One Piece Thundergod Marine

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"Since matters here are settled, I'll be on my way," Tesoro said, rising to his feet and giving the group a slight bow.

From the moment he entered, Tesoro had worn a strange smile— a twisted mix of satisfaction, sadness, and anger. The look was almost maddening, masking his true thoughts.

"By the way, I need your help with something, Tesoro," Rowen said suddenly. He opened a drawer, pulled out a document, and handed it to him.

"Oh?" Tesoro looked back in surprise, quickly wiping the smile from his face as he accepted the file. "Anything the Vice Admiral commands, I'll do my best to accomplish."

At the moment, all four of them were tied together on the same rope; if one of them thrived, they all did, and if one suffered, so would they all. With Rowen leading, it was a result they could all agree on.

"Help me investigate the internal situation in Wano Country, especially their arms trade with the government. I need detailed information… as thorough as possible."

It was hard to believe, but most of the firearms and weapons in the hands of Marine and government soldiers weren't produced internally. 

While high-tech weapons like aircraft, battleships, and super electromagnetic cannons were manufactured within, the majority— muskets, older cannons, Seastone handcuffs, and the iron swords issued to nearly every soldier— were obtained through government trade.

The government's biggest arms trade partners used to be… hmm? Who was it again?

Rowen paused briefly before continuing. "Currently, besides the Shichibukai of Kano Country in the West Blue, the government's largest arms supplier is the Black Snake General of Wano Country."

"You also know that 'Hundred Beasts' Kaido has always maintained close ties with them."

"I want to know what they're planning. Failing that, getting data on their trade with the government could give us a lead."

This task would be no simple infiltration but a long-term, resource-intensive mission. Without Kaido stepping out to start a fight, it would be a slow and painstaking process to gather detailed information.

After all, Wano Country was a "closed-off nation." With its natural fortress that even Marine battleships couldn't enter, they had ample confidence to ignore the outside world and remain isolated on their island.

However, the costs and resources required for such an undertaking were no issue for Tesoro, the "golden leg" of this operation. After all, he had money to burn! If money could solve it, it was no problem at all.

"I understand," Tesoro replied, his face once again breaking into that strange smile. He nodded to the others and took his leave, pulling the door shut behind him.

---

A few days later, the world was shaken by a government announcement!

Bartholomew Kuma, one of the Oka Shichibukai known as the "Tyrant," had been captured by Marine Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon) on charges of ties to the Revolutionary Army.

…Well, alright.

This was a government scandal, and aside from a few curious minds, most people barely noticed the news. For the pirates at sea, however, Kuma's fall sparked a new wave of ambition. Many began showcasing their strength, like peacocks in a mating display, trying to attract the government's attention.

The description, minus the bloodshed, wasn't far off.

But then...

The world's greatest swordsman, "Hawk Eyes" Mihawk, was reported killed in a duel with Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon) Rowen!

If the news about Kuma had only boiled the sea's "water," then this announcement was the equivalent of tossing oil onto the fire, creating an instant uproar.

Kuma's renown didn't match Mihawk's. Kuma was simply one of the Shichibukai, known only to those interested in the three major forces of the Grand Line. Most people wouldn't bother to seek out information on a rough-looking man.

But Mihawk was different!

He didn't need to do anything at all; his mere existence was enough to inspire countless people to seek him out.

After all, he was the ''World's Greatest Swordsman''!

Anyone who wielded a blade— be they human or non-human, pirate or Marine, in the Grand Line or the Four Seas— knew the name "Hawk Eyes" Dracule Mihawk. 

He represented the highest aspiration of every swordsman; challenging him and becoming the new number one was a dream for many. And now they were suddenly told that this goal had vanished just like that?

The world was in shock.

---

Somewhere on a remote island in the Grand Line.

"What's with Zoro?" Sanji asked, a cigarette hanging from his lips as he exited the room. He looked over at Zoro, who was standing with his sword in the rain-drenched plaza, silent and unmoving.

"Not sure." Robin closed her book, glancing over to follow Sanji's gaze.

"Maybe he's searching for a new path forward."

"Has Luffy woken up yet?" Sanji asked.

"You know how it is. Ace was his brother, after all… plus, he took a heavy beating."

Sanji fell silent at that, staring down at his cigarette as it burned to the filter, singeing his fingers before he finally shook himself from his thoughts.

"Yeah… Ace was his brother, after all."

''Robin let out a murmur that was hard to understand, slowly touching her arm as she felt a chill run through her body.''

Sanji, ever the gentleman, draped his jacket over her shoulders. Neither of them felt the need to continue their conversation; they simply watched Zoro standing motionless in the rain, allowing time to pass slowly.

---

''New World, [The Red Force].''

"Mihawk…"

The heavy rain pounded the deck, creating a rhythmic sound.

Inside the room, a single oil lamp flickered, casting a dim light over Shanks, whose face was partially shrouded in shadow.

His haggard features and unkempt hair made him look utterly worn out, but his eyes shone brightly in the dimness, almost unsettlingly.

"There was no need for you to go this far, Mihawk!"

"Why did you have to die?!"

"You didn't have to do this, Shanks," came the calm reply.

In the room, Beckman leaned against the wall, silently exhaling smoke.

"You know he's not the type to gamble his life just because you asked. That was a decision he made for himself."

"But I gave him the chance to make that decision."

A mix of killing intent surged from Shanks, causing the walls to crack with countless fissures. The orange flame of the lamp flickered as if it might extinguish at any moment.

"…"

Beckman fell silent, taken aback.

Was it really so?

Perhaps.

But from his perspective, even without Shanks, Mihawk would have still walked that irreversible path… maybe he had already been on that road, just unaware of it.

When someone becomes bored, it can lead to frightening consequences.

Since Shanks lost his arm, Mihawk's only remaining target had been the Whitebeard, who shared the title of "World's First" but was known as the "Strongest in the World."

However, the rise of the Marine's Soryu (Azure Dragon) had changed everything. Within just a few years, he had become a terrifying figure that sent waves of fear throughout the seas, even single-handedly defeating Big Mom. To say he wasn't interested in a fight with such an opponent would be laughable.

For swordsmen, once they set their sights on such lofty goals, they had already embarked on a path of self-destruction.

Mihawk was merely the one who had traveled the furthest down that road in this era.

However, others would not possess the same insight or wisdom as Beckman.

From the North Blue to the South Blue, the East Blue to the West Blue, the entire world was ablaze with commotion due to Mihawk's fall!

Countless swordsmen resolutely set sail on this irreversible journey, heading toward the mysterious seas known as the "Graveyard of Pirates!"

Why?

Naturally, it was because Mihawk had fallen, leaving a throne with no one to claim it.

In this sense, the impact of Mihawk's death was, in some respects, comparable to the chaos that erupted on the day Roger was publicly executed.

The world thus fulfilled his wish.

No one stopped in their tracks!

(End Of Chapter)