Black was momentarily taken aback.
Whether in Mary Geoise or out at sea, he had always been like a ghost, invisible to nearly everyone. How could someone contact him via Den Den Mushi?
Curiosity winning over, he picked up the strange snail-phone.
"Hello?"
"Lord Black, I apologize for the disturbance," the voice came, serious and formal. The Den Den Mushi projected a face resembling a lion with a golden mane, rigid and commanding.
"The Navy Headquarters has issued an urgent order. All high-ranking officers must return immediately to Marineford. Additionally, Mary Geoise has sent word: the Five Elders request your temporary return to the holy city."
Black paused. The words sounded as if some monumental event had occurred.
"Vice Admiral Gumeel, do you know what's happened?" he asked cautiously.
There was a pause on the other end. Gumeel seemed hesitant, struggling to find the right words. Finally, he spoke.
"Your Excellency, according to my sources, the Fleet Admiral encountered the Great Pirate known as Crimson Baron Barolick Redfield in the New World."
"They fought for ten days. While Vice Admiral Garp arrived in time to capture Crimson Baron, the Fleet Admiral remains unconscious."
Ah, that explains it, Black thought, exhaling in relief. He had almost feared a massive shift in the world's balance.
In the game, the capture of the Crimson Baron was never precisely dated, so Black had not paid much attention. After all, someone like Redfield would never submit willingly, even if plucked from the depths of an underwater prison. Yet now he realized the real-world consequences were far more significant than he imagined.
That makes sense, he mused. The game clearly showed Redfield as the victor but never mentioned the losses on either side.
Apparently, the Fleet Admiral had been beaten severely so badly that he remained unconscious. The Crimson Baron likely suffered as well; otherwise, he would not have allowed Garp to "collect" him so easily.
Black addressed the Den Den Mushi. "Very well. Return to the ship. We set course for home."
This was no simple duel gone awry. The Fleet Admiral represented the pinnacle of naval might. A defeat at the hands of a single pirate was a staggering blow to the prestige of both the Navy and the World Government.
From now on, fear of the Navy among pirates would diminish, and it could take years to recover.
The timing was especially dangerous only a year had passed since Gol D. Roger ushered in the Great Pirate Era. Pirates seeking the ultimate treasure were emerging like tides.
It was entirely possible that some bold pirate, seeing the Navy's perceived weakness, might even target Black's fleet. Even if Black himself were unharmed, such an attack would further erode the World Government's authority. That urgency explained why the Five Elders were summoning him back so quickly.
Understanding this, Black decided against resisting.
If they want me back, I'll go. Obedience is the key.
"Stella, inform the crew: we return to Mary Geoise," he commanded.
"Yes, Your Excellency," Stella replied, immediately instructing the crew to adjust the ship's course.
Perona's large, curious eyes were fixed on Black. "Are we going back to the Holy Land? I've always been curious! I heard it's the dwelling of the gods."
Black smirked. "Calling it the dwelling of gods isn't wrong, but Mary Geoise isn't as glamorous as you imagine. Behave yourself or if the other Celestial Dragons' guards catch you, I won't be responsible."
His warning, though casual, carried truth. Once back in Mary Geoise, there would be no playful antics like this; at the very least, they needed to maintain decorum outside the estate.
Robin added, her tone serious: "The Holy Land of Mary Geoise houses countless government officials. The inner city is reserved for the Celestial Dragons."
"As descendants of gods, they enjoy all privileges by law. We must act with caution. Any offense, minor or severe, could result in enslavement or death."
Perona's eyes welled up. The gravity of Robin's words struck her; she clung to Black's leg, panic overtaking her usual bravado.
"Ah!? The Holy Land is that dangerous? Can't we just… not go?"
Black chuckled at the sight. The little girl who had spent the past month taunting him now trembled at the thought of returning.
"But… they are Celestial Dragons!" she protested.
Black crouched down, grasping her cheeks to stretch them comically.
"Ow! That hurts! You brat, let go!"
Pain replaced fear, and Perona's courage returned with a roar. The fearless little girl once again stood her ground.
Amused, Black teased, "Little one, have you forgotten? I am a Celestial Dragon too. Don't make me turn you into a slave!"
Perona froze. In the past month, her playful skirmishes with Black had nearly erased her memory of his true identity or the fact that she had been forcibly brought aboard his ship. How had things turned so quickly?
Despite the confusion in her small mind, she could not help but speak boldly.
"Hmph! I'm not afraid of you, you big bad guy!"
"Wait… are you really a Celestial Dragon? Or is this some trick?"
She eyed Black with suspicion. Only when he reached toward her again did she cover her reddened cheeks and dart away.
Perona was not the only one puzzled. Robin, too, noted the difference. She did not question Black's authenticity his CP bodyguards and the distant warship confirmed his status but she sensed this Celestial Dragon was not like the ones in the books.
Perhaps sensing her gaze, Black, previously reclining, opened his eyes with a start.
"What is it?"
Robin shook her head. "Just pondering, Your Excellency."
Black assumed she was adjusting to the unusual environment and let it be, closing his eyes once more to feign rest while contemplating his strategy with the cards.
Having gained Aramaki as a combat ally during this trip, many plans could now be set into motion. Previously, confined to Mary Geoise, Black had been unable to implement them. Now, with capable subordinates at his side, action was finally possible.
Meanwhile, Robin trailed behind Perona, heading toward Stella, who was directing the crew to prepare the ship for departure.