The vast battlefield fell into an inexplicable deathly silence.
Rayleigh's utterly unexpected words left everyone with no easy way to refute him.
They were even more terrifying the deeper one thought about them.
If things were truly as Rayleigh said—if Imu had planted this God Tree capable of producing Devil Fruits, using this power that could be reclaimed at any time to beguile the world—
Then she had done so to prevent the world from gathering enough strength to rebel, thereby consolidating their rule.
The method appeared exceedingly complicated, yet it was terrifying beyond measure.
Only now did they finally understand why Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King himself, had surrendered to Marine Headquarters to die immediately after returning from the final island, Laugh Tale.
He had used his life to usher in the Great Age of Pirates.
It seemed that all of it had been for the sake of revealing to the world the secret hidden on the final island, Laugh Tale.
"No, Rayleigh, you're wrong." Qin Yu gazed calmly into the void. "She scattered the Devil Fruits throughout every corner of the world not to consolidate her rule."
"It was merely to find suitable nourishment for the God Tree."
Nourishment?
Everyone present was stunned.
It did not matter whether it was Sengoku, famed as the Strategist, or the Four Emperors.
Even Rayleigh, who had just spoken so confidently, stiffened in expression.
Compared to his logical analysis, Qin Yu's words had instantly shattered the pride of every powerhouse here beyond recognition.
In their eyes, Imu had used these Devil Fruits to consolidate her rule, scattering them across every corner of the sea.
They had consumed them and borrowed this power that could be taken back at any time.
That was not something shameful.
Yet now, Qin Yu was telling