Simultaneously, on Whole Cake Island and Onigashima respectively, Big Mom and Kaido—each accompanied by their most trusted advisors—stared intently at the small pointer visible in the live broadcast.
"Ma-ma-ma-ma-ha! Did you see that? It's actually Laugh Tale's pointer!" In her spacious throne room, Big Mom sat in her massive chair and excitedly stuffed desserts into her mouth between words.
Perospero, positioned respectfully at a lower seat, took over the conversation with obvious eagerness. "Mama, should we sail immediately and seize it by force?"
Before Big Mom could formulate a response, another voice suddenly interrupted with measured caution: "Don't be so hasty about this. He's currently located within Whitebeard's territory. I believe we should monitor the situation's development carefully while remaining prepared to act at any moment."
"If they manage to retain possession of the pointer, or if someone follows it and emerges successfully, we can intercept them under much safer circumstances," the voice continued with tactical precision.
"Additionally, if the World Government and Marines decide to take direct action, we could..."
Hearing this strategic analysis, Big Mom turned her massive head until her gaze fell upon her most reliable son. "Oh? Katakuri, you think this approach is more feasible?"
When Big Mom remained rational and wasn't consumed by her periodic fits of madness, she typically proved willing to listen to her children's opinions and suggestions. However, whether such advice would actually be implemented depended entirely on her mood and personal inclinations at any given moment.
"Yes, Mama. His actions will definitely cause worldwide upheaval," Katakuri responded with characteristic calm. "We should observe how events unfold before determining our next course of action."
After carefully considering Katakuri's analysis, Big Mom pondered the implications for several moments before nodding her approval of this measured strategy.
Her reasoning was straightforward: she understood that Whitebeard had absolutely no interest in Roger's treasure, and she remained confident in her ability to track down whoever ultimately claimed possession of the pointer.
Furthermore, this situation presented a perfect opportunity to test the current strength and resolve of the Whitebeard Pirates under pressure.
Meanwhile, on Onigashima, Kaido reached a remarkably similar tactical conclusion after consulting with his own advisors.
Jerry's provocative words had undoubtedly dropped a massive bombshell into the hearts of virtually everyone across the globe, shocking them to their very cores.
After all, since the day of Roger's dramatic execution, countless individuals from every corner of the world had embarked on seafaring adventures of their own.
Regardless of their original motivations for choosing a life of piracy, almost every person harbored some unrealistic fantasy about the legendary treasure known as "One Piece."
However, the Great Secret Treasure remained so mysteriously elusive that those lacking sufficient strength weren't even qualified to understand basic clues such as the Road Poneglyphs, let alone mount serious searches for the distant prize.
Now, what Jerry had displayed was a navigation device that could lead directly to the treasure's location—a revelation that drove countless viewers into absolute frenzy.
Yet within this widespread madness, some rational individuals managed to maintain their composure. They understood perfectly well that something was fundamentally wrong when situations became this extraordinary.
Regardless of whether the pointer was authentic or an elaborate fake, Jerry's current location wasn't something that everyone could easily discover or safely reach.
Even if pirates somehow managed to arrive there without incident, how many would dare claim they could successfully steal the precious pointer from the infamous Leviathan Jerry?
Jerry's combat capabilities had already become legendary throughout the world following his performance during the Battle of Marineford.
However, only a select few possessed the self-control necessary to think rationally. When faced with the possibility of absolute treasure beyond imagination, the vast majority of people simply couldn't remain calm.
They stared at the environment visible in the live broadcast with desperate hunger, attempting to determine Jerry's exact whereabouts through careful observation.
But in the next moment, these would-be treasure hunters realized they were wasting their effort entirely, because Jerry had absolutely no intention of concealing his location.
He casually picked up the mysterious permanent pointer, moved it directly in front of the camera for a detailed close-up shot, and spoke with deliberate slowness: "Now then, allow me to announce the official rules of this game."
As soon as he finished this introduction, Jerry raised his index finger, waved it gently back and forth, and continued with obvious relish: "I'm calling this event the world's first martial arts tournament... actually, let's call it the First Annual Pirate Treasure Hunt Competition. The grand prize is the One Piece Express Route that everyone's dying to see."
"Anyone who wants to claim this pointer can come challenge me as the final gatekeeper within the next month," Jerry explained with growing theatrical flair. "As long as you can arrive safely and overcome whatever obstacles await you outside this island, I'll grant you the opportunity for single combat."
"The fundamental rule of piracy is that there are no rules whatsoever," Jerry declared with a forced smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "So come on, everyone! Let's leave life and death entirely to fate's whims."
Jerry then began casually chatting while announcing the specific name and coordinates of Treasure Island with perfect clarity.
Finally, he raised his hand and began playfully tossing the permanent pointer into the air, catching it repeatedly while wearing an absolutely provocative expression. He spoke with leisurely confidence: "If you don't want to welcome the next Pirate King ahead of schedule, then come on, brothers! Come and try to cut me down!"
"Alright, Jerry has concluded his historic announcement," Cavendish interjected eagerly, seizing his moment in the spotlight. "Now I, the incomparable international idol Cavendish, will address you all..."
At this point, Cavendish's desperate attempt to steal attention could no longer capture viewers' focus. Most people were still processing the staggering implications of what Jerry had just declared.
Eventually, countless individuals across the globe reached identical conclusions: Jerry had completely lost his mind.
Not only was he utterly insane, but he seemed determined to drag every major power and ambitious individual into his madness alongside him.
It wasn't difficult to foresee that within the coming month, countless adventurers hungry for legendary treasure would set sail in attempts to locate and defeat Jerry.
His actions could essentially be described as declaring war against the entire world simultaneously.
In the Holy Land of Mariejois, within the Room of Authority where the Five Elders convened, the world's most powerful leaders discussed this unprecedented crisis.
"This is certainly a momentous development," one Elder observed with calculated interest.
"Do you believe the pointer in his possession is genuine or an elaborate deception?" another inquired thoughtfully.
"It's impossible to determine with certainty, but we appear to have no alternative except to treat it as authentic," a third replied pragmatically. "Moreover, if handled properly, this situation may not prove disadvantageous to our interests."
"Let's have the Marines and CP organizations maintain close surveillance on him initially," suggested a fourth. "He'll attract countless pirates to his location. Once he's created sufficient chaos and weakened himself dealing with multiple challengers, we can move in to claim the benefits."
"Precisely correct," the fifth Elder agreed with obvious satisfaction. "This approach will not only minimize our losses significantly, but also provide an excellent opportunity to eliminate numerous troublesome elements in one coordinated sweep."
The Five Elders each maintained their characteristic poses while calmly discussing the global turmoil that Jerry's broadcast would inevitably trigger.
At Marineford, within the main conference chamber, Marine officers who had been urgently summoned were engaged in heated debate about the crisis Jerry had suddenly unleashed.
"Damn that Leviathan! What the hell is he trying to accomplish?" one officer shouted angrily. "If he continues down this path, the seas will definitely descend into chaos once again!"
"The smaller pirate crews might not pose immediate threats," another observed with tactical thinking. "They probably lack the navigation skills to reach the New World safely. The real concern lies with..."
"Exactly right," a third officer agreed grimly. "The truly dangerous elements will be the powerful pirates and the ambitious figures backing them."
Just as everyone continued their animated discussion, the conference room door suddenly opened to admit Fleet Admiral Sengoku accompanied by several both familiar and unfamiliar figures.
This unexpected development caused the previously noisy hall to fall into immediate, respectful silence.
As the new attendees entered and took their designated seats, Sengoku clapped his hands lightly to ensure he had everyone's complete attention before speaking in perfectly measured tones:
"I'm certain you're all aware that a world-shaking event is currently unfolding on Treasure Island in the New World. You'll find detailed intelligence reports in the folders placed before you."
Upon hearing this directive, every officer immediately turned their attention toward the materials Sengoku had indicated.
With Sengoku's formal introduction, two completely new faces—Issho and Aramaki—officially stepped onto the Marine's center stage for the first time.
Seated beside the newly recruited Admiral candidates Fujitora Issho and Ryokugyu Aramaki were the three former Admirals of the Marine forces.
"Moving forward, our primary responsibility involves maintaining stability throughout all regions under our jurisdiction," Sengoku continued with authoritative clarity. "We must also coordinate closely with World Government initiatives to ensure appropriate responses to current developments..."
As Sengoku's voice filled the conference room, the Marines officially commenced their most important strategic meeting in years, with specific action plans being assigned to various divisions and officers.
At this very moment, not only the World Government and Marine forces were mobilizing, but throughout every region of the world—whether in the Four Blues or along the Grand Line—countless pirates were staying awake through the night, flocking toward the endless ocean with dreams of unimaginable treasure.
The live broadcast from Treasure Island continued without interruption, even as Jerry returned his attention to barbecuing his catch.
Cavendish held his rose like a microphone, displaying his naturally talkative and self-entertaining personality to its fullest extent.
After all, he understood perfectly well that this represented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture the attention of the entire world simultaneously.
"Cavendish, stop spinning around like that," Jerry muttered while flipping his grilled fish over the flames. "If nothing unexpected happens, we'll be broadcasting live for an entire month. You can't possibly keep spinning and jumping with your eyes closed for thirty straight days."
Cavendish accepted a piece of perfectly cooked barbecue from Jerry and nodded in enthusiastic agreement: "Excellent point! Then I'll demonstrate my incredible technique for eating barbecue while performing handstands!"
As the night progressed and their impromptu broadcast continued, Jerry couldn't help but smile with satisfaction. His plan was already working exactly as intended—the entire world was now focused on Treasure Island, and soon every ambitious pirate would be sailing directly into his trap.
The greatest treasure hunt in history had officially begun.
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