Red Line.
Holy Land Mariejois — Pangaea Castle.
Interior — Chamber of the Five Elders.
The chamber was heavy with the silence of waiting. A single voice shattered the stillness, its owner gripping the hilt of his sword with a cold precision."Two days. Still no word from Saturn," Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, the Warrior God of Finance, remarked, his tone clipped, betraying a thin thread of impatience.
Saint Marcus Mars, the Warrior God of Environment, furrowed his brow, his sharp gaze flickering across the room."There's been no communication from the CPO unit or the God Knights either," he said, his voice tinged with frustration. "The transmissions have been completely severed."
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, the Warrior God of Agriculture, let out a dismissive scoff, his lips curling in mild irritation."Hmph. Egghead Island. Of course, Vegapunk would set something like this up. No ordinary man could block Den Den Mushi signals so thoroughly."
Saint Topman Valkyrie, the Warrior God of Justice, stood still, arms crossed in quiet contemplation. He nodded once, a flash of regret in his gaze."Indeed. It's a loss—eliminating Vegapunk. His genius was unparalleled. Had he remained loyal, his inventions could have transformed the World Government."
The absence of Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, the Warrior God of Defense Science, was palpable, his silent influence still lingering in the room. His name, spoken without his presence, seemed to weigh more than his physical form ever could.
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro spoke again, his voice a low growl that seemed to echo from the depths of his chest."He's the one overseeing this operation. Let him deal with it if it doesn't interfere with Lord Imu's Thousand-Year Plan."
Valkyrie's gaze turned distant, and he murmured, his tone steeped in gravitas."The Brain-Brain Fruit... such power cannot fall into enemy hands. Its potential is far too great."
Saint Marcus Mars nodded solemnly."If Vegapunk is dead, we'll dispatch agents to recover it. A fruit of that caliber is irreplaceable... but not beyond our reach."
The room held its breath. A moment of silence passed, thick with the weight of their words. The walls of Pangaea Castle seemed to close in, as if the air had paused to consider the consequences of their thoughts.
Marcus Mars, his expression hardened, folded his arms across his chest, his voice steady and unyielding."The Knights of God haven't been deployed in full force for decades. If they've engaged, there will be a trace. A trail to follow."
"Let's wait," Saint Ju Peter said, his voice cool, almost methodical. "Another day or two. If there's still no contact… then we'll take action."
On an unnamed island in the New World,
The Straw Hat Pirates, now the newly crowned Four Emperors of the sea, were enjoying a rare moment of peace. The spotlight had recently fallen on them, but today, they were here for a much-needed break.
Suddenly, a rift in space tore open before them, distorting the air like a crack in the very fabric of reality.
"Who—!" Luffy's voice cracked with surprise, his head whipping toward the sudden disturbance.
"Who the hell is that?!" Zoro narrowed his eyes, hand already drifting toward his swords.
"Wait... that guy…" Sanji's brow furrowed, cigarette nearly falling from his lips.
"…Blueno?" Robin's tone was calm, but laced with quiet recognition.
"Blueno?!" Luffy repeated, louder this time, blinking in disbelief. "The big guy with the door face?!"
"Yeah," Zoro said, frowning. "CP9. The one with the weird Devil Fruit."
"From Buggy's Crew…" Sanji muttered, his voice dropping low with the weight of memory. "What is he doing here?"
However, this wasn't Blueno.
The moment the figure stepped out, several of the Straw Hat Pirates instinctively tensed, their hearts skipping a beat. Then, the realization hit, and a collective gasp echoed from them.
"The strongest man in the world... Godslayer... Buggy?!" Zoro's voice cut through the air, caught somewhere between disbelief and a suppressed growl.
"It's over, it's over! He's after us, Luffy!" Usopp immediately flung himself behind a rock, trembling. "Let's run, he has already killed two Yonkos—! I've got this rare disease where I die instantly whenever I see Godslayer Buggy!"
"Yo ho ho ho ho ho!" Brook let out a familiar laugh, though his skeletal jaw was rattling slightly. "I did see a terrifying big man!"
"Waaah! Isn't that Luffy's super uncle?" Chopper squinted up at Buggy with a confused mix of awe and panic.
"Um, really…?" Franky raised his shades slowly, processing what he was seeing.
"EH?!!!" Nami shrieked, her eyes practically bulging from her skull as she pointed at the man stepping casually from the spatial rift. "That's the guy who gave me the Devil Fruit back on Whole Cake Island?!"
Her voice cracked halfway through the sentence, and for a moment, the world felt ten degrees colder. "Wait—he's not here to ask for money, is he?" She started patting her coat and blouse pockets frantically, as if ready to produce Berries from thin air. "Because I swear, I thought it was a promotional offer!"
Each of them stood frozen—except for Usopp, who was already halfway behind Luffy—staring in stunned silence at the man casually adjusting his coat like he hadn't just warped in like a myth.
In a flurry of exclamations, the Straw Hat Pirates were practically in unison."Buggy?!"
By the time they had all shouted, Love had already trotted eagerly toward Buggy, her face lighting up. Robin, today dressed in a sleeveless black-and-white suspender skirt paired with white shorts, had styled her hair in big waves. One leg sported a ripped black stocking, while the other remained smooth and pale, topped off with black high heels that made her appear taller and even more enchanting.
"Long time no see, little Robin," Buggy said, his arms opening wide in a welcoming gesture. Robin flew into his embrace, and the two exchanged a few tight, familiar hugs under the surprised gazes of the Straw Hat crew.
Sanji gritted his teeth, but there was undeniable respect in his eyes. Despite his grumbling, he'd heard too much about this man over the years not to recognize his influence.
Buggy wasn't just a legend in the world above; he was a force even in the underworld. Sanji had heard devils in Hell singing Buggy's praises, worshiping his every word, and his ideas had even seeped into the most unlikely places.
A year before, Sanji had heard from Ivankov, the king of Kamabaka Kingdom, about how they would now be following Buggy's ideals in shaping their nation. Even the Okama Queen, once a man of deep pain and survival, had found enough respect for Buggy to adopt his vision.
That influence was powerful. So powerful that even Sanji, who had always considered himself a rational man, couldn't help but be entranced by Buggy's ideas. He'd even read a book Ivankov had given him that summarized Buggy's philosophies, and for the first time, Sanji found himself truly captivated by them.
Still, even now, he remained grounded. Buggy's ideas, as grand as they were, seemed out of reach. In a world this rotten, where the Celestial Dragons still held all the power, he doubted it was possible. He had seen how the world had reacted when the Straw Hats stood against the Celestial Dragons—how it led to nearly the destruction of the crew.
Yet Buggy didn't just challenge them; he had executed them.
Sanji didn't believe Buggy could truly topple the World Government. One man, no matter how strong, couldn't defeat a force that had been in power for 800 years. The odds were simply too great.
But then… There had been that secret live broadcast not long ago—a broadcast from the World Diva Uta. Everyone had seen the Crimson Empire Buggy that had been built.
After watching that scene, Sanji was left completely dumbfounded.
It felt like his entire worldview—his values, his ideals, everything he thought he understood—had been flipped upside down. For the rest of the day, he didn't cook a single thing. Instead, he locked himself in his room, pacing in silence as a storm of thoughts tore through his mind.
In that moment, Sanji understood something profound.
Dreams... their dreams can come true.
He had always claimed to chase his own, but somewhere along the way, he'd started doubting it—burying it beneath the weight of battles, loss, and practicality. And yet here was a man who never let go of his ideals, who carved a path through the world with nothing but belief and blood.
"What a man," Sanji thought, eyes narrowed in awe. "What a great man…"
Zoro, however, wasn't one for deep internal monologues or emotional reflection. His thoughts were much simpler.
Do I fight him?
That was the only thing on his mind as he sized up Buggy—the strongest man in the world, the man who even defeated Dracule Mihawk.
His hand drifted to the hilt of his blade, muscles tightening on instinct. But then—
Their eyes met.
And in that instant, Zoro felt as though an entire mountain had dropped onto his chest. A crushing, unseen force pressed down on him—something primal, ancient, and impossible to defy. His breath hitched. Without realizing it, he released his grip on Shusui.
Even Luffy noticed the shift. He glanced at Zoro, whose forehead was drenched in cold sweat. Luffy's usual smile faded, and his expression grew serious.
From a distance, Nami hesitated. Part of her wanted to step forward, say something... anything.
After all, she reminded herself, this man in front of her was super rich. And the reason she survived that battle.
She glanced down at her hand, flexing her fingers as if to remind herself that the power was real. If not for the Ryu Ryu no Mi, Model: Pteranodon — an Ancient Zoan-type Devil Fruit, Buggy that had been given to her, she might've been crushed during the battle with Blackbeard. That fruit had changed everything, boosting her strength and durability beyond what she thought possible. It had allowed her to soar across the battlefield, command Zeus with ease, and obliterate the enemy fleet from the skies.
Thanks to him, the Straw Hats had pulled off an impossible victory.
And yet, every Straw Hat in that moment was processing Buggy's sudden appearance in their way.
"Buggy, why'd you show up out of nowhere?" Robin asked with a soft smile, still tucked into his arms from the impromptu twirl he'd given her. Her cheeks carried the faintest blush.
Of course, Buggy couldn't exactly tell her the truth: "Come with me and translate all the Poneglyphs." That wasn't going to fly.
"I missed you," he said, flashing a devilish grin. "Figured I'd drop by, see how you've been doing lately."
Robin's smile deepened, her long legs shifting slightly, heels tapping against the grass. "It's been a while, Buggy. Your sweet talk's gotten smoother."
She eyed him with a knowing, half-lidded look. Robin wasn't naïve—she knew full well that Buggy didn't make casual visits. But she didn't mind. No matter how sharp a woman's mind, there's still something irresistibly charming about a man who knows how to coax a smile.
Buggy raised a brow. "Heh. You wanna test just how smooth I've gotten?"
Robin laughed softly and gave his chest a light tap, then shook her head.
"Try not to scare my crew so much next time, hmm? You're making them think we're about to be erased from the map."
Buggy chuckled and finally turned to the rest of the Straw Hats. His eyes landed on Luffy, grinning like a fool, yet visibly on edge.
"I mean, seriously, Lord Four Emperors Straw Hat Luffy," he said, voice dripping with sarcasm. "You see your uncle, and suddenly you forget how to say hi? Acting all cool just 'cause you made the big leagues, huh?"
"Hey!"
At Buggy's teasing remark, the once-tense Luffy broke into a wide grin, his usual sunshine energy flooding back as he shouted, "Uncle Buggy!"
He scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
"Honestly, I was just thinking... how big the gap between you and me is. Got so caught up in it, I kinda forgot to yell out."
Swish—
Before anyone could blink, Buggy was no longer where he had stood. In the next instant, he was right beside Luffy, his hand casually resting on the young Emperor's shoulder, a carefree smile playing on his lips.
"You wanna know the gap?" he said, his voice light but layered with something deeper. "Then why not test it out for yourself?"
Luffy's eyes widened.
So fast! He recoiled slightly, his pupils contracting as he stared at Buggy with visible shock.
"My Observation: Haki didn't react! I've already mastered future sight! Don't tell me I forgot to use it—?!"
"No, it's not your fault, Luffy," Zoro said gravely.
From the sidelines, his tone had turned low and cautious.
"I've been tracking that man from the beginning. I didn't take my eyes off him. But just now… he vanished. He slipped past my Observation Haki completely. Not even a trace."
What?!
The rest of the Straw Hats were visibly rattled, their expressions flipping from surprise to stunned disbelief.
"I'll try! I'll try!" Usopp, who had been theatrically sprawled on the ground playing dead, sprang up with comical urgency. A flicker of red gleamed in his eyes—he activated his own Kenbunshoku.
Then—
"…Huh?!" His jaw dropped. Panic followed.
"I… I've got nothing! Sanji—!"
He whirled to the cook for backup.
Sanji, already lighting a cigarette with an uncharacteristic tremble in his fingers, muttered without looking up, "Yeah… same here."
"Ehh?! Why? Why? Why?!"Chopper scurried in confused circles, utterly frazzled.
Buggy, still smiling, turned to Luffy again and said casually, "Did Rayleigh never tell you about this?"
Then, as if remembering something hilarious mid-sentence, he slapped his forehead and laughed.
"Oh—right! Rayleigh-ossan hasn't reached that level yet."
Fuck
Everyone in the Straw Hat Pirates, from the battle-hardened to the bunny-eared doctor, felt that one syllable crash through their brains in perfect sync.
Seriously? What does he mean, Rayleigh hasn't reached that level yet?!
The same Rayleigh who'd stood alone against Kizaru. The Rayleigh who had personally taught Luffy the fundamentals of Haki. The man they'd all thought was near the top of the world—being spoken about like a promising intern?
It felt... insulting. But also terrifying.
Luffy frowned. "Wait, hold on a sec—"
"Alright, alright," Buggy sighed, lifting both palms. "No need to look at me like that."
He straightened slightly, his expression unexpectedly serious as he said, "This ability is called Kenbunshoku Killer. It's a power that can only be unlocked once someone's Observation Haki has reached the absolute pinnacle of this world."
Hsshhhh—
The Straw Hats audibly sucked in air. It was like hearing a myth confirmed.
The ceiling of the world?
Most of them didn't even know what that meant. But the words alone carried weight. If even advanced Haki couldn't touch this man, then just how far had Buggy climbed?
Clack. Clack. Clack.
Suddenly, a sharp sound cut through the silence. Three scabbards hit the ground.
Every Straw Hat turned in unison, startled eyes locking on the source.
Zoro gripped Wado Ichimonji in his mouth, his expression grave as he stepped forward.
"Buggy," he said with rare formality, "show me how far I still have to go."
"Eh?!"
Luffy blinked, caught off guard. Then, in true Luffy fashion, he burst out, "You beat me to it! I was thinking the same thing!"
Buggy chuckled, waving a hand.
"Why not both of you? There's no conflict here, Luffy."
"Snrk!" Luffy puffed out his chest with a confident grin. "Buggy, don't underestimate me! My Devil Fruit ability—I developed it using your advice, remember? It's awakened now. So maybe, just maybe, it's not clear who's stronger anymore!"
He jabbed a thumb at his chest.
"That's why I won't take the first shot. I'll fight fair."
"Tsk."
Buggy let out a small laugh, not dismissive, but amused. He wasn't in a hurry. Playing with these kids brought back memories. And honestly? The thought of testing the new generation, especially this worst generation, was starting to itch at him like an unscratchable urge.
"Alright, here's the deal," he said, turning toward Zoro with a grin.
"Each of you gets one move. Just one. Use your strongest technique. Think of it as a little... training bout. You can rest afterward."
He added, almost as an afterthought, "Oh, and I'm borrowing Robin for two days. I'll send her back in one piece."
Though Buggy's tone was light, everyone in the crew immediately snapped to attention. No one was laughing now.
They wanted to see it. To understand just how wide the gap had grown between them and the pinnacle of this world.
"Fine by me," Zoro said, his voice low. He stepped forward, cracking his neck. "You'd better not regret it. This is the strongest technique I've got right now."
BOOM—
A shockwave burst from his body as dark green energy, like a spectral aura, surged outward. It wrapped around his frame like an Asura's breath, and in an instant, Armament Haki coated all three of his blades.
Where the Haki touched the green aura, something changed.
The black of his blades shimmered and bled into a deep, dark green—eerie and unnatural. Wisps of ghostly flame hovered over each sword, flickering like wandering spirits.
And then—
"Nine mountains, eight seas... All form one world..." Zoro's voice was firm, full of focus. His eyes were closed in concentration.
"Thousands of worlds come together to form a thousand small realms. And when the world triples itself, no one can keep swinging forever!"
Buggy watched with interest. Seeing Zoro recite his technique aloud brought a wave of nostalgia crashing through him. In his past life, this was just anime. But now, standing here? He could feel it.
Zoro's eyes snapped open.
"Three-Sword Style..."
The blades spun in his hands, faster and faster—until they looked like green turbine fans, howling with raw pressure.
"Three Thousand Worlds!"
SHING—
Zoro disappeared.
A green flash shot across the hundred-meter distance, tearing up the ground beneath his feet. The sheer force of his swing split the air. In a blink, he was in front of Buggy—his three swords crashing down in a flawless, full-force tri-strike.
Whoosh!
But Buggy didn't flinch.
Calm as ever, he raised his right hand. One finger.
His index finger gleamed—no Haki coating, no classic defense—but something stranger: a tri-color shimmer of platinum, black, and purple. Lightning crackled along it, mysterious and otherworldly.
CLANG!!!
CHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII—
Sparks exploded on contact.
Zoro's three blades collided with Buggy's finger and stopped cold.
Not a scratch. Not a dent. His swords couldn't push even an inch past it.
Time seemed to freeze.
And in that frozen moment, the Straw Hats could only gape, wide-eyed, struggling to make sense of what they were seeing.
Buggy hadn't even moved.
Scoff.
Puff—Puff—!!!
Behind Buggy, the forest erupted.
The ground had been carved into a jagged mess of trenches, and the towering trees that once loomed like ancient giants now toppled in droves, crashing down one after another like a field of wheat beneath a scythe.
BOOM BOOM BOOM—
Shockwaves tore through the terrain, uprooting everything in their path. The sheer force of Zoro's technique could have obliterated a small fortress.
And yet—all of that fury, all that power—was stopped dead by one man's extended finger.
A single index finger.
The crew could hardly believe it. If they hadn't seen that Buggy's finger was still resting exactly where Zoro's three blades had landed—at the perfect intersection of his strike—they might've thought they were hallucinating.
Bang!
Zoro staggered. The blade clutched between his teeth slipped free and clattered to the ground.
His face was a mask of disbelief—eyes wide, lips trembling, voice hoarse.
"H-How... How is that possible...? Impossible..Impossible...!"
He didn't care about appearances. His pride—his very Dao heart—had taken a direct hit. Two years of relentless training... two years of pushing himself past human limits...
And it hadn't been enough. All he'd managed to do was ruffle Buggy's hair and shift his clothes slightly.
No damage. Not even a scratch.
Smack!
Buggy casually patted Zoro on the shoulder, grinning like he'd just witnessed a kid's first sparring match.
"You're not even close, Zoro," he said with a laugh. "Mihawk's still training his little apprentice, S-Hawk. He's gotten so strong that now he's even challenging Shanks!"
Zoro blinked.
Challenging Shanks?! Was this guy serious?
The rest of the crew looked like they'd collectively suffered a stroke.
"Do you need to stab someone's heart just to tell them they're weak?!"
The thought screamed silently in every Straw Hat's mind.
Each of them swayed on their feet, jaws slack, as if Buggy's words had dealt more psychological damage than Zoro's failed attack had dealt physical.
They weren't sure what was scarier anymore—Buggy's strength, or the fact that he wasn't even being mean about it.
He was just being honest.
And that somehow made it ten times worse.
Zoro, still trying to process, furrowed his brow. "Challenging Shanks, huh?"
Buggy chuckled and shrugged. "Yeah, that's how far S-Hawk's come. I guess you've got a long way to go, huh? But don't worry about it—just keep swinging, and maybe you'll catch up."
Zoro's jaw clenched, but Buggy was already moving on, casual as ever. The crew stood frozen, stunned by the sheer audacity of it all.
---
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