One Piece:Becoming the King of the World from the Rocks Era

"That's right, Captain. When I grow up, I'll be able to block Branton on my own, maybe even defeat him," Barrett declared confidently.

Though still a child in many ways, Barrett believed that with time, he'd surpass Branton. His confidence in his future was unshakeable.

"Hahaha, I'll be waiting for you all to grow. Come, let's drink, drink!" Li Yuan laughed heartily, raising his cup.

The Infinity Pirates celebrated with a feast, drinking heavily and releasing the pent-up emotions from their recent battles.

Three days later, the Infinity Pirates took over the Violence Pirates' territory. True to his word, Branton didn't cause any destruction, leaving half the territory for the Infinity Pirates to claim smoothly.

The New World conflict had raged for two months, with the Infinity Pirates defeating both the Violence Pirates and Silver Axe Pirates. They halted their expansion, choosing to consolidate their newly acquired lands.

Their territory now spanned the prime central region of the New World, holding half of it.

As the New World plunged into chaos, more people turned to piracy. Even within Infinity Pirates' waters, new, reckless pirate crews dared to challenge them.

Having lost over 20,000 men in two major wars, and with more territory than manpower, Li Yuan needed to recruit and expand the Infinity Pirates, assigning captains and commanders to patrol.

"It seems the New World war won't end anytime soon," Li Yuan mused, reviewing the intelligence Shakky provided.

Defeated, Silver Axe and Branton turned to attacking smaller pirate crews, showing they were still formidable despite losing to Li Yuan.

The Flying Pirates battled both John and Wald, with Golden Lion having individually defeated both, yet no decisive victory was claimed.

The Whitebeard Pirates clashed with Wang Zhi Pirates. Though Whitebeard defeated Wang Zhi multiple times, Wang Zhi's Paramecia Speed Fruit allowed him to escape.

Whitebeard's subordinates struggled against Wang Zhi's forces, like fledgling eagles against seasoned pirates. Whitebeard often had to aid his crew, preventing them from being overrun.

The only crew not vying for territory was the Roger Pirates, uninterested in land, roaming the New World freely.

"Li Yuan, what should we do next?" Shakky asked softly from Li Yuan's embrace.

"Recruit more people and solidify control over our new territory," Li Yuan replied, holding Shakky.

"The Deputy Director of the World Economic News, Morgans, wants to cooperate with Luo Wang," Shakky mentioned, tracing circles on Li Yuan's chest.

Luo Wang, an intelligence network, had spread throughout the New World, reaching even the East Blue. Though not yet matching the Rocks Pirates' network, it was on track to do so within five years.

The World Economic News, also an intelligence organization, noticed Luo Wang's presence. After several intelligence exchanges, they realized Luo Wang wasn't to be trifled with.

Confirming Luo Wang wasn't a CP organization, they sought cooperation, sharing a common enemy in the World Government's CP units.

The World Economic News had severed ties with the World Government during the Rocks era, repeatedly publishing anti-government news, straining their relations.

"Do they know Luo Wang is under the Infinity Pirates?" Li Yuan asked, surprised Morgans had become Deputy Director. It made sense, as Morgans was the heir to the World Economic News.

"No, I've never linked Luo Wang to the Infinity Pirates," Shakky replied, shaking her head.

As an intelligence operative, Shakky understood the importance of secrecy. She never revealed her involvement, not even to Luo Wang's members.

Only Luo Wang's core knew it was part of the Infinity Pirates, and those members were personally vetted by Li Yuan using Observation Haki.

"Then cooperate with them. The World Economic News has survived the World Government's onslaught, proving their strength."

"Working with them will help Luo Wang grow quickly. Just ensure they don't infiltrate us," Li Yuan advised, stroking Shakky's hair.

"I'll be careful," Shakky promised, burying her head in Li Yuan's chest, savoring his familiar scent.

"Shakky, there's no rush in developing Luo Wang. Prioritize stability; we have plenty of time."

Li Yuan smiled at Shakky, who snuggled like a kitten, then began caressing her.

At their age, and having taken longevity elixirs, they had time. Finding Pure Gold would extend it further.

On his path to dominion, Li Yuan needed caution, avoiding the World Government's attention before the Infinity Pirates matured. Otherwise, it could hinder their expansion.

"I know. Why are you so patient now? You used to be so impatient!" Shakky teased, frustrated by Li Yuan's restraint despite her signals.

"You spoiled me. You used to tease me, and now you're the impatient one," Li Yuan teased back, watching Shakky blush and squirm in his arms.

His teasing left Shakky suspended, longing for more, yet unable to reach it, making her restless.

"Hmph, I'll do it myself!" Shakky huffed, taking matters into her own hands.

The night passed in a dance of passion.

"Big news, huge news! Luo Wang agreed to collaborate with the World Economic News!" Morgans exclaimed, receiving Luo Wang's message.

"Too bad we can't report such explosive news," he lamented.

At the World Economic News headquarters, current Director Kasa sighed at Morgans' excitement.

"Morgans, be cautious. Luo Wang is mysterious, and we can't trace its origins."

"Don't worry, Director. As long as Luo Wang isn't a CP creation, we're fine."

"We have no direct conflicts except with the World Government," Morgans assured confidently.

"With the New World in chaos, a victor has emerged: the Infinity Pirates."

"The era of multiple pirate overlords is ending. Even great pirates will have ranks."

"As victors, the Infinity Pirates' captain, Li Yuan, shouldn't be equal to losers. Let's call him a legendary pirate!"

Kasa, a journalist at heart, was passionate about New World news.

"You're right, Director. Victors should stand above losers. Legendary Pirate Li Yuan is a fitting title."

"But we'll inform Li Yuan first, see his thoughts," Morgans agreed.

"Well said, Morgans. You've matured," Kasa praised.

"Let's see what Devil Fruits Silver Axe and Branton hid," Li Yuan mused, examining the fruits.

These fruits were spoils from defeating Silver Axe and Branton. Li Yuan ensured they handed over all fruits, personally overseeing the process.

Having visited God Valley, Branton and Silver Axe's finds should be impressive, sparking Li Yuan's anticipation.

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