Holy Land, Mariejois
The Five Elders, the five men who held the reins of the world, were currently rubbing their foreheads and temples, their lips pressed in silence.
Finally, the blond man spoke, “State your terms once more.”
From the previous outbursts and scolding to now agreeing to negotiate, although the tone remained stern, it was clear they were temporarily yielding.
Such was the gravity of the so-called “national treasure.”
It might seem like just a simple piece of information, but the Five Elders couldn’t imagine the chaos that would ensue if this information were to spread.
The broader upheaval outside was frightening enough, but what they dreaded the most was the potential loss of control over those within the government who were intimidated by the existence of the “national treasure,” leading to an irreversible chain reaction.
“Donquixote has controlled Dressrosa for eight years,” Nagato replied through the Transponder Snail. “As compensation, waive eight years of World Government membership taxes and the Heavenly Tribute for Dressrosa.”
The blond man rejected immediately, “Impossible, that’s too much!”
Nagato didn’t respond further, knowing that silence itself was the greatest pressure on the Five Elders.
After a long pause, the curly-haired elder spoke, “If we are to consider such terms, you must offer something in exchange.”
The Five Elders’ attitude was softening, nearing a position of equal negotiation with Nagato. This almost unbelievable situation was, of course, due to the “national treasure,” but it was clear they had reached the limit of their concessions.
Nagato then asked, “Alright, what are your conditions?”
The blond man handed the Transponder Snail to the curly-haired elder, as it was his proposal to lead the negotiation.
The curly-haired elder asked, “Did you kill Doflamingo?”
“Yes,” Nagato confirmed.
“Then you shall take Doflamingo’s place as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and publicly declare that the Dressrosa incident was a World Government operation,” the curly-haired elder said. “Conveniently, the agents aiding you are from CP9.”
Nagato pondered for two seconds, then agreed, “Fine, I will help you restore the World Government’s reputation. Is that all?”
Nagato taking up the position of a Warlord could certainly aid the World Government in salvaging their image from the Dressrosa incident. Still, it was hard to tell who benefited more from this arrangement. To present these terms as their conditions, the curly-haired elder felt as though Nagato was trying to fool him.
“Know your place when speaking to us, Dressrosa’s king!” the curly-haired elder rebuked. “If you are to be so tomorrow!”
Nagato remained silent, understanding well that he was indeed trying to pass this off lightly, and his hesitation indicated his reluctance to become a Warlord.
He was well aware that the Warlords were about to be called to action soon!
Sure enough, the curly-haired elder stated, “Erasing the impact of the Dressrosa incident is your duty! Making you a Warlord is because the Navy has an upcoming operation and will issue a mandatory summon. How you perform will justify to other member countries why Dressrosa’s taxes and Heavenly Tribute are being waived!”
The Five Elders made it sound simple, but Nagato knew the impending operation was none other than the “War of the Best.” Helping the World Government fight such a battle was indeed worth as much as the taxes being waived for Dressrosa. The Five Elders spoke as though Nagato was getting the better deal.
But since Nagato decided to take the position, he was prepared, “Since this is a part of the original agreement for the Warlords, naturally, I can do it.”
In Mariejois, the other four Elders saw the curly-haired elder’s negotiation as fair and reasonable, briefly discussing among themselves.
“The Warlords should be recruited from pirates; this kid doesn’t fit the criteria.”
“The Navy urgently needs combat power. Since this kid dealt with Doflamingo, he has some strength. Let’s make an exception this time.”
“Indeed, considering the transaction, this condition is currently the most fitting.”
After exchanging their views, the curly-haired elder concluded, “Very well, someone will contact you for the specifics.”
Without waiting for Nagato’s response, he hung up.
Nagato also concluded the call, having negotiated the terms he wanted with the World Government.
This long day was finally coming to an end, and by tomorrow, the first wave of repercussions from these significant events would begin to unfold worldwide.
In a Certain Country
“Extra! Extra!”
“Our report covers eight years of Donquixote’s crimes!”
“Heavenly Yaksha dead, Donquixote defeated!”
“For just five Berries, learn the full story of this major event!”
On a Certain Island
A news coo arrived, and the islanders exchanged Berries for today’s newspaper.
Opening it, the headline read: “Former Warlord’s Crimes Exposed, Dressrosa Incident a Government Operation!”
Inside the paper, several sub-headlines stood out:
“Donquixote’s Usurpation”;
“World Government Gathers Evidence, Dispatches Agents”;
“Government Elevates Operation Leader to New Warlord!”
Aboard a Certain Pirate Ship
“Coo! Coo!”
The news coo flew overhead, letting out loud calls. Below it was a vibrant, colorful ship with a lion’s head figurehead, looking like a sun, and sails adorned with a skull wearing a straw hat, clearly a pirate ship.
At this time, the ship known as the Thousand Sunny, carrying the Straw Hat Pirates, was heading towards the Sabaody Archipelago, the midpoint of the Grand Line.
“Oh my,” Robin, lying on a lounge chair on the grassy deck and reading, heard the bird’s call, looked up, and waved. “The news coo is here.”
The news coo landed on Robin’s leg, taking the Berries she handed over and putting them into its chest pouch. After Robin took a newspaper, the bird flew away again.
Opening the newspaper, Robin started reading, soon exclaiming, “This is big news.”
Hearing Robin’s comment, Nami, and Usopp, who were already interested in the latest news, walked over, and soon the rest of the crew gathered around.
But as Robin was scanning the headlines, her expression suddenly changed, “This is…”
Nami, seeing Robin’s face, quickly asked, “What is it, Robin?”
“Robin-chan!” Sanji spun over like a whirlwind, “What’s troubling you, my dear? Your knight in shining armor is here!”
Annoyed by Sanji, Zoro snapped, “Shut up, idiot!”
“What did you say?” Sanji fumed.
Ignoring the bickering pair, Nami and the others gathered near Robin, looking at the newspaper.
The headline read: “World Government Appoints New Warlord,” and the accompanying photo was none other than Nagato, who had taught them a harsh lesson on Sky Island!
“After thorough investigation and evidence collection, the World Government planned and executed the Dressrosa operation, crushing the Donquixote crime syndicate. Former Warlord ‘Heavenly Yaksha’ Doflamingo was executed for his crimes. The operation leader, Uzumaki Nagato, was recognized for his outstanding performance and significant contributions, and the World Government decided to appoint him as the new Warlord of the Sea!”
“The new Warlord, ‘Six Paths’ Nagato, is a user of the Rinnegan Fruit, possessing six formidable abilities. The World Government expects his strength to replace Doflamingo, more effectively deterring and combating pirate criminals. As a special appointment, Nagato does not have a bounty or wanted poster since he is not a pirate.”
“Additionally, sources indicate that Nagato is likely to assume the throne of Dressrosa, becoming the king of this World Government member nation!”
The photograph depicted Nagato standing above Dressrosa after his victory, with countless cheering citizens below and Nagato holding the infamous “Heavenly Yaksha” Doflamingo in his hand.
Combining the image and the text, it was no wonder Robin’s expression had changed so dramatically.
The strange man they encountered on Sky Island was now the new Warlord of the Sea and the new king of Dressrosa!
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