While Marine Headquarters was still busy treating the countless wounded, the Holy Land of Mariejois was brightly lit despite it being around 9 PM.
In the extravagant streets of the massive city, the Celestial Dragons indulged in their usual depravity—laughter, shrieks, and the pitiful screams of slaves echoed from lavish buildings. The patrolling guards, accustomed to this nightly debauchery, paid it no mind. After all, to serve the so-called "descendants of the creators" was considered the highest honor.
Yet, in sharp contrast to the surrounding decadence stood a stately, solemn building—the meeting place of the Gorosei.
The expressions on the faces of the five old men were grim and heavy with rage, but more than that, they carried a deep anxiety, especially at the thought of Imu.
"The war... ended in failure! Unbelievable!" spat Nusjuro.
"Sure, if we only look at the deaths of Roger's bloodline and Whitebeard, we could call it a victory. But that's not enough. For us, that can't define success. Proclaiming victory is just for show—to placate the world."
"Kaeya is dead, several CP0 agents are dead too. Our losses in CP0 are staggering. I propose we bring Rob Lucci, that prodigy from CP9, back into the fold and start rebuilding CP0. Also, call off the Marine's pursuit of them."
A heavy sigh echoed among them.
"Kaeya dead, Kuzan dead, Sakazuki in critical condition — though thankfully stabilized. If we'd been even a step slower, we could've lost another admiral. Marines are replaceable, but admirals... that kind of power is rare."
"They killed two top-tier forces, crippled another, and then took down Whitebeard. One thing we must figure out is: just how powerful is this monster?"
"Far beyond what we imagined. And we don't even know what his abilities truly are. What else is he hiding?"
"The last time an admiral died was back in the Rocks era. And this might be even worse."
"...Sigh."
"We need to replenish the Marine with fresh blood. The institution has been badly damaged—we need new power."
"How should we do that?"
"A worldwide draft. From the Four Seas to the Grand Line — we conscript across all territories, especially seeking out strong individuals. There are hidden talents among the common people. If someone exceptional enough shows up, we can promote them without hesitation."
"And the position of Fleet Admiral... it's time for a change. After this disaster, how can we even face Imu? Sengoku's leadership has failed. Worse, he's openly defied us before. We need someone who follows orders."
"Indeed. And Magellan at Impel Down — he must be dealt with. The prison has fallen twice under his watch."
"Let Sengoku step down. I nominate Sakazuki to take the post — Sengoku can be reassigned."
"I second that."
"Sakazuki fits our interests perfectly. I prefer a hardline Marine—not these soft, pacifist fools."
"As for Elior, we'll leave him be for now. We're in no position to challenge him yet, but keep him under surveillance."
"Too many troubles lately... Once we're done, we should meet with Lord Imu."
"No... better wait till tomorrow. Lord Imu is probably resting."
Meanwhile, around the same time in the New World, at the headquarters of Morgans' News Agency...
Morgans was feverishly writing. The war was over—and it was time for headlines.
Morgans' news network rivaled the World Government's in scale and influence, wielding near-monopolistic control over global public opinion.
"This news is monumental! Compared to Elior's deeds, the death of Roger's bloodline is almost trivial. But now... the bloodline is truly extinct!"
"I didn't expect things to turn out like this. What was supposed to be a war between the Marine and Whitebeard's crew spiraled out of control with the arrival of the Revolutionary Army and Elior's crew! The Revolutionaries barely made a dent, but Elior's pirates—utterly earth-shattering!"
"He killed the World Government's secret powerhouse—rumored to be admiral-level."
"Killed Aokiji, crippled Akainu—the Marine's greatest humiliation."
"The fall of Whitebeard — Ace, the last of Roger's bloodline wiped out."
"The Old Era ends, the New Era rises!"
"Whitebeard's last words: One Piece is real!"
Headline after headline flowed from Morgans' pen. He was known for sensationalism, but this time, exaggeration wasn't even necessary. The world was desperate for his news.
Especially the New World, beyond the World Government's grasp.
"A new Yonko rises in the New World!"
Morgans had declared Elior a candidate for Yonko after he defeated Kaido. Now, within just a week, Elior had surpassed all expectations.
He was now undeniably the new Yonko —King of the New World.
As his staff waited eagerly, the presses roared to life. The newspapers would print nonstop through the night, until every corner of the world had received the news.
By the next day, the headlines would spread like wildfire.
The world didn't yet know the outcome of the war.
Now, it would—and this war would forever be known as: The Summit War.
The next morning, Sabaody Archipelago.
The Elior Pirates arrived just after sunrise, using Sabaody as their final stop before re-entering the New World, where their ship would be coated.
"Back in Sabaody, huh? Makes an old man nostalgic" muttered World.
The archipelago was still as beautiful as ever, but to the old-timers, it brought a sense of how much the world had changed.
"I feel the same" said the Redfield.
Redfield was only passing through, but he informed Elior that he would soon seek out a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit that could restore his youth and power. First, though, he intended to visit his birthplace in the South Blue.
"Redfield, until we meet again. I'll be waiting at Hachinosu — it's called Paradise now" Elior said.
"Thanks for freeing me. I'll be at Paradise within a year" the Redfield replied before vanishing from sight.
"Think that old man will really come back? He's never been one to team up with anyone" grumbled Shiryu.
Elior chuckled.
"Old monsters like him honor their promises. Besides, he'll find that fruit soon enough—without it, he doesn't have many years left."
"Yeah, just another old man nearing the grave" said Bullet, glancing at World.
"What about you?" he asked.
World laughed, "I'm headed to Paradise —I've got nowhere else to be."
"So, you're joining us then."
World smirked. "I wonder if any Celestial Dragons still dare to show up on Sabaody? I've been itching to meet one."
Crocodile sneered, "There used to be, but after what the captain did? I doubt they'd ever dare."
"Broadcasting yourself killing a Celestial Dragon — unmatched, unprecedented!" someone chuckled.
Meanwhile, Sabaody Archipelago was teeming with life again. The war was over, and pirates were once again showing their true colors—hungry, bloodthirsty, eager for One Piece.
In particular, the Supernovas were preparing to set sail for the New World.
Kid was practically vibrating with excitement.
"New World, you better be ready for me!" he roared, punching a bald pirate out cold and sending him crashing into a tree.
No one here could rival him—not on Sabaody. And soon, he'd prove the same in the New World.
Kid had never tasted defeat, and his confidence was sky-high.
"Let's stay sharp though" Killer warned him. "The New World isn't like Sabaody. It's a land where monsters roam free."
"Aye" said Apoo, "the New World's a different beast altogether."
Drake added, "There, strength is everything. And the monsters you'll face—they're nothing like us."
Kid, Killer, Drake, and Apoo had formed an alliance to challenge the New World, with Kid at the helm.
Meanwhile, other Supernovas — Luffy, Zoro, Bonney, and Capone Bege — were also preparing to enter the New World.
Unlike Kid, who was entering the New World to pursue the One Piece, Bonney had a very different goal—she was going there to kill Elior.
The man who killed Whitebeard and Ace. The one who embodied everything she hated.
Since last night, Bonney hadn't slept a wink. Her mind was consumed by one name: Elior. Her hatred burned so fiercely that all she could think about was killing him—no matter the cost.
Just like in the original timeline where she challenged Blackbeard and ended up captured, only to be rescued by Akainu... but this time, her target was far more dangerous. Elior was nothing like Blackbeard.
And worse yet—Akainu wasn't even awake to save her this time.
If Bonney dared to confront Elior now, the consequences could be far more tragic.