'Bang!'
"Damn it!"
"That insolent Lunarian brat!"
"Who does he think he is, daring to act so brazenly and disrespectfully?"
"To insult the World Government and demean the descendants of the Celestial Dragons in public—we cannot let this go unpunished!"
Atop the Red Line, in Mariejois, the Holy Land, the ornate tea table lay shattered in pieces.
The faces of the Five Elders were ashen with fury as they glared at the projection before them.
The Den Den Mushi had just relayed footage of the Totto Land Kingdom's founding ceremony. On the grand stage stood El, the leader of the Fallen Angel Pirates, boldly delivering his speech.
"What an audacious and ambitious man…"
Saint Saturn's expression darkened as he spoke coldly. "To think he dreams of founding a pirate nation to challenge the World Government. We cannot allow him to succeed."
"That bastard!"
Saint Mars paced back and forth, muttering, "While his speech might sound absurd to most commoners—unlikely to gain their trust or belief—"
"—it's undeniable that his rhetoric carries an alarming level of appeal to the oppressed minority races."
The World Government's authority had ruled the seas for centuries, painstakingly cultivated and deeply entrenched in the hearts and minds of the people.
Its untouchable status as the one true authority wasn't something El's words could topple in an instant.
However, for the enslaved and oppressed minority races who already harbored resentment toward the World Government, El's speech was a beacon of hope—a lighthouse pointing the way forward.
There was a real risk that slaves and marginalized races might flock to the Fallen Angel Pirates, pledging their allegiance.
"We must accelerate the plan to annihilate the Fallen Angel Pirates. They cannot be given time to grow stronger…"
Saint Ju Peter frowned deeply, speaking bluntly:
"If we delay, more minority groups will inevitably join this so-called 'Totto Land Kingdom.' Their strength will only snowball."
"Especially considering that bastard's close ties with the giants. If he manages to recruit even more of them, the consequences will be dire."
"According to intelligence from the Navy and CP0, he has already developed multiple giant Devil Fruit users. Their massive size, combined with terrifying strength and Devil Fruit powers, makes them a formidable threat."
The other Elders, including Saint Valkyrie, nodded in agreement.
The Fallen Angel Pirates were already a major threat. Now, with their ambitions to found a nation, claim territory, and openly challenge the World Government's rule, the Totto Land Kingdom posed a colossal risk.
The longer it was allowed to exist, the greater the danger—and the more damaging the precedent it would set.
"What about the independent powerhouse in the first half of the Grand Line?"
Saint Nasujuro adjusted his glasses, speaking directly.
"According to CP0's latest report, they're still considering our offer," Saint Mars replied.
"However, they seem tempted by the conditions we've offered."
"After all, being promoted directly to the rank of Admiral and granted full authority as an Admiral is no small offer."
"This world has no shortage of so-called hermits claiming to disdain worldly affairs," Saint Mars added with a smirk. "But how many of them can truly resist the allure of fame and power?
"Few, if any, can remain completely indifferent."
…
Meanwhile, in the mid-region of the New World, within the Totto Land Kingdom on Cake Island, the vast royal palace hummed with activity.
As the grand inauguration ceremony concluded and the live broadcast ended, El led the Fallen Angel Pirates' core members into the grand council chamber.
The Totto Land Kingdom's governance was in disarray.
For islands previously under the Hell Trading Company's control, things were relatively stable. However, on newly conquered islands, many civilians still resisted.
Laws and regulations had to be drafted, improved, and implemented, leaving the kingdom in a state of urgent need.
But El wasn't one to micromanage.
While he didn't ignore everything, most mundane administrative matters were delegated to the Advisory Division, headed by Tsuru and Stussy.
El dealt only with major issues or decisions concerning the nation's overall development.
"The Totto Land Daily Newspaper is prepared, thanks to the Hell Trading Company's groundwork. It can be launched immediately," Tsuru reported.
"As for the kingdom's development, we'll maintain the existing order for now. Tsuru, have your division draft a long-term plan—we'll address it gradually."
After listening to her report, El gave brief directives:
"Additionally, laws and regulations must be finalized as soon as possible."
"Three days at most," Tsuru replied confidently.
"The Advisory Division will deliver a plan that satisfies you, El-sama."
Her professional demeanor was stern, a stark contrast to her usual familiarity with El. Once known as the "Navy's Flower," Tsuru had proven her brilliance in strategy and administration, earning El's trust as Chief Advisor.
"Kuhaha, is it my turn now?"
Dr. Kureha, the newly appointed Minister of Health, stepped forward with a document.
Handing it to El, she grinned: "Regarding Totto Land's healthcare reform, the construction of hospitals, the procurement of equipment, and the recruitment of medical staff—I've outlined a detailed plan here."
"In short, you need money, right?"
Glancing over the plan, El chuckled.
The proposal revolved around one central issue: funding.
And the numbers were astronomical.
"The Totto Land Kingdom is just getting started, and there are too many demands on the treasury. Take it one step at a time."
El sighed, glancing at the smirking Dr. Kureha.
Still, he appreciated her genuine effort. She hadn't dumped the challenge of acquiring medical talent onto him but had taken responsibility herself. Talent acquisition was the hardest part of her task.
Money, on the other hand, was a problem that could eventually be solved.
El didn't hesitate: "For now, I can allocate 30% of the requested funds to your department."
Dr. Kureha's grin widened; she had expected far less.
"Fine by me!"
She had anticipated only 10% of her request being approved. That El was willing to allocate 30% surprised her pleasantly—it showed both the kingdom's financial strength and his commitment to his promises.
With these funds, once hospitals were built, Kureha had plans to poach doctors from Drum Island, a nation renowned for its medical expertise.
Despite Drum Island's advanced healthcare, it was a poor nation, and its doctors earned modest salaries.
By offering superior pay and benefits, Kureha was confident many would be tempted to join Totto Land's healthcare system—once the kingdom stabilized and proved capable of withstanding the World Government's inevitable assault.
"Now then…"
El turned his gaze to Sally, the shapeshifting "Witch of a Hundred Faces" and head of Totto Land's intelligence division:
"Sally, any updates on the World Government's movements?"
Sally, her white-and-gold military uniform perfectly tailored, stared at El with an almost fiery intensity before collecting herself.
"El-sama," she reported seriously, "CP agents are constantly probing for information about the Fallen Angel Pirates. We've uncovered several spies planted within Totto Land's borders."
"However, there are likely others hiding too deeply for now. Completely rooting them out will take more time, though with Lillian's help, we're making steady progress."
"Additionally, our agents embedded within CP report that the World Government is currently attempting to recruit a civilian powerhouse from the Grand Line, offering them a promotion directly to Admiral rank."
"Oh? A civilian powerhouse?"
El raised an eyebrow in interest.
Even Linlin, Mos, and Gerd looked surprised.
"We've identified the target," Sally replied with a smile.
"And Barry made sure to leave a mark. Using mirrors strategically placed across the seas by our Homies, we can monitor the target's location closely."
"Mamamama~ So they're within range, huh?"
Linlin let out a sinister laugh: "Well, that's just bad luck for them, isn't it?"
~~~
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