"Wright, I must say, I never expected you to unveil such a devastating trump card..."
Sengoku, stroking his braided beard, looked genuinely moved. The meeting had ended, and now Wright was sharing tea and senbei with Sengoku and Tsuru in the Fleet Admiral's office. Sengoku still seemed half-dazed by the passionate reactions from earlier.
"But the higher-ups..."
"The numbers haven't changed, only the efficiency," Wright said with a light chuckle. "They don't really have a leg to stand on."
Faced with this situation, the World Government had no choice but to grit their teeth and accept it yet again.
Even if mass teleportation was involved... as long as it wasn't made available for civilian use, there wouldn't be any major problems.
In this world, the lack of communication and transportation networks had always been a major obstacle to progress, with nations scattered like isolated islands across the seas.
One nation typically occupied one island, and the size and resources of that island directly determined the kingdom's strength and scale.
That's why large nations like Alabasta, or strong nations like Wano, were so rare—first and foremost, the land had to be vast enough to allow self-sufficiency.
Yet even so, centuries of isolation and stagnation continued to plague most countries around the world.
Why had King Cobra of Alabasta been so astonished the first time he saw the Lightforged Beacon?
After all, space-based teleportation abilities weren't unheard of—but no one had ever managed to imbue such powers into tools before.
The two greatest potentials King Cobra saw in the Lightforged Beacon back then were, first, the large-scale transportation of goods, and second, mass teleportation!
With these two issues solved, materials and people could move across the world efficiently. The Lightforged Beacons would weave the world into a single, interconnected whole!
The greatest obstacle to development—transportation—could finally be overcome!
The World Government had realized this too, of course. Fortunately, back then, the Lightforged Beacon's capabilities weren't so exaggerated, and its effectiveness in combating pirates was unparalleled.
Even if they felt threatened, the World Government couldn't afford to ban the military use of the Lightforged Beacons—otherwise, how could they continue to uphold their image of "justice"?
And even if their use was restricted to Marine bases only, that alone was more than enough.
"With this," Sengoku chuckled, "I almost feel like half of 'world peace' has already been achieved."
"As expected," he went on, "individual strength alone can't change the world... but the creative use of abilities? That's a whole different story."
"You're the first Devil Fruit user I've ever seen so dedicated to applying their powers in practical ways," Sengoku added, laughing. "Most others just focus on boosting their combat prowess."
"Maybe it's because I was influenced by the scientists," Wright said thoughtfully.
He thought back to the first time he heard one of Judge's reports, which led to the development of the Lightforged Beacon, and later meeting Vegapunk, who helped him perfect it to the current level. He couldn't help but smile wryly.
"Advancing technology... never a bad investment, huh? Hahaha!"
"Well, the pre-battle mobilization are completed," Tsuru said, her gaze toward Wright filled with unmistakable approval.
Unlike Sengoku and Garp, who had semi-retired, Tsuru still actively led the strategy division, though she was now training Ain to succeed her—clearly, she had high hopes for the young woman.
"But before the real operations begin, there's another important event to prepare for—especially this year."
"The Reverie... yes, I know," Wright nodded, a thoughtful look crossing his face.
"The Reverie..." he said softly. "Many nations must already be preparing... but this year's Reverie might be a little different."
"Oh? Different how?"
Sengoku set down his tea cup and grabbed another piece of senbei.
"Every Reverie is pretty much the same—fifty representatives from member nations gathering to discuss so-called 'world security and order'..."
"But really, it's just a giant scramble for self-interest," Sengoku said, swallowing his senbei and letting out a cold laugh.
"Big nations manipulate smaller ones to fight their battles, forcing them to sacrifice their own interests and become cannon fodder. Nothing more."
"The last two Reveries at least resulted in something useful—like addressing matters concerning Fish-Man Island," he added. "But this time..."
"This time," Tsuru said quietly, "it will be the first Reverie since the Marines stormed into the New World... and with the 'Four Emperors' power balance shifting, the kings are likely to be restless."
"And..." Tsuru paused before continuing, "Doflamingo's downfall will cast a long shadow over this Reverie too."
"Heh, a reshuffling of interests, huh?" Wright scoffed, grabbing his own piece of senbei.
"Secret dealings and backroom bargains unable to resolve disputes... so they just take it to the Reverie and have a full-blown brawl instead?"
"Wouldn't be the first time. In fact, it happens at every single Reverie, doesn't it? Hardly surprising anymore."
"But this time..." Wright said with a sly smile, taking a sip of fragrant tea, letting the delicate premium leaves swirl on the surface, "I plan to deliver them a 'grand gift' before the Reverie starts..."
He blew lightly on his tea and added casually:
"How about... turning the 'Four Emperors' back into 'Three Emperors'?"
"That way, even the World Government won't be able to ignore the feelings of the kings.
"And what could reassure them more than the strength of the Marines?"
"..."
Sengoku and Tsuru exchanged glances, realization dawning in their eyes.
"So that's your plan... You want the Marines to make a major show of strength before the Reverie," Sengoku said slowly, "and let the kings themselves pressure the World Government."
"Otherwise, if the World Government grows wary of the Navy's power, they might try something drastic."
"Well, that's part of it," Wright admitted. "But there's also... someone important I need to draw attention from."
...
New World, Elbaf.
"Heh... Wright, you've got a good eye for talent," Shanks said, standing by the seashore, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon, a deep smile playing across his lips.
"Handing Marco the title of 'Emperor' just as the Navy consolidates its control over the New World... Looks like you approve of his methods, huh?"
"This way, Marco can divert some of the World Government's attention from your next big move..."
"And with so many outstanding individuals among the 'Dawn's Watch,' your chances of success look pretty damn high..."
...
New World, Revolutionary Army Headquarters—Baltigo, the "Island of White Soil."
"Saboooo-kun!"
Koala suddenly slipped through the door seam into Sabo's room, making him jump.
"Koala... don't sneak around like that in broad daylight!"
"Ehehehe... I just wanted to startle you~" Koala said with a mischievous grin, drifting closer.
"News from the Leader: Invitations to the Tea Party have started going out!"
"Oh? That old hag Big Mom's Tea Party?"
Sabo's expression turned serious, a sharp gleam flashing in his eyes.
"The Emperor Luffy declared war against?"
"Exactly," Koala nodded earnestly. "And guess what? One of the invitations... was sent to the Straw Hat Pirates!"
"Heh..."
Sabo clenched his fist, a cold smile tugging at his lips.
"I've no doubt that Luffy will accept the invitation..."
"That old hag's planning something nasty for my little brother.
"Perfect timing, huh?"
"In that case, let's crash the party ourselves!"
Waaah... Sabo-kun said 'us'!
Koala wiped her tears dramatically, leaving Sabo shivering in alarm.
"W-What's wrong, Koala?"
"Uuuu... Sabo-kun, you finally acknowledge my strength!"
"I-I didn't say that...!"
"Huh?!?"
"Ugh..."
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