XX-level Hokage

With Aokiji, Kaido, and Shanks all gathered together, a strange balance was formed.

Shanks' Red-Haired Pirates quickly deployed under his command, forming a standoff with Kaido. Aokiji, meanwhile, calmly observed the situation while searching for an opportunity to escape.

Chapter 172: Kaido VS Shanks

Mashiro stood high in Dressrosa, coldly watching the confrontation between Kaido and Shanks, her heart completely unmoved.

The situation remained under her control. Although Shanks' intervention was a variable, it did not substantially disrupt her plans. On the sea near the port, Kaido's dragon form clashed with Shanks' Haki, making the atmosphere on the battlefield increasingly tense.

The clash of the two powerful emperors cleaved the clouds, unleashing a deafening roar of thunder, as if the entire world was celebrating their victory.

They trembled at the prospect of battle.

Kaido glared angrily at Shanks, his massive dragon body tumbling in the air, his dragon breath already poised to strike again. He shouted, "Shanks, you're such a busybody!"

"Thunderous Eight Trigrams!" Kaido roared, swinging his massive spiked club. Black and red Haki transformed into lightning in the air, directly striking Shanks. Shanks' expression darkened, and he instantly swung his rapier, a sharp sword aura carrying his supreme Haki meeting Kaido's attack.

The two powerful auras clashed fiercely in mid-air, and the violent shockwaves stirred up the harbor's seawater, sending it surging outwards. The sea churned wildly, and even distant islands began to tremble.

Shanks stared coldly at Kaido. Although he knew Kaido's terrifying power, he was equally confident in his swordsmanship and Haki. "You shouldn't be lingering here, Kaido," Shanks said calmly, but his tone was extremely serious. "This battle is meaningless."

Kaido sneered dismissively, "Hahaha! Meaningless? Perhaps that's true for you, but I will never allow anyone to escape from my sight, especially those Marine scum!"

"Since you insist, then I have nothing more to say." Shanks narrowed his eyes, and the rapier in his hand gleamed brightly. The battle that followed intensified.

Kaido's Thunder Bagua, imbued with unparalleled power, relentlessly slammed into Shanks, but Shanks, with his exceptional swordsmanship and the combined efforts of the Red-Haired Pirates, repeatedly deflected Kaido's fierce attacks.

Under the combined attack of the Red-Haired Pirates, Kaido gradually found himself at a disadvantage.

Although his defenses were unparalleled, he still found it difficult to escape unscathed when surrounded by Shanks and his crew. Shanks's second-in-command, Ben Beckman, the sniper Yasopp, and the other powerful crew members worked in perfect harmony, forcing Kaido to retreat after several attacks.

Kaido's face grew increasingly grim, a hint of resentment flashing in his eyes. However, he also knew very well that the tide of battle had turned in Shanks' favor, and continuing to entangle himself would only plunge him into a deeper predicament.

At this moment, Aokiji glanced at the situation on the battlefield and secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Taking advantage of the moment when Kaido and Shanks clashed, he quickly ordered the remaining Marine soldiers to begin their retreat.

"Retreat! Retreat for all!" Aokiji coldly ordered. He knew that this battle was beyond the Navy's capabilities, and even as an admiral, he was unwilling to linger in such chaos.

Although Kaido noticed Aokiji's actions, he was already surrounded by the Red-Haired Pirates and could not spare the attention to stop him. In the end, Aokiji successfully led the remaining Marines away from the battlefield and quickly disappeared into the distant sea.

Seeing the Marines escape, Kaido's rage intensified. His dragon form reappeared in the sky, looking down upon Shanks and his crew. Although the battle had reached a stalemate, Kaido, being one of the Four Emperors, was not about to give up easily.

"Shanks, do you really think you can stop me forever?" Kaido said through gritted teeth, his tone filled with intense resentment.

Shanks shrugged, a calm smile appearing on his face. "Kaido, don't be too fixated on the immediate outcome. You should know very well that continuing will only result in mutual destruction."

Kaido remained silent for a moment, then let out a cold snort. Although he was unwilling to admit it, Shanks was right. Continuing the fight would only cost him more unnecessary damage. Moreover, the current situation was far more complicated than this battle.

"Hmph! You win this time, Shanks." Kaido said coldly, his massive dragon form slowly descending and gradually returning to human form.

A shadow crossed his eyes, as if he was wary of Shanks but unwilling to linger at this moment. With Kaido's retreat, the Red-Haired Pirates had no intention of pursuing him.

Shanks stood at the bow of the ship, coldly watching Kaido's departing figure, pondering the future situation. "Next, it's time to make a trip to Whitebeard's place..." Shanks muttered to himself.

Under the command of the Red-Haired Pirates, they quickly sailed away from Dressrosa and headed to another unknown battlefield.

Kaido returned to Dressrosa, his gait heavy, each step feeling like it was treading on the heart of the island. Despite having just been at a disadvantage in his duel with Shanks, his imposing presence remained undiminished.

Mashiro had been waiting for Kaido's arrival. Seeing him appear in the palace, she smiled slightly, as if she had anticipated it all. "Kaido, you've had a long journey," Mashiro said calmly.

"Hmph!" Kaido snorted coldly, his eyes filled with rage. "Mashiro, Aokiji has escaped. Your plan doesn't seem to have been entirely successful." Mashiro shook her head indifferently: "Aokiji's escape isn't important. Anyway, Akainu and the four potential admirals are already in our hands."

The army's strength has been weakened. As for Aokiji, he can't cause much trouble on his own.

Her gaze remained calm, as if she had already seen through everything.

Mashiro knew that Aokiji was merely a pawn of the World Government; the real enemy was the World Government's higher-ups, and her plan had only just begun. Kaido glared at Mashiro with displeasure. Although he was somewhat annoyed by her attitude, he had to admit that there was some truth to what she said.

At this moment, Kaido was already pondering his next move. "What are you planning to do next?" Kaido asked coldly.

Mashiro smiled gently, turned and walked to the window of the palace, his gaze sweeping across the vast sea: "I will have to meet the other three Yonko sooner or later. Whether it's Shanks, Big Mom, or Whitebeard, they will all be under my control."

Her voice was filled with unparalleled confidence and ambition, as if she held the fate of the entire world in her hands.

"You'd better not underestimate them, especially Whitebeard. His strength is far beyond your imagination," Kaido warned. Despite being one of the Four Emperors, his fear of Whitebeard was evident.

Mashiro's smile remained unchanged as she turned to look at Kaido, her eyes gleaming with a profound light: "No matter how strong they are, they are ultimately just pawns on a chessboard. Kaido, are you willing to continue joining forces with me?"

Kaido remained silent for a moment, then finally snorted coldly, "As long as your plan benefits me, I won't object." Mashiro nodded, as if everything was under control.

She knew the real battle was yet to come, and the day when the World Government would be overthrown would eventually arrive. And she, Hinata Mashiro, would be the ultimate ruler of this world.

It is precisely because he wants to rule the world that he does so many things.

Her goal is to reshape the power structure of this world, making it consistent with the ninja world. Only in this way can a perfect transition of ruling power be achieved when the two worlds merge.

Otherwise, she would have stormed the World Government long ago.

Chapter 173: The World Shakes

Mashiro stood atop the Dressrosa Palace, looking down at the island that had just witnessed an earth-shattering battle.

The air was still thick with the residual power of the gunpowder and the clash of domineering energy, and the waves in the harbor had not yet calmed down due to the battle.

Kaido's figure had already disappeared into the distant sky. Mashiro's eyes narrowed slightly, and a cold smile appeared on his lips, as if he had already anticipated that the battle would develop to this point.

She turned and went back into the palace, where the situation continued to unfold according to her plan.

Reshaping the world order is her ultimate goal, and now she has gradually gained control of the pirates' power. The Revolutionary Army's power will soon be in her hands as well. As for the Navy, she will directly brainwash Akainu and control the Navy through Akainu, Ozon, and Tsuru.

After that, these forces can be integrated to overthrow the world government and reshape the global order.

Just then, Sabo, Mori, and Crow from the Revolutionary Army arrived at high speed from afar. The three of them were breathing heavily, clearly having expended a lot of energy in the pursuit of Aokiji.

Upon entering the palace and seeing Mashiro, they tidied themselves up briefly and asked, "It's a pity that Aokiji managed to escape in the end."

The three of them were initially tracking Aokiji, but Kaido soon appeared and engaged in battle with Aokiji. Just as they were about to go to his aid, Shanks arrived, and there was no battle with Kaido. Aokiji used this opportunity to escape with the Marines.

Left with no other choice, the three of them had to bypass Kaido and Shanks's battle and continue their pursuit, but the distance was ultimately too great, and they returned empty-handed.

"It's nothing. Akainu and three admiral candidates are already in our hands. The Navy's strength has been severely weakened for the time being. Even if they want to retaliate..."

"We don't have enough power in a short time. As for Aokiji, although he escaped, he can't turn the tide alone," Mashiro said.

Upon hearing this, Sabo and the other two nodded.

"Sorcerer, where is Lord Dragon? Has he left?" Just then, Sabo looked around and asked.

Mashiro sat calmly in the main seat and replied casually, "Ryu had an urgent matter to attend to and has already left."

Upon hearing this, Sabo frowned slightly. Although Dragon's sudden departure puzzled him, he ultimately did not ask further questions due to his trust in Mashiro and the consideration of the Revolutionary Army's alliance with her.

Morrie and the raven exchanged a glance, choosing to accept this explanation.

“In that case, we will remain stationed here to assist you with the follow-up matters,” Sabo said calmly, his expression revealing a composed assessment of the situation.

Mashiro nodded slightly: "Very good. Your arrival will only help the Eastern Army and the Southern Army continue to handle the affairs of Dressrosa."

Sugar's Hobby-Hobby Fruit powers are beginning to wear off. We need to publicize the crimes of Doflamingo and the Donquixote Family among the people to further consolidate the revolution's gains.

At this moment, East Army Commander Bello Beatty and South Army Commander Lindbergh also arrived at the palace.

Bello Beatty's expression was serious, but her eyes gleamed with victory: "We have taken control of most of Dressrosa. After Sugar's powers were removed, the people who were turned into toys have all returned to human form."

The Don Quixote family's brutal rule over the years has been a testament to the people's will, and their hearts are quickly turning to us.

Lindbergh echoed, "We will continue to intensify our propaganda efforts to ensure that Doflamingo's remaining forces cannot recover. Moreover, with Kaido's battle serving as cover, the World Government and the Navy are temporarily unable to intervene in the situation here."

After hearing this, Mashiro nodded in satisfaction, then stood up, walked to the window, and looked out at the vast sea.

"Bello Beatty, Lindbergh, what you need to do next is take full control of Dressrosa and spread the seeds of revolution far and wide, not just to this island."

Meanwhile, intensify the pursuit of the Don Quixote family, giving them no chance to regroup. Belo Betty and Lindbergh immediately accepted the order, quickly leaving with their men to implement Mashiro's instructions. At the same time, a piece of news that shook the world began to spread rapidly through the World Economic Herald.

"The Shichibukai, Donquixote Doflamingo, was protected by the Navy and usurped power. The Pirate Alliance, in conjunction with the Revolutionary Army, liberated Dressrosa and captured Navy Admiral Akainu and three Admiral candidates: Fujitora, Green Bull, and Chaton."

This news was like a bombshell, quickly causing a sensation around the world.

The Navy's prestige suffered a huge blow, and even the World Government began to experience turmoil.

The council chamber of the Five Elders and the Celestial Dragons was filled with heated debate, and many high-ranking officials began to question the Navy's capabilities.

For a time, the Navy and the World Government's top brass faced unprecedented pressure, while the Revolutionary Army and Mashiro's reputation reached unprecedented heights.

Meanwhile, the Navy Headquarters was in chaos, and Fleet Admiral Sengoku had to temporarily take charge of the situation and urgently mobilize the remaining forces to prepare for a counterattack. However, Akainu's capture caused the morale of the entire Navy to plummet, and Sengoku faced enormous pressure.

After receiving this explosive news from Mashiro, Morgans, the president of World Economic Herald, did not hesitate to order the newspaper to be printed urgently, so that the news could spread quickly all over the world.

He knew full well that this storm was about to change the entire world order.

Mashiro sat on the main seat in the palace, her fingers lightly tapping the table, as if waiting for something.

Her plan has entered a critical stage. The capture of Akainu and three admiral candidates has weakened the Navy's power and put the World Government on the defensive.

At this very moment, on the central island of Whole Cake Island in the New World, Big Mom stood inside her Castle of Nations, gazing at the sea. She held a newspaper in her hand, its headline reporting on the Battle of Dressrosa.

"Hehehe... the Pirate Alliance and the Revolutionary Army... this woman, a sorcerer? She's got quite the ambition, Mommy." Big Mom's laughter was deep and cunning. "Looks like I need to prepare myself."

A dangerous glint flashed in her eyes.

Meanwhile, in Whitebeard's waters, Shanks' ship was sailing into the distance. He stood at the bow, pondering the battle that had just taken place in Dressrosa.

He knew that the woman known as the "sorcerer" was no ordinary person; she was far more cunning and dangerous than any opponent he had ever encountered.

"What exactly is her purpose?" Shanks muttered to himself, his gaze deep and complex. "In any case, we absolutely cannot allow the future war situation to become even more chaotic."

In the center of the sea, the Whitebeard Pirates are anchored on an island.

The white-bearded man, with an IV drip attached and a newspaper in his hand, tossed the newspaper onto the table beside him after a moment.

"What an interesting little fellow, just like Roger, always in a hurry. But that's what young people are all about, glug glug glug..." With that, Whitebeard picked up his huge goblet and drank it all in one gulp.

Chapter 174: Brainwashing (Part 1)

While the world was in turmoil, a vigorous liberation movement was underway in Dressrosa. Eastern Army Commander Bello Beatty and Southern Army Commander Lindbergh were operating within the city.

They carried Sugar to every corner, dispelling the powers of the Hobby-Hobby Fruit one by one, restoring the residents who had been turned into toys back to normal. With each person rescued, the entire city roared in anger; they finally understood what Doflamingo and his family had done to them over the years.

The atrocities committed.

Bellobetti stood on a high platform, raised a flag, and called on the people to resist oppression: "People of Dressrosa! You were once manipulated, but now you are free! The era of the Donquixote Family is over! No more tolerance for pirate rule, and no more fear of any power!"

Betty's speech sparked a wave of enthusiasm among the crowd, and more and more people joined the resistance.

The people who were once forced to submit have now taken up arms and joined in the reckoning with the Don Quixote family.

Lindbergh, meanwhile, led the Confederate army's technological forces to assist in restoring order to the city and began renovating and repairing damaged facilities. Meanwhile, on the other side...

Deep within the Dresden Palace's underground prison, a suffocating sense of oppression permeates the cold, damp air.