[Chat Group For The Death] Chapter 91 - 95

Chapter 91: Big Mom: I Am a Weak Woman!

In the Real World

“Katakuri!”

With a furious roar, Cracker leapt from his battleship, his long sword gleaming as he slashed down toward Lucas.

“Stop!”

Katakuri’s pupils dilated, his Observation Haki flashing visions of the immediate future. But his warning shout came too late.

“Too slow!”

Lucas grinned, his fist tightening as he punched the air. A white halo enveloped his hand before exploding outward. The power of the Tremor Tremor Fruit shattered the air like cracked glass, sending an overwhelming shockwave barreling toward Cracker.

Crack!

Cracker’s indestructible biscuit armor splintered like brittle glass under the force of Lucas’s punch, and the man himself was sent reeling, his face paling from the impact.

“Damn it!” Cracker coughed, struggling to stand. “How could you hurt me like this? Unforgivable!”

Furious, Cracker clapped his hands together, activating his Biscuit-Biscuit Fruit ability. In an instant, massive, solid biscuit constructs emerged around him, quickly assembling into towering biscuit giants.

“Shashashasha…”Cracker laughed, his arrogance returning. “I don’t care who you are—die in front of my endless army of cookies!”

Lucas watched Cracker’s bravado with a mixture of amusement and pity.

With a disdainful sneer, Lucas lightly tapped his foot on the deck. The wooden planks shimmered as they turned into liquid gold, surging beneath the biscuit soldiers.

Before Cracker could react, the deck lurched upward, tossing the entire army of biscuit giants into the sea.

“Your biscuit soldiers are decent,” Lucas said, his voice dripping with sarcasm, “but they’ve got one big weakness—they’re afraid of water.”

He stepped forward, his smirk widening. “Of course, it doesn’t matter if you know their weakness or not. Even if the conditions weren’t perfect here, I’d still show you just how useless your biscuit soldiers really are.”

Cracker stood there, dumbfounded, watching his seemingly invincible army float helplessly in the sea. His earlier confidence had completely evaporated.

Lucas chuckled. “Did you really think you could challenge a Pirate Emperor with a bunch of cookies?”

Lucas had numerous ways to deal with Cracker’s biscuit army. His top-level swordsmanship, Armament Haki, and Devil Fruit Fruit abilities allowed him to brute-force through them with ease.

And if that wasn’t enough, his Float Float Fruit ability could make the biscuit soldiers fly away like feathers. Even the Gold Gold Fruit ability could produce chains strong enough to pluck them out one by one.

“Cracker, enough!”

Katakuri’s voice cut through the tension like a knife. His tone was low but authoritative, ordering his brother to stand down before he brought more humiliation upon himself—or worse, lost his life.

Lucas turned his gaze to Katakuri, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “What a good big brother. I have to say, I admire that.”

With a casual flick of his wrist, Lucas extended an olive branch.

“How about it, Katakuri? Ever considered joining me?”

Katakuri didn’t hesitate. “I’m a member of the Big Mom Pirates. I don’t betray my crew.”

Lucas raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. “Who said anything about betrayal? You can stay with the Big Mom Pirates and still work for me.”

Katakuri frowned, his eyes narrowing. “What do you mean?”

Lucas stepped closer, lowering his voice slightly. “Bring the Big Mom Pirates under my banner. You’ll still be part of your crew—just like how the Whitebeard Pirates operate under me.”

Katakuri’s expression hardened. “Mom won’t agree to that.”

Lucas chuckled darkly. “Then let her die. What do you say?”

He leaned in, his voice dropping to a near whisper. “She’s a madwoman, Katakuri. You can’t tell me you have any real feelings for her. Sure, she’s your mother, but has she ever treated you like her child? In her eyes, you’re nothing more than a tool.”

Katakuri’s jaw clenched, his face darkening, but he said nothing.

Lucas pressed on. “From what I’ve heard, even you, her biological son, aren’t safe from her hunger. She’s eaten her own children for less. And don’t get me started on how many of her kids she’s killed just for disappointing her.”

Katakuri’s face grew even darker, but he remained silent.

Lucas tilted his head, his eyes gleaming with interest. “You’re a good brother, Katakuri. You love your younger siblings. So tell me—when you see your beloved siblings at risk of being killed by your crazy mother, don’t you feel… anything?”

“Lucas, shut up!”

Cracker snapped, his face red with rage.

Lucas raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Without warning, Lucas unleashed a burst of his Conqueror’s Haki. The overwhelming force slammed into Cracker’s spirit, causing him to scream in agony as he collapsed to the ground.

“Wait! Spare him!” Katakuri shouted, stepping forward.

Lucas withdrew his Haki, his grin returning. “You didn’t stand up to Charlotte Linlin because you didn’t have the power. You needed her protection.”

Lucas’s voice softened, but the weight of his words grew heavier.

“But now? You have the strength to protect your family. You can fight her. You don’t need to live under her shadow anymore.”

Katakuri stood still, his mind racing. Cracker groaned on the ground, his face twisted in pain. The rest of the Big Mom Pirates watched in stunned silence, too afraid to intervene.

Minutes passed.

Finally, Lucas broke the silence with a laugh. “Well! Since you’re having a hard time deciding, let me help you.”

He stepped closer, his grin widening.

“Give Charlotte Linlin a call. Let’s have a little chat—and I’ll show you her true face.”

Katakuri hesitated for a moment. But as a captive, he knew he had little choice. Reluctantly, he pulled out the Den Den Mushi and began dialing.

The Den Den Mushi connected quickly, and the unmistakable, wild laughter of Charlotte Linlin—better known as Big Mom—rang out.

“Mamamama! Katakuri, is the plan going well?” Her voice was high-pitched, gleeful.

But instead of Katakuri’s response, a different voice answered.

Lucas took the Den Den Mushi with a casual grin and said smoothly, “The plan didn’t go well. In fact, all your men have been captured by me.”

There was a pause on the other end, followed by a cold, calculating tone. “Lucas? You should be at the front of the New World. Why did you suddenly come back?”

Lucas chuckled, his tone mocking. “Old woman, you didn’t expect this, huh? I’ve got the ability to teleport. Distance isn’t a problem for me anymore.”

Charlotte Linlin let out a weird cackle. “Really? So you’ve gained another ability? At this rate, no one will be able to stop you!”

Lucas snorted, his tone turning sharp. “Cut the nonsense. You took advantage of my absence and sent people to invade my territory. What’s the deal? If you don’t give me a satisfactory explanation, I’ll kill your men right now. And then, I’ll come to Whole Cake Island to finish you off.”

There was a brief silence, then Big Mom’s voice dropped into a furious growl.

“Are you threatening me?!” she roared. “Come here if you dare! Mama not afraid of a fight! Besides, the World Government and Marine will help me out. They’ll definitely destroy you!”

Lucas burst into laughter. “You? Fighting me with Marine’s help? You do realize how ridiculous that sounds for a Pirate Emperor, right?”

Charlotte Linlin laughed, completely unashamed. “Well, well! What of it? I’m just a weak woman—I don’t care what anyone thinks. Now that you’ve got Kaido of the Beasts, if I fall too, do you really think the World Government and Marine will pass up the chance to invade the New World?”

Lucas’s eyes glinted with interest. “So, what exactly are you proposing?”

Big Mom’s voice turned shameless. “In my opinion, let’s just drop it. You didn’t lose anything anyway. Just give me back my men, and we’ll call it even.”

Lucas snorted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, you think that’s a good deal? You invaded my territory without cause, and I’m supposed to just let it go? If I don’t teach you a lesson, where’s my dignity?”

Charlotte Linlin’s voice spiked in anger. “You were the one who provoked me first! Didn’t you take The Fish-Men Island from me? You’re the one who started this!”

Lucas paused for a second.

Huh… She’s got a point.

In the Chat Group

Pirate King Roger couldn’t help but snicker.

Pirate King Roger: “Lucas, seems like you’re the one in the wrong this time!”

Ding!

Pirate King Roger has been muted for ten minutes.

Lucas: “It doesn’t matter who’s right or wrong. I mean, who in this world doesn’t have a bit of a double standard? Traitors can’t tolerate betrayal, and liars hate being lied to. Roger, don’t you think so? Doesn’t everyone think so?”

The chat group fell into silence.

Lucas smiled in satisfaction.

Lucas: “See? No one’s saying anything, which means you all agree with me. And besides, someone like Roger, who started the Great Pirate Era, has been deprived of the right to even talk about right or wrong. Can you believe a word he says? Of course not!”

He continued, his voice growing more confident.

Lucas: “Let’s talk about the real issue! The relationship between Big Mom and The Fish-Men Island was inherently unfair. I’m the light of hope for this world. How could I ever be compared to a scumbag like her?”

The group remained silent, though some of them exchanged hesitant glances in the background.

But Lucas wasn’t finished yet. He took on the tone of a political commissar, determined to re-educate his group members. After a bit of ideological pep talk, the group soon relented and reluctantly admitted that Lucas was right.

Golden Lion Shiki, eager to change the topic, asked,

Golden Lion Shiki: “Alright, group leader, why are you trying to recruit Katakuri?”

Lucas: “Because you guys aren’t strong enough.”

The group bristled at his words. What did their strength have to do with this? After all, there weren’t many weaklings in this chat group.

Even Fisher Tiger and Fire Fist Ace, who ranked near the bottom of the group, would be considered Seven Warlords of the Sea level in the wider world.

Lucas: “When facing the World Government, the strength you’ve given me so far isn’t enough.”

Whitebeard grumbled,

Whitebeard: “What do you mean? The largest armed force under the World Government is Marine. You’re telling me that Marine alone is enough to make you nervous?”

Golden Lion Shiki interjected,

Golden Lion Shiki: “It’s not just Marine. The Cipher Pols under the World Government are powerful too. For all we know, there might be agents inside Lucas’s forces right now.”

Gold Thief Woonan added thoughtfully,

Gold Thief Woonan: “I’ve had plenty of run-ins with the World Government’s agents. Some of them are as strong as Marine Admirals. They’re the sharpest spear and strongest shield of the Celestial Dragons.”

Woonan, who controlled nearly a third of the world’s gold, had more dealings with the World Government than most pirates. They had often tried to seize his wealth, sending agents to trouble him at every opportunity.

Sword God Ryuma: “If that’s the case, the World Government’s power is truly terrifying. Just counting the ones we know about, they’ve got more Emperor-level fighters than I can count on one hand.”

Lucas: “Not just five fingers—maybe even ten. Sure, the abilities you’ve given me have made me much stronger, but even with ten times more, it still wouldn’t be enough.”

Golden Lion Shiki: “That’s why you need more strong men.”

Lucas: “Powerful subordinates are important, but they’re not the most important. What I really need is a stronger chat group member! If we can bring in specialized powerhouses, then what’s the World Government going to do? Nothing.”

Chapter 92: I’ll Give You a Pair of Gold and Silver Axes

In the Real World

Lucas refocused on his conversation with Charlotte Linlin.

“Who said The Fish-Men Island is your territory?” Lucas asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Charlotte Linlin huffed indignantly. “My flag hangs there, so it’s my territory!”

Lucas chuckled dismissively. “What a load of crap! If I hung your flag over Mariejois, would that make it your territory too?”

Charlotte Linlin snarled, her voice rising in frustration. “You’re just messing around now!”

Lucas grinned. “That’s great! You finally understand my point. We’re all pirates here—what’s the point of arguing about territory? I’m not even being unreasonable!”

Charlotte Linlin’s face darkened on the other end of the line. She knew that avoiding consequences was impossible. With a begrudging sigh, she muttered, “Fine. What do you want?”

Lucas’s grin widened. “I heard you love marrying off your kids. How about me? I know you’ve got a few daughters that aren’t bad.”

Charlotte Linlin paused for a moment, clearly taken aback. “Are you serious?”

Lucas shrugged indifferently. “Of course! Isn’t it the most appropriate way to resolve conflicts through cooperation?”

Charlotte Linlin suddenly burst into gleeful laughter. “Mamamama….That’s right! Cooperation is the best way to resolve disputes. You like my daughters? Katakuri has a photo album of our Charlotte family on board. Pick one!”

Lucas chuckled. “Alright, no problem!”

As the call ended, Lucas turned to Katakuri with a sly smile. “So, what do you think? Your dear mother treats her sons and daughters like bargaining chips. I’m literally your family’s enemy, and she’s offering me your sisters like it’s nothing.”

Katakuri frowned, his face clouded with concern. “Are you really serious? You want to marry into the Charlotte family?”

Lucas waved his hand dismissively. “There are a few women in your family who aren’t bad. In terms of looks and abilities, I guess I can lower my standards.”

Katakuri’s face twitched. Lower his standards? He clenched his jaw but said nothing.

Lucas leaned in slightly, his tone light but firm. “You don’t look too happy about this. But think about it from another perspective. Following me—a stable and reasonable guy—is a much better future than sticking with that moody, crazy woman you call a mother. Right? At least with me, your safety is guaranteed.”

Katakuri mulled it over for a moment. As much as he hated to admit it, Lucas had a point. With a sigh, he reached into his belongings and pulled out a photo album.

“These are my sisters,” Katakuri said, flipping through the pages. “If you can really help them escape from this madness, I’ll be grateful.”

Lucas glanced at Katakuri with a smirk. “To be honest, your gratitude means nothing to me.”

Katakuri’s face froze for a moment before he sighed and walked off to the side, choosing silence over a pointless argument.

In the Chat Group

Golden Lion Shiki couldn’t help himself.

Golden Lion Shiki: “Are you really going to marry into the Big Mom Pirates?”

Lucas: “What marriage? It’s just an excuse to ease the tension. Both Charlotte Linlin and I know it’s impossible for us to be true allies.”

Whitebeard chuckled.

Whitebeard: “Gurararra….That’s right! Pirate alliances usually end in betrayal anyway. And that woman, Charlotte Linlin, only trusts her own family—and even then, she sees her children as nothing more than tools.”

Senju Tobirama asked curiously,

Senju Hashirama: “What about her husbands?”

Golden Lion Shiki let out a loud laugh. “Shihahaha! I know about that. Charlotte Linlin doesn’t see her husbands as family. Once the kids are born, she abandons them like yesterday’s trash.”

Senju Hashirama saw through the photo album, his eyes widening.

Senju Hashirama: “Wait, what’s up with these women in the album? Aren’t they all supposed to be Charlotte Linlin’s daughters? They don’t even look alike!”

Lucas chuckled.

Lucas: “What’s so strange about that? Do you remember Charlotte Linlin’s dream? She wants people of different races to become family.”

Senju Hashirama blinked in realization.

Senju Hashirama: “Masaka…”

Senju Tobirama narrowed his eyes.

Senju Tobirama: “Could it be…”

Whitebeard sighed heavily.

Whitebeard: “It’s exactly what you’re thinking. Charlotte Linlin marries men from different races and has mixed-race children to achieve her dream.”

Howard Stark chimed in with a laugh.

Howard Stark: “I don’t even know what to say anymore. Just looking at these bizarre women in the album, I can’t imagine what their fathers must look like. Charlotte Linlin has some... unique tastes.”

Golden Lion Shiki roared with laughter.

Golden Lion Shiki: “Shihahaha! What are you afraid of? Charlotte Linlin herself is a freak. But don’t misunderstand—she’s not just some weirdo with a weird dream. She’s an ambitious woman. She didn’t have all these kids just for fun.”

Senju Hashirama frowned.

Senju Hashirama: “While I agree her behavior is odd, I don’t think her dream is ridiculous. Wanting people of different races to become family isn’t a bad thing.”

Golden Lion Shiki scoffed.

Golden Lion Shiki: “Isn’t that dream a bit naive? It’s hard enough for people of the same race to stop killing each other. You think people of different races will suddenly become one big happy family? Idiot dream!”

Senju Hashirama responded firmly.

Senju Hashirama: “No! I believe that if people have love in their hearts and strive to understand each other, they can achieve even the most impossible dreams.”

Lucas sighed, rubbing his temples.

Lucas: “Shut up, First Hokage. Your idealism has already been proven wrong in your own world. Dreams and love are just abstract concepts. In the end, material reality always wins.”

Whitebeard laughed heartily.

Whitebeard: “Gurarararara! I agree with that. Dreams and love are nonsense in the real world. Just look at the current seas—there’s only one seat for Pirate King, but there are countless people who want it. Can dreams and love solve that problem?”

Gold Thief Woonan: “There’s too little treasure and too many people who want it. Everyone might understand each other’s desires, but so what? It doesn’t solve anything.”

Lucas: “Exactly. That’s the problem with the ninja world too. The Village want too much, but the world has too little to offer. When there aren’t enough resources, the only solution is war to reduce the number of ninja competing for them.”

Senju Hashirama: “Can’t we just create more resources?”

Senju Tobirama: “Brother, you’re way too idealistic. Some things are easier said than done.”

Senju Hashirama fell silent, his optimism dampened.

Golden Lion Shiki: “Where were we?”

Senju Tobirama: “We were talking about how Charlotte Linlin had so many kids because of her ambitions.”

Golden Lion Shiki: “Right. Charlotte Linlin is ambitious. She’s a natural-born monster with incredible talent, and her kids aren’t weak either. They might not all be top-tier powerhouses, but with enough training, they can definitely become the backbone of her pirate crew.”

Howard Stark: “So she’s basically using her talent to build a strong family?”

Lucas: “Correct. The Big Mom Pirates are built around the Charlotte family.”

Howard Stark: “That’s pretty impressive!”

Whitebeard: “Don’t forget, Charlotte Linlin is constantly looking for strong partners to breed with. She tried to harass me back when we were on the same ship.”

Howard Stark’s curiosity peaked.

Howard Stark: “Oh? And what happened?”

Whitebeard: “I refused, of course! She wasn’t happy, but I’m not someone you can easily mess with, so she gave up.”

Golden Lion Shiki: “Same here!”

Gold Thief Woonan: “She tried to harass me too, even though we weren’t on the same ship. I rejected her, but she kept pestering me.”

Howard Stark: “Wow, you guys must be pretty attractive!”

Gold Thief Woonan: “Maybe! Though I think it had more to do with me robbing her treasure.”

Howard Stark: “…”

Outside World

Lucas glanced at a photo of Charlotte Pudding in the album and turned to Katakuri with a smirk. “This one looks good. I want her.”

Katakuri looked at the photo of his sister, Pudding, with her bangs covering her forehead. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke honestly. “I should warn you—she’s a member of the Three-Eye Tribe. Under her bangs… well, there’s an eye that most people don’t find very appealing.”

Pudding had often been ridiculed by many in the Charlotte family because of her third eye. Katakuri considered keeping that information to himself, but knowing the consequences of hiding the truth from Lucas, he finally decided to be upfront.

Lucas chuckled, patting Katakuri on the shoulder. “You’re honest! I like that.” His grin widened mischievously. “Don’t leave just yet—I’ll give you a pair of gold and silver axes as a reward.”

Katakuri blinked in confusion. “Am I honest? Wait… you already knew about her third eye?”

Lucas nodded, his expression unreadable. “Don’t underestimate my intelligence network. There are very few people in this world who know more than I do.”

In the Chat Group

Golden Lion Shiki chimed in, his curiosity piqued.

Golden Lion Shiki: “I can tell from your conversation that you didn’t choose that girl just because of her looks. So, what’s the real reason?”

Lucas: “Because she’s a Devil Fruit user. She ate the Paramecia-type Memory-Memory Fruit. She can extract, delete, and modify people’s memories at will.”

Pirate King Roger : “Nani?! She can view, delete, and even alter memories? How can there be such a terrifying Devil Fruit ability in the world?”

Golden Lion Shiki : “Roger, why do you care so much about your memories?”

Pirate King Roger : “Of course I care! My adventures with my friends, chasing after dreams—those memories are the most precious treasures of my life!”

Senju Tobirama : “To be honest, that ability really is terrifying. In the ninja world, only the Yamanaka Clan has techniques to view other people’s memories. And as for modifying memories? Unless it’s a high-level genjutsu, that’s practically impossible.”

Lucas : “Don’t forget the Sharingan. It can browse through people’s memories too.”

Senju Tobirama : “That’s a special kekkei genkai, not a ninjutsu. And let’s not even talk about that cursed ability.”

Tobirama’s disdain for the Uchiha Clan and their Sharingan was evident.

Outside World

After selecting Charlotte Pudding, Lucas continued flipping through the Charlotte family album until he landed on another woman who conformed to what he considered normal aesthetics—Charlotte Galette.

“I’ll take this one too. Charlotte Galette.” Lucas glanced at Katakuri with a grin. “The only normal-looking woman in the Charlotte family. I’m intrigued!”

Katakuri hesitated, his brow furrowed. “Two? I’m not sure Mom will agree to that…”

Lucas chuckled and pointed at Cracker, who was still lying nearby in pain. “Two average daughters in exchange for two super-strong sons. I’m sure Charlotte Linlin will make the right choice.”

His voice lowered, becoming almost sinister. “Don’t forget—you’re nothing but tools to her. Isn’t it normal for tools to be traded? Two weaklings for two strong member, plus a fleet and my friendship? She’s making a profit.”

Lucas’s words hit Katakuri hard. The truth was bitter, but undeniable. Lucas saw the internal struggle in Katakuri’s eyes and decided to push further.

“If you don’t believe me, we can bet on it. Want to give it a shot?” Lucas taunted, his smile never leaving his face.

Katakuri was silent for a moment before shaking his head weakly. “There’s no need to gamble. I believe you. If you say it’ll happen, it probably will.”

Sadness flickered across Katakuri’s face. He was slowly but surely accepting Lucas’s proposal to overthrow his mother’s rule.

“Very good!” Lucas clapped his hands together, pleased. “You’re my captives now, but of course, I’m giving you the right to communicate freely.” He smirked. “When your mother brings her two daughters over, you can leave.”

Lucas didn’t allow Katakuri and the others to leave immediately. He knew how unpredictable Charlotte Linlin could be and didn’t want to give her any room to pull off a trick.

Later, on Black Arm Zephyr’s Ship

Lucas teleported onto the deck of Black Arm Zephyr’s ship. He crossed his arms, looking out over the sea before turning to the former Marine Admiral.

“I’ve already negotiated with Charlotte Linlin. Katakuri and the others are our captives now. Let your men handle the rest.”

Although Katakuri had the freedom to communicate, Lucas wasn’t taking any chances. Standard procedures still needed to be followed—like fitting them with seastone cuffs to neutralize their powers.

Black Arm Zephyr raised an eyebrow, curious. “What exactly did you discuss with that crazy woman?” he asked as he motioned for his men to secure the prisoners.

Lucas answered bluntly. “Peace.” He shrugged. “I talked to her about peace because now isn’t the time for a war with her.”

Zephyr frowned, scratching his chin. “You can beat Kaido of the Beasts, but you can’t take down Charlotte Linlin?”

Lucas chuckled, shaking his head. “I can easily kill Charlotte Linlin. But what happens after that? I’ve already taken down two of the Four Emperors. Add Blackbeard to the list, and that makes three. Do you really think the World Government will sit back and do nothing?”

Zephyr’s expression hardened as he nodded. “That makes sense. The World Government’s power shouldn’t be underestimated. Now isn’t the time for a direct conflict with them.”

Having once served as a Marine Admiral, Zephyr had an in-depth understanding of the World Government’s strength. He spoke seriously. “Maybe your power surpasses that of any Admiral or Emperor. But wars aren’t fought one-on-one. The World Government will come at you with everything they’ve got.”

Chapter 93: Top Agent, Unexpected Surprise!

“When Golden Lion Shiki stormed into Marine Headquarters alone, how high-spirited was he? But even he was defeated by Garp and Sengoku and sent to Impel Down. When it comes to dealing with pirates, Marine never bothers with rules about ‘one-on-one fights.’”

Black Arm Zephyr stood beside Lucas, his tone serious as he continued, “Shiki only managed to hold out for three days and three nights against Garp and Sengoku. But the World Government’s power? It’s far beyond anything those two could muster. You might not get killed if you face them now, but winning? That’s impossible.”

Zephyr was concerned about Lucas’s growing confidence and tried to instill a healthy fear of the World Government. But what Zephyr didn’t realize was that Lucas’s understanding of the World Government went even deeper than his own.

Lucas had no intention of making reckless moves. With the Chat Group for the Dead acting as his ultimate cheat code, Lucas wasn’t about to take unnecessary risks. He’d wait, grow stronger, and when the time was right, he’d crush the World Government without breaking a sweat.

Suddenly, Lucas’s Shadow Clone sent him a message.

“Hmm? Mr. Zephyr, I’ll leave things here to you.” Lucas turned to the former Admiral with a smile. “It’s almost wrapped up over in Wano Country. Time to finish things there.”

Then, Lucas’s eyes shifted towards Crocodile, who stood in the distance with his arms crossed.

“Crocodile, I’ve got a mission for you!” Lucas called out. “The Donquixote Family is causing trouble on my turf. I’ll leave them to you!”

Without another word, Lucas summoned a Shadow Clone and, with a flash of the Flying Thunder God Technique, the clone and Crocodile vanished.

Elsewhere—An Island at the Edge of Whitebeard Pirates’ Territory

On the outskirts of Whitebeard’s domain, Donquixote Doflamingo and his Donquixote Family were wreaking havoc.

Most of the underground forces involved in today’s chaos had been instigated by Doflamingo. As the mastermind, he couldn’t exactly keep his hands clean.

Even though Doflamingo knew that this would offend Lucas, he felt like he had no choice. After all, he had been working with Kaido of the Beasts for years. Aligning with Lucas was too risky—Kaido might have been foolhardy, but Doflamingo wasn’t that reckless.

“What was up with those fifteen Lucases who appeared out of nowhere?” Doflamingo frowned, recalling how multiple Shadow Clones had suddenly dropped from the sky before disappearing into smoke. The sight had put him on edge.

Woosh!

Before Doflamingo could gather his thoughts, Lucas’s Shadow Clone reappeared—this time bringing Crocodile with him.

“Lucas? Crocodile?” Doflamingo blinked, confused. “What the hell are you two doing together?”

Lucas’s Shadow Clone chuckled. “I’ll leave this to you.” He floated into the sky, arms crossed, watching the scene from above.

Since Shadow Clones had limited durability, the clone wasn’t planning to fight Doflamingo head-on. Instead, it would observe the battle, ready to self-destruct and relay information to the main body if needed.

Doflamingo shot an uneasy glance at the clone hovering overhead. Then his eyes narrowed, focusing on Crocodile.

“Crocodile, you bastard. What’s going on here? This wasn’t part of the plan!”

Crocodile’s eyes gleamed with disdain. “If it wasn’t for your stupid message dragging me into this mess, none of this would’ve happened. So yeah, this is all your fault.”

With a wicked grin, Crocodile raised his hand, sending a massive sandstorm tornado spiraling toward Doflamingo.

Doflamingo quickly soared into the sky, dodging the swirling sands with ease. From above, he sneered down at Crocodile. “So, you’ve thrown in with Lucas now? I never thought you’d stoop to becoming someone else’s lapdog.”

Crocodile’s grin widened. “What does that have to do with you? Now shut up and die already!”

But Doflamingo wasn’t done talking. “If you’re so willing to work for Lucas, why not work for me instead? With me, you’d be a partner. But with Lucas? You’re just a lackey.”

Crocodile barked a laugh. “You think you’ve got what it takes to make me your partner? Don’t make me laugh. Remember what I told you during the Summit War? If you want to work with me, you’d better be ready to call me boss.”

Doflamingo chuckled darkly. “You really are an unsophisticated bastard. But I’ll let you off the hook this time.”

With a glance up at Lucas’s clone floating above, Doflamingo continued, “I don’t know why, but it doesn’t seem like Lucas has any intention of attacking me directly.”

Activating his String-String Fruit powers, Doflamingo connected thin strings to nearby buildings and even clouds in the sky. Using the strings as footholds, he began to glide away from the battlefield.

Crocodile watched him retreat, a look of confusion on his face. “You’re just going to let him go?” he asked, turning to Lucas’s clone in disbelief.

The Shadow Clone chuckled. “That guy’s interesting. I’d rather let my real body handle him.” His eyes gleamed with a dangerous light. “Besides, he’s the mastermind behind all of this. It’d be disrespectful to let a mere clone take him down.”

Meanwhile—Wano Country

The Beasts Pirates and Whitebeard Pirates were locked in a fierce battle. Amidst the chaos, a group of World Government agents stealthily infiltrated the prison where Kaido was being held.

“We’ve found him,” whispered one of the agents, putting away Kaido’s vivre card. Ahead of them was a towering figure, wrapped in black seal marks. With a wave of his hand, the agent signaled the others to move in.

Suddenly, a Lucas Shadow Clone guarding Kaido’s cell smiled darkly. “Oh? A bunch of World Government agents? What a pleasant surprise.”

With that, the clone dispersed into smoke.

Immediately, Lucas’s main body appeared, using the Flying Thunder God Technique to teleport to Kaido’s location.

As he arrived, Lucas saw a group of men clad in black suits, rushing toward the prison cell.

“Scram!”

A burst of purple lightning crackled around Lucas, and his Conqueror’s Haki exploded outward in a terrifying shockwave.

Plop! Plop!

One after another, the agents collapsed to the ground, unable to withstand the overwhelming pressure of Lucas’s top-tier Haki. Despite their intense training, most of them could only stay conscious—their bodies were paralyzed by the sheer force.

Only three agents at the front remained standing. The leader’s face was pale, but his aura was terrifying, on par with a Marine Admiral. The two agents flanking him were also incredibly strong—both at least Vice Admiral level.

“Top operatives of the World Government?”

“The strongest spear and shield of the Celestial Dragons?”

“Interesting... what a surprise!”

Lucas grinned, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “Come on then, let me see what you're made of!”

With a casual flick of his fingers, he beckoned the three agents forward, his tone dripping with provocation.

The man in the lead, known as Silver Fox, sneered. As one of the World Government’s agents, his strength rivaled that of a Marine Admiral. Even the Celestial Dragons and Five Elders showed him a certain degree of respect. Very few dared to provoke him the way Lucas just did. And those who had? They were all resting six feet under, courtesy of Silver Fox.

“Go to hell!”

Silver Fox’s body crackled with electric energy as silver lightning danced across his skin, cloaking him in a shimmering lightning armor. In a blur of speed, he rushed at Lucas, aiming a Finger Pistol straight for his heart.

“Lightning Lightning Fruit ability?”

Lucas’s brow furrowed mid-dodge. “What happened to Enel? This doesn’t add up…”

But as the lightning-charged Finger Pistol collided with Lucas’s chest, it met an invisible barrier—top-tier Armament Haki. The attack bounced harmlessly off the hardened surface.

Lucas’s eyes narrowed. “No… this isn’t Logia.”

In the brief exchange, Lucas had already dissected the truth. “His body didn’t elementalize when he used his power. He’s not a Logia user at all—this is a Paramecia-type ability. Some sort of Discharge Discharge Fruit?”

Before Lucas could dwell on it further, the two agents flanking Silver Fox leaped into action. Both wore seastone knuckle dusters, aiming to restrict Lucas’s Devil Fruit abilities while attacking with devastating force.

“All three of them are close-combat specialists? This just keeps getting better!”

Lucas’s grin widened. “Come on then—let’s see what you’ve got!”

Lucas’s fists ignited with the white halo of the Tremor Tremor Fruit, blended seamlessly with his top-tier Armament Haki. Suddenly, a flicker of flame erupted from the halo, crackling ominously. As Silver Fox lunged again, Lucas responded with a brutal counterpunch.

CRACK!

The very air around them shattered under the force of the blow. Silver lightning collided violently with white shockwaves, sending flames and sparks cascading across the battlefield.

“Your strength is lacking!”

Lucas chuckled, pushing forward with an overwhelming force. The shockwave sent Silver Fox flying, his body tumbling through the air like a ragdoll.

Silver Fox coughed, feeling as though his internal organs had been pulverized. But his loyalty to the World Government burned brighter than his pain. Gritting his teeth, he roared, “I’ll hold him off! You two—release Kaido!”

His subordinates didn’t hesitate. The two agents dashed toward Kaido, whose enormous form was still shackled and bound by Lucas’s black curse marks.

“As long as we free Kaido of the Beasts,” Silver Fox growled, “we can join forces to take down Lucas!”

A mad gleam flickered in his eyes. This was their chance to turn the tide.

Lucas, however, was unfazed. “You want to release Kaido? Be my guest—if you think you can.”

With a casual stomp, Lucas activated his Gold-Gold Fruit powers. The ground beneath him rippled like liquid gold, rising into the air to form sleek, flexible spears. Their razor-sharp tips gleamed ominously, coated in top-tier Armament Haki.

“Gold Spears: Counter Kill!”

Lucas waved his palm lazily, and the golden spears surged forward like vipers, targeting the three agents.

“What’s the matter?” Lucas teased, watching them dodge in frantic desperation. “Aren’t you here to save Kaido? Don’t be shy—I’ve been waiting!”

“GO!”

Silver Fox’s eyes burned with fury. Lightning surged from his body, merging with Armament Haki as he unleashed a blast that temporarily suppressed the encroaching golden spears.

Seizing the opportunity, his two subordinates sprinted toward Kaido, their hearts pounding as they reached the imprisoned emperor.

But just as their hands made contact with Kaido’s cursed bindings, something unexpected happened.

“AAAAAHHH!”

The pitch-black seal marks encasing Kaido suddenly glowed a menacing red, and both agents recoiled in agony, their palms searing as if they’d been plunged into molten lava.

Lucas burst into laughter. “Idiots! You really thought you could undo something strong enough to hold the strongest creature in the world? You’re so naïve it’s almost cute!”

“RETREAT!”

Silver Fox’s expression shifted from confidence to panic. He waved desperately at his men.

But Lucas’s grin only widened.

“Too late.”

With a flick of his foot, the liquid gold on the ground surged once more, twisting and morphing into dozens of golden chains. They slithered through the air like serpents, honing in on the three agents.

“Gold conducts electricity, you know,” Lucas remarked casually. “But unfortunately for you, your lightning won’t get past my Haki.”

The golden chains snapped around the agents, their Armament Haki-reinforced links leaving no room for escape. The agents struggled, but the bindings only tightened.

“Since you’ve come all this way,” Lucas whispered, his voice like velvet over steel, “why don’t you stay awhile?”

Chapter 94: Auntie, Anyone Can Take You Down!

Lucas’s golden chains coiled tightly around the three World Government agents, their movements completely restricted. The top-tier Armament Haki infused into the chains made it impossible for even the strongest of them to break free.

But Lucas wasn’t done.

With a mere thought, the Haki began to seep from the chains into their bodies, tearing through their insides with the devastating precision of Emission Haki. The once-defiant agents, their strength formidable enough to rival Marine Admirals, were now reduced to helpless prisoners. Without severe internal damage, it would have been challenging to subdue them—Lucas knew this all too well.

Once their spirits were sufficiently broken, Lucas casually approached them. One by one, he slapped a seal onto their foreheads, ensuring their submission wasn’t just physical, but spiritual. With the seals in place, he tossed them like ragdolls beside the still-bound Kaido.

In the chat group, Golden Lion Shiki voiced the question on everyone’s mind.

Golden Lion Shiki: “Why didn’t you just kill them? These World Government agents aren’t like Marines. Their loyalty runs deeper—they’ve been trained since childhood to serve the Celestial Dragons without question.”

Whitebeard chimed in with a grunt of agreement.

Whitebeard: “That’s right! These guys are CP agents, probably from the CP0 unit. The strongest of them should be one of the Celestial Dragons’ top shields. Letting them live could come back to bite you.”

But Lucas had a different perspective.

Lucas: “I know their loyalty is unwavering, but they hold secrets—valuable secrets. Information I can’t afford to ignore.”

Pirate King Roger laughed skeptically.

Pirate King Roger: “You think you’ll get anything out of them? Their mouths are sealed tighter than Impel Down.”

But Golden Lion Shiki snorted at Roger’s naivety.

Golden Lion Shiki: “You forgot, Roger? Lucas has that Memory Fruit user from the Charlotte family. Peeling their memories apart will be a piece of cake.”

Pirate King Roger: “Tch! Paramecia abilities have flaws. You think a little girl with a fruit can get into the head of someone this strong? Dream on!”

Lucas smirked.

Lucas: “If the Memory Fruit doesn’t work, we’ve got a backup. Right, Second Hokage?”

Senju Tobirama chuckled from his corner of the group.

Senju Tobirama: “Me? I don’t specialize in memory extraction—that’s the Yamanaka Clan’s territory.”

Lucas: “Don’t give me that! You’re the master of forbidden techniques. Don’t act like this is beyond you.”

Senju Tobirama: “Haha! You really know how to butter me up. Fine! If the Memory Fruit fails, I’ll pass you a secret technique that’ll rip their minds open.”

Whitebeard shifted the conversation back to the situation at hand.

Whitebeard: “What baffles me is why the World Government tried to release Kaido in the first place. That guy’s a walking disaster. Even they should know better than to unleash him again.”

Lucas shrugged.

Lucas: “Maybe they weren’t planning to release him. Perhaps they wanted to capture him for Vegapunk’s experiments. But, well, tough luck—they ran into me.”

Outside, in Wanokuni…

The Whitebeard Pirates and the Beasts Pirates were locked in a brutal clash. Zoan Devil Fruit users clashed with hardened pirates, their Haki-infused blows shaking the battlefield. But despite the ferocity on both sides, neither could gain the upper hand. The battle had dragged on, turning into a war of attrition.

Then, Lucas arrived.

“It’s over.”

The moment his feet touched the ground, Lucas activated the awakening of his Gold-Gold Fruit. The earth beneath him began to ripple and shine, rapidly transforming into solid gold.

“What the hell is that?!”

“Move! Everyone, move!”

The pirates—both allies and enemies—stared in horror as the golden landscape spread like wildfire. But escape was futile.

“Golden Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!”

With a wicked grin, Lucas shouted the name of his attack. From the golden earth, vines of shimmering gold shot skyward, infused with top-tier Armament Haki, before lashing out toward the Beasts Pirates.

“Dodge!”

“Get the hell out of the way!”

But dodging was easier said than done.

Lucas’s Observation Haki blanketed the battlefield, tracking every movement, every heartbeat. The golden vines moved with lethal precision, anticipating their targets' evasions and striking with unerring accuracy.

Some of the Beasts Pirates, realizing they couldn’t dodge, tried to fight back, slashing and smashing at the vines. But their attacks barely scratched the surface. The top-tier Haki covering the golden vines made them nearly indestructible.

Shiryu of the Rain stepped forward, his Raiu sword gleaming with blood-red patterns. With a snarl, he swung, his blade coated in Armament Haki, slashing directly at the golden tendrils.

But even his strength wasn’t enough.

The vines withstood his attack effortlessly, their hardened forms unmoved.

Meanwhile, King, the Wildfire, unleashed his high-temperature flames, trying to melt the gold. But Lucas’s control over the golden landscape rendered even his hottest flames useless. The ground beneath King’s feet transformed into molten gold chains, ensnaring his legs and dragging him down.

Queen, the Plague, didn’t fare any better. After transforming into his monstrous dinosaur form, he thought his size and strength would give him the upper hand. But his bulk only made him an easier target. The golden vines coiled around his massive frame, constricting with terrifying force.

“It’s over.”

The three calamities of the Beasts Pirates were bound, their bodies wracked with pain as Emission Haki tore through them from the inside. Their monstrous strength was no match for Lucas’s overwhelming control.

With their top commanders subdued, the rest of the Beasts Pirates quickly fell. One by one, they were ensnared by the golden chains, stripped of their ability to fight.

Hovering above the battlefield, Marco flapped his flaming wings and flew over to Lucas.

“Lord Lucas, what should we do with them?” Marco asked, glancing at the defeated Beasts Pirates.

Lucas pondered for a moment before flashing a predatory smile.

“Lock them up with Kaido.”

The decision was simple.

The Beasts Pirates were mostly Zoan Devil Fruit users, their bodies naturally strong and resilient. They were perfect specimens for experimentation. Kaido wasn’t the only one Lucas had plans for—his entire crew would serve as test subjects.

“If they’re willing to submit, fine. If not…”

Lucas shrugged. “They’ll make great lab rats.”

After all, the Beasts Pirates were notorious for enslaving others, forcing them into submission. Lucas was simply giving them a taste of their own medicine.

Totto Land, the dominion of the Big Mom Pirates.

At the very heart of this sprawling archipelago lay Whole Cake Island, a towering, sugar-coated fortress where Charlotte Linlin—known to the world as Big Mom—ruled with gluttonous authority.

After ending her call with Lucas, Big Mom summoned two of her daughters, Charlotte Galette and Charlotte Pudding, into the grand hall of her Sweet Palace. The sweet aroma of freshly baked desserts filled the air, but there was an unmistakable tension lingering beneath it.

Big Mom grinned, her wide mouth stretching unnervingly across her face as she dropped the bombshell.

“Maaaamaaamaa! You’re both getting married—to New Emperor, Dragon Slayer Lucas!”

The room fell into stunned silence.

Charlotte Galette and Charlotte Pudding exchanged bewildered glances, their mouths hanging open in disbelief.

“Marry Lucas?!” Pudding finally blurted out, her third eye—hidden beneath her bangs—twitching slightly. “Mom, are you serious?”

Galette echoed her sister's shock. “We’ve never even met him! And besides… we’re not exactly the marrying type, remember?”

In the Charlotte family, daughters were tools for alliances, not love. The family tradition was clear: no Charlotte daughter had ever been given in marriage. Instead, suitors were brought into the fold as son-in-laws, integrating them into the Big Mom Pirates and solidifying the family’s power.

But Lucas? He wasn’t just any suitor. And this wasn’t just any alliance.

Big Mom’s grin widened, her sharp teeth glinting under the chandelier.

“Maaamaaamaa! There’s no choice, my darlings. That boy’s no friend of ours.” Her voice dipped into a menacing growl. “If he steps foot on Whole Cake Island, we’d all be at risk. No man can share power with me—especially not him.”

Her laughter echoed through the hall, sending a chill down her daughters' spines. Big Mom wasn’t oblivious to Lucas’s strength; she knew that forming an alliance was the only way to keep him from toppling her empire—for now.

“This so-called alliance?” Big Mom sneered, her eyes narrowing. “It’s fragile. Very fragile. So, you two will play nice, be his lovely little wives, and the moment he slips—you’ll let me know.”

Her voice dropped to a whisper, but it was as sharp as a knife.

“And when the time comes… we’ll cut him down.”

Charlotte Galette and Charlotte Pudding stiffened but dared not refuse. They knew better than to cross their mother. As monstrous as Big Mom was, she expected obedience. And disobedience? That meant death.

Big Mom licked her lips, her tongue snaking out like a grotesque serpent as she tossed two soul-infused snacks into her mouth. The crunch echoed ominously in the vast hall as she devoured the treats with unrestrained glee.

“Do a good job, girls.” She chuckled darkly, her saliva dripping onto the polished floor. “Don’t let Mama down.”

Meanwhile, on an island under Lucas’s control…

The scene was chaotic. Fires raged, buildings crumbled, and the air was thick with smoke and panic. Pirates, thinking they could take advantage of Lucas’s supposed vulnerability, had descended on the island like vultures.

But their greed was about to meet an icy end.

“Ice Age.”

The voice was calm, almost bored. But the effect was immediate.

Aokiji, the former Marine Admiral, stood at the heart of the chaos, his hand raised as the Logia Ice-Ice Fruit unleashed its chilling power. In an instant, the ground turned to ice, and the marauding pirates were frozen in their tracks, their screams cut short as their bodies were encased in crystalline prisons.

Aokiji sighed, scratching his unkempt hair lazily.

“Man, Lucas’s territory sure attracts a lot of trouble.” He glanced around at the frozen landscape, his breath visible in the frigid air. “Don’t these idiots know who they’re messing with?”

A few trembling pirates—lucky enough to have evaded the initial freeze—stumbled forward, their faces pale with fear.

“W-we thought Lucas was cornered!” one pirate stammered, his voice shaking. “The Beasts Pirates, the Big Mom Pirates, the underground forces… they’re all after him! We figured we could grab some loot while he was distracted!”

Aokiji raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching into a smirk.

“So, you thought you’d be little scavengers, huh?” He shrugged. “Bad call.”

Without another word, he flicked his fingers, sending two ice capsules hurtling toward the pirates. They froze mid-scream, their bodies turned into lifeless statues.

But before Aokiji could relax, a familiar presence descended from the sky.

“Kuzan, what a surprise.”

Lucas’s Shadow Clone landed gracefully in front of the former admiral, his tone light but tinged with curiosity. He scanned Aokiji’s disheveled appearance—the man looked like he’d been living out of a suitcase.

“Didn’t expect to see you here.”

Aokiji shoved his hands into his pockets, his face expressionless.

“Yeah, well… circumstances change.” He sighed. “After losing to Akainu, I wasn’t about to stick around Marine Headquarters.”

Lucas’s eyes gleamed with interest. “So you quit?”

Aokiji nodded. “Didn’t have much of a choice. I couldn’t follow someone like Akainu. His idea of justice… doesn’t sit right with me.”

The two stood in silence for a moment, the weight of Aokiji’s words lingering in the cold air.

Chapter 95: World Government, I Can’t Do It!

Aokiji stood silently, his eyes distant as he processed Lucas’s words. The former admiral had seen his fair share of corruption, but the reality Lucas presented left little room for the idealistic justice Aokiji once believed in.

Black Arm Zephyr clapped a heavy hand on Aokiji’s shoulder, pulling him from his thoughts.

“Kuzan, we’ve both been part of the system long enough to see it rot from the inside. The World Government isn’t just broken—it’s shattered beyond repair.”

Aokiji’s gaze shifted from Zephyr to Lucas, who was leaning casually against a golden pillar, a confident smirk on his face.

“You really believe you can replace the World Government?” Aokiji asked, his tone a mix of skepticism and curiosity.

Lucas chuckled, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous certainty.

“Replace them? No.” He shook his head. “I’ll dismantle them. Piece by piece.” His smile widened. “And what comes after? It’s not about perfection, Kuzan. It’s about being better than the garbage currently in charge. And that? That’s the easiest thing in the world.”

Aokiji sighed deeply, feeling the weight of years spent chasing an ideal that no longer seemed possible.

“And if I join you?” he asked quietly. “What makes you different from them?”

Lucas’s expression softened, but the fire in his eyes never dimmed.

“I don’t pretend to be a saint, Kuzan. I’m not here to create some utopia. But I won’t stand by while the Celestial Dragons treat the world like their personal playground. I won’t exploit the people I protect.” His voice dropped, low and resolute. “And I’ll make sure that anyone who tries… won’t live to regret it.”

Aokiji studied Lucas for a long moment before finally nodding, the last remnants of his doubt fading away.

“Alright,” he said quietly. “I’ll join you.”

Lucas grinned, pushing off the pillar and offering his hand.

“Good choice, Kuzan.”

As they shook hands, Black Arm Zephyr chuckled, a rare smile breaking through his usual stern demeanor.

“With you on board, Kuzan, we’ll have enough firepower to keep this territory locked down tight.”

Meanwhile, in the Chat Group…

Golden Lion Shiki was the first to break the silence.

Golden Lion Shiki: “Lucas, are you really sure the World Government won’t see you as a threat? Aokiji isn’t exactly some small-time recruit—he’s on par with Charlotte Linlin!”

Lucas’s reply was immediate, his confidence unshaken.

Lucas: “I’m sure. In another future I’ve seen, Kuzan joins Blackbeard’s crew after leaving the Marines. And even though Blackbeard became one of the Four Emperors, the World Government barely reacted. They won’t see Kuzan joining me as a big deal—for now.”

Whitebeard’s booming laugh echoed through the chat.

Whitebeard“Gurarararara! How did that bastard manage to make Kuzan join him”

Pirate King Roger chimed in, his tone teasing.

Pirate King Roger: “I’ll bet Kuzan had ulterior motives. No way he’d align himself with someone like Blackbeard unless he was planning something.”

Golden Lion Shiki wasn’t convinced.

Golden Lion Shiki: “Still doesn’t explain why you didn’t just wipe out the Big Mom Pirates. You’re strong enough to do it. Why spare them but take in Kuzan?”

Whitebeard answered before Lucas could.

Whitebeard: “You’ve been out of the loop too long, Shiki. The Four Emperors aren’t like the pirates of our time. They’re more like mini-World Governments. Taking one down completely changes the balance.”

Golden Lion Shiki: “You saying they’re that different from us?”

Whitebeard: “Absolutely. That madwoman Charlotte Linlin runs Totto Land like her own little kingdom—34 islands, each one loyal to her. She’s like a Celestial Dragon with more power and less pretense.”

Senju Tobirama entered the conversation, his analytical mind piecing things together.

Senju Tobirama: “So the Four Emperors are essentially colleagues of the World Government. They allow them to exist to highlight their own so-called ‘justice.’ It’s all about control.”

Gold Thief Woonan: “Makes sense. As Lucas said before, good or bad depends on what you’re comparing it to. The World Government lets the Four Emperors run wild so they can claim to be the ‘better’ option.”

Golden Lion Shiki: “I get it now. If you destroyed the Big Mom Pirates, the World Government would see you as a real threat. But taking in Kuzan? That’s just another rogue admiral to them.”

Outside World

Lucas’s approach was methodical—strength and subtlety in equal measure. On one hand, he worked tirelessly to enhance his own power and expand his influence, ensuring that even the World Government would think twice before making any reckless moves against him. With abilities like the Float-Float Fruit and the Flying Thunder God Technique in his arsenal, his existence alone was enough to draw their attention. Without substantial power, they would’ve long attempted to seize him, eager to study the countless mysteries he carried.

On the other hand, Lucas knew better than to flaunt his strength recklessly. Terrifying the World Government too soon might provoke them into deploying their Ancient Weapons or even Imu himself, bringing about a confrontation Lucas wasn’t eager for just yet. Sure, if push came to shove, he could escape. No one could catch him—not with his abilities. But Lucas wasn’t just a lone pirate anymore. He had territories to protect, allies to support, and a reputation to uphold. Running from battle wouldn’t just be inconvenient; it would be a blow to his pride.

“Lord Lucas,” a familiar voice called out.

Lucas turned to see Jinbei approaching, a parchment in his hands. “The list of forces that took advantage of us has been compiled.”

Lucas unrolled the parchment, his eyes scanning the names. His gaze hardened as it landed on a particular entry.

“Germa 66?” A cold sneer spread across his face. “I haven’t even gotten around to troubling you yet, and here you are, robbing me first.”

In the Chat Group

Pirate King Roger : “Do you have some kind of grudge with Germa 66?”

Lucas: “No grudge. They just have something I’m interested in.”

Golden Lion Shiki: “What could possibly catch your eye? If you’re interested, it must be something big.”

Lucas: “Biotechnology. Germa 66’s advancements in biotech aren’t far behind Caesar. Since Vegapunk is out of reach for now, I’ll use Germa 66 and Caesar to fill the gaps in my knowledge.”

Fire Fist Ace: “Germa 66… That name sounds familiar. Where have I heard it before?”

Fisher Tiger: “You’ve probably seen them in the comics that run in the newspapers. They’re notorious in North Blue—an evil army that relies on advanced tech to wreak havoc. The story’s framed around their battles against the hero Sora.”

Fire Fist Ace: “Ah! That’s right! I’ve seen that comic. So they’re not just some made-up villain group—they’re real?”

Lucas: “Very real. Germa 66 is the private military force of the Germa Kingdom in North Blue, controlled by the royal Vinsmoke family. They once ruled all of North Blue through sheer force until the World Government pressured them into backing down.”

Golden Lion Shiki: “Makes sense. The New World might be chaotic, but it’s limited in size and too unstable for anyone to replace the World Government. But North Blue? That’s one of the four seas that form the government’s foundation. No way they’d let anyone unify it without stepping in.”

Gold Thief Woonan: “So, the Germa Kingdom unified North Blue and the World Government just let it happen?”

Lucas: “Not exactly. They didn’t wipe them out, but they revoked Germa’s territorial status. The Germa Kingdom has no land—it’s a kingdom that floats on the sea.”

Fire Fist Ace: “No territory? What kind of kingdom is that?”

Lucas: “A mobile one. Germa uses giant snails as transport. They’ve built entire fortresses and palaces on these snails’ backs, turning them into mobile strongholds. When they dock together, they form a floating sea kingdom.”

Golden Lion Shiki: “That’s some next-level tech. Better than Marine warships?”

Lucas: “Much better. Their mobility and flexibility on the sea give them an edge. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Germa’s true power lies in their cloning technology.”

Gold Thief Woonan: “Cloning?”

Lucas: “Yeah. They mass-produce soldiers using scientific cloning. Every soldier in Germa 66 is genetically engineered—loyal, fearless, and physically superior. They’ll throw themselves into gunfire without hesitation.”

Howard Stark, the ever-curious inventor, perked up immediately.

Howard Stark: “Cloning? I need to see this for myself! That’s the ultimate death squad!”

Lucas: “I’ll show you when the time comes, but don’t get too excited. Their cloning tech, much like Artificial Devil Fruits, has its flaws.”

Howard Stark: “Flaws? Like what?”

Lucas: “Think about it. Cloning is essentially copying a person’s bloodline and abilities. But certain talents and strengths just can’t be replicated. Otherwise, Germa would’ve ruled the world by now.”

Golden Lion Shiki’s eyes gleamed with realization.

Golden Lion Shiki: “Wait… If they got their hands on my blood, or Whitebeard’s, or even Roger’s, could they clone us? Could those clones have our strength?”

Lucas chuckled.

Lucas: “Now you’re catching on. That’s the flaw. No matter how advanced their tech is, they can’t clone people with exceptional abilities. Otherwise, they’d just be pumping out armies of Pirate Emperors and Marine Admirals.”

Whitebeard roared with laughter.

Whitebeard: “Gurarararara! Imagine an army of me running around. The world wouldn’t know what hit it!”

Lucas: “Exactly. If cloning was perfect, Vegapunk would’ve done it already. He had access to Bartholomew Kuma for the Pacifista project, but even then, he couldn’t replicate Kuma’s full power. And you’re telling me they couldn’t get Kaido’s or Big Mom’s blood? It’s not that they can’t get it—it’s that it doesn’t work.”