Bang!!!
Holy Land · Mary Geoise.
Inside the Five Elders' grand conference chamber, Saint Saturn slammed his palm down on the table, his face contorted with uncontrollable rage.
"Damn that Straw Hat Pirates—how could they have grown to this extent already!?"
"We must mobilize immediately. We absolutely cannot allow these people who have challenged the authority of the World Government to continue living!"
"That's right!"
The bald elder immediately nodded in agreement.
Thinking back to Imu-sama's terrifying reaction when news first arrived that Mary Geoise had been attacked months ago, a bone-chilling fear crept up his spine.
They might be figures of supreme authority, capable of toying with the entire world with a flick of their fingers—
But before Imu, they were no more than worms whose lives could be crushed at will.
In fact, in some ways, they were even worse off than ordinary people.
At least others still dared to harbor thoughts of resistance.
As for them… they didn't even dare entertain the slightest notion that could be deemed disloyal to Imu.
"There's no need for further discussion!""Mobilize all forces at once and converge on Totto Land!"
"This time, we will wipe out the Straw Hat Pirates and all their remnants in one fell swoop!"
The blond elder set the final tone.
"For that purpose, I believe it is necessary for us to personally take part in this battle."
"Agreed!""Agreed!""Agreed!""Agreed!"
Four rapid affirmations rang out. In an instant, blazing fury erupted in the eyes of the Five Elders.
Because none of them could be sure—if this mission failed again—whether Imu-sama would place the blame squarely on their heads.
They…did not want to die.
Soon, an order from the highest authority of the World Government was transmitted to the upper echelons of every military branch under its command.
And once again—who knew for the how-many-th time this year—the entire armed forces entered a state of full combat readiness.
…
…
Navy Headquarters, New Marineford.
With a cigar clenched between his teeth, Akainu stared at the classified order that the Transponder Snail had just spat out. His face twisted instantly.
"Damn it!"
He couldn't help but curse aloud.
"Do those bastards not realize that the World Military Draft has only just begun!?"
"Mobilizing exhausted troops at a time like this—are they trying to make the Navy a laughingstock again!?"
As Fleet Admiral, Akainu was naturally well aware of the Straw Hat Pirates' victory over the Big Mom Pirates.
But since he had taken command, the Navy had launched several massive operations that consumed enormous manpower and resources—yet achieved nothing.
As a result, the Navy was not only no stronger than before he took over… it was actually weaker.
Recent global instability had also led to a sharp rise in piracy across the seas.
Akainu had originally planned to personally lead a large-scale pirate purge—to reassert the Navy's might, and to build momentum for the World Military Draft.
But just as preparations were complete, the Five Elders' order arrived.
"..."
"Looks like there's no choice."
After a long silence, Akainu still decided to obey the World Government's command.
Without their funding, the World Military Draft would be impossible to continue.
And besides…
"If we can eliminate a Yonko-level pirate crew right now, the effect might be even greater than a general pirate purge."
"However…"
Repeated failures had planted seeds of doubt in the once iron-willed Akainu's heart.
"Can this operation really succeed…?"
The name Straw Hat Pirates was far too familiar to him.
Not because they attacked Mary Geoise—
But because a large part of his rise to Fleet Admiral was tied directly to them.
Had the Straw Hats not attacked Enies Lobby—defeating Kizaru, Zephyr, and the island's garrison—the temporary Fleet Admiral Tsuru would not have been stained by such a massive blot. The Five Elders would never have rushed to appoint a new Fleet Admiral so quickly.
Despite his many thoughts, Akainu had no choice but to act.
This time, he would dispatch the Navy's only remaining Admiral, Aokiji—and even planned to personally lead the operation to ensure success.
…
…
"Another job?"
Inside the Admirals' private lounge, Aokiji, sleeping with a newspaper over his face, was woken by a messenger's report.
After hearing the mission details, his brows furrowed deeply.
"The Straw Hat Pirates… again that troublesome crew?"
With more and more intelligence coming in, Aokiji had begun to suspect—
That ship he once glimpsed beneath Skypiea long ago might very well have been the Straw Hat Pirates' ship—the Going Merry, now valued at 1.3 billion Beli!
Which meant…
The Straw Hat Pirates might have been involved in actions targeting the Celestial Dragons from very early on.
Yet even with this realization, Aokiji never reported it to Akainu or anyone else.
After all…
The Straw Hat Pirates' captain was not only a formidable pirate—he was also the beloved grandson of his half-mentor, the Navy Hero Garp!
"What a headache…"
Ever since losing the Fleet Admiral seat, Aokiji had been restless—but now, for the first time, he felt truly overwhelmed.
…
…
"Faster! Increase the output of Cotton Candy Snow SOIR! Make sure the entire Totto Land territory is filled with Warning Waves BON! If even a single intruder slips through, I'll hold you all accountable!!!"
Totto Land, the very center of Cotton Candy Island.
A red-nosed figure darted wildly through the snow-white sky, barking orders at the massive Cotton Candy Homies working below.
This was none other than the newly appointed lord of Cotton Candy Island—Buggy the Clown, who had replaced the former minister and been personally installed by Red.
Below the cotton candy factory, a Devil Fruit user who had eaten the Horse-Horse Fruit, Model: Zebra was clutching Buggy's feet while sprinting desperately behind him.
As he ran, the zebra-man gazed at those restless feet with fanatical devotion.
If anyone were close enough, they would hear his low muttering:
"To be able to hold Captain Buggy's feet… I'm truly blessed!"
"This life holds no regrets anymore~!!!"
And people still dared to doubt Captain Buggy's claim of having led the vanguard!?
The moment the Straw Hat Pirates took control of Totto Land, they immediately rewarded Buggy with Cotton Candy Island—the key surveillance hub of the entire territory.
Wasn't that proof enough of Captain Buggy's importance in the eyes of the Straw Hat leader!?
The zebra pirate sighed emotionally—
Completely forgetting that Vice Captain Galdino, currently constructing massive Wax-Wax walls around the island, even existed.
Elsewhere—
With a large "3" atop his head, Galdino sprayed torrents of white wax from both hands while continuously chugging Super Potions to restore stamina, working like a beast of burden.
A stark contrast to Buggy, who laughed freely above while inspecting his domain.
…
…
Elsewhere, inside Cake Island's castle.
Red sat on a grand chair, smiling as he looked at the two graceful women before him.
"I'm glad you both trusted us enough to join our side."
"Rest assured—judging from our captain's actions, you should know that the Straw Hat Grand Fleet is a relaxed and joyful group. We won't make things difficult for you."
"Now isn't really the time to say that, Vice Captain Red, is it?"
With a sensual sway of her waist, the blonde Stussy spoke calmly.
Having never clashed directly with the Straw Hats, she appeared especially relaxed.
"You should understand—I don't represent myself."
"As the liaison between parties, there may be things I don't handle perfectly. I hope Lord Red will be merciful."
"Oh?" Red smiled approvingly. "But I trust your abilities very much."
"Ha~" Stussy opened her fragrant feathered fan, covering half her delicate face."To think I hold such weight in Lord Red's heart…"
"Then I must thank you for the recognition."
"Heh." Red chuckled. "Believe me…"
"I may understand you even better than you understand yourself."
At those words, a flicker passed through Stussy's eyes—quickly concealed.
They exchanged smiles, both seeing through the other while hiding their own truths.
After a brief silence, Red spoke again.
"Enough small talk."
"Stussy, I have an important task for you."
"What might that be?" She straightened instantly, fully assuming the role of a subordinate.
Red said clearly:
"I want you to become the new leader of Akatsuki, and rapidly unify the underworld."
"At that time, other members of the Straw Hat Pirates will provide necessary support."
"Akatsuki!?"
Stussy gasped softly."Could it be… that organization that suddenly appeared in the underworld—"
She stopped mid-sentence.
The answer had already formed in her mind.
"…I understand."
Stussy accepted the mission without hesitation.
From the name Akatsuki alone, countless implications surfaced.
Stripping away the surface, her thoughts drifted back to the Celestial Dragon livestream execution nearly a year ago—the event that marked the opening chapter of global chaos.
"So… the Straw Hat Pirates have been controlling the world since then?"Stussy murmured inwardly, reaching the same conclusion as Whitebeard.
Seeing her response, Red smiled in satisfaction.
After all, this eternally youthful artificial human had once effortlessly eliminated two elite CP0 agents in the original timeline.
Ambush alone didn't define strength.
But being able to decisively remove two high-level enemies at a critical moment—that proved she excelled when it mattered most.
More importantly—
She was currently the only known channel through which the Straw Hat Pirates could contact Vegapunk.
During the celebration banquet, Red had spoken openly with Stussy and secured a brief communication with Vegapunk.
Upon learning about the Straw Hat Pirates, Vegapunk had shown great interest.
However, since he still remained under the World Government—and his research into the infinite energy source, the Mother Flame, was incomplete—he chose caution.
Thus, both sides agreed that Stussy would act as their intermediary.
Red fully understood Vegapunk's prudence.
After all, Vegapunk had already agreed to provide technical support through Stussy.
With Vegapunk's knowledge—
Franky's body modifications, Usopp's insect cultivation, and even Chopper's scientific path would all see tremendous advancements.
In return, Red informed Vegapunk ahead of time about the possibility that York, the embodiment of Desire, might betray him.
Though skeptical, Vegapunk took the warning seriously, thanked Red sincerely, and decided to tighten supervision over York.
And thus—
Stussy, bearer of multiple identities, gained yet another role…
The living conduit between the Straw Hat Pirates and Vegapunk!
After concluding matters with Stussy, Red turned his gaze to Reiju, clad in a pink combat suit that accentuated her figure.
"Well? Has your father's condition improved?"
"Yes, Lord Red."
Reiju's expression was complex as she spoke, adopting the same respectful address as Stussy—signaling the Vinsmoke Family's stance.
Once she said it aloud, her tension visibly eased.
"Thanks to Doctor Chopper's medicine, my father, Judge, has recovered to a normal state."
"However, his body hasn't fully healed, so he couldn't come personally to pay respects. Please forgive him."
"Haha, no worries~"
"You've probably heard from Sanji—our side is very relaxed."
"And besides, you're Sanji's sister. No need to be so formal."
"Yes, Lord Red."Though she agreed verbally, her tone remained unchanged.
After all, Sanji had never acknowledged his ties to the Vinsmoke Family—she couldn't use that connection casually.
After choosing her words carefully, Reiju continued:
"Although Father couldn't come, he is fully aware of everything that happened on Cake Island."
"He asked me to convey an apology, on behalf of the entire Vinsmoke Family, for our actions back then."
"Furthermore, Father has entrusted me with full authority over all future affairs of the Vinsmoke Family."
"If Lord Red ever has any instructions for us, you may contact me directly."
Reiju lifted her head.
She never explicitly said she would join the Straw Hats.
Yet her actions spoke louder than words—more sincere than those of any official subordinate.
(End of Chapter)