Chapter 285: 1.8 Billion Berries! (6k)

Chapter 285: 1.8 Billion Berries! (6k)



"Unbelievable," came a voice from within the crowd.

It was Cypher, one of the surrendering pirates. He was initially taken aback by the devastation that had befallen the city, but now he stood before the curled-up red-haired boy, letting out a sigh.

"To think it would end so quickly."

"Who are you?" Sage inquired.

"You must be Sage. I am Cypher, one of the surrendering pirates." Cypher shrugged. "I had hoped to continue resisting William through your forces, but it seems he's already perished. Has Sode lost as well?"

His gaze drifted to the pile of shredded meat on the ground and the electric white heavy sword beside it.

"You know him?" Sage narrowed his eyes slightly.

Cypher nodded. "I was once a mountain bandit—"

"Spare me the details," Sage waved his hand dismissively. "If you're surrendering, then serve loyally, and you shall be treated fairly."

"How bold," Cypher said. "Boss, what about Timerton's army? Did you take care of them too?"

Sage paused, then replied, "Yes, and there's another army to deal with. I'll go there personally and see if we can recruit some new members."

Beyond the sea lay freedom—or rather, an army.

There were still fifty thousand of them over there.

With his own forces having suffered heavy losses, those fifty thousand could not only replenish his numbers but also serve as a defensive force for their territory.

"That's the problem, boss," Cypher said. "Those people are useless to us."

Cypher glanced at William's corpse once more before continuing. "Those who were possessed by William shared his will, but they were also tainted by it. Even in death, the ability user's influence remains."

"This man claimed he wanted to create a peaceful nation free of desire, but how can people live without desire? Those who were possessed became little more than puppets, maintaining only basic survival instincts. That's what happened to Timerton's fifty-thousand-strong army. They've all turned into marionettes, obediently following orders."

"Oh?" Moria's eyes glinted with interest. "So they're like disposable zombies. With fifty thousand of those and William's own combat strength, how did you manage to hold out for so long? Do you have some secret weapon we don't know about?"

Facing off against a powerful warrior like Sage and fifty thousand fearless zombies should have been an impossible task for them, given the opponents they had encountered so far.

Even with a hundred thousand soldiers, the difference in numbers was still significant, and the distinction between those who feared death and those who did not was a fundamental aspect of human nature. Few could fight with the certainty of impending death, and with powerful warriors in the mix, the battle should have been decided much sooner.

As he made his way here, Lily and he had reviewed their strategy. Their victory, he realized, was largely due to the new recruits painting a rosy picture of success for them.

The veteran pirates were experienced and mentally resilient, but many had perished, caught in the crossfire of war. Otherwise, they would have been able to retreat.

However, the new recruits, lacking this experience, would not have continued fighting in the face of heavy casualties. Their determination to fight until the end stemmed from their greed overcoming their fear of death.

After all, if they won, they would rule this kingdom, or at least half of it! And if they died, it wouldn't be them perishing but their enemies.

Many had been driven by this thought as they clashed with the armies under Tahanna's command, and Tahanna's troops had had no choice but to fight as they were pursued by the fragmented groups of the Ten Disaster Pirate Group, led by skilled junior officers who were adept at fighting multiple enemies at once, ensuring no army could escape.

With their smaller numbers, Lily could guarantee minimal losses, and with Sage's help, they might even emerge unscathed.

So, how had these people managed to withstand Timerton's forces?

Could it be that they relied solely on those conscripted soldiers?

"Sode," Cypher sighed. "If we're talking about a secret weapon, then Sode, who called himself the 'Lion Cub,' was ours. He was our enemy, but he also restrained William."

He pointed to the sword and said, "Because of that restraint, we were able to hold out for so long."

Cypher hadn't always been a mountain bandit. He was once a vagabond who roamed the kingdom, gambling from time to time and justifying his losses or gains as the will of fate. When he grew weary of wandering, he would return to his hometown in Timerton and stay there until the urge to travel seized him again. It was a carefree life.

But one day, his life was upended when William's army razed his village, forcibly conscripting all the young men. His hometown resisted, and as punishment, the entire village was slaughtered.

By the time Cypher returned, it was too late. His friends and companions had all become lifeless shells, devoid of any desire. From that day on, he became a mountain bandit, waging a personal war against William's armies.

In his travels, he had also learned some secrets.

William, it turned out, was indeed the late king's illegitimate son, but he was also a forbidden child.

Rumor had it that he had manifested his ability at a very young age, but because he advocated for a nation free of desire, the late king had shunned him, confining him to Timerton.

Although the king did not keep him by his side, William always had a guardian—a man who lived his life as 'William,' protecting the true William from those who would seek to exploit him for their own gain.

Only the grand noble, Tahanna, and Cypher knew of this secret.

And Cypher knew Sode.

When Cypher had first met him, Sode was a warrior in the army, a man of great responsibility and considerable power. Cypher had believed that Sode was destined for greatness.

He never imagined it would be like this.

Now, as the kingdom's strongest warrior, 'William' was known throughout the land.

"I know him," Cypher said with a smile. "He's a man of his word and a gentle soul."

"He made a vow to always protect others, but he couldn't bear to see the kingdom turn into a desireless wasteland and be destroyed. Especially after the late king's death, when the kingdom splintered and war broke out, he was torn between his vow and his emotions. It must have been a weary existence."

Bound by his vow, Sode had no choice but to defend William. Yet, his emotional ties to the kingdom and its people made victory an unappealing prospect.

And so, the stalemate continued until Sage's arrival.

"I'll fight you in a duel. If I win, we claim victory. If I lose, throw my body into the sea," Sode had said to Sage when they first met.

Sage now understood the fatigue he had sensed from William during their battle. It wasn't confidence but hope—hope that he would be defeated, thus fulfilling his vow and appeasing his emotions.

And so, Kaido's eventual retreat was a mistake?

This was truly...

"Boring."

Sage commented, "He turned out to be a chained warrior."

He walked over to the heavy sword, picked it up, and tossed it to Lily.

Pa!

Lily caught it with one hand, and a red dot appeared in her eyes. Startled, she flung the sword to the side.

Zi zi!

Seeing the sparks shooting off the blade, Lily realized, "So that's how it is. Perhaps it can be compatible with my White Lightning."

"Lily, you handle things here. I'm going to Timerton, and..."

He squatted slightly, facing the direction of Timerton.

"...bury him."

He didn't like this guy, but he still had basic respect for a strong opponent.

Dong! A smoke ring appeared in the air, carrying Sage away.

"Let the refugees outside come in, and distribute the supplies."

Seeing Sage disappear, Lily thought for a moment and then said to the crowd, "Also, find that guard captain and have him organize the people. We don't want chaos at this time."

Speaking of which, she looked at the mess around her and sighed softly.

"My plan went well, but Sage really got the short end of the stick.

Otherwise, we should have gotten an intact Augustinus. It's already so wrecked; the damage is too severe.

It'll take a long time to rebuild such a prosperous city."

Smoke rings appeared one after another in the sky, but it didn't take long for Sage to use Moon Step to cross the sea between the two islands and arrive at Timerton.

From above, the island looked like a vast, flat plain, with the only elevations being the forest and some villages and towns. Near the shore, there was an obvious army camp, easily visible.

Dong! A smoke ring rose from the camp, revealing Sage's figure. He stood atop the smoke ring, looking down.

In the camp below, groups of soldiers stood or sat, their expressions calm and devoid of the sharpness a soldier should have. Seeing the visitor, they merely looked up, showing no intention to move.

Wooden, or...

Zombies!

"Your leader has already been defeated by me, Norton Sage. I will now rule this country. You have one chance. Scatter now, go farming if you want to farm, and live if you want to live. Now...scram!" Sage shouted.

However, not a single person in the camp below responded to him. They just kept looking up, then one by one, they raised their weapons, aiming at Sage in the air.

They understood, but they had no relevant desires.

They didn't even have the desire to run away.

A country without desires would be peaceful, but it would also lack vitality.

A country without vitality was destined for extinction.

"Looks like they've made their choice."

Sage shook his head. He pressed his left palm against his right palm, then abruptly raised his arms to the side, gathering a ball of black flame infused with Conquerors Haki in his palms.

He didn't have time to persuade or play around with governance here. Fifty thousand people was nothing; wiping them out would ensure no future troubles!

Sage thrust his arms forward, shooting out an extremely thick pillar of black fire that cast a giant shadow over the camp.

The move, Destruction Death-ray, was born out of his playful malevolence. This move should be named...

"Grand Obliteration!"

BOOM!!!

On the 29th day of the 5th month of the 1453rd year of the Hollow Sea Calendar, when Old King Garles united the country and brought it to unprecedented prosperity, after 67 years, the Garlean Kingdom fell to 'Heavenly Disaster,' and not a single person dared to resist.

...

"Pfft pfft pfft pfft!"

Dressrosa Royal Palace.

Donquixote Doflamingo leaned against a chair, his pink feather coat casually draped over one side, his shoulders twitching as he let out an unsettling giggle.

He held a microphone in his hand, looking at the Den Den Mushi in front of him as the corners of his mouth stretched into a grotesque grin.

"He really won, Sage!"

The World City of Desires was undoubtedly a "powerful" country, even during its internal strife. Regardless of whether it was the Navy or the Four Emperors, few would dare to invade that place.

But now, it had been conquered by Sage, who had just entered the New World!

"This is really...really..."

A vein popped out on Doflamingo's forehead, and he twisted his face into a grimace, half annoyed and half amused.

"You executed a World Noble, destroyed the Marines' headquarters, and now you've even conquered a country. Your style of trampling over others' dignity, crushing them underfoot...it's too arrogant, pfft pfft, hahahaha! Sage, how do you plan to govern? A country isn't so easy to rule. If you're not acknowledged, conquering it is meaningless!"

...

New World, G-1 Branch.

With the utter annihilation of Marineford, the Marines had moved into the G-1 Branch, serving as a temporary headquarters.

Fortunately, the place wasn't completely destroyed; the foundation still existed, but it was hidden underwater. Rebuilding would take a lot of time; they would have to construct the foundation underwater before rebuilding Marineford.

But for now, they worked out of the G-1 Branch.

In a dimly lit grand conference room, rows of Marines sat in chairs, either biting on cigars or puffing on cigarettes. The smoke filled the room, accentuating their arrogant postures.

Upon closer inspection, not a single one of these Marines was below the rank of Rear Admiral.

At the front of the room, Brannew stood ramrod straight, with a Den Den Mushi on his side projecting an image onto a screen behind him.

The image showed a ravaged Augustinus.

"The Garlean Kingdom is a country with a population of over two million. The World City of Desires, Augustinus, houses over half of that population. Six months ago, 'Emperor' Kaido approached this place and fought a great battle with 'Lion Cub' William before leaving.

"It's generally believed that William has the strength to resist the Emperors, and two months ago, when the king of that country died, the local nobles and William engaged in internal strife. According to our assessment, William should have obtained the final victory."

Brannew's expression turned solemn, "But now, there's been a change. According to the latest intelligence, the Heavenly Disaster Pirates wiped out an army of one hundred and fifty thousand three days ago and have now occupied that place!"

This statement caused the faces of those Rear Admirals to collectively sink.

Executing a World Noble, destroying Marineford, this Heavenly Disaster was truly infuriating, trampling the Navy's dignity underfoot. No one in this room could remain calm in the face of such provocation.

"It looks like this guy has done something even more outrageous.

One hundred and fifty thousand people, completely annihilated.

'So, the bounty we set before is no longer appropriate, and we need to reassess the danger posed by the Heavenly Disaster Pirate Group, starting with the executives.'

As Brannew spoke, the Den Den Mushi's eyes lit up once more, and right there in front of the ruined Augustinus, five bounty posters were projected, with two on the bottom and three on the top.

'Here are four of the 'Fifteen Supernovas' who recently entered the New World, along with an executive of the Heavenly Disaster Pirate Group.'

The five bounty posters began to enlarge one by one, starting with the one on the lower left.

'Akkin, the "Ghost Man", Combat Commander of the Heavenly Disaster Pirate Group. Proficient in all six Rokushiki styles. Original bounty: 60 million berries. Involved in the invasion of the Garlean Kingdom and, although still inexperienced, will eventually become a threat. New bounty: 1 billion 200 million berries.'

On the lower right, Ulki.

'Ulki the "Heretic Monk", former captain of the "Heretic Monk Pirate Group", now a high-ranking executive in the Heavenly Disaster Pirate Group. Possesses the "Karma-Karma Fruit", an Inagaki Fruit that allows him to absorb damage and strengthen his body. He is an incredibly dangerous monster with strength comparable to a Pacifista. Original bounty: 180 million berries. Involved in the war, new bounty: 2 billion 400 million berries.'

In the center below, Hawkins.

'Basil Hawkins, the "Magician", former captain of the "Hawkins Pirate Group", now Chief of Staff of the Heavenly Disaster Pirate Group and a high-ranking executive. Possesses the "Straw-Straw Fruit", which allows him to transfer damage to straw dolls. Another extremely dangerous individual. Original bounty: 2 billion 490 million berries. Involved in the war, new bounty: 3 billion 200 million berries.'

Next, the bounty on the upper right was enlarged, revealing a pink-haired little girl with tiger fangs, holding a mechanical hammer and firing bullets.

'Renitia the "Blast Hammer", Ship Engineer of the Heavenly Disaster Pirate Group and a high-ranking executive. Possesses the "Move-Move Fruit", which allows her to control motion and is also a mechanic and inventor. She is the one who forges the weapons and ships of the Heavenly Disaster Pirate Group. Original bounty: 100 million berries. Involved in the war, new bounty: 2 billion 500 million berries.'

The bounty poster shrunk and then enlarged to reveal the one on the upper left, showing a woman with a head of flowing black hair and a smile on her face.

'Marika the "Damp Raven", Chef of the Heavenly Disaster Pirate Group and a high-ranking executive. No Devil Fruit. Original bounty: 1 billion 200 million berries. Involved in the war, new bounty: 3 billion 300 million berries.'

"Based on our assessment and the extreme danger posed by the Heavenly Disaster Pirate Group, these individuals lack notable achievements, but these bounties are well-deserved," Brannew stated.

Then he paused, waved his hand to signal the Navy personnel controlling the Den Den Mushi to retract the bounty posters, and took a deep breath before continuing. "Now, aside from these executives, there are some extremely dangerous individuals."

The Den Den Mushi projected a single bounty poster that took up most of the screen, featuring a brilliant, wavy-haired woman with a radiant smile, leaning against a mountain of corpses under the moonlight, holding a sword in one hand.

"'Sword Princess' Bienelda Lily, Helmsman of the Heavenly Disaster Pirate Group and a high-ranking executive. No Devil Fruit. We underestimated this woman. According to intelligence, she also possesses that hegemonic trait, and on top of that, she has exceptional command talent."

"During the invasion of the Garlean Kingdom, she not only single-handedly crushed 'Moonlight Swordsman' Tehanna, but she also personally commanded a force of five thousand to annihilate an army of one hundred thousand! This woman is incredibly dangerous, and this bounty is absolutely justified!" Brannew declared solemnly.

The bounty amount on that poster was 700 million berries!

The Navy personnel in the room held their breath for a moment, their eyes sharp as they fixed their gaze on Lily's bounty poster.

'Moonlight Swordsman' Tehanna, some of the Navy personnel in the New World had heard of this name. She was a powerful and elegant female swordsman with quite a reputation on the high seas.

Defeating this woman was impressive enough, but what truly shocked them was the feat of annihilating an army of one hundred thousand with just five thousand troops!

Command and tactics were crucial on the high seas.

Their own Kongming, a vice admiral, and Tina, who had been promoted to commodore, were both experts in this field.

Five thousand against one hundred thousand...

No, not even in their wildest dreams could they imagine such a feat!

For a moment, the Navy personnel's eyes gleamed with sharpness as they stared intently at Lily's bounty poster.

"Next, the second most dangerous individual."

Lily's bounty poster shrunk back, and the next one to be enlarged left some of the Navy personnel so astounded that they stood up.

"Moria?!?"

It was an older photo of Moria, showing him standing in front of an ancient castle, arms outstretched, a mischievous smile on his face, and his hair taking up more than half of the photo.

"'Shadow Mage' Gekko Moria, former captain of the 'Gecko Moria Pirate Group' and a former Shichibukai. According to intelligence, after the Summit War, he relinquished his position as a Shichibukai and joined the Heavenly Disaster Pirate Group as a high-ranking executive. He was also involved in the war."

"His danger level goes without saying. Original bounty: 300 million berries. New bounty: 10 billion berries!"

Ten billion berries, for a newly re-bountied Shichibukai, was not considered high, especially since he hadn't displayed any new achievements since becoming a pirate again, so the Navy didn't have enough information to assess him properly. In the future, his bounty would likely increase even further.

Of course, the Navy personnel had no objections, as the reputation and strength of the Shichibukai were well-known to them.

"But even Moria has submitted to that man."

Brannew's deep, resonant voice rang out, and Moria's bounty poster was retracted, replaced by a photo that made some of the Navy personnel grit their teeth while others showed a hint of fear in their eyes.

It was that same photo of the white-haired man, laughing wildly, one hand holding a gun and the other clutching a pile of gold, surrounded by flames and a mountain of corpses!

"Three days ago, he invaded the Garlean Kingdom, not only razing the prosperous city of Augustinus but also engaging in a day-long battle with 'Lion Cub' William before ultimately defeating and killing him. He then proceeded to the neighboring island of Timerton, where he annihilated fifty thousand troops and also executed..."

Brannew paused, refraining from uttering the words "World Noble", but the implication was clear.

"...a World Noble. On top of that, he has left nothing but destruction in his wake since setting out to sea, whether in countries that are part of the World Government or those that aren't. He truly is a 'Heavenly Disaster'.

"Norton Sage, Captain of the Heavenly Disaster Pirate Group. Original bounty: 600 million berries. New bounty: 1 billion 800 million berries!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end