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Old debts and new vendettas—the list was endless.
Ever since the Thunder Emperor first set sail, he had relentlessly offended the Navy and the World Government. Behind almost every major incident that had shaken the world in recent years, his shadow could be found.
From the hijacking of the Heavenly Gold to the crushing defeat of Marine forces—from walking away unscathed after clashes with the Navy's top brass to his unprecedented breakout from Impel Down.
Time and time again, he spat in their faces. Time and time again, they were helpless to stop him.
He had released the most heinous criminals from the infinite hell of Level 6. At Roger's execution, he had acted at the precise moment to ensure Roger ignited the Great Pirate Era. He had kidnapped the world's greatest scientist, Dr. Vegapunk. He had single-handedly orchestrated the legendary clash between pirates and Marines at Sabaody Archipelago in the year 1500.
And finally, he had liberated Redfield, the "Red Count," a man the World Government had spent considerable resources to capture.
But most damnable of all, the Thunder Emperor was the primary catalyst behind Shiki the Golden Lion's assault on the World Government. If not for him, would the Revolutionary Army have had the opportunity to liberate the slaves? Would those dangerous ideologies have begun to spread across the seas?
In short, every major catastrophe could be traced back to the Thunder Emperor.
The critical issue was that the World Government seemed impotent against him. They had been forced to watch him grow, unchecked, into the captain of the strongest pirate crew in the New World.
If they had only resolved to execute him immediately upon capture, instead of imprisoning him, perhaps none of this would have happened.
One misstep had led to everlasting regret.
Now, the Thunder God Sea, guarded by the Thunder God Pirates, was an impenetrable fortress. No matter how many troops they threw at it, breaching its defenses would be nearly impossible—especially with the Revolutionary Army eyeing them like hungry tigers from the shadows.
"We cannot stand by and watch them grow any stronger. One side must be eliminated immediately!" Saint Shepherd Ju Peter declared with resolve.
"Stussy has already begun her operation. All of you, stand by. This time, it must be a one-hit kill!" Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro unsheathed his blade, the cold steel glinting in the dim light.
"Ignore that terrifying attack that nearly killed Kaido," Saint Marcus Mars and Saint Topman Warcury said dismissively. "As long as we don't give him time to prepare, and remain vigilant, your mastery of Observation Haki will allow you to dodge it easily."
"The Thunder Emperor's speed is unrivaled, and the World Government no longer possesses the Barrier-Barrier Fruit ability of the former Army Admiral to trap him," said Saint Jaygarcia Saturn. "Therefore, to ensure absolute success, the location of the ambush must be chosen carefully!"
The Five Elders spoke one after another, weaving a plan that allowed for no errors.
"Especially you, Garp!!" Saint Topman Warcury glared fiercely at the hero of the Marines, who was currently sleeping while standing up.
"Your son has betrayed the World Government. To atone for his sins, you will lead the charge in this siege against the Thunder Emperor!"
Arthur was the soul of the Thunder God Pirates. Once he died, the crew would collapse from within. Intelligence reports already indicated that Byrnndi World, Captain of the 2nd Division, harbored rebellious intent, and Redfield's loyalty was ambiguous at best.
POP!
The snot bubble expanding from Garp's nose burst at the sound of the shout. He rubbed his eyes, waking up without a shred of embarrassment.
"Bwahahahaha! Finally! I've wanted to flatten that brat Arthur for a long time!"
"Right. But how do we ensure Arthur is lured out of the Thunder God Sea without fail?" Sengoku frowned. He wasn't optimistic about this plan.
"We must offer terms that he cannot refuse," one of the Elders mused. "Even if he knows it's a trap."
"That will depend entirely on whether Stussy—whom the World Government has spent a fortune training—is up to the task!"
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The Thunder God Sea.
"So, it was Byrnndi World, was it?"
Arthur monitored everything happening within the range of his Observation Haki, a scornful sneer curling his lips. "That bastard has endured this long without making a move? I'm getting sick of rotting in this laboratory!"
Experiments were dull, tedious, and boring, but they were a necessary path to power. Those who couldn't endure the loneliness of discipline would never taste the beauty of the peak.
Arthur could endure the boredom, of course. Developing abilities without rigorous testing was a good way to get oneself killed.
Increasing current and voltage intensity was safe for him—he was a lightning human, after all. But a terrifying attack like the Plasma Cannon required controlling and combining volatile elements outside his body.
One slip-up, and even Arthur wasn't sure he could survive the backlash.
To die by his own ability? That was a death he couldn't accept.
"What about World?" Jessica asked curiously as she cleared the dining table, her golden bangs falling across her forehead, giving her a cute appearance.
"Nothing. You go back to work. As for the banquet the day after tomorrow... I want to see what tricks this 'Queen of the Pleasure District' is planning to play," Arthur stretched his arms lazily. Stepping out of the Thunder God Palace, he flew directly toward Punk Hazard.
After endless, tasteless experiments, he needed to find some fun in his spare time!
Whether it was stoking the flames of Katakuri's ambition or waiting for World to launch his inevitable rebellion.
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Two Days Later.
On a large island in the second ring of the Thunder God Sea, an entire street purchased by Stussy had been transformed. It now resembled a palace—resplendent with gold and jade, decorated with lanterns and colored banners, and bustling with extraordinary noise and life.
Because of its proximity to the port, a massive number of pirates from the Thunder God Grand Fleet had docked their ships and flooded into the Pleasure District.
Countless women in heavy makeup displayed their charms with abandon. A glance around revealed women of many different races—even rare mermaids and Minks from Zou were present.
Mermaids were understandable—there was no such thing as an ugly young mermaid, and after thirty, their tails split, making them indistinguishable from humans on land. But the Minks... well, some pirates apparently had very unique tastes.
Pirates were ushered into venues of debauchery by beauties exposing vast expanses of snow-white skin, while other women carefully selected pirates that fit their own aesthetic preferences.
It was a palace of hedonism. For every man there, it felt like heaven.
Since arriving in the One Piece world, Arthur had never witnessed a scene quite like this. For a moment, he was genuinely impressed.
"Lord Thunder Emperor!"
"Lord Thunder Emperor comes to a place like this for fun too?"
"Hahahaha! The Thunder Emperor is a man, after all! What man suppresses his natural desires?"
As he walked down the street, countless pirates greeted him with awe and worship. A few of the bolder ones even cracked jokes.
"Carry on," Arthur said calmly.
He didn't look down on pirates seeking pleasure. Drifting on the sea, living with the constant threat of death in the next battle—there was no reason for them not to indulge.
It was just a desire that could be solved with a few Berries. There was no need to hide it.
"The Thunder Emperor is here?"
"What? The Thunder Emperor??"
Hearing the commotion, women poured out from the buildings on all sides, desperate to catch a glimpse of the legendary figure.
In an instant, hundreds of pairs of enchanting eyes fixed on Arthur curiously, as if checking to see if the ruler of the New World had three heads and six arms.
"Ahem... Sisters, go about your business. I will entertain Lord Thunder Emperor personally!"
A soft, melodious, and soul-hooking voice drifted from the other end of the street.
Stussy approached, wearing a stylish autumn hat that concealed her hair and a long, pleated skirt. She walked with a swaying, lotus-like grace. Her expression was charming, her eyes bright, her teeth pearly white, and her skin creamy and flawless.
She was undeniably moving.
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