Those who read the headline "Grimm Defeated" and rejoiced, assuming he was dead — whether they were Marines, pirates, or ordinary citizens — were nothing more than amateurs who didn't understand the reality of the world.
The true experts, however… the Marines, for instance, had already begun repositioning the fleets led by Kuzan, Issho, Sakazuki, and others toward the twelve nations formerly under the rule of the Holy Light Pirates.
They were already taking precautions, preparing for the very real possibility that Grimm was still alive.
Meanwhile, Kaido, Charlotte Linlin, and even Whitebeard merely glanced through the report before tossing it aside.
When their subordinates asked why they weren't concerned, they all gave the same answer: "He isn't dead."
Kaido, in particular — who over the years had often engaged in what could only be described as intense, up‑close physical sparring sessions with Grimm — knew better than anyone that a man like Grimm could never be killed simply by being sunk to the bottom of the sea.
The newspaper article was deliberately vague. It never stated that he had been captured, nor did it confirm his death.
The word "defeated" meant absolutely nothing. How many times had Roger been "defeated" by the Marines? In the end, he still became the Pirate King.
How many times had Kaido himself been sentenced to execution? Yet here he was, alive and kicking.
Only those who lacked understanding — the amateurs — truly believed Grimm was gone.
In fact, several pirate crews in the New World had already begun plotting to seize control of Dressrosa and the Sanctuary, hoping to make a name for themselves by taking over his territories.
Kuzan, Sakazuki, and Issho each commanded one of the three fleets, operating separately.
As Vice Admirals, they had long since earned the right to navigate freely through the New World.
As for Issho… even though his official rank was still Rear Admiral, everyone knew it was only a matter of time and accumulated merit before he rose higher.
No one was foolish enough to oppose his authority or capability.
"Haaah… hhaaah…"
Aboard his ship, Kuzan lay stretched out on a lounge chair on the deck, fast asleep with a book covering his face.
At this moment, they were patrolling the waters near Uiyuville in the New World — an island rich in mineral resources.
The reason Kuzan was stationed here was simple: until just a month ago, this nation had proudly flown the flag of the Holy Light Pirates.
He didn't wake up naturally until dusk. Removing the book from his face with a lazy flick of the hand, he called out to an aide standing nearby.
"Ehh… how long have we been patrolling this sector anyway?"
"Reporting to Admiral: counting today, it has been eight days," the aide replied.
"Any news from Sakazuki or Issho?" Kuzan asked again.
"Nothing reported, Sir."
Kuzan sat up, twisting his shoulders until his joints popped with a loud crack.
He grumbled, "I really hope I'm not the one who runs into him… if I do, I'm finished for sure. Though the odds of that happening should be pretty slim…"
And he was right. With three fleets covering twelve different nations, and no way of knowing when or where Grimm might appear, the chances of a direct encounter were incredibly low — provided Grimm didn't intentionally make trouble somewhere.
What was most suspicious of all, however, was the situation in Grimm's two main territories: Dressrosa and the Sanctuary.
Everything continued there exactly as before. Dressrosa expanded its commerce and trade; the Sanctuary developed its agriculture.
Neither place showed the slightest sign of concern over the massive battle that took place a month ago.
Furthermore, government spies had failed to uncover even a single piece of information regarding Grimm's whereabouts within either territory.
Of course they couldn't… because only his trusted followers knew where their master was.
Buru‑buru‑buru‑buru…
"Ara?"
Kuzan turned his head to see a soldier holding out a Den Den Mushi toward him.
"Moshi moshi! This is Aokiji speaking! Go ahead!" Kuzan said, picking up the receiver and using his official alias.
"Aokiji — proceed immediately to Orbedia!" The voice that came from the snail was Sengoku's.
"Huh? Orbedia?"
Kuzan scratched his head, trying to recall. "I remember… isn't that place…"
"Exactly. It is one of the twelve nations Grimm once occupied — a massive tourist paradise and entertainment kingdom."
A feeling of dread rose sharply in Kuzan's chest. His expression stiffened. "Wait a minute… don't tell me…"
"Yes. I'm afraid the thing we feared most has finally happened." Sengoku's tone was deadly serious.
"Reports have come in from the royal army there. Witnesses claim to have seen a figure that matches the description of the Pontiff perfectly. Go there and deal with him!"
"No way… count me out! I'm too young to die~~" Kuzan groaned, scratching the back of his neck in genuine fear.
"Stop talking nonsense! Geographically speaking, you are the closest unit available. Get there at full speed!"
Without waiting for Kuzan to argue or explain, Sengoku cut the transmission.
Gurgle… gurgle…
On the streets of Orbedia — once a vibrant, prosperous city — thick blood flowed down the walls and across the pavement. It pooled together, winding through the roads like a crimson river.
"What… what is happening?!"
Hiding behind a crumbling building, a wealthy merchant draped in gold and jewelry was on the verge of a total breakdown.
He couldn't understand why, overnight, his beautiful city had turned into this nightmare.
Ghouls roamed everywhere, tearing at corpses and hunting for new prey. The entire city was filled with nothing but screams, blood, and endless terror.
CLATTER!
The portly, rich merchant accidentally kicked a broken wine jar. The sound rang out loud and clear, instantly attracting the attention of several ghouls feasting nearby.
They whipped their heads around and charged straight toward him.
"AAAAHHHH!!!"
Terrified beyond reason, the man screamed and scrambled to his feet, desperate to flee down the alley.
But the moment he turned, he realized the alleyway was blocked at both ends. Dozens of ghouls stood hunched over, eyes glowing with greed and hunger, staring right at him.
"Uhh… uhh…"
He babbled incoherently, backing away step by step. But the ghouls from both sides rushed him at once.
Amidst his desperate, dying screams, they swarmed over him and devoured him completely.
Standing atop the highest point of the royal palace, Grimm looked down upon the living hell below with a completely expressionless face.
"I gave you people more than enough time…" he said coldly.
This was the first time he had unleashed ghouls empowered by his "Enlightenment" to slaughter royalty and the wealthy elite.
To be precise… these creatures were programmed to attack only those who did not possess faith in the Holy Light.
Over the past two years, the lower classes and common people on this island had almost all become devout believers. Only the nobility and the exploitative class of merchants remained unconverted.
Long before Grimm himself arrived, he had declared the beginning of the "Purge of Sin."
Over the course of a month, more than a million ordinary citizens had been secretly evacuated to safety in the Sanctuary through portals opened by Jaina within the churches.
They would remain there until the island was fully purified, and only then would they return — to live in a society no longer ruled by oppressors.
"It really is true… what that great man once said…" Grimm suddenly smiled.
"Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun. Unless I wipe you lot out completely, you will forever believe we are easy to push around."
Slowly, casually, Grimm began to walk along the edge of the palace rooftop, looking over his work.
__________________
For more advance chapters visit patreon.com/bars45.
For 10$- All advance chapters.
"Schedule"
Monday - Friday - Update 3 Chapters a Day
Saturday - Sunday - Off