One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

Chapter 373: Chapter 373: The Future Has Arrived



News of the Navy's overwhelming victory spread rapidly across the world.

With such minimal losses, they had slain Whitebeard and wiped out the majority of the Whitebeard Pirates—by any measure, this was a spectacular triumph.

For the first time, the true might of Marine Headquarters had been revealed to the world. "Justice will prevail" became the rallying cry of all those who yearned for righteousness.

But the consequences soon followed.

Among the Four Emperors, Whitebeard had controlled the largest territory. Yet, with the Navy's victory and the announcement of Whitebeard's death, his dominion fell into chaos almost immediately—

The lawless and ruthless pirates whom Whitebeard had long suppressed in the New World emerged one after another, seeking to seize his territories!

The New World was plunged into a storm of blood and violence!

On the Sabaody Archipelago, many of this era's "Supernova" pirates, some of whom had already set sail for the New World, turned back upon hearing of the war, eager to witness the aftermath. The news of the Navy's victory evoked mixed reactions among them.

...

"Interesting..."

Trafalgar Law adjusted his spotted hat with an enigmatic smile and signaled to his crew:

"Bepo, Shachi, Penguin, let's go. It's time to head to the New World... The Straw Hat captain will likely be laying low for a while, so we need to start making our own moves."

...

"Enel..."

The captain of the "Fallen Monk Pirates," Urouge, bared his teeth in a grin. As a member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Enel had made a significant impact, naturally drawing Urouge's interest.

"Raijin Island, huh…? Looks like it's time for a little 'visit.'"

...

"Those strange people..."

Jewelry Bonney, captain of the "Bonney Pirates," frowned slightly as she pondered the connection between Ivankov, Kuma, and their mysterious history.

"Do they… know each other?"

"And what happened afterward?"

"I have to find out!"

"Set sail! To the New World!"

...

Marine Headquarters, Marineford.

Shanks had left with Whitebeard's body, along with Marco and the remaining members of the Whitebeard Pirates.

Sengoku was receiving a formal report on Impel Down. Following the war, Wright had immediately traveled to Impel Down to assist Magellan in handling the aftermath.

"How is Magellan? With Wright there, he should be fine, right?"

Sengoku had already been briefed on the situation by Wright.

The prisoners of Impel Down's Level 6 had been freed by Blackbeard and turned on each other, but Magellan and Wright had managed to annihilate almost all of them.

Though Redfield and Crocodile had escaped, posing a significant threat, both had appeared on the battlefield at Marineford.

"Fleet Admiral, though Director Magellan's wounds have been healed by Admiral Wright, this incident has left him with immense guilt. He has voluntarily requested to take responsibility…"

Major Brannew hesitated before continuing:

"He said that if not for Admiral Wright's timely intervention, he would have had no choice but to atone with his life..."

"This isn't Magellan's fault. This was part of the plan—to eliminate a hidden threat. His mistakes were unavoidable; no one could have foreseen the sudden appearance of the Revolutionary Army..."

Thinking of the Revolutionary Army's Chief of Staff, Sengoku felt another headache coming on. With Garp watching over them, the Revolutionary Army had essentially been spectators in the war, causing no real trouble.

"The escaped prisoners remain a major problem. Level 6 of Impel Down is practically empty now, and the upper levels aren't faring much better. This incident is unprecedented in its severity."

"Thankfully, 'World Destroyer' Byrnndi World was eliminated by Wright on the spot…"

"Issue an immediate worldwide bounty on all escapees from Impel Down!"

Sengoku's expression turned stern. "Patrick Redfield, Crocodile, and Emporio Ivankov all possess the power to topple entire nations single-handedly!"

"If they infiltrate any country… the consequences would be disastrous!"

"But… but…"

"What is it?"

"The World Government has ordered… that this incident be concealed."

"The escape from Impel Down is to be classified. Otherwise, it will tarnish the Government's reputation…"

"..."

Sengoku stared in disbelief. Then, clenching his teeth, veins bulging on his forehead, his eyes widened in fury as he roared:

"Are you kidding me?!"

...

At the G-5 and G-10 Marine branches in the New World, Rosinante and Smoker had both returned to their respective bases.

"Vice Admiral Smoker, I'm currently en route with the Dawn and should reach the designated coordinates within half a day!"

Kuina was communicating with Smoker from the G-10 base. After the Navy's victory, what would happen to Whitebeard's former territories was a foregone conclusion—this was the perfect opportunity for the Marines to expand their influence!

Kuina's mission was to reach the pre-selected islands near Marine-controlled areas within Whitebeard's domain and secure them before the remnants of his crew could return.

With the Lightforged Beacon and the powers of the Float-Float Fruit, the Navy could move at incredible speed!

As for how Red-Haired Shanks had traveled from Elbaf to Marineford in record time… that was a question for the higher-ups to ponder.

"Excellent… Begin deploying elite forces to the Dawn!"

Smoker took a deep drag from his cigar and spoke in a low voice:

"Hina will be in the first wave. Once you reach the designated area, commence operations immediately!"

"Understood!"

...

At the G-5 base, Rosinante had gathered Ace, Tashigi, Cavendish, and T. Bone in a secret meeting room.

"What's this mission about, Vice Admiral Rosinante?"

Ace whispered excitedly, "Sensei has something planned—some kind of secret mission?"

"No idea…"

The group exchanged uncertain glances. Having just returned from Marineford, the shock of that intense war still lingered in their minds.

Whitebeard's apocalyptic power, which had nearly sunk the entire island, had completely reshaped their understanding of what it meant to be strong.

Ace, however, was the most excited of them all—Sabo's reappearance had lifted a long-standing burden from his heart, making him more cheerful than ever.

The thought of training under his grandfather Garp and sparring with his brother Sabo made Ace grin as he rubbed his nose.

"Heh! I'm still the older brother… We may be the same age, but my birthday's on January 1st!"

Click!

As the group's expressions varied, the door to the meeting room opened. Rosinante entered with a solemn look, carrying a large chest.

"Vice Admiral!"

The four stood at attention. Rosinante was the only Vice Admiral who had played a direct role in the battle against Whitebeard—his spectacular three-second Silent Stasis Field had saved the Fortress of Justice!

"At ease."

Closing the door behind him, Rosinante walked to the main table and placed the chest down.

"I now relay a confidential order directly from Admiral Wright!"

The four immediately straightened up. A direct order from Admiral Wright—this had to be important.

"Everything that happens here must remain secret. You are forbidden from revealing anything for the next six months!"

The four exchanged puzzled glances. This order… was odd.

"Understood!"

Though confused, they responded in unison. From the sound of it… were they about to receive a reward?

Rosinante opened the chest, and the four were stunned.

Inside the chest, laid before them—were three Devil Fruits!

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