The Elders first summoned Sakazuki, while Doflamingo was escorted into a side hall.
As soon as Sakazuki entered, the burly Elder spoke:
"That guy, has he said anything along the way, Sakazuki?"
Sakazuki thought for a moment.
"No."
"After being tortured every day, he no longer has the strength to speak."
"His bones are certainly hard enough."
Having risen in status, Sakazuki had met the Elders several times and was fairly familiar with them.
The burly Elder nodded.
"I see…"
The Elder holding a sword then spoke.
"As for Kong's promotion to Commander-in-Chief of the three forces, I'm sure you've heard of it."
"At that time, the new Fleet Admiral will be chosen between you and Sengoku."
"What are your thoughts?"
"We are somewhat inclined toward you."
Sakazuki thought for a few seconds, then shook his head.
"Becoming Fleet Admiral is not my goal."
"My goal is to purge all the trash from these seas."
"As Fleet Admiral, I would have to remain stationed at Marine Headquarters."
"I haven't killed enough pirates yet."
"This so-called Great Pirate Era must be brought to an end."
The sword-bearing Elder nodded.
"Since that's the case, so be it."
"The Reverie is approaching. Return to Headquarters and resume your duties."
It was merely a symbolic question. Although they favored Sakazuki, Sengoku was also a perfectly suitable candidate. The only difference was that Sengoku lacked Sakazuki's brutal decisiveness.
Moreover, Sakazuki's age wasn't quite appropriate, but if they wished, they could still push him forward.
After all, if Sakazuki became Fleet Admiral, this blade would be a fine weapon.
But since he had no desire for it, Sengoku would do just as well—only not as sharp as Sakazuki.
Sakazuki nodded and slowly walked out.
Once he was completely gone, several CP members immediately escorted Doflamingo inside.
After placing him down, they withdrew.
Doflamingo stretched his body.
Thud—
He lay flat on his back on the floor. Warm sunlight shone down through the glass onto his body, and his lips curled up.
"Fufufufufufu~"
"This really is comfortable. Compared to a prison, it's far better."
The curly-haired Elder glanced at him and said:
"So we meet again, son of the Donquixote family."
"Do you think you'll walk out this time?"
Doflamingo gave an inscrutable laugh.
"Why not…?"
"After all, with the existence of that 'national treasure,' you wouldn't want the world to know, would you…?"
...
East Blue, Goa Kingdom.
The kingdom was spotless, decorated with lanterns and banners.
Inside the great city, golden ornaments were hung everywhere to welcome the World Nobles—the Celestial Dragons.
The nobles who lived within the inner city of the kingdom were already gathered at the harbor, eager for a glimpse of the "true aristocrats."
As a small black speck appeared on the sea,
Boom! Boom! Boom!
A series of fireworks burst into the sky.
Even in daylight, the dense fireworks shone brilliantly.
Countless people waved the flags of the World Government and shouted.
"The Government's ship is here!!!"
"Inside are the 'true nobles'!!!"
"The Celestial Dragons-sama!!!"
"Ahhhhh!!!"
On the luxurious World Government ship, a fat Celestial Dragon looked impatiently at the distant crowd.
"Are these lowly commoners welcoming us?"
A CP member beside him replied respectfully:
"Yes."
The fat Celestial Dragon sneered at the crowd.
"Such a nuisance."
"Stay vigilant against these lowborn commoners."
"There might be some insolent fools among them."
The CP member responded at once.
"Yes, sir!!!"
...
Night.
East Blue, Shimotsuki Village.
A green-haired brat was training, lifting giant boulders several times larger than himself.
By the railing, a few other disciples of the dojo were gathered.
The children looked in awe at the massive ship, fascinated by everything on board.
"Did you see that guy with the huge face in the daytime?"
"Yeah, yeah! It was the first time I've seen someone like that!"
"Look! There are kids on that ship about the same age as us!"
"Eh! Really!!!"
"What's that they're holding? A sword?"
"No! It looks more like…"
"A steel pipe!!!"
Meanwhile, the green-haired brat was lost in his own world, lifting the boulder.
"580… 581… 582…"
...
On the Revolutionary Army's great ship anchored at Shimotsuki Village harbor,
Ivankov looked bored, until a breeze lifted his spirits.
"You're so slow, Dragon!"
Seeing Dragon, Ivankov shouted:
"How long are you going to keep me waiting!!!"
"Really now… where were you wandering off to?"
Dragon walked over.
"Sorry."
"I attended the welcoming ceremony for the World Nobles."
Ivankov's face went blank.
"Huh?"
"You actually went to a place like that without telling me?!"
"Why didn't you take me along!!!"
Dragon glanced at him and shook his head.
"No… you're too conspicuous."
He walked to the railing of the deck, gazing toward the Goa Kingdom.
"We must gather our strength as quickly as possible."
"So that when the next Reverie comes, we'll be ready."
He turned to the helmsman.
"Is the resupply finished?"
The helmsman answered.
"Yes, it's done."
"The dojo in the village gave us some food supplies."
Dragon nodded.
"I see…"
"Prepare to set sail. We're returning to Baltigo."
...
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Inside the Fleet Admiral's office, Kong pressed his temples with a pained expression.
"What a hassle… every time this season comes around."
"Countless pirates appear out of nowhere."
"What's the latest situation?"
A clerk reported while holding his documents.
"So far, no problems."
"As of 10 a.m. today, we have repelled more than thirty pirate crews attempting to kidnap royal families."
"All were defeated before approaching their ships."
Kong nodded.
"Tell the patrol units not to relax for even a moment."
"This concerns the reputation of both the World Government and the Marines. Even if it costs their lives, they cannot allow the pirates to succeed."
The clerk saluted.
"Yes, sir!!!!"
He turned and left to deliver the orders.
At this time, Sakazuki entered from outside.
"A hard job indeed, Fleet Admiral."
Kong chuckled.
"You finally decided to come back."
"Since when does a newly appointed Admiral disappear for years on end?"
Sakazuki gave a faint laugh.
"No choice. There are too many pirates."
"I can't kill them fast enough."
Kong shook his head.
"You…"
"By the way, I'll soon be promoted to the Holy Land."
"What are your thoughts?"
Sakazuki sighed.
"None… truly none…"
"Not only you, but the Elders also asked me, and even some officers found ways to ask indirectly…"
"You know already."
"My lifelong wish is to eradicate every pirate in this world."
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The fanfic is Finished on p@treon/tambeerg. 414 chapters in total