Having received his orders, Ivalis couldn't resist casting one last glance back before finally departing.
The scene was so surreal he doubted his own eyes. Only after confirming that the man sitting there was indeed Alucard himself did he officially take his leave, thinking privately, "He really is back... what on earth happened during this past year and a half?!"
On the western coast of Arderay, where the Golden Hair Pirates' ship was moored, a subordinate saw his captain's dazed expression and couldn't help but ask, "Captain, did something happen?"
"I have an announcement for all of you. Also, bring me a Den Den Mushi," Ivalis commanded.
…
As night fell over the world, it descended upon the Holy Land, Mariejois, as well.
Following the fierce battle a year ago, the World Government had chosen not to immediately wipe out the remnants of the Immortal Pirates. This wasn't just because the pirate crew still possessed significant military might, but because the Government itself had suffered devastating losses.
Led by Fujitora, many who were utterly disgusted by the Government's methods had resigned and left, including several high-level combatants.
The Gorosei, however, remained indifferent. Military strength could be replenished at any time. Once the Government's forces recovered, whether it was the Immortal Pirates or traitors like Momousagi and Shirokitsune, all would be put to death to demonstrate the Government's absolute authority.
With such thoughts, the Gorosei gradually drifted into sleep. Even they were human, after all, and required rest.
It is said that dreams are shaped by one's mood and thoughts during the day.
Indeed, clinging to those ambitions, the blond-haired member of the Gorosei, who had once fought Alucard on Spring Queen Island, as well as Oseinofica, head of one of the three Great Celestial Dragon Families, fell into pleasant dreams regarding that war.
In his dream, the blond Gorosei saw a future where the Government had recruited a new batch of fanatical agents. Unlike rebels like Fujitora and Momousagi, these warriors were completely loyal.
Unlike the battle on Island, the Gorosei and Celestial Dragons didn't need to lift a finger or use the National Treasure. They simply watched as the Immortal Pirates led by Hancock and Ivalis, along with the anti-government faction led by Fujitora and Shirokitsune, were all captured and brought to the summit of the Holy Land.
In a broadcast seen by every Den Den Mushi in the world, these rebels who dared defy the Government were executed, manifesting Heaven's Mandate.
As he dreamed of the heads of Fujitora and Ivalis being severed one by one, the blond Gorosei lying in his bed couldn't help but let a smile slip across his face.
Crack! Crack crack!
Just as the Government executioner was about to behead Hancock, the imagery in the Gorosei's dream suddenly shattered like a pane of glass. Two seconds later, it exploded entirely into countless shards.
The blond Gorosei did not wake immediately. Instead, each shard began to reflect the image of the same man.
A red fedora, a black shirt, a blood-red duster, and those iconic, small circular sunglasses.
Alucard!
"Yo~ Long time no see."
One of the Alucards stepped out from the myriad of shards, walking until he was practically face-to-face with the Gorosei's perspective. He looked around. "First time in here... and it's such a disgusting scene. No matter how much time passes, your Government's lust for power never changes."
Alucard surveyed the surroundings as if sightseeing. Meanwhile, the blond Gorosei, though his eyes were closed in sleep, now wore an expression of sheer disbelief.
In the dream, Alucard noticed this, turned around, and smirked. "What's wrong? For a man at the pinnacle of global power, such an expression is quite unseemly."
Alucard spread his arms wide. "It's nothing to be so surprised about. Honestly, I have you to thank for this ability. If you hadn't used that National Treasure to drive me to the brink, I wouldn't have awakened this power."
"The current me... exists everywhere and nowhere at once."
Alucard turned his back to the Gorosei. "I only came by today to say hello. After killing off every life within me, the souls and abilities I previously possessed have vanished. I intend to go find them. As for you lot... I can deal with you whenever I please."
As he spoke, Alucard's body gradually dissolved into shadow. Within five seconds, the Gorosei's dream collapsed into total darkness.
"AAAAAHHH!"
The blond Gorosei screamed as he bolted upright. His black suit jacket was off, leaving only his white dress shirt, which was now completely soaked with sweat, as was his forehead.
"Huff... huff..."
He clutched his forehead, muttering, "A... a dream? But... it felt far too real."
Usually, when one wakes from a dream, even if much was said, they can only vaguely recall a line or two. But the blond Gorosei remembered every single word Alucard had spoken with terrifying clarity. It left him trembling with dread.
"No... this won't do. We must convene a meeting."
He stood up, pulled his suit jacket back on, and snatched up the receiver of a Den Den Mushi. "The four of you, get to the chamber immediately. I have a matter of extreme importance to announce."
To summon the full assembly of the Gorosei in the middle of the night was something that hadn't happened in decades. Yet, the other four quickly gathered in the room.
The Gorosei with the long white hair looked at the blond one. "What is this? Calling us here in the dead of night for something 'important'?"
The blond Gorosei looked grave. "Don't interrupt. Just listen. Just now..."
He began his narration, recounting every word Alucard had said in his dream to the other four. As he spoke, the expressions of the other four grew increasingly grim. When they first heard it was a dream, they found it odd, but by the end, their faces were masked only by pure apprehension.