The Fall of the Lizard King

Hanafza, the Lizard King, has served as an arms dealer under Kaido of the Beasts for many years.

However, even Kaido and his Three Calamities were unaware that some of the materials researching Lineage Factor had been intercepted by Hanafza for his own ambitions.

Hanafza, who was obsessed with Ancient Zoan, especially Ancient Lizard Species, actually managed to do some research by using the remnants of the Ancient Zoan he obtained from the Lizard Fruit, along with some research data leaked by Vegapunk.

He regarded this research as the capital for conquering the world and overthrowing the World Government.

A massive black iron meteorite fell from the sky, and Ace, whose form was like flames spreading out, flew into the air, beads of sweat seeping from his forehead.

"Oh? You're just a kid from the outer sea, yet you managed to dodge that attack. You're only getting the better end of the world because of your Devil Fruit, it's Logia after all..."

"However, your struggles are meaningless before me, who has transformed into the ancient Lizard King!"

"Fire Fist!"

Whew! Whew! Whew!

The towering waves of fire surged forth again, but were instantly separated by Hanafza, who was imbued with Armament Haki and wielding his chain hammer with ferocious power.

"Useless, useless, useless! How long can you even stay in the sky, kid!"

The purplish-black mist emanated from the mouth of the ferocious-looking lizard, and its intensity increased each time it touched the lizard's carcass on the ground.

In the blink of an eye, the entire island was completely shrouded in poisonous fog. Only the Spade Pirates members who managed to escape the island and the surviving islanders remained safe and sound, far from the coast.

"Captain, if things get really bad, we should retreat immediately. We're no match for that monster; we can't win!"

"Hmph, trying to escape? Now that you know my plan, don't even think about getting out of here!"

Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!

Hanafza's former subordinates, whose lizard transformations had failed, were thrown like boulders at the distant pirate ship.

"Hey, Hanafza, what are you doing to my lovely crew? Your opponent now is me! Mirror Flame!"

Its entire body was engulfed in flames, and a towering wall of fire rose into the air, incinerating the man-made 'poison gas bomb' that was trying to attack the distance.

"Kid, while Logia may reign supreme in Paradise, this is New World. Your Elementalization is meaningless in front of me..."

"As for you, how much stamina do you have left to maintain your Elementalization? With your abilities, I might be able to recreate the fire lizards that live on the Red Line, hahaha!"

Hanafza, who already regarded Ace as a trophy, laughed loudly. As the Spade Pirates ' ship gradually sailed away, Ace lowered his eyes.

"Indeed, my stamina can no longer sustain a prolonged battle. So, let's settle this with a single blow. Are you ready to meet your end, Lizard King..."

"If you can do it, then give it a try, kid!"

Thick, light-colored hair cascaded freely as Hanafza swung his scythe into a full moon, wisps of poisonous gas swirling around it.

"Lizard Poison Scythe!"

The wildly extending chains constantly shifted their attack trajectories with a flick of the finger, their target always locked onto Ace in the sky.

"Don't even think about running away, you can't escape!"

"Who would hide? Since I can't stand on this island covered in poison gas, I'll burn all the poison gas to ashes. I haven't even waited for my brother to set sail yet, how could I possibly be defeated here? Flame Ring, Flame Emperor!"

Spiral flames shot into the sky, running parallel to the dim sun shrouded in poisonous gas.

"Turn to ashes with Flame Emperor Yan, Lizard King."

A blazing sun descended from the sky, its explosive Huo Guang burning everything in their path and spreading across the land.

In the distant laboratory, countless flammable and explosive raw materials were mixed into the flames, causing a secondary explosion that splattered countless sparks, making the already Kuma fire linger for a long time.

As the Huo Guang subsided, a wave of intense heat filled the air. Ace, standing amidst the inferno, gently dusted off his cowboy hat.

"I don't care whether you conquer the world or not, but my brother and I made a promise to meet again among the strongest pirates. I can't let you stand in my way."

"Captain! Captain! The captain won! The captain defeated the Seven Warlords of the Sea!"

At this moment, Hanafza, who was lying on the ground, opened his eyes, his golden vertical pupils flashing with madness.

"Kid... don't be so smug. Kaido of the Beasts, that real monster won't let you off the hook, because... you've completely destroyed half of his sales. The dignity of Four Emperors Four Emperors be insulted!"

"Oh, the Four Emperors? In other words, if I can defeat the Four Emperors, I can stand at the top of this world, right?"

At that moment, Hanafza's smile was eerie, even carrying a hint of instigation.

"If you've got the guts, go ahead and try, kid. Kaido of the Beasts is in Wano Country. If you can defeat him, you can become the Emperor of the Sea, provided you can actually do it..."

Splash splash splash splash!

The sickle stretched out like a hook, and Hanafza, who had jumped into the sea with all his might, sneered.

"I'll be waiting for you in hell, Fire Fist Ace."

Ace's expression turned solemn as he watched Hanafza jump into the sea.

"I will Teuchi Kaido and send him to hell to meet you, Lizard King."

"Captain, Captain, are you alright?!"

"Ah, let's set off immediately, destination Wano Country, next we'll challenge the Four Emperors, brothers!"

The Spade Pirates crew. "Eh eh eh eh eh!!!!"

Let's return to the present, inside the Fleet Admiral's Office.

"Fire Fist, Portgas D. Ace, yet another guy with a 'D' in his name, and he even managed to defeat Hanafza, which saves us a lot of trouble."

Sengoku murmured to himself, his gaze unconsciously drifting to Garp beside him, who was pretending to be asleep with his face covered by a newspaper.

"Thank goodness this guy isn't named Monkey D. Ace, otherwise I would have thought it was your doing again, Garp..."

The expression hidden beneath the newspaper was faintly awkward. Strictly speaking, he had indeed taught Ace for a period of time and even treated him like his own grandson.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, the current problem is what to do about the next Seven Warlords of the Sea? Should we send an application to them?"

Onigumo's face showed obvious embarrassment, and he had no choice but to quickly change the subject and push it to the selection of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

"D, then follow the usual procedure and send an application to Portgas D. Ace. If he refuses, increase the bounty by 100 million Beli."

Having finalized the matter, Onigumo quickly left. Before he could leave, a hurried figure rushed into the office.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, something terrible has happened! All the surveillance equipment that CP9 planted on the Uchiha Huayue ship has malfunctioned, and we have completely lost the ability to determine the enemy's location!"

"What did you say!"