In the Lulusia Kingdom,
The fearful storm clouds that had once hung over the people's heads had now completely vanished, replaced by a confidence and sense of superiority unlike anything before.
Whether in taverns, markets, or even out in the fields, people no longer talked about retaliation from the World Government. Instead, the conversations were filled with pride and excitement.
"Did you hear? Merchants from the neighboring Goa Kingdom used to look at us through their nostrils—now when they see Lulusia merchant ships, they're polite as can be!"
"Damn right! Our Heika forced the World Government to lower its head! So what if they're Celestial Dragons? Weren't they all nailed dead right there by the harbor before?!"
"Hundreds of years! Who ever dared lay a hand on Celestial Dragons? Anyone who did got wiped out! But our country didn't just come out fine—now the World Government is the one inviting us back! What does that mean? It means Lulusia isn't like those other member nations that only know how to wag their tails and beg!"
"Exactly! From now on, when we go out there, we're top-class citizens too!"
This widespread mindset came from how strongly the Lulusia Kingdom had faced things this time. To ordinary people, being able to walk away unscathed from a head-on clash with the World Government—better yet, forcing them to compromise—was undeniable proof of strength.
They even unconsciously started distinguishing themselves from the citizens of other member nations. An invisible sense of superiority spread throughout the kingdom. Walking the streets of the royal capital, even common townsfolk seemed to stand a little straighter, their words full of bright hopes for the future—and an intense pride in the identity of being Lulusian.
Meanwhile, in the Royal palace of Lulusia,
Inside a side hall, Ronan sat in the seat of honor, calmly watching the two people standing below—former Marine commodore Gasparde, and the future captain of the Black Cat Pirates, Kuro.
Ronan had seen both of their performances clearly—through the "hunting incident" and the conflict at Mary Geoise.
Their strength was still lacking, though—especially Kuro. Maybe he counted as impressive in the East Blue, but on the Grand Line, his level was probably only around that of a pirate who'd just broken past the ten-million bounty range.
Ronan already had plans for them. He intended to send them to the Golden City. Keeping them at his side, the enemies he'd face from here on out wouldn't be people they could handle. They needed time to grow stronger.
After Gasparde and Kuro left with Tesoro, Judge—who'd been standing off to the side for quite a while—finally got his chance to speak.
"Ronan-denka, this is a document the World Government just sent to the Germa Kingdom—"
Before Judge could continue, Ronan cut him off.
Ronan glanced at the document in Judge's hands. He wasn't unfamiliar with it at all—because he had just received an identical one himself. The contents were simple: the once-every-four-years World Summit was about to be held again.
"Early this morning, someone from the World Government already delivered the news. What—this time, Germa has a representative attending?" Ronan knew perfectly well that every four years, the World Summit selected fifty kings with the greatest influence out of more than 170 member nations to participate, deciding the direction of the seas for the next four years.
Of course, most major decisions were usually rubber-stamped directly by the World Government anyway—aside from some trivial matters.
"Yes, Ronan-denka. The World Government has excluded Germa from many Summits in the past, but this time…" Judge's worry was obvious. After all, Germa providing clone soldiers to Lulusia was something that could never truly be hidden.
And the location was Pangaea Castle in Mary Geoise. Judge couldn't help but think more about it—because if the World Government really wanted to move against them, this would be the perfect opportunity.
Judge didn't finish the sentence, but Ronan immediately understood his concern. Ronan had received the invitation as well—and Lulusia held a veto vote at the Summit now. Lulusia's status at the World Summit had become extremely high.
In the end, Ronan still agreed to go.
This would be Lulusia's first time participating in the Summit with this kind of standing. And Ronan wouldn't be going alone. Even now, Ronan still hadn't figured out why the Gorosei had suddenly stopped and negotiated back in Mary Geoise—but clearly, they had done so because they had something to fear. So Ronan made a bold guess: if he went to the Summit this time, the World Government still wouldn't dare make a move on him.
"Relax. I'll be at the Summit in person. Even if the World Government tries something, I can bring you out safely." Ronan wasn't boasting. Ever since Neferpitou had mastered the Float-Float Fruit, escaping wouldn't be difficult for Ronan's side.
With Ronan's guarantee, Judge finally let out a breath. At least when it came to safety, he didn't need to worry.
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
The atmosphere inside the Fleet Admiral's office was heavy.
Sengoku sat behind his desk, fingers interlaced as he pressed them to his forehead, looking as if he'd aged years.
"Pwahahahaha!!"
A burst of laughter completely out of place with the grim mood shattered the office's silence.
The door was shoved open without the slightest courtesy. Garp came in laughing, one hand holding a pile of ten donuts—each already more than half eaten.
"Sengoku! The moment I got back, I heard about the Lulusia Kingdom. Never thought it'd end with the World Government compromising!" Garp flopped down onto the sofa across from Sengoku, chewing as he spoke with his mouth full. "Why's your face so ugly? It's just a dozen or so Celestial Dragon scum dead—what's the big deal! When I heard the news in the New World, I was so happy I ate a few extra bowls of rice! Those bastards who spend all day sitting on everyone's heads and taking dumps should've been dealt with ages ago!"
Sengoku raised his head. The veins on his forehead stood out as he roared, "Garp!! You damned old bastard!! Do you have any idea how serious this is?! This isn't about a few Celestial Dragons dying!!"
Garp didn't care. He patted his clothes and glanced at the documents on the desk, still speaking casually. "Serious? How serious can it be? Isn't it just—"
He didn't finish.
The contents of the document stopped him cold.
It was a list of Marine casualties. And the names specially marked on the page were painfully clear.
Vice Admiral Stainless (confirmed KIA)
Vice Admiral Doberman (confirmed KIA)
Vice Admiral Yamakaji (confirmed KIA)
The laughter vanished from Garp's face without a trace.
(End of Chapter)
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