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The voice of Saint Marcus Mars was deep and heavy, echoing through the conference room in Mary Geoise and reverberating in the hearts of everyone present, casting grim expressions across their faces.
Moments earlier, some may have held a trace of contempt, daring to underestimate the World Government after the loss of one of its stars. But when the four elders took their place upon the high platform, their oppressive aura crushed such thoughts instantly.
Yes—this was the world, unchanged. No one could deny the dominance the World Government had maintained for eight hundred years.
"Given the recent actions of the Marines, we have summoned you, the leaders of the world, to participate in this emergency World Conference," Saint Marcus Mars declared.
"It is undeniable that under the leadership of Arashi, the Marines have strayed from their path and completely betrayed the principles upon which they were founded. Unknowingly, the comrades we once trusted and relied upon have become the enemies of tomorrow."
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro rose to speak next, his gaze icy and his words like iron, seizing the attention of all.
"Pirates once brought chaos, filling the seas with panic and fear. Yet in the future, it is the Marines who will become the greatest cancer upon this world."
His declaration twisted the very meaning of the Marines' existence, stirring unease among the nobles below. Some faces flushed red with excitement as they cried out:
"War! Wage war! Eradicate them! The Marines must be destroyed. How can the world tolerate its hound turning rabid?"
"Where is the dignity of the World Government? Where is the glory of the Twenty Kings?"
Yet others fell silent, their expressions grim. To them, the justice the Marines had upheld in recent years had become far more worthy of faith than the elders' accusations. Saint Ethanbaron's words, to their ears, were nothing but distortion—a chaotic tangle of baseless charges.
The Battle of Onigashima had been an unprovoked assault launched by the World Government itself, in violation of a signed agreement. That betrayal had shaken the world.
"Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro!" a voice suddenly rang out from below, bold enough to challenge him. "How do you explain Saint Saturn's participation in the Battle of Onigashima? And the annihilation of God's Knights? In such a monumental war, as the highest authority of the World Government, do you not bear responsibility?"
The hall fell silent as Nusjuro fixed his cold eyes upon the questioner. After a long pause, he spoke.
"The World Government struck at the Marines because we uncovered their ambition—and the evil of Arashi. Saint Saturn's fall was a consequence of their treachery, which only confirms the wickedness of the current Marines!"
But the explanation rang hollow. To many, it only deepened the image of the World Government's hypocrisy.
"So what do you intend to do?" another voice asked nervously, trembling with fear. "With the Marines' rising power, and with Arashi's might beyond measure, how will the World Government respond? Do you mean to start a war?"
The word hung in the air like a curse. War—two simple syllables, yet carrying the weight of countless lives and rivers of blood.
Unlike pirates, the Marines were not scattered rogues. They were a vast military institution with logistics, advanced technology, and powerful leaders. In this era, their strength was unparalleled. From the Four Blues to the Grand Line, their presence was inescapable.
If war came, it would not be contained. It would engulf the entire world, becoming the greatest conflict in eight centuries.
On the high platform, the elders did not immediately reply. Their faces were carved with solemnity.
"War is not our wish," Saint Shepherd Ju Peter finally declared. "But the Marines' corruption forces us to act. Our decision is unanimous: we will impose strict suppression upon them—unless they repent. Unless they return to obeying the directives of the World Government, disband their forces in the New World, and restore the peace and stability of old."
His words crashed through the hall, sending shockwaves through the gathered rulers. They had expected measures, but hearing them confirmed left many shaken.
"Of course, this cannot be done by the World Government alone," said Saint Topman Warcury, his deep voice sweeping the chamber. "We require the strength and commitment of every nation. For that reason, we shall form a World Allied Forces!"
The hall fell deathly silent. Kings and nobles exchanged glances, their faces revealing excitement, fear, worry, and doubt. The world stood divided on the brink of war.
And among the watchful, some noticed that the king of Alabasta, Nefertari Cobra, was absent, and so too was King Neptune of Ryugu Kingdom.
"Naturally," a soft voice added, "you may express your own opinions. We will not force anyone to join the alliance."
"Is that true?"
"It's not mandatory?"
"Wonderful!"
"I will not drag my kingdom into this war. We are too small—any pirate crew could crush us!"
"And we still pay Heavenly Tribute. We can barely afford it as it is. A war would destroy us!"
Relieved voices rippled across the chamber. The four elders listened from above, cold sneers curving their lips.
"It seems there are still many heretics in this world," one of them muttered under his breath. "Then we shall simply cleanse them."
The meeting carried on, but its true theme was already clear. The world was on the edge of an unprecedented war. For the elders, this conference was not only about uniting the world against the Marines—it was also a purge, a means to expose treachery and loyalty alike.
After eight centuries atop the world, they would finally see who dared to waver.
Discussion shifted toward troop numbers, deployment, and strategies—every word aimed at weakening the Marines.
Meanwhile, in Dressrosa, the new Marine Headquarters stood proudly atop the former royal plateau, rebuilt after the war at Onigashima. Unlike Marineford, this new bastion had been shaped into a Marine paradise.
The number of officers, bases, and personnel was unprecedented. The docks teemed with warships, Marines marched in endless streams, and the port bustled with activity.
In the Fleet Admiral's office, a plaque gleamed above the desk, engraved with the words Equal Justice. Beneath it sat Arashi.
"A week has passed since the World Government's emergency conference," came the report. "In that time, many changes have swept the world.
"First, the formation of the World Allied Forces has been confirmed, uniting nations against the Marines.
"Second, these nations have begun dispatching troops to assume the duties once handled by us.
"Third, there have been numerous small clashes between our forces and theirs, though both sides suppress escalation for now. These remain only skirmishes.
"Lastly, our territory in the New World is vast, yet dangerously scattered…"
"It has not been fully consolidated in such a short time and will require more time. Therefore, we need to strengthen our control over these territories!"
Directly opposite him, the five Admirals—Bullet, Crocodile, Aokiji, Kizaru, and Fujitora—sat in a row.
This was one of their regular meetings, convened to respond to the latest decisions of the World Government.
The nations of the world were beginning to unite into a massive allied force, aiming to confront and even replace the Marines. He had to admit, it sounded like an effective strategy.
"The World Government's actions were predictable," Arashi mused. "They suffered heavy losses in the Battle of Onigashima. To secure their position, it's only natural they would seek to unite the world."
"As for strengthening the Marines' authority and jurisdiction over the islands of the New World..." Arashi frowned, lost in thought for a moment.
A heartbeat later, he raised his head and fixed his gaze on the five men. "Make the arrangements, Bullet!"
Bullet's eyes narrowed. "Let's hold an expanded meeting. Summon as many flag officers as possible! We need to determine the Marines' next course of action—and lay down our vision for the future."
His deep voice caused the five Admirals to narrow their eyes in unison.
"Of course, this is to be a discussion meeting," Arashi added with a faint smile. "All officers of flag rank and above may participate."
But the Admirals knew very well that, in the end, the one who would make the final decision was still the Fleet Admiral standing before them.
Even so, the announcement was shocking. Since Arashi had become Fleet Admiral, he had never once convened a meeting on this scale.
Most decisions were resolved in private sessions among the top brass—or made by him directly. It was clear that this time, something unprecedented was about to happen.
The order spread swiftly from high command, and the entire Marine system was shaken to its core. From Marineford to the New World, their influence was vast.
Though they still could not rival the World Government, their strength was arguably greater than it had been at any point in the past eight centuries.
By that afternoon, warships were returning from the seas, their hulking silhouettes docking in the port of Dressrosa.
With them came flag officers, each radiating an imposing aura, their expressions resolute as they strode through the streets toward headquarters.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye. The new Marine Headquarters was now packed with a massive gathering of officers of flag rank and above.
From Rear Admirals to Vice Admirals, every level was represented. They sat solemnly in the vast conference room, their gazes sharp and heavy.
"What's going on? I was tracking a pirate crew near Elbaf when I got word that headquarters had summoned us, so I rushed back."
"I don't know. But this is the first time Fleet Admiral Arashi has called a meeting of this scale. Speaking of which, I just found a clue to the fourth Road Poneglyph."
"What?! The final Poneglyph? You're about to make history! Unlike you, we've been dealing with the Revolutionary Army—we found traces of them in the Lulusia Kingdom and are closing in."
The chatter rose and fell, filling the conference room with restless energy.
It was a remarkable moment. The World Government was holding its conference, and here the Marines had assembled every officer of flag rank and above in one place.
A short while later, the Vice Admirals arrived and quietly took their seats.
Rosinante, Buggy, and Smoker wore solemn expressions—it was clear their recent duties had been exhausting.
Unlike battles against pirates, their recent work involved administration, which was often even more draining.
But it couldn't be helped. The Marines were evolving into something akin to a nation, and as officers, they had to carry that responsibility.
After a little while longer, the five Admirals arrived. Silence fell instantly.
Unlike the Vice Admirals, who might laugh and joke with subordinates, the Admirals carried an aura of weight and distance that set them apart.
"The Admirals are here... they must know the reason for this meeting. Why am I suddenly nervous?"
Faint whispers spread through the room as all eyes locked on the five Admirals. But after they took their seats, none spoke.
Only Kizaru broke the silence, chuckling. "Don't expect this old man to leak anything to you! Soon enough, the Fleet Admiral himself will tell you everything."
He paused, then wore a curious expression. "All I'll say is... this meeting will turn your world upside down."
His words only deepened the officers' anticipation. A meeting that could overturn the world? Everyone grew restless with curiosity.
But Kizaru closed his eyes, refusing to say more. Time ticked slowly, second by second.
Finally, the door opened, and a figure strode in. The atmosphere shifted at once.
"I'm late!" The newcomer moved like a gust of wind, seating himself at the head of the long table with a faint smile.
The words were casual, but they instantly commanded attention. The man was none other than the current Fleet Admiral of the Marines—Arashi.
"It's Fleet Admiral Arashi! The strongest man in the Marines! A living legend!"
Exclamations rang out among the flag officers. The five Admirals merely opened their eyes, unsurprised.
After all, many of the younger officers had never seen Arashi in person before, having been promoted in the most recent recruitment drive.
"I'll skip the pleasantries," Arashi began, sitting upright.
Though he smiled, his voice carried immense weight. "Since almost everyone is here, let's officially begin."
His directness made some of the newer officers uneasy.
"In recent months, our expansion in the New World has been rapid," Arashi declared.
"We've taken control of the former territories of Kaido, Big Mom, Marshall D. Teach, and Red-Haired Shanks."
"Along with Dressrosa and countless smaller islands and fortresses, the Marines now stand as a force that can only be described as a vast and powerful empire."
By the time he finished, his voice was ringing in the chamber.
The officers' expressions shifted dramatically—including those of the five Admirals.
Empire. From anyone else, the word might not have carried such weight. But from the Fleet Admiral of the Marines, it meant everything.
Arashi swept his gaze across the room, unconcerned by their shock. His tone remained steady.
"You heard correctly," he said.
"I used the word 'empire' to describe what the Marines are today. We can no longer call ourselves a mere military force."
"From now on, the words 'Marine Empire' will better reflect who we are." His lips curved into a smile.
The officers exchanged looks. Some quickly understood, their faces shifting with excitement.
A Marine Empire. Fleet Admiral Arashi intended to build a vast maritime empire with the Marines as its core.
It was stunning—but also inevitable. With so many territories under their control, the Marines could no longer be described as just an army.
"From this day forward, the Marines will be reorganised according to the structure of an empire," Arashi continued calmly.
"Details will be determined step by step. For now, I have one major announcement."
His eyes flicked toward the five Admirals. "Each of you will oversee one of the five regions: Marineford, Dressrosa, Wano Country, Totto Land, and Hachinosu. You are responsible for their stability and development."
He then looked across the room. "Vice Admirals Rosinante, Kuina, Buggy, Smoker, Chaton, and Gion—you are hereby promoted to the rank of Admiral."
"Furthermore, Vice Admirals Bartholomew Kuma, Donquixote Doflamingo, Boa Hancock, Gecko Moria, and Kozuki Oden are promoted to Admiral Candidate."
"Lastly, another round of promotions will be issued soon, though those names will be announced separately."
The words left the chamber in stunned silence. Even the five Admirals were momentarily blank-faced.
In an instant, their roles had transformed—now equivalent to the old Four Emperors of the Sea, each ruling over vast regions.
To command Marineford, Dressrosa, Wano, Totto Land, and Hachinosu... their authority now stood second only to one man—Fleet Admiral Arashi himself.
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