The announcement of Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan's official promotion as Marine Admiral candidates immediately drew the attention of nations worldwide. Their titles—Red Dog, Yellow Monkey, and Blue Pheasant—also began to spread across the seas.
If it were ordinary individuals becoming Admiral candidates under normal circumstances, it wouldn't have caused such a significant stir or attention.
The problem was that after the execution of Roger and the capture of Shiki, the Marines were currently in the "spotlight," and every move they made was magnified.
Most crucially, all three of them were top-tier Logia-type Devil Fruit users, which was the primary reason for people's astonishment. Additionally, their towering heights of around three meters each made it obvious to anyone with a brain that their potential was extraordinary.
Especially the kings of the nations under the World Government could easily foresee that within the next few decades, the Marines would have three top-tier Logia-type Admiral-level powerhouses!
West Blue, Ilusia Kingdom.
Two massive Marine headquarters-class warships, far larger than the branch ships, escorted an extravagantly luxurious white ship as it slowly entered the country's harbor. The white sails, emblazoned with the World Government's emblem, billowed in the sea breeze.
At this moment, all other ships in the harbor had been ordered to evacuate by King Shuen Daruka, ensuring the cleanest and most spacious appearance to welcome the arrival of the World Nobles!
Simultaneously, he personally led all the nobles of the kingdom to wait at the dock, watching with reverence as the ship approached.
Hundreds of the strongest and most capable sword-wielding soldiers stood at their posts, maintaining order within a radius of several hundred meters with solemn expressions.
Not long after, as the luxurious ship docked, four long, wide planks slid down from the deck and were joined together.
Two attendants immediately laid a vibrant red carpet over the planks, perfectly aligning it with the red carpet at King Shuen Daruka's feet. Following this, a large number of fully armored spear-wielding warriors quickly disembarked in two columns, instantly taking over the security of the entire dock.
Neither King Shuen Daruka nor the other nobles raised any objections to this, focusing their attention solely on the most distinguished figure.
A Celestial Dragon! A blond man wearing a transparent bubble helmet, dressed in a white jumpsuit and a golden cape, was carried down the red carpet by a burly slave. Behind him followed two government officials in black suits and leather boots.
"Hey, isn't that Captain Onar?" one noble whispered, his face changing color as he spoke to the person beside him.
"Yes, it's him—Onar the 'Black Tiger' of the Tiger Claw Pirates!"
"Didn't he boldly announce his entry into the Grand Line two years ago? How... how did he end up as a slave?"
"I remember his bounty was as high as 43 million Berries..." The nobles who recognized the slave's identity exchanged uneasy whispers.
"Ahem!"
King Shuen Daruka turned back and glared at them in displeasure, then straightened his attire and stepped forward, bowing respectfully as he greeted the visitor.
"A warm welcome to the supreme 'Descendant of the Creator,' Saint Rosward, to the Ilusia Kingdom. I am King Shuen Daruka!"
The latter sat cross-legged on Captain Onar's back, glanced at the surroundings and the nobles who had come to greet him, and snorted, "The king is one thing, but since when do lowly nobles have the right to stand in the presence of a Celestial Dragon?"
"Ah, yes, yes, this is my mistake!" King Shundaruka was momentarily stunned but quickly regained his composure, hurriedly apologizing. He then turned to the group of nobles and shouted, "What are you waiting for? Kneel before the great Saint Rosward!"
The nobles, both big and small, stiffened. After all, they were used to being domineering in their own country. At that moment, the elderly duke at the forefront didn't hesitate to drop to his knees, pressing his forehead onto the soft red carpet.
Following his lead, the others quickly reacted, one by one kneeling on either side, mimicking the old duke.
Seeing this, King Shundaruka breathed a sigh of relief and silently gave the old duke a big thumbs-up.
"Not bad."
Saint Rosward nodded, quite satisfied with the nobles' attitude, and his impression of this kingdom improved significantly.
"Let's go. I'm tired from the boat ride. Let's get something to eat."
"Yes, yes, I've already ordered the best chefs in the country to prepare. This way, please!"
King Shundaruka stepped aside, extending his hand to indicate that Saint Rosward should go first. The latter didn't stand on ceremony, stepping on the back of Captain Onar's head as he walked forward, flanked by dozens of kneeling nobles, heading toward the palace on the island.
Purupuru, purupuru
Just as he reached the end of the red carpet and was about to step onto the clean, flat stone path, the sound of a Den Den Mushi rang out from behind. This made Saint Rosward instinctively turn his head, as he knew it was the direct line from the holy land of Mary Geoise.
Sure enough, a government official on the right pulled out a small, platinum-colored Den Den Mushi from his suit pocket. As he picked up the receiver and answered, the Den Den Mushi's appearance changed, and it began to speak.
"The Five Elders command: All Celestial Dragons currently outside must return to the holy land immediately upon receiving this notice, without delay!"
"Repeat: The Five Elders command: All Celestial Dragons currently outside must return to the holy land immediately upon receiving this notice, without delay!"
Saint Rosward's expression changed, anger flashing across his face. He had just arrived here less than two minutes ago. But just as he was about to open his mouth to question the order, the Den Den Mushi closed its eyes.
For a moment, the atmosphere became eerily tense. Even King Shundaruka was at a loss, unsure of what to say or do.
What's going on? "Saint Rosward, what do you think?" the CP member holding the platinum Den Den Mushi asked softly.
"Hiss— Haa—"
Saint Rosward's face turned ashen as he hesitated for a moment. Then, taking a deep breath, he jumped down from the slave captain and strode toward his luxurious ship.
"Let's go back!"
Although he was a Celestial Dragon, the Five Elders were also Celestial Dragons—and the highest-ranking ones at that. He had no choice but to obey such a direct order. However, he would certainly demand an explanation once he returned.
Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks and turned to the bewildered King Shundaruka, saying, "This slave is yours now. You've done well!"
"Uh, thank you, thank you, Saint Roswald!"
King Shuen Daruka watched in astonishment as this Celestial Dragon boarded the ship again. Five minutes later, even the soldiers of the Holy Guard had completely withdrawn. After about ten minutes, the luxurious ship and the two Marine warships set sail once more.
Holy Land, Mary Geoise, Pangea Castle, Chamber of the Moon.
"Lord Imu, according to your divine decree, all Celestial Dragons have been ordered to return. Within seven days at most, all Celestial Dragons will be gathered in the 'Land of the Gods.'"
Imu listened to the report from the Den Den Mushi and nodded coldly.
"From now on, without my permission, no Celestial Dragon is allowed to leave the 'Land of the Gods' on their own. Otherwise, they will immediately lose their status as World Nobles, forfeit all privileges, and be imprisoned in the internal prison of Mary Geoise!"
"Yes, we shall strictly follow your divine will."