The Post Incident finally concluded.
This was a world-renowned war, involving far too many prominent figures.
The combined force of The Sage Shinobi Nation and the Avengers numbered more than 300,000.
Konan, Garp, Whitebeard, Kaido, Charlotte Linlin, Hozuki Ranzuki... over thirty renowned pirates with bounties exceeding one billion berries gathered.
Pirates with bounties over a hundred million were countless, their names not even worth mentioning in this grand event.
These individuals, each a legend in their own right, boasted a combined bounty exceeding 500 billion.
This lineup was comparable only to the legendary battle at God Valley, where the Rocks Pirates were defeated.
Furthermore, the situation had reversed multiple times.
Initially, Konan trapped Whitebeard, giving the Sage Shinobi Nation the upper hand. Then Garp arrived, a betrayal occurred within the nation, and the tide turned.
Finally, Madara emerged, sweeping the battlefield with unmatched power, reversing the situation once more. These dramatic shifts captivated countless hearts around the world.
However, the most shocking development was undoubtedly the appearance of a god, who acknowledged their connection with the Sage Shinobi Nation.
The actual god! A being that held the world in its grasp, forcing the Marines into reluctant retreat.
"I anticipated this outcome, but it still leaves me deeply unsettled," a pirate near Post Island, having learned of the events, murmured in awe.
"With the god backing the Sage Shinobi Nation, and the newly emerged Madara, the world is now divided," another said, gazing towards Post Island as if witnessing the rise of an empire. "From this day forward, the seas will experience the greatest upheaval in eight centuries."
From now on, two major powers would govern the world, and a decisive war between them was inevitable. A war that would determine the fate of the entire world. The victor would ascend to ultimate power.
"The winds of change have begun to blow."
News spread rapidly, thanks to the Transponder Snails. Within a short time, it reached every corner of the world.
In Sengoku's hospital room at Marine Headquarters, a heavy silence fell after the Transponder Snail's broadcast ended.
Sengoku lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, tears streaming down his face.
Vice-Admiral Tsuru's shoulders trembled.
Marine bases fell silent as well. Atop the highest point of one base, a man with curly hair sat staring blankly at the distant sky.
A chilling aura emanated from him, revealing his inner turmoil.
It was Kuzan. He had remained there ever since hearing the outcome of the Post Island incident.
Not far from Kuzan, Borsalino's usual frivolous expression was replaced by profound sorrow.
He, a man who seemingly cared for nothing, was now deeply saddened by Garp's death and, perhaps, the Marines' impending doom.
For the first time, he felt lost.
The seas were in turmoil, filled with clamor.
Everyone was restless, discussing and expressing their excitement. Witnessing such a monumental event was perhaps a privilege. After all, in the eight centuries of the sea's history, only two such events had occurred.
"So, will the world's rulers change?" someone asked, eyes filled with anticipation.
"Uncertain. While there's the God and Uchiha Madara, the Celestial Dragons have ruled for 800 years. They must possess hidden cards capable of influencing the entire world. It depends on how things unfold. This inevitable war will decide the world's fate," another responded with a thoughtful gaze, already envisioning the impending conflict.
On Post Island, the members of the Sage Shinobi Nation were cleaning the battlefield. The war was over, and they had won.
But the cost of victory was simply staggering.
Over 100,000 people from both sides lay dead on the island. The Sage Shinobi Nation, initially numbering over 150,000, now had fewer than 80,000 remaining.
Countless friends and loved ones lay buried beneath the soil. The passion of battle gave way to grief.
The ground, a mire of blood and flesh, clung to the feet of the living, as if the dead were reluctant to let go. But this was war. And war always demanded sacrifice.
Kaido and the others had departed.
Although they were now Hui's subordinates, Hui hadn't asked them to stay in the Sage Shinobi Nation.
Their presence would only create discord and serve no purpose.
Each of these individuals, willing to trade dignity for survival, was an island unto themselves.
Sending them back to the sea, to their own paths, was the best way they could contribute to the nation's future.
As the people of the Sage Shinobi Nation cleared the battlefield, the mysterious person who had previously entered the island arrived at the scene. Gazing upon the countless corpses, they stood in silent contemplation for a long moment before departing.
Their destination: Hui's location.
"So, are you an invader from another world, or... a beacon of hope?" The figure murmured, their voice melodious and feminine.
Her words revealed her inner turmoil.
But in the end, all that remained was a sigh.
She had seen the future:
The future she had seen was breathtakingly beautiful, but she had seen one that was unimaginably cruel.
And the choice between the two rested solely in her hands. The fate of the world lay upon her shoulders.
"Oh, Time-Time Fruit, why did you appear? And why did you choose me?" With a lament, the woman vanished.
Elsewhere, Konan and the others stood beside Hui, their god, their unwavering faith.
"Now, go forth and act freely. This world is about to face its greatest upheaval. With your own hands, forge a new hope for its people. With your abilities, become the light of this world,", After commending their actions and accomplishments, Hui spoke.
The world of pirates was within their grasp.
There was no need to wait decades for the preordained events to unfold. This world was too small, merely a training ground for exceptional youths.
Here they would grow, but they wouldn't remain forever. They had other journeys to embark upon.
Their future lay among the stars, with cosmic races, parallel worlds, and endless possibilities. The world of pirates was but their starting village.
After making his intentions clear, Hui vanished from their sight. He had other matters to attend to. In this world, he would… establish a pure land and forge his godhood!
Yes, he would become a true god.
Though already hailed as a god by many, and possessing terrifyingly powerful spiritual energy, Hui still lacked one crucial element: a Divine Core.
And in this world, he would attempt to condense his own Divine Core.
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