Gathering

"Former member of Baroque Works? Stole a country? And Vivi was also a member of Baroque Works?"

Sengoku looked at Aokiji in front of him with a somewhat surprised expression.

"That's right."

Aokiji said, "Momousagi sent a message that Queen Zala of the Sakura Kingdom was a former member of Baroque Works, as was her apprentice Vivi, but they have already set off for the New World."

"So that's how it is."

Sakazuki looked furious. "A queen and a Princess —two countries have betrayed us. Launch Buster Call and attack those two countries."

"This is different."

Aokiji said, "Zala has withdrawn from Baroque Works, and Vivi is being controlled; strictly speaking, she has nothing to do with the government."

Sakazuki said, "But both countries must have some connection with Baroque Works."

"I said Akainu."

Aokiji looked at Sakazuki and said, "It has nothing to do with these two countries, and we shouldn't blame them. This is what Momousagi asked us to do. I have already made my assurances."

Sakazuki narrowed his eyes upon hearing this, and then asked, "Then we need to see if we have enough information first."

"Certainly."

Aokiji said, "They went to the New World to attack Big Mom."

"Big Mom? With them?"

Sakazuki said with a cold laugh.

Aokiji said, "They discovered a weakness in Big Mom and developed a nerve agent..."

Aokiji relayed the information he had obtained from Momousagi, and Sakazuki and Sengoku couldn't help but frown upon hearing it.

"Ace's strength is no longer what it used to be."

Sengoku said, "Even Bruno couldn't take him down in a short time. If we can really poison Big Mom, then the rest of the people are nothing to fear."

Sakazuki said, "Moreover, since Whitebeard saved Baroque Works, it's not impossible that Whitebeard won't show up. I think this might be a conspiracy by the Whitebeard Pirates."

"That's unlikely."

Sengoku said, "Whitebeard has never revealed his ambition; he doesn't seem like..."

"But he's old."

Sakazuki interrupted Sengoku, saying, "Nobody knows what he's planning to do now. Maybe he's planning to go to Laugh Tale before he dies. Big Mom happens to have a piece of the Poneglyph."

Sengoku slammed his hand on the table and said, "Then let's send someone to investigate Big Mom first, to see if she has this weakness."

"As long as it is implemented."

Sakazuki said, "This proves that Whitebeard is plotting something big, and we must stop him. This world cannot afford to have another One Piece."

Sengoku's expression was grave. He said, "We'll talk about it after the investigation results are out."

"That's about enough."

Luo withdrew his hand holding the tools and then said, "It's alright. Your internal organs were ruptured, but they've been stitched up. Don't move around for now; you'll be fine in a few days."

"Thank you for your help."

Cecilia stepped off the operating table and then said, "What do we do next?"

"I'll go with you to the North Coast to see the president." Luo looked at Heckle.

"Then come with us."

Heckle walked to the side and picked up Vergo's mangled corpse. Although his body had been cut open, he was not dead, but he was unable to move.

"I really don't know what you want him for?"

Seeing his actions, Luo shook his head, and the four of them headed outside the base towards the North Coast.

Upon reaching the shore, a ship appeared before them, and the people on board waved to them.

"Octopus Fish-Man Hachi, Cat Burglar Nami."

Upon approaching, Law looked towards the ship's side, squinted, and said, "And Fire Fist Ace is here too."

"Hello, Law, one of the Shichibukai."

Ace said with a grin, waving at Law.

"I never expected that Ace would actually leave the Whitebeard Pirates and join Baroque Works?"

Luo shook his head, then looked at Vivi and asked, "You're the club president."

Aside from Nami, Ace, and Hachi, there are only two other people on the ship who are somewhat special: Vivi and Mr. 2 Bon Clay, the transvestite.

In Luo's view, only Vivi could be the president.

"I'm not like that."

Vivi smiled and said, "As for the president..."

Splash!

A Giant Beast burst from the sea and rose into the sky. Heckle immediately placed the now-crushed Vergo a short distance away.

When Xia Qiu saw Vergo, her eyes lit up, and she opened her mouth wide and swallowed him whole amidst his fear.

"Giant Beast? It's truly imposing."

Luo looked at the Giant Beast with some surprise, then turned to Ace, "President, are you Ace?"

"I'm just a member."

Ace said with a smile, while Law looked at Mr. 2 Bon Clay again. He was unwilling to believe that he was the president of Baroque Works.

"It tastes very good."

Xia Qiu grinned and said, "Well done."

"Um?"

Upon hearing the sound, Luo immediately looked at Xia Qiu, his eyes filled with surprise. "This Giant Beast can talk?"

"President, I'm glad you're satisfied."

Heckle said with a smile, and Luo, upon hearing this, asked blankly, "Wait a minute, you're saying this Giant Beast is the president?"

"That's right."

Xia Qiu stepped forward, his massive head lowered, looking down at Luo, and said, "I am the president of Baroque Works. You can call me Xia."

"How is this possible..."

Luo looked very surprised. When he learned that Heckle was not the president, he had guessed who the president was, and he had also guessed Ace was. He never thought that the Giant Beast was the president.

Law then remembered that Crocodile was killed by Giant Beast in the water, Vice Admiral Onigumo fell into the water and died after his warship was sunk, Moria was attacked and there were traces of that Giant Beast, and Vice Admiral Garp was killed by Giant Beast alone.

"So that's how it is."

Luo looked at Xia Qiu and said, "So you've always been the head of Baroque Works. The world has been deceived all along."

"It's just that you're foolish."

Xia Qiu said, "Although I am not human, this world is not only powerful because of humans."

"That's not wrong."

Luo looked at Xia Qiu and asked, "So Baroque Works' next target is Doflamingo?"

"Good."

Xia Qiu said, "Our next target is Doflamingo. I wonder if you would be willing to continue cooperating with us."

"Can."

Luo nodded, then looked at Xia Qiu and said, "As long as you let me fight Doflamingo and let me defeat him with my own hands."

"Certainly."

Xia Qiu said, "I will create an opportunity for you to fight Doflamingo, but on the condition that you follow my plan."

"Good."

Luo nodded heavily and asked, "So what's next? What should we do?"

Xia Qiu looked into the distance and said, "Wait a moment, wait for a few people, they should be here soon."

"Waiting for someone?"

Luo was somewhat surprised. "Are there other people? They're also members of Baroque Works?"

"No."

Xia Qiu grinned and said, "But it is an extremely powerful force, because our target is not just Doflamingo."

"A ship is approaching in the distance."

At that moment, a voice rang out from the ship, "With crimson sails hanging."

"Are they here?"

Xia Qiu watched the approaching ship slowly in the distance, unable to contain her anticipation.

Robin.

It's been three and a half years. How are you?