T/n: For Every 100 Power Stone 1+ Chapter ( I hope I don't regret it and get burned out!! XD)
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Grand Line, Alabasta Kingdom, Royal Capital, 'Rain Dinners' Casino.
Looking at the newly built casino, Crocodile nodded with satisfaction and turned back to his office.
'Everything is ready. It's time to implement my plan. This country is due for a new master, and so is the legendary 'Ancient Weapon' I've been longing for.'
Knock, knock, knock...
Just as Crocodile was fantasizing about seizing the country, obtaining the Ancient Weapon, and dominating the world, an abrupt knock on the door interrupted his daydream.
He adjusted his appearance, casually lit a cigar, and then spoke unhurriedly.
"Come in."
"Reporting, Boss. Someone from the World Government is here to see you about something."
'The World Government? What are their people doing here? Let them in.'
After thinking for a moment with no conclusion, Crocodile decided not to bother with it. He would see them first and find out.
Subsequently, two men in suits and sunglasses walked straight in.
"Crocodile, this is a compulsory summons from the World Government. You are ordered to proceed to Marine Headquarters, Marineford, to prepare for the upcoming war."
One of the men stated his purpose, looking at Crocodile in a commanding tone.
Hearing the man's tone, Crocodile's expression turned grim. He casually picked up the order and began to read it.
"What war? Against whom?"
"Against 'Thunder God' of the Adventurers. You must arrive by the specified time. Otherwise, the World Government will revoke your 'Warlord' title. You'd be wise to consider your actions."
After saying his piece, the man and his colleague turned and left.
"Hehahahahaha..."
'I remember that Nico Robin is supposed to be on the Adventurers' ship, right? For the sake of my ambition, it seems I have no choice but to make this trip.'
'If I had the help of Nico Robin, the lone survivor of Ohara, the process of finding the 'Ancient Weapon' would be greatly shortened.'
Thinking this, Crocodile looked down at the summons in his hand again, muttering, "'Thunder God'... I hope you don't disappoint me. Nico Robin, I will have you."
"Hehahahahaha..."
For a time, the office was filled with Crocodile's excited laughter.
Meanwhile, in the southern part of the South Blue, in the capital of the Sorbet Kingdom, atop a building.
Bartholomew Kuma quietly put away the summons in his hand, looking with longing at Bonney, who was laughing and playing in a tall building next to the church.
He took off the glove on his right hand and gently patted his body. In the next instant, Kuma's towering figure vanished.
Bonney, who was running around happily, seemed to sense something and stopped, staring blankly out the window. It felt as if someone very important to her had just left.
"What's wrong, little Bonney?"
Seeing Bonney suddenly go quiet, Alpha, the observer on duty at the time, followed her gaze but saw nothing. She asked quizzically.
Bonney snapped back to reality and quickly shook her head. "N-nothing. Let's keep playing."
After observing for a moment and finding nothing unusual, Alpha continued with her work. This was a mission specially arranged by the Five Elders; she couldn't afford to be careless.
But she had no idea that someone was often nearby, silently watching their every move.
Grand Line, Kuraigana Island, the ruins of a fallen kingdom. Inside an old, brightly lit castle on the island.
'Hawk-Eye' Mihawk was enjoying a meal he had cooked himself. Setting down his wine glass, he casually picked up the World Government summons he had received earlier.
"What a man who's always in the news. Am I to go up against you this time, 'Thunder God'?"
He recalled some time ago, when he heard that a powerhouse from the East Blue had slain the Golden Lion, he had even tried to find him. When nothing came of it, he gave up.
Glancing at the Black Blade leaning beside him, a flash of excitement crossed Mihawk's eyes.
He hadn't expected the Marines to confront the approaching Leno at Headquarters this time. It would be a good opportunity to test his mettle.
Putting down the summons, Mihawk continued his dinner. Instantly, the vast castle was filled with only the faint sound of chewing.
Grand Line, Florian Triangle. On a giant galleon perpetually shrouded in thick fog, Gecko Moria's excited laughter echoed from the central castle.
"Kishishishishi..."
"So, all the 'Seven Warlords of the Sea' are being gathered at Headquarters this time, just to deal with one 'Thunder God'? I hope his shadow is powerful enough."
The memory of his comrades being killed by Kaido years ago made Moria grit his teeth in hatred.
'Just you wait, Kaido. Once I get 'Thunder God's' shadow, it'll be time for us to settle the score.'
"It's the shadow of the strong man who defeated you. Prepare to face my revenge, Kaido!"
"Kishishishishi..."
Perona, floating beside him, looked at him with some concern.
"Master Moria, are you planning to join the battle? The newspapers say that guy is terrifying."
"Don't worry, Perona. This is Marine Headquarters we're talking about! It has all the top-tier power of the Marines, and with the help of us 'Seven Warlords of the Sea,' 'Thunder God' has no escape this time."
Moria, who had already planned how to use Leno's shadow, was not worried about the outcome of this battle at all, because the ending was already set.
As for who would get Leno's shadow, Moria was a bit undecided. Should he give it to the corpse of 'Majin' Oars or the corpse of the legendary pirate Wang Zhi?
Seeing her captain lost in his obsessive thoughts again, Perona shook her head helplessly, hugged her little bear toy, and floated away.
In the open space outside the castle, screams and the roars of beasts could be heard from time to time from within the fog-shrouded area, adding to the castle's terrifying atmosphere.
New World, Dressrosa Kingdom, King's Plateau, Royal Palace Hall.
Donquixote Doflamingo looked at the two World Government officials before him and exclaimed in surprise.
"Hey, hey, hey, are you serious? Is your World Government certain you want to provoke that monster?"
"You don't need to concern yourself with the rest. You just need to follow orders and proceed to Marine Headquarters."
The two World Government workers were very dissatisfied with Doflamingo's dismissive attitude and threatened him.
"Doflamingo, don't do anything unnecessary. The World Government's tolerance for you has its limits. You should seize this opportunity."
After speaking, the two left, ignoring Doflamingo's reaction.
"Ne, ne, Doffy, their attitude is so arrogant. Should we teach them a lesson?"
Seeing the two threaten Doflamingo like that, Trebol, who was standing nearby, was furious. 'To be disrespectful to the Young Master on our own turf, they're practically asking for death.'
"Fuffuffuffuffu..."
Hearing Trebol's disgruntled words, Doflamingo waved his hand dismissively.
"There's no need, Trebol. They're just a couple of messenger dogs. It's not worth getting angry over them."
At this point, Diamante, who was seated below, spoke up. "Doffy, about this battle at Marine Headquarters... what are your plans?"
"Of course I'm going to participate. To witness that bastard and the Marines wear each other down... isn't that interesting?"
"Fuffuffuffuffu..."
Remembering how that bastard Leno had hidden his identity and snatched the artificial Devil Fruits from right under his nose, Doflamingo's veins bulged with anger.
Going to Marine Headquarters this time would be a perfect chance to watch the guy fight the Marines. Maybe he'd even get an opportunity to strike at him.
'Perhaps I can get my revenge for what happened back then.' The thought made Doflamingo excited.
"Fuffuffuffuffu..."