Chapter 141: Chapter 141: World Peace!
[Happy New Year's! 🎊]
The moment the Pluton battleship fired its main cannon, billions around the world witnessed a spectacle beyond comprehension. The white light that formed at the muzzle of the weapon radiated with an unnatural intensity, drawing gasps from the live audience and viewers alike.
Then it happened.
BOOM!
The air cannon shot forward, a compressed mass of devastating force hurtling toward the distant Broken Archipelago. A split second later, the world trembled as a catastrophic explosion erupted on impact. The shockwave surged outward, carrying with it a deafening roar that seemed to echo even through the screens of those watching.
The brightness overwhelmed everything. For a moment, the entire broadcast filled with a blinding white light. Across the globe, people shielded their eyes or turned away, unable to bear the intensity.
When the screen cleared, the devastation became evident. The Broken Archipelago—once a cluster of islands—was gone. In its place, there was nothing but a massive, hemispherical void carved into the ocean. The water surged back violently, forming a countercurrent waterfall that defied nature itself. The cavity remained, unhealed, a wound upon the sea that refused to close.
Kaido stood tall on the Pluton's deck, his laughter booming louder than the echoes of destruction. "Oh, oh, oh, oh! Look at that power!" he bellowed, his voice charged with triumph and madness. "Worthy of its name—Pluton, the Ancient Weapon!"
As the shockwave raced toward the battleship, it was met with Kaido's ferocious dragon breath, a torrent of scorching flames that split the oncoming waves, dispersing their force.
Above it all, Edie hovered calmly, His analytical eyes studied the aftermath of Pluton's cannon, comparing it to the destruction wrought by the National Treasure two years prior near Water 7. The devastation was eerily similar, yet Pluton's might was unmistakable.
The Den-Den Mushi, suspended in midair, recorded every second of this monumental event. Across the globe, reactions ranged from disbelief to terror.
"Gone... the entire island just... vanished!"
"Is this what the Ancient Weapons are capable of?!"
"Gods help us... this world is doomed!"
Holy Land Mariejois, Pangaea Castle
Inside the newly constructed, modest Pangaea Castle, the Five Elders stared at the broadcast with pale faces and trembling hands.
"It's Pluton... there's no doubt about it," one of them muttered, his voice breaking.
"That monster Kaido actually has one of the Ancient Weapons in his possession..." another said, fists clenched in dread.
Saint Saturn, usually composed, was visibly shaken. "This power... it could pierce the Red Line. It's beyond anything even we anticipated."
"Destroy it! Now!" demanded Saint Mars, the Environmental Martial God, his voice laced with panic. "We must stop Kaido before he retaliates!"
"How long until the National Treasure is fully charged?" someone asked desperately.
"A month." Saint Saturn's reply was barely above a whisper, his palms slick with sweat.
The room fell into a tense silence as the implications sank in. If Kaido decided to unleash Pluton against Mariejois, it could obliterate their stronghold—and with it, the remnants of the Celestial Dragons. For the first time in centuries, the Five Elders found themselves cornered, their immortal lives of little comfort when the survival of their order was at stake.
"We can't afford conflict now," Saint Peter, the blond elder, finally spoke. "We must negotiate. Offer peace, for the sake of the world!"
The others reluctantly nodded, their usual arrogance giving way to survival instincts.
"Send Kizaru," Saint Saturn ordered. "His speed will ensure he reaches Kaido quickly. He must offer a gesture of goodwill and stall for time."
Across the World
As the Five Elders scrambled to respond, the major powers of the world were glued to their screens. On Sphinx Island, Marco, Teach, and the Whitebeard Pirates watched the destruction in stunned silence. On Whole Cake Island, Charlotte Linlin clenched her fists, fury burning in her eyes as she cursed Kaido for not sharing such a treasure.
The Red-Haired Pirates, the Revolutionary Army, and even ordinary citizens felt the weight of what they were witnessing. This wasn't just a display of power—it was a declaration of war against the existing world order.
Pluton's Deck
Kaido, still basking in his triumph, grinned at Edie. "This is it! With Pluton in our hands, those old fools at Mariejois will finally understand fear!"
Edie's cold, calculating demeanor remained unchanged. "Fear isn't enough. They'll counterstrike eventually. We need to ensure our next move leaves no room for retaliation."
Kaido's laughter echoed once more, but there was a dangerous glint in his eyes. The world had been shown the power of Pluton, and now, Kaido believed he stood unchallenged.
But Edie, ever the strategist, was already planning the next step.
Grand Line, Alabasta
The only city blessed with abundant rainwater in the kingdom of Alabasta was Rainbase, a bustling hub of activity. Among its many attractions stood the grand casino owned by Sir Crocodile, a symbol of wealth and power. Beneath the glittering facade of the casino, deep underground, Crocodile sat in quiet contemplation, his eyes fixed on the screen before him.
"Pluton… is actually in Wanokuni," he murmured, his voice heavy with resignation.
The confirmation stung. Edie's cryptic revelation had been true. The Ancient Weapon Pluton lay hidden in Wanokuni, and Uranus was reportedly in the hands of the Five Elders. The live broadcast left no room for doubt about the former. As for Uranus… Crocodile's mind wandered back to the massive sea cavity that appeared two years ago.
"That leaves Poseidon," he muttered, frowning.
A chilling realization struck him. Edie had never revealed the location of Poseidon, and the pieces fell into place.
"Poseidon is in Edie's hands!"
The thought gnawed at him. All three Ancient Weapons—the tools to reshape the world—already had their wielders. Crocodile, who had spent over a decade scheming, felt the futility of his efforts. He took a long drag from his cigar, but the familiar comfort was gone.
Water 7, Tom's Studio
Far from Alabasta, in the industrious city of Water 7, a different kind of tension loomed. The completion of the Sea Train project should have been a moment of celebration. Instead, the mood in Tom's Shipbuilding Studio was grim.
"It's Pluton… its power is unimaginable," Iceberg muttered, his voice tinged with anxiety. "If such a weapon falls into the hands of pirates, what will become of the world?"
While Iceberg was lost in worry, his fellow apprentice, Franky, had a very different reaction. His eyes gleamed with fascination.
"What an incredible battleship! I'd love to get a closer look!"
Their master, Tom, remained silent, his expression grim. He knew what would come next. The World Government had been biding its time, waiting for the Sea Train's completion. But now that the real Pluton had been revealed, their patience would run out.
Tom abruptly stood, his deep voice cutting through the tense air. "We need to leave. Now."
"Leave?" Iceberg blinked, confused. "What's happening, Mr. Tom?"
"It's not Kaido we need to fear," Tom said. "It's the World Government. They'll come for me… and for the blueprints."
Franky looked incredulous. "They'd attack us? Just for that?"
Tom nodded gravely. "It's not just about me. I won't let you two get caught up in this. Pack your things. We're heading to Fish-Man Island."
Before they could act, Kokoro spoke up, pulling a folded note from her blouse. "Wait! Dr. Edie left this for you. It's a contact number. He said to use it if you're ever in trouble."
Tom glanced at the paper but shook his head. "Edie's inventions may be remarkable, but we can't rely on him now. Time is against us."
Determined, Tom led his apprentices into the night. However, the World Government was always watching. News of their departure reached the Five Elders within hours.
Enies Lobby: Justice Tower
In the heart of the Island That Never Sleeps, Spandam, the bumbling yet conniving leader of CP9, received his orders.
"Tom has fled with the blueprints," Spandam said, slamming the receiver down. "Assemble the team. We're moving now."
Within moments, the deadly agents of CP9 stood before him:
Rob Lucci, the prodigious killer with a cold gaze.
Kaku, the long-nosed master of the sword.
Jabra, the ferocious wolf Zoan user.
Kalifa, the sharp-minded femme fatale.
Kumadori, with his kabuki-inspired demeanor.
Fukurou, the man with the zipper mouth.
Blueno, the door-door fruit user.
"We're missing someone," Spandam muttered.
"Who's Who has been imprisoned for years," Blueno replied dryly.
"Ah, right." Spandam waved it off. "Enough chatter. We're after Tom and the Pluton blueprints. Move out!"
Lucci's brow twitched ever so slightly, but he remained silent. As the CP9 warship set sail, his thoughts lingered on the broadcast. The world was changing, and the balance of power was slipping away from the government's grasp.
Soon after, a CP9 warship set sail from Enies Lobby, cutting across the vast, dark waters of the Grand Line.
Inside the Cabin
Rob Lucci leaned back in his chair, his piercing eyes betraying an uncharacteristic hesitation. Pulling out a den-den mushi, he dialed a number he hadn't used in years. The snail's antennae twitched before emitting its familiar Puff. Puff. The line connected.
The Waters Near Winner's Island
In the swirling winds atop the deck of the Pluton, Edie stood with his arms crossed, his coat billowing behind him. His mind was preoccupied with the intricacies of Kaido's latest broadcast. The sudden buzz in his pocket disrupted his thoughts.
Pulling out the small device, he answered.
"Doctor, it's me," said a familiar voice, low and steady.
Edie's brow furrowed as he racked his memory. After a pause, recognition dawned. "Rob Lucci?"
"Yes," came the curt reply. Without wasting time, Lucci launched into his report, detailing CP9's pursuit of Tom, the legendary shipwright.
Finally, Lucci dropped the bombshell. "The blueprint for Pluton is in Tom's hands."
Edie let out a soft chuckle, intrigued. "And what exactly do you want me to do about that?"
Lucci's tone turned sharper. "Kaido cooperates with you, doesn't he? If you don't want the blueprints to fall into government hands, I can create a diversion and let Tom escape."
For someone who has inexplicably betrayed the World Government, Edie mused, Lucci's offer seemed oddly principled. But he knew better than to 100% trust a man like Lucci, someone driven by power and rebellion rather than loyalty.
"I'm glad you thought of me, but I have no interest in interfering. Do as you like." With that, Edie hung up, the den-den mushi's eyes drooping in exhaustion.
The brief exchange lingered in Edie's mind for a moment. While Lucci's actions were puzzling, they were not his concern. If Tom had chosen his path, Edie saw no reason to intervene. People find their own ways when backed into a corner. With a dismissive shake of his head, he turned his focus back to the Pluton.
On Pluton's Deck
Kaido loomed large in front of a live camera, his thundering laughter echoing over the ocean.
"Do you see it?!" he bellowed, his voice laced with wild exhilaration. "This is power enough to destroy the world! Ohhh! Ohhh! Ohhh!"
He raised his massive kanabo, pointing it skyward as if challenging the heavens themselves. "This boring world will soon know freedom! The kings of the world—your time is over!"
But as Kaido prepared to continue his tirade, a brilliant golden light appeared on the horizon, cutting through the stormy skies.
The Arrival of Kizaru
The shimmering golden beam descended rapidly, materializing into the familiar figure of Admiral Kizaru. He stood casually on Pluton's deck, his signature crooked smile masking the tension in his stance. The gleam of his uniform caught the light, but his surroundings were far less welcoming.
Members of the Beasts Pirates circled him, their weapons at the ready. Above, three figures hovered ominously in mid-air: Chenlong, a Kaido clone; Shenhou, a formidable force in Edie's arsenal; and a mermaid encased in a floating bubble, her ethereal presence unnerving even for Kizaru.
"Admiral Kizaru!" Usagi shouted from a higher platform, her voice carrying a mix of surprise and warning.
Cold sweat trickled down Kizaru's temple as he assessed the overwhelming forces surrounding him. "Ahh... Shit," he murmured under his breath, his usually unflappable demeanor slightly shaken. "The Five Elders sure know how to give impossible orders."
Raising his hands in mock surrender, Kizaru chuckled nervously. "I surrender!" His eyes flicked toward Edie, who had descended to hover just above him. "Dr. Edie, we meet again. How nostalgic."
Edie's gaze was sharp, his lips curling into a faint smile. "A social creature like you, venturing out alone? Admirable." His tone dripped with mockery.
Kizaru hesitated for a moment before pulling out a transponder snail. "On behalf of the World Government, I come bearing goodwill."
The snail's receiver crackled, and the deep, authoritative voice of Saint Saturn resonated through. "Dr. Edie, you're there too, I see. Let's talk—for the sake of world peace."
Edie's laughter broke the tension. "World peace? Is that what you're selling now?"
Kaido stomped forward, his massive frame casting a shadow over Kizaru. "Peace?!" he roared. "What a joke. End the broadcast if you want to grovel."
Saint Saturn's voice grew colder. "This is a matter for private negotiation, Kaido. Cut the live feed, and we'll discuss terms."
Edie's eyes glinted mischievously. "Since this is such an important conversation, shouldn't the whole world hear it?"
He waved to King, who immediately angled the camera toward them.
The transmission spread across the globe, revealing Admiral Kizaru standing amidst a sea of enemies, holding a phone bug while visibly sweating. The sight of a Marine Admiral in such a precarious position sent shockwaves through the world.
Kizaru's nervous smile faltered. "Oh dear... this doesn't look good for my reputation, does it?"
The collective laughter of the Beasts Pirates echoed across the deck, while the live feed captured every moment of Kizaru's uncharacteristic unease.
For Kizaru, it was too late to salvage his dignity. The whole world had seen the unthinkable: an Admiral caught off guard and surrounded, pleading for peace.