"The North Blue Fleet... is invincible!"
The throne hall was completely reduced to scorched earth. The ground burned, and thick black smoke billowed skyward.
Never in his life had Lonsmer imagined that the Vodka Kingdom, under his rule, would be brought to its knees like this.
While Vodka's military might couldn't compare to some of the great powers, within the World Government's alliance of Member Nations, it was still considered upper-middle tier.
A small naval patrol fleet, coastal artillery installations, and tens of thousands of ground troops... such a force was more than enough to repel any mid- to large-sized pirate crew.
But today, a single floating warship completely disregarded the Kingdom's proud defenses. With an imposing and aloof presence, it loomed over the royal capital, its cannons pointed downward in silent judgment.
The kingdom hadn't fallen to political machinations, nor to Kaidou's revenge, nor to the chaos of New World pirate wars.
Instead, it fell to a single warship.
Yes—a warship. Enough to bring an entire nation to heel.
...
And it wasn't just the Vodka Kingdom. Across the seas, other Member Nations with significant influence in the Reverie were experiencing the same nightmare.
When monarchs seated high on their thrones were jolted awake by thunderous bombardments...
When rulers and officials, lost in indulgence and luxury, lifted their heads in horror...
What awaited them—was a fleet of heavily armed metal flying warships.
Each capital had only one floating above it. On their own, they didn't have the firepower to level a city.
If those kings and nobles had even a shred of courage, they might have stood their ground under fire, holding out until the World Government or Marine Headquarters arrived.
But they didn't dare gamble.
Because none of them could be sure if the next cannon blast... might be aimed directly at them.
...
Red Line — World Government Headquarters.
The atmosphere in the assembly hall was suffocating. The air itself felt cold enough to draw blood.
"The North Blue Fleet... is currently overlooking our Member Nations!"
As the voice came through the military Den Den Mushi, the Five Elders froze like struck statues. The smugness on their faces vanished without a trace.
Kong, too, looked momentarily stunned.
Overlooking the World Government's Member Nations?
That kid Daren... could it be...
The realization hit him all at once. His eyes flew wide, and he nearly gasped aloud.
Even now, standing on the opposite side, he couldn't help but marvel silently.
What a brilliant move!
If his limited forces couldn't defend the North Blue from the World Government's massive fleet... then don't defend it at all. Strike back—hit the Member Nations instead.
It was obvious: one goal was to apply political pressure. The other, to cut off the World Government's financial and logistical supply chain.
An eye for an eye.
Daren had predicted the Five Elders' response and moved ahead of them.
He had turned a hopeless situation on its head with brute strategy.
So what was this now?
You fight your fight. I'll fight mine?
Kong glanced at the Five Elders—ashen-faced, their expressions twisted.
And strangely, a wave of unspoken satisfaction rose within him.
His shoulders trembled slightly. The corner of his mouth twitched, as though trying to suppress a grin.
Then—the rows of military Den Den Mushi lined up on the conference table lit up all at once, glowing bright white.
One after another, real-time images flickered onto the pale walls, broadcasting scenes from various Member Nations.
Exotic countries. Distinct royal architecture. Ten different capitals.
And above each one—a streamlined metal warship floated silently in the sky.
Brimming with firepower, the ships exuded the scent of smoke and war. Under the sunlight, they cast enormous shadows over the cities, like colossal beasts of war looming over everyone's heads.
One row after another.
Ten Den Den Mushi.
Ten crystal-clear projections.
Each one like a silent slap across the Five Elders' faces, burning and stinging with shame.
And beside them, Kong kept throwing glances. Odd looks, that said he wanted to laugh—but didn't dare.
That expression alone made their blood churn with fury.
"The Vodka Kingdom, Tajine Kingdom, Lulusia, Shishano Kingdom, Bestland Kingdom, South Fire Kingdom, Jambalaya Kingdom, Gingaball Kingdom, Cameron Kingdom... Ten top-ranking Member Nations in the Reverie—each of their capitals has been attacked by the North Blue Fleet."
A trembling voice came through the Den Den Mushi again:
"...Under pressure from the North Blue Fleet, these ten nations have announced a temporary halt to all contact with the government."
Saturn gritted his teeth, his voice cold and menacing.
"Why aren't they fighting back!?"
"It's just one warship! Not the whole fleet!"
The voice on the other end hesitated, then responded:
"Reporting to Daren-sama Saturn... Given the limited military strength of these Member Nations, their cannons simply can't reach the altitude of that type of airborne warship."
Bang!
Saturn's eyes blazed with fury as he slammed his cane down hard.
"That's the so-called flying altitude!? What have these Member Nations been doing with their military budgets all these years!?"
The man fell silent, not daring to speak.
"Answer me!" Saturn barked.
"Most of their tax revenue has to be paid as Heavenly Tribute, leaving very little behind. On top of that, the royal families, nobles, and merchants squeeze whatever remains..."
"Enough!"
Topman Warcury cut him off.
He could no longer remain seated. Rising slowly from the sofa, his cold eyes locked onto the row of Den Den Mushi screens. In a hoarse voice, he asked:
"There are only ten warships... The North Blue Fleet has fifteen in total. Where are the other five?"
Another silence followed. After several seconds, a cautious voice answered:
"No sightings so far."
Warcury narrowed his eyes, paused in thought, then suddenly let out a cold laugh.
"How amusing. So Rogers Daren is trying to test our foundations?"
"Does he really think such paltry tricks will force us to back down, to submit to him?"
"Even if we temporarily lose the Heavenly Tribute from those ten countries, the supplies already secured through our secret routes will be more than enough—"
"Buru Buru, Buru Buru!"
Another Den Den Mushi began ringing, cutting him off.
The line connected automatically.
A voice filled with terror and disbelief came through.
"Re-reporting to the Five Elders!"
"All eight cargo ships transporting supplies along the five secret sea routes have been sunk on their way back to Mary Geoise!"
Blood vessels burst in the eyes of the Five Elders.
"What!?"
...
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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