Lin Yan? Who Is This Man?

Across this sea.

In terms of strength and influence.

The Whitebeard Pirates were unquestionably unmatched!

For that very reason.

After deliberation, the Marines had decided to launch a series of operations against the Whitebeard Pirates.

The spark of the era's leading figure.

It was time to snuff it out!

Whitebeard.

Had become Sengoku's foremost target for elimination.

But how were they supposed to act against the Whitebeard Pirates, one of the New World's great overlords and one of the Four Emperors?

For the Marines, this required careful long-term planning.

Not long ago.

Because of a Dark-Dark Fruit, Satch, captain of the Whitebeard Pirates' Fourth Division, had died.

To the Marines.

That was no less than earth-shattering news.

Division commanders held pivotal positions within the Whitebeard Pirates.

Now that they had lost one division commander.

The Whitebeard Pirates' strength had weakened by another measure.

They had originally planned.

To use that as a point of breakthrough for their schemes.

But who would have thought that so little time had passed?

And the Whitebeard Pirates had already gained another fighter with division commander-level strength.

That was also the reason for Sengoku's headache.

The position of Fleet Admiral.

Really was not easy to hold.

After so much long-term planning.

The white hair atop Sengoku's head had steadily increased as well.

"Ugh!"

Sengoku leaned back in his chair.

How wonderful would it have been if someone neutral like Lin Yan.

Had been discovered by the Marines first?

"Garp, give the order. Keep a close watch on the Whitebeard Pirates' movements. Before we clash with the Whitebeard Pirates, there absolutely must not be any other unexpected incidents!"

Sengoku had never been one to dwell on regret. Though he felt regretful, that was all.

He immediately had Garp get to work.

Since they had only just received the news.

It was inappropriate to rashly issue a bounty.

They could only monitor him for now.

And wait to make plans later.

"Fine!"

Garp agreed without hesitation.

"Meeting adjourned!"

Sengoku motioned for everyone to leave.

However.

At the very instant Sengoku and the others adjourned.

Over on the Grand Line.

Things were anything but peaceful.

His rise to fame had only just begun.

Although Lin Yan had little notoriety and the number of people who knew him could be counted on one's fingers.

His lack of fame did not mean the Whitebeard Pirates lacked fame.

The Whitebeard Pirates' popularity even overshadowed the Marines'.

Across this sea.

Who would dare claim not to know the Whitebeard Pirates?

As the foremost of the Four Emperors in the New World, countless people naturally kept an eye on them.

Especially those media outlets.

After learning about Lin Yan.

They immediately went back and published the news on a massive scale, reporting the details of the Whitebeard Pirates recruiting a new crew member.

Ordinary recruitment would have been one thing.

But once they learned.

That this newcomer had forcefully boarded the Moby Dick and swept through the enormous Whitebeard Pirates in the most overwhelming manner.

In an instant.

The news spread from one to ten, then ten to a hundred.

The entire Grand Line erupted in an uproar!

Many people shared the exact same thought.

What status did the Whitebeard Pirates hold on this sea?

How strong were the people aboard their ship?

They could grab any random passerby on the Grand Line and get an answer.

Yet now.

The Whitebeard Pirates, who were at the height of their power.

Had actually been swept aside by a newcomer.

Holy shit!!!

Especially after reading the detailed reports.

Such as the accounts of how the newcomer defeated those division commanders.

Quite a few people truly sucked in a cold breath.

First, they marveled at Lin Yan's extraordinary strength.

Second, they were astonished that the Whitebeard Pirates had struck gold this time!

With such a powerful crew member joining them.

The Whitebeard Pirates' overall strength.

Would rise to yet another level!

New World.

Over with the Red-Haired Pirates.

"Lin Yan? Who is this man?"

The sun shone brightly beneath a clear blue sky.

After handing Beli to a seagull, Shanks opened today's latest headlines.

However.

The first thing he saw was precisely what had happened to the Whitebeard Pirates.

After learning that this newcomer had consecutively defeated Jozu, Vista, Izo, and many other division commanders.

Even Shanks revealed a surprised expression.

"This Lin Yan... he isn't simple!"

First mate Benn Beckman's gaze was also fixed on the newspaper.

Inside a castle.

Mihawk, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea and the world's greatest swordsman, sat with one leg crossed over the other.

His hawk-like pupils sharply scanned the newspaper in his hand.

He propped up his head with one hand, his brows deeply furrowed.

His other hand gripped the newspaper. "Lin Yan, his attainments in swordsmanship are no weaker than Vista's..."

When it came to obsession with swordsmanship.

If Mihawk claimed second place.

No one would dare claim first.

Even Red-Haired Shanks would have to step aside.

And Vista was one of the few men capable of threatening his position as the world's greatest swordsman!

Even Vista had lost to Lin Yan.

Just how far had this Lin Yan's swordsmanship... his attainments progressed?

Curiosity gradually rose in Mihawk's heart.

Marine Headquarters.

"Oh my... he actually defeated so many powerful members of the Whitebeard Pirates!"

Kizaru had only just returned to Marineford.

Yet he was immediately met with this news about the Whitebeard Pirates.

With one hand tucked into his pocket, a faint smile appeared on his lecherous face. "How truly terrifying!"

"Hmph, he's nothing more than a jumping clown. If he dares appear before me, I'll tear him apart with my bare hands!"

Behind Kizaru, Akainu finished reading the newspaper.

Flames ignited around his fist.

The newspaper turned to dust beneath the magma's intense heat.

The dim firelight reflected off Akainu's cold face!

Totto Land.

Whole Cake Island.

"Mamamama~ Mamamama~!"

"Whitebeard, you've held the title of foremost among the Four Emperors for many years, haven't you? You've really grown more pathetic with age."

"It's about time you gave up that title!"

After reading the newspaper, Big Mom shook her head repeatedly.

She had never expected.

That the Whitebeard Pirates, whom she had not had dealings with for so many years.

Had grown so weak.

Just some random newcomer.

Had swept through their enormous pirate crew.

Wano Country.

Onigashima!

"Wororororo!"

"Have the Whitebeard Pirates already fallen to this state? Sure enough, once a man gets old, he's useless!"

Kaido raised his chin, stared at the newspaper in his hand, and took a swig of liquor.

His eyes were filled with arrogance.

He had coveted the position of foremost among the Four Emperors for a long time.

It seemed.

That before long.

An emperor of the sea might have to abdicate!

At that thought.

A vicious glint flashed through Kaido's eyes!

The first half of the Grand Line.

Banaro Archipelago.

Blackbeard dragged his exhausted body out of the ruins step by step, his gait unsteady.

Beads of cold sweat continuously dripped to the ground.

Blackbeard looked incomparably bedraggled.

However.

Compared to his own wretched state, Blackbeard instead burst into wild laughter:

"Zehahahaha—!"

"Second Division Commander, Second Division Commander, you never expected to end up like this, did you!"

Beside Blackbeard.

A man lay on the ground.

He was covered in blood and severely wounded.

Dark material covered his entire body.

Behind him.

The Whitebeard Pirates' distinctive tattoo was emblazoned across his back.

He was the current captain of the Whitebeard Pirates' Second Division.

Fire Fist Ace!!!!