"So that's how it is."
Beckman pondered for a moment, then said slowly, "Even in the New World, our foundation is still too shallow. Let's lie low for a few more years."
Everyone nodded in silence.
Aside from the captain and vice-captain, their current strength simply wasn't enough to contend for a slice of the pie at the very center of that monster-infested stage.
It was a wise decision.
Because just a few days later, in the struggle over Kaido's legacy, the very "Beasts" Kaido himself—who was rumored to be imprisoned in Wano—suddenly reappeared, plunging the entire New World back into utter chaos.
Of course, that was a story for later.
...
At this moment, Tenma had already returned to General's Castle amid universal adoration.
This battle had completely cemented him on the divine altar of "the world's strongest."
After an entire night of revelry and indulgence—
It wasn't until noon the next day that Tenma slowly awoke on the luxurious master bed.
With the grand picture settled, he could once again enjoy this decadent imperial lifestyle with a clear conscience.
Yawning as he sat up, the maids who had long been waiting outside the hall filed in one after another, kneeling with exquisite washing and grooming tools in their hands.
Lira Blackveil and Natasha gently attended to his washing and dressing, their movements so careful it was as if they feared hurting him.
"Lord Tenma, Lady Hancock and Lady Yamato, they—"
Tenma glanced back at the two figures still sleeping soundly beneath the covers and curled his lips into a mischievous smile.
"Let them sleep. They were exhausted last night."
After all, even in that kind of thing, those two women insisted on competing to win—something no man could take lightly.
Once everything was in order, Tenma strode out of the bedchamber, refreshed and relaxed.
No sooner had he left than Hancock seemed to sense it and woke up.
Reaching out, she touched only cold sheets beside her.
"Where is Lord Tenma?"
She sat up, slightly disappointed—only to see Yamato's completely defenseless sleeping face instead of the man she loved.
Her mood instantly soured.
"Lord Tenma woke up earlier and went to the dining hall," Natasha answered respectfully.
"I see…"
Hancock wanted to get up and chase after him, but realized her entire body was sore and weak.
Though she could instantly recover with her soul abilities, these were the "marks of love" left behind by Lord Tenma—she wouldn't dream of erasing them.
So she collapsed back onto the bed.
Looking at Yamato sleeping like a pig beside her, Hancock had to admit that this white-haired woman with delicate features really was a formidable rival.
Just then, Yamato smacked her lips and muttered in her sleep,
"Tenma… I still… want…"
"..."
Hancock's face instantly turned pitch-black.
She turned and snapped at Natasha,
"Quick! Wake this woman up and throw her back into her own room! She's disturbing my rest!"
Natasha forced an awkward smile.
Though… this doesn't really seem to be your room either, Lady Hancock… she thought silently.
On the other side.
Tenma was strolling leisurely toward the dining hall.
It was a culinary paradise specially built within General's Castle—only the finest chefs were qualified to work here.
It was also the favorite haunt of Perona and the others.
"Lord Tenma!"
The moment he stepped through the doors, a lively, sweet voice rang out.
Nami waved excitedly, jogging over to him, her big eyes sparkling with admiration.
Behind her, a group of youngsters destined to become the backbone of Wano also looked at the newly crowned world's strongest with shining eyes.
Inside the hall, Kalifa, Zoro, Perona, Law, as well as Kuina and Pudding, had already been waiting for quite some time.
As Tenma strode in, everyone's eyes lit up at once. They stood to greet him, their expressions a mix of delight and reverence.
Among them, Perona floated in midair, unable to hide her intimacy—after all, she had been with Tenma the longest.
Then there was Nami, who had practically grown up under Tenma's watch; that sense of reliance was already etched into her bones.
As for Kuina, bearing the title of disciple, her closeness was naturally unmatched.
Kalifa had only recently become a retainer, yet the admiration in her alluring eyes was no less than anyone else's.
Law and Zoro, the two guardian figures flanking either side, looked far more solemn.
One was grateful for a life-saving favor; the other held absolute reverence for strength and for his master—both standing straighter than anyone else.
In contrast, Ulti and Pudding—newly absorbed after their defeat—appeared a bit restrained.
Especially Ulti, who had adapted far faster than Pudding.
On one hand, she had always believed back in the Beasts Pirates that "the biggest fist makes the rules." On the other, life in General's Castle was simply too comfortable.
Being a retainer of Tenma was infinitely better than squatting in a prison cell.
The only thing bothering her now was her younger brother Page One, who was still in the resettlement zone.
Ulti was determined to force that brat into the military base and grind him down until his strength rose sharply.
Only by reaching the level of a Royal Guard candidate could the siblings truly secure a foothold in Wano's inner circle.
Smiling, Tenma gestured and led the youngsters into the inner hall.
At the dining table, several Royal Guards and other retainers had already started eating, the clinking of cutlery echoing constantly.
The moment Tenma stepped into the dining hall, the once-noisy space seemed to be hit with a pause button.
All eyes snapped toward him like spotlights.
Those gazes were filled with too many emotions—fanaticism, shock, and a godlike awe.
Tenma raised an eyebrow, his steps unhurried, but the sudden silence didn't escape his notice.
"What's this? None of you eating—think staring at me will fill you up?"
He tossed out the remark casually, that signature faint smile on his lips.
Nami and the others laughed and scattered, finding seats of their own.
Tenma walked straight to the main seat, leaned back, and comfortably sank into the soft chair.
Before him were delicacies personally prepared by Toki, their aroma irresistible—every dish perfectly to his taste.
Seated beside him, Toki covered her mouth with a light laugh, her eyes glimmering.
"You really don't know yet? Yesterday's earth-shaking battle has already spread across the entire world."
As she spoke, she poured him a cup of clear sake.
"Out in the streets, the people of Wano have practically shouted themselves hoarse—nothing but cheers everywhere."
"It spread that fast?"
Tenma picked up a bite of food and put it into his mouth, slightly surprised at the speed of the news.
With so many witnesses from the Whitebeard Pirates, leaks were inevitable.
But he truly hadn't expected that after just one night, the news would ferment to the point of a worldwide uproar.
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