One Piece: Conquering Wanokuni at Start

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Sea Circle Calendar, Late 1512.

In the aftermath of the Fire Festival—an event deliberately excluding invitations to any major factions—news of monumental significance began to ripple through the dark undercurrents of the New World.

Less than a day before the festival's commencement, a devastating incident shook Totto Land. Cocoa Island, one of its towns, was almost entirely destroyed in a cataclysm of thunder and lightning. The assault left much of the island in ruins within mere minutes.

In the vast seas of the New World, there was only one person known to wield such ferocious control over lightning.

The assailant was none other than Yamato, a member of Alex's Royal Court, with a bounty of 1.24 billion berries.

Within a day of the attack, the Big Mom Pirates issued a formal declaration of retaliation, targeting Wanokuni. This marked the beginning of yet another Emperor's War.

The president of the World Economy News Paper, Morgans, wasted no time capitalizing on the chaos. The explosive story was prepared within hours, and by the next morning, countless news coo were spreading it across the world.

When the news broke, the New World erupted in shock and anticipation.

This was the first major frenzy since the events of Sea Circle Calendar 1504, nearly eight years prior.

Both combatants commanded immense power and influence, holding territories that symbolized their dominance in the New World.

Big Mom—Charlotte Linlin commanded Totto Land, a sea of thirty-four interconnected islands. Her army, composed of Homies created by her Soul-Soul Fruit, was vast and unmatched in sheer numbers. The pirates under her flag were some of the strongest in the New World, reflecting the fearsome strength of a true Yonko.

Alex, the Flying General, ruled over Wanokuni and its surrounding seas. His territory had flourished under his leadership, especially with the powers of the Float-Float Fruit and More-More Fruit making resource management and expansion second nature.

Though Wanokuni's forces might not rival the overwhelming numbers of Totto Land, they were bolstered by a reputation of elite quality rather than mere quantity. Those who attended the Fire Festival had witnessed Wanokuni's burgeoning strength firsthand:

Enormous food reserves to sustain prolonged campaigns. Advanced seastone weapons crafted with cutting-edge technology. High-grade munitions and military energy supplies.

Wanokuni's martial system, combined with its status as a country of warriors, ensured its troops were a fearsome match for anyone. In this world, where one individual could devastate armies and ten could conquer nations, Wanokuni stood as a colossus.

At the heart of this conflict lay the confrontation between the two central figures.

Charlotte Linlin, still reigning as the Queen of the Seas, now faced another emperor—a figure as feared as Whitebeard had been in his prime.

While Linlin's age and declining stamina were undeniable, Alex's meteoric rise and recent victories fueled a growing belief in his supremacy. His infamous Tea Party incident, where he successfully repelled Big Mom, remained a defining moment.

In the coming war between two emperors of the New World, the odds seemed to favor the Flying General.

Of course, this outcome was only speculation. No one could predict with certainty how the war between Big Mom and Alex would unfold.

The tension continued to mount—a calm before the storm—as the impending conflict drew widespread attention across the seas.

Morgans, was practically beside himself with excitement. The president of the World Economy News Paper knew that the war would bring a cascade of explosive headlines, a windfall he was determined to exploit.

The New World entered an unprecedented state of frenzy.

Pirates, revolutionaries, and kingdoms—both large and small—turned their eyes to the battlegrounds. The sea between Totto Land and Wanokuni became the epicenter of speculation, fear, and preparation.

In the underworld, whispers grew louder. Many less powerful pirates, wary of becoming collateral damage, fled the surrounding territories. For them, the risk of being caught in the crossfire far outweighed any potential reward.

Meanwhile, taverns teemed with chatter as pirate mobs freely voiced their opinions, driven by emotions ranging from jealousy to contempt and resentment.

Some sided with Big Mom. Others placed their bets on Alex. Still others hoped for mutual destruction, fantasizing about a New World plunged back into chaos.

"The fact that Linlin's mobilizing this many forces shows she's taking it seriously."

"And what about Sengoku?" another asked. "I heard he sees this as an opportunity—thinking about deploying forces from Marineford."

At Naval Headquarters, the response to the war was swift. Reports flooded in, detailing movements from both sides. The Admirals were on high alert, while the World Government convened an emergency session of the Five Elders.

In the dim light of their chamber, the Elders debated the best course of action.

"Now is not the time to act, we'll wait and watch."

This was the strategy of the Five Elders: to sit back and let the two sea emperors tear each other apart.

"The tigers have yet to be gravely wounded," another Elder added. "If we act now, we risk flanking ourselves and reaping no benefit from their clash."

Though it was a war between pirates, the Five Elders viewed both Big Mom and Alex as rulers of the lawless zones in the New World. To Marine and the World Government, they remained formidable enemies.

The conversation turned to Alex.

"His forces are... unpredictable."

Resting his hand on the hilt of the First Generation Kitetsu, he continued. "The areas under his control, the hidden stockpiles of weapons, his mastery of seastone craft—all of it makes him a dangerous opponent. And his seastone weapons pose a direct threat to Linlin's Homies."

The Five Elders had learned of these details through dealings with Wanokuni. Alex's resources were an open secret to them, though the full extent of his military capabilities remained elusive.

"It's likely Alex will win this war," the military Elder stated matter-of-factly.

"Enough with baseless speculation," the blonde Elder interjected, crossing his legs as he leaned forward at the meeting table. "The strategic importance of these territories cannot be overstated. Whether it's Totto Land or Wanokuni, the victor will control one of the most valuable sea zones in the New World."

The other Elders nodded in agreement.

"It's not just us who will covet the spoils of this war," added the mustachioed Elder. His voice carried a hint of caution. "The World Government and Marine aren't the only factions watching. Pirates... those vultures will descend on the aftermath like flies on rotting meat."