Yasnaya Island!

The World Government's military has quieted down, but that doesn't mean the changes in the outside world have stopped.

Regarding the Demon Slayer World...

Every day, hundreds of thousands of laborers from various countries flocked to the Korean Peninsula to queue up to enter the "Medium Star Gate," while millions of laborers, under the guidance of officials at all levels of the Construction Division, began laying railways across the Eurasian Continent.

Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of Koreans formed various organizations and units, engaging in a fierce and desperate resistance against the navy led by Aokiji and CIPHER POL.

Every day, thousands, even tens of thousands, of lives are slaughtered in batches.

Amidst screams, bloodshed, and despair, Kuzan's character gradually matured, and he began to understand the meaning of stance!

Between Wano Script.

A soldier's sense of justice means firmly standing on his own side and fighting for his own interests!

Kuzan knew that if he didn't use these Otherworld beings as laborers, he would have to call upon the native Sea Star Person to do these arduous tasks, so he could only expressionlessly freeze these armed and fiercely resisting 'Koreans'.

Regarding the Giant World...

With the withdrawal of the Army, although the sounds of gunfire and artillery ceased, the social order did not improve; instead, it became more chaotic and brutal.

Robberies, killings, rapes, and forced trespassing were rampant; any heinous act of violence was commonplace.

Money is completely useless now.

Because people only believe in the knives and guns in their own hands, and those with power cheer loudly.

They thought it was all too wonderful; they could do whatever they wanted, have whatever they desired—could there be a freer life?

Those who lack power, however, feel as if they are in Hell on earth.

They could only lie in pools of blood watching their wives and daughters being dragged out, screaming in agony. On their deathbeds, they could only gaze at the sky filled with Black Mist, howling in despair before turning into cold corpses.

This is the Giant World now and for the next twenty years!

Regarding the Sea Star World...

There's a saying that goes, "People's joys and sorrows are not shared."

Although the citizens of the Affiliated Nation were aware of the tragic events unfolding in the Giant World and Demon Slayer World, no one stood up to accuse the World Government of being cruel and heartless.

Some kind-hearted people will choose to shift their focus and ignore it, while most people are more concerned about the preliminary rounds of the "Myriad Worlds Top 100 Combat Power Tournament of All Realms" to be held in the Four Seas.

In recent months, large numbers of people living in a certain country or island on the 'Grand Line' have been continuously pouring into the East Blue, South Blue, West Blue, and North Blue through the Calm Belt on both sides of the sea aboard the steel cruise ships of the 'Flamingo Shipping Company'.

Certainly.

Some wealthy and powerful people prefer to travel by airship, flying over at an altitude of 7,000 meters.

To be honest, there's really no need to make a special trip to Four Seas.

Because once the preliminary rounds begin, they won't be able to get close to the island where the competition is taking place, and they'll still need to watch it via a live stream on Den Den Mushi.

But these people felt that by personally going to the East Blue and staying temporarily near the islands where the competition was held, they could experience a stronger sense of participation and atmosphere.

Perhaps there will be a chance to meet the winning contestants?

"That's Yasnaya Island! It looks pretty big!"

On a small boat, four young men stood on the deck, using binoculars they had bought beforehand to gaze at the lush green islands in the distance.

However, there were five or six Marine warship and more than a dozen construction boats that were evacuating near the island.

"Yes, Yasnaya Island was originally a medium-sized uninhabited island, but it was later chosen by the World Government as the venue for the East Blue preliminary rounds. It should have just been renovated."

Edmond looked more mature, answered Aramis in a hoarse, almost lisping voice.

Aramis, holding a half-empty bottle of red wine, let out a burp reeking of alcohol, and glanced at the dozens of ships on the surrounding sea that were also observing the island's environment.

"There are quite a few people wanting to participate. I wonder how many talented individuals this preliminary round has attracted—could it be over a thousand?"

"Cut--"

At this moment, the tall, muscular Sherlock snorted, "Didn't William say before that there would be at least tens of thousands, which is why he told us not to participate?"

"Indeed, it's extremely dangerous that only one hundred out of tens of thousands of people can travel to the Grand Line to participate in the one-on-one top 100 tournament."

Edmond said in a deep, mature voice.

Everyone knows that the 'Combat Power Tournament' can be deadly; participants are required to sign a life-or-death contract when they register, which alone has deterred many timid and insecure individuals.

Despite this, nearly 10,000 people still chose to participate in the preliminary selection!

"Hehehe, actually I think that with William's strength, even if we participate, he should be able to protect us and get us through smoothly."

Aramis looked at the silent young man in black with a mix of seriousness and jokingness and teased him.

The rewards for being among the top 100 are simply too tempting.

"It's difficult."

William lowered his binoculars, his cool gaze fixed on Aramis, and said expressionlessly, "If this preliminary selection is limited to people from the East Blue, then with my abilities, I certainly can."

"But as you also know, there are many experts from the Grand Line among the contestants, some of whom have definitely mastered Haki. If I were to encounter them, I wouldn't even have the confidence to handle them myself, let alone protect you."

Aramis realized that what the other person said made sense, so he could only sullenly tilt his head back and gulp down the wine.

"Don't be too disappointed, kid. Didn't William say before that once our strength reaches a certain level, we can definitely participate in the next 'Combat Power Tournament'?"

Edmond patted the other person on the shoulder to comfort him.

Sherlock laughed loudly, "That's right! As long as William successfully becomes one of the 'Top 100,' he can bring us more resources, such as Physical Arts, Haki, or even Devil Fruit, or good things from Otherworld!"

The ship beneath their feet was circling Yasnaya Island, while William carefully observed every corner of the island.

He discovered that the island not only had the original jungle, but also other specially modified environments, including towns, deserts, rivers, and possibly even swamps.

According to the competition rules published in the newspaper, all contestants will be divided into four large groups based on the number of participants, and then they will go to the island every three days for preliminary selection.

Finally, the top 400 contestants from each group will compete in a fifth round to determine the final 100 'Top 100 Contestants'.

"This is truly an extremely brutal battle royale format. Is it meant to prepare us for the atmosphere of Otherworld warfare in advance?"

Just as William was muttering to himself, Sherlock, who was standing behind him like a bodyguard, suddenly spoke up and asked him a question.

Actually, there's something I've been wanting to ask you.

William turned his head in surprise. "Tell me."

Sherlock took a deep breath and said, "Actually, if we want to become stronger and participate in Otherworld, we can just join the army. That way, we won't have to participate in such dangerous competitions."

"And with your abilities, William, both the Navy and the Army would be vying for you, wouldn't they?"

William remained silent, letting the sea breeze caress his face. The other three all turned their gazes toward him, awaiting his answer.

A moment later.

William gazed at the distant Marine warship and said...

"Someone like me isn't suited to the military; I'm better suited to a dark life of pursuing personal gain amidst deceit and bloodshed. So all I need is that 'Star Gate Pass'."