The Strongest Rising Sun Blade.
This was the strongest strike he could unleash at his current level.
It was the ultimate fusion of his physical power, Haki, and Devil Fruit ability.
Yan traced a wide arc in Don's hand as he swung, releasing every last ounce of power within him.
The moment the slash left his blade, the glowing edge dispersed. Armament Haki wrapped around the blade in a dark sheen, and Conqueror's Haki surged once more—both colors of Haki winding together along the sword.
The blade turned a deep crimson, its shape stabilizing again under the pressure of his will.
Don turned his head to look toward the direction his slash had traveled.
That was the far side of the Red Line.
Yes—his target wasn't only above, but also ahead.
Even if his Devil Fruit ability could be nullified or erased, the slash formed purely from his physical power and Haki was not something that could be blocked so easily.
The vertical beam of light piercing the upper half of the Red Line rapidly widened.
Then—power erupted.
The blinding radiance made it impossible to look directly at it. Even from afar, people could feel the overwhelming pressure behind that violent explosion of power.
As Don released this slash, the layers of rock above him in the Red Line erupted upward, flames and sword-energy blasting skyward.
Just as the slash was about to reach the topmost point—Mary Geoise—the flame component of the attack began decreasing rapidly.
But the slash was too fast.
Even erasure required time.
BOOM!!
Half of Mary Geoise was reduced to ash in an instant.
Everything within the range of Don's strike was obliterated completely.
The missing mass of the Red Line and the vanished half of Mary Geoise formed a clean, smooth cliff face.
On the opposite side of the Red Line, the slash ripped through the landmass, sending a torrent of debris spraying outward.
A massive U-shaped canyon appeared across the Red Line in the blink of an eye.
The Five Elders appeared at the edge of that enormous canyon, staring in horror at the scene before them.
Such power…
Molten rock rained from the sky. Along the canyon walls, liquefied land continued to flow downward like burning rivers.
The terrifying heat showed no signs of dissipating.
White mist and ocean steam billowed upward.
Thunderclouds gathered overhead, and in the next instant, heavy rain began to fall.
Yet even under that rain, the mountain rock could not cool. The raindrops evaporated before reaching the surface.
The molten rock continued flowing along the canyon floor before spilling into the sea from both sides.
Suspended in the air, Don remained untouched by the rain.
Flames danced around him.
He raised his head toward the direction of Mary Geoise, his figure soaring upward. In moments, he hovered at the very highest point.
Black mist completely engulfed the remains of Mary Geoise. A huge black, reptile-like creature coiled within that shadowy fog.
Flames and darkness clashed in the sky.
Don took in the scene, his gaze passing over the Five Elders standing tensely in front of the dark mist.
"Let's end it here for today. You're welcome to come find trouble with me anytime."
Resting the dark-crimson blade on his shoulder, Don smiled.
Duration: 1 minute 05 seconds
Upon hearing Don's words, the tense Five Elders actually felt themselves exhale in relief.
Judging from what he said… he intended to retreat?
The Five Elders exchanged glances. Im gave no response.
Don simply turned away and sped down the newly-formed canyon, flying toward the New World.
Seeing him truly leave, the Five Elders finally released the breath they'd been holding.
The black fog covering half of Mary Geoise receded as well.
"That man is far too strong. We must find a way to deal with him."
The bald Elder holding the First Generation Kitetsu spoke in a deep voice.
"That's not for us to decide."
One immediately voiced an opposing view.
"This matter can only be decided by Lord Im."
They all understood. Based on the power Don showed today, defeating him had become virtually impossible.
His strength had far surpassed even the top pirates of the New World—this was no longer a problem that could be solved by simply gathering high-level fighters.
Out at sea, everyone who saw the Red Line through the broadcast fell into silence.
They stared at the slash that had carved through the entire Red Line.
The heat had not yet dissipated, but the rain had cooled some areas, leaving a shimmering, glass-like sheen.
The world was about to change.
Attacking Celestial Dragons, even attacking Mary Geoise itself—compared to what happened today, those events suddenly felt insignificant.
Morgans stared at the still image frozen in the projection for a long time.
"I'll write this article myself. Everyone get ready—I want the report published at the fastest possible speed."
Morgans said in a low voice.
"But President… the World Government"
His secretary hesitated.
"At this moment, the World Government has no time to look my way."
Morgans understood clearly: this wasn't just about Don's overwhelming power—it symbolized the shattering of the World Government's authority.
Right now, they had no time to worry about him.
In any case, the scene had already spread worldwide.
Everyone who should see it—and shouldn't see it—had seen it.
And that was what the Government desperately needed to address.
"Yes, President!"
The secretary nodded and went straight to work.
"There's no way…"
Dragon muttered.
Why had Don's power grown so fast?
He knew Don's talent was extraordinary.
But even the greatest genius should have limits.
The footage from Sabaody was already unbelievable.
But this slash—cutting through the Red Line after a major battle—was on an entirely different scale.
This wasn't "influencing the world."
This was changing the world.
"Chief, I think we should do everything we can to recruit him. Nothing else is needed—if he even says he supports the Revolutionary Army, that alone would be enough."
Belo Betty's eyes shone brightly.
The other commanders nodded.
It was true—after today, Don might become the World Government's most reviled criminal.
Anyone tied to him might face severe retaliation.
But compared to the potential gains… none of that mattered.
His name alone already meant everything.
"It'll be difficult."
Dragon shook his head.
"But… we can send someone to contact the Hunter Guild. Don is the Guild's current chairman."
Dragon said, giving his decision.
The Hunter Guild, huh?
The other commanders nodded.
Whatever the guild used to be, however it began—none of that mattered now.
With Don as its chairman, the Hunter Guild had instantly become one of the strongest forces on the seas.
Before long, the Guild's influence might spread across all Four Seas and the Grand Line.
When that happened, cooperating with them could bring immense benefits.
After all, with Don at the helm, hostility between him and the World Government was already certain.
END OF CHAPTER
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