Chapter 160: 160: A New Era Rises – Zenkichi's Name Echoes.

Words : 913 Updated : Oct 9th, 2025

"A supernova is born, and a super-criminal with a bounty of 2 billion Berries has emerged!" "After killing a Celestial Dragon and attacking a former admiral, Arakawa Zenkichi's crimes are unforgivable!" "Has he surpassed Whitebeard with his overwhelming strength?" "Whitebeard's throne as the world's strongest man is being challenged. Can he hold back the tide of the new era?" --- Zenkichi chuckled as he read the latest newspaper, delivered by a News Coo. With his sharp mind, he could easily see through the World Government's ploy. They had deliberately released provocative headlines to incite conflict between him and Whitebeard. After all, Zenkichi's growing strength had already instilled fear in both the Navy and the World Government. They couldn't track his movements nor confront him directly—so they turned to another monstrous figure: Whitebeard. The greatest threat to a pirate wasn't always the government—it was often other pirates. As Zenkichi laughed quietly at the headlines, the rest of the world took notice. The rise of a new "supernova" had shaken the seas. Although he was still new to the pirate world, his power made him anything but a rookie. --- Marine Headquarters – Navy HQ The three admirals of the Navy had all received intelligence regarding Zenkichi. Their reactions, however, varied. Admiral Aokiji stared solemnly at Zenkichi's file, the laziness usually on his face wiped away. "It's one thing for Teacher Zephyr to lose... but even Garp San couldn't beat him?" Aokiji had once followed Garp, and knew firsthand the man's monstrous power. Even as an admiral himself, Aokiji knew that going toe-to-toe with Garp would end badly for him. He exhaled softly. "Looks like we've got another headache on our hands." The emergence of a figure like Zenkichi in the already chaotic Great Pirate Era would definitely shake the balance of power—and that wasn't good for anyone on their side. Meanwhile, Admiral Akainu sat silently, holding Zenkichi's wanted poster in his hand. His eyes burned with fury. Suddenly, magma rippled along his arm. The paper combusted in a burst of heat, turning to ash in seconds. He growled, voice hoarse and low, "To be defeated by a rookie... Zephyr has disgraced the Navy—and dishonored justice itself." "Arakawa Zenkichi... I will find you, and crush you in the name of absolute justice." As the embodiment of ruthless justice, Akainu never showed mercy toward enemies of the World Government. To him, Zenkichi's existence was unacceptable. --- By contrast, Admiral Kizaru remained unfazed. He lounged comfortably in his office, legs crossed, trimming his nails with his usual indifference. "Hmm... even Zephyr San and Garp San weren't enough? That Zenkichi guy is terrifying." He sighed lazily. "I just hope they don't send me to deal with him. I really prefer a life of just clocking in and clocking out..." Despite his tremendous power, Kizaru had long leaned into his carefree, 'salt-fish' lifestyle, avoiding conflict when possible. Among the doves and hawks of the Navy, Kizaru stood alone—a powerful yet uninterested middle ground. --- Moby Dick – Whitebeard Pirates' Main Ship The man known as the strongest in the world sat calmly on the deck, gazing out at the sea. Edward Newgate, Whitebeard, was not yet sixty. He wasn't the sickly, weakened man from the Paramount War. Though slightly past his prime, his presence still radiated immense power. He glanced down at the newspaper in his massive hand and let out a deep, hearty laugh. "Gurararara! So a brat like this is shaking the sea now... It's a pity he's not a pirate." There was amusement in his voice, not hostility. Marco, the First Division Commander, walked over and smiled. "Pops, do you want to put him in his place? A newcomer challenging your title like that can't be left unchecked." Whitebeard waved dismissively. "What's the point? Is the title of 'the world's strongest man' really so important?" "There've always been people trying to take my head. Every year, another rookie dares to challenge me." He smirked, shaking his head. "Don't be fooled, Marco. This is just the World Government's game. They're trying to use me to get rid of that boy." "Zenkichi has become a thorn in their side, and they're hoping I'll do their dirty work." Marco frowned slightly. "But this kind of propaganda might damage your reputation, Pops. People who don't know the full story could think you're afraid of him." Whitebeard burst into laughter again. "Gurararara! Do I need anyone's approval for my strength, Marco?" "They can think what they like." Whitebeard was unlike other pirates who pursued fame, riches, or power. What he desired most was a family. That was why he'd taken in so many as his "sons"—to fulfill his dream of building a true family. His grounded outlook made the World Government's manipulation ineffective. Still, even if they failed to turn Whitebeard against Zenkichi, the impact wasn't small. The world now knew his name. --- Whole Cake Island – Big Mom Pirates In her vast palace, Charlotte Linlin read the newspaper, her massive frame shaking as she laughed. "Well, well, well! Who would've thought such a promising young man would appear out of nowhere!" She cackled with delight, the paper fluttering in her hands as her children looked on in silence. --- Send Stones

Chapter 160: 160: A New Era Rises – Zenkichi's Name Echoes.

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