Robin opened the folder. Her cool, even voice echoed through the quiet living room as she began to lay out the recent upheavals across the world, one by one.
"First, news from the Marines."
"Former Marine Admiral, 'Black Arm' Zephyr, was leading a Marine training ship on a voyage exercise when they were attacked by a mysterious pirate."
"Zephyr's right arm was severed. Of the trainees he was escorting, only Ain and Binz survived. Everyone else was killed."
Kael opened one eye, one brow lifting slightly.
"According to the survivors' statements, and internal intelligence from within the World Government, the attacker called himself Edward Weevil, the son of 'Miss Bakkin,' and claimed to be 'Whitebeard Jr.,'" Robin read from the report.
Her expression turned grave. "Intelligence suggests he possesses physical strength comparable to Whitebeard in his younger years. But his mind seems… impaired. He obeys Miss Bakkin completely.
The World Government has already extended an invitation, hoping he can fill the Warlord vacancy left by Mr. Crocodile."
"So he's the type whose left brain punches the right and lets the pointy end do the thinking? Convenient to control. The World Government's算盘 is pretty obvious." Kael curled his lip in disdain.
"Zephyr's just unlucky. Old man got hit with that kind of mess at his age. Still, that's Marine business. Not ours. Next."
"The second incident happened in the Goa Kingdom."
Robin flipped a page.
"Ace's younger brother, Sabo, went out to sea alone. The small boat he was riding was shelled by a Celestial Dragon patrol ship. The vessel was destroyed, and he fell into the sea severely wounded."
"Celestial Dragons?"
Kael's gaze chilled instantly. An invisible frost seemed to spread through the room.
"Our agents report that after Sabo fell into the water, he was personally rescued by Mr. Dragon, who happened to pass by. But due to severe head trauma, he appears to have lost his memory," Robin said.
"Amnesia, huh…" Kael's tone softened. He considered for a moment. "Fine. Starting over isn't the worst thing. Don't interfere. Let it play out."
"Understood." Robin nodded and continued.
"Third, Fish-Man Island."
"Fisher Tiger, captain of the Sun Pirates, was escorting a human slave girl, Koala, back to her home when he was betrayed by local residents. He was surrounded by the Marines and badly wounded."
Kael sighed as he listened.
"…So it still ends up like this."
He remembered the fish-man hero at Mary Geoise, the one who had climbed the Red Line with his bare hands and thrown himself into danger to free his people.
"Is he dead?"
"No." Robin shook her head. "His crew saved him at the cost of their lives, but he lost too much blood and urgently needed a transfusion. He refused to accept human blood, and his condition worsened. He barely survived in the end, but his body has suffered permanent damage. He likely will never return to his peak."
"A stubborn idealist," Kael murmured, a hint of regret in his voice, and a trace of respect. "…In the end, he still couldn't step over that line in his heart."
"During his recovery, the Sun Pirates fractured. A radical faction led by Arlong broke away.
Jinbe took over as captain. To protect the remaining crew and Fish-Man Island, he accepted the World Government's offer and became the new Warlord of the Sea."
"Jinbe…" Kael wasn't surprised. "That guy's smart. In that situation, it really was the best way to protect Fish-Man Island."
He paused. "Have Doflamingo pass a message. From now on, in underworld trade, take extra care of Fish-Man Island."
"Yes."
"And the last matter, also the most important." Robin's expression became heavier than ever. "The Holy Land Mary Geoise has convened the quadrennial Reverie."
"Oh?" Kael drawled lazily. "The kings are playing house together again?"
"This time is different," Robin said. "There are two main topics. First, the increasingly rampant Revolutionary Army. Second…"
She stopped, then looked up at Kael.
"…You. 'Wave King' Aaron Kael."
Kael grinned. "Ha. I've got that much clout?"
"According to intelligence Doflamingo smuggled from inside, the kings were violently divided over how to handle you," Robin said quickly.
"Led by King Cobra of Alabasta and King Riku of Dressrosa, one faction argued that while your existence threatens the World Government's rule, your forces also maintain a certain order in many gray areas. They want negotiations, some form of 'peaceful coexistence.'"
"But another faction, led by King Wapol of Drum Kingdom, demanded the World Government mobilize everything, at any cost, to wipe you out completely in order to preserve the Celestial Dragons' absolute authority."
"In the end, the World Government suppressed all disputes. They did not announce a final decision. They simply declared that regarding the 'Wave King,' the World Government would make its own judgment."
Kael burst out laughing.
"Hahahaha! A meeting! They think they can decide how to deal with me by holding a meeting? That's killing me!"
He laughed so hard he leaned back, tears nearly spilling.
The laughter was pure contempt, undisguised mockery.
Kael understood better than anyone: that monstrous apparatus called the World Government had been rotting from the inside for a long time.
"Let them argue," he waved a hand. "The louder they fight, the better. As long as they don't dare come pick a fight with me, they can keep dreaming their little dream of peace."
He had more important things to do now.
Just then, rapid footsteps thudded outside.
A figure barged in, hair like a bird's nest, covered head to toe in oil stains and metal shavings, practically vibrating with excitement.
The legendary shipwright, Tom.
He ignored the strange tension in the room. Ignored Kael's current "don't-talk-to-me" aura. He rushed up with shining eyes, face red, words flying with spit.
"Kael, you brat!"
"It's done!"
"Finally done!"
"That ship! Our greatest masterpiece! Just now, it's been completely finished!"
Tom's roar made the whole villa tremble.
The laziness and ridicule on Kael's face vanished in an instant. A startling light erupted in his eyes.
He sprang up from the sofa and grabbed Tom by the shoulders.
"What did you say?! Finished?!"
"Yes! Finished!" Tom nodded hard, puffing out his chest with pride. "It's waiting down there. Waiting for you. For its captain, to give it a name and a soul!"
Kael's heart began to pound uncontrollably.
He had waited far too long for this day.
Short trips were fine relying on his own abilities, but long-distance travel? Always hitching rides and catching favorable winds?
No style. No presence.
That Ark that carried all his ambition and dreams.
That "ultimate weapon" capable of overturning the entire world.
At last.
It was ready to step into the eyes of the world.