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Holy Land Mariejois, Pangu City – First Floor.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku sat at the head of the round table, expression stone-cold. Flanking him were Vice Admirals Momonga and Onigumo, along with several other high-ranking Marines. The atmosphere was thick enough to choke on.
Across the table sat four of the most dangerous pirates alive.
By the window on the left: a man in a black hat trimmed with white down, open black coat revealing his chest, and piercing golden eagle eyes. He lifted his teacup with refined grace.
The World's Strongest Swordsman—Dracule Mihawk.
Beside him: a towering three-meter figure with short golden hair, pink feather coat, cropped pants, and pointed shoes. He stared provocatively at the Marines across the table, letting out that signature laugh.
"Fufufufufu—"
Donquixote Doflamingo, King of Dressrosa, underworld broker known as Joker.
To Doflamingo's right sat an even more imposing man—nearly seven meters tall, built like a fortress, wearing a panda-spotted hat. He held a book in one massive hand, face blank and mechanical.
If Bonney had been present, she would have burst into tears on the spot.
Former King of the Sorbet Kingdom. The Tyrant himself.
Her adoptive father—Bartholomew Kuma.
And on the far right: a 3.5-meter-tall brute covered in thick body hair, fingers loaded with gaudy rings, wearing the greediest, most ambitious grin imaginable.
Marshall D. Teach—Captain of the Blackbeard Pirates.
These four monsters—each standing at the absolute peak of the pirate world—sat in silence, waiting.
Teach's fingers drummed restlessly on the table. He finally looked across at Sengoku.
"So… about my appointment. Still no decision?"
Sengoku sat with arms crossed, legs spread wide in the commander's seat.
"Just wait."
Teach leaned back, grabbed the rum in front of him, and took a long swig.
"Fine."
His eyes slid sideways, sizing up the three men who would soon be his "colleagues."
Kuma's presence didn't surprise him. Rumors had been swirling for years that the former Tyrant had become the Navy's obedient dog.
Doflamingo had underground deals with the World Government—his attendance was expected.
But Mihawk?
Teach's gaze sharpened with genuine curiosity.
The Warlords were notorious for ignoring summons, and Mihawk was the worst of them. No one could recall the World's Greatest Swordsman ever showing up to one of these government-orchestrated meetings.
"Mihawk," Teach asked bluntly, "why are you even here?"
Mihawk continued cutting his steak with elegant precision, never looking up.
"The topic of this meeting includes a person I find… interesting. I came to listen."
"Oh?" Teach's curiosity deepened. "Who?"
"Who could possibly catch the eye of the World's Strongest Swordsman?"
Mihawk finally set down his knife and fork. His golden eyes softened slightly as he recalled their encounter.
"His name… is Nobunaga."
Teach froze.
Again? Another Phantom Troupe member?!
What the hell is with that crew…?
A dark, vicious glint flashed across Teach's face. He had already forwarded every scrap of intelligence about his multiple clashes with the Phantom Troupe straight to the Navy.
He was certain the World Government would never tolerate a group this dangerous.
Once the real meeting on the top floor reached its conclusion…
…their time would be up.
And then nothing would stand in his way when he marched into Impel Down to recruit even stronger crewmates.
Meanwhile, on the highest floor of Pangu City, only five old men occupied the chamber.
The Five Elders.
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn – God of Scientific Defense.
Saint Shepherd Ten Pitt – God of Agriculture.
Saint Topman Warcury – God of Law.
Saint Marcus Mars – God of the Environment.
Saint Nasjuro – God of Finance and Warrior.
These five represented the absolute pinnacle of World Government power—the true backbone of the Celestial Dragons and the undisputed rulers of the world.
Saturn, burly and heavily bearded, leaned on his cane and spoke first.
"First order of business: the appointment of Marshall D. Teach to the Warlord position."
"Approved."
"Approved."
"Approved."
Shepherd, Nasjuro, and Marcus all nodded in unison.
Topman Warcury slowly inclined his head.
"Per the rules we established, Crocodile's removal has left a vacancy. We must fill it.
This demonstrates the authority of the World Government… and encourages pirates to tear each other apart.
Since Teach has delivered Portgas D. Ace—bounty 550 million—into our hands, he has earned the seat."
The five elders exchanged glances and gave their final nods.
A decision that could reshape the entire power structure of the seas was settled with a few casual words.
Saturn continued.
"Next: how to handle Portgas D. Ace."
Everyone in the room knew exactly who the boy was.
The son of Gol D. Roger—the man who had ignited the Great Pirate Era.
"We must deal with him using the harshest possible measures," Saturn declared. "Only overwhelming force will cow the rest of the pirates."
Topman Warcury leaned forward, eyes cold.
"I propose we publicly reveal Ace's true identity… and execute him in a public ceremony."
"The chaotic era began with his father. Let it end with the son.
The bloodline of the devil must not be allowed to continue."
The other four elders immediately voiced their agreement.
It was time to end the Age of Pirates once and for all and solidify the World Government's rule.
This was also exactly what that person desired.
"The execution will take place in three months," Topman added. "The Navy must prepare accordingly."
The others nodded.
"Whitebeard's crew will almost certainly attempt a rescue. We will be facing the World's Strongest Man—Edward Newgate."
"He's old now," Mars said flatly.
"In this era, no one can fight two Admirals simultaneously—not even Newgate."
"Keep watch on the other three Emperors. Ensure none of them meet or coordinate."
"Especially prevent Red-Hair and Whitebeard from crossing paths."
"One Emperor crew alone poses no real threat to the Navy."
All five agreed.
"Send CP0 to escort Ace to Impel Down immediately. He will await execution there."
Topman paused.
"Oh, and Teach has requested to personally escort the prisoner."
Saturn considered it for a moment, then gave a single nod.
"Fear of his former comrade driving him to finish the job? Excellent. Approved.
Let Teach and CP0 handle the transport together. It will increase security."
"Regarding the disposal of Portgas D. Ace…"
"Approved."
"Approved."
"Approved."
"Approved."
"Approved."
Unanimous.
Saturn rose slowly, walked to the tall window, and gazed out over the glittering spires of Mariejois.
"Then… there is one final matter."
He turned, his face grave.
"Regarding… the disposal of the Phantom Pirates."
The chamber fell into absolute silence.