On the towering coastal cliffs of Elbaf, Loki clutched a newspaper reporting the latest movements of the Rocks Pirates.
He gazed intently at the boundless sea, anticipating that familiar ship with the dual-horned skull flag to come breaking through the waves once again.
"Loki," a gentle voice sounded from the side. Date walked over, carrying a glass of freshly squeezed fruit juice. "Stop waiting. Rocks... I'm afraid he won't be coming back for a while."
"Shut up! You wretched old hag! You don't need to worry about me!" Loki retorted irritably without turning his head, though his hand, tightly gripping the newspaper and trembling slightly, betrayed his inner turmoil.
Date did not mind his rudeness; she simply held the juice out further and asked gently, "Would you like some juice?"
Loki turned his head sharply, his face full of stubbornness and anger. He glared, his cheeks puffed up in frustration: "...!!" (Angry)
But looking at Date's consistently gentle smile and the sweet-smelling juice in the glass, his tense expression finally collapsed. With a hint of reluctance, he muttered softly, "...Fine."
He took the juice and gulped down a large mouthful. The cold sweetness temporarily suppressed the restlessness and disappointment in his heart, but his bandaged eyes still stubbornly gazed toward Hachinosu Island.
Meanwhile, in the West Blue, at God Valley.
The island appeared peaceful and serene at this moment, as if it were a world apart from the conflicts of the outside.
A young mother with vibrant Red Hair was pushing a specially made double stroller, strolling along a sun-drenched street.
Inside the carriage, a pair of newborn twin boys were opening their curious, large eyes, observing this novel world.
Their Red Hair, which they had inherited from their mother, was as dazzling as flames and particularly eye-catching.
"Oh my, what cute twin boys!" a passing neighbor woman exclaimed, leaning in. "Look at this hair, they've inherited all the best qualities of yours!"
The red-haired mother's face radiated the happiness and slight exhaustion of new motherhood as she smiled and replied, "Yes, thank you for the compliment. I truly hope they grow up to be as smart and sensible as your children."
An elderly man nearby said kindly, "If the children's father isn't around often, if you need any help, just let us know. We're neighbors, don't be a stranger."
"Thank you, Uncle." The young mother nodded gratefully.
"By the way, have you named these two little treasures yet?" the neighbor woman asked curiously.
The young mother looked at the two babbling children in the stroller, her eyes filled with love and anticipation, and answered softly, "The younger brother is named Shanks, and the older brother is named Shamrock."
Holy Land Mary Geoise, Pangea Castle, the Chamber of Authority.
In the solemn and oppressive hall, a tall, cold-tempered blonde man was reporting.
He had a unique, meticulously groomed golden hairstyle that rose high at the top and curved forward into sharp spikes. His face was handsome, carrying an air of majesty and arrogance. At his waist hung an ornate long sword that highlighted his extraordinary status.
"You are quite impatient, Galin Saint." Saint Macajuma, the Warrior God of the Environment, toyed with the teacup in his hand, his tone unreadable. "The last tournament just ended."
The man named Galin Saint rested his left hand casually on the hilt of his sword, his posture composed: "It wasn't an intentional rush, but rather, while executing other missions, I happened to stop on that island for a moment."
A glint flashed in his eyes. "It is an Affiliated Nation that maintains its independence through unique culture and abundant resources. We have 'urged' them to join the 'World Government' family many times in the past, but unfortunately, they remain stubborn. It has vast resources, which would be extremely beneficial to us."
He paused, his tone becoming more profound, even carrying a hint of irrepressible excitement: "Furthermore, I also discovered something... unexpected, but quite extraordinary."
A member of the "God's Knights," hailing from one of the most noble Celestial Dragons families, the Figarland family—Galin Saint. At this moment, he was ambitiously describing his discoveries and plans to the five supreme rulers of the world seated in the shadows.
Galin Saint bowed slightly, his tone filled with certainty and anticipation: "I believe this 'unexpected gain' will surely please 'that person.' Therefore, I strongly recommend that the location for the tournament in two years be set at—'God Valley'!"
New World, Totto Land Sea Area.
A pirate ship flying a ferocious skull flag was sailing aggressively.
The Captain was a new Logia-type Mera Mera no Mi user, who called himself "City Burner" Sato, and he was currently standing on the bow, full of spirit.
He had made a name for himself in the first half of the Grand Line and was dubbed a "Supernova." He was currently at a point where he looked down on everything, believing he could challenge the entire world.
"Captain! The sea area ahead is the core region of Totto Land! According to the nautical charts, the ruler of this sea is that famous 'Heavenly Calamity Queen' Charlotte Linlin! She has established a nation here called 'Inazuma'!"
The pirate in charge of navigation reported loudly, his tone filled with fervent belief in his Captain.
"A nation?" A greedy light erupted in Sato's eyes. He licked his lips, as if seeing countless treasures and the opportunity to make a name for himself. "Established a nation? That means they've accumulated massive wealth! I heard that Charlotte Linlin is also a peerless beauty? Hahaha! What a godsend! Boys! Change course, target Inazuma! Let's go plunder their treasures, and then snatch their queen to be our trophy wife!"
"Oh—!!!" A group of pirates, their heads muddled by ambition and greed, let out fanatical howls, as if victory were already in their grasp.
The pirate ship advanced at full speed, and soon, several patrol ships flying the Inazuma lightning and Dragon Wings flag appeared in their field of vision.
These patrol ships were not uniform in style; they were pirate ships that had previously been defeated, confiscated, and modified by the Heavenly Calamity Pirates.
"Boss! We see patrol ships!"
"Ignore them! Charge straight through! Do they really dare to stop our City Burner Pirate Crew with these pieces of junk?!"
Sato laughed arrogantly, a flickering flame igniting in his hand, as he forced his way through the patrol line, heading straight for the core of Totto Land—Thunder God Island.
Meanwhile, in a quiet and peaceful town on an outlying island of Totto Land, the residents were enjoying a rare, peaceful afternoon.
The streets were clean and tidy, children were playing in the square, vendors were hawking fresh fruits and vegetables, and craftsmen were hammering away in their workshops—a picture of tranquility.
"It's all thanks to Lady Linlin... Those days of living in constant fear, being bullied by pirates at will, are finally over." An old man sat under the eaves, squinting his eyes in the sun, filled with emotion.
"Indeed, although the tax rate is fixed, as long as you work hard, you can live very well. Lady Linlin even built schools so the children can study... Such a life was something I didn't even dare to imagine before."
A woman nearby agreed, her face beaming with a satisfied smile.
A few young men were gathered together. One of them, blushing, said with a look of Yearning, "Lady Linlin is not only powerful but also so beautiful... If I could only..."
Before he could finish his sentence, several young girls who were drying clothes nearby unceremoniously picked up their laundry sticks and knocked him on the head, laughing and scolding, "Stop dreaming! Lady Linlin is the idol and guardian of all us sisters! She is not someone you stinky men can just covet!"
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