King's Treasure
"Damn it! Damn it all!"
One of the Five Elders roared in fury, pacing back and forth in a lavish room, completely losing his usual calm demeanor. The others wore equally grim expressions.
"Where the hell did these people come from? Why haven't we ever heard of them before?" growled the sword-wielding Elder, his voice low and cold. Though he spoke quietly, the fury laced in his words was enough to make the air feel like ice.
"We couldn't find anything."
A man cloaked in black knelt before them, reporting with a trembling voice. "It's as if they appeared out of thin air. We've found no trace of their origin."
"Then what the hell are we feeding you dogs for?"
Another Elder, leaning against the wall, sneered. "When it's time to run, you bastards are faster than anyone. But when we need answers, your mouths are sewn shut. What, did you burn all the budget we gave you to keep warm?"
The man in black broke into a cold sweat, feeling the temperature in the room drop like death itself had arrived.
"Enough. Blaming him won't solve anything,"
said the Elder sitting on the sofa, rubbing his temple. "Right now, over a dozen nations are rebelling all at once, and each one is being invaded by absurdly powerful individuals. That Milim has resurfaced, and even more bizarre figures have shown up—an enormous dragon, an old man with terrifying swordsmanship, a pig-headed creature… All monsters. And every single one of them dared to challenge the authority of the World Government."
At those words, silence fell over the room again.
A single powerful figure—no problem. Even a hundred acting alone—still manageable.
But a hundred powerful individuals working together? That was enough to shake the very foundations of the World Government.
Judging by what they were seeing now, these enemies weren't just some ragtag alliance—they were an enormous force, possibly on par with the World Government itself. Otherwise, there was no way so many strong individuals could appear simultaneously across the globe.
"Brrrrrru, brrrrrru, brrrrrru…"
A Den Den Mushi's call abruptly cut through the tense atmosphere.
One of the Elders picked up the receiver.
"…Understood."
His expression grew darker with every word from the other side. By the time he hung up, he crushed the Den Den Mushi in his hand, fury surging from his body like a shockwave.
"Don't lose your head," one Elder said. "What happened?"
"…Roger has reappeared," the furious Elder replied through clenched teeth. "And he's allied with Whitebeard. They've rallied a huge number of pirates—Golden Lion, Red Count and many other monsters. Looks like they really do intend to flip the world upside down!"
Everyone fell silent once more.
"…They are flipping the world," someone murmured bitterly. "They're flipping the Celestial Dragons' 'heaven'."
"…We have to inform Lord Imu"
One Elder finally spoke, his voice heavy.
Without another word, the Five Elders silently left the room.
...
Meanwhile, somewhere in the New World, on an unremarkable island, a storm was brewing.
Dozens of powerful pirates had gathered—but all attention was drawn to the four men standing atop a stone platform: the Pirate King Gol D. Roger, the world's strongest man Whitebeard, the wild Golden Lion, and the fearsome Red Count.
"Everyone," Roger began, his voice calm but carrying immense weight, "I've called you all here because I need your help."
"We are going to overthrow the World Government!"
The statement was thunderous. Even the most fearless pirates in the New World couldn't help but be stunned.
"Roger, no offense, but do you even realize what you're saying?"
A pirate in the crowd shouted. "The World Government has stood tall for 800 years! Even if we go at them full force, what difference can we make? How can we possibly topple that kind of giant?"
His doubts stirred a wave of murmurs and shouts.
Most agreed. After all, the idea of defeating the World Government sounded more like a fantasy than a rebellion.
"Silence."
Whitebeard's voice exploded like a thunderclap, instantly silencing the crowd.
As order returned, Roger spoke again.
"I know we can't do it alone. That's why… I've found us powerful, trustworthy allies. With their help, this goal is no longer a dream. If we fight together, united, we can bring it down."
"And why the hell should we help you?" another pirate sneered. "Even if you're serious, what do we get out of it? In the end, we'll still be pirates."
Roger's eyes sharpened.
"Is that really all you want? Just to be pirates?"
His voice was low, serious. "I don't know why you each chose this path… but don't tell me you want your children, your grandchildren, to hear your name and feel nothing but shame."
The crowd fell into a heavy silence.
How many here truly wanted to be pirates?
Most had been cornered by life—forced into crime by a cruel world. They didn't enjoy running from the Navy. They didn't crave destruction or bloodshed. Most just wanted to live peacefully. Monsters who delighted in chaos were few—most pirates were desperate souls seeking freedom.
Finally, someone in the crowd called out:
"Roger, you've got a silver tongue, I'll give you that. But that's still not enough to make me risk everything for your cause. If you really want us to follow you… tell us what the Pirate King's treasure is!"
The words hit like a bolt of lightning.
Every pirate lifted their head, eyes gleaming with desire. Even Whitebeard, Golden Lion, and Red Count turned to Roger with curiosity.
After all, that was the dream they'd all been chasing.
Roger took a deep breath.
"…You really want to know?"
He looked over the sea of pirates—every last one holding their breath.
"Fine. Since you've asked—then let me tell you."
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