Holy Land, Mary Geoise.
The flag of the World Government snapped in the wind high above the planet's center of power.
Inside the Chamber of Authority, the five men who held the highest authority in the world—the Five Elders—were gathered.
The topic of discussion was a very peculiar letter of gratitude from the Kingdom of Alabasta.
Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro was the first to speak.
He was the only one not in a suit, dressed instead in a white martial arts robe with a slender sword resting in his lap.
It was one of the twelve Supreme Grade Swords, the Shodai Kitetsu.
"Gentlemen," he said, his voice calm, "what are your thoughts on this letter from Alabasta?"
Shepherd Ju Peter, a blond man in a simple suit, slowly flipped through the letter.
"From what it says here, Cobra, the king of Alabasta, has written to us personally. He's expressing his thanks for the Seven Warlords system we established. Apparently, one of the Warlords, Crocodile, has made a 'significant contribution' to Alabasta's development."
As soon as he finished, another voice cut in, sharp and cold.
It was Topman Warcury, an Elder in a dark green suit, a prominent birthmark on his forehead and a jagged scar slashing across his cheek.
His bald head gleamed under the light.
"All of that is true!" he growled, his deep voice seeming to rise from an abyss.
"But how dare they have the nerve to ask us for money? One hundred billion Belly? They're asking the World Government for construction funds!"
A few seconds of tense silence followed before Saint Saturn, a man with a long, flowing white beard and a cane, waved a dismissive hand.
"Warcury, your thinking is still too narrow," he said, clearly unimpressed with the outburst.
"This letter of gratitude is proof that our Warlord policy was the correct decision."
A hint of pride crept into his tone.
"Cobra's gratitude isn't just an approval of our policy; it's a recognition of our absolute control over the world. Every decision we make is to maintain global stability. Once Imu-sama take notice and sees how stable our rule has become, He will surely be pleased."
His tone relaxed. "It's just a few Belly. If they want it, give it to them. We'll make Alabasta an example. In the future, more and more member nations will follow their lead, praising our rule."
A zealous fire lit up in his eyes.
The silence was broken again by Nusjuro.
"Saturn is right," he said, his voice low but forceful.
"A few Belly is nothing. Approve the funds." He paused, his eyes gleaming with strategic brilliance.
"However, we will summon all Seven Warlords of the Sea. We'll use Crocodile as an example to promote the righteousness of our rule. That is the key."
The Five Elders nodded in unison.
"Seconded!" Saturn declared. "Summon all the Warlords of the Sea!"
The order went out, echoing through the highest levels of the World Government.
Across the world, the summoned Warlords began to weigh their options.
*****
Alabasta.
Crocodile puffed on his cigar, his eyes slightly narrowed as he stared at the summons in his hand.
A mocking smile played on his lips.
"Just as Mike predicted," he sneered.
"Those five old fools sure do love their pride."
The thank-you letter had been Mike's idea from the start.
What Crocodile hadn't expected was that they'd actually manage to scam billions Belly out of them so easily.
'It's laughable' he thought.
'They're giving a mountain of cash to a country that's secretly planning to leave the World Government.'
'The older they get, the more senile they become.'
He turned to King Cobra who was standing behind him.
"Well then, Cobra. I suppose I'm off to Marine Headquarters."
*****
Near Karai Bari Island.
Dracule Mihawk held his own summons, calmly packing his things.
He carefully placed two crates of his finest homemade red wine onto his small, coffin-shaped ship.
"This trip to Marine Headquarters will be a good chance to check in on that kid," he mused to himself.
****
Dressrosa.
On the Royal Plateau, the sound of wild, unhinged laughter filled the air.
"Fufufufufu!" Donquixote Doflamingo cackled, his voice filled with a cruel, excited energy.
"Interesting! How very interesting! Crocodile actually got commended by the World Government?" He swirled the wine in his glass, his signature grin stretching wide.
"I wonder… is your Alabasta built better, or is my Dressrosa superior?"
A sly glint flashed in his eyes.
"Prepare the ship. I'm going to Marine Headquarters to see what this is all about!"
*****
Skypiea.
The sky was a brilliant endless blue.
Three Wavers zipped across the sea of clouds like lightning, the wind roaring past them as they raced.
With a final burst of speed, they all skidded to a halt.
"Haa—" Mike hopped off his Waver, a look of pure exhilaration on his face.
"That was awesome! Simple and easy, first place secured!" He stretched lazily, buzzing with excitement.
"Hmph. Only by a little bit," Smoker grumbled, pulling out a cigar and handing one to Mike.
"Haha, Smoker," Kuzan laughed heartily. "You were way behind! But I have to admit, I haven't had that much reckless fun in a long, long time."
Suddenly, their celebration was cut short by a terrified cry from Angel Beach.
They turned to see Conis pointing frantically in Kuro's direction, her face pale with shock and horror.
Kuro stood there calmly, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose.
The lenses glinted in the sun.
Around his feet, the four priests lay curled up on the ground, groaning in pain.
"Oh my god…" Conis whispered, her voice trembling. Her shaking finger pointed at the fallen men.
"Th-Those are the Four Priests who serve under God! Attacking a priest… that's a Class 1 crime here!"
Her eyes darted around nervously, her fear growing by the second.
"You all have to leave, now! God is about to deliver his 'Divine Judgment'!"
The people of Skypiea knew Enel's power all too well.
Once he was provoked, the consequences were unimaginable.
"Ha—" Mike just gave a gentle, reassuring smile.
"It's fine."
'Enel, you little bastard,' he thought, 'look how you've scared this poor girl.'
He took a step closer to Conis, his smile deepening.
"We just listened to your heavenly singing earlier—it was truly moving. So, how about a deal?"
He held out his hand, his voice calm and steady, cutting through her panic.
"In exchange for that song, we'll take care of this so-called god for you. And as long as he's not killed… you and your people can deal with him however you want afterward."
He looked her right in the eye.
"Deal?"