Mariejois, the Holy Land.
Although the World Government's old system had collapsed and the Celestial Dragon class had been eradicated, the title of "Holy Land" remained. Perhaps it was because the new United Organization had established its headquarters here, or perhaps because eight hundred years of history had left an indelible mark on the world's psyche.
A mere change of power couldn't alter that overnight. For centuries, Mariejois had been the political, cultural, and economic center of humanity. Combined with its peerless geographical advantage, people still referred to it as the Holy Land.
In the building that was once the World Government Headquarters, now the Headquarters of the Pan-Global Covenant United Organization, Fleet Admiral Sengoku emerged from a conference room. A massive entourage followed him, signaling the end of another session.
This was the Reverie. This particular summit was destined for the history books; not only was it the first in eight years, but it marked the transition between two eras of power. Furthermore, its duration had far exceeded any previous convention.
Normally, a Reverie lasted two months, with three at the absolute most. This time, it had dragged on from Year 1516 of the Sea Calendar well into 1517. It had literally crossed into a new year. Given the unique circumstances, however, everyone understood the delay.
Sengoku looked drained as he stepped out, rubbing the bridge of his nose. Soon, the high-ranking Marine officers parted ways with the various heads of state to seek some well-earned rest.
Sengoku led his group straight to the office of Commander-in-Chief Kong.
"What's wrong? You look like you've lost your soul," Kong remarked with a chuckle, noticing Sengoku's weary expression.
Sengoku slumped into a sofa, shaking his head. "I'm done, I'm done. I need to get back to Marineford and hunt pirates in the New World. Leading a Reverie is not my forte."
Nearby, Borsalino also looked a bit haggard. He shot a glance at Kong. "Commander-in-Chief, you are technically the Vice President of this Pan-Global Covenant United Organization now. Could you perhaps handle a bit more of the workload? Don't just dump everything on us..."
Indeed, while Diarmuid and Sakazuki were busy stirring up trouble in the New World, the key positions in this new power center had been finalized. As expected, Stussy took the top spot as the first President. Kong was Vice President, and Dragon served as the Secretary-General.
Just as Diarmuid had predicted, Dragon, though eager to lead, lacked the right political environment. He needed to spend time within the new system to truly reform his public image. Kong's goal was simply to be the second-in-command to accumulate experience, so the Queen had faced little competition in claiming the throne of the new authority. She was currently over the moon.
"Hahaha..." Kong laughed heartily, showing little sympathy for his subordinates' fatigue.
Setting the joke aside, Sengoku continued, "The war in the New World can't be delayed any longer. Most of the critical matters here at the Reverie are settled, and the Marines' authority has been secured. There isn't much left for us to do. We're preparing to head to the New World. A new organization shouldn't rely solely on the Marines to function forever; if we stay here, we'll cover up the flaws and mistakes. The new organization shouldn't fear those mistakes, as only by our leaving can they truly be identified and corrected."
Gion spoke up immediately. "Exactly! I don't want to stay here a second longer. I want to go to the New World and fight pirates!"
Garp had been bored out of his mind ages ago. Since Sengoku had brought it up, it meant the Marine leadership had reached a consensus. Suddenly, the room was buzzing with voices—everyone wanted to ditch Mariejois, stop wasting time, and go contribute to the war effort.
Right then, Sengoku's Den Den Mushi began to ring.
He pulled it out, glanced at it, and said, "It's Diarmuid. It seems something has gone wrong in the New World. The pressure must be immense—we simply have to leave now!"
He sounded strangely excited about the prospect.
Sengoku answered the call.
"Fleet Admiral?" Diarmuid's familiar voice crackled through the receiver.
Sengoku didn't waste time. "I'm here, Diarmuid. Did something happen in the New World?"
On the other end, Diarmuid was momentarily stunned. Is his Haki that good? Sakazuki and I were trying to keep it a secret for a bit... tsk.
"Yeah, there's been a massive change in the situation here. We..." Diarmuid started. He figured since everything was handled, there was no need to hide it anymore, might as well take the credit.
But before he could finish, Sengoku interrupted enthusiastically, "A massive change? Good, good! Hang in there. Give us just a little time; we're coming to the New World right now to help you turn the tide. We must wipe out those pirates once and for all!"
Diarmuid: "???"
Wait, hasn't he received the intel yet? What is he rambling about?
Before Diarmuid could get a word in, he heard Sengoku turn to Kong. "Commander-in-Chief, you see? It's not that we aren't trying to help with the summit, but the situation in the New World has reached a crisis point. If the front lines collapse, it will jeopardize Mariejois, the authority of the new Covenant, and the image of the Marines. You continue the meeting; I'm taking the fleet to the New World to crush those troublemakers!"
Kong's expression turned serious. He didn't suspect Sengoku and Diarmuid of playing a double act; Sengoku usually had more integrity than that.
However, just as Kong was about to give his blessing, Diarmuid cut back in. "Wait, it's a misunderstanding! A misunderstanding!"
Sengoku: "???"
Kong: "???"
Diarmuid continued his report: "I have the latest combat results to report! Yesterday, Sakazuki and I initiated a decapitation strike on Hachinosu Island. As of now, Charlotte Linlin is in custody, and both Edward Newgate and Kaido are confirmed dead. The mission was a total success. We have effectively neutralized the enemy's core leadership. Next, we will launch a full-scale mop-up operation to eliminate the remaining pirate remnants. I'm calling to share the good news!"
...Dead?
The room went silent. The Marine officers around Sengoku were utterly floored.
What?
Whitebeard is dead? Charlotte Linlin is captured? Kaido is dead too?
What kind of decapitation strike did you and Sakazuki pull off!? We didn't get any warning about this!!!
Sengoku was internally screaming. He was trying to use them as an excuse to escape the boardroom politics of Mariejois, but they had already finished the job?
Now what are we supposed to do?
Shock gave way to relief, and then Sengoku asked, "What are the casualties?"
"Negligible. Sakazuki is heavily injured, but it's nothing life-threatening. He won't die," Diarmuid replied.
Once the joy faded, a wave of annoyance hit Sengoku. "A decapitation strike!? Why wasn't a matter of this magnitude cleared with us first? Am I, the Fleet Admiral, supposed to find out about your operations only after they are finished?"
Sengoku wasn't actually mad about the lack of a report... he was mad because he no longer had a valid excuse to leave Mariejois. He was going to be stuck there bickering with world leaders until his head exploded.
Unaware of the local politics, Diarmuid sounded confused. "Wait, Fleet Admiral, isn't Sakazuki in charge of the New World theater? He has the authority to launch tactical operations. Given that the risk was manageable and you were all busy with the crucial summit at Mariejois, we didn't want to disturb you before the mission..."
Technically, he was right. Both Diarmuid and Sakazuki were high-ranking Admirals with significant autonomy. Since Sakazuki held the specific mandate for the New World war, he had every right to initiate combat.
Sengoku's face twitched. If you put it like that, you're leaving me with no way out!
"Hmph! Your actions were far too reckless!" Sengoku barked unreasonably. Before Diarmuid could argue, he pressed on: "As for mopping up the remnants in the New World, we must ensure the evil is uprooted entirely. It seems your current forces are insufficient and lack top-tier oversight. We are heading to the New World immediately..."
Diarmuid felt insulted. Insufficient forces?
We just killed Whitebeard! What do you mean 'insufficient'?
He responded righteously, "No need, sir! Totally unnecessary! I've already conscripted Smoker and the others. We have more than enough power, and the fleet is ready for war. There's really no need for—"
"Enough! I say it's necessary, so it's necessary! Who's the Fleet Admiral here, me or you!?" Sengoku snapped, his face turning dark with frustration.
Kid, you're usually so sharp, why are you being such a blockhead this time?
Diarmuid blinked, stunned. Sengoku rarely yelled like that.
Then, Sengoku declared, "Wait for us in the New World. We'll be there shortly!"
With that, Sengoku hung up, giving Diarmuid no chance to decline.
He turned back to Kong. "Commander-in-Chief, you heard him! The situation in the New World is urgent! The Marines must give it our all. As Fleet Admiral, I cannot be absent from such a momentous occasion; I must lead from the front to set an example. I'll leave Mariejois in your capable hands. Farewell!"
Without waiting for a response, Sengoku stood up and marched toward the door.
Kong: "???"
Before he could react, Gion, Borsalino, Kuzan, and Garp all stood up in unison. "Commander-in-Chief, the New World is calling! We're off to execute Justice! Bye!"
By the time Kong regained his senses, the office was empty. He shook his head with a mix of resignation and amusement. "A bunch of bastards..."
However, with the war in the New World nearing its end, Kong was in a fantastic mood.
"The Great Pirate Era? Heh. After seventeen years, the Marines have emerged victorious. Roger, it seems what you truly started... was the Great Marine Era!" Kong murmured to himself, a triumphant smile on his face.