Chapter 191: Restarting the Battle of God Valley

The news that ships from Thomas Shipyard could navigate the Calm Belt spread quickly worldwide, making headlines in major newspapers. This news caused widespread panic, especially among nations in the Four Seas. They feared that New World's great pirates might use these ships to cross the Calm Belt and plunder their countries.

Marine Headquarters:

"I've called you here today to discuss the Infinity Pirates' creation of ships that can cross the Calm Belt," said Fleet Admiral Kong, rubbing his temples. "Also, reliable sources say that John, Silver Axe, Wang Zhi, and other major pirates have left their territories and headed for the Calm Belt."

The New World war had just ended, and now the Infinity Pirates had pulled this stunt, putting the Marines in a passive position.

"What's there to worry about? If those scumbags come to the East Blue, I'll just capture them and throw them in prison," Garp said nonchalantly, picking his nose.

"Shut up! The Four Seas are vast, and the Calm Belt is long. Even if they enter the Four Seas, we might not notice immediately," Sengoku retorted angrily, especially since Garp had just wiped his nose on Sengoku's clothes!

"Could we purchase a few of those ships, reverse-engineer their technology, and apply it to our warships?" Zephyr suggested, struck by an idea.

The Navy's ships were self-built and maintained, utilizing top-tier shipbuilding technology. Getting a few ships from Thomas Shipyard and cracking their technology shouldn't be too difficult for the Navy.

"That's a possibility, but Thomas Shipyard's ships are too expensive, and our budget won't cover it!" Kong admitted awkwardly. "Buying the ships is one thing, but we also need to prevent New World's great pirates from entering the Four Seas."

Thomas Shipyard's current prices were exorbitant; even a standard 100-meter wooden ship cost 700 million Berries. Despite the high prices, orders flooded in continuously, with some queued for production until next year.

"Admiral, let me return to the Four Seas to oversee things," Zephyr offered.

"Alright, let's do that for now," Kong agreed. Sengoku and Garp had to remain in the New World to manage those monsters, as one of them alone wouldn't suffice.

Kong then contacted the Five Elders to request additional funding.

"Kong, there's no way to increase the budget," Financial God of War Nassourang Saint replied bluntly, dismissing the idea. This year's Navy budget was already allocated, so no more funds were available.

"However, I can arrange for the Navy to acquire a ship from Thomas Shipyard. As for refitting ships or other expenses, we'll discuss that when the budget is reviewed tomorrow," Nassourang Saint added.

"Thank you, Nassourang Saint," Kong replied, relieved. He expected no extra funding, but acquiring a ship was a decent compromise.

After obtaining ships from Li Yuan, John and his allies didn't immediately invade the Four Seas. Instead, they navigated the Calm Belt to find a safe route. A month later, they couldn't resist and crossed into the North Blue, pillaging several allied nations before retreating to the New World via the Calm Belt, evading Marine and World Government responses.

When reinforcements arrived, John and his allies had already left the North Blue five days prior. This incident terrified kings throughout the Four Seas.

The previous invasion of the West Blue by New World pirates, only a few years ago, was still fresh in their minds. Now, post-Rocks, it happened again, prompting the Four Seas' allied nations to urgently appeal to the World Government for action.

This time, the allied nations were genuinely frightened. Their appeals were more forceful than those against Rocks. Back then, Rocks relied on Golden Lion's ability to cross the Calm Belt. Now, with Thomas Shipyard's ships, any pirate with Conqueror's Haki could freely traverse the Calm Belt, moving between the New World and the Four Seas, raiding at will.

Not only John and his allies acted, but the Infinity Pirates also made their move. Unlike the ships sold to John, the Infinity Pirates' ships were reinforced with Seastone, preventing Sea Kings from attacking even without Li Yuan aboard. Instead of raiding, the Infinity Pirates secretly expanded their influence, planting agents and controlling non-allied nations, all unnoticed by the Marines and World Government.

Under pressure from allied nations and with the "Heavenly Tribute" deadline looming, the World Government deployed Marines, Army, and CP0 to guard the Calm Belt, hoping to catch John and his allies. But the Calm Belt was too vast, and the cunning pirates eluded them.

After their first action, John and his allies waited three months before raiding again. The result mirrored the first: the World Government couldn't even glimpse them, finding only ravaged islands and nations.

Following this, John and his allies lay low, not venturing from the New World again.

The year 1489 of the Sea Calendar marked the breaking of the Calm Belt, instilling fear in Four Seas nations. Time passed swiftly, and the calendar turned to 1490.

Wano Country:

While John and his allies raided the Four Seas, venting their frustration from defeat, Li Yuan quietly trained on Onigashima.

Lifting the massive Yinwa with both hands, Li Yuan endured fifteen times gravity, performing simple squats while his surroundings shook with each movement. Though it appeared he was honing his extraordinary physique, sword intent swirled around him, perfectly merging three forms of intent.

As Li Yuan's Sword God Tempering Technique circulated, his Armament Haki refined his muscles, deepening his sword insights and strengthening the three sword intents.

"Yinwa, let's stop here," Li Yuan said, reaching his physical limit, and Yinwa flew off his hands.

"Phew, the further I progress in sword intent, the harder it becomes to comprehend. Even with the Sword God Tempering Technique, three years have brought only modest improvement," Li Yuan mused.

The slow progress was due to balancing the simultaneous advancement of three sword intents.

"My Observation and Conqueror's Haki are nearing peak levels. It shouldn't be long before they break through," Li Yuan noted with satisfaction.

"Li Yuan, I found the location of the Celestial Dragon's celebration," Shakky said, approaching with a towel and water.

"Where is it?" Li Yuan asked curiously.

"In East Blue's Baladi Kingdom, a non-allied nation with about 200,000 residents. I also sent a copy of this information to Shiki as you instructed," Shakky reported seriously.

"Hahaha, just as I mentioned him, he calls," Li Yuan chuckled, seeing the transponder snail morph into Golden Lion's likeness.

"Jihahaha, Li Yuan, didn't you say we could cooperate well?" Golden Lion laughed through the snail. "I have a huge opportunity to share with you. Want to hear about it?"

"Oh? Is it about the Celestial Dragon's celebration?" Li Yuan asked with a smirk.

"How did you know?" Golden Lion blurted.

"Hahaha, if you can find out, why wouldn't I?" Li Yuan replied, amused.

"Jihahaha, since you know, you can guess why I'm calling."

"Li Yuan, how about a grand heist? With our influence, we can gather those who went to God Valley and recreate that battle, seizing the Celestial Dragon's treasure!" Golden Lion proposed, laughing wildly.

During the God Valley incident, except for Rocks' death, all pirates gained immense wealth, filling their coffers.

"Hahaha, that's the Celestial Dragon's treasure. Of course, I'd love to join."

"You invite Wald, John, and Wang Zhi; I'll invite Silver Axe, Branton, Whitebeard, and Charlotte Linlin. I'm sure they won't refuse," Li Yuan agreed, joining Golden Lion's laughter. This was the result he wanted.

The Infinity Pirates and Flying Pirates were the New World's most influential crews. Those defeated wouldn't refuse their invitation, especially when it promised shared riches.

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