When Benn Beckman spoke, everyone instantly understood who he meant.
In this era, the only man capable of fighting on par with an Emperor's crew single-handedly was the Reckless Maniac Admiral.
No — now he was Nicholas Good!
The World Government's Five Elders had acted, stripping him of his title, erasing him from the Navy.
And with that identity gone, they no longer had to see him as an enemy.
In fact, the Five Elders' attempt to kill Good had turned him into someone with whom they now shared a common cause.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
Beckman's words made Whitebeard, Shanks, and Dragon's eyes shine.
If they could draw Good to their side, why would they need Shiki? Why would they need Big Mom's crew or anyone else?
A man who could stand against four Emperor-level powers alone was the greatest ally imaginable.
Shanks grinned.
"Thinking about it, we really should thank the Five Elders for their gift, shouldn't we?"
Beckman chuckled around his cigarette.
"Exactly. We owe those five old men a toast, hahahaha!"
Dragon pulled out some sake.
"Come! Let's drink — and then together we'll persuade Nicholas Good!"
The gloom that had hung over them dissipated in an instant.
Good had become their greatest hope.
Soon, they raised their cups by the fire.
Shanks said solemnly:
"Let's hope Good gives us his support. No — he surely now bears hatred for the World Government. Let's hope he joins us."
Time passed.
People are forgetful.
The waves of the great war slowly calmed, and the outrage over the Reckless Maniac Admiral's resignation faded.
Sometimes, he would be mentioned in passing — a sigh, a fleeting remark — but little more.
Heroes shine bright, but they also fade.
The world moves on. The era moves on.
Still, Good's influence remained.
Navy soldiers, Coby, Helmeppo, the new generation who had admired him, and the "Reckless Maniac" unit once under his command.
Sengoku, Garp, Smoker, and others close to him carried his image deep in their hearts.
And Momousagi and Tokikake, once candidates for admiral, openly stood on his side against the World Government.
Good, who had crossed into this world, was no longer alone after just a month and a half.
Navy New Headquarters (formerly G5 Branch).
The ruins of Marineford had become a shattered island, barely clinging above the waves — unfit to serve as a base any longer.
The Navy's victory had shaken the seas, so to further project their power, they relocated their headquarters into the New World, the heart of chaos.
G5 Marine Headquarters.
Inside its vast conference hall, the Five Elders sat at the head of the table.
On the left were Sengoku, the three Admirals, Garp, Tsuru, Dalmatian, and other high-ranking Marines.
Ghost Spider had perished in battle; Smoker and Tashigi had been reassigned here as permanent officers.
On the right sat the CP0, led by Rob Lucci.
The air was heavy. The Marines wore grim faces, while CP0 radiated arrogance.
Directly answering to the Five Elders, CP0 wielded immense power.
They had the right to kill without question, to eliminate anyone they deemed a threat to the World Government.
In many ways, their status rivaled that of Commander-in-Chief Kong himself.
Their authority exceeded even that of the Fleet Admiral, which explained their arrogance before the Navy's top brass.
"All are present. Then let us begin," the Grand Elder said, leaning forward, hands clasped.
He glanced at Lucci.
Lucci nodded and placed a file on the table.
"CP0's informants have located the former Fourth Admiral — the traitor, Good."
BANG!
A thunderous slam echoed as the conference table cracked under the force.
Sengoku stood, eyes blazing, glaring at Lucci.
Lucci blinked, then sneered without fear.
"What is it, Fleet Admiral? Did I say something wrong?"
"Good attacked the Celestial Dragons. He defied the Five Elders and injured them. Those crimes alone warrant death."
The Marines' faces remained expressionless, but Sengoku trembled.
He had personally promoted Good, watched him grow, watched him surpass every expectation.
Now that same man was branded a traitor.
At the head of the table, the sword-wielding Third Elder scowled, cold steel in his eyes.
"Sengoku, what do you think you're doing? You're the Fleet Admiral — are you planning to rebel?"
His killing intent spread like blades through the hall.
But the Grand Elder cut him off.
"Enough, Third. Sengoku has served loyally for decades. He is the Government's most reliable servant. Do you truly believe he would betray us?"
The Third Elder sheathed his aura, and the Grand Elder turned back to Sengoku.
"Sit, Sengoku. We know this pains you. It pains us as well.
We never wanted it to come to this. But like you, we fight for peace, for this world's safety."
He leaned back, voice cold.
"In our positions, many things are beyond our control. Eight hundred years ago, the World Government was forged with blood and sacrifice to bring stability.
We must preserve that order.
Nicholas Good is dazzling, yes. His achievements are unmatched. But…"
The Grand Elder's gaze hardened.
"You know as well as we do — he is a bomb waiting to explode."
(End of Chapter)
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