The holy land standing atop the Red Line—Mary Geoise.
The spacious hall was bright and airy, simply furnished with a few sofas and coffee tables.
"It truly is one wave after another."
"They just caused such a massive incident in Dressrosa, and now they've run off to Wano Country."
"The Demon Lion crew and their grand fleet are massing toward Wano Country. Could they be planning to start a war with Kaido?"
"The last time they assembled their fleet was when they attacked Totto Land. At the time, who could have imagined they would defeat Big Mom in a single day?"
The Five Elders stood or sat around the coffee tables, their tones carrying a mix of lament and sighs.
"The matter of that New World Alliance should also be put on the agenda."
Saint Nusjuro lightly adjusted his glasses, a cold gleam flashing across the lenses.
"Although it is merely a treaty on the surface, as more countries join, its authority will only continue to rise."
"If another authority emerges on the seas, then joining the World Government will no longer be an absolute necessity for them. This spontaneous shift in ideology is even more terrifying than the Revolutionary Army."
"Indeed. Especially after Demon Lion Allen defeated Big Mom, the number of nations joining the New World Alliance has increased significantly over the past year," Saint Warcury replied with a solemn nod.
Saint Saturn rested his elbows on his knees, interlacing his fingers as he spoke in a deep voice.
"The Levely is about to convene. The issue of the New World Alliance can be brought up during the conference."
"Very well. The current situation in Wano Country is complex. Given Kaido and the Demon Lion's temperaments, a war is inevitable the moment they clash."
"Should we dispatch an Admiral?"
"No. The Levely is about to begin. Marine Headquarters and the Holy Land require the Admirals to stand guard."
"Furthermore, that fellow Akainu is too reckless. The mistake made during the Totto Land war cannot be repeated. I believe sending CP0 to monitor the situation would be much safer."
"Who should we send? Guernica or Lucci?"
The next morning.
In the New World, the *Freewill* slowly sailed into the waters of Wano Country. In stark contrast to the clear, boundless skies behind them, a gloomy sky stretched for thousands of meters ahead.
Howling winds roared, and lightning flashed amidst the rumbling thunder. The surging seawater crashed against the hull, sending white spray into the air.
The moment they entered Wano's waters, the climate deteriorated drastically. The rain wasn't dense, but the bean-sized drops stung painfully as they struck their faces.
"Furl the sails! Cut into the wind at a 35-degree angle to the port side!"
Nami shouted her commands from the third-floor balcony. Hurried footsteps echoed across the deck as the crew scrambled to carry out her orders.
Allen stood atop the ship's cabin, a golden light swirling in his pupils as he gazed at the faint silhouette of an island looming in the distance.
As the distance closed, the island's outline gradually became clear. Rather than an island, it looked more like a towering peak rising from the sea.
The summit pierced the clouds, and a torrential waterfall cascaded down its face. Looking closely, one could see giant red-and-white koi fish leaping out of the water, swimming against the raging current.
Upon arriving at the base of the island, the rushing water from the waterfall merging into the sea continuously pushed the *Freewill* backward.
Aside from them, massive warships began to appear one after another across the surrounding waters, converging toward their location.
"Fuffuffuffu~ Arriving uninvited without a single word of greeting. If Kaido finds out, he'll probably be so furious he'll start a massacre."
Doffy watched Allen with a playful smile. "It's still unknown who will emerge victorious, but once this war is over, the New World will absolutely usher in a brand-new era."
Allen glanced at him, his eyes completely devoid of emotion.
From the overlord of the seas, Rocks, to the warlord-like division after his death; from the Pirate King, Roger, to the coexistence of the Four Emperors after his execution—the New World had never ceased its cycle of division and unification.
Now, Allen was about to embark on the path of conquest once again, aiming to unify the New World and overturn the entire era!
"Everyone, get ready!"
Allen raised his right hand, fingers pressed together like a blade, and swung it down forcefully as he shouted.
"Make landfall!!"
"Yes, sir!!"
The pirates, already poised for action on the bow deck, roared in response. They held thick ropes, spinning the lassoed ends in their hands.
Waiting for the perfect moment, several men hurled their lassos with all their might, successfully snagging several giant koi fish—each the size of a sea beast—that were leaping out of the waterfall's current.
"Whoa!!"
"Great job!!"
Enthusiastic cheers erupted across the deck. As the giant koi rapidly swam upstream, the ropes snapped taut. Amidst the roaring rapids, the *Freewill* was violently jerked forward!
Splash!! Splash!! Splash!!
The entire ship shot straight up into the clouds at an almost perpendicular angle to the sea level. The howling wind whipped freezing water droplets directly into everyone's faces.
Pulled by the giant koi, the *Freewill* ascended at breakneck speed, plunging headfirst into the cloud layer in the blink of an eye!
A moment later.
Splash!!
Like a carp leaping over the dragon gate, the fish burst through the waves, dragging the *Freewill* with them!
At the top of this peak-like island lay a massive caldera lake. Two landmasses floated within it, and the *Freewill* crashed heavily into the water, kicking up a massive spray.
"That landmass ahead is Wano Country. Let's go, we'll make landfall in Ringo."
Nami pointed toward a white expanse of land in the distance.
Snow fluttered wildly in the sky over there. Even from thousands of meters away, one could instantly feel its desolation.
The crew steered the *Freewill* forward at full speed.
Allen leaped from the cabin to the bow, his gaze fixed on the island. Before long, the *Freewill* slowly sailed into a dilapidated, long-abandoned port.
At a glance, snow-capped mountains stretched endlessly, and the entire land was blanketed in a layer of pristine white snow.
Allen jumped onto the shore, his feet sinking into the soft snow. The biting wind scraped against his body, carrying a mournful, bone-chilling cold.
"Split into groups of two divisions and scatter. We will rendezvous at the Flower Capital tonight. The war begins precisely at midnight."
"Yes, sir!!"
Soon, the six divisions aboard the ship split into three separate routes.
Sanji and Gin led the First and Second Divisions, detouring toward the Kibi region. Nami and Erwin led the Third and Fourth Divisions through the Hakumai region toward the Flower Capital.
The remaining Fifth and Sixth Divisions, led by Kid and Robin, along with the Donquixote Family led by Doffy, followed Allen, preparing to march straight through the Ringo region.
"Tch, why don't we just slaughter our way over there? Why go through all this trouble?"
Kid turned his head away, scoffing with a disdainful tone.
"Yes, yes, yes. Our Captain Kid is the bravest of all."
Allen replied sarcastically. He turned to look at Kid and sneered, "How about I give you a chance to prove yourself? Why don't you go to Onigashima right now and challenge Kaido to a one-on-one duel?"
Kid's eyes widened as he glared back, shouting, "Hey! You don't actually think I wouldn't dare, do you?!"
"Stop joking around. You dared to challenge me with a bunch of rabble. Is there any stupid thing in this world you wouldn't dare to do?"
Allen shrugged mockingly. "The swelling on your face has barely gone down, and you're already talking big. You think you're hot stuff again, huh?"
Robin covered her mouth, chuckling softly from the side. Perona puffed out her cheeks, clamping both hands tightly over her mouth to hold back her laughter.
Kid's neck flushed red with anger as he gritted his teeth, glaring viciously at Allen.
Right at that moment.
Allen, who was at the very front, suddenly stopped in his tracks.
Confused, the rest of the group halted as well. They looked ahead, only to see a man completely wrapped in white cloth, wielding a naginata, suddenly blocking their path.