Pangaea Castle, World Government Headquarters conference hall.
The hall's dome soared high, adorned with murals depicting the founding of the World Government.
Over a hundred luxurious chairs were arranged in a circular formation, each with guards and representatives standing behind them, creating a solemn and oppressive atmosphere.
Kings from affiliated nations worldwide had taken their seats, their expressions varied.
King Wapol of the Sakura Kingdom fidgeted uneasily, his obese body squirming in the chair as he occasionally wiped cold sweat from his forehead.
He still remembered how Drum Kingdom was turned upside down overnight after Orion became the Fleet Admiral, and his awe of the marines was etched into his bones.
King Nefertari Cobra of Alabasta wore a solemn expression, though his brow was slightly furrowed.
He could sense that today's meeting had an unusual atmosphere.
King Neptune of the Ryugu Kingdom from Fish-Man Island, his massive frame nearly filling the entire seat, gazed around anxiously, pondering how to secure surface land for the fish-men.
Meanwhile, King Vinsmoke Judge of the Germa Kingdom from the North Blue scanned the assembly of kings—whom he considered weak and incompetent—with arrogance.
Only when his eyes swept toward the highest seat did he restrain himself slightly.
The king seated in the Kingdom of Goa's spot was pale as a sheet, his legs trembling uncontrollably.
Just then, the heavy doors of the hall swung open.
Five figures filed in.
"It's the Gorosei!" a king whispered in shock.
Leading the way was Saint Topman Warcury, the Warrior God of Justice, his exaggerated mustache as prominent as ever.
Close behind were Saint Nusjuro, the Warrior God of Finance, and Saint Saturn, the Warrior God of Science and Defense.
The last two figures made many kings' eyes light up.
Former Fleet Admiral Sengoku the Buddha!
Former Admiral Black Arm Zephyr!
After Orion's coup d'état made him the Fleet Admiral and forced the World Government to compromise, these two became the biggest beneficiaries.
They replaced the former Warrior God of Agriculture, Shepherd Ju Peter, and the Warrior God of Environment, Marcus Mars, to become the new Gorosei, stepping into the very center of the world's power.
Their fortunes made many kings green with envy.
Of course, some kings saw hope in this.
After all, the Gorosei now operated on a rotational system—who's to say the rotation wouldn't eventually land on them?
As the five reached the front of the hall, the assembled kings noticed that instead of five chairs, there were six!
The extra chair was placed dead center, positioned half a step forward from the other five, as if it were the true throne.
The Gorosei took their seats, leaving only the central "throne" empty.
Just as the kings were growing restless with suspicion, wondering who that seat was reserved for, a guard's loud, clear announcement echoed from outside the hall.
"The Fleet Admiral has arrived!"
The voice seemed magical, instantly silencing the hall's noise.
Over a hundred kings turned in unison toward the entrance.
There stood Orion, draped in an immaculate Fleet Admiral's justice coat, striding in calmly.
He didn't glance at anyone, his deep eyes serene as he walked straight through the hall.
Under the complex gazes of the kings—a mix of awe, fear, and curiosity—he ascended the platform step by step.
Then, to everyone's utter astonishment, he turned naturally before the empty central chair at the very front and sat down.
The hall fell into dead silence.
He had sat right in the middle of the Gorosei!
Even in a position above them!
Orion scanned the room, leaning forward slightly, his hands clasped on the table. His calm voice carried clearly to every ear.
"Welcome, kings of the affiliated nations, to Holy Land Mary Geoise for this World Conference."
"I am Orion, Fleet Admiral of the Marine Headquarters. You may address me as Fleet Admiral Orion, Fleet Admiral, or Saint Orion. Whatever suits you."
"There is only one topic for this conference," Orion's gaze swept over the varied expressions, "and that is how to better ensure the World Government's lasting peace and stability."
Here, Orion paused briefly, a faint, almost imperceptible smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
"On this matter, I have already made the best decision."
With those words, he leaned back in his chair and declared his decision in an unwavering tone.
"From this day forward, all kings of affiliated nations and their families will retain their royal status but must relocate to live in Holy Land Mary Geoise. Your former countries will be managed by capable personnel dispatched by the World Government."
The announcement sent shockwaves through the assembly!
The entire conference hall instantly erupted into an uproar!
"WHAT?!"
"Is this meant to strip us of our royal authority?!"
"Absurd! I absolutely refuse to agree!"
A king from the South Blue stood up agitatedly, his face flushed red.
More kings exchanged glances, seeing shock and fury in each other's eyes.
However, when they looked up at the high platform and saw the five new and old Gorosei all expressionless, as if they hadn't heard Orion's earth-shattering declaration, a chill ran down everyone's spine.
They understood—this was not a discussion, but a unilateral announcement.
...
In stark contrast to the tense, sword-drawn atmosphere inside the conference hall, the plaza outside Pangaea Castle was lively and harmonious.
Delegation members who had accompanied their kings were gathered in small groups, enthusiastically exchanging pleasantries and compliments.
"Oh my, isn't this the representative from the Prodence Kingdom? I've long heard of you! It's said that His Majesty your king's 'King Punch' can sink a pirate ship with a single blow—truly the pride of our member nations!"
"Not at all, not at all! Your country's Corrida Coliseum is world-famous! I've heard your gladiators can even slay Sea Kings. Impressive, truly impressive!"
A minister from Alabasta was chatting happily with the Right Minister of the Ryugu Kingdom.
"Your Excellency, Right Minister, our king often speaks of Queen Otohime's long-cherished wish. At this Reverie, Alabasta will fully support Fish-Man Island's relocation proposal!"
"That is truly appreciated! Once Fish-Man Island moves to the surface, we will definitely invite you all to taste the freshest seafood of the Ryugu Kingdom!"
In a corner of the plaza, the princess of the Alabasta Kingdom, Nefertari Vivi, was curiously observing her surroundings, accompanied by her two loyal guards, Igaram and Pell.
Soon, a striking figure caught her attention.
It was a girl with short pink hair, wearing a technologically advanced battlesuit.
Her figure was graceful, but her demeanor carried a hint of aloofness that seemed out of place with her surroundings.
It was none other than the princess of the Germa Kingdom, Vinsmoke Reiju.
As if sensing Vivi's gaze, Reiju turned her head and gave her a polite smile before walking over.
"You must be Princess Vivi of Alabasta, right? I've heard my father mention that your country is a beautiful desert oasis," Reiju's voice was gentle and pleasant.
"Hello, I'm Vivi," Vivi replied, somewhat flattered, and quickly returned the courtesy.
"You are Princess Reiju of the Germa Kingdom, correct? Your kingdom's technological prowess is renowned throughout the Grand Line."
The two princesses, with vastly different backgrounds and identities, unexpectedly found themselves getting along quite well.
Reiju admired Vivi's innocence and kindness, while Vivi was intrigued by Reiju's unique aura.
"It's quite crowded here. Would you like to go somewhere else for a stroll?" Reiju suggested.
"Sure!" Vivi readily agreed.
Just as the two were about to leave together, a man dressed in palace guard attire hurried over and bowed respectfully to Vivi.
"Your Highness, Princess Vivi, there is someone who wishes to see you."
Igaram and Pell immediately stepped in front of Vivi, alert.
"Who is it? Our princess has no other appointments scheduled!" Igaram said sternly.
The guard's expression remained unchanged, only his tone growing more deferential.
"Please do not worry. This is the highest honor for you and the Kingdom of Alabasta. That person is waiting for you."
He did not reveal the other party's identity, but his unyielding attitude placed immense pressure on Igaram and Pell.
Vivi tugged at Igaram's sleeve, signaling them to remain calm.
She knew resistance here would be meaningless.
"Very well, I'll go with you."
Following the guard, Vivi passed through several heavily guarded corridors.
The surroundings grew increasingly unfamiliar yet increasingly magnificent.
Finally, they arrived before a grand door surrounded by countless flowers.
The guard pushed the door open but did not step inside himself.
Taking a deep breath, Vivi entered.
The scene before her made her momentarily forget to breathe.
It was an ocean of flowers - countless exotic blooms she had never seen before competed in full bloom, beautiful butterflies danced among the blossoms, and the air was filled with an intoxicating fragrance.
In the center of this floral sea stood a figure with its back to her, quietly watering a plant.
It was a woman, tall in stature but concealed within loose robes, making her features indiscernible.
Opposite this woman crouched a little cutie, swinging a hoe and digging around, making a mess of the surrounding flowers and plants.
Before Vivi could react, the mysterious woman suddenly turned around.
Though the woman wore a face covering that obscured her features, Vivi could see eyes that seemed capable of perceiving everything in the world, along with strikingly prominent dark red pupils.