I'm the Great Pirate, and I'm waging the Holy Grail War!

Chapter 313 The Perfect God Makes His Move, the Earl's True Form

Impel Down, east of the Red Line.

The seawater had an ominous dark gold hue and was so viscous it was almost like a gel.

The sky was shrouded in a distorted, dark sun, the light dim, as if even time itself had slowed down.

Marshall D. Teach, with his black beard, stared at the scene outside his palm: the pure white pillar of light that pierced the heavens and earth at the top of the Red Line, and the magical crystal snow that began to fall slowly.

"It's starting—" he whispered, his single eye gleaming with barely suppressed excitement.

"That old bastard Im, finally couldn't wait to seal everything in amber?"

He turned abruptly and looked towards the center of the cabin.

Arjuna hovered there, his eyes slightly closed.

An unprecedentedly stable divine light flowed around him, and the dark golden ripples resonated with the completely eroded sea beneath his feet.

This sea almost became part of the outward extension of his divine kingdom.

"Arjuna!" the black-bearded man's voice rose. "Do you see it? That light! That snow! Im is draining the world of all possibilities! He wants to turn the future into a straight, dead-end alley!"

Arjuna slowly opened his eyes.

Those dark golden eyes didn't reflect much emotion, only an unfathomable indifference and a condescending scrutiny.

He looked at the distant pillar of light of order, and also at the black-bearded man in front of him, who was filled with intense emotion.

"What Im seeks is absolute order." Arjuna's voice echoed in the cabin, calm and undisturbed.

"To cover all things with a single will and obliterate all variables. This is another way of negating an imperfect world."

"So what?" The black-bearded man took a step closer, grinning, his missing tooth making him look particularly greedy.

"Can you tolerate a perfection that you didn't create, nor that you decide?"

"Whether you tolerate it or not is irrelevant." Arjuna's gaze fell on the black-bearded man.

That look wasn't like looking at a collaborator; it was more like observing a sample that would eventually need to be categorized.

"His order is itself a vast imperfection, because of its exclusivity, its rigidity, and its origin from the delusions of mortals. When the time is right, it will naturally be subject to my judgment."

He paused, and countless threads of law seemed to flow through the depths of his dark gold eyes.

"However, at this moment, the collision point caused by the ritual has manifested, and it is indeed useful for our plan."

"Hahaha! That's right!" The black-bearded man opened his arms as if to embrace the entire cabin.

"Then use it! Charge at it! Devour it! When it crashes most violently into this world, that will be our time—"

"It's time for us to step onto a bigger stage," a voice chimed in, carrying a sense of pride that had been suppressed for too long.

In a shadowy corner, the "Count" leaned gracefully against the bulkhead.

He was still wearing that elegant suit, toying with an old gold coin that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.

"The Earl?" the black-bearded man asked, looking at him.

"Im activated the Cocoon in an attempt to create an absolutely static fortress amidst the turbulent currents of the collision between the two worlds."

The count spoke slowly and deliberately, gold coins fluttering between his fingers.

"Magnificent, yet also—naive. The cracks created by the collision are the true treasures. Stable cracks are two-way doors."

He raised his eyes, and his gaze was no longer merely that of a vengeful coldness, but rather possessed a sharpness belonging to a pirate captain, a keen awareness of risk.

"Arjuna's power can impact the cocoon, making the cracks clearer, more unstable, and easier to pry open."

He looked at the black-bearded man, a smile that was almost benevolent, yet chilling.

"Teach, our goal has never been to become king in this world that is about to be sealed away."

Blackbeard's breathing became heavy.

"What we want is to go through that door and bring our sea, our freedom, and our dreams to the other side."

The count's voice carried a seductive fervor.

"Why should we be the only ones devoured by human reason? We will reverse the tide, letting both worlds echo with maniacal laughter!"

"That is true ambition—an endless ocean of dreams!"

Arjuna listened quietly. He neither approved nor opposed this insane plan.

In his logic, Blackbeard's chaotic ambition is nothing more than another form of imperfection.

A variable worth observing.

If they can successfully create a rift, they might be able to show him more of the boundaries and possibilities of his rulings.

As for whether they will be judged after they succeed?

Arjuna was not worried. How could the might of a god be shaken by mere worldly ambition?

Everything will eventually be restored to its rightful place under his divine light.

"Interesting." Arjuna finally uttered only two words, "Then, let's begin."

He said no more and closed his eyes completely.

The entire dark gold sea suddenly boiled!

It's no longer a slow erosion, but a violent counterattack!

The seawater was seized as if by an invisible giant hand, transforming into a dark golden torrent hundreds of meters in diameter. It surged into the sky, firmly supporting the city, and with unstoppable force, crashed into the source of the pillar of order!

Wherever the torrent passed, even the solidification caused by the power of the Im order was forcibly corrupted, presenting a bizarre state of constant collapse and reorganization.

Almost simultaneously, at the eastern edge of the sea.

A small speedboat ruthlessly tore through the viscous sea surface.

Ace stood at the bow of the ship, shirtless, his black hair flying wildly in the sea breeze, and the tattoo on his chest seemed to be burning as well.

He pursed his lips tightly, his eyes fixed on the arrogant, dark golden torrent in the distance.

Karna stood beside him, his brow furrowed as he sensed the divinity contained within the torrent.

"They've moved," Ace's voice was hoarse, scorched by rage, "heading straight for Mary Geoise—are they trying to force their way into Pangaea?"

"It wasn't all about forcing our way in." Karna's gaze was deep and thoughtful.

"Arjuna is using the pressure and clashes generated by the Im ritual. He is forcibly injecting his divine rules into the operating system of the Cocoon of Order."

"This is dangerous. It could accelerate the collapse of the cocoon, or it could—prematurely trigger unpredictable mutations. What Blackbeard seeks is probably within those mutations."

Ace took a deep breath, the scorching air causing the surrounding air to distort slightly.

"Whatever they ask for, we can't let them get their way. Speed ​​up!"

At the stern of the speedboat, he thrust his hands back and unleashed a torrent of blazing white flames, propelling the boat forward like a rocket. It sped up, cutting through the waves and relentlessly chasing the all-consuming dark golden torrent.

Near the cliffs on the eastern side of the Red Line, on the outer battlefield of the Rust Gate.

The shouts of battle, the sounds of cannons, and the clashing of weapons were deafening.

The main force of the revolutionary army and the navy were locked in a fierce battle at the Rusty Gate.

On the cliff, Luffy was firing wildly with his Gum-Gum Elephant Gun, trying to break through the frost defenses formed by Momousagi and Brunhilde.

"Luffy! Look east!" Zoroung shouted as he launched a thrust at Brunhilde.

Luffy stretched his neck, and his rubber eyeballs almost popped out of their sockets.

The eastern sky was torn apart by a torrent of dark gold flowing backward and a relentless line of crimson fire!

"Ace—!!!" Luffy instantly recognized the flames and shouted excitedly.

Sabo saw it from the flagship below, and his fist clenched tightly: "Ace—"

"It's the scent of Arjuna and Blackbeard," Napoleon said in a deep voice.

"They did indeed head for the final ritual. Ace and Karna gave chase—that was their battlefield."

"Let's go help Ace too!" Luffy wanted to rush over there.

"Straw Hat Master!" Law shouted, using his R0OM to deflect a sharp slash from Momousagi.

"It's too late to go now! Trust Ace! Our mission is to break through here and launch a frontal attack on Pangaea City, creating an opportunity for them and for everyone!"

Sanji kicked a massive chunk of falling ice, shattering it, and muttered through a puff of smoke, "Moss Head's right, you idiot captain! Let's deal with the immediate problem first!"

Luffy gritted his teeth, glanced at the receding firelight to the east, then suddenly turned back, his eyes even more ferocious.

"I understand! Then let's quickly send you flying!"

His attacks became even more ferocious, and the power brought by Nika began to subtly counteract the curse effect of Brunhilde's Noble Phantasm.

The unusual activity on the eastern front acted as both a shot in the arm and a death warrant, making the fighting on the main battlefield even more urgent.

The torrent of dark gold was moving at great speed, ignoring the conventional layers of defense on the Red Line, and was about to crash into the invisible holy land barrier that enveloped Mary Geoise.

In that very instant.

Boom!

A muffled thud, not an explosion, but heavier than any explosion, as if a giant hammer had struck the heartbeat of the world.

A jet-black fist shadow, condensed to its extreme, crashed down from the upper side, striking the sharpest tip of the dark gold torrent!

Boom! ...

The dark golden divine light trembled violently, emitting a mournful cry of unbearable strain. Its forward momentum was abruptly halted, and it even rolled backward dozens of meters, causing a ring-shaped giant wave to erupt on the sea surface!

"This road is blocked!"

It was aged, yet it roared with explosive power, like a dormant volcano awakening, shaking the sea and sky.

A dog-headed warship had somehow slipped into the eastern waters like a ghost.

Two people were standing at the bow of the boat.

On the left is Monkey D. Garp, who has taken off his coat, which symbolizes his identity, and is only wearing a black shirt.

He crossed his arms, the outline of his bulging muscles clearly visible beneath his shirt, and on his bare skin, the dark Armament Haki flowed slowly like a living thing.

What's even more striking is that he is vaguely enveloped in an exceptionally resilient silvery-white light, the same aura as the pillar of order at the top of the Red Earth Continent.

This was Im's way of temporarily bestowing protection upon a select group of believers through the national treasure in preparation for the eventual unforeseen circumstances.

Garp, a naval hero with a relatively controllable stance, became the temporary vessel for this power.

On the right, Gol D. Roger holds his long sword, a hearty smile on his face as always.

But his eyes were sharp as an eagle's, piercing through the chaotic divine light and shadows, and firmly locking onto that elegant, standing figure.

"Yo," Roger said first, his voice as relaxed as if he were greeting Old Dao.

"That gentleman on the ship... don't I feel like I've seen him somewhere before?"

The count slowly walked to the edge of the platform, looking down at the two people on the dog-headed warship.

The sea breeze ruffled his meticulously combed sideburns, and a slightly melancholic smile still lingered on his face.

"Marine hero Garp, and the ugly--Pirate King Gol D. Roger." The Earl's voice was gentle and refined.

"What an unexpected combination. Are you two here to guard this last gate for the Dragonkin?"

Garp's face was grim, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked, and the silvery light rippled with them.

"Stop spouting this nonsense!" Garp's roar drowned out the waves.

"There's only one way to save this world!"

The black-bearded man exaggeratedly spread his hands, his smile full of mockery: "Hehehe! Old man Garp, don't get so angry!"

"Fate is sometimes illogical! Today, my partner and I have some important business to attend to. Would you two be willing to help?"

"Bullshit!" Garp roared.

Roger continued to smile, his self-assurance never leaving the Earl. His smile, however, took on a slightly subtle quality.

"Gentleman." Roger slowly drew Ace, the gleaming blade untouched by any trace of the light of order.

"Your story—I think I remember something about it. It's not just about hatred, is it?"

The count's smile froze almost imperceptibly for a moment. But he quickly recovered, and even smiled more deeply.

"The Pirate King's directness? How perceptive. But why bring up old stories from years past? Now, I only have what he didn't finish saying."

Arjuna had silently floated to the front of the ghost ship, facing Garp and Roger from afar.

The dark gold divine power spread out without reservation, forming an invisible collision with the faint light of order on Garp and the overwhelming Conqueror's Haki on Roger, like a tripod.

"Mere echoes of the old era, mortals who have usurped the authority of order." Arjuna's voice rang out sharply, clear as a pronouncement.

"On this final day, all are imperfections that should be judged."

"A ruling?" Roger raised an eyebrow, a hint of arrogance in his smile. "My life isn't for anyone else to decide!"

At that very moment of heightened tension...

"Blackbeard—!!!"

A furious roar drew nearer from afar, and a crimson fire meteor tore through the air, crashing heavily onto the sea beside the dog-headed warship, creating a towering column of water!

Ace, engulfed in flames, burst forth from the billowing sea mist, his gaze piercing as he locked onto Blackbeard.

Immediately afterwards, a warm and majestic golden light flashed, and Karna, holding the Sunbolt Lance, hovered silently beside Ace, forming a direct confrontation with Arjuna in the air.

Su Xing's half-body, without needing to speak, already had its vast divinity and diametrically opposed beliefs clashing fiercely in the air, stirring up bursts of invisible thunder.

"Ace!" Garp and Roger frowned simultaneously.

"Grandpa Garp! Roger—Dad!" Ace didn't even turn his head, flames gathering on his fist.

"Blackbeard is mine! Arjuna, hand him over to Karna! You—watch out for that pretentious bastard!"

His son told him that the Earl looked ten times more dangerous.

Roger glanced at Ace, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes, then looked at the Earl again, his smile fading and his gaze becoming incredibly sharp.

"It seems there are quite a few old friends here today." Roger slowly assumed a starting stance.

"Garp, why do I feel like—we're back in God Valley again?"

Karp shuddered and stared intently at the Earl once more.

Valley of the Gods—that name, that Buddha, and the increasingly unpleasant sense of familiarity emanating from the person before me—

The count sighed softly, and in that sigh, a trace of pretense was finally shed, revealing the unfathomable weariness and mockery beneath.

"God Valley—what a distant name."

He raised his hand and slowly took off the white glove he always wore on his left hand, revealing his palm covered with tiny old scars.

"It seems that reuniting with old friends always inevitably involves reopening old wounds."

He flexed his fingers, a casual movement that subtly produced the sound of wind and thunder.

"Alright."

He raised his head, and the elegant, melancholic gentleman's mask on his face receded like the tide.

Although his face still retains the features of an earl, his core has undergone a dramatic change.

"Pretending to be a civilized person for so long is indeed a bit tiring." His voice became rougher, even carrying the smell of rum.

"Especially when facing an old rival."

He looked at Roger, then at Garp, and grinned, revealing a wild smile.

Let's reinterpret it from a different perspective.

"Lokis D. Gibbek".

"Let's continue that fight—the one we didn't finish."

The sea breeze suddenly became strong.

The spirits of the old era, here, in the prelude to the final battle, tear off their disguises and reveal their true nature.

Karp's pupils shrank to tiny points.

Roger's knuckles were slightly white as he gripped the knife.

Ace and Karna felt the terrifying, domineering aura that surged into the sky, and their minds were shaken.

On the ghost ship, Blackbeard let out a wild, triumphant laugh: "Zehahaha! That's right! Just like that, Daddy!"

At this moment, the battle on the Eastern Front truly drew back the curtain on a fateful showdown that concerned blood ties and beliefs.

At the top of the Red Earth Continent, beneath the city of Pangu, the light of the Cocoon of Order is becoming increasingly dazzling and increasingly cold.

Forty-nine anchor points, both visible and hidden, await final filling.