Chapter 126 The Calm Before the Storm

After much persuasion by Satoru, the legendary figures Zefa and Garp reluctantly boarded warships heading to the G5 and G3 bases. Onboard, both old men exchanged uneasy glances.

"I feel like that brat tricked us," Garp muttered, crossing his arms.

"Vacation, my foot. We're just free labor," Zefa grumbled in agreement.

---

The New World remained embroiled in chaos. In just two days, the situation spiraled further out of control. Even Wano, with its formidable natural defenses, faced challenges from ambitious pirates.

Shanks and Kaido, two of the Four Emperors, took action personally to defend their territories. Whitebeard was eager to join the fray but was stopped by his sons, while Big Mom remained unconscious after her humiliating defeat.

Despite the relentless waves of challengers, none of the Four Emperors faltered. The battles lasted a month, each fight a testament to the sheer power of these titans. When Big Mom finally awoke, she joined the final stretch of battles, demonstrating once again the terror of the Four Emperors.

The New World learned a harsh truth: the Four Emperors weren't weak. The Navy that defeated them was simply stronger.

---

When Big Mom regained consciousness, her first act was to eliminate any pirates who dared challenge her authority. Her second act was to issue a challenge—directed straight at Satoru. She intended to reclaim her honor and send a message to the world.

At the G8 base, Satoru received word from his forces monitoring the Big Mom Pirates.

"Sir, all our forces tracking Big Mom have gone silent," reported an officer.

Satoru smirked knowingly. "So, she's coming here?"

Sengoku, on a call with Satoru, voiced his concerns. "Satoru, the New World just settled down. Big Mom's actions will only reignite the chaos. We can't let her disrupt the Navy's control."

"She's looking for revenge," Satoru replied. "It's not surprising, considering how badly she lost last time."

"But your forces can't stop the Big Mom Pirates alone," Sengoku countered. "I'll send Kuzan as backup."

"Understood," Satoru said, his mind already formulating a plan.

---

Before Kuzan's arrival, an unexpected visitor arrived at the G8 base—a massive wave of sword intent heralding his arrival. The naval guards watched with unease as the legendary Dracule Mihawk approached on his signature coffin boat, accompanied by a new figure.

"Sir, Mihawk's here—and he's brought someone," reported a marine.

Satoru appeared at the harbor, his eyes lighting up at the sight of Mihawk and his passenger, Cullom, the young swordswoman he had sent for training.

"You've advanced," Satoru noted as he greeted Cullom. "You've become a great swordsman."

Cullom beamed. "I couldn't have done it without you, sir."

Satoru turned to Mihawk. "I see you've kept her alive."

Mihawk smirked faintly. "She has potential."

The conversation turned serious as Satoru laid out his plan. "Mihawk, I need your help. Big Mom is coming, and I need someone to challenge her swordsmanship. With you here, we can stand a chance."

Mihawk frowned. "You want me to act as your shield?"

"Not at all. Think of it as a duel. I'll handle her crew—her children, her commanders. You'll face her alone. It's a fair fight, one swordsman to another. If you refuse, you'll miss the opportunity to prove yourself against one of the strongest."

Mihawk's eyes gleamed with determination. "I'll do it. But I'll only fight Big Mom—no one else."

"Deal," Satoru replied, shaking Mihawk's hand.

---

As preparations were underway, reinforcements began arriving, including Kuzan. Shanks, monitoring the situation from afar, debated his next move.

"We should help," Lucky Roux suggested.

"Idiot," Jesus Burgess snapped. "He's a Marine. If we help him, it'll raise suspicion about our ties."

Shanks sighed. "Let's move closer to the area. If it gets bad, we'll step in—but only as a last resort."

---

At Whole Cake Island, Big Mom prepared for war. Her children gathered, ready to exact vengeance on Satoru and his forces. But even as her forces mobilized, doubt lingered.

"This time," Big Mom declared, "he won't survive."

The New World held its breath as both sides prepared for a clash that would reshape the balance of power yet again. Would Satoru's cunning and his unlikely allies be enough to withstand Big Mom's wrath? Only time would tell.