~ Support & Read 13 Advanced Chapters on Patreon!
❁❁❁❁
Seven days had passed since they'd left Sabaody and descended to Fish-Man Island.
During that time, Doflamingo and his entire crew had exhausted every resource at their disposal, desperately searching for a cure for Arthur's injuries. They sought out every famous fish-man doctor, every rare medicinal herb, but their efforts were fruitless.
He had already secured the promise he wanted from the Thunder God Pirates, true. But who would ever complain about having a favor owed to them—especially a favor from one of the most powerful forces in the world?
Doflamingo was a clever man. He knew exactly what he was doing.
The flamingo-headed ship now raced towards Raijin Island, the stronghold of the Thunder God Pirates. The three initial islands of the New World, once gateways, had become the starting points for the territories of the four great emperors.
The sea route beginning from Raijin and Risky Red Island, the lands claimed by the Thunder God Pirates, was now entirely theirs.
The sheer scale of this new empire was staggering.
"Wine," Arthur rasped, curled up in a lounge chair on the deck, letting the sun bake his pale skin. "And the latest paper."
He didn't know why, but the more he rested, the more tired he felt. Perhaps it was the deep toll a grievous injury took on one's spirit, draining all energy. He needed a drink to feel alive again.
A man of the sea could never be far from his drink. For him, the more he drank, the more alive he felt.
"Fuffuffuffuffu... Thunder Emperor, you've certainly been busy. The world is in an uproar, thanks to you," Doflamingo said, his voice dripping with amusement. "People have seen the weakness of the Marines at the highest level. The number of pirates setting sail now rivals the day of Roger's execution."
The more chaotic the world became, the happier Doflamingo was.
His dream was to watch the world burn, to bring trouble to the Celestial Dragons who had cast him out. His family's involvement in the underworld's darkest dealings was extensive, trafficking in all manner of illegal goods.
Chaos meant business was booming. Such a beautiful thing was enough to make him ecstatic.
He carried a glass of red wine and the latest newspaper, which he'd just bought from a passing News Coo, and handed them to the listless Arthur.
————————
The Red Line—The Holy Land of Mary Geoise.
Inside a grand, immaculate palace, the Five Elders—the highest authority of the World Government—stood and sat, some leaning on canes, one holding a sword. Beside them stood Fleet Admiral Kong and Admiral Sengoku, their arms crossed.
After a few days of rest, they had fully recovered their strength and had come without delay to discuss how to deal with the captured Redfield. Garp was still recovering in the Navy's infirmary.
The World Government had stood for eight hundred years, and its resources were truly astonishing. Even after Garp had burned his own life force, they had used a healing-type Devil Fruit to pull him back from death's door. Combined with his own superhuman constitution, he was already able to walk after just a few days.
Though he would never again be able to use his full strength, to have survived at all was a stroke of incredible luck. What more could he ask for? His future now lay in training the next generation, in instilling the ideals of the Navy in them.
"Five Elders, Redfield has been successfully captured and is imprisoned in Impel Down. How shall we proceed?" Kong asked, letting out a quiet sigh of relief. With the mission accomplished, there was no reason for them to let that butcher squad from Cipher Pol take over the Navy, right?
"Redfield may be captured, but the seas have not calmed. In fact, they are more chaotic than ever. This is still your failure," Saint Shepherd Ju Peter said coolly, his fists propping up his chin.
"Yes, it is our failure," Kong said, his face a mask of indifference. He crossed his arms. "That's why I've come today. The mission is complete. I've been Fleet Admiral for many years, and I'm tired. It's time to let someone more capable take over."
As he spoke, a heavy burden seemed to lift from his shoulders, and he relaxed completely.
The position of Fleet Admiral was not as simple as it seemed. The endless paperwork, the crushing responsibility—his spirit had long been worn down.
"Hmph. What nonsense are you spouting, Kong?" Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro said, displeased. "If you know you have failed, then you should strive to do better. Did you think we called you here to listen to this drivel?"
"The Commander-in-Chief has just stepped down. Your military achievements and abilities are sufficient to bear this responsibility," Saint Marcus Mars said in a low voice.
"It is your duty. The seas are in turmoil, and you wish to simply walk away?"
"I—"
"SILENCE."
One by one, the Five Elders spoke, their words forcing Kong into the position of Commander-in-Chief, leaving no room for refusal.
He had wanted to stay at the Marine Academy, to teach the next generation alongside Garp and Zephyr. He had never imagined that by coming here to report, he would be saddled with the command of the entire organization. The situation was so absurd, he'd had no time to prepare.
"Hah..." It was impossible to say if he was happy or sad. Kong only felt tired.
"I will accept the position of Commander-in-Chief. But the Navy cannot be without a Fleet Admiral. Sengoku's abilities are outstanding, his strength and strategy are both impeccable. There is no one in the Navy more suitable for the role."
"We will discuss that later," Saint Jaygarcia Saturn said with a wave of his hand. "First, let's talk about the Redfield problem."
"He has caused the World Government to lose face. A simple execution would be too lenient..."
"I believe the most urgent matter is to quell the chaotic trend on the seas," Kong interjected. "The battle at Sabaody has made the pirates even more rampant. First, we should spread the news of Redfield's capture to deter them. What do you think?"
"Fine. Have the news agencies publish it immediately. Emphasize the consequences of opposing the World Government," Saint Topman Warcury decided with a rap of his knuckles. He then added.
"That settles the matter of Redfield. Now, there is something even more important."
"In the West Blue—the homeland of Thunder Emperor—there is a world-renowned island of scholars called Ohara," Saint Shepherd Ju Peter said, his expression turning cold. "Cipher Pol Zero has investigated and found that the archaeologists on this island are secretly researching the history of the Void Century."
"The World Government has already given them a stern warning, yet they've repeated the same mistake."
"The desire for knowledge cannot be stopped. But what are the consequences of excessive curiosity?"
"The more you know, the closer you are to death. In that case... initiate a Buster Call."
The history of the eight hundred years ago could not be allowed to be unearthed, no matter what. Why couldn't they just let the past be the past, let it dissipate in the long river of history? Why must someone touch the forbidden?
The Five Elders detested this kind of thing. The scholars of Ohara were stubborn fools. They knew that the only outcome of continuing their research was a dead end, yet they couldn't suppress their curiosity.
The key was that warnings were useless. Therefore, the only way to keep history buried was—destruction.
Anyone who tries to learn... will die.
❁❁❁❁
~ 13 Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
https://p-atreon.com/dragonnx
(Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)