One Piece: Conquering Wanokuni at Start

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The year 1522 of the Sea Circle Calendar was destined to be one of the most turbulent and transformative periods in recorded history.

A series of world-shaking events ignited chaos across the seas. It began with the Summit War at Marineford, which culminated in Whitebeard's dramatic final declaration of the existence of the One Piece.

This proclamation reinvigorated the Great Pirate Era, ushering in a wave of ambition and chaos that surpassed even the original surge triggered by Gold Roger's execution decades prior.

What followed was the fierce Battle for the New World's inheritance, where over 30% of the New World's territory became contested battlegrounds. These waters, once safeguarded by Whitebeard, descended into violent conflict as countless pirates and factions sought to claim what remained.

Ultimately, the Sky Kingdom, with its overwhelming strength, shattered the fragile balance. By the time their campaign was over, much of Whitebeard's former territory lay in ruin.

The spoils of war were limited, with powerful factions such as the Marines and Red-Haired Pirates managing to secure only fragments of the once vast domain—a meager portion that could scarcely be called a "scrap."

This era of chaos sent shockwaves across the seas, rippling far beyond the New World. Even the normally tranquil East Blue, long considered a symbol of peace, saw an unprecedented surge in pirate activity. In mere months, the frequency of pirate attacks in the region surpassed the combined total of the past several years.

Simultaneously, unrest and rebellion plagued countless nations, forcing them to appeal to the World Government for assistance.

However, the Marines, already stretched thin from the reconstruction of Marineford, struggled to deploy sufficient forces to meet these demands. Their losses mounted daily, leaving many nations vulnerable to the upheaval caused by the era's storms.

In the New World, the Sky Kingdom continued to rise in power, its name spreading across the globe like wildfire. Its growing influence and reputation sowed unease among the World Government's member nations.

The presence of such a dominant force in the New World caused an increasing number of member countries to push for the deployment of Pacifista units within their borders, seeking protection against the escalating threats.

However, the World Government was reluctant to grant such requests. The "Empty Throne" doctrine, built on the pretense of equality and shared governance, left them unwilling to assign Pacifista forces to any individual nation, fearing it might disrupt their fragile narrative of global unity.

In response, they resorted to vague and evasive promises, but dissatisfaction among the member nations continued to grow.

This tense stalemate dragged on throughout the rest of 1522.

By the time the calendar turned to 1523, the turbulence of the era had only escalated. The Marines, seeking to restore order and address the destruction of Marineford, made the monumental decision to relocate their headquarters to the New World.

This move signified a direct and decisive approach to dealing with the root causes of the world's chaos—chiefly, the pirates who had made the New World their playground.

The world knew who this campaign was ultimately aimed at. In the New World, where the power dynamics were clear, the question of who held the most sway was as obvious as an open-book exam.

All eyes turned to the rising forces of the Sky Kingdom and other dominant players. The stage was set for another year of monumental events that would shape the very future of the seas.

In the New World, even a three-year-old child would recognize the towering figures shaping its chaotic landscape. Among them, the mention of the Sky Kingdom and its powerful ruler—the Flying Admiral—was impossible to ignore.

Opinions on the Marines' recent decision to establish their headquarters in the New World were sharply divided.

Some believed that this bold move would allow the Marines to leverage their military might more effectively. Without the constraints of operating from the relative safety of the Grand Line, they would supposedly gain the upper hand, quickly eliminating dangerous pirates and putting an end to this age of turmoil.

Others were far more skeptical. They argued that the New World was a lawless haven for the world's most dangerous pirates and that even the Marines would struggle to impose order.

The presence of the Flying Admiral, who possessed the Float-Float Fruit, only made things worse. His ability to control the skies, combined with his invincible nature, left many wondering how the Marines—bound to ships and the sea—could ever hope to challenge such a dominant force.

In a more bizarre turn of events, public discourse even tied the outcome of the Marines' campaign to Carina, the world-famous singer whose reputation had been carefully cultivated by the Sky Kingdom.

Fans speculated that any disruption caused by the Marines could interfere with Carina's performances, which had become symbolic of the Sky Kingdom's cultural dominance.

These rumors, spurred by her growing fame, created such a stir that Carina herself became a focal point of global attention.

For a time, her name dominated the news, and the public even voted overwhelmingly to protect her career—causing the World Government to step in and suppress the hysteria.

Alex couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. Not only had he built a powerful kingdom, but he had also cultivated Carina into a global icon.

That evening, he rewarded her for her accomplishments, reveling in her talent and the admiration she commanded worldwide.

The following day, Nami, clearly envious of Carina's achievements and smug demeanor, approached Alex with her own charms. Using her wits and playful personality, she sought to gain his favor, displaying her cunning as the little "cat burglar."

Meanwhile, the world's focus shifted once again to the Marines. Following their victory at Marineford, the fallout continued to reshape the organization. The destruction of the original headquarters and the seismic shifts caused by Whitebeard's declaration of the One Piece forced Fleet Admiral Sengoku to resign.

Citing guilt and responsibility for these events, Sengoku handed over the reins of leadership, triggering a fierce succession battle between Kuzan and Sakazuki.

The two Admirals, with starkly opposing views on justice, clashed in a monumental duel that lasted ten days on an uninhabited island. In the end, Sakazuki emerged victorious, claiming the position of Fleet Admiral.

Defeated, Kuzan resigned from the Marines and vanished from public view. His battle with Sakazuki left the island in ruins, transforming it into the now-famous Ice and Fire Island, a desolate wonder of the world.

News of Kuzan's departure shocked the seas. The idea of a Marine Admiral willingly leaving his post was unheard of, and his absence sent ripples through the Marine ranks. Dove-leaning officers struggled to rally, while Sakazuki, now Fleet Admiral, faced mounting criticism and unrest.

The World Government tried to mitigate the chaos but achieved little success, eventually leaving Akainu to manage the fallout himself. Frustrated, he directed his simmering rage toward the Gorosei, cursing them in private while maintaining his iron grip on the Marines.

Meanwhile, Kuzan's departure piqued the interest of countless factions across the seas. As a former Admiral with a top-tier Logia Devil Fruit, his defection created a power vacuum—and an opportunity. Spies and emissaries from all corners of the world scrambled to locate him, eager to bring such a valuable figure into their ranks.

However, Alex was a step ahead. Using his Shadow Guard, he had already gathered intelligence on Kuzan's whereabouts. Tasking Gion with delivering his offer, Alex made his move, seeking to recruit the former Marine Admiral into his fold.