Chapter 56 — Prophecy and the Clash (Part -3)
Ron and Kaido rushed forward as Kaido swung his Kanabo in a wide arc. Black and purple lightning crackled around it.
Ron attacked with his fist.
BOOM!!
Both jumped back as a massive bisento swung through the spot where they had been.
Newgate, seeing them dodge, clenched his left hand into a fist.
A white halo of tremors condensed around his hand as he punched the air in front of him.
"Air Quake: Space Shatter!"
The space shattered as white cracks spread across the air in front of Newgate's fist.
"Fire Fist!"
Ron swung his fist forward as the cracked space and flaming fist collided.
The vibrations and flames clashed as Ron's Emission Armament created an invisible barrier of flames, stopping the quake power.
The ground cracked and started melting from the heat of the flames.
Just then, Kaido arrived with his Hassaikai crackling with purple lightning.
"Raimei Hakkai!"
The thunderous Hassaikai joined the three-way clash as the ground beneath them, along with the air itself, exploded violently.
The three of them were sent flying backward by the shockwaves.
All three kicked the air and stabilized as thay looked at each other.
"GURARARARARA! Kaido, you have grown!"
Newgate laughed as his blonde hair flew in the air. His eyes crackled with blood-red lightning flashing within them.
"WORORORORO! I'm not done yet!"
Kaido laughed as his eyes also crackled with blood-red lightning.
"Bwahahahaha! Man, my body feels great. Sleeping all those years made it stiff. Now my heart is beating like drums, and my blood is roaring like a ragging sea!"
Ron stretched as Surtr appeared in his hands.
The Conqueror's Haki of all three flared uncontrollably.
The stormy sky was torn apart as the sea began roaring and massive waves rose around the island.
On the shore, the Whitebeard Pirates' ship was pushed back violently by the massive waves.
"Damn it! Hey, stabilize the ship!"
"Quick! Quick! Turn the damn ship around!"
"Boys, move! Move! Move!!!"
The pirates ran around as the Moby Dick started turning away from the island where the Emperors were fighting.
"Damn monsters..."
Shakky looked at the stormy sky with a distant gaze.
Gloriosa stood beside her on the floating ship.
"Conqueror's Haki... Only those with the qualifications of kings can possess it. Those who are born to surpass everyone. Those whose will alone can make heaven and earth tremble."
Gloriosa muttered with a resigned sigh.
"Well, no use sulking over what we don't have. That guy already gave us such strong Devil Fruits. Let's aim to awaken them first."
Shakky said, her eyes fixed on the island.
Gloriosa bit her lip.
"But he can't be the only one to have it. Only Conquerors can stand against HIM."
Shakky fell silent.
Gloriosa continued,
"We weren't even qualified to step in as a distraction during that fight. Entire God Valley sank from the aftermath of that battle."
"And that wasn't even them going all out. Ron was under the Curse Mark... and that MAN..."
She bit her lip.
"He wasn't even at his peak."
Both fell silent after that as the three monsters fought on that island.
Explosions echoed.
The island trembled.
The sea howled.
Waves rose endlessly.
On the sea, a ship sailed through the waters at full speed.
On its deck stood a man with a moustache, Ace resting on his waist.
The stormy sea didn't faze him.
"Hey, Roger, it seems Newgate is already there, and they have already started fighting."
Gabban said while puffing on a cigar, his twin axes resting on his back.
"Seems we might be late for the fight."
Rayleigh muttered as he cleaned his sword.
"Damn those bastards! How dare they go ahead and start fighting without me?!"
Roger growled in anger, his eyes burning with rage.
Just then, a lookout shouted,
"Oi, Captain! Not good! It's Shiki!!! The Flying Pirates are here!"
Below, Gabban, Rayleigh, and Roger were already looking toward the flying pirate fleet and the man standing at the front of the deck.
Two katanas rested on his waist.
His lion-like mane floated in the air.
A cigar rested in his mouth.
"JIHHAHAHAHAHA! Roger, where do you think you're going?"
"Shiki... what do you want?"
Roger stared at the Flying Admiral, the Golden Lion Shiki.
"JIHHAHAHAHA! Roger! Team up with me! With you and me together, even Ron won't be a match! Let's conquer the world!"
"Whahaha! Sounds interesting—"
Roger laughed.
Shiki perked up, looking excitedly toward Roger.
Finally, Roger understood him. With Roger and him—
"—but I refuse."
"Conquering the world sounds troublesome."
Roger said with a massive grin.
A red-haired kid peeked out from the cabin with sparkling eyes.
"You damned—"
Shiki gritted his teeth.
"Roger! With Ron out there, sooner or later there won't be another king on the sea!"
"He and that Man will surely clash again, and this time IT WILL BE A FIGHT TO THE DEATH!"
Shiki roared.
"You think you can survive that with just your crew?!"
"Rather than becoming their stepping stone, let's conquer the world ourselves!"
"Shiki, human life is nothing compared to an Ancient Giant."
"Everything has an end. Our era will also come to an end. No one can stop it."
"Even immortals die. What are we?"
"Stop worrying about useless things and get out of my way."
"I have a battle to join."
Roger shouted.
"Hah! You got your answer, Shiki. Now fuck off."
Gabban drew his twin axes as Conqueror's Haki coiled around them.
"Well, Shiki, the captain made his point clear."
"So, mind stepping aside?"
Rayleigh also drew his blade.
Shiki stared at the three men standing ready for battle.
"You want a fight? Then come! I'm ready!"
Shiki roared in irritation and shot downward with his twin swords, Oto and Kogarashi.
"Thousands Valley: Lion Song!"
"Wahahahaha! Come then!"
Roger drew Ace and dashed forward.
"Kamusari!"
The two collided in midair as the world lost its colour.
The sea roared.
The wind howled.
Haki flared.
The sky shattered.
At the same time, in the Holy Land, Mary Geoise...
Inside the Flower Garden Room, a dark cocoon pulsed.
Inside the Room of Authority...
St. Peter, St. Nusjuro, St. Topman, and St. Mars froze as an ancient voice rang inside their minds.
(It will begin far earlier than expected.)
(Lord Imu?)
The Gorosei were confused.
Just then, Imu continued.
(It's coming far earlier than expected. The sea will descend into chaos... as the Gods will walk this land again.)
(Go-Gods?????)
All of the Gorosei froze, their bodies trembling in fear and disbelief.
(Prepare for the chaos. Keep the sea under control. Send CP out. Top priority order: Collect the Devil Fruits. No one who searches the history shall be left alive.)
(As you wish, Lord Imu.)
The Gorosei lowered their heads.
(Those who seek the history of the Gods shall be erased... just like the 'KINGDOM' from back then.)
After saying that, the dark cocoon fell asleep once again.
The Gorosei shared disbelieving glances.
"An Age of Gods...?" St. Peater muttered.
"Inform the Marines. Their budget is increased by 50%. Bring the Four Seas and Paradise under control."
St. Topman said.
"Second that." St. Nusjuro nodded.
"The Marines are our primary force on the seas now. Since the Great One has spoken, we cannot let the sea get out of our control."
"Second that."
"Second that."