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

"No, we can't participate. Our navy doesn't even have a single Grand Swordsman, and failing to make the top ten would harm our reputation," Sengoku said firmly.

"Though we can't participate, the Pirate Expo will offer plenty of weaponry, medical supplies, and even steel warships for sale. Should we send someone to buy some of these?" Vice Admiral Tsuru asked.

"Our budget has been raised, but it's all allocated to expansion efforts—there's nothing left to spare for this," Steel Bone Kong replied reluctantly. He couldn't deny that the treasures of the Infinite Pirates were indeed tempting.

With a sigh, he added, "I'll consult the Five Elders."

Despite their discussion, the decision ultimately lay with the Five Elders. Yet even they gave only one conclusion: the navy should focus on its own affairs and not interfere with the Infinite Pirates. The Five Elders feared that if the navy tried to disrupt this swordsmanship tournament, it might unite the world's pirates against the World Government again.

Following the announcement of the Infinite Pirates' World Swordsmanship Tournament and Pirate Expo, factions and individuals from around the world began converging on Venice Island in the Infinite Sea. Many underground organizations came, representing covert interests for groups such as the World Government and allied nations. Unable to participate openly, they sent proxies to secure opportunities at the Expo.

The most enthusiastic arrivals, however, were swordsmen worldwide. A tournament created solely for swordsmen? None would miss it. Around the Combat Pyramid and throughout Venice Island, facilities were constructed to accommodate the influx of guests.

Over the two months leading up to the tournament, a steady stream of people poured into Venice Island. The enormous island, capable of hosting twenty million, began to feel crowded. Sensing the economic opportunity, various factions transported goods to Venice Island, ready to profit from the vast gathering.

Li Yuan welcomed this commercial growth, even hoping more merchants would arrive to sell their goods, which would only further enrich Venice Island and benefit the Infinite Pirates.

On the day of the Pirate Expo, Li Yuan led most of the officers and captains of the Infinite Pirates to the island's main port. Despite the usual crowding, one vast section of the port remained reserved, open only to those of equal standing to Li Yuan.

"Look! That's Li Yuan, the captain of the Infinite Pirates, along with their officers and captains. Could they be waiting for a famous pirate to arrive?" Speculation filled the crowd as they saw the previously closed-off area now bustling with activity.

Along with the many thousands of spectators were representatives from the World Economic News, broadcasting live with transponder snails. Those with the new projection-enabled transponders could watch the scene on Venice Island from anywhere in the world.

"It's the Flying Pirates!" someone shouted, drawing all eyes skyward. A massive ship appeared in the air, an unmistakable sign of Golden Lion Shiki's crew.

"Gahahaha! Li Yuan, it's been a long time!" Shiki's domineering voice echoed from above as his powerful Conqueror's Haki swept over the crowd. Even from a distance, the ten thousand spectators felt it like a hammer to their skulls, many struggling to remain conscious.

"Hahahaha! Shiki, it has been a while—over a year now!" Li Yuan's booming laugh shot toward the sky, accompanied by a wave of crimson Conqueror's Haki that intercepted Shiki's pressure, sparing the crowd from collapsing.

"The sky…it's splitting!"

Across the world, viewers watched in awe as the clash of their Haki tore through the clouds, vivid lightning crackling between their auras. For ordinary people, this was nothing short of a miracle, defying anything they thought possible.

"Gurararara! Shiki, you sneaky fox! We agreed to arrive together, and yet you sped ahead!" Whitebeard's booming voice followed soon after.

"Gahaha! Whitebeard, it's not my fault your ship is slow," Shiki quipped as he descended, his ship settling in the port just as Whitebeard arrived.

"Yohohoho! Who would've thought we Rock's old crew would gather here once again," laughed John, arriving alongside Wang Zhi, Silver Axe, Branton, and Bullet.

"Ma-mama-mama! You geezers! How dare you all get here ahead of me!" cackled Charlotte Linlin as she arrived next.

"Hahaha, Big Mom, you've got it backward. You actually got here after all of us!" the last to arrive called out—the Roger Pirates had joined the gathering.

"Oh my gosh! Every major pirate crew in the New World is here! The Infinite Pirates have really pulled out all the stops!" The gathered spectators and those watching the broadcast worldwide were left stunned. These legendary pirates, names they'd only ever seen in newspapers, were all present, standing before them in one place.

Li Yuan stepped forward, his voice booming, "Welcome, everyone, to Venice Island! I've prepared a feast in the Combat Pyramid, with delicious desserts, the latest Dukang brews, and a bounty of roasted meats. Follow me!"

These pirates were all on par with him, so he needed to be a proper host. Otherwise, if they clashed on his island, it wouldn't withstand the devastation.

"Ma-mama-mama! I do love a good dessert!"

"Gurarara! Dukang's spirits are indeed potent. If there's a new brew, I'll be sure to give it a try."

"Gahaha! Let's go; I'm eager to see what this Combat Pyramid of yours is all about," the captains laughed as they followed Li Yuan.

Walking at the head of the procession were the strongest pirates in the New World, followed by their officers. Despite the usual crowding, paths were quickly cleared through Venice Island for them.

When Li Yuan led the group into the Combat Pyramid, even these experienced captains were astounded. The massive pyramid-shaped structure towered into the sky, so tall its peak disappeared into the clouds.

"Though I saw pictures, witnessing it in person is something else entirely. Tell me, Brother Li Yuan, how much did this cost you to build?" Roger asked, wide-eyed as he looked up at the vast structure.

This wasn't just Roger's question; the entire world, watching the broadcast, was curious about the answer.

Li Yuan chuckled, "From the first blueprints to completion, it took nearly four years and around 150 billion Beli. If it weren't for the treasures I seized at God Valley and later from the Baldur Kingdom's king, plus two years of profits from the arms trade, I couldn't have covered the cost."

In truth, his wealth was nearly inexhaustible, but he said this to give the other pirates some peace of mind. If they knew how wealthy he really was, it might stir some unwanted greed.

A collective gasp escaped those present and the viewers around the world. Spending 150 billion Beli on a single building was beyond lavish!

But admiration grew as well. To openly declare that he had financed it with treasures stolen from the Celestial Dragons and built this sanctuary

for combat was truly bold and admirable to those in the pirating world.

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