"Have these two met each other yet? Looks like Shiki lost… The storms of this era are fiercer than expected. Even Shiki perished in these new-era tempests?" On the Mobydick in the New World, Whitebeard heard his subordinates' reports and displayed a nostalgic expression.
"Father, it seems this Rosinante kid is not to be underestimated. Even Golden Lion was defeated by him," Marco said with a worried expression.
"I know what you're concerned about. I am Whitebeard, the man of this era called Whitebeard. You're overestimating Rosinante. That kid is indeed formidable, but he's not as strong as you imagine. Golden Lion hasn't been the same since leaving Impel Down. Even if Rosinante defeated him, he poses no threat to me!" Whitebeard reassured.
"Then, Father, regarding the opening ceremony of the Nightless City, are we going to accept Grey Kingdom's invitation?" Marco asked.
"Yes, why wouldn't we? Am I afraid of that brat? Hahaha… The Nightless City's opening is something to look forward to, and that kid must be seen in person," Whitebeard replied.
"Then we need to prepare ourselves. We cannot show any weakness!" Marco said.
Whitebeard paid little attention to Marco's words.
Meanwhile, on Blackbeard's ship, his eyes gleamed with interest, his expression constantly shifting. Seeing a kid already rise to the level of a sovereign made Blackbeard doubt his earlier decisions—but his expression soon hardened with resolve.
On Cake Island, the news also reached its recipients.
"Golden Lion defeated? If it's that Rosinante kid, it's not impossible. After all, Golden Lion isn't what he used to be," Big Mom casually remarked, then turned her attention elsewhere.
"What I want to know now is when the Nightless City will be completed. I can't wait to taste all the delicacies from various races," she added.
"Mother, Grey Kingdom has sent an invitation, though the exact date isn't clear. From the reports we've received from the Sabaody Archipelago, construction is almost finished," Perospero replied.
"Tell that Rosinante brat, I can't wait!" Big Mom's eyes glinted with a hint of red.
"Yes, yes!" Perospero replied nervously.
"Golden Lion, that old man, defeated by Rosinante? Looks like that guy didn't use his full strength last time. Perfect—we'll have another battle when we meet again!" On a harsh, remote island in the New World, a gigantic figure took a sip of sake from a jug.
This was Kaido of the Beasts, surrounded by the formidable members of the Beasts Pirates. Among them were three tremendously powerful figures, known in the New World as the Three Disasters.
After months of construction, in the lawless regions of Sabaody Archipelago, a magnificent castle gradually emerged before everyone.
"Looks like this Nightless City is almost complete!" Rosinante said, looking toward the lawless area from his villa in Sabaody.
"Yes, almost. Just a few finishing touches left. Honestly, it doesn't even need them—the city is already magnificent. Many wealthy merchants are eager to move in, and major trading companies want to develop here. Hahaha, you've really made a name for yourself recently," Doflamingo said with a smile.
"So, the only thing left now is one more item!" Rosinante said.
"Are you really planning to have merfolk live in the Nightless City? Even with your current fame, it might keep humans in check for a while, but over time, some might sneak in—especially the Celestial Dragons," Doflamingo warned.
"If this city lacks merfolk, don't you think something is missing? As for those who dare lay a hand, just chop them off," Rosinante said with a confident smile.
"Hahaha, truly domineering!" Doflamingo commented.
"Have you contacted the Mermaid Kingdom yet, Ryan?" Rosinante asked.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty. From the start of construction, we notified the Mermaid Kingdom. King Neptune and Queen Otohime have confirmed they'll attend the opening. Whether merfolk will live in the city will depend on circumstances after the opening—they hope Your Majesty understands. Some humans can be too reckless!" Lyon replied.
"Such matters cannot be forced—it's up to them," Rosinante said.