Holy Land of Mariejois.
The Five Elders watched Sakazuki on the screen, their expressions heavy.
The shifting shots showed different marine branches and ranks of soldiers. Every face was filled with near-fanatical reverence for Sakazuki. It was unsettling to behold.
Never before had a Fleet Admiral commanded such overwhelming prestige.
Nusjuro narrowed his eyes. "We underestimated him. This level of influence… it's deeply disturbing."
Saturn tightened his grip on his cane. "Our earlier decision was indeed too hasty. If this man truly turns against us, then we will have no choice but to ask Imu-sama to intervene."
Yet even as he said it, there was a hint of doubt. To be honest, at this level, no one in the world could guarantee killing such a powerhouse in a single blow.
Warcury frowned deeply. "That may be so… but his determination to eradicate pirates does not seem false. And with the current strength of the Marines, once Sakazuki clashes head-on with the Four Emperors of the New World… there won't be many survivors. For now, the most urgent threat remains the Revolutionary Army."
Peter nodded in agreement. "Indeed, given Sakazuki's style, until every pirate is wiped out, we don't need to concern ourselves with those issues. But the Revolutionary Army… they've developed quite a few new things recently. The items our CP agents brought back at the cost of their lives, after testing, can greatly increase production efficiency."
The other Elders felt their hearts sink as well, thinking of those things.
Technology that could massively boost productivity was not unheard of. But such things had always been tightly controlled by the government.
If the common people freed their hands and their lives improved…
Who would serve the nobles then?
"This matter truly requires careful study…"
* * *
New World.
Wano Country, Onigashima.
Inside the massive palace, Kaido sat upon his throne.
Below him, King stood with arms crossed. Queen clenched a cigar between his teeth, watching the image of Sakazuki on the video Den Den Mushi.
Jack, along with several members of the Tobiroppo who had arrived later, sat respectfully, not daring to make a sound.
Kaido raised his gourd and took several huge gulps before setting it down.
"Hah… Sakazuki, that bastard… he really played us."
King furrowed his brow. "Sealing off the New World. What a move. So he was already planning for today back when we cooperated. With this, the territories we seized aren't worth much anymore. Nothing can be shipped in, and nothing can be shipped out. The New World alone can only absorb so much. Wasn't all that effort for nothing."
Queen burst out laughing as he mocked. "King, you piece of trash, what's that brain of yours even for. If one route doesn't work, just change to another. The Calm Belt is way faster than going through the Grand Line."
King snorted. "Idiot Queen. In that case, the cost would be unbearable. The escort strength would have to be at least top-tier. With that much material and weaponry, if everyone is busy escorting cargo, who's guarding the territory.
"And you… The Marines' scientist, Vegapunk, has already developed warships capable of crossing the Calm Belt. You always brag about surpassing Vegapunk. Why haven't you made something like that? If you had, things wouldn't be this troublesome."
Queen's expression darkened as he bit his cigar clean in half.
"What did you say?! You bas—"
Bang!
The sound of the gourd slamming into the stone table echoed through the hall.
Kaido wiped the liquor from the corner of his mouth and stood up.
"Enough. What are you arguing for? Everything proceeds as usual. For this kind of thing, someone is more anxious than we are… just wait. Wororororo!"
A grin spread across his face as he looked in the direction where Knox was.
The Four Emperors setting aside their grudges for the moment was only natural. Borrowing an opened path was nothing unusual.
After all, they now shared a common enemy.
* * *
South Blue.
Sorbet Kingdom, inside the royal palace.
Dragon and the senior leaders of the Revolutionary Army were gathered together.
They watched Sakazuki's declaration of war against the pirates and the concluding ceremony on the video Den Den Mushi, all of them silent.
No one knew how to speak.
Though he was an enemy, Sakazuki's resolve and courage, his determination to wipe out pirates, could not be doubted.
There was even a trace of admiration.
Dragon recalled his final conversation with Vegapunk. At this moment, he seemed to understand why Vegapunk had placed his faith in Sakazuki.
He turned around and glanced at the assembled leaders.
"Everyone, share your thoughts. And the future direction of the Revolutionary Army."
Almost everyone instinctively looked toward Sabo.
While young, his wisdom far exceeded that of ordinary people. By unspoken consensus, he had already become the top strategist beneath the Supreme Commander.
Sabo's expression was serious as he rubbed his chin and thought for a moment. Then he let out a soft breath.
"Hah."
He raised his head, a confident smile appearing on his face.
"One word. Wait."
The others looked puzzled. Dragon, however, also smiled faintly. That was right.
Sabo continued, "Although I deeply respect this new Fleet Admiral… unfortunately, we are enemies. From the perspective of the Revolutionary Army's future, the best time to overthrow the World Government is when this Fleet Admiral clashes with the Four Emperors of the New World.
"From the orders Fleet Admiral Sakazuki just announced, it's clear he's going all in. Even if the war ends in failure, he intends to drag every pirate in the New World down with him.
"One third of the Grand Line's forces have already been transferred to the New World. When the decisive battle comes, even more will likely be drawn in. So all we need to do is wait patiently and accumulate strength."
"Industrialization has only just begun. This is precisely the time to rest and recover. Once industrialization is fully established, our strength will be enough to sweep across the Four Blues' agrarian kingdoms."
Terms like industrialization and agrarian systems were things Sabo had only learned after extensive discussions with Robin.
At the time, it had felt like a revelation. The wisdom of the Light of Revolution was truly unfathomable.
After a pause, Sabo went on, "When the Marines and pirates enter their decisive battle, the Marines of the Grand Line may all be deployed to the New World. That will be our opportunity.
"At that point, we can push straight through and storm the Red Line in one sweep. Drag those lofty figures down from their thrones. Even though their technology is more advanced than our newly emerging industrial era… they lack our unity.
"The nations of the world act independently. They are not of one mind. The World Government's foundation may be deep, but by then we will control the four seas. Who wins and who loses is far from certain."
Dragon gave a nod. "Sabo is right. Does anyone have anything to add."
Everyone shook their heads. It was already extremely thorough. There was nothing left to add.
Dragon smiled. "Then we proceed according to plan. Avoid conflict with the government and the Marines as much as possible. Also notify our branches within World Government member nations. Before the decisive battle arrives, there are to be no major actions.
"Meeting adjourned. Kuma and Sabo, you two come with me."
* * *
On the palace rooftop.
Dragon, Kuma, and Sabo gathered together.
Dragon looked at Kuma. "Did you find out anything from the government?"
Kuma shook his head. "No. Mother used all her connections to inquire, but the upper levels of the World Government all refused to speak. It seems they truly intend to make a move against me."
Kuma's mother, the Queen Dowager Conney, was extremely well-connected across many nations.
She had even helped quite a few people within the World Government. Yet even so, she learned nothing. Their complete silence said everything.
Sabo and Dragon exchanged a glance. They understood that Kuma's identity had already been exposed.
They needed a solution quickly. Unlike others, Kuma was now the king of the Sorbet Kingdom. He could not simply disappear.
Suddenly, all three sensed something.
Conney was rushing toward them at high speed, holding a telegram, nervous attendants following close behind.
A sense of dread rose in their hearts.
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