[D.S] Ch 6~10

6: Garp's Strongest Move: Galaxy Divide

— — — — — — 

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, what in the world is going on here?"

A Rear Admiral who had followed in looked utterly bewildered. The prison building had looked twenty meters tall from the outside, yet inside its walls now towered over a hundred meters. Whoever designed this place had to be insane.

"Some kind of Devil Fruit user… either storage or space Devil Fruit," Sengoku muttered grimly. His body shimmered, bursting into golden light as he transformed into a massive golden Buddha. With one step he lunged forward and slammed his fist against the wall.

BOOM!

The impact shook the ground, but Sengoku froze in disbelief. He hadn't gone all out, but even so, a prison wall shouldn't have shrugged off his strike. What the hell was this made of? Seastone?

"Fleet Admiral!" Several vice admirals hurried over.

Sengoku glanced at them, jaw tightening. "Everyone inside with me! Capture Roger at all costs!" His expression darkened. How had the intruders even gotten in here? What were the Marines outside doing—sleeping? But then again, he had been outside too. That thought made his face even blacker, and he unconsciously quickened his pace.

Inside, Ramiris had already noticed the intruders. "Rimuru, they're in. How much longer do you need?"

Rimuru glanced at Roger, whose body was cocooned inside a giant slime. He wasn't exaggerating—every single cell in Roger's body except for his brain had been replaced. The poison that had ravaged him was terrifying, burning away nearly all his vitality. Most of his cells had been utterly dead. The fact that Roger had survived this long was a miracle.

Now, using his Mimicry ability, Rimuru had swapped Roger's decayed cells with his own recreated ones. When Roger finally woke, his strength would be higher than ever. But fusing body and spirit took time. He wouldn't be waking up soon.

Rimuru absorbed Roger into his own body for safekeeping, then looked at Ramiris. "I'm done here. What about you?"

Ramiris grinned mischievously. "I think I'll go play with them for a bit."

Rimuru sighed. "Don't overdo it."

"Got it!" she chimed, then zipped off.

...

Outside, the battlefield was chaos. Milim Nava was still tearing through the Navy ranks. It wasn't a massacre—she'd held back from killing anyone—but the wounded were piling up fast.

Garp was sent flying again, smashing through dozens of houses. Coughing and sucking in air, he clawed his way out of the rubble. Watching the pink-haired girl casually knock out vice admirals one after another, he swore under his breath. "What kind of monster is this?!"

A sudden shadow fell over him. Garp rolled aside just as another building collapsed, crushed by the body of a vice admiral Milim had swatted away.

"Galaxy Impact!"

Snarling, Garp wrapped his fists only in Armament Haki and charged.

"Hmm?" Milim caught his punch with one hand. She was about to smash him into the ground when a blast of molten magma shot straight at her face.

She didn't flinch. Instead, she rammed her head straight into it.

BANG!

The magma exploded apart. Sakazuki staggered backward, his body covered in burns, blood gushing from split skin.

"Damn it!" Garp didn't care much for Sakazuki personally, but watching a Marine be toyed with like this still burned his pride.

"Galaxy Divide!"

Garp unleashed his full strength, his fist tearing the very air as space itself seemed to twist under the pressure. His blow crashed into Milim's stomach, blasting her across the ground. She skidded for hundreds of meters, the streets erupting in shrapnel and stone.

"Huff... finally, I... Fuck" Panting, Garp looked up—and his eyes went wide. Out of the dust walked Milim, completely unharmed.

Impossible. That punch could sink an island, yet she had taken it head-on without so much as a bruise.

Milim tilted her head, intrigued. "Not bad. You actually managed to knock me back. Even if it was a lucky shot, I'll give you credit. I'm a Dragonoid, you know, and with all this magic flooding my body, my physique is one of the toughest among Demon Lords. Aside from Rimuru, nobody's sturdier."

She grinned at him. "Hey, I'm Milim. The Destroyer—Demon Lord Milim Nava! What's your name?"

"Garp. Monkey D. Garp," he said, fists still raised. "Just a Marine. Nothing more. You're here to break Roger out, aren't you?"

"Pretty much. Though Roger's already safe." Milim shrugged. "By the way, want to be my subordinate? I'll give you any treasure you want."

Garp blinked, then shook his head firmly. "Sorry. I'm used to being a Marine. All I want is to keep the seas peaceful and knock around some pirates. As long as I can buy donuts, I've got enough."

"Really? That's too bad…" Milim pouted. "Rimuru's got tons of amazing people working for him. I wanted some strong followers too."

"Rimuru?" Garp's brow furrowed. "Who's that?"

"My best friend!" Milim said proudly. "The greatest, smartest, strongest friend in all the worlds. He's the one who decided to save Roger!"

Then she stretched. "Anyway, this has gone on long enough. Guess I'll wrap it up now."

She slipped a ring off her finger.

Garp frowned. Finish this in one move? Not a chance. He glanced at the battered vice admirals around him, at Zephyr still standing with difficulty, and at Kong lying unconscious in the rubble.

The moment the ring came off, the air itself roared. Magic burst upward in a tidal wave, pressing down on the battlefield like a mountain. Every Marine below vice admiral rank collapsed instantly.

Only Garp and Zephyr remained standing, their bodies trembling under the crushing weight.

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7: The Jura-Tempest Federation

— — — — — — 

"What kind of monstrous power is this…!" Garp and Zephyr's minds went completely blank as the overwhelming aura of magic swallowed all of Loguetown. The pressure didn't just linger; it kept spreading outward in waves, cutting down people like wheat before a scythe.

"Ahhh, that feels good," Milim stretched lazily, letting out a satisfied sigh.

Garp, forcing the words out through the crushing weight bearing down on him, managed to ask, "That ring… what the hell is it?"

"The ring?" Milim tilted her head and lifted her hand, grinning as she wiggled the piece of jewelry on her hand. "Oh, you mean this? It's a gift from my bestie. It's called the Dragon Seal. My magic power is way too much for this world to handle, so he gave it to me to suppress it. Normally it keeps me down to about a tenth of my strength. Which means—" her eyes sparkled mischievously, "—right now I'm ten times stronger than I was before."

The cheerful smile on her face sent a chill straight through both Garp and Zephyr. Just a moment ago she'd already been terrifying enough to singlehandedly wipe out the entire navy. And this was her… holding back? At ten times that power, she could probably erase the World Government itself if she felt like it.

Before either man could react, Milim vanished from sight. Darkness swallowed their vision, and then nothing.

When the dust settled, two enormous craters scarred the ground where the admirals had stood. Milim, humming happily, slipped the ring back onto her finger.

"Time to go find my bestie. He's definitely going to praise me for this! Heehee. Off I go!" With that, she shot into the sky like a meteor.

The funny thing was, Milim could still defeat them even with her ring on. But the one thing she picked up after all that time gaming, reading manga, and other stuff was the path of the greatest— Aura Farming.

---

Inside the prison labyrinth…

Sengoku was breathing hard, his robes in tatters and his Marine cape long gone. He looked utterly disheveled.

Towering in front of him stood a massive humanoid war machine, its metallic surface glinting strangely. Twin cannons bristled from its back, and it wielded two enormous swords crackling faintly with energy. Whether at close range or long, it was built to dominate.

Sengoku's mood was foul—beyond foul. Since entering this twisted labyrinth, they had been ambushed nonstop: man-eating plants, boulders falling from nowhere, hidden darts, flamethrowers. Worst of all, their Observation Haki had been sealed, leaving them blind in hostile territory. They had wandered aimlessly, unable to escape. By now, Roger was almost certainly gone.

Grinding his teeth, Sengoku raised his hand. "Everyone, with me. Let's take it down!"

"Impact Wave!"

Golden ripples erupted from his palm, compressing the air until it detonated in raw force. The machine was hurled back and slammed into the wall. The vice admirals immediately followed up with their strongest attacks.

"Tempest Kick Overlord!"

"Finger Pistol Gun Mode!"

"Two-Sword Style: Infinite Slash!"

Blow after blow rained down. The machine finally sparked, shuddered, and collapsed into a smoking heap.

But the Marines were barely standing. They had fought through more than ten different monsters already, their stamina and morale nearly drained to nothing.

Then the labyrinth's walls began to twist. The fallen robot faded away like a mirage.

Sengoku's brow furrowed sharply. They were in no condition for another battle. If something stronger appeared now, it could mean deaths—and that was unacceptable.

But no new monster came. Instead, the walls continued to ripple until the maze dissolved, leaving behind the familiar prison. The surroundings were quiet again, eerily so.

"It's reverted… which means Roger's already been taken," Sengoku muttered. The fleeting relief drained from his face, replaced by grim resignation. Without another word, he strode toward the cell where Roger had been kept, the vice admirals trailing silently behind.

When they reached it, the cell was empty. The seastone bars had been cleaved apart. Sengoku's hands trembled with fury, veins bulging on his fists. He inhaled slowly through his nose, forcing the anger down, then turned and walked away in silence. The vice admirals exchanged glances, but none dared speak. They simply followed.

"....."

Outside, the scene froze them all in place.

Every single Marine in the area lay sprawled unconscious. Loguetown itself was a wasteland of collapsed homes and ruined streets, each crater and shattered wall testifying to the ferocity of the battle.

Sengoku's gaze fell on the twin massive pits carved into the earth. His heart lurched. He leapt down into one and found Garp, battered but alive. Relief washed through him as he checked the man's pulse.

"Contact the World Government," Sengoku ordered coldly, hoisting Garp onto his shoulder. "Tell them what happened here. Have them send reinforcements immediately."

His thoughts were heavy. Who were these people? To defeat Garp, Kong, and Zephyr all in such a short time—could any human even accomplish that?

Sengoku's expression darkened. Roger's rescue would shake the world. The Government's authority would plummet, and with it, the Marines' power to maintain order.

The seas would not know peace again.

Carrying Garp, Sengoku walked in silence. This enemy was far beyond anything they had been prepared for.

— — —

Jura-Tempest Federation

"Where am I? What is this place?"

Roger rubbed his forehead. A dull ache lingered there, but that was nothing compared to the shock that followed when he looked down at his own hands.

Strength. Real strength. Power he hadn't felt in years.

Ever since he'd been ill, his body had wasted away day by day, until even lifting his arms had become an effort. By the end, he'd almost lost everything. Even if the Navy hadn't executed him, he doubted he would've lasted another day.

But now… his body thrummed with energy.

Roger stood, flexing his fists, feeling the raw vitality coursing through him. His lips curled into an unrestrained grin. No one truly wants to die. He'd wanted to live—live for his wife, for his friends. Once, that dream had been nothing but an unreachable fantasy. But now… now it might actually be possible.

He walked to the window, pushed it open, and was greeted by blinding sunlight and a sight that stole his breath.

A sprawling city stretched out before him, vast and magnificent, filled with towering buildings and bustling streets. But what shocked him most wasn't the city itself—it was who walked its streets.

Not just humans.

Werewolves strode through the markets. Elves with delicate wings flitted overhead. He even spotted pig-headed humanoids haggling over produce. High above, a massive dragon circled lazily, casting its shadow across the skyline, while gargantuan centipedes—each hundreds of meters long—crawled through the avenues, carrying groups of people on their armored backs like living caravans.

"What in the world…?" Roger whispered, eyes wide, almost dazed.

"Guest, you're awake?"

A soft voice startled him from behind.

"What—?!" Roger spun around. He hadn't even noticed anyone approaching.

A girl with long pink hair stood before him, a gentle smile on her lips. Small horns peeked out from her forehead.

"My name is Shuna," she said warmly. "I'm Lord Rimuru's secretary. I've been tasked with taking care of you."

"I see… thank you. Such a beautiful and kind young lady," Roger said with a laugh, genuinely grateful.

Her smile softened. "Thank you for the compliment. Lord Rimuru is waiting in the office. Please follow me."

Roger trailed after her as she led the way, making small talk along the path.

"So, Shuna… would you be free for dinner sometime?" Roger asked with his trademark grin.

"Huh?"

Before she could answer, a sharp, hostile voice cut in.

Roger turned his head and found himself staring into the fierce eyes of a red-haired young man radiating murderous intent.

"Did I… say something wrong?" Roger asked nervously.

"She's my sister," Benimaru said flatly, his glare like a drawn blade.

"Uh…" Roger scratched the back of his head, realizing his blunder. Flirting with someone's little sister right in front of them—yeah, not his brightest moment. He gave a sheepish laugh.

"Hmph." Benimaru snorted coldly, stepped directly between Roger and Shuna, and didn't look back. His very posture screamed: 'Anyone who touches my sister dies.'

Roger wisely shut his mouth and followed in silence.

Along the way, humans, elves, and beastmen alike greeted Benimaru and Shuna with respect. Both returned every greeting warmly. It was clear they were deeply loved by the people here.

Before long, Roger was led into a massive council chamber, already crowded with figures. At the head of the table sat Rimuru, listening to reports from subordinates with the casual authority of a ruler. Of course he was—he wasn't just any Demon Lord, but the monarch of this entire nation. After being away for so long, it was only natural he'd be buried in state affairs.

"Roger! You're finally up!" Rimuru called out happily. "Come, sit here."

Roger nodded and took the seat beside him.

"This is Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King," Rimuru introduced with a smile. "In his world, he's a legend. A man truly worthy of respect."

Roger chuckled awkwardly, then turned to Rimuru. "Rimuru, what exactly is going on? Why am I here? And… what is this place?"

"Could you not throw all your questions at once?" Rimuru sighed with mock exasperation. "You've been unconscious for three months. This is another world entirely—my kingdom, the Jura-Tempest Federation."

"Another world?" Roger blinked, baffled. "What do you mean… another world?"

"This isn't the world of One Piece," a tall, elegant man beside Rimuru explained. "When you collapsed, Lord Rimuru brought you here."

Roger studied him curiously. "And you are…?"

"My name is Diablo, first secretary to Lord Rimuru," the man said with a graceful bow. "I am a Demon."

Roger froze. "A… demon?!"

"It's fine, it's fine. Diablo isn't a bad demon," Rimuru interjected quickly. "Anyway, explanations can wait. Roger, everyone—today I gathered you all because there's something important to discuss. But let's wait for the rest to arrive."

"The rest?" Veldora tilted his head. "Rimuru, don't tell me you've invited all of them?"

Roger frowned. "Them? Who are you talking about?"

"The other Demon Lords, of course," Rimuru said cheerfully. "You've already met Milim and Ramiris. There are five more, and even that guy over there—yes, the one napping—is a Demon Lord too."

Roger's jaw nearly dropped. "Wait… there are this many Demon Lords? Then what about heroes? Don't tell me there are none of those. That'd be… way too depressing."

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8: The Meeting to Overthrow the World Government

— — — — — — 

Before long, a few more figures stepped through the great doors. Roger immediately felt the overwhelming aura they carried.

"Long time no see, Rimuru-chan." The speaker, a handsome man with fiery red hair, smiled faintly. "Calling us all here—must be something serious, right?"

This was Guy Crimson, one of the strongest Demon Lords, bearing the title of Lord of Darkness. Along with Ramiris and Milim, he was one of the three oldest Demon Lords. Originally he had been one of the Primordials, the Primordial Red.

"If it's nothing important, then don't waste our time." The man beside him, equally handsome but with a colder tone, cut in bluntly.

Leon Cromwell—the Platinum Saber, Guy's close friend. Once chosen to become a Hero, he had "defeated" a Demon Lord… only to become one himself. Seriously though, did this world hand out the Demon Lord title like candy? Was it like, the one who fought too long against dragons becomes a dragon himself?

"..."

Behind these two Demon Lords, a silver-haired beauty stood silently, her gaze locked on Veldora at Rimuru's side.

Veldora, never one to back down, met her stare head-on. This was Luminous Valentine, a Vampire Queen and Demon Lord in her own right, who had once fought Veldora and clearly hadn't forgotten it.

"Yes, it's something important." Rimuru waited until everyone sat before speaking. His voice was calm, but there was a weight to it. "Over the past few months, I've been traveling through the One Piece world. What I saw there… honestly, it made me furious."

His expression didn't change much, but everyone present could hear the anger in his tone.

"Oh? What kind of thing could possibly anger our kindhearted Rimuru?" Guy leaned back, intrigued. Having known Rimuru for so long, he understood his nature well. Rimuru almost never got angry. Even when they dumped endless paperwork on him, Rimuru would just grumble a little, then finish it all without complaint.

"The nobles of that world…" Rimuru exhaled deeply, steadying himself. Then he laid it all out. How nobles captured people and sold them as slaves. How they lived in luxury while common folk starved, fought over scraps, or died in the streets. How the so-called Celestial Dragons casually gunned down slaves for sport. How one of them even tried to kill a pregnant woman for no reason—and Rimuru had slaughtered that one on the spot. If not for fear of throwing the world into total chaos by collapsing its government too quickly, Rimuru admitted he would have already wiped the World Government off the map.

"Slaves?" Guy's smile vanished. The other Demon Lords, and even those simply present, fell silent.

For monsters, freedom was sacred—more precious than life itself. They could submit, even swear loyalty, as they had to Rimuru. But slavery? That was beyond unacceptable.

"…Hard to hear your own world being criticized like this." Roger let out a bitter laugh. "And the worst part is… there's no denying a single word of it."

"Roger, this isn't your fault," Rimuru said gently.

Roger had started the Great Pirate Era to shake the foundation of the World Government, hoping to weaken their grip through chaos. He did his best.

"But I'm still one of them. Everyone says a pirate is the freest person alive, yet that world is nothing but a giant cage. There's no freedom at all!" Roger clenched his fists, then forced himself to calm down. He bowed deeply to Rimuru. "Rimuru, please—help us. I know I don't have the right to ask this, but on behalf of everyone suffering under that system… I beg you."

If anyone could make the impossible possible, it was this group.

"H-hey! Roger, what are you doing? Get up already." Rimuru hurried to pull him back up, flustered. "I called this meeting precisely to help your world, you know!"

"…Really?" Roger's eyes lit with hope.

"Of course it's real." Rimuru sighed helplessly. "Sheesh, can't you let me finish a sentence? Always in such a rush. Ever heard the saying 'You can't bake a cake faster by turning up the heat'?"

"Helping to overthrow that World Government thing, huh? Not a bad way to kill some time." Guy stroked his chin with interest.

"Hmph. Pointless, but… I suppose I've got nothing better to do. Might as well lend a hand. It's just a World Government, after all." Leon frowned as he said it. Classic tsundere act—cold on the outside, but not fooling anyone.

Rimuru gave Leon a warm smile, which only made the man's expression darken. What? Was it a crime for a Demon Lord to be a little tsundere?

"Then let's get down to business." Rimuru clapped his hands lightly. "How do we topple the World Government? Who takes what role?"

The room came alive with heated discussion. Roger watched them, his chest warming, his fierce eyes softening with emotion.

"…Thank you. All of you."

— — —

Meanwhile, One Piece...

"Commander Kong, care to explain? How did this happen?"

Inside a dim conference room, the Five Elders fixed their sharp gazes on the man before them. The air itself seemed to weigh heavy, thick with invisible pressure.

Kong, his body swathed head-to-toe in bandages, sat in silence for a long moment. 

At last, he spoke. "I never imagined we'd face an enemy on that level! And it wasn't an army. Just one woman... ONE! Yet even with me, Garp, Zephyr, and a whole lineup of Vice Admirals combined… we weren't even close to being her match."

His voice grew darker as he went on. "And if my read on the situation is right, she wasn't alone."

"At least three of them. One kept me occupied, another held off Sengoku and the others, and a third pulled Roger out. Monsters only befriend monsters. To ally with creatures that terrifying… what do you expect me to do?"

The Elders' faces shifted slightly. At last, one of them spoke, hesitant. "Are you saying they were truly that strong?"

"It's worse than that." Kong's reply was firm. "When Garp and Zephyr came to, they swore the woman hadn't even been fighting seriously. When she finally did, she crushed them in an instant. At first I thought they were exaggerating. Now… I can't even picture what kind of strength that is."

"I see," one Elder muttered, his voice low. If Kong spoke the truth, then the World Government might soon face an enemy unlike any it had ever known. Its claim of being unmatched could soon crumble.

"This incident has dealt us a severe blow," another Elder said coolly. "Several kingdoms have already voiced dissatisfaction with our failure. Roger aside, what matters most now is restoring the Government's prestige. Calm the people. Show strength. Kong—take Sengoku and the others and round up as many notorious criminals as you can. We need a public show to repair the damage."

"Agreed." The others nodded.

"…Understood." Kong gave a stiff reply, then turned and left.

The room grew quiet. The five exchanged looks, the silence heavy with unspoken unease.

"Should we… inform Lord Imu?" one finally asked.

"We'd better. If Kong's words are true, this situation has already slipped beyond our control."

With grim expressions, they opened a hidden passage and disappeared into the shadows.

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9: Plan - Action

— — — — — — 

New World — Whitebeard Pirates

"Gurarara… That brat really pulled off something earth-shaking this time." Whitebeard bellowed with laughter, a massive cup of sake in his hand. "Even Roger himself probably never expected to walk away alive! Gurarara~"

"Unbelievable. Rimuru actually went and saved Roger…" Marco stared at the newspaper, disbelief written all over his face.

"Gurara… And his friend—now that one's something else. Even I wouldn't be able to pull off a stunt like that." Whitebeard's eyes narrowed, his tone carrying rare gravity. Kong, Garp, and Zephyr—each one a monster on the level of an Admiral. Against them, even he would've had no choice but to retreat.

---

Near Loguetown — a quiet island

"The Captain's been rescued!!!!" Rayleigh's hands trembled as he sat back, voice unsteady. Though Roger had chosen death on his own terms, as crewmates they could never truly accept it. But now? With Roger alive, there was still a chance. The Roger Pirates might yet sail again.

"Roger, you stubborn bastard… hurry back to us."

---

Marine Headquarters

"This failure has dragged the Navy's reputation through the mud." Kong's voice thundered across the strategy chamber, his expression grim. "Yes, the enemy was beyond anything we've faced, but we cannot allow our morale to collapse!"

"Morale?" Garp let out a bitter laugh. "How do you fight something like that? The difference in power… it was like staring into an abyss."

At his words, silence fell. Every officer present knew the truth of it.

"Enough!" Kong slammed his fist against the table. "This isn't the time for despair! Stand tall, all of you! Sengoku—give us your assessment."

"Yes, sir." Sengoku pressed his palms together, his tone measured. "Pirate activity is spiking everywhere, and our forces are spread thin. Reinforcements are urgently needed. But that's not the biggest threat." He paused. "What worries me most is—what do Roger's rescuers actually want? If they intend to use him to reach…"

"The One Piece?" a Vice Admiral muttered darkly.

No one knew what the treasure truly was. But the fact the World Government feared it enough to guard its secret at all costs… that alone said everything.

Kong's expression hardened. Even he couldn't hide his unease.

— — —

Back to Tensura World

"Alright, everything's set. Time to put the plan into action."

"Aye~"

...

"So, Roger," Rimuru leaned forward after the meeting, curiosity plain on his face. "What is this legendary treasure, anyway?"

"The One Piece?" Roger gave him a weary smile, almost pitying. "Just the filthy secrets of a rotten age, written down for the world to see."

"Proof of the sins of an old, undying bastard, that's all."

"Well, it's like this..."

— — —

One Piece World — A few hours later...

Somewhere in the East Blue, the surface of the sea rippled unnaturally as a jagged rift split open in midair. From it, several figures stepped into the world of pirates.

"So this is the area we're in charge of?" Shion gazed out at the endless expanse of ocean, then turned to her companions. "We'd better not betray Lord Rimuru's trust."

"Relax. The East Blue's probably the easiest sea to handle. For us, this should be nothing," said Hakuro with casual confidence.

Shion gave a small nod. "That's true enough."

At the same time, rifts were appearing all across the seas—the West Blue, the South Blue, the North Blue, the Grand Line. Rimuru's subordinates and the Demon Lords' followers were all spilling into the One Piece world, scattering to begin their operations.

Roger stepped out from one of the shimmering portals, his face twisted in disbelief. "Unbelievable… your guild even has the power to cross between worlds?"

"If we didn't, how do you think I got here in the first place?" Rimuru deadpanned.

Roger scratched his head, looking sheepish. "Well, it's my first time crossing worlds, so a little shock's normal, right? Wait... I didn't even know there were other worlds."

"Alright, enough chatter," Rimuru cut in. "Everyone, you've got your assignments. I'll be heading to contact old man Whitebeard. If we can bring him in, that'll be a huge win."

"Whitebeard, huh?" Roger rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Yeah… with his personality, it's not impossible. Add in his influence in the New World, and he'd make a powerful ally."

"The more allies we have, the less bloodshed there'll be… on my world's side, of course."

"Then I'll be off." Rimuru sprouted wings and shot into the sky, vanishing over the horizon in an instant.

"I'd better get moving too." Roger grinned suddenly, his eyes gleaming. "I can't wait to see the look on Rayleigh's face when he finds out. That'll be priceless." With that, he oriented himself and set off.

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10: Let’s Turn This World Upside Down

— — — — — —

East Blue, aboard a Marine warship shaped like a dog's head

Garp lounged in his chair, grumbling loudly. "Damn Roger… because of him, I've gotta work overtime chasing down pirates. So exhausting!" He sighed, then reached for a donut and bit into it slowly.

"Enemy spotted!"

Garp shot upright. His Observation Haki had just picked up a powerful presence barreling toward them.

The ship rocked violently—then stopped dead in the water.

"What's going on? Why aren't we moving?"

"No idea! Engines are running full power, but… maybe something's broken?"

"It's not a malfunction."

The voice came from the deck itself. A man stood there as if he had always been present.

"Who are you?" The officer at Garp's side nearly choked, eyes wide. His Haki hadn't sensed a thing.

Within moments, every Marine on deck had rifles trained on the stranger.

"So this is how the Marines welcome guests?" the man mused to himself, unbothered by the weapons pointed his way.

"Who are you?" Garp strode forward, his tone hard.

"You must be Vice Admiral Garp?" The man's lips curled into a polite smile. "Lord Rimuru spoke highly of you. Said you were a Marine worthy of respect. Allow me to introduce myself—Diablo, Rimuru's first secretary. I apologize for arriving uninvited."

The name Rimuru immediately triggered recognition. Garp's brows furrowed. "You're one of Rimuru's people? Like this damn Milim Nava?"

"Indeed," Diablo replied smoothly. "I came here on his behalf, to discuss something with you."

"What kind of thing?"

"We would like the Navy to withdraw from the World Government—and help us overthrow it."

The Marines froze. Shock and fear rippled through the crew. Overthrow the World Government? The entity that had ruled for 800 years? Madness.

Even Garp had to draw a deep, steadying breath. Diablo's words carried a weight that shook him to the core. "You're seriously planning to topple the World Government? And you want the Navy to help you? Do you realize that means turning the entire world against you?"

"The World Government doesn't represent the world," Diablo said calmly, his smile unchanging. "Besides, I don't see how that pitiful thing could ever stand against us. The only reason it still exists is because Lord Rimuru fears sudden collapse would throw the world into chaos and cause needless suffering. Otherwise, the World Government would already be gone."

Garp fell silent. His jaw tightened. "Do you even understand what the World Government really means?" he asked, though inwardly he suspected these lunatics didn't have a clue.

Diablo tilted his head slightly. "And do you understand what kind of beings we are? To us, the so-called World Government is nothing. As Lord Rimuru said, it's nothing but a rotting husk, clinging to survival on the edge of destruction."

"…I can't." Garp let out a long sigh. "This isn't something I can decide. If it were just me… maybe. But I have family, comrades. I can't gamble everything on your words, and I can't shoulder the price of failure."

But Diablo only smiled, as though he had expected this answer. "That's fine. Soon enough, you'll see our strength for yourself. The World Government won't last much longer. When it falls, you'll still have the choice to stand with us."

With that, Diablo vanished as suddenly as he had appeared.

Garp slumped back into his chair, staring blankly at the deck. He stayed there for a long, long time, silent.

And while Garp was busy dealing with Diablo, Sengoku—fresh from capturing a notorious pirate—was facing a similar situation of his own.

The so-called "enemy" in front of him looked like a frail young girl. But Sengoku's Haki was screaming at him. This wasn't some harmless girl. This was a terrifyingly powerful being.

"That's all there is to it," Shuna said with a calm smile, as though she hadn't just outlined something insane.

Sengoku stayed silent for a long moment, weighing her words. Finally, he asked, "Why? Why do you people want to overthrow the World Government?"

Shuna blinked, as if taken aback by the simplicity of the question. Then her voice softened. "Because this world has been shackled under the oppression of the World Government. We want to set it free."

"And what do you stand to gain from that?" Sengoku pressed, his gaze locking with hers, searching for cracks in her answer.

"Nothing at all," Shuna said without hesitation, shaking her head.

"Then why risk everything?"

"Because Lord Rimuru once did the same for us." Her smile turned tender, her voice almost reverent. "That's just who he is—always willing to help others without asking for anything in return. That kindness…it's etched into his very soul. Being near him, you can't help but want to follow."

She raised her head and met Sengoku's eyes. "You don't have to believe me. But you must never doubt Rimuru's sincerity. He never expects repayment. The ogres, the orcs, and so many others—he's given them all a second chance. And we're willing to give everything to carry out his will."

Sengoku was quiet for a long time before sighing. "If such a man truly exists, he'd make a good king."

"He isn't just a king," Shuna replied firmly. "He's our Demon Lord. Our eternal Demon Lord."

"…I can't give you an answer. And I'll pretend this conversation never happened." Sengoku turned and walked away without another word.

Shuna watched his retreating back, nodded faintly, and a glowing white magic circle flared beneath her feet. In a flash of light, she was gone.

Her next targets were Monkey D. Dragon and Bartholomew Kuma. Remuir gave her healing potions that should cure the Sapphire Scales.

---

The same situation was similar in the New World.

Right now, on the deck of the Moby Dick, Whitebeard sat across from Rimuru with a baffled expression.

"You? A tiny brat? You think you can topple the World Government? Did you skip your medicine today, or has rescuing Roger gone straight to your head?"

"You're the one who forgot your medicine, you stubborn old man!" Rimuru shot back, golden eyes blazing. "I hope you stay single forever and never find a wife!"

Whitebeard roared with laughter. "Gurararara… like you'd ever find one yourself! And at least men don't feel attracted to me."

"You—you—you… damn it!" Rimuru was practically steaming.

"Alright, enough joking around." Rimuru sucked in a deep breath, forcing his temper down. "I'm serious. Help me overthrow the World Government."

Whitebeard's face turned grave. "Are you serious, boy? That's not something to throw around lightly. The Government's stood for centuries. You don't topple that with words alone. You'll need men, resources, power. Do you have them?"

"Maybe not. But you do." Rimuru grinned innocently. He wasn't wrong—Whitebeard had one of the strongest crews in the world, countless allies, and entire nations under his protection.

Whitebeard narrowed his eyes. "And how certain are you of victory?"

"One hundred percent. Guaranteed," Rimuru said without wavering.

Whitebeard stared at him, then broke into booming laughter. "Gurararara! That's the fire of youth! Oy, lads, are you afraid?"

"Not a chance!"

"Damn the World Government, I've wanted to crush them for years!"

"Count me in! Let's turn the world upside down!"

"Quiet!" Whitebeard's voice silenced the ship in an instant. "If you're not afraid, then how could your old man ever be? Prepare yourselves—we're going to raise hell!"

(Don't be fooled by this old man… the moment he was alone with Rimuru, he made him spill his plans, his power, and even his allies—ensuring a so-called '100% win.' But that was Whitebeard: brave and fearless, yet his sons' safety was his main.)

"We are gonna crush the World Government."

"Hell yeah!"

"..."

Rimuru looked around at the cheering pirates, his chest swelling with an odd warmth. Sure, some of them had tried hitting on him earlier, but now they were throwing their full support behind him. Maybe he could forgive them. He would perhaps erase their names in his black notebook.

Maybe he will.

But then someone ruined it.

"Hey, Rimuru, quick question—if we do overthrow the World Government, will you put on a dress for us?"

The deck fell silent for one heartbeat. Then it erupted.

"Ohhh, why didn't I think of that?"

"Crossdressing Rimuru! Crossdressing Rimuru!"

"Yeah, let's make it official! We can't quit until we see it happen!"

"Hmm. I'd actually be curious myself," Whitebeard added with a grin, rubbing his chin.

"You damn bastards!" Rimuru's face twitched, black lines practically etching across his forehead. "I never agreed to that! I'll never agree to that! Not now, not ever!"

"…Eh? Well, without that, I'm not really feeling motivated anymore."

"Yeah, same here."

"Honestly, overthrowing the Government sounds kinda boring now."

That was the last straw. Rimuru exploded. "Die, you rotten bastards! I'll kill every last one of you!"

"Raphael, make sure to write these bastards ten times in my blacklist."

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