The year is 1523 of the Sea Calendar.
The first day of October, just after September had ended.
Countless warships set sail from naval bases across the world, converging towards designated islands.
Entering combat readiness...
No one knew the mission details. The only notification received was that war was imminent.
All officers of General rank and above had already been dispatched across the globe.
For this operation, most of the World Federal Government's Vice Admirals were unaware of the specifics, only able to follow orders and position themselves.
The few informed Vice Admirals, however, wore grave expressions, silently sharpening their swords...
The world, despite having eradicated pirates, overthrown the government, and been under construction everywhere, brimming with a vibrant, forward-moving atmosphere.
Suddenly.
The wind and rain were about to come, an unnatural oppression.
And on this day.
It was supposed to be a day of celebration for the entire world.
Because the World Federal Government's inauguration ceremony.
Was scheduled for today...
----
West Blue, Anlufa Island.
Currently ruled by gangs, such islands were commonplace in West Blue.
When the World Government had not yet been overthrown, West Blue was rampant with gangs.
Until the Revolutionaries rose, many island residents experienced a brief period of peace.
Then, during the great decisive battle, communication was severed, and means of contact were lost.
The gangsters punished by the Revolutionaries retaliated, islands fell, and the Revolutionaries suffered defeat.
Within a mere three years of the great catastrophe, over half the islands in West Blue were seized by local gangs through various means. Although they lived in trepidation for a long time after communication was restored.
However, upon investigation, they discovered that the Revolutionaries were on their last legs.
The returning Navy took no action, merely taking over ports, establishing bases, and implementing identification cards, with no overt conflict.
The world fell into an eerie state of calm...
No one uttered unrealistic words about avenging the former World Government.
In this world now.
The Revolutionaries controlled islands, gangs controlled islands, kingdoms controlled islands, nobles controlled islands, and the World Federal Government also controlled islands.
But these disparate forces had no conflict, nor did anyone actively instigate conflict. They all silently focused on developing their own influence.
Until today...
On this day, when most people gathered beneath island base stations, preparing to watch the live broadcast of the inauguration ceremony.
In naval bases around the world.
As warships entered, they began to blockade ports, inspect weapons, and prepare for deployment.
Anlufa Island, Aris Castle.
The largest gang on the island, and the only remaining gang after all enemies were eliminated, the Aris family's headquarters.
A short man rushed into the conference hall filled with executives.
"This is bad, Lord Aris."
"The port has been blockaded, and there are inexplicably many soldiers carrying weapons."
*Bang—*
The fist of the fierce man named Aris smashed directly onto the table.
"Damn it, those Navy scoundrels have finally shown their hand."
"I knew it wouldn't be that easy to rule an island."
"The nation-building plan hasn't even begun to be implemented."
"Damn the Navy..."
The man named Aris's eyes flashed with ferocity as he contemplated whether to fight or not.
Upon hearing about the nation-building plan, the executives in the room also grew restless. After all, if the nation was established, they would be completely legitimized...
From then on, they would become the elite nobility.
In the past, this was something they wouldn't have even dared to dream of.
But now, things were different. The World Government was gone, the Celestial Dragons were gone, and countless nobles had died during the great catastrophe.
If they seized this opportunity, they would be the new nobles...
"Let's fight, boss!"
"That's right, everything I have now, am I supposed to hand it over to the Navy?"
"What if we capture some residents first, as a threat."
"No, if we do that, the nation-building plan will become a joke."
"Then let's tell the islanders about the Navy's impending war."
"There are many residents whose children have joined our gang."
"We can use them to obstruct the Navy first, and we'll immediately gather our forces."
As the discussions quickened, the leader, Aris, finalized the plan, ordering his subordinates to spread rumors in the plaza while simultaneously mobilizing his forces for battle...
With the Navy's movements, similar scenes unfolded on islands across the world.
Whether the island was controlled by nobles, gangs, kingdoms, or even the Revolutionaries...
----
Red Line.
World Federal Government Headquarters.
Standing on this land ten thousand meters above sea level, the sun felt within reach.
On the top floor of the World Federal Government's office building.
Slanted sunlight cast shadows several meters long, reflected on the wall behind which hung a giant clock.
'Sakazuki' and Carol stood silently by the floor-to-ceiling window.
Gazing at the bustling soldiers in the plaza for a long time...
*Beep beep— Beep beep—*
Until Carol's wrist communicator rang.
Carol raised the communicator and said,
"All Generals and soldiers are in position."
"All units' tasks are prepared, and orders can be issued at any moment to commence the attack."
'Sakazuki' nodded, gazing at the plaza.
"Once we take this step, this world will truly turn a new page."
"Are you looking forward to this war, Carol?"
Carol took a deep breath, a slight curve to his lips,
"Of course."
His left hand rested on the 'Sakura Ten' at his waist, gripping it tightly.
"I can't wait."
'Sakazuki' let out a light laugh.
"Go and prepare."
"This war that will break through the darkness is about to begin..."
'Sakazuki's' gaze was distant, looking out at the endless light beyond the window.
----
At noon.
As the sun slowly moved towards the center of the sky, the live broadcast of the World Federal Government's inauguration ceremony began.
Overlooking the entire World Federal Government headquarters, the camera circled the broadcast from afar, then zoomed in.
The majestic, towering building stood here.
Pure white stone emitted a faint glow under the sunlight, a majesty that seemed capable of suppressing all things.
A massive blue scale was carved into the facade, representing absolute justice.
And the new government's flag, evolved from the original Navy's seagull flag into a scale flag, fluttered throughout the World Federal Government.
As the hands reached the appointed time.
The sun had also reached its position, directly in the center of the sky.
In the picture.
The overhead shot focused on the ceremony stage.
The giant sun hung in the sky's center, seemingly dividing the image in half.
As if symbolizing a break from the old era, a slight movement of the sun to the right would completely sever ties with the old world and herald the arrival of a new era...
The scene suddenly shifted, focusing on the figures appearing on the ceremony stage.
Carol, who had appeared on stage at some point, in his General's uniform, his left hand resting on the long sword at his waist, like a general ready for battle.
A solemn voice rang out, announcing to the entire world:
"This is the Red Line, World Federal Government Headquarters."
"We hereby notify all nations, islands, organizations of all levels, and citizens worldwide."
"The World Federal Government and the World Federal Government Council will, on this day."
"Officially take office."
"We now invite the Supreme Commander of the World Federal Government's three armed forces and Chairman of the World Federal Government Council, 'Sakazuki', to deliver a speech."
As his voice fell, Carol bowed slightly to the side, yielding his place.
The camera also shifted, focusing on the figure who, just by standing there, exuded boundless authority, the man named 'Sakazuki'...
This was also the first public appearance of 'Sakazuki' in over three years since the great catastrophe began.
'Sakazuki's' appearance injected a shot of confidence into the people worldwide. Regardless of the Navy's or the World Federal Government's policies,
The security he provided by his mere appearance surpassed any of them.
On islands around the world watching the broadcast, as the man in the image simply stood there, the entire island erupted in fervent cheers, celebrating something.
As the man's lips moved, it was as if the world pressed pause.
All cheers ceased. The citizens watching the broadcast, filled with anticipation, stared nervously at the screen, watching the man slowly begin to speak.
"I declare."
"The World Federal Government."
"Today..."
"Is officially established."
These fifteen words, like the tolling of a bell, resonated in the ears of people across the globe.
After a moment of stunned silence, came boundless excitement and shouts.
Countless people embraced and wept. It was all real...
They had endured the rampant pirates, resisted the oppression of the government, experienced brief salvation from the Revolutionaries, only to fall back into darkness.
But now they had received true salvation.
The government established by that man was founded today!!!!
Amidst the cheers of the entire world.
'Sakazuki' in the broadcast began his formal speech, his commanding voice echoing across the world:
"Since the opening of the Great Age of Exploration, the system of the Celestial Dragons was born."
"The people of the world not only suffered from pirate attacks but were also oppressed by the former World Government and Celestial Dragons, living in dire straits."
"Through the united struggle of the people of the world and the Navy."
"After sacrifices and efforts spanning generations."
"The roots of this world's chaos have finally been eradicated."
"On behalf of the World Federal Government, I express my gratitude to the people of the world and all forces that have strived for the liberation of the world."
"At the same time."
"To the Revolutionary Army, who made immense contributions to liberating the world and attacking Mary Geoise."
"After unanimous discussion and decision by the World Federal Government Council."
"We hereby posthumously award the former Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral, son of the Marine Hero Garp, the Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Army, 'Dragon', the title of Honorary Grand Admiral of the World Federal Government."
"Posthumously award the Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army, Sabo, the title of Honorary Vice Admiral."
"Posthumously award the four commanders of the Revolutionary Army..."
"Posthumously award the Revolutionary Army..."
"Posthumously award..."
"..."
"..."
"Now."
"The effects of liberating the world are becoming apparent."
"Including island infrastructure, transition of social systems, maritime transportation, and improvement of public education systems, collectively known as the Five-Year Plan."
"These are proceeding in an orderly manner."
"It is expected that the world will undergo fundamental transformation within five years."
"We request the supervision of people from all over the world."
As his words ended, while the public was still processing the impact of this information,
A great bell chimed.
*Dong—*
*Dong—*
*Dong—*
...
Nine resounding tolls echoed.
As if celebrating the world entering a new chapter.
On the ceremony stage, 'Sakazuki' inexplicably bore a trace of murderous intent, slowly speaking:
"At the same time."
"On this day, which should be a day of celebration."
"A war will occur."
"A war that will sweep across the world."
"It concerns many indirectly, yet it concerns many directly."
"Even though it... might cause our newly established government to collapse."
"This proposal was unanimously passed by the World Federal Government Council after deliberation."
"Because it is worth betting everything on."
'Sakazuki' took a deep breath, his voice echoing across the heavens and earth.
"I now read."
"The World Federal Government, the World Federal Government Council."
"Order Number One!"
"Abolish slavery at all costs!"
'Sakazuki' declared sternly, facing the live broadcast screen.
"The Navy warriors under the World Federal Government are all in position."
"All citizens registered as slaves in their identification cards may proceed to the nearest island port's naval base to report for personal investigation. No one shall obstruct them."
"All Navy personnel are deployed to the target locations to supervise. Any who resist may be subject to armed decision by the local naval branch commanders!"
"This war concerning the future of the world."
"Slavery has been passed down for thousands of years."
"This is the sorrow of the era!"
"In this world that seems to be filled with civilization, slavery has given rise to the existence of noble classes, and the noble classes have in turn given rise to the former Celestial Dragons."
"This is the sorrow of civilization!"
"Death is not frightening; what is frightening is the gradual, imperceptible influence."
"When the World Federal Government Council discussed this issue, all council members lost sleep."
"We deduced numerous times, yet only arrived at one conclusion."
"If slavery is not abolished, in hundreds or thousands of years,"
"The current World Federal Government will follow the same path as the former World Government, riddled with corruption and a hierarchy of nobles!"
"We cannot forgive ourselves if the government we create becomes that way."
"We are not ashamed to reveal our purpose!"
"We are here to bring this world back on track!!"
"We are here to solve this from the root!!!"
"We all breathe under this free blue sky!!!"
"No one shall be allowed to stand high above and look down upon all beings!"
"No one shall be allowed to silence the people and control their lives and deaths!"
"It is time for us to bury the feudalistic slave system that has endured for thousands of years!!"
"And send it to its grave!!!"
His commanding voice, like a roar.
Shook people's hearts and echoed throughout the world...
----
South Blue, Atte Island.
The area with the largest concentration of nobles on the island.
Navy soldiers had surrounded the area, and many ordinary citizens watched from a distance.
Conversations and discussions constantly arose, as if unrelated to them, yet as if related.
Calls to surrender and resist were repeated again and again.
If they did not surrender by the appointed time, they would face attack from the Navy...
Noble, Arnold Family.
A young noble who had just taken over the family, ready to make a name for himself, looked at the live broadcast with a wry smile.
The shouts from outside continued to echo. He sighed deeply and called his wife:
"I'll take the slaves to see the Navy, you stay home with peace of mind."
"The Navy probably won't trouble you."
Precisely because he was young, he understood the current era even better.
The power the Navy possessed...
-
Noble, Koliver Family.
*Crash—* /
*Crash—*
The sounds of objects shattering continued.
A middle-aged man, gorgeously dressed, roared angrily outside.
"Those slaves are my property! Why are they taking them!"
"Damn it!!"
"What do they want!"
"I'll fight them to the end!"
"Get my gun!"
"I!!!"
The slaves they kept accounted for a third of the family's wealth, how could they possibly hand them over...
*Boom—*
A loud noise, and the middle-aged man rushed out of the house.
"What's going on!"
A bruised and battered servant ran over, speaking incoherently:
"N-no, it's bad, sir!"
"The slaves have broken down the wall and escaped!!!"
The middle-aged man grabbed the servant by the collar.
"What did you say!!!"
Grabbing a gun handed to him by a maid, he ran outside.
-
Noble, Morey Family.
An old man, calm and composed, sat with his eyes closed in the hall. Several middle-aged women and countless grandchildren stood silently awaiting his word.
The old noble slowly opened his eyes:
"Are all the slaves gathered?"
An older middle-aged man stepped forward:
"They are all gathered in the courtyard, Father."
The old noble gave a soft 'hmm' and glanced at his somewhat uneasy grandchildren.
"Very good."
"Give each of these youngsters a gun."
"Execute those slaves outside."
"The Morey family has been passed down for hundreds of years, we have no cowards."
"Even if we die, we must defend the glory of our ancestors."
"The Navy... Hmph!!!"
A moment later.
*Bang bang bang—*
Cries of begging for mercy and curses echoed ceaselessly...
-
The onlookers discussed among themselves.
"Is it really that serious?"
"Why do I feel like Marshal Sakazuki is making a mountain out of a molehill? They're just some slaves, how could it involve the fate of the world?"
"What Marshal, he's the Chairman now, you idiot."
"I can't say for sure, but how can we understand the thoughts of those big figures?"
"Maybe it's to clear out their opposition."
"That's possible."
"Let's not talk about this anymore, isn't time almost up?"
"The Navy is about to attack."
"Eh!"
"Isn't that Mr. Koliver? He..."
*Bang!!!*
A gunshot rang out.
The running figure with a slave collar stumbled but did not stop.
Clutching his daughter, who also wore a slave collar, he ran towards the location of the scale flag...
*Bang!!!*
Another gunshot.
"Stop!!!"
The Vice Admiral leading the Navy flashed forward, blocking the slave mother and daughter.
The pursuing middle-aged man was about to fire again when the Navy Vice Admiral quickly drew his gun and shot him dead.
The middle-aged man, his face contorted in a grimace, mumbled with blood flowing from his mouth,
"All mine... property..."
*Plop—*
He fell to the ground and died.
The slave mother, who had been shot twice, looked at the Navy officer before her.
Using her last ounce of strength, she handed her daughter to the Vice Admiral, caressed her wailing daughter, and died...
The enraged Navy Vice Admiral took the infant and roared, charging forward!!!
Witnessing this absurd scene.
All the onlookers fell silent.
Mr. Koliver, the nobleman who was usually the kindest, revealed his true, ferocious nature.
And the plight of the slave mother and daughter was so heartbreaking, so relatable.
They seemed to understand 'Sakazuki's' words.
This was the sorrow of the era...
This was the sorrow of civilization...
They felt relatable because they, like those slaves...
Were all people living under this blue sky...
Civilization...
Should not be like this...
----
West Blue, Anlufa Island.
Continuous gunfire echoed across the island.
When 'Sakazuki' announced the abolition of slavery, the fighting had already begun here.
Innumerable Navy soldiers had surrounded the area.
The gang leader Aris, misjudging everything, found no imagined back-and-forth...
"Damn it!!!"
"This is a conspiracy!!!"
"This is a Navy conspiracy!!!"
They didn't have any slaves here! This was all a Navy plot!!!
But even with their roars, they were powerless.
The Navy bulldozers, which they had seen on the beach and found miraculous, had now become harbingers of death, their lasers piercing through buildings, causing violent explosions.
Over half of the gang's high-ranking members were wiped out. The Navy soldiers moved like patient hunters.
The Navy's cautious advance was their slow demise...
The order received by the Anlufa Island Navy branch.
Headed by the leader Aris, all members of the gang occupying Anlufa Island from minor leader rank and above were to be executed without mercy. Ordinary members were to be imprisoned for trial...
----
East Blue, Deva Island.
Stonove Kingdom.
The former kingdom had been purged by revolutionaries. Later, during the great catastrophe, the former Kingdom's Finance Minister, Stonove Hans, used ill-gotten gains accumulated through corruption to incite people.
He regained power and established a new kingdom.
But he hadn't enjoyed his reign for two years...
In the Royal Palace.
"This is bad, Father!"
"The Navy has surrounded the entire palace!"
"What do we do!!!"
A young man, seemingly hollowed out by indulgence, rushed in and shouted at Stonove Hans, who was pacing back and forth.
Stonove Hans glanced at the panicked young man and barked sternly,
"What are you panicking about!"
Calming himself, he said to his son,
"Go gather people and bring the four chests of gold from under my bed to await my command."
"I'll go talk to the Navy."
Saying this, he walked out without hesitation.
As a former Finance Minister of the kingdom and now its king, Stonove Hans had experienced too many ups and downs to be flustered in such a critical moment.
The son, hollowed out by indulgence, seemed to have found a backbone and quickly ordered people to carry the gold.
When he emerged from the basement, he found that the Navy had already stormed the palace, and his father's head lay not far away, his eyes filled with disbelief...
A Brigadier General compared a stack of photos with the man.
"Correct."
*Swish—*
The head fell...
The order received by the Deva Island Navy branch.
Headed by Stonove Hans, all members of the Stonove royal family, regardless of gender or age, were to be spared no one.
The twenty-seven noble families identified were all to be investigated.
Slaves of the royal family and nobles were to be taken back to the base for investigation of their lives.
Those found innocent would have their identification cards updated to civilian status, awaiting allocation by the Federal Government.
Those found guilty would have their identification cards updated to civilian status, with sentences based on the circumstances...
----
North Blue, Flower Country.
*Rumble—*
A blue giant, a hundred meters tall, descended from the sky, crashing directly onto the Flower Country's royal palace.
The immense power was like an earthquake, shaking the entire island.
Its scarlet eyes, like a red moon from hell, swept over the soldiers and troops below.
The order received by World Federal Government Grand Admiral 'Blue Demon' Barrett was:
The Flower Country's royal family, for their treasonous actions, were to be left with no survivors.
The Eight Treasures Navy and anyone in the Flower Country with a rank higher than Vice Admiral, none were to be spared...
An unstoppable slaughter commenced.
Centuries of martial glory, broken in an instant, irrecoverable...
----
Red Line.
World Federal Government Headquarters.
Regardless of the turmoil in the world, there was only tranquility here.
The inauguration ceremony concluded, Carol had disappeared, teleporting to participate in battles across various locations.
This was the last war orchestrated by 'Sakazuki'.
And it was a war that would usher this world into true light.
After years of continuous warfare, the people of this world had reached their limit of endurance.
Only by seizing this opportunity and launching a war of liberation could the ugly side of this world be thoroughly purged.
No one could predict what the future held.
But he...
Could only do this much...
-
In front of the majestic gate of the World Federal Government Headquarters.
Enel leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, watching 'Sakazuki' slowly approach.
"Was it worth it?"
His calm voice was devoid of emotion.
Looking at Enel, 'Sakazuki' seemed somewhat lost, letting out a light laugh.
"Perhaps..."
"This is not a question of whether it was worth it..."
(End of main text)