Grand Line — Vodka Kingdom.
As a prominent World Government member nation, the Vodka Kingdom enjoyed privileges that set it apart from non-member countries. According to the charter for affiliated nations, it held the status of a "superior nation," entitled to protection from the Marines—and even the World Government itself—during crises or pirate invasions.
Lonsmer lounged comfortably in the spacious throne hall, biting down on a gold-foiled cigar while half-naked maids massaged his back.
He wore a pair of pointed mustaches and narrow, beady eyes. A gaudy pure-gold crown sat awkwardly atop his balding head, and his opulent robes failed to hide his bloated frame.
As King of Vodka, Lonsmer knew full well that he was no wise ruler capable of leading his nation to glory. The accomplishment he took the most pride in was handing over the monster Kaidou to the World Government, earning himself the right to participate in the Reverie.
Yes—Vodka Kingdom was the birthplace of the legendary pirate known as "Kaidou of the Beasts."
At just ten years old, Kaidou had already become the kingdom's strongest warrior, brimming with youthful ambition and eager to serve his homeland. But when that demonic little monster stepped into the throne hall, Lonsmer hadn't felt triumph—only a chill that pierced his spine.
He saw it in Kaidou's eyes: unrestrained ambition and madness.
Lonsmer knew he would never be able to control that kind of creature with his own meager wit and ability. So, he made what he believed was the most brilliant decision of his life—
He sold Kaidou, the national hero, to the government and the Marines for use in human experimentation.
From that moment on, the Vodka Kingdom's standing in the World Government shot up. No longer just one of the 170-plus member nations, it leapt into the ranks of the core 50 nations with Reverie participation rights.
Since then, Vodka's global status continued to climb. Though the country remained plagued by war and poverty, and though gathering enough Heavenly Tribute each year was an ordeal, at least no other nation dared cast greedy eyes on Vodka again.
"Who says I have no talent? Knowing your limits—that's a talent in itself..."
A smug grin curled Lonsmer's lips at the thought.
His mood soaring, his pants began to tent, and he reached out with a jewel-encrusted hand to grope one of the half-naked maids, sliding it beneath her clothes without restraint.
BOOM!!
Suddenly, a thunderous explosion erupted outside the throne hall.
A massive hole was blasted through the wall, bricks and debris flying everywhere.
Flames erupted in the swirling smoke, and thick black plumes filled the air.
The blast jolted Lonsmer into a shiver, and he quickly shrank back in terror.
"Damn it! What the hell is going on!?"
The maids screamed in panic, fleeing in all directions, their disheveled clothes forgotten.
A horrifying thought suddenly struck Lonsmer—one that turned his blood cold.
Could it be Kaidou? That lunatic had come back for revenge?
If it really was that monster...
Cold sweat beaded across his forehead.
Just then, dozens of armed soldiers burst into the throne hall. The captain at the front, pale with fear, shouted,
"Y-Your Majesty... we're under attack!"
Lonsmer swallowed hard, teeth clenched.
"Who is it!? Is it Kaidou?"
The guard captain shook his head, his voice trembling.
"N-No... it's a warship!"
Hearing it wasn't Kaidou, Lonsmer let out a breath of relief. Trying to sound tough, he barked,
"What about the patrol fleet? The coastal artillery? Are they all for show?"
"A warship... how could a warship possibly invade the capital directly—"
He stopped mid-sentence.
His voice fell silent.
So did the color in his face.
"Don't tell me..."
A thought even more terrifying than Kaidou's return gripped his mind.
He remembered that morning's newspaper, dropped off by the News Coo—the front page name of a legendary Marine.
"No way... why would Rogers Daren come here instead of going after the World Government...?"
Lonsmer's heart pounded wildly.
Then, from far above the throne hall, a chilling voice echoed down from the sky.
"North Blue Fleet, Ship No. 8—presenting itself before the World Government member nation, Vodka Kingdom... for inspection by His Majesty, King Lonsmer!"
The voice, cold as death, struck Lonsmer and his soldiers like a bolt of lightning.
Trembling, Lonsmer took a deep breath and, with the help of his guards, stumbled out of the burning throne hall.
Outside, the viewing platform was crowded with officials, guards, and thousands of soldiers. All stood frozen, staring at the sky, their faces ghostly pale, as if unable to trust their own eyes.
Further off, tens of thousands of civilians had also gathered, gazing blankly into the heavens.
And there, in the clear blue sky...
Not the overwhelming fleet Lonsmer had imagined.
Just one lone ship—sleek and metallic—hovered in the vast sky.
At its bow stood a lone young figure, his features indistinct, a Marine lieutenant commander's cape fluttering on his back.
Lieutenant Commander...? Since when could a mere lieutenant commander command a warship?
Lonsmer blinked, confused.
Before he could react,
the unidentifiable Lieutenant Commander of the Marines gave a sharp jolt—then suddenly unleashed a crushing aura that swept down from above!
Boom!
The sky and earth changed color, and violent winds erupted across a kilometer around the throne hall.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Soldiers dropped one by one, eyes rolling back as their knees buckled and they collapsed, unconscious.
Officials and guards fell like wheat before a scythe. Lonsmer's face twisted in horror as he gritted his teeth, struggling to withstand the crushing force of the aura.
His pupils were unfocused—on the brink of collapse. He grabbed the arm of the guard captain beside him, barely keeping himself upright to avoid falling and losing the dignity of a king...
But inside, he was nearly scared to death.
Since when did a mere Marine Lieutenant Commander possess Conqueror's Haki—something said to appear in one out of every ten thousand!?
At that moment, the Lieutenant Commander slowly raised his hand.
Beep... beep... beep... beep...
A chilling countdown, like the ticking of a death clock, echoed ominously.
A massive golden light surged violently from the main cannon of the floating warship above.
And in the next instant—
BOOM!!
A golden energy blast rained down with overwhelming force, annihilating the entire opulent throne hall in a split second.
A tremendous explosion surged skyward. Flames roared.
Lonsmer, along with every official, minister, and noble of the Vodka Kingdom, looked up in sheer terror at the warship overhead, trembling uncontrollably.
They knew it.
That blast—was just a warning.
This was, in fact, a military parade.
But they were not its hosts.
And so—as the Lieutenant Commander on the warship slowly raised his hand once again, everyone present, without thinking, amid the flickering firelight and choking black smoke, one after another, bent their knees, knelt on one knee, and shouted with clenched teeth,
"The North Blue Fleet... is invincible in the world!"