#385 - Chapter 385 Power
On the vast ocean, winds surged and clouds shifted in unpredictable patterns.
Just as the Whitebeard Pirates were crowned emperors, another powerful force suddenly rose, shaking the entire sea.
Charlotte Linlin, who had been missing for some time, reappeared and became the second pirate to be crowned emperor, following Whitebeard.
This news spread throughout the four seas, stirring up countless waves.
However, what shocked people even more than the news of her becoming an emperor was Charlotte Linlin's current appearance.
The once obese and boisterous woman was gone.
In her place was a slender, beautiful, and graceful woman, as if time had reversed and she had returned to her peak state during her time in the Rocks Pirates.
"Has she really become like this?"
A sailor widened his eyes, unable to believe the newspaper he was seeing.
"That's right, and it's said that her crew members were all personally subdued by her!"
The companion next to him said in a low voice, his tone full of disbelief and a hint of awe.
"Does this mean her strength has increased again?"
An old captain couldn't help but put down his glass after hearing this news, a complex expression on his face.
He knew what such news meant.
"Yes, and not only that, but I heard that her Haki has reached a new level. All those subordinates who once wanted to betray her have submitted under her iron fist."
Another pirate chimed in, his voice trembling slightly.
The discussions in the tavern rose and fell, and the atmosphere seemed unusually tense.
Charlotte Linlin's resurgence was like a thunderclap, stirring up countless ripples in people's hearts.
"Her comeback, I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing."
An elderly crew member muttered, a hint of worry in his eyes.
He had personally witnessed Charlotte Linlin's terrifying power, and the sense of oppression still lingered in his mind.
"Indeed, whether it's Whitebeard or Linlin, their crowning as emperors means that the power on the sea will be reshuffled."
A young pirate looked nervously at the newspaper, a faint unease in his heart.
Although Charlotte Linlin's return made many people feel uneasy, there were also many who were excited.
After all, in this sea, the strong are respected, and the rise of new forces is often accompanied by opportunities and challenges.
Just like this endless sea, no one can predict which direction the wind will blow next.
"Maybe, the situation on the sea will be even more turbulent this time."
A middle-aged captain said in a deep voice, his eyes flashing with complex light.
He looked up at the distant horizon, as if foreseeing the coming storm.
At this moment, in some unknown corner, Charlotte Linlin stood on her flagship, a gentle breeze caressing her long hair, her eyes revealing endless determination and ambition.
She knew that what she wanted was far more than just the title of "emperor"; she wanted the awe and obedience of the entire world.
Her comeback would be the most thrilling scene on this sea, and she had been preparing for it for far too long.
As time passed, Charlotte Linlin's name once again resounded throughout the world, carrying an undeniable deterrent.
Those who once laughed at her and underestimated her could only marvel in their hearts, her resurgence meaning that this sea would usher in an unprecedented change.
Standing at the bow of the ship, Charlotte Linlin's gaze was as sharp as a blade, looking towards the Whole Cake Island territory that was about to come into view.
She slowly clenched her fist, her knuckles making a slight cracking sound, as if the whole world was trembling slightly in her palm.
"Indeed, strength is the most important thing to be a part of this world."
She muttered to herself, her voice filled with undisguised desire and obsession.
Her eyes flashed with cold light, as if able to see through the endless waves, directly to her goal.
"Power... so intoxicating."
The corners of her mouth turned up slightly, revealing a cold and charming smile.
Behind her, Caesar walked forward with a bitter face, his heart uneasy.
As a scientific researcher, he had managed to survive the past few wars by staying far away.
However, now that he was by Charlotte Linlin's side, he felt that he was living worse than dead.
He understood that being with this terrifying woman meant constantly offering up his soul, and even losing his life inadvertently.
"Captain, we are about to reach the Whole Cake Island area."
Caesar squeezed out a smile, his voice slightly trembling as he reported.
He knew that the woman in front of him was not an ordinary pirate, but a cold-blooded and ruthless empress who could put him to death at any time.
Charlotte Linlin didn't turn her head, still staring into the distance, as if she hadn't heard Caesar's voice.
After a few seconds, she replied faintly:
"I know..."
Her tone revealed an unquestionable majesty, as if she were the master of this world.
Her gaze suddenly shifted, and she asked coldly:
"How is the progress of the artificial Devil Fruits?"
This question was like a sharp blade pointing straight at Caesar's heart, causing him to break out in a cold sweat.
As expected, he couldn't escape this question.
Caesar secretly groaned, but still maintained a forced calmness on his face.
"It's already in the experimental stage, and if nothing goes wrong, it can be mass-produced after this experiment."
He answered carefully, praying that his answer would satisfy Charlotte Linlin.
Charlotte Linlin nodded slightly, humming with satisfaction.
Although artificial Devil Fruits can only create Zoan-type ability users, the power of the Zoan-type is just right for building a powerful army.
Her gaze turned to the distance again, and she had already outlined the future blueprint in her mind.
Whole Cake Island, she would personally take it back.
And those who dared to occupy her territory, she would make them pay a heavy price.
"Whole Cake Island is my territory, no one can touch it."
Her voice was low and cold, filled with firm determination.
She was no longer the woman who was distracted by children and desserts, now she was stronger, more ambitious, and the fire of revenge was burning fiercely in her heart.
Caesar stood aside, lowering his head and daring not to say more.
He could feel the powerful aura emanating from Charlotte Linlin, as if she had transformed into an insurmountable mountain, making it difficult for him to breathe.
Charlotte Linlin took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and felt the coolness of the sea breeze blowing on her face.
She knew that the land of Whole Cake Island was once her pride and her shame.
However, this time, she would not fail again.
She would take everything back with her own hands and stand at the top of this sea again.
"Get ready, Caesar," she suddenly opened her eyes, her tone with an unquestionable order. "The following days will be your time to prove yourself."
Caesar trembled and nodded quickly.
He understood that every step from now on was crucial, and if there was any mistake, he would pay an unimaginable price.
Charlotte Linlin had already ignored Caesar and refocused her attention on the sea in front of her.
Her eyes flashed with ambition and desire, as if she had already seen the territory that belonged to her return to her control.
Power was everything she pursued, and it was the only path to her future.
On this path, she would not hesitate to sweep away all obstacles until she stood at the peak, overlooking all living beings.
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