New World — Grand Line
Elbaf — Kingdom of Giants
Within the towering stone walls of Aurust Castle, King Harald of Elbaf sat slumped heavily on his massive throne. His enormous frame seemed almost deflated, weighed down by exhaustion and regret. His expression was bleak as he replayed the memory of his battle with Rocks. Although he had survived, the lingering helplessness gnawed at him. No matter how he tried, he could not change what had happened.
If he wanted to fulfill his dream if he wished to protect Elbaf then sacrifice was necessary. Harald understood that clearly. And he was prepared to make that sacrifice without hesitation.
Only with the World Government's support could Elbaf truly flourish.
Only with their recognition would the other nations look upon Elbaf as something more than a kingdom of warriors.
As long as the World Government wished it…
As long as they decided so…
"Sigh…" Harald exhaled deeply again, shoulders sinking.
"King Harald! King Harald!"
A thunderous voice boomed through the hall. Heavy footsteps shook the floor as a giant came running toward the king, calling out urgently.
"…? What is it, Azareil?" Harald asked, irritation slipping into his tone.
Azareil an enormous giant with broad shoulders, braided orange hair, and thick fur-lined armor typical of Elbaf's warriors came to an abrupt stop. His beard reached his chest, and his skin was marked with tribal patterns, just like most giants depicted in the world. He immediately bowed his head in respect.
"King Harald! The World Government the World Government has sent a letter!" Azareil announced, unable to hide the excitement in his voice.
Azareil knew better than anyone how desperately Harald had worked to earn recognition from the World Government. So when he saw the letter bearing their seal, excitement surged through him. Maybe just maybe the World Government had finally acknowledged Harald's efforts.
"WHAT!!!?" Harald roared, snatching the letter from Azareil's enormous hand. His expression snapped from weariness to full alertness. With great care, he tore open the seal and unfolded the parchment.
He began reading.
[Letter From the World Government]
To King Harald of Elbaf,
Your dedication to the advancement of your people has not gone unnoticed. The World Government has observed your efforts , and after evaluating your sincerity, we have decided to extend a hand of opportunity to the Kingdom of Giants.
Elbaf has long stood as a land of unmatched strength, and we recognize the potential value such a nation could bring both to the world and to the World Government itself.
We trust that you, as king, understand that harmony between Elbaf and the World Government is beneficial for both sides.
We believe you would not wish harm upon your own people…
Nor would you wish harm upon the World Government.
In light of this, we have chosen to grant you a chance.
Whether you are capable of seizing this opportunity depends entirely on your actions moving forward.
Your first instruction is simple:
You are to make your way to the Holy Land of Mary Geoise.
There, your task will be explained to you directly.
Your cooperation in this matter will determine the future relationship between Elbaf and the World Government.
We expect your arrival without delay.
—World Government
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World Government — Mary Geoise
Room of Authority
Inside the Room of Authority—
It was a vast, grand chamber, far larger and more opulent than any other within the Holy Land. Tall alcoves lined the walls, each carved from pale stone and decorated with intricate engravings. Large windows permitted streams of soft, golden light to illuminate the hall. The floor was patterned with pale circular designs set against a deep, dark background, forming a striking contrast that emphasized the room's solemnity.
Originally, the chamber held a few couches and chairs for the Five Elders, along with tables stacked endlessly with documents. But now, the design had changed. A long, regal table stretched across the hall, surrounded by countless chairs. At its head stood the main seat—a throne-like chair crafted from the rarest materials and decorated with fabrics woven from the finest materials the World Government possessed. It radiated authority, privilege, and absolute superiority.
This room was special.
Even ordinary Celestial Dragons were forbidden from entering freely.
Even the Knights of God had limited access.
Only select beings of true authority stepped into this place.
Along both sides of the long table sat the saint Figarland Garling, Saint Topman Warcury, Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, Saint Marcus Mars, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn and the rest of the God Knights. Their statuses differed in the outside world, but here, within this room, everyone was equal beneath the one true ruler.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed throughout the hall soft, rhythmic, and impossibly calm.
Imu entered.
He walked slowly toward the table, hands resting casually behind his back. His presence alone caused the air to tighten. His eyes sharp, almond-shaped, glowing bright red with a thin, ominous ring around each pupil swept across the room.
His hair, strikingly black, fell neatly to the nape of his neck.
He now wore a white shirt layered beneath a red kimono adorned with delicate horn-shaped patterns, paired with loose black pants. Around his neck hung a faintly glowing five-pointed star locket, its soft light giving him an eerily divine aura.
Everyone held their breath.
Even the Five Elders were stunned. Imu never changed his attire;and yet today, his appearance was entirely different. Not only that, his power felt changed as well. It was strangely calm and terrifyingly violent at the same time. His figure was youthful, almost impossibly so.
Imu took his seat at the head of the table.
Every person in the room immediately lowered their gaze, not daring to look directly at him.
Hmm. Imu nodded to himself in mild approval.
"I'm here to announce a few things—and give out several tasks. I hope you can complete them." Imu began speaking without giving them time to recover from their shock.
He lifted a hand, pointing with a single finger.
"If you complete them, you will naturally receive rewards. If you fail… you will receive punishment. Understand? It's as simple as that." Imu said with a faint, effortless smile.
"UNDERSTOOD, IMU-SAMA!"
All of them spoke in unison, voices reverberating through the hall.
For many especially the God Knights this was an opportunity.
I can't let this slip away, Figarland Garling thought.
The Great One must have urgent and important plans if he summoned everyone. Perhaps… I can use this to rise further in status.
The other knights had similar thoughts.
But they all knew—this was a double-edged sword.
If they grasped it improperly, it would cut them to pieces.
Their thoughts shattered the instant Imu's voice sounded again, ringing clearly in their ears.
"First— Garling. I have a few tasks for you and the God Knights. Your son Shamrock and Shanks transfer them to Mary Geoise. They're on God Valley Island, correct? I expect you to handle this. I want them both alive. Oh, and bring their mother as well."
Imu's eyes shifted to Garling as he spoke.
"Yes, Great One!" Garling replied immediately. He was confused, why was Imu suddenly interested in his children? Did the Great One see potential in them? he wondered. Regardless, it did not matter; he simply had to obey. And this task was simple.
Imu continued.
"Second—and this applies to all of you stop the Native Hunting Competition. There is something far more important. Transport the Buccaneer slave here. I have business with him. Do the same with the other slaves bring them all."
He didn't pause.
"Third, transport all rewards and valuables especially the devil fruits like the Paw-Paw Fruit and the Azure Dragon fruit. Replace the devil fruits in the boxes with mental scrap or any useless junk."
His expression darkened.
"Fourth since the competition is canceled ensure no Celestial Dragon leaves Mary Geoise. Furthermore, from this moment onward, no Celestial Dragon is permitted to leave at all. Summon back every single one currently outside. I will explain the details after the Rocks Pirates are eliminated. And if any pig disobeys…"
A chill swept through the hall.
"…kill that pig."
Everyone felt their spine tighten.
"Fifth send Shakky to me. I want her alive and untouched. Complete this immediately. A battle is approaching soon, and I doubt you'll manage once God Valley is obliterated."
Imu found the thought amusing.
It will be hilarious… all those pirates Roger, Rocks, their entire crews arriving for Shakky only to discover she's already gone. Hahahaha… I'm so evil…
He cut off his own internal laughter with mild embarrassment. Cringe.
Then focused again.
"One more thing," Imu added. "There is a woman on God Valley Island from the Davy Clan. Her name is Eris, I believe. Capture her alive and her child. In fact, the child is more important than the mother. Make sure both are secured."