Alubarna, the capital of Alabasta.
Today, hundreds of thousands had gathered in this desert capital. The royal army, the rebels, civilians, merchants... everyone was waiting for an outcome.
Three days earlier, news that Fire Fist Ace had defeated the Shichibukai Crocodile in Katorea had spread throughout the country. Immediately afterward, Princess Vivi had released a series of irrefutable pieces of evidence: Dance Powder purchase records, Baroque Works' ledgers, secret letters between Crocodile and the rebel leaders...
The truth had come to light.
Overwhelmed with shame, the rebel leaders had surrendered of their own accord. King Cobra had been released and resumed control.
And now, in Alubarna's central square, the king was about to publicly thank the heroes who had saved this country.
The square was a sea of people. On the raised platform, King Cobra and Princess Vivi stood side by side, with the entire Flame Emperor Pirates below them.
"People of Alabasta!" Cobra's voice carried throughout the city through an Amplifying Den Den Mushi. "The suffering of the past three years was a conspiracy. Now, that conspiracy has been exposed, and the culprit has been slain. For all of this, we must thank our benefactors-"
He pointed at Lin Yan. "Monkey D. Yan, captain of the Flame Emperor Pirates! And his companions!"
The crowd erupted in enthusiastic cheers.
Lin Yan stepped forward and took the microphone. He did not look at the crowd, but up at the sky.
"People of Alabasta, I only did what needed to be done."
His voice was calm, but it carried far:
"But that isn't what I want to talk about today."
He paused, then continued:
"Do you know why Crocodile wanted to destroy this country? Because the blueprints for the Ancient Weapon Pluton are here. And why does the World Government allow the Shichibukai to commit their crimes? Because they want Pluton without getting their own hands dirty."
The crowd fell silent, listening to these shocking truths.
"Eight hundred years ago, the World Government seized the world through conspiracy and slaughter, establishing a system of slavery with the Celestial Dragons at its apex. They fear history, so they massacred Ohara; they fear the D Clan, so they hunt down everyone bearing the name D; they fear freedom, so they practice oppression in the name of 'justice.'"
Lin Yan's voice gradually rose:
"But today, I am telling you-dawn is coming!"
He spread his arms, and an immense projection of the Double D Flag rose behind him, covering the entire square!
"The will of D is the will of freedom, the will of resistance, the will that ushers in the dawn!"
"I, Monkey D. Yan, swear in the name of the Flame Emperor-"
He drew Flame's Protection and pointed its tip at the sky:
"One day, I will overthrow the World Government! End the rule of the Celestial Dragons! Establish a new era of true freedom, equality, and justice!"
"For that, I need strength! I need companions! I need everyone unwilling to suffer oppression to rise up!"
As his words fell, the entire square was silent.
Then, earth-shaking cries erupted:
"Flame Emperor! Flame Emperor! Flame Emperor!"
Princess Vivi's eyes brimmed with tears, and King Cobra bowed deeply.
At the edge of the square, several cloaked figures quietly departed.
They were World Government spies and had to report immediately.
On the platform, Lin Yan sheathed his blade and turned to Cobra:
"Your Majesty, as agreed, I will enter the royal tomb and take the Sun Tablet."
"Please do." Cobra nodded. "Lady Solar left it behind. It should rightfully be returned to her descendant."
That afternoon, Vivi led Lin Yan, Ace, and Robin deep into the royal tomb.
After passing through layers of traps, they reached the Sun Chamber.
It was a circular stone chamber with a stone pedestal in its center. Above the pedestal floated a golden tablet-one of the Sun Tablets.
Ancient writing was carved on the tablet, and Robin deciphered it:
[One of the Sun Tablets. Witness: the royal family of Alabasta. When all four tablets are gathered, the Nika Temple will open, and the Sun God's legacy will pass to the true 'Emissary of Dawn.']
Lin Yan stepped forward and reached out to touch the tablet.
The tablet turned into a streak of golden light and merged into his pendant. The sun design on the pendant grew brighter, and new text appeared on its back:
[Progress: 2/4]
Two remained, in Wano Country and on Fish-Man Island.
"Where are we going next, big brother?" Ace asked.
"Fish-Man Island first," Lin Yan said. "Then... the New World."
By the time they left the tomb and returned to the surface, it was late.
But sounds of battle came from the direction of the harbor.
Everyone rushed to the harbor and saw an astonishing sight-
The Flame Emperor was surrounded by three Marine warships, and three tall figures stood on their decks.
Marine Admirals Aokiji and Kizaru.
And... a middle-aged man in a red suit and a Justice Coat, with a cigar clenched between his teeth.
Marine Admiral Akainu Sakazuki.
The Three Admirals had all gathered in Alabasta!
"Finally here..." Lin Yan smiled. "Ace, are you scared?"
"Scared?" Ace grinned. "I'm too excited for that!"
Lin Yan stepped into the air and hovered above the harbor, facing the Three Admirals.
"The Marines' greatest fighting force, sending three Admirals for a single rookie like me... what an honor."
Akainu said coldly, "Monkey D. Yan, you have openly declared war on the World Government and incited rebellion. Your crimes are unforgivable. Today, you will die."
Aokiji sighed. "Young man, why take things this far..."
Kizaru said playfully, "How scary~ A wanted man with a bounty of 250 million actually managed to draw out all three of us~"
Lin Yan did not answer. He only slowly drew Flame's Protection.
Golden flames ignited along the blade, a phantom qilin appeared behind him, and the Four Symbols Domain spread beneath his feet.
Earth, fire, wind, and water swirled around him.
"If you want a fight, then fight."
He looked at the Three Admirals with a haughty gaze:
"Today, I'll show you-"
"These so-called Admirals are nothing special."
BOOM-!!!!!!!!!!
His Conqueror's Haki erupted at full power, tearing the sky apart and setting the sea boiling.
And at this moment, the tide of a new era would sweep across the entire world.
Before you continue