The New World.
A thousand meters above the sea.
A cluster of floating islands.
The Flying Pirates' headquarters.
The crisp clatter of high heels echoed through the halls before finally stopping outside a palace.
It was Jelly Queen Annie.
She was more mature and alluring than she had been seven years ago.
Her presence was also much more restrained.
"Captain, the Richest Group, which vanished seven years ago, has resurfaced."
"They're gradually cleaning up the mess left behind by the forces that rose during their absence. Their actions have affected the Celestial Dragons, the underworld, the Shichibukai, and that traitor, Axos."
Annie held a report in her hand.
Ever since the Richest Group had appeared in the Liquor Kingdom, the news had been impossible to keep under wraps.
It might not have spread across the whole world yet, but all the major powers on the seas already knew.
Annie's face twisted with hatred when she mentioned Axos.
She hated traitors.
"Gyahahaha~"
"It's been a long time since I heard that name. Axos."
Golden Lion set aside the sketchbook in his hands and took the report Annie offered. After giving it a casual glance, he lit a cigar and took a puff.
The Flying Pirates had dwindled to just a handful of members.
He hadn't made any effort to expand his forces over the years.
Its members remained the former Captain of the 9th Fleet, Jelly Queen Annie; the Captain of the 10th Fleet, Witch Loria; and the Captain of the 15th Fleet, Lone Wolf Spand.
There were also two new members: the ship's doctor and scientist, Dr. Indigo, and Scarlet the Gorilla.
The incident in which he had charged into Marineford alone had shown him how fickle human relationships could be.
For some reason, it made him feel a little