The Year 1520 of the Sea Calendar!
In the blink of an eye, twenty-three years had passed. During this time, the world had changed drastically. In this era, the "Four Emperors" from the original timeline did not exist. Kaido, Big Mom, and other major pirates had been intercepted by Renault years ago and incorporated into his own crew.
Instead, the New World was dominated by two massive factions. First was the Whitebeard Pirates. Without Kaido and Big Mom competing for territory, Whitebeard's influence had expanded significantly, commanding 16 Division Commanders and 70 subordinate crews. Known as the "Strongest Man in the World," his bounty had soared to a terrifying 6 billion Berries.
The second power was "Red-Haired" Shanks. While Whitebeard was a veteran, Shanks was the rising star. Though the Red-Haired Pirates lacked the sheer numbers of Whitebeard's fleet, their individual members were exceptionally balanced. Shanks' bounty was a staggering 4.5 billion Berries.
To the relief of the Marines, neither Whitebeard nor Shanks were prone to causing trouble. At 72, Whitebeard was content enjoying his retirement surrounded by his "sons." Shanks, meanwhile, spent his time wandering the seas and hosting banquets.
Interestingly, even without the Four Emperors, the "Seven Warlords of the Sea" system was still established to curb the tide of the Great Pirate Era. The current members included:
Dracule Mihawk: The World's Strongest Swordsman.
Bartholomew Kuma: The Paw-Paw Fruit user.
Donquixote Doflamingo: The "Heavenly Yaksha."
Jinbe: The Knight of the Sea.
Edward Weevil: Whitebeard Jr.
Wang Zhi and Silver Axe: Veterans of the Rocks Pirates, forced out of retirement by the World Government.
The only real headache for the World Government was Dragon's Revolutionary Army. Yet, compared to the threat Renault once posed, the World Government viewed them as a mere nuisance.
In Ohara, the horrific incident from history never took place thanks to Renault's protection. Inside the Tree of Knowledge, Renault carefully placed an ancient book back on its shelf. After decades of development, his three-pillared organization—Huoyan Hua's intelligence, Heiying's assassins, and Logue's merchants—now controlled the Four Seas and the Grand Line.
Furthermore, Rupert's mechanical legions were complete. Renault now commanded 200,000 mechanical beasts (100,000 Black Lion-Tigers and 100,000 Black Armored Beasts). These units were strategically hidden in secret bases across the world, ready to mobilize at a moment's notice.
"I didn't realize time had flown by so quickly. It's already 1520," Renault remarked. This was the year Luffy would set sail and Ace would be captured. Renault pulled up his system interface:
Host: Renault Swordsmanship: LV 64 Observation Haki: LV 46 (Future Sight) Armament Haki: LV 50 (MAX!) Conqueror's Haki: LV 50 (MAX!)
Renault's gaze fixed on his Max Level Haki. He now possessed the same terrifying power once held by Joy Boy. Over the years, his "harem" had also grown. Nico Robin had grown up by his side. Nami and Nojiko were saved from Arlong. Princess Vivi and the current Empress Boa Hancock had also joined him. Renault had even ensured Hancock never suffered the trauma of her original past by having Moria rescue her years ago.
Now, his inner circle had grown to nine women. But these were secondary to the coming storm. News had reached him: Blackbeard had murdered Thatch and Ace was hunting him.
It was time to leave Ohara. When Renault informed Dr. Clover, the old man was unsurprised but asked what Renault truly intended to do.
Renault looked toward the horizon, his eyes deep and unfathomable. "I'm going to give this world a new master."Renault's casual remark left Professor Clover's face pale with shock; the old man nearly stumbled over his own feet. After a long moment, once he had finally composed himself, he let out a faint, weary sigh.
"Renault, I knew you were an ambitious man, but I never imagined..." Clover paused. "Go and do what you must. I am old now, with only a few years left to live. I can't help you with much."
He turned to leave, but Renault caught his eye with a slight smile. "Professor, who said you only have a few years left? Haven't you noticed that you haven't changed at all in twenty years? You could easily live for several hundred more!"
Professor Clover froze. He hadn't thought about it, but now that Renault mentioned it, it was true. For some reason, his appearance hadn't shifted a bit since two decades ago. He had no new white hairs, and his physical health was exceptional.
"Could it be... do you know why?" The realization hit Clover, and his eyes widened as he stared at Renault in disbelief.
Was this Renault's doing? It seemed too fantastical. Life, death, and aging were the laws of nature—did Renault really possess the power to defy them?
Renault, now summoning the Golden Ark Maxim, shook his head with a laugh and leapt onto the deck. "Professor Clover, I'll be back once I've handled matters in the outside world. Oh, and about that ring I gave you—make sure you wear it at all times. Never take it off."
As he finished speaking, the Golden Ark shot into the sky and vanished in a blur of gold.
"The ring?"
Clover immediately looked down and slipped the ring off his finger. When Renault had first given it to him, he had said the same thing. At first, Clover would only wear it for a few days before taking it off—he was a respected scholar, after all; wearing jewelry felt beneath him. But after Renault caught him and threatened to take back the 5 billion Berries if he didn't wear it, Clover had begrudgingly kept it on.
Over time, he had forgotten it was even there. It looked quite ordinary, and years of wear had left the surface slightly scuffed.
"What is this?"
He squinted at the ring. Because of the wear and tear, he noticed a tiny seam on the surface for the first time. Carefully using his fingernail to pry it open, he revealed the object hidden inside. It looked like gold, but its luster was far more brilliant and radiant.
"Is this... the legendary Pure Gold?!"
In an instant, a thousand thoughts flashed through his mind. Looking at his youthful body, the pieces fell into place. Only those carrying Pure Gold could stop the passage of time on their bodies.
"Renault... how could I ever accept such a gift?" Clover looked toward the horizon where Renault had disappeared, a wry smile touching his lips. He had thought 5 billion Berries was a staggering fortune, but compared to the Pure Gold in this ring, it was nothing.
"It seems I'll be the Director of the Tree of Knowledge for quite a few more years."
Renault steered the Golden Ark Maxim directly to his secret base in the West Blue. Aside from those on missions elsewhere, most of the crew was gathered here.
The roster was terrifying: Linlin, Flaming Flower, Shakky, Hancock, Kaido, Barrett, Crocodile, Gecko Moria, Yasopp, Kashee, and Oimo.
As for the other female crew members, excluding Robin who remained at Ohara, they were all stationed in Wano Country. With a massive war looming, Renault had no desire to leave them in harm's way; since their combat strength wouldn't turn the tide, safety was the priority.
As Renault entered the underground palace, the crew—who had been waiting for a long time—eagerly crowded around him.
The three generations of Kuja Empresses—Flaming Flower (the grandmother figure), Shakky (the predecessor), and the current Empress, Boa Hancock—completely ignored the stares of the others and embraced Renault simultaneously. It wasn't the first time; they didn't care about appearances.
Even Linlin, usually the "main wife" in her own mind, found herself unable to get a hand in.
"Cough, cough... let go for a second. We have business to discuss." Renault coughed twice, forcing himself free from their clutches.
"Wororororo! Boss, our forces are strong and our horses are well-fed. Is it finally time to go to war with those World Government bastards?!" The eight-meter-tall Kaido roared at the top of his lungs.
Their influence had permeated every World Government member nation and even powerful non-affiliated countries. They had seized control of the underworld across the Four Seas and the Grand Line. They were the undisputed kings of the underground. Furthermore, Rupert's mechanical beast army was fully functional and ready for deployment.
Most importantly, the Renault Pirates were now a collection of the world's most terrifying powerhouses.
TierMembersCombat LevelTier 1RenaultUnknown (Transcendental)Tier 2Linlin, Ryuma (Redfield), Kaido, Douglas BarrettAdmiral Level+Tier 3Golden Lion Shiki, Jess, Flaming Flower, HajrudinAdmiral / High Commander LevelTier 4Crocodile, Brogy, Dorry, Moria, Yasopp, Shadow, Shakky, HancockWarlord Level
The top three tiers alone consisted of nine individuals with strength comparable to Navy Admirals. The fourth tier added eight more who were at the level of the Seven Warlords. This was the pinnacle of high-end combat power.
Following Kaido's shout, the room fell silent. Everyone turned to Renault, awaiting his command. They knew that with one word, they could topple the Four Seas and the Grand Line, destroy Marine Headquarters, and march straight to Mary Geoise.
"Don't be in such a hurry. When that event begins, all the major powers will gather in one place," Renault said, his eyes flashing with a deep light. "At that moment, I will let the whole world witness our arrival. But before that, there is preparation to be done."
"Kashee, Oimo—return to Elbaf immediately. Tell Chieftains Yorle and Yaruru that I will be visiting shortly."
"Understood, Boss! We're on our way!" The two giants saluted and departed immediately.
"Kaido, keep your people's eyes glued to the World Government's lapdogs. When the time comes, not a single one is allowed to escape."
"Leave it to me, Boss. I won't let you down," Kaido promised, slapping his chest.
"Crocodile, Moria, Yasopp—the three of you head to the Sabaody Archipelago. Find a ship, get it coated, and wait for me there."
The three took their orders and left. Since their affiliation with Renault was still a secret to the outside world, it was easier for them to operate in crowded places like Sabaody without raising alarms.
"What else do you need to do? I'll accompany you," Flaming Flower said, naturally taking Renault's arm. Although they were both in the West Blue, she rarely saw him due to her responsibilities. Now that everything was in place, she wanted time with him.
"I am going too!" Hancock insisted, grabbing his other arm.
"Brother, I'm coming!" "Renault, count me in!" Linlin and Shakky crowded in as well.
Kaido and Barrett took that as their cue to leave. There were only four women here, and several more were waiting back in Wano. If they all got together, it would be pure chaos.
"I'm going out on official business. Linlin, Flaming Flower—the two of you are too recognizable. Don't reveal your identities before the operation begins. Shakky and Hancock will accompany me; no one knows they are with us yet."
"Fine... I'll wait for your return." Seeing it was a matter of strategy, Flaming Flower reluctantly let go.
"Brother," Linlin added with a smirk, "be careful out there... especially with your back."Lingling looked at Renault with a wry smile, reaching out to give his waist a sharp, stealthy pinch.
She had lived with him day and night for so long; how could she not see through his little schemes? After a long time, the old becomes mundane, and one starts craving something fresh—a little bit of quality time alone.
It was understandable.
"I know, I know," Renault said, forcing himself to stay calm while suppressing the sting in his side. "Alright, let's head out!"
Beckoning to the two women, Renault hurried away from that den of trouble.
Aboard the Golden Ark, the two former Pirate Empresses showed no restraint whatsoever, clinging to Renault like human ornaments. Two pairs of eyes, soft as water, stared intently at him as if waiting for his favor.
"I really am going to handle some business," Renault said, rubbing his temples in exasperation. Why did no one ever believe him?
"Business?!"
"Your only business right now is me!" Hancock wrapped her arms around Renault's neck, her voice dripping with sweetness.
Shakky's hands were equally cooperative, wandering playfully across Renault's body.
"Are you two provoking me?!"
"Inside! Now!"
Ten thousand words omitted here.
Once business was concluded, Renault lay back on a lounge chair on the deck, feeling as serene as a sage while he enjoyed the cool sea breeze.
"Renault, where exactly are we going?"
Beside him, Shakky and Hancock were lounging lazily, snacking on fruit and sipping juice.
"To the Grand Line. We're looking for Tesoro."
"Tesoro? Who is that?" Hancock's beautiful brows furrowed slightly. She was only interested in Renault and her training; she knew very little about anything else.
"Tesoro isn't just a person. It's a massive ship—the largest entertainment city in the world."
"Renault, is your target the Gold Emperor?" Shakky, always the observant one, immediately guessed his intentions.
By now, she was privy to all of Renault's secrets except for the System itself. That included the mountains of gold and diamonds he possessed. The Gold Emperor was rumored to own 20% of the world's Berries; his reserves of gold and diamonds were undoubtedly astronomical.
There was no way Renault wouldn't be interested. As the saying goes: no matter how rich you are, nobody complains about having too much money. Moreover, the Gold Emperor was famous for his bottomless wealth. Even the World Government recognized Gran Tesoro as an independent nation.
"Exactly. My target is the Gold Emperor," Renault nodded slightly.
One had to admit that Tesoro had an incredible business mind to achieve what he had. If properly utilized, the wealth he could generate in the future would be staggering. Renault wanted to settle these loose ends before the Paramount War began. Once that great battle ended, things were going to get very busy.
Several days later.
A certain stretch of sea in the Grand Line.
Evening fell, and night descended. The entire sky and the vast ocean were shrouded in pitch-black darkness. However, looking out into the distance, one could see a golden light shimmering on the horizon. It looked like a glowing night pearl, standing out starkly against the dark night.
As they drew closer, the view became clear. It wasn't a pearl at all. It was a luxury ship, ten thousand meters long, its entire hull encased in gold!
A single glance was enough to tell anyone just how wealthy its owner was. To say he was "as rich as a nation" would be an insult.
This was the world-famous "City of Gold," Gran Tesoro!
It was an "Absolute Sanctuary" recognized by the World Government, a place where no one was allowed to start a fight. In this massive entertainment city, there was no distinction between day and night. Every second was filled with music, dancing, and wild revelry.
At night, those who came here could cast off their masks and reveal their truest selves, immersing their entire souls in the neon-lit, non-stop party. They could forget all their troubles.
Besides entertainment, everything else was available: shopping, dining, and various "grey" transactions. As long as you were rich enough, you could enjoy every service this city provided. You could even have the Gold Emperor himself open an expensive bottle of wine for you—even if it was just mediocre rum with a high price tag—and hand it to you personally.
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