Chapter 433: SVOP - 433

Chapter 433: SVOP: Chapter 433

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!!

The shattered remnants of the sword energy burst outward, sweeping across the surrounding buildings.

In an instant, the houses lining the plaza crumbled and collapsed in waves of destruction.

Seeing this, Hawkeye slowly sheathed his blade. He showed no sign of surprise at the outcome.

He had never entertained the thought "I might win". He had unleashed his strongest strike purely to measure himself, to see where he stood now.

"As expected of you, Emperor Vladimir," Hawkeye spoke loudly and clearly. "Compared to the strike I delivered ten years ago... how was it?"

Vladimir’s expression remained calm and unreadable. "That question should be directed to the Ruler of the Seas. You used me merely as a gauge to test your strength. Did you honestly believe you would walk away unscathed?"

As his words ended, the roar of a dragon echoed from the heavens. The next moment, a massive black dragon descended from the sky, drawing near.

Hawkeye’s entire body tensed. His gaze sharpened as a colossal shadow rushed toward him. A massive claw reached out and seized him instantly.

"Ruler of the Seas?!" Hawkeye’s eyes lit up, his fighting spirit soaring to new heights.

"You call that clumsy flailing a challenge to Emperor Vladimir? Let me test you instead!" the Sea Dragon spoke in a human voice.

It clamped its claw firmly around Hawkeye, then took flight, skimming low over the ground, and sped away into the distance.

"A DRAGON!!"

Straw Hat Luffy’s eyes sparkled with intense curiosity. "It’s a real dragon!!"

Legends of dragons were common enough, but actually seeing one in the flesh was extremely rare. Luffy was absolutely thrilled.

Seeing his reaction, cold sweat poured down Smoker’s back. "This idiot... he has no idea who that dragon is... That is the Ruler of the Seas, an existence equal to the Four Emperors!"

At this moment, there was no longer any doubt in his mind. Phantom had truly returned.

And it wasn’t just Emperor Vladimir alone. It seemed likely that every single member of Phantom would be making their return.

Just thinking about the legendary Dark Era sent a shiver down Smoker’s spine. As a Marine, the mere memory of those days was terrifying.

The year 1510... a year erased from public records, sealed away as top-secret intelligence by the World Government.

"Should I report to Headquarters first? No! First, I need to get out of here alive!"

Smoker had completely forgotten about arresting Luffy. Compared to this, the return of Phantom was the only thing that mattered.

As if reading his mind, Vladimir glanced at him with a faint smirk. However, he had no interest in dealing with such a small fry.

"No need to hide. I can sense you clearly. Come out now."

"Hahaha... As expected of Emperor Vladimir. You detected me the moment I drew near."

A deep voice echoed, and instantly, a hurricane began to tear through Loguetown.

Powerful winds swept inward from all directions, converging toward the center of the plaza. Swirling around the execution platform, a massive tornado formed right above the ground.

"I never thought I would see you again, Emperor Vladimir, nine years after we parted ways."

From within the funnel of the storm, a figure slowly materialized.

He wore a long green cloak with the hood raised, and distinctive markings adorned his face.

"Monkey D. Dragon... You have left me very dissatisfied," Vladimir said calmly. "Over these nine years, has the aid provided by Phantom ever been lacking?"

"Never. The support Phantom has given the Revolutionary Army far exceeds the 100 billion Berries we agreed upon back then," Dragon replied gravely.

He glanced briefly at Straw Hat Luffy as he spoke.

"Then what exactly have you been doing?!" Vladimir snorted coldly.

"Nine years, and all you have managed to create is this so-called ’Revolutionary Liberation Alliance’? With a mere fifty member nations?!"

Dragon felt helpless under Vladimir’s reprimand.

Vladimir was their greatest benefactor. The vast majority of the Revolutionary Army’s funds, weapons, and supplies had come from Phantom.

Regardless of strength or status, Dragon naturally stood in a position below Vladimir, owing him everything.

"Many things happened during these years. Our expansion hit a bottleneck — we have been stuck at this point for several years now."

Dragon fell silent for a moment, then spoke again. "Are you aware, Emperor Vladimir, of the resignation of former Admiral Aokiji a few years back?"

Vladimir raised an eyebrow. "What happened?"

"Aokiji left the Marines and joined a pirate crew," Dragon sighed.

"The reason... around that time, the World Government utilized their National Treasure. They engaged us in a massive battle. It was a slaughter on both sides, and the Revolutionary Army suffered heavy losses. We never fully recovered."

He paused, then added: "Aokiji stepping down as Admiral was merely the catalyst. Shortly after, he became a pirate."

Vladimir put aside the topic of Aokiji for now. It was the National Treasure that truly interested him.

"What exactly is this National Treasure?" Vladimir’s gaze sharpened.

"It is the foundation upon which the World Government rules the world. A power comparable to the Ancient Weapons... an absolute force..."

...

Meanwhile — Marine Headquarters.

In the Fleet Admiral’s office, Sengoku sat behind his desk, reviewing recent reports and documents.

Suddenly, a soldier rushed inside in a panic.

"Your Excellency! Disaster! Terrible news!"

"Look at you, rushing about like a headless chicken! What is the meaning of this?!" Sengoku frowned, scolding him. "Speak!"

"A communication... from the East Blue!" The messenger stammered breathlessly. "Phantom... Phantom has appeared!"

"Phantom?"

Sengoku froze for a split second, then his pupils contracted violently. "You mean... that Phantom?!"

"Yes! Exactly! From nine years ago! The report comes from Captain Smoker. Emperor Vladimir has appeared in Loguetown!!"

"Impossible... Nine years have passed... Why would they appear now?"

Sengoku shot to his feet, slamming both hands on the desk, his face full of disbelief.

"It’s impossible! Absolutely impossible! To return after only nine years... it defies all logic!"

According to the analysis of the World Government’s intelligence bureau, Phantom only appeared once every few centuries at the very least.

Otherwise, their existence made no sense.

Throughout recorded history, there had been no trace of their activity for nearly a hundred years.

It was widely accepted that the intervals between their appearances were vast, making them nearly impossible to trace in history books.

"Are you absolutely certain? How could they return? Could it just be someone who looks similar to the Emperor?"

"No... because along with Emperor Vladimir... there was also the Ruler of the Seas!"

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