Chapter 334

"I heard from Eclair that your world recently suffered an attack from the World Government and the Four Emperors' Bai Huzi— is this true?"

Upon entering, as soon as they landed, Ranshin, as the leader of the three, turned to Ogre and Macao to ask.

"It is true."

Macao nodded and spoke.

However, before Macao could finish, Tōshirō, standing beside him, coldly interrupted.

"Enough. Still planning to hide it? Do you think we don't know how deep the hatred is between the World Government and pirates in the Grand Line?"

"Who are these two?"

At this moment, Macao and Ogre turned their gazes toward Tōshirō and Gin.

They had arrived just as Natsu and Tōshirō were on the verge of conflict, and had not heard any introduction regarding Tōshirō and Gin.

Although they had noticed them from the start, they refrained from asking out of uncertainty about their identities and the prior conflict, waiting patiently for Ranshin's introduction.

Seeing the expressions on Macao and Ogre's faces, Ranshin introduced them again.

Upon learning their identities, they were slightly surprised, especially upon hearing that Tōshirō was also a captain—just like Natsu and the others before them, they showed a flicker of shock.

"So... young."

"Tōshirō is the youngest captain among the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, and also one of the rare ice-element geniuses among all Shinigami."

"Hmm." Macao and Ogre nodded.

Even without Ranshin's explanation, Macao and Ogre could feel the immense pressure and chilling aura emanating from them.

To become a captain like Ranshin, they must be a powerhouse equal to him—thinking this, Macao and Ogre couldn't help but sigh.

Remember, the Thirteen Court Guard Squads have exactly thirteen captains—if they had warriors as powerful as this one, they wouldn't have been unable to stop the invasions from other worlds all this time.

"It's like this..."

At Ranshin's prompting, Macao and Ogre then recounted everything that had happened since Ranshin returned to the Soul Society.

This included Blackbeard's scheme to incite war, and the recent events involving the Monu Sect within the Beronica Principality.

"I see. I didn't expect so much had happened in the mortal world during my absence."

After hearing it all, Ranshin fell into silence.

"I had some suspicions, but I didn't expect they'd also discovered it."

"Mr. Ranshin, you've lived for four hundred years—have you heard of the 'Omniscient and Omnipotent Great Will'?"

Beside him, Lucy, ever curious, spoke up.

Although the fragments of the 'Great Will' had drawn major forces from other worlds into their affairs, Lucy could not suppress her inner curiosity.

At Lucy's question, all eyes turned to Ranshin.

In fact, not just Lucy—everyone present was deeply concerned about this.

After all, as the origin of all events, tied to the split of the world over a thousand years ago, no one could remain indifferent.

But before Ranshin could speak, Tōshirō beside him already voiced his objection.

"Hey, Ranshin, these people aren't qualified to be involved in such matters."

"Is it that troublesome? If this causes you or your companions distress, then forget it."

Seeing Ranshin's hesitant expression, Macao immediately showed a look of apology.

Ranshin shook his head, smiling easily at Tōshirō.

"It doesn't matter. With the connection between worlds, someone among them will inevitably learn the truth—it's only a matter of time."

"Besides, we'll need their help in the tasks ahead."

"Then do as you wish."

Hearing Ranshin's words, Tōshirō no longer pressed, but his expression still revealed distrust toward Macao and the others.

Yet for Macao and Ogre, this situation was perfect.

After all, they truly needed this—information to uncover the truth of the world.

With no further obstruction, Ranshin continued.

"In truth, I long wanted to tell you, but feared you'd disbelieve or cause unrest if you learned too soon—so I held back. I never imagined you'd find out through this war."

· ·······Seeking flowers····· ·····

At this, Macao and Ogre nodded in agreement.

Indeed, if Ranshin had told them about the 'Omniscient and Omnipotent Great Will' from the start, they would never have believed it.

Clash of worldviews inevitably breeds difference and skepticism.

The Omniscient and Omnipotent Great Will? A world from a thousand years ago?

These claims were utterly unlike anything they knew.

Had it not been for Blackbeard's war and the arrival of Bai Huzi's pirate crew to awaken them, they might still be lost in a dream of ignorance.

"So what exactly is this 'Great Will'? Why do so many Yijieren want to seize it? And what happened a thousand years ago?"

. 0...

Eclair stepped forward to ask.

Though many theories about the 'Great Will' and the world a thousand years ago already existed, Eclair wanted to hear Ranshin's own account.

"I assume you already know that the entire world, along with other otherworlds, was once a single whole—surely you've heard this."

Everyone present silently nodded. They now believed in the existence of other worlds—but how did this relate to the 'Omniscient and Omnipotent Great Will'?

While all minds were still pondering, Ranshin continued, and as he spoke, his expression grew solemn.

"The 'Omniscient and Omnipotent Great Will' is, in fact, the original source and will of the main world."

As he spoke, their souls seemed drawn into his words.

"A thousand years ago, this main world erupted in an unprecedented, world-shattering war—this conflict was called the End-Ancient War."

"In the final ancient war that took place, the main world was shattered, splitting into countless continents, floating in the void of space,

"The so-called 'shards of the Omniscient and Omnipotent Great Will' are its primary core of original will, scattered throughout this world."

"It took a full thousand years before the power within the shards of the 'Great Will' slowly recovered bit by bit, once again emanating power to attract other shards."