Chapter 61: The Golden Truth and the Squeaky Justice
The red timer on the screen hit zero with a sound like a tolling bell. For a heartbeat, the entire world held its breath. Then, the screen flashed a brilliant, sun-like gold that blinded those staring too closely.
[CORRECT RATIONALE: C]
[SYSTEM JUDGMENT: ADMIRAL RYOKUGYU'S DIET]
> "While Admiral Ryokugyu is a man of extreme ideological prejudice (Option B), his ability to abstain from traditional food is purely biological. As a Forest-Human, he sustains his metabolism through photosynthesis. However, his 'Eternal Hunger' is satisfied through the parasitic drainage of the nutrients, Haki, and life-force of living beings. He views eating as a 'hassle' because he has evolved beyond the need for a kitchen."
>
The screen began to list the victors in massive, burning letters.
[THE WINNERS (1 GOLD COIN EACH):]
* Sengoku: (Locked in C first to protect Navy honor). [Total: 1 Coin]
* Rocks D. Xebec: (Locked in C to spite Sengoku). [Total: 1 Coin]
* Akainu: (Locked in C based on absolute logic). [Total: 1 Coin]
The Great Squeaking: The Polly-Morphic Curse
As the gold faded, a chaotic, high-pitched SQUEAK erupted from the chat and various corners of the world.
In the dark, damp hallways of Impel Down, Buggy the Clown didn't even have time to scream. His flashy prisoner outfit collapsed into a pile of fabric, and out popped a small, yellow rubber duck wearing a tiny red nose and a miniature captain's hat.
> [Buggy (Duck Form)]: "SQUEAK! SQUEAK-SQUEAK-SQUEAK!"
> (Translation: "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I CAN'T EVEN HOLD A MUGGY BALL WITH THESE FLIPPERS!")
>
The chat was a warzone of laughter and horror.
> [Rocks D. Xebec]: "VOHAHARARA! Sengoku! Look at the chat! There are yellow duck icons next to half the names! Hey, Buggy, you look delicious! I've got my coin, maybe I'll spend it on some orange glaze for a duck roast!"
> [Sengoku]: "Finally, a win. And I didn't have to turn into a bath toy to get it. Sakazuki, you have a coin now. Don't waste it on something stupid."
> [Akainu]: "I have no interest in 'buying' power, Sengoku. But if this coin can be used to expedite the execution of the pirate era, I will hold onto it. Though... seeing that clown Buggy as a bird is the most 'Justice' I've seen all day."
> [Kaido]: "I almost guessed B! I was one second away from squeaking! That was a close one. Whitebeard, you were smart to stay quiet. Your mustache would have looked ridiculous on a duck."
> [Whitebeard]: "Gurarara... A lucky escape. But look at the screen. The Navy has three coins now between Garp, Sengoku, and Akainu. The balance is shifting back to the Government."
>
In the heart of Marineford, Sengoku stared at the shimmering gold coin in his palm. He looked at the chaos around him—the Vice Admirals arguing, the "Lost" marine still struggling in the back, and the constant threat of Whitebeard's arrival.
"Garp told me to use it," Sengoku muttered. He thought of his graying hair and the weight of his years. He looked at the screen, where the image of Aramaki was fading, replaced by a swirling white nebula. "If the 'Future' is full of monsters like this Ryokugyu... then the 'Present' needs its legends at their peak."
Sengoku tossed the coin toward the screen. "System! I'm not letting Garp be the only one who can move without his knees popping! Revert me!"
[TRANSACTION CONFIRMED: 1 GOLD COIN SPENT for 'CHRONOS-REVERSION' (Age Reduction: 50%)]
A blinding golden light—different from the pink light of Big Mom—engulfed the execution platform. The "Buddha" began to change. His massive afro turned pitch black. His wrinkles vanished, replaced by a jawline that could cut steel. His muscles expanded, stretching his Marine coat to its absolute limit. Sengoku (Age 39) stood tall. The air around him shimmered with a golden Haki so pure it felt divine.
> [Monkey D. Garp]: "BWAHAHAHA! Look at you, Sengoku! You finally look like you can handle a punch! Now stop worrying about the paperwork and let's go crack some pirate skulls!"
> [Sengoku (Prime)]: "Quiet, Garp. I still have to fix the mess you and your grandson made. But... I must admit. I feel like I could topple a continent."
>
The "Lost" Update: Sabaody Stupidity
In Sabaody, the Straw Hats were in tears—mostly from laughing.
Luffy was still under the directionless curse, currently trying to "walk" toward Marineford but accidentally walking into the ocean and being pulled back by Sanji every five seconds. Zoro had somehow ended up on top of a Marine ship while trying to find a bathroom three feet away.
"We missed the coin!" Nami wailed. "And now the Fleet Admiral is in his Prime! Do you know how much harder the war just got?! Robin, do something!"
Robin smiled thinly, watching the screen. "The coin is gone, Nami. But look... the nebula is clearing. The Saint is coming. And if Sommers is Rank 44... then he might be the one to show us why the Gods are so feared."
[RANK 45: EUSTASS KID — ARCHIVED.]
[RANK 44: ADMIRAL RYOKUGYU — ARCHIVED.]
[NOW LOADING: RANK 44 (PART 2) — THE CELESTIAL HUNTER, SAINT SHEPHERD SOMMERS.]
📝 Author's Note:
Sengoku finally caved! Now we have Prime Garp, Prime Sengoku, and Prime Big Mom all active at the same time. The Marineford war is turning into a 'Clash of the Titans' that the original timeline never saw. I want make our Marineford even bigger than God Valley. Stay tune.
And to my readers, thanks for sticking with me through the contract drama. We're heading into Sommers' segment next, and let's just say, the Holy Knights don't play by the same rules as the Marines.
For my readers if you reading this novel there is too much manga spoilers.