World Government Headquarters, Conference Hall.
Orion's proposal, which appeared to be a discussion but was actually an ultimatum, was like a spark thrown into boiling oil, igniting the entire assembly.
"Fleet Admiral Orion, not everyone wishes to relocate to the Holy Land!" A king from the West Blue slammed the table as he stood up, his fleshy face flushing a liver-red from agitation.
"Eight hundred years ago, there was a king who refused to become a Celestial Dragon. Now, my choice is the same—I absolutely refuse to abandon my country and move to the Holy Land to be confined by you!"
His words acted like a rallying cry, immediately drawing widespread agreement.
"That's right! Our royal authority is invaluable!"
"This is a disguised power grab! The World Government wants to annex all our nations!"
"Fleet Admiral Orion, you are being far too overbearing!"
Waves of protest rose and fell, the language growing increasingly intense.
These kings, accustomed to wielding absolute power and enjoying supreme status in their own domains, found the idea of giving it all up to come to the Holy Land and accept unknown constraints equivalent to having their wings clipped and being caged.
After all, even before arriving at the Holy Land, they had gained some understanding of the current situation there through their own channels.
They knew that Orion was not only reorganizing the World Government internally but also had Doflamingo carrying out a reform plan targeting the Celestial Dragons.
If even the Celestial Dragons, who had lived in the Holy Land for eight hundred years and enjoyed eight centuries of privilege, had fallen victim to such measures, one could only imagine what would happen to them if they moved to the Holy Land!
However, not everyone held opposing views.
A short, bearded king with a goatee stepped forward from the chaos, his eyes shifting shrewdly as he declared loudly.
"Fleet Admiral Orion! I support your proposal! However... once we relocate to the Holy Land, how will our status and positions be defined? If we could be granted the status of World Nobles, I would be the first to answer your call!"
His words instantly silenced many of the previously clamoring kings, their eyes flickering with calculation.
Indeed—if they could exchange this for the identity of Celestial Dragons, it might not be unacceptable.
In that moment, the atmosphere in the hall shifted subtly, with voices of negotiation beginning to drown out pure protests.
Amid the clamor, a steady and massive figure slowly rose to his feet, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
It was Neptune, King of Fish-Man Island.
Ignoring the bickering monarchs, he turned his sincere gaze toward Orion on the high platform and spoke in his resonant voice.
"Fleet Admiral Orion, the Ryugu Kingdom is willing to relocate entirely and surrender jurisdiction over Fish-Man Island."
"But I have one request." Neptune bowed deeply. "I implore the World Government to secure a true home beneath the sun for my people! This has been the deepest, most heartfelt wish of our fish-man race for generations!"
As his words faded, the assembled kings turned to look at him.
Compared to those monarchs concerned only with their own interests, Neptune's plea seemed so selfless and profound.
Orion's gaze lingered on Neptune for a moment.
He gave a slight nod but did not respond immediately.
Just then, another figure stood.
Vinsmoke Judge, King of the Germa Kingdom of the North Blue.
Adjusting his ornate cape, he wore his customary arrogance—yet that pride vanished entirely the moment his eyes met Orion's.
"Fleet Admiral Orion," Judge's voice was cold and clear. "I, Vinsmoke Judge, on behalf of the Germa Kingdom, pledge my complete loyalty to you."
"From this day forward, the scientific technology that Germa takes the greatest pride in shall be offered unreservedly in service to the Marines and the World Government!"
These words shocked the assembled kings even more than Neptune's plea.
Germa's technological prowess was world-renowned—the very foundation of their standing in the North Blue, and a force even the World Government hesitated to provoke.
Now, Judge was willing to surrender it all?
Ignoring the stunned gazes around him, Judge's decision, though seemingly abrupt, was the product of careful deliberation.
He could never forget the two choices Orion had given him back in the North Blue.
Submit or be destroyed.
The current situation was clear: the war machine Orion had forged within the Marines was now unstoppable.
Clinging to hollow pride would only lead to being crushed into dust.
Germa had no fixed territory and no burdensome populace—ironically, this was their greatest advantage.
By firmly aligning themselves with Orion, Germa's technology could not only be preserved but might even shine more brilliantly within the new world order.
This was the most rational bet a gambler could make after seeing the cards on the table.
"Germa's sincerity is noted," Orion said, a faint smile touching his lips. "The Marine Science Division will coordinate with you shortly."
As his words faded, he slowly rose from his throne.
With just the act of rising, an invisible pressure swept through the hall like a tidal wave.
The previously noisy venue fell into dead silence, as if an unseen hand had gripped everyone's throat.
The kings who had been arguing felt their breath catch, their hearts racing wildly, unable to utter another sound.
Orion's gaze swept calmly across the room, passing over every face marked by fear or unease.
"Having you relocate to the Holy Land is only part of the plan."
His voice was not loud, yet it reached every ear with perfect clarity.
"After this, the World Government will begin resource integration across all member nations. Countries with harsh environments and scarce resources will undergo nationwide relocation, moving to islands with more suitable living conditions and higher elevations."
Higher elevations?
A flicker of doubt arose in the kings' minds, but before they could ponder further, Orion's next words struck like a thunderbolt, exploding in their thoughts.
"The reason for these decisions is a future that is fast approaching."
Orion's tone was as matter-of-fact as if he were stating an undeniable truth.
"In the near future, the sea level of these waters will rise by one hundred meters, or even more."
"At that time, your nations, your islands—the vast majority of the world's land—will be completely submerged."
Silence.
The hall was plunged into a deathly stillness.
Some kings gaped, unable to speak.
Others slumped in their chairs, their eyes vacant.
How absurd!
A hundred-meter rise in sea levels? Submerging the entire world? Was this some kind of myth?
"This is not alarmism, nor is it my prediction," Orion added, as if reading their minds.
"This is the final conclusion reached by the Marine's chief scientist, Vegapunk, after countless experiments and calculations."
Vegapunk!
That name struck like a heavy hammer, shattering the last remnants of hope and doubt in the kings' hearts.
If Orion's words could still be seen as a means of coercion, Vegapunk—the mind five centuries ahead of the world—his conclusion was unshakable truth!
"This information is currently classified as top secret," Orion's gaze turned icy.
"It would be best if you all forgot it after this meeting. If the Grand Line descends into chaos due to a leak, I will not investigate the source. I will treat you all equally and eliminate every one of you."
"Finally, it seems some of you failed to grasp what I said from the very beginning!"
"The plan to relocate your families to the Holy Land is not up for discussion—it is a unilateral announcement!"
"Once this meeting concludes, regardless of your objections, the World Government will dispatch personnel to take over the governance of your nations!"
"By then, you will lose your eligibility to move to the Holy Land."
"This topic is now concluded!"
"Next, we move on to the following agenda!"
---------
Read 50 chapters ahead and support me on patreon.
patreon (.)com/Newbietranslator