Chapter 249: The New Era (Part 1)!
Holy Land Mariejois.
The lighting within the audience chamber was dim and solemn. Though the decor appeared ancient and restrained, it radiated invisible authority.
Five elderly figures either sat upon luxurious sofas or stood before the tall windows.
The atmosphere surrounding them was so oppressive that even the air itself seemed frozen.
This was the overwhelming majesty forged by those who had stood atop the world's power structure for centuries.
At this moment, their gazes—sharp as invisible blades—were all fixed upon the document spread across the tea table.
"The Straw Hat crew… has become increasingly difficult to predict."
Saint Topman Warcury, the Warrior God of Justice, broke the silence in a low voice, lightly tapping the tabletop with one finger.
"In the past, the only one truly worth watching aboard that ship was Straw Hat Luffy alone. But now…"
Saint Shepherd Peter, the Warrior God of Agriculture, narrowed his sharp eyes at the blood-soaked words written within the report.
["Pirate Hunter" Roronoa Zoro and "Black Leg" Vinsmoke Sanji joined forces to corner the legendary pirate Golden Lion Shiki]
[Former Beast Pirates member "Oni Princess" Yamato fought evenly against newly appointed Marine Admiral Fujitora (Issho)]
Several more lines followed, each one equally shocking.
"One after another… they've become absurd monsters."
Saint Topman Warcury slowly added.
"As for adjustments to their bounties, Marine Headquarters' staff recommendation is…"
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro adjusted his glasses, the lenses flashing coldly.
"To generally raise the core members' bounties… into the two billion beri range."
"Two billion?!"
Even the other Elders visibly reacted to that number.
"Inappropriate."
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn rejected the proposal immediately, his voice calm yet unquestionable.
"Three pirates with bounties exceeding two billion, all gathered on the same ship? How exactly are we supposed to explain that to the world?"
He paused, lightly tapping his cane against the floor.
"Golden Lion Shiki must—and can only—be publicly defeated by the Marines. Are we expected to fabricate additional 'achievements' for these pirates simply to justify those bounties?"
"The amount itself is already absurdly high!!"
"Saturn is correct."
Nusjuro nodded.
"Excessively high bounties would accomplish nothing except spreading unnecessary panic among civilians while adding more false glory to the Straw Hats' infamy."
"It would only further highlight the World Government's weakness!!"
The remaining Elders fell silent briefly before slowly nodding in agreement.
"Additionally…"
Warcury flipped to another page.
"Germa 66 has formally requested that 'Black Leg' Sanji's wanted status be changed from DEAD OR ALIVE to ONLY ALIVE."
"What is the Vinsmoke family plotting this time?" Shepherd Peter frowned slightly.
"It doesn't matter."
Saturn spoke indifferently, as though discussing something utterly insignificant.
"They are still a member nation affiliated with the World Government. Such a minor request can be granted."
A cold gleam flashed within his eyes.
At this level of piracy, what difference did a single word on a bounty poster truly make?
"Approved."
"Approved."
…
One after another, the remaining voices echoed through the chamber.
The discussion concerning the fate of the seas had reached its temporary conclusion.
Only the dossier regarding the Straw Hat Pirates remained quietly upon the table—
Its shadow seemingly spreading farther and farther across the world.
Less than twenty-four hours later, with both Marine Headquarters' propaganda machine and the Underworld's information networks pushing the story aggressively—
The news that "Golden Lion Shiki had been completely exterminated by the Marines" spread across the world like a hurricane.
The revelation detonated like a bomb, throwing the already turbulent seas into complete chaos.
Kings.
Nobles.
Crime lords.
Leaders of hidden organizations.
Countless powerful figures across the globe fell into prolonged silence after receiving the report.
The authority of the Marines—which had wavered after the Summit War—was now visibly rebuilding itself.
Once again, the eyes of the entire world turned toward Marineford and the towering Gates of Justice.
Whether out of fear, caution, or scrutiny—
Everyone had reached the same realization.
No matter how violently the era changed…
The Marines still possessed the iron will necessary to erase the remnants of the old age.
Sabaody Archipelago.
Shakky's Rip-Off Bar.
Thin afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows, dividing the wooden counter into alternating strips of light and shadow.
Shakky lazily leaned against the bar while smoke curled upward from the cigarette between her fingers, partially obscuring her amused smile.
"The Marines sure are getting more and more skilled at glorifying themselves."
She casually flicked away some ash, eyes drifting toward the newspaper headline spread before her.
The bold print exaggerated the Marines' "magnificent victory" in dramatic detail.
"That little Monkey boy clearly went to stop Golden Lion from destroying the East Blue…"
Her lips curled mockingly.
"But according to the papers, the Marines simultaneously crushed both a legend of the old era and a provocative new Emperor, all while achieving the glorious result of 'one dead and one heavily injured.'"
She let out a soft scoff.
"The World Government's mask just keeps getting thicker and thicker. At this point, they've practically abandoned all shame."
By the window, Silvers Rayleigh sat quietly.
One weathered hand rested atop the same exaggerated newspaper, yet his gaze wasn't focused on its words at all.
The sea breeze stirred his silver hair.
A deep sense of pride and satisfaction slowly spread across his aged face.
Lifting the bottle beside him, Rayleigh quietly spoke toward the endless ocean outside the window.
Yet his words felt as though they could cross even the Red Line itself.
"Go on…"
"Turn that sea upside down."
"King of the new era—"
"Luffy."
At the same time—
Inside Onigashima's central fortress.
The hallway beyond the audience chamber was dark and gloomy, the flickering wall lamps casting long shadows against the stone walls.
King leaned silently against a stone pillar with arms crossed, his black wings folded behind him.
The gaze behind his mask was as cold as steel.
"King! Why'd you call me here?!"
A rough, grating voice echoed from down the corridor.
Queen waddled over, his massive body nearly filling the hallway.
As always, he kept pulling up the straps of his overalls while an unlit cigar hung from his mouth.
His face wore its usual irritated expression.
But the instant he approached the hall entrance—
His steps abruptly stopped.
Squinting slightly, he glanced toward the rows of Beast Pirates officers standing silently outside the chamber.
Every single one of them looked pale.
Their knees trembled faintly.
Even their breathing was carefully restrained, as though making too much noise might awaken something terrifying.
The air reeked of alcohol—
And an overwhelming pressure so heavy it felt tangible.
"Governor-General Kaido wishes to see you."
King's voice remained completely emotionless as he stepped aside to reveal the entrance.
His black wings shifted slightly, several dark feathers drifting to the floor.
"…Huh?"
Queen rapidly replayed everything he'd done recently inside his head.
The newest Plague rounds were progressing normally.
Nobody had discovered him sneaking red bean soup the night before.
Even his recent arguments with King had stayed within "normal" levels.
After confirming he'd done nothing especially suicidal—
He forced out a grin and cautiously stepped inside, his short legs noticeably less confident than usual.
The hall felt oppressively empty.
Beneath the towering ceiling sat only a single gigantic figure.
Kaido slumped forward in his seat, long hair hanging messily around his shoulders.
More than a dozen empty sake barrels lay scattered around his feet.
The overwhelming smell of alcohol practically formed a visible haze.
Mixed within it was the sound of low, intermittent sobbing.
"Shiki… you bastard…!!"
Kaido suddenly raised his head and roared into empty space, tears mixed with alcohol rolling down his scarred chest.
"You actually got… hic… killed by the Marines?!"
"It's all because… you were too weak!!!"
His cries echoed repeatedly throughout the stone hall like the mournful howls of some wounded beast.
Then—
Kaido's tear-filled eyes suddenly noticed the frozen silhouette near the doorway.
Floral shirt.
Overalls.
And a fat face struggling to maintain an awkward smile.
"U-uh… boss…"
Queen's tongue practically tied itself into knots while one suspender strap slipped halfway off his shoulder again.
"Y-you wanted to see me… about… something?"
Kaido slowly tilted his head.
The confusion on his face lasted only an instant.
Then—
An icy gleam surfaced within his drunken eyes.
"…Queen?"
Slowly, Kaido rose to his feet.
The shadow cast by his enormous body spread throughout the hall like darkness swallowing the world itself.
"When exactly…"
"…did I ever call for you?"
Silence.
Cold sweat streamed down Queen's forehead and disappeared into his collar.
"…S-so…"
Kaido spoke one word at a time, each syllable sounding as though it had been crushed between his teeth first.
"You came here… specifically to laugh at me… right?!"
CRACKLE—!!!
Purple-black lightning exploded violently around the massive kanabo resting beside his throne.
The iron spikes scraped against the stone floor, sending sparks flying everywhere.
Queen's pupils shrank to pinpoints.
"WAIT! BOSS! THIS IS A HUGE MISUNDERSTAND—"
His gigantic body burst backward with shocking agility as he screamed toward the hallway:
"KIIIING!!! YOU BASTARD!!!"
"Thunder—"
Kaido vanished from sight.
The instant the sonic boom erupted—
The Hassaikai had already torn through the air.
"—BAGUA!!!"
BOOOOOOOOM—!!!
The entire island of Onigashima trembled violently.
A massive shockwave carrying black lightning exploded outward from the hall entrance.
Outside, the officers' coats were blown wildly backward while King's black wings rustled heavily in the storm.
Expressionless, he casually raised one arm to block flying debris as though brushing away dust.
The deafening chaos inside continued for more than ten seconds.
Heavy impacts.
Explosions.
And Queen's gradually weakening screams echoed throughout the fortress.
When everything finally fell silent—
King glanced sideways toward the ruined hall.
As expected.
Whenever Kaido lost emotional control…
He always needed a suitable punching bag.
And somehow—
Queen always ended up perfectly cast in the role.
King turned and walked away, his black wings casting fading shadows down the corridor.
His task was complete.
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