On the Verge of Eruption

Gran Island was an island located in the southern part of the New World. From a bird's-eye view, it resembled a long, slender loaf of bread laid across the sea. Its size could only be considered below average within the New World, but its pleasant natural environment and climate had allowed its inhabitants to establish a small kingdom long ago.

Small nations like this were as numerous as stars in the New World. They easily became targets for pirate invasions and could be wiped out in the blink of an eye. To survive and endure, they could only cling to the greatest powers of the New World—the Four Emperors.

This island had originally been protected by the Whitebeard Pirates. However, after the Marineford War, Blackbeard swiftly seized it by force. Together with two neighboring islands taken at the same time, it now formed an outer island-chain defensive line.

After the Corrupt King Avalo Pizarro volunteered for the task, Blackbeard placed the three islands under his authority. On one hand, Avalo Pizarro wanted to earn Blackbeard's trust; on the other, his possessiveness made him greatly enjoy the thrill of ruling.

Gran Island

"Lord Avalo!"

A guard hurried in from outside. "Something terrible has happened!"

"What do you mean, something terrible?!" Avalo Pizarro, his face slightly flushed, glared fiercely. The smell of alcohol wafted from his mouth as he spoke.

The guard was terrified, nervously gripping the shaft of his spear. "Maple Bamboo Island was hit by a surprise attack... It's been occupied by a pirate crew!"

"Who? Who did this..." Avalo Pizarro rose to his feet, a chilling edge in his voice. "What exactly happened?"

"I-I don't know..." A bead of cold sweat rolled down the guard's temple as he swallowed fearfully. "...The officials who know what happened are waiting