Chapter Seventy-One: Before the Execution

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The Battle of Amazon Lily had left the Navy utterly humiliated. Despite deploying heavy forces against Elros D. Camio, they suffered a crushing defeat. Camio dispatched the Navy effortlessly, without uttering a single word, which sent the world into frenzy.

Now, Camio’s name was once again a hot topic in the New World. Ten years ago, he had declared that no one could enter Amazon Lily without his permission; any trespasser would be deemed an invader and killed outright. Many pirates hoped to join Camio, but his words acted as an unbreakable crystal wall, deterring them completely.

The Straw Hat Pirates, meanwhile, became legendary. Camio’s actions seemed to revolve around them, causing pirates on the Grand Line to reconsider their strategies. If they encountered the Straw Hats, they would rather avoid them, or surrender outright if escape wasn't possible.

But this was not Camio’s intention. Upon learning of this, he informed the other three Emperors, telling them that if they met the Straw Hat Pirates, they need not fear, and could engage them freely—but advised against killing any of their crew. With the explanation passed down by Whitebeard, Shanks, and Kaido, the pirates finally relaxed. Their concern had been that the Straw Hats would exploit Camio’s formidable reputation to act with impunity.

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Half a month had passed since the Navy’s last visit. The Straw Hat crew’s training was well underway, and Camio would occasionally observe them, sometimes teasing Nami, though he had no intention of making her his consort. Nami still aspired to travel with Luffy’s crew toward the highest honors, clinging to her own dreams. If she were ever to let go of those, Camio would be willing to marry her. Whether they would eventually come together remained to be seen.

Following the original story, Camio personally sought out Hawk Eyes, and found an uninhabited island near Amazon Lily, where he sent Zoro and Hawk Eyes to train. Before leaving, Camio handed Zoro the “Purple Emperor,” saying only, “Use it well. Don’t disgrace its name.”

For the others, Camio enlisted the aid of Grey Bear’s associates to gather books and materials from various fields, delivering them to the Straw Hats’ quarters for their own study when facing difficulties.

...

The weather was fair and sunny—a splendid day.

Camio raised an eyebrow at the newspaper in his hand; it announced the date and location of Ace’s execution, scheduled for a week hence. The Navy seemed intent on regaining some dignity through Ace’s death. The Navy’s defeat had shaken the world greatly; more people were flocking to piracy, and it was becoming uncontrollable, increasing pressure on the Navy. Though their top forces hadn’t suffered losses, the battle emboldened those hesitant to become pirates, suggesting the Navy wasn’t so formidable after all. If even greater power could be found on the seas, why not become a pirate? Many civilians joined the ranks with this mindset. It must be said, Camio had made the world even more chaotic.

“Sengoku really is a bold one. Isn’t he afraid Whitebeard will raze the Marine Headquarters to the ground? Heh, Whitebeard isn’t the man he used to be—he’s even stronger now. Who will win in the end is anyone’s guess.” Camio smiled at the report. He didn’t plan to inform Luffy about this; the Whitebeard Pirates would likely handle the situation themselves. But to be safe, he resolved to witness it firsthand. Ace and Whitebeard must not die, Camio thought.

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Camio had no intention of following the original story. Even now, with Whitebeard dead, the world order wouldn’t change dramatically; at most, there would be minor conflicts, but not enough to reshape the global balance. As long as Camio spoke, peace could be restored. Camio had replaced Whitebeard’s role in the original tale, perhaps with even greater authority. Though he commanded little more than Amazon Lily, that alone could sway the world. Anything he did sent shockwaves through society. As long as he remained, the world’s changes would be minimal; at most, the Navy would weaken and pirate numbers would rise. But as long as Camio and his peers abstained from the fighting, the struggle between Navy and pirates wouldn’t shift drastically.

Rising, Camio gazed out at the tranquil sea, reflecting on how much he had changed. Now, he was practically the master of this world—his words could shake nations. Yet he had no desire to rule; it was too exhausting. Though he could likely succeed in conquering the world, it would be tedious, and even greater troubles would arise after victory. Better to remain as he was.

...

The news of Ace’s execution was withheld from Luffy. On the day of the execution, Camio substituted for Luffy, venturing alone to the deep-sea prison “Impel Down.”

For Camio, entering was effortless. After seeing Ace being escorted away, Camio sought out Ivankov of the Revolutionary Army. The sight of Camio startled Ivankov, but Camio cheerfully assured him that he would help them escape, which greatly excited them.

Of course, Jinbei and Old Crocodile were brought along. Their expressions upon seeing Camio were priceless.

They wondered if Camio intended to form a new force by recruiting members from the depths of Impel Down, but they were all mistaken.

During the prison break, Camio merely met with the pirates, instructing them not to reveal his assistance before departing.

Then, Camio appeared above a Navy warship, where Blackbeard D. Teach was delivering Ace to the Navy.

Without any warning, Camio scanned the ship with his spiritual sense, deciding none would leave alive.

Blackbeard was indeed ambitious, but in Camio’s presence, he was insignificant. Camio always disliked him since reading the original story—his unpleasant appearance and arrogant boasts grated on him.

“Blackbeard, go repent in hell. It’s your misfortune that this world has me,” Camio muttered.

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He spoke quietly, but his hands moved swiftly.

The “Spirit Snow Blade” appeared in Camio’s hand. The “Purple Emperor” had already been gifted to Zoro, and though Camio still possessed “Sky Snow,” that blade was only suitable for slicing fruit, not for combat.

He raised the blade and struck downward—a simple gesture.

Suddenly, the sea below split with a chasm thousands of feet wide and unfathomably deep. The pirate ship was instantly obliterated, reduced to atoms and vanished without a sound, leaving the world eerily silent.

Such was the power of the “Spirit Snow Blade”—a single stroke, terrifyingly destructive, annihilating everything with ease.

Camio sighed softly, showing little emotion.

Stretching out his left hand, black-glowing particles slowly gathered in his palm. Soon, the “Dark-Dark Fruit” materialized. The powers of Logia Devil Fruits were the forces of nature, and with Camio’s increasing strength, he could now create Devil Fruits. Yet, for reasons unknown, he could not produce duplicates—once the elements were condensed and transformed, a Devil Fruit was born, but never twice. This seemed to be a rule of the world. However, the two fruits Camio used existed outside those rules. Thus, when Kizaru died, Camio could gather the power of the “Glint-Glint Fruit,” create a new Devil Fruit, and give it to Nami, but he couldn’t break the rule.

Dispelling his thoughts, Camio vanished instantly, streaking across the sky toward Marine Headquarters.

After Camio departed, the chasm in the sea closed up half an hour later—a spectacle that shook the heavens and the earth.

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