Grand Line.
The massive island-ship sailed smoothly. Following behind it was the Kuja Pirates' ship.
Large, dark shadows occasionally passed by, reminding everyone on the warship... They were still in the Calm Belt!
The island-ship's propulsion system wasn't wind-powered. It was a custom-built system created by the Marine Science Unit.
Atlas wasn't exactly sure of the principles, but it looked like jet propulsion.
Currently, Atlas was using the Rooster Talisman's power to control the Byakko. He had originally intended to levitate the Kuja Pirates' ship as well.
But Hancock had sternly refused.
It was understandable. Although Atlas possessed many abilities she found incomprehensible, she was wary of any ability involving control.
She had heard of the Golden Lion's ability. The feeling of having one's life in someone else's hands was not pleasant!
Aboard the Kuja ship. Sandersonia and Marigold stood on either side of Hancock, their expressions complex.
"Sister, are you really going to obey that man's orders?"
Sandersonia glanced cautiously at the Byakko ahead. After confirming the man hadn't noticed their conversation, she swallowed and asked carefully.
It wasn't that she had become timid. It was just that back in the palace hall...
That man's gaze, filled with killing intent mixed with Conqueror's Haki... that mental pressure had almost traumatised her.
Since Atlas had set sail, countless pirates had died at his hands. Saying he had killed enough to fill fields with corpses wouldn't be an exaggeration.
Although Sandersonia and her sisters were strong, their experiences in Mary Geoise had left cracks in their psyches.
If Hancock had developed a proud, stubborn, and extreme personality as a result, Sandersonia and Marigold had developed obvious fear.
After all, neither of them possessed the aptitude for Conqueror's Haki. "That man's ambition... is enough to overturn the world!!"
Hancock's expression remained unchanged. She didn't seem dissatisfied with Atlas's demands. Although she hadn't received a clear answer...
She had a premonition that this man would definitely be the one to drag those Celestial Dragons down from their altar!
While the discussion about Atlas was heated here, aboard the Byakko... Atlas was cursing into his Den Den Mushi:
"What did you say? Old man Sengoku, you want me to host those Warlords?"
"Are you kidding me? Me! A Marine Admiral candidate, acting as a receptionist? If you asked me to go beat them all up, maybe I'd consider it."
"Don't think I don't know. Except for Bartholomew Kuma, you've had some contact with the other two."
"It's perfect for you to host them as an acquaintance. Just bring Boa Hancock directly to the small conference room in Mary Geoise."
"Also..." Sengoku paused, his expression turning slightly peculiar.
"Dracule Mihawk had one condition for participating in this conscription. He hopes to see you in Mary Geoise!!"
"..."
Hearing this, the corner of Atlas's mouth twitched. To think Hawk-Eye'd backstab him! "Fine. I'll host the Warlord meeting."
...
Time passed slowly. The current Warlords arrived at Mary Geoise one after another, as agreed.
Red Line, Mary Geoise.
Inside a magnificent conference hall, a row of Marines stood solemnly with rifles along the walls, their eyes fixed forward, seemingly uninterested in the scene at the centre of the hall.
In the centre, three large figures occupied the entire conference table. They sat motionless, like three statues.
At the head of the table sat an old woman with white hair and wrinkled skin. Behind her stood a group of fully armed Marine officers.
Judging by their epaulettes, the lowest rank was Major. The old woman looked calm as she scrutinised the dangerous individuals before her.
One Fish-Man, two humans. Their sizes varied greatly, but their life auras were similarly powerful.
The largest human wore a black-and-white jacket adorned with paw prints and a hat resembling bear ears. His curly hair fell to his shoulders. His gloved hands held a thick book.
He turned a page occasionally, the scent of ink lingering around him.
—[Tyrant] Bartholomew Kuma!!
Former bounty: 296 million berries!
But Vice Admiral Tsuru knew this guy's strength far exceeded his bounty.
His background was too strange. He inexplicably became a pirate, his bounty rose, and then he actively requested to become a Warlord.
His purpose was too obvious!
"When will Atlas arrive at Mary Geoise?"
Of the three, Mihawk's sharp gaze turned to Tsuru at the head of the table. He spoke lightly, breaking the silence of the conference hall.
His voice had a unique, low, masculine tone, but also revealed a sharpness, much like his swordsmanship.
Gulp—!!
Before Tsuru could react, the Marines behind her swallowed nervously.
Although the Warlords had been relatively well-behaved since arriving and hadn't attacked the Marines...
They were still Warlords—three infamous pirates on the seas. Stopping children from crying with their names was basic stuff.
The Marines couldn't help but be nervous!
Moreover, the man who spoke, with eyes as sharp as a hawk's, was a terrifying existence rumoured to be qualified to vie for the title of World's Strongest Swordsman.
However, to become the World's Strongest Swordsman, he would undoubtedly have to get past Vice Admiral Byakko first.
Even though Vice Admiral Byakko often claimed he wasn't a pure swordsman, the Marines took it as modesty!
"He's on his way. He should be arriving soon." Tsuru lifted the teacup in front of her and took a sip.
It had been over a week since Sengoku's call with Atlas. Given the kid's speed...
Even without using his ability to travel, sailing through the Calm Belt meant he should be almost here.
"Do you Marines... intend to keep the Whitebeard Pirates at Marineford this time?" After Hawk-Eye spoke, a blue figure also asked a question.
—Jinbe!
He had originally refused this conscription because of the great debt Fish-Man Island owed Whitebeard.
But Big Brother Tiger's life was still in the Marines' hands.
Also, Atlas had personally called him, promising not to make things too difficult. In the coming war, he wasn't required to take action.
His role was to save as many Marine lives as possible, effectively acting as a logistics rescue team!
"Of course. This is war, not child's play!" Tsuru's voice remained calm and powerful, brooking no doubt.
As an old-school Marine who had fought through the previous era, although her justice wasn't as extreme as Akainu's, she lacked nothing in iron-fisted resolve.
At the gates of Mary Geoise, several soldiers in grayish-white armour stood ready, looking straight ahead.
They were not part of the Marine establishment but a private army cultivated by the World Government—specifically, the private guards of Mary Geoise.
Whether they fell under the jurisdiction of Commander-in-Chief Kong was unknown.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Heavy footsteps rang out. Looking toward the sound, a man and a woman appeared before the gate.
The man had a rugged, iron-blooded face and muscles like knotted cords. The woman was tall with exquisite curves, exuding an alluring charm.
"Vice Admiral Byakko, you brought..."
The soldier by the gate gulped, letting cold sweat run down his forehead, his voice lacking confidence.
"Yeah~ [Warlord] Boa Hancock." Atlas glanced at him, sounding impatient. "So? Aren't you going to open the gate?"
"Ah? My apologies, right away!" The soldier snapped to attention, standing straight and offering a grand salute before instructing his colleagues.
"It's fine, no rush." Atlas's expression softened, and he nodded slightly.
Creak—!
With a harsh mechanical grinding sound, the gates of Mary Geoise slowly opened. White light spilt through the gap, illuminating Atlas!
Step—!!
Atlas stepped into Mary Geoise, and Hancock followed closely behind, her face showing the same disgust.
What met their eyes was an extremely wide road. On both sides, magnificent palaces lined up.
Dense vegetation covered the surroundings, the air was fresh, and green filled their vision.
Lining the road were distinct, nearly uniform cobblestones, smooth and colourful, comfortable to walk on. In the centre was an endless stone path dotted with many neatly arranged holes.
Almost everything here was artificial, yet it was in no way inferior to any natural landscape on the sea.
Not only because their builders were famous craftsmen of the sea, but also because vast sums of money were spent annually on maintenance.
It was one of the major expenses of the Heavenly Tribute collected from affiliated kingdoms every year!
"Vice Admiral Byakko! This is the automatic walkway, one of the Celestial Dragons' favourite constructions. Would you like to try it?"
The accompanying guard offered a few connection rods to Atlas, his expression incredibly respectful.
"No need. That sort of thing... doesn't suit us Marines."
Atlas's expression turned cold. He walked forward quickly, ignoring the guard as he brushed past.
In his Observation Haki...
Countless weak auras were hidden densely beneath the stone path. Even without looking, he knew exactly how this so-called automatic walkway operated.
There was no automation. Although there was plenty of advanced technology in the One Piece world, and elevators could certainly be built...
The Celestial Dragons didn't just enjoy novelty. Human suffering was also one of their forms of entertainment.
Because those pigs, deep down, didn't consider humans to be the same species as themselves!
"Disgusting as always!!" Hancock, following closely behind, scanned the surroundings with loathing—this place that had brought her a lifetime of nightmares.
"—?!"
Hearing this, the guard's expression changed dramatically. He opened his mouth to speak, but forcibly held back.
After all, the one who dared to say this was a current Warlord. If he angered her and got killed, he'd die for nothing. Pirates like this were always reckless and eccentric.
"Alright, let's go. The other Warlords are probably getting impatient." Atlas turned and urged Hancock to pick up the pace.
Mary Geoise wasn't exactly huge, but it wasn't small either. Four massive metal gates, towering into the clouds, divided Mary Geoise into five areas.
The core area was the residence of the Celestial Dragons and the meeting place of the Five Elders—the Room of Authority.
And the Empty Throne was also placed deep within Mary Geoise.
The meeting place for the Warlords was arranged in the outer area of Mary Geoise, where they would rarely encounter Celestial Dragons.
After all, although the Warlords were nominally subordinate to the World Government...
Anyone with eyes could see that these guys were lawless maniacs at heart. If they clashed with a Celestial Dragon, the consequences would be unimaginable...
The Five Elders and the World Government weren't fools. Naturally, they wouldn't let the Warlords roam freely in Mary Geoise's core area.
A "gentleman" does not stand under a crumbling wall! Soon, passing through the dazzling scenery, the two finally arrived at the designated conference hall.
Swish swish swish—!
The moment they stepped into the hall, dozens of scrutinising gazes instantly converged on them, scanning the two unscrupulously.
"Hmph!!"
Hancock snorted coldly. She strode past Atlas with her long legs and walked straight to an empty seat at the conference table.
"You're finally here. Long time no see."
Sizing up the travel-worn Atlas, Mihawk's sharp, hawk-like eyes flickered slightly, and the sword intent on his body grew sharper.
"I'm good. Looks like you've improved quite a bit." Atlas returned a smile and nodded slightly.
"Your sword... is very good." Mihawk's gaze shifted down, finally resting on Atlas's waist.
The only swords he would take notice of were Great Grade Blades and Supreme Grade Blades.
As for the [Futsunomitama] at Atlas's waist... although he didn't recognise it, relying on a swordsman's instinct...
He was certain it was at least a Great Grade Blade!!
In this world, a sword's grade can be determined innately or nurtured later.
Like Whitebeard's [Murakumogiri] and Roger's [Ace]. They weren't Black Blades, but they were ranked as Supreme Grade Blades.
The materials and craftsmanship were at the absolute peak.
Meanwhile, Hawk-Eye's [Yoru] and Shimotsuki Ryuma's [Shusui] were nurtured later. The former's initial grade might have been slightly higher than the latter's.
Otherwise, both being Black Blades, one wouldn't be Supreme Grade and the other Great Grade.
"How about a duel?"
Mihawk stared at Atlas with burning eyes, his hand already reaching for the longsword on his back.
He looked ready to cross swords at the slightest disagreement, his fighting spirit high.
"...Let's not. Business first."
Atlas slowly shook his head, refusing. "Besides, the current you... is still lacking a little bit."
After speaking, he raised his right hand, measuring a tiny distance between his index finger and thumb.
Yeah, just a "little" bit.