Chapter 191: 191. Changes In The Pattern, Red Hair Reigns Supreme

Words : 1357 Updated : Oct 6th, 2025

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari ---------- Time flew by, as spring gave way to autumn, and three years passed in the blink of an eye. It was now Sea Circle Calendar 1519, marking the nineteenth year since the dawn of the Great Pirate Era. Looking back on the past three years, the world had experienced numerous major events that shaped its course. Sea Circle Calendar 1516 The World Summit, held every four years in the holy land of Mariejois, convened once again. At this summit, the Revolutionary Army emerged as a recognized threat to the alliance of world governments. Their actions—overthrowing the political structures of more and more nations—instilled deep unease among the kings and rulers in attendance. The leader of the revolutionaries, Monkey D. Dragon, was officially declared the World's Most Wanted Criminal. This title solidified his position as the ultimate enemy of the World Government. Sea Circle Calendar 1517 After years of maintaining a low profile, the Red-Haired Pirates made a resounding return to the seas of the New World. Led by Red-Haired Shanks, the crew's reputation only grew stronger. Thanks to their formidable strength and Shanks' unparalleled charisma, the Red-Haired Pirates began attracting more and more followers. Numerous pirates fleeing oppression in the New World sought refuge under Shanks' banner, expanding the Red-Haired Pirates into a sizable Grand Fleet. The news sent shockwaves across the New World. Many forces turned their attention to this sudden development, speculating about Shanks' intentions. Was he preparing to stake his claim and establish a territory in the New World? His recent victories over several prominent pirate crews fueled these suspicions. As time passed, whispers of a new title for Shanks began to emerge. With the strength and influence of his growing fleet, the Red-Haired Pirates were seen as contenders for the mantle of Emperor. The era of the Three Emperors appeared poised to return to the rule of Four Emperors, drawing the watchful eyes of both pirates and the Marines. Sea Circle Calendar 1518 By the following year, with stability partially restored across the Grand Line, the Marines began deploying their conscription forces strategically in the New World. The campaign appeared calculated, targeting weaker opponents to establish dominance. While two Admirals remained stationed at Marine Headquarters and Mariejois, the offensive into the New World was led by Kizaru and Ryokugyu. The two Admirals spearheaded a campaign against the Red-Haired Pirates and their Grand Fleet, aiming to dismantle this rising force. As the Marine fleet advanced through the New World, pirate crews scattered like mice before a cat. The rare sight of such a direct Marine incursion into the New World, a haven for pirates, drew widespread attention and speculation. The confrontation between the Marines and the Red-Haired Grand Fleet quickly became the center of the world's gaze. Most observers expected a decisive victory for the Marines, but the actual outcome surprised many. The battle raged for an entire week, with neither side willing to concede. In the end, logistical challenges and the unpredictable terrain of the New World forced the Marines to withdraw. Despite their numerical and strategic advantage, they had failed to crush the Red-Haired Fleet. This stalemate delivered a significant blow to the reputation of the Marines. Already reeling from the fallout of the Zephyr incident, this defeat tarnished their recent achievements in the New World. Even though the Red-Haired Fleet suffered heavy losses—nearly being annihilated—their resilience against two Admirals cemented their reputation. The World Government, seeking to manage the narrative, explained the Marines' retreat by citing the New World's hostile environment as unsuitable for prolonged operations. They emphasized their ongoing successes in the Four Seas and the first half of the Grand Line to downplay the defeat. Despite the losses, the performance of the Red-Haired Pirates on the battlefield was undeniable. Newspapers around the world hailed Shanks and his crew as the fourth great power in the New World. The Red-Haired Shanks, who had demonstrated the overwhelming power of his Conqueror's Haki, was officially recognized as the fourth Emperor of the Sea, a title cemented by widespread respect from newspapers and the masses alike. Pirates who had once coveted his newfound title of "New Emperor" found themselves drawn instead to his strength, charisma, and the aura of his Conqueror's Haki. Even among those who had once opposed him, more than half chose to follow and join his fleet after their defeat. In less than half a year, the Red-Haired Pirates firmly secured their place as one of the Four Emperors, though their forces were smaller in size compared to their peers. What they lacked in numbers, however, they made up for in the quality and loyalty of their elite crew. The New World seemed to return to the era of the Four Emperors, though the dynamics had shifted. It was no longer a chaotic free-for-all among equally matched rivals. The current situation was clear: one force now stood above the other three. The Sky Kingdom, led by Alex, remained unmatched in strength and influence, with a record so commanding that no one dared to challenge it. As Alex had predicted, the pieces were beginning to fall into place, setting the stage for the next act of destiny. The Royal Training Ground of the Sky Kingdom "Come on, Kuina! I will definitely beat you this time!" Zoro roared with unwavering confidence, his voice ringing across the field. Facing him was Kuina, poised and composed, her hand resting on the hilt of Wado Ichimonji. Her cold, focused gaze met Zoro's fiery determination as she replied evenly, "This time, I will still maintain my winning streak." As Kuina shifted into a parrying stance, Zoro's eyes burned with intensity. He centered his thoughts on the feel of his blades, gripping the two swords in his hands tightly while the third was secured between his teeth. Every muscle in his body tensed as he prepared for battle. In a burst of speed, Zoro lunged forward, closing the tens of meters between them in an instant. His attack struck with ferocious precision. Kuina met his charge with impeccable timing, her blade intercepting his with a resounding clash. The impact of their meeting unleashed a powerful gust of wind that rippled across the training ground. Though Zoro was momentarily forced back, he couldn't help but admire the sharpened edge of Kuina's swordsmanship. Her strength and precision had grown even sharper. Pushing past the initial clash, Zoro's determination surged. With a burst of explosive strength honed through relentless training, he broke through the deadlock, forcing them both to retreat momentarily. They locked eyes, their mutual respect and competitive spirit evident. Without a word, they both activated Soru, vanishing from their positions and reappearing in flashes of motion, blades swinging fiercely. This time, they fought with even greater intensity. Their movements were faster, more deliberate, and the steel of their blades began to darken with the rich, deep hue of Armament Haki. Whizz! The air cracked with each swing, the sound of their blades slicing through the wind sharp and relentless. Each strike carried the weight of their swordsmanship, and their combined attacks sent shockwaves rippling through the air. The sheer force of their clash stirred up a storm of motion, a dazzling display of skill and power. Clang! Clang! Clang! The relentless collision of their weapons echoed like a symphony of steel in a torrential storm. "I've got this! This time, I'll win for sure!" Zoro shouted, his determination unyielding despite finding himself on the defensive more often than not. As his emotions surged, so too did the strength and speed of his strikes. "You've grown stronger, Zoro—especially since becoming a true swordsman." Their blades locked once more, sparks flying as Kuina met his unrelenting onslaught head-on. A small, confident smile played at her lips as she continued, "But this time, I'll still be the one who wins." In that moment, Kuina's eyes gleamed with a sudden, otherworldly light. Her pupils shifted, forming distinct double pupils, radiating an intense aura.

Chapter 191: 191. Changes In The Pattern, Red Hair Reigns Supreme

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