One Piece:Becoming the King of the World from the Rocks Era

"Jihahaha, no problem, that's settled then. We'll act together," Golden Lion said with satisfaction. "By the way, should we invite the Roger Pirates? They're quite powerful."

"No, we can't invite them. The Roger Pirates aren't aligned with us. They don't care about territories or treasure, not acting like a pirate crew at all," Li Yuan replied immediately, rejecting Golden Lion's suggestion. "Most importantly, we don't share common interests. They once allied with the Navy and World Government to eliminate Rocks. Who's to say they won't do the same to us?"

Though the likelihood of such betrayal was minimal, Li Yuan didn't want to risk even the slightest chance.

"Jihahaha, since you say so, we won't invite them. It's better to trust our former Rocks Pirate comrades," Golden Lion remarked. 

He didn't mind leaving the Roger Pirates out since it meant fewer people to share the spoils with. Besides, their current group was more than enough to raid the Celestial Dragons' treasure in God Valley.

Had the Navy possessed significant treasure, Golden Lion might have considered attacking them directly.

After their conversation, Golden Lion hung up, and Li Yuan immediately called Whitebeard.

"Gurararara, Li Yuan, what brings you to call me?" Whitebeard's hearty laughter came through the transponder snail.

"Hahaha, Whitebeard, I have something for you. I heard you defeated the Wang Zhi Pirates but lost many of your sons," Li Yuan said.

"Hmph, Li Yuan, if you're calling to mock me, don't bother calling again!" Whitebeard's laughter vanished instantly. He valued his family above all else, and Li Yuan's words touched a sore spot.

"Hahaha, Whitebeard, I'm not here to mock you. I'm here to help strengthen your sons so they can thrive in this harsh world," Li Yuan reassured.

"Hmph, my sons are well-protected by me. They'll live well without your concern!" Whitebeard retorted, taking Li Yuan's offer as an indirect insult to his protective capabilities. 

Though it was true, hearing it aloud wounded his pride.

"Hahaha, Whitebeard, stop deceiving yourself. This war was a clear lesson. No matter how strong you are, you're just one person. You can't protect all your children," Li Yuan pointed out bluntly. 

"In future wars, if someone can hold you off and send stronger enemies against your children, they'll be like sheep to the slaughter," he continued, addressing Whitebeard's deepest fears.

"Li Yuan, what exactly are you proposing? Spit it out, or I'll hang up!" Whitebeard fumed. He had reflected on the war and understood the situation, but he couldn't change the current state of the Whitebeard Pirates.

"I already said I'm here to help strengthen your children. The quickest way is by giving them powerful Devil Fruits!"

"You remember the God Valley incident six years ago? The Celestial Dragons hold a celebration every three years."

"They're holding it now, and I've discovered the location. I'm inviting you to join us in seizing the Celestial Dragons' treasure and Devil Fruits, just like before," Li Yuan revealed.

Whitebeard fell silent, not expecting Li Yuan to target the Celestial Dragons again, nor that he was so close to success. Even if he refused, others from the Rocks remnants would agree.

If he declined, other crews would gain wealth and Devil Fruits, strengthening their subordinates and widening the gap. In the next war, more of his children might die.

"Alright, I agree. When do we leave?" Whitebeard consented, eager to empower his children.

"Tonight. Keep it secret, even from your children. Bring your ships and crew from Thomas Shipyard. Golden Lion will pick you up," Li Yuan instructed, knowing Whitebeard wouldn't refuse.

After hanging up with Whitebeard, Li Yuan called Silver Axe, Branton, and others, who also readily agreed. They weren't afraid of being tricked by Golden Lion and Li Yuan because they had ships capable of navigating the Calm Belt. Even if betrayed, they could return to the New World.

Their confidence lay in their ships, unafraid of betrayal.

"Li Yuan, do we need to prepare anything?" Shakky asked after Li Yuan finished his calls, knowing this was a bold move akin to restarting the God Valley incident.

"Guard the Infinity Sea and watch the children. Keep an eye on the Navy's movements. I'll handle the rest," Li Yuan assured with a smile.

"Alright, I'll be here waiting for you," Shakky replied, understanding her role in intelligence gathering to inform Li Yuan of any naval movements in the East Blue.

At dusk, under the cover of night, Golden Lion set out with part of his aerial fleet to gather the major pirate crews from the New World and head to the East Blue.

Marine Headquarters:

"What did you say? The major pirates in the New World have disappeared?"

"What are you intelligence department people doing? Not only did you fail to notice their disappearance, but you also took three days to report it. What are you doing?" Fleet Admiral Kong raged, slamming the intelligence report onto the table.

Vice Admiral Tsuru, in charge of intelligence, could only stand by helplessly.

The New World was beyond the Navy's influence, making it difficult to track major pirates. Even reporting their disappearance within three days was considered prompt.

"Admiral, the last time something like this happened was when Rocks was alive. For instance, seven years ago, when New World pirates raided the West Blue, or six years ago during the God Valley incident!" Sengoku noted with a frown.

"West Blue raid? God Valley incident?" 

Kong's face darkened at Sengoku's words. Only something of mutual interest could unite these pirates, akin to their assembly under Rocks.

"Mobilize the Navy's intelligence personnel. I want those pirates located immediately."

"Increase searches in the Four Seas, especially the East Blue!" Kong ordered, suspecting the pirates might target the ongoing Celestial Dragons' celebration in the East Blue.

Kong also called the Five Elders, advising them to postpone the celebration until the pirates left. However, the response was a barrage of insults, as the Celestial Dragons wouldn't alter an 800-year tradition for mere pirates.

East Blue, Baladi Kingdom:

A small island nation, surrounded by numerous warships, more extensive than a Buster Call fleet. 

The Buster Call consisted of five vice admirals and their ships. Here, there were seven vice admirals and twenty warships.

Since the God Valley incident, the Celestial Dragons had increased security for their triennial celebration.

"Damn it, why are we stuck here on this mission?" 

Two Rear Admirals grumbled, gritting their teeth as screams echoed from the island.

After the God Valley incident was publicized by the World Economic News, everyone knew about the Celestial Dragons' celebration every three years.

Dispatched to encircle the Baladi Kingdom and forbidden from approaching, the Marines could only speculate on the island's horrific events.

"Watch your mouths! Those are Celestial Dragons!" 

A Vice Admiral, smoking, approached to remind the younger Rear Admirals. 

The Navy served the World Government, with the Celestial Dragons as their superiors. Criticizing them, even in jest, was unacceptable.

"Hmph!" 

The Rear Admirals stuffed their ears, choosing deafness over protest. 

Even the Fleet Admiral couldn't stop this atrocity; what could two Rear Admirals do?

"Hopefully, those pirates come here and trigger another God Valley incident, slaughtering these damned Celestial Dragons!"

On the island, amid the Celestial Dragons' massacre, even the Marines outside hoped for another God Valley.

Back then, the Rocks Pirates' attack on God Valley killed over a hundred Celestial Dragons, shocking the world.

"Look out, it's the Flying Pirates!"

Prayers from the island's people and the Marines seemed answered as Vice Admirals using Observation Haki detected a massive fleet approaching from the sky.

In this world, only Golden Lion Shiki, a legendary pirate, could make ships fly.

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