"Shanks! Shanks!"
Luffy stretched out his arms, chuckling: "I've come to the place where you often visit. Will I run into you here? If we have to fight, that's fine too. I want to see who's stronger!"
"Hey, Luffy! If you win, you'll become one of the Four Emperors, right?" Franky laughed heartily.
"I'm not interested in that kind of thing, I still want to..."
Luffy grinned: "Become the Pirate King!"
...
"The new 'Four Emperors', Straw Hat Luffy!"
Navy Headquarters, meeting room.
Brannew sternly slapped a single wanted order onto the whiteboard, facing the attending Navy members: "You've all received the news as well. There's no need to evaluate now. He's currently the most qualified candidate."
The Navy members attending the meeting were all solemn, not because of the newly promoted 'Four Emperors,' but because they hadn't yet digested the intelligence they just received.
The ruins of Erejia not only saw the appearance of the Ancient Demon King Tot Musica but also Red Hair. Most importantly, both beings, who could threaten the world, were eradicated by Sage in one battle.
Especially the Red Hair Pirates...
Completely annihilated!
The death of a Great Pirate is naturally pleasing, but another, more ferocious Great Pirate becoming stronger is even more distressing.
Not only is Sage alive and well without a scratch, but he's also become increasingly difficult to deal with, even instilling a sense of despair.
This is why they're all so solemn.
Brannew, seeing their expressions, also sighed deeply, waved away the 3 billion bounty order for Straw Hat Luffy, and solemnly said:
"The balance of piracy has always been our strategic goal, and the issuance of bounties is to create issues within the pirates themselves. After all, they are all profit-driven individuals. Even though we treated the former Four Emperors seriously, it was never like it is now."
"Since that's pirate nature, they are ones who will ultimately be defeated. No matter how grand they are, they only occupy a corner of the New World. Before the term 'Four Emperors' came out, they were always these individuals."
The Four Emperors...
This title only came about after Red Hair's return to the New World, just a few years ago, less than a decade.
Before that, the former 'Four Emperors' were only renowned, without a unified title.
It's not just an honorary title at the top of piracy. The Navy allowed this title to exist and even promoted it to create trouble for the Four Emperors.
After all, with such a title, ambitious pirates would surely head to the New World. Some might not care for the Pirate King's treasure but would definitely covet the power of the Four Emperors and want to prove themselves.
The so-called silver medalists of the sea were born this way.
In the past, there weren't any silver medalists, just groups of Great Pirates occupying territories, causing troubles.
With a title, new struggles emerge.
But now, everything has returned to square one, no, more terrifying than before.
That calamity claimed the first half of the New World, forcing the silver medalists to retreat to the latter half, too afraid to confront the calamity.
Now, it's actively starting wars and has already taken down Red Hair!
"The calamity killed Red Hair; the next must be Blackbeard... Seeing pirates weaken each other is good for the Navy. But the current situation is different. If the calamity gains ultimate victory, the entire New World will fall under his command, which presents a huge challenge for us."
Especially after the news about Red Hair came out, important citizens were flooding the Navy Headquarters with phone calls, their core message was clear: they needed to eliminate the calamity, not let him win at any cost.
Those people aren't foolish. They're scared, willing to increase naval funding to solve Sage.
After all, his reputation precedes him.
If Sage unites the New World, he surely won't just settle quietly in those lands. Even if he doesn't personally arrive, if he reaches anywhere in the first half of the New World or the Four Seas, important citizens will definitely suffer.
But now, they can't make this decision.
Even Fleet Marshal Akainu can't make this decision.
They can only discuss here; even the emergence of a new Four Emperors can't truly capture their attention...
...
Night falls on O'hara.
The entire city was adorned with lights, submerged in a sea of celebration.
Street vendors brought out barrels of pre-prepared wine, for all to drink freely.
Surrounded by delicious food, perfectly grilled skewers, and dishes sizzling on iron plates were for anyone to take.
Simply put, their master was treating them again!
Everyone wore cheerful smiles, not just because of the freebies, but most importantly, their master won again!
And he defeated another Four Emperors, completely erasing them from the sea!
The attack on O'hara by the enemy was still fresh in their minds, and now, they finally got their revenge.
Back then, they too participated in the resistance. Their master's victory brings them great honor.
And at the banquet hall of the Royal Palace, the scene was even more festive, filled with song and dance.
"Hohohoho! Issho, too bad you didn't join us; otherwise, you could count it as a naval achievement, taking part in defeating a Four Emperors."
Sage raised his glass, laughing heartily at Issho nearby.
Issho also held a glass, took a sip, and then said: "As someone who doesn't see the world, I cannot witness battles. Compared to the vast sea, I prefer places with people. The genuine joy of O'hara's people for you, Sage, is palpable."
Now serving as the National Security Officer, Issho has settled in completely.
It's not that there's no crime in O'hara; surely there is, but Sage allows him a high degree of freedom on this matter.
There's no law in O'hara, only Sage's rules. But even under rules, there's always some foolishness on the edge.
And these issues take full account of the Security Officer's right to decide, making Issho's job quite smooth.
Because he can act completely according to his will, unlike how he was in the Navy, wanting to do things but restricted by regulations, unable to accomplish anything.
During this time, Issho has been quite content.
Although not a pirate, for O'hara, he is serious about his work.
He genuinely hopes that Sage can always remain stable and spread O'hara's model across the world.
Compared to the World Government...
The current O'hara aligns more with his ideals.
"Sage."
Lily approached from outside, leaned towards Sage, and said: "After the banquet, Vegapunk invites you over to discuss Tot Musica... there's a new conclusion."
"At such a joyful banquet, he's still thinking about research... Haven't seen him around; what research is he doing late at night? Let's go get him now, bring him over!"
Sage laughed heartily, finished his drink, and walked out of the Royal Palace towards the towering research facility near the colossal Pluton by the shore.
Vegapunk and a few clones were there, repeatedly reviewing the transmitted images of Tot Musica.
As Sage and Lily approached, without waiting for them to speak, Vegapunk turned and said:
"Tot Musica, in classical contexts, stands for the 'Music Totem.' It was worshiped as a belief people pursued, just like some worship the Sun God."
"It is indeed a creation of desire, but desires are not only beautiful; dark and filthy aspirations are among them. Coupled with the sheet music we know, we can confirm that this Ancient Demon King is the ultimate embodiment of music. From a modern perspective, this could also be considered the god governing music."