Marijoa.
World Government Headquarters.
A new day dawned.
Beneath the Red Earth Continent, a warship slowly approached. Aboard were few naval personnel: Garp, Sengoku, Staff Officer Tsuru, and a dozen or so ordinary sailors.
None of the three admirals had come.
Standing on the deck, Sengoku gazed solemnly at the massive Sea Kings tumbling across the surrounding sea, a flicker of deep fear in his eyes.
"The number of these Sea Kings… and their size… are terrifying," Tsuru said gravely.
"This isn't a doldrum." Garp's expression was complex. "The appearance of so many gigantic Sea Kings in this place, and the fact that they haven't attacked us since seeing us, suggests they were likely commanded here by someone—and there's only one person who can control them."
"Poseidon," Sengoku said gravely. "Is this the Black Crows' confidence? Truly terrifying."
"It's not just Poseidon. Those ships, if nothing goes wrong, must be the legendary Pluto." Tsuru spoke again, her gaze fixed on the row of massive black vessels approaching the harbor.
These ships radiated a metallic sheen.
Just by looking at them, one could tell they were extraordinary.
"Pluto… Pluto, plus the Black Crows' strength, and the numerous forces involved this time—it's no wonder the World Government failed." Sengoku shook his head with a bitter smile.
If the Navy had faced such a terrifying force, they would probably have been defeated even faster than the World Government, perhaps unable to resist at all.
While the Navy had admirals, the Black Crows had more than three fighters at that level—enough to crush them.
The warship was approaching the harbor.
As Sengoku and the others disembarked, they spotted a figure standing at the harbor: Sora.
"Marshal Sora."
Upon seeing Sora, the three stepped forward, and when they noticed his severed arm, their expressions were filled with shock.
"Your arm…" Garp gaped. He knew Sora's strength; he wasn't much weaker than himself. Perhaps it had declined somewhat due to age and inactivity, but it was still more than the three admirals combined could handle. And now, he'd lost an arm?!
It seemed the war the World Government had waged was far more brutal than they had imagined.
"It's nothing serious," Sora shook his head calmly. "Now it's your turn to make a choice."
"Choose? What do you mean?" Sengoku asked, frowning.
"Let's talk as we walk." Sora turned and led the others toward the top of the Red Earth Continent. The human elevator had been dismantled, and the slaves had been freed. Under Reine's management, they would become the first members of Marijoa, working for the new World Government.
The slaves had no objections and were even grateful to the Black Crows.
Without the human elevator, anyone setting foot on the Red Earth Continent would have to walk.
Walking ahead, Sora spoke in a deep voice. "Next, there will be changes to the Navy."
"What do you mean?" Tsuru asked.
"The Black Crows have already taken control of the entire World Government. Their power is far more terrifying than we imagined. But most importantly, they're going to control the Navy. That's why you're here. But for the Navy, their next move might also be beneficial."
Sora knew some of Black Crow Mio's thoughts about the Navy and his ambitions for the world, so he laid it out.
"The Revolutionary Army has already agreed to join the Black Crows, and they're about to be completely disrupted and reorganized—some joining the Navy, others joining the World Government or other militaries. Meanwhile, Black Crow is willing to invest more money in the Navy and conduct a worldwide conscription. He wants to unify the world and… eliminate all pirates."
"But the Navy must be under his control."
"So, you should understand why I sent you here."
Sengoku immediately nodded, his eyes flickering with thought.
Tsuru did the same.
Both of them were sharp enough to gather the meaning between Sora's words.
"That guy isn't planning to become like the Celestial Dragons?" Sengoku asked in surprise.
"It doesn't appear so," Sora shook his head. "From the moment the Five Elders died, the Celestial Dragons were exterminated. Not only the Five Elders, but also the D Clan's location, which was discovered and cleared out by the Black Crows. Mio wants a stable world under his rule, and he's expressed the ability to provide the common people with food, clothing, and purpose. That's why the Revolutionary Army agreed to join him. Whether it's true or not, only time will tell."
"Currently, the only remaining noble family is the Donquixote family under Doflamingo, but they don't wield the same power as the Celestial Dragons."
During the war, whether it was the Revolutionary Army, Kaido, Doflamingo, or Judge, all had expressed their willingness to join the Black Crows and serve them.
Sora also informed Sengoku and the others of this.
After hearing it all, Sengoku sighed with a complex expression. "If… if that guy really won't become as brutal as the Celestial Dragons of the past, and if what he said is true, then letting him rule the World Government wouldn't be such a bad thing. At least the lives of the civilians would be better. But I wonder if he has other motives."
"Everything will become clear when we meet him," Tsuru said calmly. She didn't speculate further.
The group set foot on the Red Earth Continent.
They moved quickly, and with a specially constructed route, it didn't take long to reach the World Government headquarters.
Mio and Lilith were the only ones in the luxurious hall.
Lilith, dressed as a secretary, stood beside Mio, reporting on important matters within the World Government that needed attention.
For example, the numerous orphanages under the Government's control, filled with children—many brainwashed, relatively young, yet possessing considerable strength. What to do with them posed a challenge.
There was also the issue of the World Government's member states, which needed careful handling.
Ruling the world wasn't simply about defeating enemies. It was also about ensuring stability and prosperity. Otherwise, rebellion would rise again.
Lilith also reported on the Sea Train project, which should ideally be deployed throughout the entire first half of the Grand Line.
This would strengthen transportation and allow the Navy to respond immediately to any pirate threat.
As Mio and Lilith discussed these matters, footsteps echoed.
A shadow soldier entered, followed by Sora and his group.
Mio waved, dismissing the shadow soldier.
A smile spread across his face. "It's been a while, Sengoku, Garp, and… Chief of Staff Tsuru."
"Indeed." Sengoku nodded, his expression complicated. "I never thought our reunion would be in this way."
A pirate.
Now, the master of the World Government.
And the Navy, reduced to employees.
Without the Government's funding, the Navy couldn't survive—the resources it required were simply too vast.
"Would you like something to drink?" Mio asked with a smile.
"No." Tsuru shook her head. "Let's talk about the purpose of our coming here."
"Okay." Mio shrugged lightly. "My purpose for bringing you here is quite simple. I'm giving you a choice."
"The first choice is to continue serving the new World Government, and for the next ten years, you won't be able to leave Marijoa. I will then appoint a new Navy Admiral, and I'll need your cooperation. You'll help him quickly take control of the Navy, cultivate new forces, and then step back."
"The second choice is to reject me—and be killed."
Mio's calm voice carried no hesitation. "I don't want another 'me' to emerge and overthrow me. Therefore, I need a stable world under my control. From now on, I will develop the Navy, making it even more powerful, until all pirates are wiped out."
He leaned forward slightly, smiling. "You should also know—after I overthrew the World Government, I deliberately concealed it. If you agree, then in the eyes of the world, the World Government and Navy will remain unchanged. Nothing will appear different."
"At the same time, the Black Crows will gradually disappear from the sea, along with the Four Emperors. The World Government will begin to care for the people, and the Navy will grow stronger."
Sengoku nodded slowly. He understood.
The Black Crows would vanish—whether by death or disappearance, the world would not know they were ruling behind the scenes.
If they refused, Mio would have the Navy destroyed to maintain his absolute order.
"How can I trust you?" Sengoku finally asked.
"You can wait here. It won't take long," Mio replied.
Lilith stepped forward, smiling. "Yesterday, the master sent Taros, Kaido, Asuka, and Shirafu, along with three Plutos, to Cake Island. Soon, the Big Mom Pirates will be erased. Qiongqi, Erica, Xiaoqi, Xiaoliu, and another group of elites, supported by three more Plutos, are heading to eliminate Red Hair. If nothing goes wrong, all of his members will be brought here soon."
"As for Blackbeard, despite his dual Devil Fruit powers, he's not a serious problem. Mr. Yasan will handle him personally."
Garp's pupils constricted in shock at the overwhelming combat power Lilith described.
Each name was a Black Crows powerhouse.
Taros and Qiongqi were both admiral-level. Combined with Plutos and elite members, Big Mom and Red Hair stood no chance.
Even Sengoku and Tsuru were stunned.
Eight admiral-level fighters moved at once.
A terrifying force.
Sengoku frowned. "Are you sure you can handle Blackbeard? His Dark-Dark Fruit restrains other Devil Fruit users, and with the Tremor-Tremor Fruit as well—"
"Don't worry," Sora interrupted with a weary tone. "Yasan is formidable enough to battle Rocks. And Rocks didn't just have one Devil Fruit, but several—yet he still perished. Blackbeard isn't worth worrying about."
A dual-Devil Fruit?
After the last war, Sora no longer cared. Two powers were nothing compared to the monsters they had faced.
Sengoku fell silent, then spoke. "I understand. What do you want to do?"
"It's simple," Mio said calmly. "Sengoku, you resign as Fleet Admiral and promote Akainu. Garp and Tsuru will also retire. At the same time, conduct a worldwide recruitment drive. My subordinates will also join the Navy. Once Akainu steps down, I will take full control of Marine Headquarters. All you need to do is cooperate."
Instead of rushing, he would infiltrate slowly, ensuring stability.
Sengoku realized this and, after a long silence, nodded.
Time slipped by.
By evening, ship after ship approached Marijoa.
Kaido and his group entered, escorting the captured core members of the Charlotte and Red Hair Pirates.
Kaido wore a carefree smile, as though he'd enjoyed himself.
"Kaido, why?! Why?!" Charlotte roared as she was dragged into the hall, shocked to see him cooperating.
But when her eyes landed on Mio seated at the head table, she froze.
Her eyes widened in disbelief.
Even Red Hair felt the same—yet a wry smile formed on his lips.
"So it's true. You actually took the World Government," Red Hair murmured.
"How could you possibly take it down?!" Charlotte screamed furiously.
In the World Government headquarters, Mio sat like the master.
Both pirates, both Emperors.
Yet Black Crow had surpassed them all.
Mio said calmly, "Just because I control the World Government doesn't mean my ambition ends here. I want complete control of this world. Pirates have no place in it—nor do the Emperors."
"So you'll start with us and gradually wipe out the pirates of the New World?" Red Hair asked with a bitter smile.
"That's right."
Mio nodded, his expression steady. "Whether unforgivable criminals or dream-chasing pirates, there is no need for you to exist. The seas will only need merchant ships, cruise ships, and explorers."
"But when tomorrow comes, and the New World learns the Emperors are gone, chaos will erupt," Red Hair warned.
Pirates would scramble for the vacant throne, or band together against the World Government.
Either way, chaos would spread.
"It doesn't matter," Mio shook his head. "In the face of absolute strength, all they will find is suppression."