The smoke of battle had yet to clear from the Sorbet Kingdom when a piece of world-shaking news swept across the seas like a tsunami.
The Four Emperors, Marine Headquarters, the Revolutionary Army, Elbaf, and the Shichibukai-these once-hostile forces simultaneously issued a joint announcement, formally declaring war on the World Government.
The announcement was broadcast simultaneously through projection Den Den Mushi in the skies above every major island around the world.
In the enormous image, Red-Haired Shanks, Whitebeard Newgate, Revolutionary Army commander Dragon, giant prince Loki, and Marine Admirals Akainu and Kizaru stood side by side with the others.
Standing at their center was the Allied Army's commander-in-chief, Chiaki Setsuna.
This unprecedented alliance made everyone who witnessed it stare wide-eyed.
"The so-called World Nobles are the root of all evil in this world. Behind that evil stands a demon named 'Imu,' who has held power over the world for eight hundred years-"
Setsuna's steady voice spread throughout the Four Seas through the Den Den Mushi, as though a depth charge had been dropped into the entire world.
In Alabasta, an unremarkable tavern was packed with people.
The air reeked of alcohol and sweat, but everyone's attention was fixed on the news projected onto the wall.
"Can someone really live for eight hundred years?" A drunken pirate swirled his glass, disbelief written all over his face.
"All those big shots said so. Surely they wouldn't lie to us?" countered a small-time merchant wearing glasses beside him.
"Rather than that Imu or whatever..." A young girl clenched her fists, her eyes shining. "Isn't Lord Setsuna more worth paying attention to? He became commander-in-chief of the Allied Army at such a young age. Maybe he'll become the new Creator!"
Her words instantly set the tavern abuzz.
"The Four Emperors, the Marines, the Revolutionary