Sea Circle Calendar 1507, top of Red Line, Holy Land Mariejois.
This is the seat of the Five Elders, the most potent figures in the world, representing the World Government. Here resides the most elite group of individuals globally, possessing both the dominion over and the authority to govern the world. The so-called descendants of the twenty kings, often labeled as the world's nobility, are, in reality, nothing more than a collection of worthless and foolish individuals.
Mariejois is a sacred haven coveted by all. In every direction, opulent and magnificent palaces grace the landscape. The staff, moving to and fro, consist of handsome men and beautiful women, creating an ambiance akin to a dream on earth.
Beneath the resplendent facade of the palace, hidden beneath its bright exterior, lies stacks of bones and countless squalor—a pool of unimaginable crimes!
Night falls and the lanterns are turned on.
The endless array of palaces grew more enigmatic and breathtaking. Through the shadowy alleys, columns of slaves marched, trailed by guards brandishing whips, as if herding them along. The slaves were roughly jostled about like livestock. If one lagged behind, a swift slap awaited, forcing them to muster the strength to rise even if battered.
Blood streamed down his body, following the scars, and his numb, lifeless eyes seemed to have relinquished any sense of pain. When it came to their well-being, well, the world's nobles wouldn't squander medicine on account of a mere slave.
In this sacred realm elevated in the clouds, slaves are perpetually the most devalued commodities. Indeed, they are considered items. To Celestial Dragons, they aren't of the same ilk as the common folk of this world; they are divine beings! They perceive themselves as descendants of the Creator God, bestowed with the power to enslave all things!
One by one, slaves were herded into gloomy dungeons, huddling together, where their dinner consisted of meager scraps. In comparison to the demanding labor they endured, their meals barely provided enough sustenance for the most essential life functions. Yet, they were not in a position to be choosy.
As for hoping for the arrival of a savior? Perhaps they harbored such fantasies for a few years after joining...
Simultaneously, within a dim dungeon, devoid of throngs of slaves, three girls sat together. In the center was a steamed bun, appearing somewhat hardened. The occasional flies buzzing around suggested that it wasn't appetizing fare.
Nevertheless, the stomachs of these three girls simultaneously emitted a growl, and their incessant swallowing betrayed their yearning for this less-than-appetizing steamed bun.
"Sister, you better eat. We...we're not very hungry yet."
This trio comprises three sisters. It appeared that the youngest among them forcibly ceased her swallowing and directed her gaze at the eldest sister within the group.
Following the sister's line of sight, a girl with long black hair came into view. Not even the gray stains on her face could detract from her beauty and elegance. Her entire being emanated an unseen yet irresistible allure.
Upon hearing her sister's refusal, she frowned unhappily. Her red lips parted slightly, emitting a melodious sound akin to the call of an oriole.
"Marigold? What nonsense are you talking about? I... I've been full for a long time."
Gulu~
As soon as she finished speaking, three dull sounds of gastrointestinal peristalsis echoed.
The three of them looked at each other awkwardly, and then broke into tears.
"How about the three of us share it together..."
...
Boom boom boom!
The weather today is exceedingly somber, with dark clouds blanketing the sky and obscurity shrouding the sea. Occasional thunderstorms intermittently pierce the silent darkness, offering fleeting glimpses of light.
Suddenly, on the towering Red Line, a crimson, webbed hand gripped the edge of the wall...
Boom!
There was another thunderous sound, and a burst of white light illuminated the bearer of the fish flippers. This was a Sea Bream fish-man!
...
Marineford, Admiral Office.
"The headquarters has decided to station you at Sabaody Archipelago. Typically, a Marine Rear Admiral is assigned to garrison Sabaody."
Atlas was a bit perplexed upon hearing this and gazed directly at Sengoku, as if seeking the answer from his facial expression.
Sengoku didn't beat around the bush and explained his intentions plainly, "The Sabaody Archipelago can be considered the primary gateway for pirates entering the New World. Your task is to intercept the majority of pirates at the entrance to the New World, preventing new recruits from joining the Whitebeard Pirates, Big Mom Pirates, and the Beasts Pirates!"
"Now, our Marine has managed to suppress the three major pirate groups in the New World. However, if a constant influx of pirates occurs, most of the arrangements we've established previously will be essentially undermined, particularly those so-called supernovas among the pirates!"
Upon hearing this, Atlas couldn't help but admire Sengoku's strategic acumen. He truly deserved the title of "The Resourceful General" among the Marines!
This approach could be labeled as a last-ditch strategy. Considering the three dominant pirate groups in the New World, not only do they frequently clash with the Marines, but they also engage in constant internal conflicts. Without the influx of fresh recruits, it's anticipated that such massive pirate groups will be left with only a scant few commanders in the end.
Both Whitebeard and Kaido are more than willing to welcome new pirate groups into their fold. Even Big Mom, despite her seemingly ruthless demeanor, follows a similar pattern, though each has their unique approach.
For instance, Whitebeard prefers winning over the hearts of potential allies, regardless of whether they ultimately join, relying heavily on his charismatic personality. On the other hand, Big Mom's strategy boils down to two words: marriage. As long as she takes a liking to someone, she might marry her less competent daughter off to them. A cold-blooded and ruthless tyrant, what she believes in most is the bond of blood. Hence, it's no surprise that when her daughters get married, their loyalties shift entirely to their husbands, even if it means betraying the mother they fear the most.
Kaido keeps it relatively straightforward – swing the mace, and if you don't accept, get beaten in! If you're still not convinced, the beating continues until you are. Most individuals eventually opt to join the Beasts Pirates. Only Moria didn't join as he wanted revenge for his partners.
"Hmm?" Atlas suddenly thought about Moria. This guy should be making a move to escape from Wano soon. By the way, he dug up the ancestral graves in Wano, and there should be many renowned swords. The Sandai Kitetsu in Atlas's hand has been a bit challenging to wield for a while, and the Black Sword Shisui would be more suitable for him.
Pere~Pere~Pere~Pere.....
Just as Sengoku was about to clear his throat and embark on a lengthy speech, the phone on his desk suddenly rang.
"Moshi Moshi~ This is Sengoku!"
"I am Saint Nusjuro."
Five Elders!
A word suddenly flashed in Atlas's mind. The one who claimed to be a 'saint' and could directly approach Sengoku was undoubtedly the highest authority in the World Government - the Five Elders!
"Excuse me, what's the matter?"
Sengoku unconsciously sat up straighter.
"Mariejois was attacked…"
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