When Black returned to Mary Geoise, the old power brokers were already convening, discussing strategies and responses.
"Ku's failure has spread, and recently there have been reports of pirate activity across the world. Some even dare to attack Vice Admiral ships directly," said Marcus Maz, one of the Five Elders, holding a glass of red wine. His tone was serious, but his expression remained calm and composed.
The other Elders were similarly unfazed. Over eight centuries, they had dealt with countless crises far worse than this.
Even if Steelbone Ku were gravely injured or even killed by pirates it would not threaten the World Government's rule. To them, the current situation was little more than a minor inconvenience.
Ezanbaron V. Nasuro, another Elder, methodically polished his long blade.
"The Navy needs a major operation to divert attention across this sea and reinforce their prestige," he said without hurry.
"She seems to have been more active recently the one who once served on Roger's ship," Shepard X. Peter noted casually, offering a reminder.
"Then issue orders to the Navy. Deploy the Demon Hunt Directive in the areas where Douglas Barrett operates. Let Sengoku and Garp oversee it personally," Jigo Rousia Satan quickly responded.
Topman Wochuli hesitated. "Could this interfere with our agreement with Roger? If the old guards show up and make a scene, it could be a serious problem."
"Don't worry about them. They're just rats scurrying in the gutters," Nasuro said coldly. Sheathed, Nasuro continued, "Besides, this Barrett boy jumped into this himself. If they dare cause trouble, eliminate them as well."
The Elders nodded in agreement, a unanimous decision reached.
Meanwhile, Black, deep in slumber, had no idea of their deliberations. Even if he knew, he would not care. The age of capturing powerful pirates had passed, and Barrett was one of the most stubborn among them.
This man was utterly devoted to the principle of strength, obsessed with the idea that Roger had been the strongest on the seas and determined to surpass him.
Barrett had spent over twenty years in Impel Down, plotting ways to outshine Roger. His plan? Eliminate all Four Emperors and Admirals.
The sheer audacity of that plan was staggering. In the end, he never even faced a single Emperor, being taken down by a team of Seven Warlords. One particularly unforgettable defeat came from Boa Hancock's devastating strike, leaving a lasting impression on all who heard of it.
Barrett was the archetype of a fighter obsessed with raw Haki power but neglectful of finesse and technique. Black, unsurprisingly, found no interest in him.
The next morning, after finishing a luxurious breakfast in Mary Geoise, Black stretched and greeted Stella, Robin, and Perona.
"Let's go. I'll show you the features of the Holy Land."
Perona's eyes lit up as she hurried to his side. "Features? What kind of features? Are they fun?"
Robin, curious as well, followed, though both failed to notice the slightly strained smile on Stella's face.
Black's own expression was enigmatic. "You'll see soon enough."
So, what exactly were Mary Geoise's defining features? Slaves. Countless slaves, in all shapes and roles.
Keeping the girls close, Black had no intention of letting them be mere bystanders. They needed to experience his worldview firsthand, to understand what it meant to be at the top of the social hierarchy. At their young ages, it was easier to shape their perceptions of power.
On the moving walkway, the two girls' expressions had softened since yesterday, showing signs of adaptation. Black was quietly pleased.
Following the path, they arrived at a massive circular structure. Sunlight glinted off the countless gems embedded in the dome. The main building was constructed from pristine white jade, etched with the World Government emblem and intricate Celestial Dragon family reliefs. Columns were adorned with tattered banners and chains, a twisted blend of oppression and grandeur.
Perona's eyes sparkled at the bustling activity inside, while Robin's expression paled as she began to understand the building's grim purpose.
Black patted Robin gently on the head. "Don't worry. You're part of the ruling class now."
Without waiting for Robin to respond, he strode toward the arena. Stella quickly took Robin's hand and followed.
This was the main feature of Mary Geoise: the Slave Coliseum.
The arena itself spanned thousands of meters, opulent in design. Sand filled the central combat zone, surrounded by towering stone walls topped with sharp iron spikes. Guards patrolled with long spears, and iron cages hung above, raised and lowered via pulley systems.
Robin could not tell what kind of metal the cages were made of, only that they gleamed black. Below, slave corridors led directly to cells, their entrances decorated with roaring beast head copper sculptures.
Charcoal mixed into the sand absorbed spilled blood, while drainage channels lined the edges. At each corner, torch stands burned a fuel that could last for years, casting flickering shadows.
To the north, a stone platform bore scales etched into its surface, complete with gallows and a guillotine. The domed roof amplified the screams of slaves and the cheers of spectators, creating intense psychological pressure. A hidden organ system projected music across the arena.
The stands rose in three tiers, each built with distinct materials. The uppermost level was a rotating golden box, powered by the same technology used in the moving walkways, which Robin immediately recognized.
As Black entered, a steward rushed forward, kneeling before him.
"Honorable Celestial Dragon, please follow me."
After a soundless hum of acknowledgment, Black prompted the steward to stand and lead the way, bowing slightly.
Inside the arena, Perona's eyes widened at the sight of two slaves fighting like wild animals, blood spraying across the sand. She quickly covered her eyes. Stella's face turned serious for once, holding both girls' hands tightly behind Black.
Upon reaching the golden rotating box, the steward placed several gem-studded telescopes on the table. Black waved, signaling him to remain outside. When the door closed, the arena's chaos seemed to vanish instantly, as if the outside world had disappeared entirely.