Chapter 116: Shocking Power!

Mary Geoise

The Five Elders convened in their chamber, their expressions grave.

From a Den Den Mushi, Sengoku reported on the New World situation: a rebellion had broken out on Hachinosu Island. Captain John had been betrayed and stabbed in the back, and the whereabouts of Ochoku and Silver Axe were unknown. The Red Hair Pirates hadn't seized control of the island.

The Five Elders exchanged glances, unconcerned.

"The era of Captain John has come to an end. A new generation is rising—his defeat was inevitable," one Elder remarked calmly.

"Dying in mutiny, though? Quite the dramatic twist!"

Another Elder nodded, "One emperor falls, another restless group rises. Let them tear each other apart, it only strengthens our position!"

"It's as we planned. As long as these 'Four Emperors' battle among themselves, they keep the New World in chaos, leaving the rest of the world in balance."

It was no accident the title "Four Emperors" had originated from the World Government following Roger's death. It was the World Government who had bestowed this honor on the four most formidable pirates. To them, it was a label as much as a trap.

When Buggy rose to power, the world labeled him one of the Four Emperors

The Cross Guild couldn't resist.

Even if Crocodile and Mihawk declared themselves Emperors, the world wouldn't acknowledge them until they openly challenged Buggy. A strange logic, indeed—accepting a hostile force only once publicly validated.

This balance of power across the Four Seas, Paradise, and the New World was precisely why Fleet Admiral Sakazuki's calls to abolish the Seven Warlords of the Sea system were continually shot down by the Five Elders.

"Stability is control," an Elder said, almost dismissively. "Those who perish for it? Merely numbers."

"Who'll become the next Emperor?" one asked.

"Let's allow the contenders to fight it out. It's not our concern."

They were in no rush. Like the ancient story of two peaches killing three warriors, they knew how greed and ambition would thin out their enemies.

"Should we make contact with Shanks?" one Elder suggested, almost musing. "After all… he, too, is a remnant of God Valley."

A murmur rippled among the Elders, some speculating that Shanks might have ties to God Valley or even to the Celestial Dragons themselves. Shanks's audacious arrival at Mary Geoise, unleashing his Conqueror's Haki, had left an impression. More than one agent had been dispatched to dig into Shanks's past, but they were left with more questions than answers.

In Mary Geoise, some Celestial Dragons, still humiliated by Shanks's overwhelming Haki, had twisted their own narrative:

"Only a Celestial Dragon could wield such power! We weren't defeated by a mere Blue Sea insect, he must be one of us!"

The idea gave them a sense of pride—an odd comfort in defeat.

"Regardless, what's the latest on Leno and Whitebeard?" one Elder asked. "Has he entered the New World?"

"According to Sengoku, they're off the radar for now," another responded, unconcerned. "Better if they kill each other."

As long as a world of stability persisted, the identity of the Four Emperors was irrelevant to the Five Elders and the World Government. In their eyes, even the Seven Warlords of the Sea, if fractured, could be reassembled to maintain their dominion.

...

New World

On a deserted island, the air was tense.

"Dad!" shouted Marco, eyes wide with desperation. Around him, Vista and the other Whitebeard Pirates were visibly shaken. They watched as Leno stood before Whitebeard, his blade held high.

In the sunlight, Leno's sword gleamed—a blackened edge forged through relentless Haki.

To reach such perfection with the Sword was no small feat, but for Leno, with his powerful Haki and the soul of a craftsman, it was simply inevitable.

"Gu la la la…!" Whitebeard laughed, sitting on the ground, a deep wound slashed across his chest. Blood seeped from the gaping wound, his flesh and bone exposed. Resigned, he closed his eyes, awaiting the end.

[Ding! You have defeated your opponent. Scanning for talents: Tremor-Tremor (SSS level), Conqueror's Haki (SSS level), Swordsmanship (SS level), Observation Haki (SS level), Armament Haki (SS level), Tyrant's Fist (SS level), Adopted Son's Strength (S level)…]

As they sailed away from the island, a doctor tended to Leno's wounds. Meanwhile, Leno reviewed the system log, noting the invaluable talent he had just acquired from Whitebeard's fruit. The Tremor-Tremor Fruit was legendary, a power only achievable by Whitebeard's intense dedication and prowess.

"So, Whitebeard's Conqueror's Haki reached SSS, huh?" Leno murmured. It made sense—the man hailed as the world's strongest had earned his place. But, in terms of raw potential, was Shanks yet to reach this level?

Whatever the case, Leno knew his path: he would absorb the strongest talent, not just to possess it but to embody it.

"I choose the Tremor-Tremor power," he said without hesitation.

With the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, a Paramecia of unrivaled might, Leno's ascent was unstoppable.

The talents of Freezing and Wind Control can be refined and enhanced together, Leno thought. As for Conqueror's Haki, he sensed that he could only evolve it by himself. Every time he bested a user of Conqueror's Haki, he could feel his own spirit growing stronger.

Ding! Talent successfully copied: Tremor-Tremor!

[Talent Description: Grants the power to cause vibrations.]

[Strength: SS Level]

"Wait...why is my strength dropping?" Leno was puzzled.

Ding! At the SSS level, Devil Fruit awakening is a unique, world-class power!

Leno understood. Devil Fruit awakenings were a pinnacle, unique and world-defining. Since he hadn't eaten a Devil Fruit, he couldn't awaken one, meaning he couldn't reach the SSS level by that path. His Freezing and Wind's Blessing talents had to work differently. He mused about Kuzan's power—not even he had awakened back then.

Then there was the talent from Kaido. Leno hadn't seen its full potential either, and he guessed that even choosing Azure Dragon might still leave him short of SSS.

A faint shiver rippled through his muscles as he got the Tremor talent. Leno closed his eyes, clenched his fists, and unleashed a Shigan attack, sending a shockwave that rippled through the air.

Boom! The sea burst open.

Leno had not only bested Whitebeard but also earned a new array of talents:

Ding! Defeated Opponent. Scanning for talents: Phoenix (SS), Flame of Regeneration (SS), Observation Haki (SS), Armament Haki (S), Medical Skill (S), Kicking Skill (S), Resourcefulness (A)...

Margao, known for his Flame of Regeneration, was skilled, but his performance leaned more toward support. Leno selected the Flame of Regeneration.

Ding! Talent copied: Flame of Regeneration

[Talent Description: Summon cyan flames to heal injuries, though severe wounds and exhaustion remain limiting factors.]

[Strength: SS Level]

This was invaluable, a self-healing ability that could also be extended to others, albeit with reduced efficacy.

Among other notables, Vista's Flower Sword was SS-rank. There was also Bull Power from Atmos and Flintlock Mastery from Izou. Meanwhile, Namur had fallen in battles against Fukaboshi and Van Augur, leaving his abilities unclaimed.

The year was 1513 in the Sea Circle Calendar, and the situation in the New World had been upended. The fall of Shanks's regime on Hachinosu Island signified a monumental shift. Such drama was fitting for the New World, a place where the legendary ONE PIECE still beckoned. The Hunter Guild's flag flew in Kale Bali, the New World branch, despite the recent fury of the Whitebeard Pirates.

Suddenly, Kaido of the Beasts and Katakuri made an unannounced arrival at the port.

The port buzzed with tension as Fukaboshi and the fish-men nervously observed.

"Kaido and Big Mom's crew are both here?" whispered one of the guards. "Quick, notify the president!"

Kaido observed the Hunter Guild's flag and chuckled. "Whitebeard really couldn't take his territory back, huh?"

He stepped off the ship, his laugh rumbling like thunder.

"Worororo! And what brings Big Mom's little boy here?" he teased, eyeing Katakuri, Smoothie, and Daifuku.

Smoothie responded calmly. "Our mom has sent us to invite Leno to this year's tea party."

Kaido laughed heartily. "So Linlin has her eye on Leno, eh? That's interesting! Worororo!"

Katakuri and Smoothie's faces darkened at the implication, but the facts were well known: Big Mom was renowned for seeking out powerful allies to expand her diverse and harmonious utopia, often through marriage proposals. Although Leno was not the typical husband she'd envision, his strength alone made him desirable.

Yamato, Kaido's daughter, was visibly excited. The rebellious young warrior had heard of Leno's strength and admired him ever since learning he'd bested her father. Now, she yearned to make him her mentor, someone to guide her in the way of combat and honor.

"Are you the one who defeated Kaido?" Yamato asked excitedly.

"Yeah, that's me. You need something?" Leno replied with a grin.

She gazed at him with admiration. "Please! Be my teacher! Teach me to beat Kaido!"

Kaido's face twisted in irritation as he realized bringing her along had backfired. But before he could protest, Leno smirked.

"Oh, Kaido," Leno called, "I thought you'd be tougher to take down. Guess I was wrong!"

Kaido's expression darkened further. The memory of being defeated still stung. Beside him, Katakuri and the others were alert but respectful. They waited at the port, avoiding any unintentional escalation.

Finally, Kaido turned back to Leno, his blood boiling with renewed vigor.

"Fight me!" he roared. Kaido had been waiting for a chance to challenge Leno again, and he wouldn't let this opportunity slip.

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