When the World Summit finally came to an end, it was already the morning of the next day.
The World Summit of 1512, although it resulted in the Ryugu Kingdom and Water 7 becoming member nations of the World Government under Michael's intervention, also left behind a few hidden issues.
Although Saint Nusjuro did not pass the topic concerning the Revolutionary Army, many nations in the Grand Line—especially those located in the first half, known as "Paradise"—had already begun to develop a wary attitude toward the Revolutionary Army.
And that was only natural… After all, the ones ruling these nations weren't proper royal families like Alabasta's, against whom even the Revolutionary Army found no justifiable reason to rebel.
Their exploitation of civilians was enough to make anyone's blood run cold.
So, after the World Summit ended, instead of leaving immediately, these kings secretly held a meeting with Saint Nusjuro.
Michael was aware of this, but he had no reason to interfere with a private meeting between a king and a member of the Five Elders.
After all, his duty was to oversee the Navy, not the World Government.
But there weren't that many kings like them, and honestly, it wouldn't change much anyway.
It only meant that when the Revolutionary Army resumed its armed liberation operations, special attention would need to be paid to these countries' movements.
Michael stood at the bow, gazing at the distant Pangaea Castle with a solemn heart.
Imu was still far too mysterious…
Even though right now he was forcing the World Government into a tight corner by pressing on all three fronts, the truth was that unless he fully uncovered Imu's abilities, the World Government would always hold the upper hand.
After all, to annihilate an entire nation like the Lulusia Kingdom in the blink of an eye—that was a strategic nuclear weapon, plain and simple.
Whether it was Imu's own power or the power of the "Uranus" Im controlled, it was a burden pressing down on everyone's shoulders.
As Michael was deep in thought, someone quietly appeared beside him.
"Michael, what are you thinking about?"
"...Sengoku, old man, are you trying to scare me to death?"
"After all these years, is it so hard to just call me 'father'?"
"Even though a long time has passed, I still remember the faces of the couple who gave me life…"
"Alright, let's leave that for another time when we're not busy." Sengoku waved his hand, clearly not too interested in such topics.
"What were you thinking just now? Any impressions from what happened at the World Summit?"
"You can tell, can't you? The fact that they only sent one of the Five Elders to preside over the conference means they're not taking it too seriously… so we still have time."
Sengoku looked at Michael's profile for a long moment, then suddenly raised his hand and gave him a solid smack on the head.
"Hiss! Sengoku, old man! Of all people to imitate, why did you pick that old bastard Garp?!" Michael rubbed his head.
"I'm thirty already, and a Chief Inspector in the Navy! Getting smacked around by my foster father at this age is seriously embarrassing, you know?!"
"If you know it's embarrassing, then why don't you talk things over with me first!" Sengoku's anger was clearly real, his face even turning a little green.
"You basically almost flipped the entire Grand Line upside down, you know that?!"
"Ahem, that's not exactly my fault…" Michael spread his hands helplessly.
"After all, Water 7—no, we should be calling it the Country of Ships now. The Country of Ships's problem needed to be solved one way or another… To the World Government, Pluton is a safeguard, a military insurance that ensures their dominance even if they one day clash with the Navy."
"Then why not just keep the blueprints for yourself?" Sengoku frowned. "Given how deeply they've cooperated with you, this shouldn't be impossible to negotiate."
"It can be negotiated, but it also can't be." Michael's tone was calm. "Yes, keeping the Pluton blueprints in my hands would be the safest choice… but not for the people of Water 7."
Sengoku opened his mouth, but no words came out.
It was obvious—he wasn't stupid. He'd already realized that if this issue wasn't resolved out in the open, then in the future, the free trade city would inevitably become a target of the World Government for one reason or another.
And everyone knew how much the Celestial Dragons held grudges.
"That's why this 'open conspiracy' works perfectly," Michael said lightly. His wings fluttered slightly as he spoke.
"Water 7 becomes the Country of Ships, joins the World Government as a member, and the blueprints are preserved… Meanwhile, all the hatred is directed toward me. It's not like there's not enough bad blood between me and the World Government already. A few more debts won't make a difference. When you owe enough, you stop worrying about it."
Sengoku looked at his foster son, and in the end, all his words turned into a single sigh.
"Sigh…"
"Sengoku, old man, where'd you even pick up this sighing habit of yours?" Michael glanced at him strangely. "You already look old, and sighing like that just makes you look even older…"
"Get lost." Sengoku rolled his eyes, then continued, "You left too quickly just now. Your sister Sora had something to tell you, so I'll pass the message on for her…"
"What happened? Did something happen in the Germa Kingdom?"
"Germa Kingdom is thriving. What could possibly have happened? They're backed by Alabasta and in a rapid growth phase… It's about your nephews. Sora has decided to have them officially join the Navy."
"Huh? Reiju is twelve now, so barely old enough… But the others should only be nine, right?" Michael twitched the corner of his mouth.
"So early? Don't tell me Germa can't afford to raise those little devils anymore?"
"Michael, you may be their uncle, but you've barely spent any time with them. I've actually spent more time with those kids than you or your sister."
As Sengoku mentioned the children, a gentle smile appeared on his face.
"Their abilities don't match their age at all… Have you ever seen a five- or six-year-old bend steel bars with their bare hands? Vinsmoke Judge may not be a good father, but his lineage factor research really did lay the groundwork for Reiju and the others to become powerful fighters."
"You're saying all this… so it's already decided between you and Sis, huh?" Michael raised an eyebrow. "Alright then, what's the plan?"
"The Navy is strong for now, but we have to prevent a gap between generations. Right now, after the three Admirals, your subordinates are leading the way. But in the future, we'll need more young talents."
Sengoku smiled and said:
"So, I've decided to take a page out of CP9's book—recruit talented youths from naval families and around the world, and form a Navy Genius Youth Class… personally taught by Zephyr."
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