Although the Red Line looked like an immense wall dividing the seas, since it was called a continent, it naturally possessed the vastness worthy of that name.
The widest part of the Red Line stretched for thousands of kilometers, truly deserving to be called a grand continent.
Deep within this immense land, a brand-new city had somehow risen—no one knew exactly when.
This was New Mary Geoise, the city built by the World Government after the original Mary Geoise was abandoned due to the threat of the Beasts Pirates.
It now served as the new governmental headquarters and the new gathering place of the Celestial Dragons.
The city's layout was almost identical to that of the old Mary Geoise, divided into two main sectors: the administrative district of the World Government and the residential area of the Celestial Dragons.
At this moment, within one of the government's central chambers—
"The pirates should have already begun their move, correct?"
Though six years had passed, the appearance of the Five Elders—the supreme rulers of the World Government—remained completely unchanged.
The old man was still an old man, the middle-aged man still the same as ever, as if the flow of time had never touched them.
Mars spoke calmly, "After spending so much time and effort gathering so many pirate crews, even then, it's impossible for them to breach Fish-Man Island on their own."
"Jinbe's Fish-Man army alone numbers over fifty thousand, all equipped with deep-sea weapons crafted specifically for them by the Beasts Pirates. There are also thousands of heavily armed Sea Beasts serving as living war machines. Even if the enemy's numbers multiplied several times, they could never win in the depths of the ocean."
"I never expected them to," Nusjuro said coldly. "As long as they can cause some destruction on Fish-Man Island, that will be enough."
"It still depends on Vegapunk's progress," Warcury sighed. "As long as he can develop a usable energy source capable of reviving the Celestial Dragons' national treasure, then there's nothing for us to fear."
"In recent years, Vegapunk has abandoned all other scientific projects and devoted himself entirely to this one," Among the Five Elders, Saturn was the only one with a scientific background, so he naturally took the lead on this topic.
"But it seems he still needs a bit more time before achieving true success."
"There's still some time," Peter said. "Even after six years, Ian hasn't yet become the Pirate King. He still doesn't know where the remaining Road Poneglyphs are located."
"That may be true," Warcury replied, "but we can't afford to delay much longer. I'll repeat myself—whatever resources Vegapunk requires, provide them without question. Everything is for the sake of reviving that weapon!"
"Also—" Nasujuro added, "Also, keep a close eye on Vegapunk. That guy still doesn't know the real reason we asked him to research energy. He's too focused on using his inventions to 'benefit the world.' If he ever learns the truth, I'm afraid he might turn against us."
"I'll handle it."
Saturn nodded lightly. "No matter what happens, Vegapunk must not become a problem."
No one understood Vegapunk's brilliance better than Saturn himself, a fellow scientist.
That man was nothing short of a once-in-a-millennium genius.
Even compared to that mysterious group of people who, eight hundred years ago, descended from the moon and brought the power of science to this world, not one of them could rival Vegapunk's innate talent and intellect.
At the same time, deep beneath the sea, on Fishman Island—
Above the island that housed millions of fishmen and merfolk, a grand banquet was being held in Ryugu Palace, which floated inside a smaller bubble above the island.
"Welcome, everyone!"
King Neptune sat at the head of the long banquet table, his broad smile stretching from gill to gill. "Ryugu Palace truly shines with your presence today!"
"Thank you so much for traveling such a long distance to help us through our troubles!"
In the six years that had passed, Fishman Island had undergone tremendous change.
As the true forward base of the Beasts Pirates, Ian had invested heavily into the Fishman Kingdom over those years.
Now, several massive weapon factories had been built on the island, all dedicated to supplying arms for the underwater forces led by Jinbe.
Due to the World Government's blockade, the Beasts Pirates had been continuously sending supplies and resources to the nation.
Even though Fishman Island stood at the very frontline between the Beasts Pirates and the World Government, it had become more prosperous than ever.
Its citizens took great pride in working for the Beasts Pirates.
Everyone on the island knew that it was because of Ian that the fishmen had finally begun to step out into the sunlight of the wider world.
"You're too kind, King Neptune!"
Ace, surprisingly polite, raised his cup with a warm smile. "With such a grand banquet prepared for us, we should be the ones thanking you!"
"Hahahaha!"
Neptune's laughter echoed through the hall. "Then let us drink and celebrate freely tonight!"
Over the years, as time went on, he had grown more certain than ever that his decision back then had been the right one.
The Beasts Pirates—
It was indeed the Beasts Pirates who had truly led Fishman Island toward the light.
After all, in today's New World, which nation would still dare to discriminate against fishmen or merfolk?
In recent years, traveling across the sea to visit Fishman Island had even become something of a popular trend.
Everyone knew that as long as you were near the Beasts Pirates' base, no one would dare to cause trouble.
For the Fishmen and Mermaids, the Beasts Pirates meant safety.
"Ah la la."
Kuzan, who was also attending the banquet, let out a soft sigh.
So Fishmen and Humans really could live together this harmoniously, huh?
Before joining the Beasts Pirates, he never would've believed such a thing was possible.
Who could've imagined it?
That this kind of coexistence would be achieved by pirates of all people.
Still…
While casually sipping his drink, Kuzan's eyes unconsciously drifted toward the mermaid girls dancing gracefully nearby.
That guy Neptune might look all proper and dignified, but deep down, he clearly understood the finer things.
Sanji's gaze was just as full of longing as his own.
Though Kuzan had already seen plenty of mermaid beauties back on Hive Island and Onigashima…
The ones here on Fishman Island had a charm of their own—something different, something special.
Zoro, sitting beside him, gave a low snort at their behavior, the corner of his mouth curling into a mocking smirk.
Ace, setting down his cup, noticed a girl sitting not far from Neptune's side.
It was impossible not to notice her—her size alone was astonishing.
That girl… could she be Neptune's daughter? The rumored Princess Shirahoshi?
If he remembered correctly, she was around eleven years old now.
Though still very young, everyone who had seen her praised her beauty.
She truly was an adorable girl.
Noticing Ace's gaze, the little princess shyly lowered her head, too embarrassed to meet his eyes.
Ace smiled softly and didn't think much of it.
Rather than meeting a princess for the first time, what he really looked forward to was the battle that was about to begin.
After years of intense training under the Beasts Pirates, the time had finally come for them to show their strength.
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