One Piece: Conquering Wanokuni at Start

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After swiftly eliminating the Teabeard Pirates, the Charlotte Family effortlessly took control of the island.

Thanks to the unparalleled reputation of the Sky Kingdom reverberating throughout the New World, the island's residents greeted the arrival of the Charlotte Family fleet with respect and humility—far greater than they had ever shown before.

As he stepped onto the island, Katakuri surveyed the scene. The townsfolk knelt in submission, their expressions a mix of relief and awe.

To Katakuri, the advantages of operating under the banner of the Sky Kingdom were unmistakable. As one of the Sky Kingdom's vanguards, he could feel how seamless it was to take control of territories under its name.

Every island they visited—whether it housed pirates or not—was quick to accept the rule of the Sky Kingdom. The combination of its reputation and power made resistance seem futile.

Internally, Katakuri couldn't help but compare. Unlike his mother's reign, which relied on fear and intimidation, Alex's leadership exuded an overwhelming strength that crushed opposition while inspiring loyalty.

For someone as strong-willed as Katakuri, it was rare to feel such respect for anyone. Even though he wasn't as openly devoted as some of his younger siblings, he valued Alex's leadership and vision, recognizing it as a force unmatched in the New World.

At the town's edge, Oven stepped forward. He reached for the tattered pirate flag that Teabeard had hoisted earlier and, using his Heat-Heat Fruit, incinerated the cloth in a puff of scorched smoke.

Immediately after, Daifuku took out the Sky Kingdom's banner. Activating his Puff-Puff Fruit, the steam man effortlessly hoisted the massive flag, securing it high above the port. The sight of the flag symbolized the island's official integration into Alex's ever-expanding domain.

"In this way, we've conquered the seventh island!"

Mondée, the 19th son, unfurled a large map before the group. Seated atop a colossal book conjured by his Book-Book Fruit, he marked the island's location with a bold red circle.

As the family looked at the growing list of captured territories, excitement swept through the group.

In just a single day, they had claimed seven islands—territories that once belonged to Whitebeard himself. The significance of their achievement wasn't lost on anyone.

"From this rate of progress, we might even win first place in the mission!" exclaimed Charlotte Galette, the 18th daughter and minister of butter, her voice brimming with excitement.

"If Big Brother Katakuri becomes the Ace of the Royal Guard, our Charlotte Family could rise even higher in Lord Alex's favor!"

Flampe, the youngest of Charlotte's sisters, clutched her cheeks in delight. Having been raised almost entirely within the Sky Kingdom after Charlotte Linlin's downfall, Flampe had become a passionate supporter of Alex. Her loyalty ran so deep that she had earned a position as a special attack captain in the Sky Kingdom's official Alex Fan Club.

The mere thought of getting closer to Alex sent Flampe into a fit of excitement. Her eyes sparkled as she twirled on the spot, imagining the possibilities of working directly under him in the future.

Katakuri, noticing the enthusiasm of his siblings, gave a rare smile. "Good. Let's keep this momentum going. Following Mondée's mapped route, we'll work toward claiming first place in this mission!"

With his call to action, the Charlotte Family set sail once again. Carrying the banner of the Sky Kingdom, they pressed deeper into Whitebeard's former territories, eager to further Alex's influence in the New World.

At the same time, other armies flying the banner of Alex were sweeping through the New World, capitalizing on the chaos that followed the Summit War with unstoppable force.

However, unlike the Charlotte Family's direct conquests, some battles in this volatile era were inevitable. Even with the Sky Kingdom's reputation, opposition still arose.

At this moment, a fleet of ten pirate ships approached, surrounding a Sky Kingdom airship that appeared to be unguarded.

"Oh? I didn't think anyone outside of Red-Haired Shanks or Kaido would have the nerve to challenge us in the New World," Law said, resting Kikoku on his shoulder. His gaze swept over the Pirate Alliance circling their ships, a mix of surprise and mocking amusement on his face.

"This is a three-captain alliance," Page One, acting as the group's analyst, informed them. Holding up the bounty posters of their opponents, he began detailing the captains' identities and histories.

Harry, the "Sword in Blood," with a bounty of 597 million berries. Rodol the Blaster, with a bounty of 402 million berries. Scythe Hart, with a bounty of 330 million berries.

Hearing the names and bounties, the crew's initial reaction was unimpressed.

As young elites of the Sky Kingdom, many of them had trained relentlessly to hone their abilities. Compared to their strength, this Pirate Alliance seemed laughable. Only one of the captains had a bounty exceeding 500 million—hardly worth their time.

Nami raised an eyebrow, voicing what many were thinking. "They really think they can take us on? Where do they get this kind of confidence?"

While others were shaking their heads, Zoro stood up with a thud, the excitement of a challenge gleaming in his eyes. Drawing one of the swords at his waist, he glanced at the ships surrounding them.

"A swordsman with a 500-million bounty? Sounds interesting. That guy's mine!"

Meanwhile, only a few nautical miles away, Harry, leader of the Pirate Alliance, stood aboard his flagship. Watching the Sky Fleet surrounded by his vessels, a vicious grin spread across his face.

"This is it! This time, we'll become famous across the New World!"

Harry had benefited greatly from the chaos of the post-Summit War era. In his mind, gaining fame meant attracting more subordinates, consolidating power, and living a life of luxury.

Currently, the greatest prize in the New World was seizing Whitebeard's former territories, drawing all eyes to the battles being fought for his legacy.

Spotting the Sky Kingdom's airship and noting that it lacked any Royal Guard Aces, Harry thought he had stumbled upon the perfect opportunity.

'If we take down this Sky Fleet and broadcast it across the New World, my name will be on everyone's lips!' he thought greedily.

In his imagination, defeating the Sky Kingdom's forces—even a small detachment—would elevate his reputation, potentially attracting others who harbored resentment toward Alex's dominion. If his power grew large enough, even the Flying Admiral himself might hesitate to move against him.

Harry clenched his fists in excitement. His grin turned feral as he barked orders to his alliance.

"Little ones! Attack! This is our moment to become legends of the New World!"

His declaration was met with roars of approval from his men, and the alliance's ships began their assault.

However, just as the pirates began to move, a flash of light streaked through the air.

SHING!

A dazzling sword slash shot out from the Sky Kingdom's airship, streaking toward the leftmost pirate ship.

BOOM!

A thunderous explosion rocked the area as the glowing slash tore the pirate ship in half. The force of the attack split the deck where the pirates stood, sending a shockwave that carved a 100-meter-long crack through the sea itself.

Dozens of pirates, along with the shattered remains of their ship, were swallowed by the ocean in an instant.

The once-boisterous alliance fell into a stunned silence. Hundreds of pirates froze, their bravado replaced by sheer terror. Their wide eyes stared at the spot where their comrades had just been—and where nothing now remained.

Onboard the remaining ships, the three captains gawked at the scene, their mouths agape.

"This… what just happened?!"