The next day, under Doflamingo's deliberate arrangements, the crew members all set out early in the morning, excitedly following their guides out of the palace.
After more than half a year of near-closed-door special training, the pent-up emotions they had suppressed burst free all at once, like a flood breaking through a dam—unstoppable and overwhelming.
They didn't even bother with their captain, leaving him alone at the King's Plateau.
At the edge of the royal palace, Leno lounged leisurely beneath a sunshade, admiring the scenery while maids attended to him at his side.
Footsteps sounded from behind him, followed by Doflamingo's signature laugh.
"Fufufufufu..."
Approaching, he handed a newspaper to Leno and said in an exaggerated tone, "Your Excellency Leno, you've stirred up quite a storm this time..."
"Oh?" Leno took the paper and glanced at it before letting out a scoff. "Such petty tricks. Not even worthy of the stage."
"Childish attempts at sowing discord. Do they really think everyone's a fool?"
He casually tossed the newspaper onto the nearby table and continued enjoying the maids' attentive service as if nothing had happened.
On the discarded newspaper, several glaring headlines stood out in bold letters:
[Earth-Shattering Revelation! That Man's True Identity—A Celestial Dragon!]
[Conspiracy? Or Long-Laid Plans?]
[Storms Rise Again—Who Will Rule the New World?]
Below the headlines were several clear photographs—one of the Gale flying into Raijin Island, another showing CP agents kneeling before Leno.
The article detailed Leno's journey into the New World, focusing especially on how he became a Celestial Dragon.
It also emphasized his complicated relationships with several great pirates and subtly hinted that a fierce struggle was inevitable.
Now that Leno had gained a new identity, would the other powerhouses consider forming an alliance?
Using Leno's status as a Celestial Dragon as bait, Morgans went all out, digging up even long-buried events.
The article vaguely speculated that Leno's actions over the years might have been part of the World Government's long-term scheme.
"Fufufufufu..." Doflamingo sat cross-legged, took a sip of juice from a maid, and continued, "But this kind of tactic works best, doesn't it?"
"Then they've miscalculated. I don't care in the slightest."
In Leno's view, the World Government's move was nothing more than an attempt to make the forces of the sea turn against him because of his new identity.
Once he found himself isolated and cornered, they could step in and control the situation.
It was a beautiful plan—and not impossible. The worst-case scenario might even see multiple powers joining forces against him.
But Leno didn't care at all.
He had absolute confidence in his own strength. Even if the current Four Emperors joined hands, he wouldn't fear them.
Not to mention his crew's strength had risen dramatically. If such a situation truly arose, he would simply turn the world upside down.
Glancing at Doflamingo's self-satisfied expression, Leno curled his lips in disdain.
"You need to understand—this kind of trick might work on you. But on me… heh."
The sharp, mocking laugh instantly froze Doflamingo's smile in place, leaving him momentarily stunned.
He had gotten carried away.
To evaluate that monster's situation from his own perspective—how arrogant.
Only now did he realize how absurdly conceited that had been.
If the man before him were so easily manipulated, would he have bothered currying favor in the first place?
Before he knew it, cold sweat had soaked his back, sending a chill through his body.
Not long after, Doflamingo found an excuse and hurriedly took his leave.
Leno waved him off casually, silently shaking his head.
He had once thought Doflamingo a true hero of his era. Who would've guessed that a single misstep would reveal his true colors?
Shifting into a more comfortable position, Leno continued enjoying his peaceful moment.
Yet while he basked in serenity, the sea erupted into chaos because of the news published that morning.
Marine Headquarters, Marineford, Fleet Admiral's Office.
Bang!
Sengoku slammed his hand onto the desk, eyes wide, teeth clenched.
"So that's it. Now it all makes sense…"
He had long wondered how something as grave as an attack on a Celestial Dragon could be brushed aside so easily.
So this was the reason. The agreement must have been made long ago.
And only the Marines had been left in the dark, manipulated like fools. Intolerable!
Watching Sengoku's fury, Garp, sitting on the sofa, rarely wore a serious expression. Frowning, he spoke in a low voice.
"Something's strange. With that brat's personality, he shouldn't care much for the Celestial Dragons."
As his words fell, everyone present sank into thought. The situation did indeed feel odd.
From what they knew of Leno, with his free-spirited and unrestrained nature, why would he bind himself with the shackles of a Celestial Dragon?
What hidden truth lay between them?
As the room fell into silent contemplation, Kizaru's drawn-out voice suddenly drifted through the air.
"How scary~~ If I run into Thunder God boy in the future, will I have to bow to him~?"
"..."
The room instantly darkened.
Everyone shot him hostile looks.
That bastard—bringing up the one thing no one wanted to say!
Just imagining having to salute someone they had once labeled a criminal was enough to sour their mood.
That's why they had instinctively avoided the topic the moment they read the news.
But Kizaru, utterly lacking in self-awareness, had blurted it out.
Even as they stared at him, he returned their gazes blankly, seemingly unaware he had stepped squarely into a minefield.
Was it deliberate? Or was he pretending?
After a moment, sensing the awkward atmosphere, Kizaru slowly picked up his teacup, intending to shift attention elsewhere.
He let out a soft breath, then began noisily slurping his tea as if no one else existed.
Seeing his brazen composure, the others were furious, itching to punch him.
In the end, it was Vice Admiral Tsuru who broke the stalemate.
She sighed lightly, her tone heavy.
"Given Leno's change in identity, the New World is likely to stir again. We must prepare in advance."
At that, Garp's expression darkened even further.
"Those old geezers only know how to stir up trouble. The New World's barely been stable for a few days, and now they pull this!"
"Watch your mouth, Garp!"
Only after he finished venting did Sengoku give him a perfunctory scolding. Then he swept his gaze across the room.
"Keep a close eye on developments in the New World. But the Four Seas haven't been peaceful either—pirate activity is growing more rampant."
"Great!" Garp suddenly cheered, face lighting up. But seeing Sengoku's iron-dark expression, he coughed awkwardly and muttered, "I mean… I'll handle the pirates in the East Blue."
"You damned Garp! You just want to go see your grandson again, don't you?!"
"Hehehe… Sengoku, you know me…"
…
…