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Sea Circle Calendar 1513.
It's been a tumultuous year.
Early in the New Year, the New World—known as the Pirate's Paradise—witnessed the apex battle of a new era.
First, the Big Mom Pirates secretly allied with the Beasts Pirates to launch an assault on Wanokuni. However, they were utterly crushed on almost all fronts, shattering the Four Emperors' balance of power that had endured for years.
In the wake of this upheaval, countless conflicts broke out as factions vied for the legacy of the fallen Four Emperors. Amid this chaos, the Flying General Alex—who set this chain of events into motion—defeated Whitebeard, once hailed as the strongest man in the world. His victory solidified his status as the world's strongest man and secured Wanokuni's dominance in the New World.
This turmoil swept across the world, its echoes lingering for nearly a month. However, the situation began to stabilize as neither side made any further large-scale moves.
Beyond these seismic global events, another major flashpoint emerged: the fertile territories surrounding Kaido's former base camp.
Whitebeard's initial offensive had caused hesitation among many would-be challengers. Yet, with his defeat and injuries, the deterrence once provided by his name faded. Without that layer of protection, opportunists grew bolder, seeing a chance to claim Kaido's legacy.
The stakes were clear—whoever claimed Kaido's base camp could amass enough power and influence to rival Whitebeard's forces, forcing them to tread carefully.
This scramble for dominance became the focus of worldwide attention. Among the contenders, the most notable was Ochoku, a veteran pirate of the old era and now one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Opposing him was a coalition army led by two other Shichibukai: the Swamp Villain Russell and the Giant Battleship Sanjuan Wolf.
These two factions were not alone in their ambitions. Behind each, underground groups with vested interests provided backing, investing heavily to secure their chosen side's success. Both factions had their own advantages: Ochoku's experience and reputation as a veteran powerhouse, and the coalition's strength in numbers and Shichibukai status. The stakes were immense—whoever claimed victory might also seize the chance to rise as the new Emperor of the Sea.
However, the outcome defied all expectations.
Amid the fierce battle, a shadow loomed large on the horizon—a blue dragon rising suddenly above the chaos.
No one had anticipated Kaido's return. Defeated by Flying General Alex and presumed near death according to the newspapers, Kaido had not only survived but seemed to have reached new heights of power.
Descending onto the battlefield in his hybrid dragon-man form, Kaido singlehandedly changed the tide of the conflict.
Morgans was nearly delirious with excitement. The story of Kaido's explosive return—and his decisive, overwhelming victory—was the kind of headline that sent waves across the world. Kaido didn't just defeat Ochoku and the two Shichibukai; he crushed them with the raw power befitting a New World Emperor.
As the battle reached its climax, the war boiled down to just four combatants: Ochoku, Russell, San Juan Wolf, and Kaido. The fierce struggle raged on for seven days and seven nights.
Unlike Flying General Alex, whose strength is overwhelming in sheer force, or Whitebeard, whose destructive quakes shook the seas, Kaido's power stemmed from his monstrous resilience and near-immortal durability. In his Dragon-Man form, his unrelenting physique, combined with terrifying regenerative abilities, was on full display throughout the clash.
Ultimately, Ochoku suffered another crushing defeat and fled the battlefield. Russell and San Juan Wolf, faced with Kaido's dominance, chose to submit to his rule. The remaining challengers, hearing of Kaido's resurgence, scattered in fear. And so, the struggle for Kaido's legacy came to an end.
Kaido, reborn stronger than ever, reclaimed his base camp, reestablished his facilities, and rebuilt the remnants of his forces. By subjugating new combatants through sheer might, he managed to partially recover the losses suffered by the Beasts Pirates during their earlier downfall.
Morgans wasted no time in broadcasting this shocking turn of events to the world. News of Kaido's return, his triumphant victory, and his reassertion as a Sea Emperor sent ripples through every corner of the New World, sparking a frenzy akin to a tsunami.
Yet, alongside Kaido's return, the headlines also carried mentions of Flying General Alex. Kaido's resurgence only served to further underline Alex's unparalleled strength—after all, Kaido's newfound peak was forged in the wake of his defeat at Alex's hands.
Meanwhile, Alex himself remained unfazed by the news. Whether unaware of the frenzy or indifferent to it, his focus was entirely on the ambitious creation of his floating kingdom.
The first phase of the project was the division of regions. Naturally, the Flower Capital stood as the core of the kingdom. However, the surrounding areas were no longer small villages like Ringo or Hakumai. Instead, they were restructured into essential zones orbiting the central area.
Key developments included military bases, scientific research facilities, the Mermaid Coast, and Amazon Fortress. The Mermaid Coast, established due to Shirahoshi's presence, and the Amazon Fortress, constructed at Hancock's request, were significant additions.
Alex ensured these areas were practical and functional. At the heart of the central region, where Alex and his retainers resided, stood the Flower Capital—now more prosperous than ever, with new entertainment venues to match its growth.
Alex drew inspiration from memories of his past life, recreating everything feasible within the world of One Piece, save for electronics. These ideas were entrusted to Wanokuni's research and construction departments to bring to life.
Beyond the core, Wanokuni's traditional five provinces—Kuri, Udon, Hakumai, Ringo, and Kibi—retained their unique roles, scenic charm, and seasonal specialties. However, the acquisition of Totto Land's islands greatly expanded Wanokuni's influence. The diversity of food, products, and resources from this massive territory added to Wanokuni's wealth and reputation.
Totto Land's islands underwent significant changes under Alex's rule. While their dessert themes remained intact, many dessert-processing factories were replaced with entertainment venues and strategic facilities, reflecting Wanokuni's expanded purpose.
The kingdom's infrastructure connected the islands seamlessly with floating promenades and air yachts. These innovations not only facilitated the movement of people and resources but also improved the efficiency of Wanokuni's defensive and offensive operations.
Under Alex's leadership, Wanokuni—now dubbed the "Flying Kingdom"—became a fully integrated, super-sized nation. It rivaled even the world-renowned kingdom of Alabasta in scale and complexity, standing as a shining beacon in the New World.