Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: p@treon.com/CosmicKaminari
----------
After handing over Dragon's Den Den Mushi to Issho, Alex didn't linger long. He floated into the air and left the gambling den in the West Blue without hesitation.
Knowing Issho's abilities and ambitions, Dragon, who also approaches matters from a public-oriented perspective, would likely shift more of his attention to Issho. With like-minded individuals working together, Alex felt no need to interfere further. He trusted Issho to make his own decisions in the current turbulent era.
Although the revolutionaries' efforts weren't focused directly on Wanokuni, the relationship between them and Alex's forces could develop into a cooperative arrangement. Regardless, Alex's primary objective was to ensure that an unnecessary nuisance in the Marines was preoccupied elsewhere. With that, his goal was achieved.
As expected, Dragon, intrigued by Issho, set aside his work to personally meet with him. Shortly after, Bartholomew Kuma—secretly a revolutionary—received an invitation from the World Government regarding the Shichibukai program.
By Sea Circle Calendar Year 1513, six months later, the World Government announced a major update: the Seven Warlords of the Sea had been filled with new members.
Among them were:
"Knight of the Sea" Jinbe
"Heavenly Yaksha" Donquixote Doflamingo
"Tyrant" Bartholomew Kuma
While no detailed explanations were provided about their appointments, the inclusion of such significant figures naturally drew widespread attention.
Most people recognized the first two names immediately. Jinbe, a former member of the Sun Pirates, had led several large-scale clashes against the Marines. As for Doflamingo, his infamy preceded him—once the ruler of North Blue, he had escaped Marine custody multiple times and currently held a bounty exceeding 300 million berries as he climbed New World's ranks.
The last name, however, sparked mixed reactions. Months prior, it had been revealed that the ruler of the Kingdom of Sorbet, a World Government affiliate, was none other than Kuma—a fearsome pirate with the strength to obliterate entire fleets singlehandedly. Dubbed a "tyrant," his appointment raised eyebrows across the globe.
The formation of the new Seven Warlords of the Sea mirrored the growing stabilization in the New World following the end of the war. However, beneath this facade of calm, the World Government's global conscription campaign pressed on, recruiting new power to reinforce its ranks.
This shift marked one of the pivotal events of Sea Circle Calendar 1513. Another major event loomed on the horizon: the invitations to grand gathering of the Fire Festival of the Sky Kingdom.
The Fire Festival, just months away, promised to rival the previous year's spectacular broadcast that had occurred on the eve of war. As always, this grand ceremony would take place in the New World's mightiest nation, drawing attention from across the seas.
Not only is the Flying Admiral now hailed as the king of the new era and the strongest person in the world, but the Sky Kingdom, which has undergone significant transformation, has become a greater focal point of interest than Wanokuni ever was.
The allure of the Sky Kingdom surpasses its competitors, including the expanded Totto Land archipelago. With its floating islands and the unique layout of Sky Island, it offers an experience like no other.
After images of its grandeur and scale were captured by curious onlookers, the kingdom was quickly hailed as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. These qualities alone have attracted many admirers, but ultimately, only those who receive an invitation are granted access to this remarkable nation.
New World: The Illegal Zone, Pleasure District
Pleasure District—a paradise for pirates and a sacred haven of "happiness."
In its famed red-light district, boisterous pirates revel in lively festivities. Laughter and cheers fill the air as they gather to witness thrilling performances, including captivating dances.
Amidst this lively atmosphere stands the central castle, where the reigning queen of Pleasure District resides.
The queen, Stussy, youthful and stunningly beautiful, exudes an elegant demeanor with every refined gesture, though there's always a hint of charm behind her ladylike façade. At the moment, she sits gracefully on a cushioned chair, meticulously applying a carefully prepared polish to her nails.
Opposite her sits a man dressed entirely in white, complete with a white mask, speaking sternly and with urgency.
After some time, noticing Stussy's calm, unhurried attitude, the masked man's tone sharpens. "Do you understand the importance of this task? This is an order directly from the higher-ups!"
Hearing this, Stussy's elegant smile fades, replaced by a cool, indifferent expression. "I understand. I will follow the orders given by the higher-ups."
Stussy knew that "higher-ups" referred not just to the World Government but to the Celestial Dragons' will itself.
Satisfied with her response, the CP0 operative, assigned to oversee the task, nodded. "As long as you succeed, the higher-ups will reward you accordingly. This could elevate you to the position of a true shield for the Celestial Dragons."
This was a classic tactic: demand sacrifice while dangling promises of reward as incentive.
The operative was aware of Stussy's reputation. Although she ruled over Pleasure District, she was known to be clean and self-disciplined, untouched by scandal. Her composure and professionalism were why he had come personally to deliver the orders.
Now that his instructions were clear, and sensing no resistance from her, the CP0 operative departed.
As he disappeared into the night, Stussy remained silent. She gazed upward at the opulent ceiling above her, lost in thought.
Raised and trained by the World Government, Stussy had served for many years as a member of CP0. Over time, her work had drawn her deep into the shadowy underground society of the New World, where betrayal and corruption were commonplace.
Yet none of this changed her unwavering dedication to her ultimate mission: serving the heirs of the Celestial Dragons.
However, what she hadn't anticipated was that the task required for her promotion would force her to compromise the body she protected.