Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
Today, Marineford was livelier than ever.
Not only were countless newspaper reporters gathered here, but rows upon rows of elite Marine Headquarters soldiers stood in formation, as though awaiting something significant.
Even Admiral Sengoku, soon to be appointed as the next Fleet Admiral, was present, along with many high-ranking Marine officers. They waited solemnly, their eyes fixed on the distant horizon.
This scene instantly drew the attention of Marineford's residents and the gathered reporters.
Seeing such a grand display, whispers spread quickly among the crowd.
"This is over the top, isn't it? Sure, the [Seven Warlords of the Sea] system was implemented by the World Government, but having an Admiral and so many officers lined up to welcome them… isn't this a bit too much?"
"Exactly… at the end of the day, they're still just pirates."
"Even the Great Staff Officer and several monstrous Vice Admirals are here. Anyone who didn't know better would think a massive war was about to break out."
The crowd murmured among themselves while frantically clicking their cameras, capturing every moment.
Among them, some reporters with better insider connections sneered at their competitors.
These small-time local journalists were so clueless. They were nothing compared to us at the World Economic News! We have first-hand information.
The arrival of the Seven Warlords couldn't possibly warrant such an extravagant reception from Marine Headquarters.
The real reason behind this display...was that a true big shot was about to arrive!
Far away, a silhouette of a ship gradually appeared on the horizon.
Everyone's attention sharpened instantly. Sengoku's eyes narrowed, his expression grave as he stared into the distance. Even the messenger standing by moved closer, awaiting Sengoku's command.
Was it time?
As the ship drew nearer, its details became clear. Sengoku's mouth twitched slightly before he waved the messenger back to his position.
It was just Doflamingo.
No need to mobilize the honor guard yet.
Indeed, the first ship to arrive at Marineford was a mid-sized vessel with a flamingo head carved on its prow.
"Fufufufufu… Such a grand welcome. Isn't this a little too warm, Marines?"
Standing at the bow, a young man in a suit draped with a pink feathered coat, golden hair spiking like a hedgehog, and shades perched on his face, leaned casually with one leg crossed over the other, surveying the scene.
Aside from the reporters from the World Economic News, the smaller newspaper reporters became ecstatic the moment they spotted one of the Seven Warlords. They raised their cameras excitedly, snapping picture after picture.
The World Economic News reporters, however, remained unimpressed by their excitement. Instead, their attention was caught by something in the sky.
"Oh?! Isn't that Seagull King!!!"
High above, a sharp-eyed seagull swooped down gracefully and landed firmly on the shoulder of one of the World Economic News subordinates.
Within the World Economic News, besides Morgans himself, this seagull — honored with the title "King" — held the most authority and prestige.
It had roamed the seas, collecting shocking, world-changing news.
To every journalist here, the Seagull King was an icon — an object of worship.
The Seagull King ignored the subordinate's awed expression. Instead, it tapped his cheek with its wing, then gestured at the notebook in his hand with its claw.
Upon closer inspection, a few scribbled words appeared:
"Thirty minutes until appearance."
For someone to warrant the Seagull King personally delivering a reminder and to demand such elaborate preparations for their arrival…
"I understand! Thank you!!!"
Nodding slightly, the Seagull King took off, carrying its camera and disappearing into the sky.
While other reporters continued photographing the arriving Warlords, the World Economic News subordinates conserved their energy, preparing their cameras for the real big shot.
What was this called?
This was called insider information!
...
"Fufufufufu… Admiral Sengoku, and the esteemed Tsuru-san, there's no need to come so early just to welcome us."
With his hands in his pockets, Doflamingo wore his trademark wicked grin. In particular, he deliberately paused longer when addressing Tsuru.
After all, this old lady had once threatened his life.
Now that he held the title of a legitimate Seven Warlords of the Sea, he couldn't resist taunting her a little.
Unexpectedly, Sengoku and Tsuru didn't even spare him a glance.
However, seeing that Doflamingo lingered deliberately, Tsuru finally narrowed her eyes and snapped coldly:
"Since you're here, head straight to the conference hall. Stop loitering here."
"Nani?"
Doflamingo's smile stiffened instantly, several veins bulging on his forehead.
He might not be the strongest among the Seven Warlords, but now that he'd mastered advanced Haki, he certainly considered himself among the top few.
Other than Mihawk, who dared to claim they could beat him with certainty? And yet she was telling him to step aside?
Who could possibly outrank him here? Who dared to be more arrogant, more important than him???
Doflamingo's fingers twitched slightly as a crimson gleam flashed across his sunglasses. His expression darkened.
Then, an absurd scene unfolded.
The neatly lined Marine soldiers suddenly froze, their faces changing drastically as their bodies began moving against their will. They raised their weapons… and started attacking each other!
Clang!
Metal clashed violently, boots scuffing the ground in chaos.
"W-What's happening?! Why is my hand moving on its own?!"
"Stop! Somebody stop this!!!"
Several Marines even began attacking nearby officers, throwing the entire area into turmoil.
"Fufufufufu…"
"Marine Headquarters, Marineford… Today is going to be very lively indeed! Fufufufufu…"
With each subtle twitch of his fingers, another Marine soldier raised his blade, clashing violently with his comrades.
Seeing the chaos spread, the officers' faces darkened. Sengoku's fury boiled over instantly.
"You bastard… Donquixote Doflamingo!!!"
"Do you even realize what you're doing?!"
The unaffected Marines, hearing Sengoku's roar, all raised their rifles, aiming directly at the tall, blond figure.
But Sengoku held up his hand, signaling them to stand down.
"Fufufufufu… Just a little joke. You wouldn't draw your sword over something like this, would you, Admiral Sengoku, master of ceremony for this event~?"
By now, Gecko Moria and other arriving Warlords like Hanafuda had also witnessed the commotion from afar.
Sengoku knew he couldn't allow Doflamingo to continue. His expression turned grave as he warned coldly:
"I won't make a move against you… but are you sure you want to do this, Doflamingo?!"
"Fufufufufu… And why the hell not?"
Doflamingo smirked, stepping closer with deliberate arrogance, leaning down to whisper right beside Sengoku's ear, taunting him.
He was confident that Sengoku wouldn't dare attack him here.
But Sengoku's next words froze the smile on his face instantly.
"What if I told you… the atmosphere and formation you just disrupted were meant to welcome Orin?"