"One Piece:The True Codex"Chapter 373: The Flamingo
Dampier successfully persuaded the Five Elders to agree to a truce with William. As a result, William was appointed as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, transforming him from a fugitive wanted by the Marines into a recognized ally of the World Government.
This was the very definition of [Reversing Heaven and Earth], and naturally, the mission was completed smoothly.
In addition to this monumental achievement, the title of Warlord brought with it new feats granted by the Plaza of Fate.
Achievement Feat: [Pivotal Figure]
[Pivotal Figure]: After two globally significant battles, your presence can no longer be ignored by any major power. Your every move has influenced the world's balance. Following your illustrious victories, you are now considered by the public as one of the three dominant forces on the Grand Line—alongside the Four Emperors and the Marines. From this point forward, your words will carry more weight, your actions will be scrutinized, and your influence will ripple through the world.
Background Feat: [Seven Warlords of the Sea]
[Seven Warlords of the Sea]: The Seven Warlords are seven pirates officially recognized by the World Government for their exceptional strength and fearsome reputations. These pirates are granted the authority to plunder undeveloped regions and other pirates, provided they remit a portion of their spoils to the government. As a Warlord, your bounty will no longer increase, and past crimes committed by you or your crew will be pardoned and erased. Among civilians, the Warlords are regarded with fear and awe; among pirates, they are dreaded and loathed. Alongside the Four Emperors and the Marine Headquarters, the Warlords are considered one of the three major powers of the Grand Line. Your pre-Warlord bounty of 1 billion Beli is the highest among the current Warlords, further amplifying your notoriety.
Beyond these new feats, the Plaza of Fate underwent a dramatic transformation. The entire space turned into a chaotic void, reminiscent of the changes that occurred during William's last major breakthrough.
In reality, William opened his eyes and slowly sat up in bed. For the first time in years, he allowed himself a sigh of relief. All his efforts over the years had finally borne fruit.
Indeed, the title of Warlord was still a step below the Four Emperors, who could rival the World Government and the Marines with their own forces. However, compared to ordinary pirates, the difference was like night and day.
William was also the king of a World Government-affiliated nation and a participating monarch in the Reverie. With these titles, along with the construction of the sea train network, he had successfully risen from the East Blue to the Grand Line, securing a larger stage for his ambitions.
If the current Four Emperors and the World Government were the most likely contenders for the throne of the world, then William could now be considered a future candidate. Previously, when he was confined to the East Blue, he wouldn't have even qualified as a candidate—at most, he would have been a subordinate forced to bow down to whoever claimed the throne.
The weather in the New World was several times harsher than in the first half of the Grand Line. The ship rocked gently under the assault of the waves, and the flickering lights in the cabin reflected the unstable conditions outside.
Unbothered by the dim lighting, William gazed out the window, his expression brimming with confidence.
Meanwhile, in the Holy Land Mariejois, Dampier found himself treated with unprecedented hospitality. He was given a clean and comfortable room and served exquisite meals—a stark contrast to his previous experiences. This alone was enough to tell him that the Five Elders had likely agreed to William's proposal.
Sure enough, after consulting with Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Commander-in-Chief Kong, and the heads of various government departments, the Five Elders summoned Dampier once more. This time, they got straight to the point.
They agreed to recognize William as the legitimate king of the United Kingdom of Navia and Faraise. In this capacity, he would become a Warlord of the Sea and a participating monarch in the Reverie.
The Five Elders instructed Dampier to immediately inform William of their decision. They planned to announce William's new status to the world through the newspapers in three days' time. However, they imposed one condition: William had to release all captured Marines, including Garp, and refrain from using them as political leverage.
According to the narrative the World Government intended to present to the public, the conflict between the Marines and William had been a misunderstanding orchestrated by hostile forces. This misunderstanding had now been resolved, and it was in light of this resolution—and William's capabilities—that he was granted the title of Warlord.
The foundation of the truce rested on this narrative, not on the captured Marines. The World Government and the Marines could not, and would not, be seen as bowing to threats.
Dampier agreed and promptly departed the Holy Land. His plan was to first head to the Sabaody Archipelago, inform Edmond and the others stationed in the Calm Belt, and then wait there for William's return.
Unaware of the Plaza of Fate that aided William, Dampier assumed that William, currently in the New World, would immediately head back to the first half of the Grand Line upon seeing the news. Since Sabaody was a necessary stop, Dampier expected William to rendezvous with him there. Together, they could exchange the information they had gathered.
However, shortly after arriving at the Sabaody Archipelago, Dampier was intercepted by a peculiar-looking man.
The man wore a high-collared trench coat and a mask with round lenses. His spiky hair jutted upward like a hedgehog, and two stitched scars ran down the sides of his eyes.
"'Pirate Scholar' Dampier?" the man inquired.
"Who are you?" Dampier asked, his expression calm but his hand subtly moving toward the sword at his waist.
"Gladius," the man replied. "You probably don't know me, but you'll definitely recognize the name of my young master. He's very interested in you and your captain. He'd like to meet with you."
"And who is your young master?" Dampier asked.
"Donquixote Doflamingo," Gladius said, lifting his chin slightly with a hint of pride as he spoke the name.
Dampier gave Gladius a long, thoughtful look. He had, of course, heard of Doflamingo—a fellow Warlord of the Sea and, coincidentally, also a monarch.
What Doflamingo wanted with him and William, Dampier couldn't yet discern. But he did know one thing: none of the Warlords were easy to deal with. Before becoming a Warlord, Doflamingo's bounty had been 340 million Beli, and he was likely nearby. Alone, Dampier had no confidence in taking on Doflamingo and his subordinates.
With his sharp mind, Dampier quickly weighed the risks and benefits. To Gladius, it seemed as though Dampier hesitated only briefly before nodding in agreement.
To Dampier's surprise, Gladius didn't take him to a tavern or restaurant but instead led him to what appeared to be a half-constructed building.
Standing amidst the construction site was none other than Doflamingo himself, the Warlord of the Sea.
(End of Chapter)
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