Imu felt like laughing, 'The world afraid of you? What a joke?'
But the next moment, she couldn't laugh anymore.
She could clearly sense that the Tree of Devil Fruits she had merged with was trembling, indeed conveying some kind of fear.
"This is impossible! How can you be so strong that the world fears you?" Imu shook her head frantically, unable to believe this fact.
Hearing Imu's scream, the crowd was somewhat bewildered.
'What was she talking about? Could the will of the world also feel fear?'
Setsuna said calmly: "Fear is a normal instinct for all living beings when facing a strong force that can easily destroy them. A planet is no exception."
"Mu doesn't believe it! Mu is the god!" Imu roared, abandoning all flashy displays of ability, pushing her power to its absolute limit.
The speed of the Pika Pika no Mi, combined with the hundredfold amplification of the Moa Moa no Mi, the physical enhancement of the Riki Riki no Mi, and fused with the two Haki she had honed to its peak over eight hundred years.
Her figure vanished, her trajectory undetectable even by the strongest Observation Haki.
Only a trail that tore through space, leaving black cracks in its wake, like a spear of destruction piercing heaven and earth, shot toward Setsuna's chest with indescribable speed and force.
The terrifying momentum caused the entire Wano Country to tremble violently.
The powerful figures present were inwardly horrified. Imu was simply supremely strong, countless times stronger than two years ago.
Facing this blow that seemed capable of piercing a star, Setsuna simply stood there calmly.
The destructive trail that tore through space struck his chest.
Yet nothing happened.
No explosion, no impact. The scene was as calm as a lover's gentle tap.
Everyone stared wide-eyed at the scene.
Queen's legs felt weak, he leaned closer to Kaido and whispered: "Kaido-sama, we should probably run for it."
Dragon broke out in a cold sweat: 'Luffy, you'd better stay put in jail and leave everything to the wind.'
Setsuna tilted his neck, his voice calm: "Was that your full power?"
Imu finally felt fear. The man before her wasn't human... he was a monster, an incomprehensible, unspeakable monster!
She had to run! Get as far away from this monster as possible!
"Uranus!" Imu urgently summoned Uranus, yanking her fist back, her figure retreating wildly.
She would board Uranus, immediately, right now, escape this planet! Flee into the depths of space!
Never return, never see this terrifying monster again!
Setsuna naturally wouldn't let her escape. He grabbed her and refined her instantly.
…
After Setsuna completely devoured Gaia Consciousness, all the powers of every Devil Fruit across the seas vanished.
All the bizarre and grotesque abilities became a thing of the past.
It was as if a layer of dazzling yet distorted color had been forcibly stripped from the world, returning it to a more fundamental tone.
Having lost the fruit abilities they relied on, many people's strength plummeted.
In this atmosphere of impending change, Setsuna summoned all the major powers to Mary Geoise for a meeting.
The Four Emperors, the Revolutionary Army, the Marine, the Underworld Emperors, representatives of the major powerful nations... They gathered at the newly built [Global Council Hall] in Mary Geoise with feelings of apprehension and awe.
Setsuna sat in the main seat, calmly presenting: "First, the issue of survival and resources."
"Dr. Vegapunk's theory of the Mother Flame has been perfected. Combined with Dr. Gero's infinite energy, and the automated robot army for basic production and construction..."
Although the attendees didn't know who 'Dr. Gero' was, they could understand the concept of infinite energy.
Some looked on in disbelief, 'Was infinite energy really achievable?'
As Setsuna spoke, a projection appeared above the meeting hall.
The images showed grand future cities, automated farms, deep-sea and space resource extraction platforms, efficient logistics networks...
"Resource scarcity and competition for survival will become history. Productivity will be completely liberated. In this new era, no one will need to struggle for basic necessities like food, clothing, shelter, security, or healthcare."
Undeniably, Dr. Gero's infinite energy was just too overpowered.
Setsuna continued: "In the future, each individual will only need to focus on four things—"
"Training, to hone oneself, to explore the limits of life and strength."
"Recreation, to enjoy creation and culture, to enrich the spiritual world."
"Procreation, to continue civilization, to nurture the next generation."
"Scientific research, to explore the unknown, to drive the entire civilization forward."
These four pillars painted a picture of a nearly utopian future, stirring the hearts of many present who had endured years of war and oppression, causing unbelievable hope to flicker in their eyes.
Dragon couldn't help but ask: "Will the government no longer need to collect taxes in the future?"
Setsuna explained: "The old Belly system holds little meaning in the face of infinite energy and automated production. The new tax, or rather the measure of contribution to civilization, will be Chakra."
"Chakra?" Everyone looked at each other, puzzled by this unfamiliar term.
"Chakra is the materialized product of the combination of Physical Energy and Spiritual Energy." Setsuna explained simply. "Since the power of Devil Fruits is gone, I will compensate this world with [Chakra], a power system derived from life itself."
"The methods for extracting and training Chakra will be gradually disclosed by me. It's not difficult to learn, but mastering it is not easy, and it's closely related to individual talent and effort."
Setsuna changed his tone, speaking seriously and grandly: "The social structure of the new era will also be reshaped based on this."
"Citizens without strong combat talents or inclinations can train in the rear, steadily extracting and 'contributing' a portion of their foundational Chakra as public energy and reserves for society."
"Meanwhile, those with talent and courage will shoulder more important responsibilities… using the gathered Chakra for deeper cultivation, breaking through the limits of life, and then..."
The holographic projection changed again, displaying the vast expanse of stars.
"Venturing into space, to explore, to fight, to pioneer!"
Setsuna looked at everyone: "Using the 'fuel' provided by the rear to arm the 'sharp blades' on the front lines, expanding living space, giving back to the entire civilization, achieving co-evolution… this is the basic logic of the new era."
Many people nodded involuntarily. This was indeed a model full of enterprising spirit.
The weak wouldn't be forced into bloody battles but could contribute in another way.
The strong would have a broader stage, and their growth would directly benefit the entire civilization.
"Regarding the specific ratio of Chakra tax, the distribution plans for management institutions at various levels, administrative details, the definition of citizens' rights and obligations..." Setsuna's gaze fell on Dragon.
"Dragon, the design and implementation of this new system will be led by you."
Setsuna was quite detached... no matter how it was distributed, as the ruler of this civilization, he would certainly take the largest share.
Dragon's spirit was jolted, his eyes blazing with unprecedented light.
This would be the chance to put his lifelong ideals into practice!
"Yes, Leader, I will do my utmost!" Dragon responded solemnly, his tone earnest.
"Very good." Setsuna nodded slightly, then turned to look at the former pirate forces in the meeting hall.
"Finally, regarding pirates. In a world of order, pirates as an entity will not be allowed to exist."
Many pirate leaders' expressions changed slightly.
Setsuna continued: "Of course, I understand that many of you have a thirst for adventure and the unknown flowing in your veins."
"Forcing you into fixed social roles might not be good for you or for society."
"So, I offer you another path."
"Those unwilling to join the new government system, I can provide you with spaceships and grant you the qualification to explore the sea of stars."
"Spaceships?" Kaido's eyes lit up, his breathing becoming heavy.
Setsuna nodded: "Correct. Rather than acting as disruptors on this planet that is moving towards order, it would be better to direct your courage and ambition towards the vast, boundless sea of stars."
"There, countless unknown planets, civilizations, treasures, and dangers await, enough for you to burn your lives to the fullest."
"However," Setsuna's tone shifted, "rights and obligations are reciprocal. By obtaining a ship and setting sail on the sea of stars, you must also take on the responsibility of being emissaries and seed-sowers of civilization."
"As you explore the sea of stars, spread the seeds of Chakra, bringing those planets into our system as well."
Chakra's power wasn't particularly strong, but its advantage lay in its collectability.
Setsuna thought that if he could become the convergence point for Chakra from various universes, surpassing the Gods of Destruction would be just a matter of time.
"Cosmic Pirate King?" Kaido was so excited he almost stood up.
Setsuna shook his head slightly: "That term is too uncivilized. It should be Star Sea Pioneer."