XX-level Hokage

Chapter 193: King of the World (Part 2)

At the port of Wano Country, Hyuga Mashiro stood on the shore, a gentle breeze ruffling her long hair, the waves softly lapping against the wooden piles of the dock, reflecting her calm and resolute expression.

Her gaze shone through the harbor as she watched the approaching fleet, thinking to herself, "They've finally arrived." Soon after, the fleet docked, and Sengoku, Garp, and Aokiji disembarked together.

Under the sunlight, Sengoku, dressed in a white naval uniform, showed a hint of fatigue on his face; Garp, on the other hand, looked as energetic as ever, with his signature smile on his lips; Aokiji, as always, remained expressionless, walking steadily beside the two veteran naval officers.

"The sorcerer Ichirō Mashiro." Sengoku's voice, like the heavy tolling of a bell, rang out in the tranquil harbor. His gaze swept over Mashiro, as if confirming that this young girl was indeed the "Queen of the Four Seas" in his heart.

"Marshal of the Warring States Period, I've long admired your name." Mashiro smiled slightly, his tone revealing a hint of ease.

Although she was young at this time, she was already an existence that could not be ignored in the eyes of many pirates and kingdoms.

Looking at the young girl before him, Sengoku couldn't help but exclaim, "You truly are a young prodigy. In just over a year, you have transformed the entire ocean..."

The world has turned upside down. It's truly unbelievable.

"I'm just changing the world in my own way," Mashiro replied softly, a confident glint in her eyes. Garp scoffed, "Enough nonsense, sorcerer, what is your purpose?"

Mashiro smiled slightly and said, "Purpose? It's very simple. I want to overthrow the World Government and establish a brand new ocean kingdom." "Ocean kingdom?" Sengoku frowned slightly. He had heard this term from Tsuru.

Sengoku nodded slightly, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He couldn't help but recall his past naval ideals, yet now he faced unprecedented challenges. "Do you know that the navy's duty is to maintain world order?"

"World order?" Mashiro's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Your so-called order, is it just allowing the Celestial Dragons to be high above, arbitrarily enslaving and exploiting innocent people? Your so-called justice is merely a tool for those corrupt rulers to maintain their rule. Have you never considered that the Celestial Dragons are the real cancer of this world? Ask yourself honestly, aren't I and the Celestial Dragons more like parasites?"

Sengoku's expression changed slightly. He had long ago doubted the rule of the World Government and questioned the status of the Celestial Dragons. However, his position as Fleet Admiral prevented him from expressing any inappropriate thoughts.

Despite his dissatisfaction with the Celestial Dragons' actions, he firmly believed that maintaining the existing order was the Navy's duty.

"The Celestial Dragons are descendants of the Twenty Kings, and they play a vital role in maintaining world stability. No matter what you say, you cannot shake my belief," Sengoku shook his head.

Mashiro's gaze darkened, and her voice turned cold: "Your so-called important role is nothing but a deception. The Twenty Kings are just an unverifiable legend. The Dragon People are willing to plunge the world into endless war and suffering for their own benefit, and you, your Navy, are just a knife in their hands, cutting off all forces of resistance for them."

"So, if it were you, what would you do?" Sengoku asked calmly.

"It's simple, just combine the pirates, the navy, and the revolutionary army," Mashiro said calmly. "You want to combine the navy and the revolutionary army?" Aokiji asked casually, his brow furrowing slightly.

“Yes, the Revolutionary Army will be responsible for maintaining order on land, while the Navy will be responsible for maintaining order at sea and overseeing the Pirate Alliance,” Mashiro said softly. “This will minimize conflict and better maintain stability across the seas.”

“That sounds good,” Garp interjected, a slight smile playing on his lips, seemingly showing a hint of admiration for the young pirate captain. “But… you really…”

Do you think the world government will sit idly by and do nothing about this?

"They have already lost their dignity at my feet." Zhenbai's voice was full of confidence. "I am not afraid of any of their counterattacks."

"To unite the three powers on the high seas? That sounds nice, but it's nothing more than your own selfish desires," Aokiji said coldly.

“Is that so?” Mashiro smiled slightly, seemingly unconcerned to refute. “Ambition and power are indeed part of what I pursue, but can you deny that the people of these kingdoms are living better lives now than before? Can you deny that the enemies I defeated were the source of evil in this world? Compared to your navy, my actions are faster and more effective, while you are nothing more than watchdogs.”

Sengoku and Aokiji both fell into a brief silence; Mashiro's words undoubtedly left them with mixed feelings. As the Fleet Admiral, Sengoku naturally couldn't accept Mashiro's actions, but he couldn't deny her achievements either.

After a moment, he looked up at Mashiro and calmly said, "Even if you liberate those countries and overthrow corrupt rulers, you are still just..."

"Just another ruler; the peace you seek is ultimately nothing more than an extension of your personal desire for dominance."

After years of observation, the Warring States period had long realized that true peace was impossible on this vast sea.

Mashiro was not angered by Sengoku's words. Instead, she revealed a disdainful smile: "Freedom and peace? What a naive fantasy. The world is chaotic. Human nature is greed and desire. Without absolute control of power, your so-called 'freedom' is nothing but a breeding ground for new chaos."

Just like the revolutionary army led by Long before, they couldn't understand this point and were destined to hide like rats until they were completely swallowed up by the tide of the world.

"And I will establish an ocean kingdom," a completely new system that transcends any nation or power.

This kingdom will break down all old boundaries, and there will be no more corrupt nobles or Celestial Dragons ruling. I will concentrate all my power to ensure order and peace in this kingdom.

Upon hearing these words, Sengoku's expression gradually became complicated. Shinji's plan was clearly more elaborate than he had anticipated.

She not only wanted to overthrow the World Government, but also to create a completely new system of governance, utterly subverting the existing order. Sengoku, deep down, had to admit that Shinji's plan was indeed feasible.

But Aokiji remained unconvinced. He coldly stated, "Sorcerer, you are merely replacing the World Government's tyranny in another form. The kingdom you have established is ultimately just one person's control over the entire world. The peace you speak of is nothing but a pseudo-peace under violence and coercion."

The people need freedom, not a new dictator.

After listening to Aokiji's words, Mashiro still smiled and said: "Dictator? Perhaps you are right. I don't mind being called a dictator, but it is precisely because I have enough power that I can truly bring peace to this world."

The centralization of power is not for my ambition, but to prevent new chaos.

"I will rule this world in the name of the gods, and will no longer tolerate any form of betrayal or turmoil." "In the name of the gods?" Aokiji frowned. Hearing this title for the first time, he felt a vague unease.

Mashiro said calmly, "You can continue to indulge in your childish ideals, but you will soon find that reality cannot be changed by fantasy. I will prove to you that my ocean kingdom will bring true order and peace. At that time, you will find that your so-called freedom is nothing but useless empty talk."

"Are you threatening us?" Sengoku asked.

No, I'm just giving you a choice: join me or continue struggling in this corrupt world. Only by standing on my side can you...

"It will truly allow you to realize your ideals." Mashiro said calmly.

Chapter 194: King of the World (Part 2)

"So what do you want our navy to do?" Sengoku's tone turned serious. "Are you willing to form an alliance with us?"

"Allies?" Mashiro paused slightly, then shook her head. "In my view, alliances are based on strength. If you wish to cooperate with me..."

"Then you must prove your strength."

"You mean you want to fight?" A hint of surprise flashed in Sengoku's eyes, but he quickly calmed down, understanding that this was the only way forward.

“That’s right.” Mashiro nodded, her tone carrying a hint of challenge. “Let me see if the Fleet Admiral, the legendary Navy, really has the strength to contend with me.”

"Your ambitions are quite grand," Garp scoffed, "but do you really think you can succeed?"

Mashiro looked at Garp with a determined gaze: "Success or failure isn't something you can just talk about. If you're not convinced, then feel free to try."

Sengoku remained silent for a moment, then slowly spoke, "Mashiro, I know you're very strong. However, even with the three of us joining forces, you might not have a chance of winning." Mashiro smiled slightly and said, "Is that so? Then I'll see just how much trouble you can cause me."

Before he could finish speaking, Mashiro vanished in a flash. Sengoku, Garp, and Aokiji immediately became alert.

Just then, Mashiro suddenly appeared behind Sengoku, and a hand slammed towards Sengoku's back with a whistling sound. Sengoku reacted quickly, dodging Mashiro's attack by sidestepping.

However, Mashiro's attack did not stop. She had already gathered powerful chakra in her other hand and blasted it towards Sengoku.

Sengoku roared and activated his Zoan-type Human-Human Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Buddha Form. His body instantly swelled, transforming into a golden Buddha.

The Buddha clasped its hands together, unleashing a powerful shockwave that collided with Mashiro's attack. Boom!

A massive explosion rang out, shaking the entire port. Garp and Aokiji immediately joined the battle.

Garp unleashed an extremely powerful mix of Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki, throwing a punch at Mashiro. Mashiro dodged Garp's attack with a quick movement.

However, Aokiji had already seized the opportunity to activate his Logia-type Ice-Ice Fruit ability. With a wave of his hands, countless icy blades shot towards Mashiro.

With a cold snort, Mashiro quickly formed hand seals and unleashed the Wood Release: Descent of the Tree World.

Countless trees surged from the ground, blocking Aokiji's icy attacks. The three powerful naval officers quickly deployed into formation, preparing for the battle.

"The Golden Buddha has descended!" Zhan Guo roared, then transformed into a giant golden Buddha, its enormous body gleaming with a mysterious light in the sunlight.

He clasped his hands together and unleashed a powerful shockwave at Mashiro, its force like a mountain collapsing and the earth splitting, hurtling straight towards him. "Shinra Tensei!" Mashiro's eyes instantly transformed into Rinnegan with tomoe, sensing the surrounding energy.

With a gentle wave of her hand, the surrounding air seemed to be under her control, forming a defensive barrier that blocked Sengoku's attack and instantly sent him flying.

"What immense power." Sengoku's figure stopped in mid-air, then he clasped his hands together and continued to unleash an even more powerful shockwave.

"Wood, vines entwine!" Mashiro chanted softly, and the surrounding trees and leaves instantly came to life, forming a circle of vines that rushed towards the Warring States Buddha statue, attempting to bind it.

At the same time, Garp leaped up, raised his fist, and gathered powerful Armament Haki, launching a fierce attack on Mashiro. "Seabed Meteor!"

Mashiro smiled slightly, secretly calculating her response strategy.

"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!" Water instantly gathered in her hand, transforming into a giant water dragon that rushed towards Garp.

Water Dragon and Garp's fist collided in mid-air, the powerful shockwave instantly distorting the surrounding air and creating a deafening roar. "The clash of water and Armament Haki... truly worthy of the Lord of the Seas," Garp remarked, adjusting his stance.

At that very moment, Aokiji also acted swiftly, summoning a patch of ice that instantly lowered the surrounding temperature, forming an ice wall in an attempt to block Mashiro's water dragon.

"The power of the Ice-Ice Fruit?" Mashiro was slightly taken aback. "Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation!"

The pure white flames instantly ignited in her hand, colliding with the ice to produce intense steam that spread out instantly, obscuring everyone's vision.

"Such a powerful flame!" Sengoku felt the heat and his heart tightened.

"This is truly remarkable." Garp's expression turned serious. He was about to continue his attack when he noticed that the steam in front of him was gradually dissipating, and Mashiro's figure reappeared.

At this moment, Mashiro had already activated her Rinnegan, her hands clasped together, gathering even more powerful chakra, preparing to unleash her ultimate attack. "Sealing Tide!" she whispered.

The surrounding atmosphere instantly became so oppressive that it was almost suffocating.

Then, Mashiro thrust out his hands suddenly, and the surrounding air currents swirled like a storm, forming a huge vortex that swept towards Sengoku, Garp, and Aokiji.

"What kind of power is this?" Sengoku was shocked and quickly adjusted his posture to prepare to defend himself.

"Quick, everyone, join forces!" Garp shouted, swinging his fist and channeling his Haki to prepare to meet the massive cyclone. Aokiji also activated his ability, the ice wall formed from frost continuously strengthening in front of him, attempting to block Mashiro's attack.

However, the cyclone of the true white was unstoppable, sweeping over them in an instant and crashing into them, bringing tremendous impact and pressure.

Under this force, Sengoku finally felt an irresistible panic. His Buddha form was torn apart instantly like paper in front of Shinshiro's vortex.

The battle grew increasingly fierce, with all three Sengoku warriors giving it their all.

Lightning flashed across the sky; the sea surged with ferocious waves. In the battle, Mashiro continuously displayed her formidable strength. She was not only proficient in all five elemental ninjutsu, but also possessed the Rinnegan.

In battle, she can quickly analyze the enemy's weaknesses and formulate corresponding tactics.

While Sengoku, Garp, and Aokiji are all top-tier fighters with formidable strength, they gradually found themselves at a disadvantage against Mashiro. Although Sengoku's shockwave was powerful, it was easily blocked by Mashiro using Wood Release.

Garp's Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki were powerful, but in front of Mashiro's Rinnegan, his movements seemed to become transparent. Aokiji's Ice-Ice Fruit ability also lost its former power in front of Mashiro's Fire Release.

The battle lasted a long time, and all three Sengoku members were exhausted. However, Mashiro remained calm and resolute.

As Mashiro advanced, Sengoku, Garp, and Aokiji were finally overwhelmed and tackled to the ground, panting heavily and looking extremely battered. "Surrender?" Mashiro asked coldly, her gaze firm and unwavering.

“It seems we have no choice.” Sengoku slowly sat up, his face full of exhaustion, and his lips twitched slightly.

Chapter 195: A Series of Lies

"Finally, I'd like to ask a question: what exactly does your envisioned new era look like?" Sengoku asked hoarsely, his voice very low. Mashiro gave a meaningful smile, as if he had already anticipated Sengoku's question.

In a sense, Sengoku and Akainu are the same kind of people, both pursuing absolute justice, but Sengoku is more rational than Akainu.

Mashiro chuckled softly and slowly said, "It's alright to tell you. The world I want to create won't only have so-called justice." Just as shadows cannot exist without light, a world cannot have only justice without evil. I will preserve the existence of pirates, but their identities and nature will be completely different from the current chaotic situation.

Upon hearing this, Sengoku's gaze flickered slightly. The existence of pirates had always been one of the sources of his hatred, and the Navy had sacrificed countless lives to eliminate them.

"Keep pirates?" Sengoku scoffed, his tone skeptical and incomprehensible. "Your so-called justice allows those evils to exist?"

Mashiro nodded, her expression remaining calm. "Yes, pirates must exist, but not in the current chaotic state. The vast majority of pirates will be..."

They were incorporated into a completely new system—the Pirate Alliance.