(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
(The first chapters of the new book are released in p.atreon)
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Mariejois was bustling with excitement, there was a chaotic mix of power and influence permeating the place.
Throwing a brick at a random person might just hit the king of a member nation.
Below, at Marineford—the Marine Headquarters—the atmosphere was no less intense.
Over 100,000 Marines from the Four Seas and the Grand Line had gathered, each one an elite warrior from their respective bases, whether large or small.
Not only that, but the Shichibukai, who rarely assembled, had been summoned to the headquarters.
Hoshigaki Kisame, the uncrowned king of Fish-Man Island.
Sasori and Deidara of the Art Pirates.
Crocodile, the ruler of the desert.
Donquixote Doflamingo, the underground Joker.
Dracule Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman.
The most beautiful woman in the world, and ruler of Amazon Lily, Boa Hancock.
And the dim-witted Edward Weevil.
These notorious figures, each capable of shaking the world on their own, now sat together in a conference room.
The sheer pressure of their presence made the Marine soldiers standing guard outside want to flee.
The atmosphere was tense.
Bored, Doflamingo used his [String-String Fruit] to manipulate two Vice Admirals, forcing them to cross swords against their will.
The two officers, their faces filled with terror, moved like puppets under his control.
His antics soon caught someone's attention.
"Interesting. I've wanted to test the abilities of your Devil Fruit for a while now," Sasori muttered, his eyes gleaming.
Chakra threads shot from his hands, cutting off Doflamingo's control in an instant.
What started as a minor provocation quickly turned into a battle of puppet masters.
In the limited space of the room, they clashed, using their abilities to compete over a prize.
"How carefree…" Kisame chuckled, flashing his sharp teeth.
"We are guests, after all. Isn't it a bit improper to behave this way?"
"Kisame-san, you are indeed a refined gentleman."
Hearing Kisame's remark, both Sasori and Doflamingo stopped their antics.
Doflamingo grinned. "Well, idleness breeds mischief. I doubt the Greta Leader will mind our little entertainment."
"Perhaps this could even serve as a warm-up for the days ahead?"
Kisame frowned slightly.
Doflamingo's reckless attitude irritated him.
Careless words could be overheard, jeopardizing their plans—who would take responsibility then?
Doflamingo noticed Kisame's displeasure, and his smile faded slightly, realizing his misstep.
Meanwhile, Crocodile smirked.
This so-called Shichibukai meeting... it looked more like a joke.
Among the eight of them, six were unpredictable lunatics, and the last one was an outright fool.
Edward Weevil, oblivious to the tension, had been stuffing his face since he arrived, eating like a starved beast.
Boa Hancock, on the other hand, sat in complete silence, exuding an aura of utter disdain for the men around her.
The room fell into an awkward silence once again.
Fortunately, it wasn't long before Sengoku arrived.
"No need for formalities. As per the agreement, when the World Government requires additional combat power, you are to answer the call." Sengoku's voice was deep and commanding. "As the Marines Fleet Admiral, I am ordering you all to remain at Marine Headquarters for the next month!"
His sharp gaze swept across the room. He already knew that Blackbeard, Marshall D. Teach, was absent.
That didn't matter.
He wasn't naïve enough to expect these pirates to fight with their full strength, but even if they only held back a few of Whitebeard's commanders, that would be enough.
Doflamingo let out a strange laugh.
"So, this is a mandatory summons?"
"Yes, it is. If you refuse, you are free to leave—but your title as Shichibukai will be revoked immediately," Sengoku stated flatly.
"There are always new candidates eager to take your place." His voice carried a veiled threat.
No one objected.
Satisfied, Sengoku continued, "Our primary target is the Whitebeard Pirates, but we must also prepare for the possible involvement of other Pirate crews."
"Whitebeard, huh?" Mihawk closed his eyes, resting his head on his hand.
"A chance to measure the gap between myself and the strongest man in the world."
"How terrifying! So, the Marines are finally making their move against an Emperor?" Doflamingo exaggerated his reaction, though his poor acting was obvious.
"If you're scared, you can hide behind me when the time comes," Crocodile scoffed.
"I've got my own grudge to settle with that old man."
Doflamingo grinned but said nothing.
Most of the others remained silent, which pleased Sengoku.
Just as he was about to continue, the door to the meeting room suddenly swung open.
"I already said we'll talk later," Sengoku snapped, assuming it was just a Marine soldier interrupting him.
But then—
"Sengoku, it's me."
Hearing the voice, Sengoku turned in shock. "Why are you here? Did something happen?"
At that moment, the expressions of the Shichibukai changed—some more than others.
Doflamingo, in particular, stiffened. His ever-present grin faltered slightly.
"Kong… Commander-in-Chief Kong!" he muttered, his voice laced with unease.
Kong, the Supreme Commander of the World Government's armed forces.
Sengoku's former superior. A former Fleet Admiral. A man of incredible power and influence.
"Long time no see, Sengoku," Kong greeted, ignoring the Shichibukai entirely.
Sengoku saluted.
"Sir. Have there been any changes?"
Kong nodded.
"The Five Elders sent me. But don't worry, it's not bad news."
"The execution list has been updated. Several additional prisoners will be executed alongside the original targets."
Sengoku's expression turned odd.
"Additional prisoners? Is this a joke?"
Kong chuckled. "We caught a few big fish in the Holy Land of Mariejois. The vice commander of the Revolutionary Army, Sabo, and some of his men infiltrated the World Government summit but were caught by the [Cipher Pol] agents."
"The Five Elders have decided that they will be executed alongside the others!"
"What?!"
Sengoku was stunned. His emotions were mixed—both thrilled and concerned.
"If we do this, we'll be fighting both the Revolutionary Army and the Whitebeard Pirates! The Marines combat power—"
"You don't have to worry about that." Kong raised a hand, cutting him off.
"I didn't come here alone. The World Government's true strength is far beyond your imagination."
Of course, Kong understood Sengoku's concerns.
The casualties from this war would be severe.
He smirked confidently.
"If the Revolutionary Army intervenes, leave them to me. The Marines should focus solely on crushing the Whitebeard Pirates!"