Shanks' Abyss Mark and the War for the Four Emperors

After the blow from the Goa Empire, Pirate Captains' Association the Golden Lion Shiki completely disintegrated and was no longer a threat.

Tashigi captured a large number of pirate henchmen and collected a 'large number' of pirates who had turned into mummies, falsely reporting a large number of victories to the Marine Headquarters.

The next day, Morgans' newspapers were filled with praise for Wang Shi Teddy, who was hailed as the standard of justice in this era.

Not only did they suppress the riots in Impel Down, but they also dealt with two legendary pirates, Shiki and Whitebeard, in succession during the Marineford War, and captured the officers of the Red Hair Pirates.

Now they even have to help the World Government and Marine Headquarters clean up the forces under Golden Lion Shiki's command.

It was Goa Emperor, Wang Shi Toki, who brought a rare period of peace to the Four Blues and the Grand Line.

Wang Shi was the greatest emperor of this era!

Morgans' propaganda practically portrayed Wang Shi as the most perfect and powerful heroic emperor.

After spending a passionate night with Wang Shi, Tashigi returned to Marine Headquarters.

Wang Shi quickly returned to the Floating Archipelago, took his women and subordinates, and rushed back to the East Blue to watch the world's diva's concert.

However, Wang Shi believed that even if Wang Shi, Uta would continue to wait for Wang Shi in the Goa Empire.

It wouldn't matter if the world's songstress performed for a few more days.

One day later.

It's unclear whether the information was leaked by an official from the Goa Empire or by one of Uta's staff.

The news that the Wang Shi was going to return to the Goa Imperial Capital to watch the concert of the world's diva, Uta, spread throughout the entire Goa Empire.

Countless citizens of Goa were incredibly excited, flocking from the seven provinces to the Goa Imperial Capital to await the return of their heroic emperor.

The same was true for the nobles and royalty of the various Affiliated Nation of the East Blue, and even people from the Grand Line and the South Blue rushed to the East Blue just to see this legendary emperor.

The ceremony for this triumphant return will surely be more intense and grand than the triumphant returns after unifying the six kingdoms of the East Blue and touring the Four Blues.

When the Five Elders learned that Wang Shi would rather return to the East Blue to watch a concert than come to the Holy Land Mary Geoise to be conferred the title by the Celestial Dragons and undergo the trials of the Holy Knights, they were so angry that their faces turned pale and they flew into a rage.

Red-Haired Shanks —no, the current Shanks Saint—upon learning of this news, immediately applied to travel to the Goa Empire.

He not only wanted to redeem Benn Beckman and his men from Wang Shi, but he was also worried that something might happen to his adopted daughter Uta.

In the Rights Office in Holy Land Mary Geoise.

Red-Haired Shanks' missing left hand miraculously reappeared perfectly on his shoulder.

On his forehead, a very conspicuous [Abyss] mark appeared.

On that day, under the suppression of Saint Garling and Shamrock, they personally brought Shanks before Imu and forcibly completed the second contract.

Fortunately, Imu wanted to preserve Shanks' powerful Conqueror's Haki and did not transform him into a mindless demon servant.

Otherwise, Shanks would really become Shamrock's 'good little brother' and tagalong.

However, the moment Red-Haired Shanks was forcibly contracted, his strongest Conqueror's Haki Red-Haired Shanks a tremendous change as he lost his freedom.

It remains to be seen whether Red-Haired Shanks will ever have a chance to break free from Imu's control in the future.

Otherwise, his strongest Conqueror's Haki might have fallen to the level of Sengoku the Buddha.

Even restoring both arms cannot compensate for the weakening of combat power caused by the loss of Conqueror's Haki's Haki.

"I'm going to the Goa Empire!"

Shanks, his smile completely gone, spoke coldly to the Five Elders, his expression even colder Saint Garling.

"If you continue with this temper and attitude, you will need to undergo the baptism of nobles in the Holy Land."

"This invitation mission can still be handled by Shamrock and Gunko; they are more familiar with Wang Shi."

"Wang Shi has been putting it off for so long, this time we must invite him to the Holy Land to complete the Celestial Dragons conferment and the Holy Knight trial."

"That's right! Shanks, your temper will offend the Wang Shi, so you're not suitable for missions."

"This time, Wang Shi fought wholeheartedly for the World Government, suppressing Impel Down, eliminating Shiki and Whitebeard, and even taking the opportunity to clean up the Flying Pirates' affiliated pirate crews. His loyalty to the World Government is evident."

"Most importantly, the Goa Empire is now extremely powerful, Wang Shi enjoys immense prestige."

"It would be extremely beneficial for us to have Wang Shi join the World Government and become Celestial Dragons at this time."

···

Although the Five Elders were quite dissatisfied with Wang Shi's repeated refusals, they were still relatively satisfied with Wang Shi contributions.

"I promise I will not harm the Wang Shi! And I will obey Saint Shamrock's orders!"

Shanks clenched his fists, spoke again in a cold voice, his eyes filled with anger and helplessness.

"You are supposed to obey my orders anyway. Remember, I am the deputy commander!"

"My foolish brother, you've wasted the Figarland Family's Devil Fruit. You'll have to make up for it later!"

Shamrock's lips curled into a slight smile as he watched his genius younger brother suffer a setback, a secret thrill coursing through his heart.

"..."

Shanks slowly lowered his head, offering no rebuttal. For him, this little bit of grievance and humiliation meant nothing in the pursuit of the Goa Empire.

"If you're obedient, what's wrong with taking you to the Goa Empire?"

"You should be grateful to Lord Imu for regaining the divine contract and grace, allowing you to use divine teleportation once more."

"We left a teleportation array at the CP branch of the Goa Empire."

Shamrock watched his genius younger brother bow his head, and his smile widened.

"This mission cannot be lost. If you fail to extend the invitation and displease Imu, you will bear the consequences."

The Five Elders didn't care about the brothers' entanglement; all they wanted was to see the Wang Shi ascend to the Holy Land Mary Geoise as soon as possible.

"Clear!"

"We will bring the Wang Shi back to the Holy Land."

Shamrock was full of confidence. Now that the Whitebeard Pirates, which Wang Shi was most worried about, had been dealt with, even Nefertari Vivi's sensitive identity had been resolved.

What reason would Wang Shi have to refuse to become the supreme Celestial Dragons and the Holy Knight?

There's absolutely no reason for it!

"By the way, this time Lord Imu will be meeting with both Wang Shi and Nefertari Vivi at the same time."

The Five Elders then added more details about the mission.

A few days ago, when Imu was looking at the information about the Wang Shi, he saw a picture of Vivi after she grew up. He didn't expect that this generation's Princess Nefertari would look so much like Nefertari D. Lili.

Imu suddenly felt a strong urge to see these two people and even gave the Five Elders some instructions.

"A minor issue!"

Shamrock spoke calmly again, saying that bringing one more woman was no problem at all.

Just then, there was a rapid knocking on the door of the power office.

Not long after, the head of the CP, having received permission, hurriedly walked in.

"Your Highnesses, urgent intelligence has arrived from the New World!"

"Former Shichibukai, the Tyrant Kuma, and the Jinbe, have both announced that they have joined the Cross Guild!"

"The Cross Guild officially announces the start of the battle for the Four Emperors!"

The head of the CP team read out the latest intelligence with a solemn expression.

"What?! Those two traitors!!"

Damn it!

"The Cross Guild has actually gathered so many great pirates!"