this world would actually try to use Dark King Rayleigh as a ‘whetstone’.

But at the same time, a trace of anticipation couldn’t help but arise in their hearts.

Because…

“According to Government intelligence, the Sword God’s physical characteristics are suspected to be of the legendary ‘Lunarian’ race.”

“If he really starts a war with the Dark King, then for us… it might be an opportunity.”

☆☆☆

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