(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
(17 chapters of the new book are already released in p.atreon)
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After listening to Shanks' persuasion, the two leaders remained silent.
Especially Whitebeard—deep down, he had also wanted to withdraw.
There was no real benefit in fighting them to the death. However, due to Garp and Sengoku's relentless pursuit, he had maintained his tough stance.
Now, with Shanks' appearance, things were turning in his favor.
On the other hand, Sengoku and Kong were conflicted.
They wanted to completely eradicate the Whitebeard Pirates, but they also had to consider Shanks' position.
With a Yonko's crew present, the risk of the Marines annihilation was bigger.
Finally, as the two sides hesitated, Shanks played his trump card.
"Out of consideration for me… Let's end this war here."
Kong sighed. He knew this was the best way out.
The feeling was mutual with the others.
Just as they were about to agree, a faint voice echoed from the sky.
"Shanks, one of the Four Emperors, is always looking to meddle in stuff"
The sudden voice sent ripples through the battlefield.
Sasuke let out a breath of relief.
He hadn't expected things to escalate this far.
For a moment, he even wondered if Colt had gone straight to Mariejois.
Aokiji and Kizaru's expressions grew complicated.
The final step had arrived.
"Who?!"
Shanks narrowed his eyes and scanned the sky with his Haki, but found nothing.
Whitebeard and Sengoku also failed to locate the source of the voice.
"Don't bother looking. I'm here."
"Roar!"
A thunderous dragon's cry echoed through the sky as a massive dragon descended from the clouds, heading straight for Marineford.
"Kaido?!"
Shock spread among the assembled forces.
Even Kaido had arrived.
Was this battle about to escalate even further?
But the voice from earlier clearly didn't belong to Kaido—it was young, and unfamiliar.
As the dragon neared, everyone was stunned to see a young man standing atop Kaido's enormous dragon head.
With a casual leap, Colt landed on the battlefield.
He waved apologetically.
"Sorry, got a little delayed by personal matters. Hope I'm not too late."
It was unclear who he was even addressing.
Shanks frowned at the unexpected guest.
For a moment, he didn't recognize Colt.
"Who are you? And you, Kaido—this has nothing to do with you!"
"Hah!" Kaido snorted in his dragon form, releasing sparks from his nostrils.
"I ain't some lapdog like you, running around doing favors."
"I'm here to wipe out both the Marine and the Whitebeard Pirates!"
His words immediately offended every major faction present.
Even Colt found it too much and smacked Kaido on the head.
"Calm down."
Kaido grumbled but shut his mouth.
Sengoku, meanwhile, had finally connected the dots.
"Colt… the God Killer."
"He vanished into the sea four years ago after killing two Celestial Dragons. And now he resurfaced here."
A sense of unease settled over Sengoku.
This man who could make Kaido listen to his words was far more dangerous than any of them had anticipated.
And he wasn't the only one who recognized Colt.
In the distance, Hancock stood frozen, her face flushed, pink bubbles floating around her.
"Colt-sama… It's him!"
"Did he see my ungraceful posture just now?! It's all these damn pirates' fault! What if he thinks less of me?!"
Kisame and the others exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable.
'Sir… when did you charm this woman?'
Then again, considering Colt's casual ways…
'Yeah. Makes sense.'
****
"Yo, Luffy, remember our bet?"
"And you, Whitebeard… You finally experienced your peak again, huh? But after this battle, your body won't hold out much longer."
Colt moved through the battlefield as if on a casual stroll, greeting acquaintances along the way.
The atmosphere grew increasingly tense.
Whitebeard remained silent, only casting a deep glance at Sasuke, making him a little guilty.
Luffy, however, replied with determination.
"I'm working toward my dream. I will become the Pirate King!"
"Really?" Colt shook his head regretfully. "Then I hate to tell you, but as of today… you've already lost."
He pointed to the top of Luffy's head.
"When I'm done here, that hat will be part of my collection."
The Straw Hat—an antique passed through generations, from Roger to Shanks to Luffy—was certainly a worthy addition to his collection room.
"Huh?! What are you saying? I—"
Luffy started to protest, but Shanks stopped him.
"Enough, Luffy. This isn't the time for an argument."
Shanks turned his attention to Colt.
"Colt-san, this battle doesn't seem to concern you. Why are you getting involved?"
"Who said it doesn't concern me?" Colt looked at Shanks strangely.
"If anything, this battle is something I personally orchestrated."
His gaze shifted to the live Den-Den Mushi, locking eyes with the countless viewers across the world.
"I went through a lot of trouble to gather nearly all the world's forces in one place… just to make a few announcements."
His words shocked them. But he didn't give them any time to react before he dropped his announcements.
"First: From today onward, this sea will belong to the Ninja Kingdom."
"Second: The Celestial Dragons' reign ends today. Every last one of them in the World Government will be judged for their crimes."
The entire world trembled at those words.
"You're insane! That's pure lunacy!"
The God's Knights who were Celestial Dragons, were furious.
One of them rushed forward, aiming to strike Colt down.
But—
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Three laser sounds rang out.
The heads of the Celestial Dragons exploded like overripe watermelons.
Everyone was frozen in shock.
Kong couldn't believe his eyes.
'That laser… Kizaru? No, it's…'
The ones who fired… were the Pacifistas.
The Marines own weapons had just executed their so-called gods.