The Seven Warlords meeting concluded as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Jinbe, Gecko Moria, Crocodile, and Donquixote Doflamingo stood before a communal dormitory building, each with a distinct expression on their face.
Jinbe appeared the calmest.
Through this meeting and the execution of Whitebeard Jr., he had gained clarity on the current trend.
Especially with Xayuki daring to publicly propose bringing Nico Robin, the "Devil Child" wanted by the World Government, to Marine Headquarters. It was evident that the Marines had completely detached themselves from the World Government, allowing Xayuki to act without considering their stance.
This meant that aligning himself with Xayuki, who commanded the vast military power of the Marines, was the wisest choice.
Although becoming a Warlord meant sacrificing some freedom for more constraints, this wasn't necessarily a bad thing for Jinbe. After all, not everyone had the privilege of being backed by Marine Headquarters and Xayuki, the rightful king of the Marines.
In general, aside from Fazzard, the Seven Warlords of the Sea were indeed fortunate.
Xayuki had granted them a choice. Had he simply abolished the Warlord system and immediately pursued them, Fazzard wouldn't be the only casualty—they might all have been wiped out.
Of course, this also indicated that they held enough value for Xayuki to offer them a choice.
While Jinbe couldn't speak for the other Warlords, he had a rough idea of his own value.
Xayuki wasn't interested in him alone, but rather the fish-man community behind him, including the Ryugu Kingdom located 10,000 meters underwater.
Since Xayuki aimed to eradicate pirates, controlling the Ryugu Kingdom, a necessary passage for all pirates entering the New World from the first half of the Grand Line, would make all pirates entering it sitting ducks.
"Where's Mihawk?"
At this moment, Moria suddenly voiced his curiosity. Glancing around, he noticed Mihawk and Hancock were absent, prompting him to ask, "Aren't they supposed to stay here?"
"Moria, haven't you figured it out yet?"
Surprisingly, Doflamingo responded, habitually grinning as he said, "Before bowing to Fleet Admiral Xayuki, Mihawk reminded him not to forget their agreement."
"So, Mihawk was the first to bow?" Moria blinked in surprise.
Crocodile seized the opportunity to join the conversation, his expression serious. "It was likely Hancock!"
Gion, responsible for 'arranging' accommodations for the Warlords, emerged from the dormitory, smiling as she patiently explained, "Mihawk initially stayed at the Fleet Admiral's residence, but moved to the guest house after Hancock and Miss Gunshi joined him."
"Rest assured, your rooms have been cleaned, and all necessary supplies are prepared."
"As for meals, you'll need to visit the cafeteria for the time being."
"Thank you," Jinbe politely nodded toward Gion.
Doflamingo, however, raised his head slightly upon hearing the name 'Gunshi,' asking, "Is Miss Gunshi the woman wearing the newsboy cap who stood behind Xayuki?"
"Yes, she is a member of the Holy Knights!"
Gion didn't conceal the truth, nodding as she continued, "Fleet Admiral Xayuki plans to invite the Celestial Dragons from the Holy Land to participate in a project. The Holy Land likely wants to know about the project's progress, so they sent Miss Gunshi."
Hearing this, Doflamingo, who had long suspected Gunshi's identity, seemed to forget his earlier fear of Xayuki's dominance and control. He grinned, "Fufufufufu," she really is a member of the Holy Knights!"
"But isn't Fleet Admiral Xayuki worried that Gunshi will report his plans to the Holy Land?"
"Do you think Fleet Admiral Xayuki would be concerned about that?"
Gion smiled as she countered, "Even if his plan is crucial, how does it compare to the coup against the Holy Land?"
"Doflamingo, you should focus on yourself!"
Before Doflamingo could respond, Gion abruptly changed her tone, "If you dare show any disloyalty in the future, not only you but all members of the Donquixote Family, including your spy Vergo within the Marines, will meet a grim fate!"
"!!!"
Gion's sudden warning caused Doflamingo's pupils to contract involuntarily, his sunglasses nearly falling off.
"Don't be surprised!"
Observing Doflamingo's reaction, Gion maintained her smile, "Fleet Admiral Xayuki said you have no secrets from him!"
"Guhahaha—"
Seeing Doflamingo react just as he had when Xayuki uncovered his secrets, Crocodile couldn't help but laugh heartily, giving Doflamingo a thumbs-up, "As expected of the Heavenly Yaksha, sending a spy into the Marines and having him reach Vice Admiral rank—impressive!"
Feeling inexplicably better, Crocodile shook his coat and strutted into the dormitory.
"Hehihihihi, the Sand Crocodile's been through the storm, so he's delighted to see others soaked too~"
Watching Crocodile's departing figure, Moria chuckled, grateful he had kept to himself on Thriller Bark without scheming.
Otherwise—
Recalling Xayuki's ruthless pressure on Doflamingo, Moria felt a chill run down his spine.
Meanwhile...
In the Fleet Admiral's office at Marine Headquarters.
Xayuki glanced at Borsalino and Kuzan, who had followed him in, then handed a document to Borsalino. "This is the latest intel from the intelligence department. According to the report, Kaido has contacted Charlotte Linlin and plans to join forces with her to seek revenge on the Marines."
"So far, the Big Mom Pirates haven't made any moves—they're likely still weighing their options."
"But that's irrelevant!"
Xayuki handed another document to Kuzan, continuing, "What matters is that I don't intend to wait for them to act before responding. Publicly executing Whitebeard Jr. was essentially a test against the Whitebeard Pirates. Because I'm uncertain if Whitebeard Jr. is truly Whitebeard's son, if he is, Whitebeard will certainly react! Even if he doesn't, I'll eliminate Fazzard!"
"Because my target is the Four Emperors! Who they are doesn't matter, as long as one of them makes a move!"
Kuzan, reading the document attentively, suddenly looked up, surprised. "Moving Marine Headquarters gradually to the First Branch in the New World?"
Xayuki nodded. "This task requires you and Sakazuki to work together! Sakazuki's mission to Dressrosa to recruit the Donquixote Family is merely a cover for your covert operation!"
"Tonight, you'll set off, leading the Aokiji Army through the Holy Land to reach the First Branch secretly. You'll personally oversee the First Branch and form a pincer movement with Sakazuki, who's taking over Dressrosa, closely monitoring the movements of the Beasts Pirates and Big Mom Pirates."
"If either side makes a move that feels threatening, don't hesitate—suppress them immediately!"
"If the conflict escalates and Kaido and the Charlotte Family form an alliance, you must report back immediately!"
"I'll join you in the New World and stand by your side!"
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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