One ship after another returned. Upon reaching the base beneath the Red Line, kings from all over the world and their relatives boarded specially made bubble ships, drifting up on the wind until they reached the world's highest city—and its center—Mary Geoise.
The arrival of royal families from every nation made Mary Geoise livelier than ever.
Entering this white city alongside the kings were Navy officers.
It was unrealistic to rely solely on Cipher Pol and Mary Geoise's guards to protect everyone. Their numbers were limited, after all.
Not to mention that, for the first time ever, the kings of every affiliated nation had been summoned.
For an event on this scale, it was absolutely impossible not to deploy the Navy for security.
Thus, nearly all senior Navy officers of Vice Admiral rank and above had been transferred to Mary Geoise. Aside from the Fleet Admiral and a small number of personnel left behind at headquarters, Mary Geoise had instead become a gathering place for the Navy.
"This is really lively, isn't it?"
On a platform somewhere in Mary Geoise stood a round table. Several of the Navy Headquarters' highest-ranking Admirals sat around it, leisurely basking in the sun and drinking afternoon tea.
While sipping his tea, Admiral Kizaru drawled, "It seems all the affiliated nations' kings were invited. Since the World Government was founded, there's never been anything like this, has there?"
"Well, war is already right around the corner."
Admiral Ryokugyu lay sprawled across the table like a dried weed, his voice muffled as well. "The people above surely want the support of every affiliated nation."
"War..."
Admiral Fujitora held a bowl of noodles. After slurping down a mouthful, he sighed deeply. "This will probably be an unprecedentedly terrifying war."
"How much harm will it bring to this