Whitebeard Founds a Nation!

The shattered Rainbow Island, now split in two, suddenly became extremely quiet.

The large Symphony Orchestra on Noah had long since stopped playing; all that remained were the sounds of rocks and broken logs falling into the sea.

Large amounts of seawater gushed out from numerous fissures in the earth, suggesting that the main body of the island would soon be submerged in the deep sea.

Aside from the islanders with their sorrowful faces, the Whitebeard Pirates and the bigwigs of the World Government didn't care about any of this; all eyes were focused on the huge, dark purple blade of light.

Edward Newgate held Murakumogiri in his hand, staring blankly at the sharp purple light less than ten centimeters from his nose.

The Supreme Great Grade Sword in his hand was broken in two, and he himself had unknowingly knelt on the ground while resisting.

"I have been defeated?"

This question grew infinitely in his mind. Since the disbandment of the Rocks Pirates, when had he, 'Whitebeard', ever lost a one-on-one duel, let alone lost so quickly and so thoroughly?

Honestly.

He was confident that even if Rocks D. Xebec were resurrected, he might not be able to defeat him in his current form.

But what's up with this Celestial Dragons brat who looks to be only in his early twenties? Why is he so strong?

Am I, 'Whitebeard,' not the World's Strongest?

Is the world's combat power ceiling actually higher than I imagine?

Edward Newgate felt heavier than ever before, and even fell into self-doubt.

"Pops actually lost!"

Marco, Jozu, and the rest of the Whitebeard Pirates who witnessed this scene began to doubt whether they were dreaming—an unbelievable, impossible nightmare!

Among them, Marshall D. Teach, who was always low-key, humble, cheerful, and never competed for anything, but harbored a terrifying ambition, could hardly believe what he was seeing.

"How is this possible! There really is someone in this world who is so much stronger than 'Whitebeard'?!"

Who exactly is this esteemed person?

On Noah, Stussy, dressed in a black stockings and high heels, stared in shock at Imu's aloof and arrogant figure.

Candidates for the Five Elders?

She suddenly began to doubt this identity. As a top-notch female intelligence agent, she subconsciously felt that something was amiss.

But no matter what, as long as you serve this person well and stay by his side, you will find out sooner or later what is meant to be found out!

Just then...

Imu looked down at the 'World's Strongest Man' who was kneeling before him.

He steadily controlled the massive blade of light unleashed by 'Enma,' coldly proclaiming it like a supreme deity.

"Edward Newgate, you will no longer be One Piece, your bounty is cancelled!"

"Edward Newgate, you will establish a kingdom in your homeland, join the World Government, and have a seat at the Reverie!"

"Edward Newgate, you are hereby awarded the rank of Admiral and will fight for the World Government on the Myriad Worlds Battlefield!"

"Edward Newgate, your sons will now be assigned to appropriate departments and the military based on their abilities!"

These four sentences were clearly heard by everyone nearby, and Marco and the others were dumbfounded, hardly believing what they had just heard.

Edward Newgate's expression was extremely grim, because these few sentences contained a great deal of information. The second and fourth sentences, which seemed like a blessing, could be heard as a strong threat no matter how you listened to them.

This shows that the World Government has already determined the location of his homeland. What would happen if he refused?

And what if he refuses his sons?

At the same time, the third sentence was the most astonishing. Of course, it wasn't the rank of Admiral, which he didn't really care for, but the 'Myriad Worlds Battlefield' that followed!

What multiverse?

As the name suggests, it literally means 'ten thousand worlds', and for some reason, it felt like a thunderbolt exploding in my mind.

He suddenly realized that the real reason why Big Mom, Shiki, Byndi Wald, Kaido, and others chose to submit must be related to these two words!

But is that really possible?

Silence.

Edward Newgate remained silent until Imu dissipated the massive blade light, even his kneeling position remained frozen.

See here.

Imu said nothing more, but stared at him meaningfully for a few seconds before Body Flicker Technique into thin air. Government officials would then be responsible for providing him with more detailed information.

Since 'Whitebeard' did not resist or refuse on the spot, it means that he chose to acquiesce.

This is why we've remained silent.

Hometown and family are the strongest bonds, not to mention that he was defeated so thoroughly, which means that he no longer has the power to protect these most cherished things.

But Imu gave him hope of preserving both through another means.

Edward Newgate silently chose to shoulder the responsibilities of a man, a captain, and a father.

This is one of the reasons why Imu admires him the most.

The moment he reappeared on the red carpet steps, the breathtaking music once again resounded from Noah above.

This time, the piece is "The Ritual"!

Compared to the previous "Wrath of God" and "Giant Fortress", this "Ritual" feels more epic.

The collective, low chanting was magnificent, solemn, and awe-inspiring, like the descent of gods, giving a sacred feeling that sent chills down one's spine.

Accompanied by this music, Imu ascended the hundreds of meters of steps, with the Holy Land Garrison on both sides bowing their heads with each step.

Although they wore Visor and helmets, one could still sense the awe in their eyes.

Behind him followed three 'Giant God Soldier' in formation, Saul in front, with Kashi and Oimo side by side behind, and behind them were the shattered Rainbow Island and the back of 'Whitebeard' still kneeling on the ground.

Without a doubt, the atmosphere, the ambiance, and the overall sophistication are all top-notch!

So.

To savor the moment, Imu didn't walk very fast.

But no matter how long the ladder is, it eventually comes to an end. When he stepped back onto the deck of Noah, Stussy and Senior came to greet him.

The two men's eyes were even more subservient than before, which didn't surprise Imu at all.

"Inform the Five Elders about the situation here."

"Yes, Saint Nerona!"

Senior quickly responded and then turned to carry out the order, followed by Stussy revealing her most charming smile.

Welcome back.

Below, Edward Newgate had straightened up, looking at the Murakumogiri in two in his hand with mixed feelings. He truly never imagined that the sword would break one day.

"Pops!"

"Pops, you're hurt!"

Marco, in his Phoenix form, flew in first. Upon seeing the long, bloody gash on 'Pops's' chest, his expression changed drastically, and he quickly used his Blue Flame to heal the wound.

"How is Pops?"

"We're here, Pops!"

Immediately after Jozu, Vista, and the others hurriedly leaped over the rift island, which was full of dangerous fissures.

Seeing his sons' concern for him, Edward Newgate's face lit up with relief, and at the same time, he became even more determined in his choice.

"Gurarara~~ I'm not going to die yet, but I have indeed been defeated."

Seeing his dejected expression, the crew members of the Whitebeard Pirates exchanged glances, unsure how to comfort him.

Fourth Division Captain Thatch asked hesitantly, "What about that person just now? What's your decision?"

"Eh--I agree."

Edward Newgate, gazing at the Baymax ship overhead that blotted out the sky, sighed, "Let's build a nation! Let's build a nation of our own!"