"Today, the doctor is going to show us something interesting."
Ryder snapped his fingers.
In an instant, all of Skypiea burst into light. Cloud-shell lighthouses glowed across the horizon, golden waterways shimmered like rivers of starlight, and hidden defensive cannons emerged from the drifting mist. Ryder's entire domain unfolded under the night sky.
Most stunning of all was the sea chart formed by blood-red mist high above, a colossal map of the New World with every territory clearly marked.
"So?" Ryder grinned. "Is this worthy of being your new home?"
Eyedrake stared without blinking. After a long silence, he suddenly slammed his bottle onto the table.
"Dammit! Ryder actually became a Sea Emperor?!"
Shanks laughed heartily. "He always was."
Marks wiped at the corner of his eye and muttered, "If Captain Roger could see this…"
Ryder addressed them all. "Since you're here, old friends, I'll give you real responsibilities. So you'd better work hard. Come with me. There are plenty of places without proper guardians. If you want to keep sailing, you'll need to help maintain our family's operations in my territory."
The banquet fell silent for a heartbeat, then erupted into louder cheers.
"Hahahaha! You brat, bullying us old men now?" Eyedrake slapped the table, sending wine splashing everywhere. "Fine! My old bones haven't got a destination anyway. I'll play along!"
Marks chugged a few mouthfuls, wiped the foam from his beard, and grinned. "Ryder, you schemer. We're not working for free. What's the pay?"
"Pay?" Ryder raised an eyebrow in fake surprise as the blood mist in his palm reshaped into a golden check.
He slapped it down. "You want money? Tesoro, give each of them one hundred million Berries as pocket change."
Tesoro twitched slightly. "Yes, Captain."
"I have no concept of money, hahaha!" Ryder laughed proudly.
Another wave of laughter filled the hall.
Tesoro then stood, smiling politely. "Seniors, the captain truly is short on manpower. His territory is larger than Whitebeard's. There's no way he can manage it alone. Between Skypiea, Big Mom's former holdings, Gran Tesoro, and the Underworld, we're already drowning in work. Not to mention the New World fortresses and all the satellite islands."
"Tsk. Ryder, you planning to become the next rock star of the seas?" Jackson Banner stroked his chin, squinting suspiciously.
Ryder shrugged casually. "Rock star? I'm aiming to create a new era. Besides, money can't buy happiness."
"Hmph. Braggart," Enel muttered with folded arms, though his eyes betrayed a hint of approval.
Moria suddenly rose, his shadow twisting into the shape of an enormous bat. "Hehehehe… if we're doing this, let's do it big! I propose refitting Thriller Bark into a dedicated ghost fleet to hunt down every government ship we see!"
"I agree!" Eyedrake smacked the table again. "I've been sick of CP0 for years!"
Tesoro snapped his fingers, and a golden decanter floated over to refill everyone's glasses. "So it's decided? Former Roger Pirates, reunited at last. As a junior, I'm truly honored."
Ryder pretended to wipe a tear. "I'm so touched. Not that it's necessary to say aloud, but my subordinates are terribly considerate."
"Hold up!" Perona floated above the table, hands on her hips. "You uncles can't just drink whenever you want! Lord Ryder's business is sophisticated. You need to follow the rules."
"Rules?" Eyedrake stiffened.
"Of course there are rules." Ryder grinned. "First, no one bullies my family. Second, everyone must live happily. Third…"
"What's the third one?" Marks leaned close.
"Third, after work, the drinks are unlimited!" Ryder burst out laughing.
"Hahahaha! I like that rule!" Marks snatched the cup from Ryder's hand. "I've been eyeing your drink for a while."
Shanks watched the scene quietly, nostalgia softening his expression. "Brother, if Captain Roger could see this, he would be overjoyed."
A loud crack sounded.
"Don't get sentimental, kid." Ryder gazed toward the sea of clouds, a faint smile on his lips. "No one knows what the future holds."
Tesoro stood and struck the floor with his golden staff. "Then from this day forward…"
"Welcome to the Mist Empire."
Glasses clinked. Laughter rose like thunder.
From the highest point of Skypiea, the golden bell tolled gently, as if announcing something momentous.
Ryder's gaze swept across the reunited crew before settling on the distant night sky. The blood mist swirled quietly behind him, answering an unseen call.
While the empire feasted and celebrated…
(World Economy News Special Report by Morgan)
"The Mist Lord: Ryder – Dawn of a New Era! The World Government Finally Understands Real Justice!"
"He is the future of the sea!"
Dear readers, allow me, Morgan, with trembling hands, to write this report destined for the history books! While corrupt nobles plot in their marble halls, a true king, with unparalleled wisdom and courage, has forced the World Government to bow its arrogant head!
"A subordinate nation"? No! This is the will of the era!
Why did the Five Elders compromise? Because they realized resisting Lord Ryder would cost far more than pretending to negotiate. Look at the so-called Sea Emperors! Whitebeard stayed silent. Kaido stayed silent. Big Mom stayed silent. And our Mist King? He slouches lazily on his Sky Throne and does not even bother wearing a crown.
"He made Mary Geoise tremble!"
According to credible sources (note: from a CP0 agent who wishes to remain anonymous), the Five Elders' meeting room kept its lights on for three straight days. Saint Saturn shattered seven marble tables with his staff. Why seven? Because they discovered something astonishing.
Lord Ryder does not need the title of Warlord. He does not need the false prestige of being one of the Emperors. He has demonstrated the simplest truth:
The strong create the rules.
While the Navy still debates "pirate legalization," the Mist Kingdom has already become the first nation to ally openly with pirates.
The Mist Lord stated that he loves peace and hates seeing people suffer. His power is limited, so he hopes everyone will join him to build a better future.
Morgan's conclusion:
While the remnants of the old era cling to labels like "pirate" and "marine," Ryder has already risen above such boundaries. He is not a puppet of any nation. He is a creator of a new order, even though the World Government only reluctantly recognizes him.
Finally, allow me to end with this trembling prediction:
"One day, even the name of One Piece will be nothing but a footnote beneath his throne."
Some rejoice. Some despair. As always, the world refuses to agree.