The Land of Utmost Evil.
Due to the battle between Benedict, Im, and the Tree Spirit, the Sea Kings living here either died or fled, resulting in a large concentration of Sea Kings in the first half of the Grand Line.
The entire world's attention was also constantly focused on the battle between the three.
For forces like the Xuanwu Marines and the revolutionaries, they hoped for Benedict's safe return.
This would lead to two possible outcomes.
One outcome was that either the Tree Spirit or Im, or both, would be killed.
The other outcome was that they would both survive, and Benedict would remain their most powerful asset against the World Government.
Without Benedict, they could not withstand the super terrifying power displayed by the World Government.
As for other forces and the common people, their greatest hope was whether Benedict could defeat the ruler of the World Government and lead them to completely overthrow its reign.
Bang bang bang!
Benedict, Im, and the Tree Spirit were still locked in a fierce struggle.
At this moment, Im was in tatters, his face pale and filled with exhaustion.
As for the Tree Spirit, possessing the abilities of numerous Devil Fruits, its combat power, defense, and regenerative capabilities were astonishing.
However, after such a prolonged battle, coupled with Benedict's focused attacks, its body was also in a sorry state.
If not for its hands and feet still being intact, with its shattered head and broken body, it would have resembled a decaying old tree.
"How can this damned human be so strong?"
"Does he not feel any fatigue at all?"
"If this continues, I'll be worn out before I can wear him down."
The Tree Spirit's heart was filled not only with helplessness and unwillingness but also with deep frustration.
Two divine-level powerhouses had attacked, yet they couldn't kill Benedict alone.
Worse still, they might end up being the ones to be worn down.
If that happened, it would be a massive disgrace.
"I can't fight anymore."
"My stamina is almost completely depleted."
"My body has been blown apart many times, and if it happens again, it will be trouble."
"I can't keep going on like this."
Im's heart was also in turmoil.
Seeing Benedict consume another Senzu Bean and revive with full vigor, his expression turned incredibly grim.
How many Senzu Beans did this guy have?
Unable to continue, Im's gaze shifted to the Tree Spirit.
"We can't keep this up, retreat!"
Before Im could speak, the Tree Spirit's voice echoed in his mind.
Upon hearing this, Im nodded without hesitation.
Since the Tree Spirit had initiated the idea, it was better than him saying it first.
Thus, when Benedict launched another attack, Im and the Tree Spirit simultaneously tore open spatial rifts and vanished in a flash.
Benedict rushed forward, only to meet empty air.
After waiting for a moment and seeing no sign of Im or the Tree Spirit, Benedict finally relaxed.
"Damn it, you guys were lucky to escape."
"If you had fought me for another eight days, I would have annihilated you."
Benedict muttered a few curses before taking flight.
Returning, he surveyed the destroyed islands, the debris floating on the sea, and the corpses. Benedict's expression remained unchanged.
The devastating nature of such battles, and the destruction inflicted on the enemy when trying to kill Im and the Tree Spirit, was unavoidable.
To defeat them, he would have to wait for the system update and further strengthen himself.
With this thought, Benedict felt a sense of comfort.
Many of the Flying Thunder God Jutsu markers had been lost due to the battle or tsunamis.
Therefore, it took Benedict a full day to return to the headquarters of the Xuanwu Marines in the Grand Line.
At the Xuanwu Marine Branch headquarters at this time.
All the super-experts who had accompanied Benedict in destroying the Future Kingdom were gathered here.
They had assembled to await a verdict.
If the outcome brought them despair, their gathering would form another powerful force.
Kenjiro had even contacted Bai Qi.
In Benedict's absence, Bai Qi was the highest commander.
After deliberation, they unanimously agreed to mobilize the entire army and all factions, taking advantage of the destruction of the Future Kingdom and the eradication of the source of artificial Devil Fruit production, which prevented the replenishment of powerful combatants. They would launch a full-scale assault, march to the Red Line Continent, and completely eliminate the Celestial Dragons, overthrowing their rule.
Whether they would ultimately succeed was left to fate.
After all, for them, this was their closest chance to success.
And so,
Most of the forces from the Four Seas were mobilized and were already en route to the Grand Line.
Aside from leaving behind one super-expert and several Admiral-level strong individuals in each of the Four Seas, all other super-experts, including Bai Qi and Saitama, were dispatched.
Consequently, the entire sea became restless.
Upon receiving the news immediately, the Five Elders gathered a large number of troops, preparing for a decisive battle.
After all, they could not predict the final outcome of the battle between Lord Im, Benedict, and the Tree Spirit.
With the Xuanwu Marines undertaking large-scale operations, they could not remain idle.
Of course, this was also due to the Five Elders' confidence.
They were certain that hundreds of years of accumulated power could not be overthrown by the Xuanwu Marines, which had only been established for a few years.
Ultimately, as long as they could defeat the Xuanwu Marines, they would resort to any means necessary.
This was something the Xuanwu Marines could not match.
For a time, intelligence operatives traversed the seas, providing intelligence for the impending major battle and working diligently on deployments for the higher-ups.
Benedict arrived above the Xuanwu Marine Branch headquarters in the Grand Line.
At this moment, the super-experts, who had sensed his presence, were already waiting on the plaza.
"The Marshal has returned."
"Judging by the Marshal's aura, he should be fine."
"I wonder what the outcome was?"
"As expected of the Marshal, to survive intact after being besieged by two such terrifying powerhouses."
"Im must have been killed, right?"
...
Seeing Benedict's return, the crowd couldn't help but engage in conversation.
Furthermore, there was even more reverence for Benedict.
In this world, might always made right, and the strong always commanded respect.
And Benedict had undeniably earned their respect.
Benedict hovered in mid-air, facing the expectant and fervent gazes of Kenjiro and the others, a smile gracing his lips.
"Kenjiro, notify Bai Qi and all base commanders. Mobilize the elite forces of the entire army. In eight days, we will launch a full-scale offensive against the World Government to overthrow its rule."
"Qing Feng, I want the intelligence department to operate at full capacity, constantly monitoring the World Government's military strength."
"We will face another tough battle in the coming days. Everyone, be prepared for combat."