The Truce
Viruses are extremely troublesome; the Virus Fruit is considered one of the most dangerous Devil Fruit, on par with Doc Q's Bacteria Fruit.
The Red Demon Virus created by Queen is of immeasurable danger; frankly, it has the ability to destroy a kingdom in a short time due to its extremely high infectivity.
Due to the virus's activity, infection may not be possible without physical contact; even slight proximity can lead to infection.
With the Red Demon Virus, the Beasts Pirates possess a powerful weapon. Unless an antidote is developed, the Beasts Pirates' control indefinitely.
The Navy voluntarily withdrew, and an island behind it, the closest island to the central part of the New World, which was the original location of the G5 Branch, has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. Now, as one of the Navy's bases, it is being rebuilt again.
"Have you figured it out yet?" In addition to the Marine General present, there was also a projector in the Marine Headquarters conference room, all participating in the meeting.
Sakazuki sat in the head seat, looking at the Sengoku in the video, and asked them questions.
This is crucial; if the Red Devils' key objective cannot be resolved, this battle will be difficult to conclude.
In the first battle alone, the Navy lost more than 3,000 men, half of whom died under the Beasts Pirates' overwhelming firepower, while the majority of the rest were related to the Red Demon Virus.
Few people actually died from the Red Demon Virus; a large portion died from infighting, thanks to Crane's ability to react instantly.
However, many naval vessels have lost their combat capability and need time to recover.
These numbers account for one-third of the entire naval fleet. If the Red Demon Virus problem cannot be solved, how can the subsequent war proceed?
"The Red Demon Virus created by Queen is too domineering; this is the first time I've encountered such a terrifying virus."
Sengoku frowned, holding a research report on the Red Demon Virus from a special organization.
"Because the virus dies with the person, but not completely, we found that a small portion remains in the body, but it cannot exert any effect."
"After research, we can only temporarily produce a medicine to suppress the Red Demon Virus. Even with this suppression, it will take at least half a month to weaken the virus's effects in the body. This is enough to sustain us through a war. After the withdrawal, we can have He come to expel the Red Demon Virus."
"Isn't there an antidote?" Sakazuki couldn't help but ask. "How long will it take to develop one?"
"It can't be done in a short time. Researching an antidote isn't easy either. Even with a sufficient supply of Red Demon Virus, it would take at least six months. But if this isn't possible, the virus will die, and after Crane's abilities cleanse it, there won't be any virus residue left."
"The Red Demon Virus can kill a person in just ten minutes to half an hour, so the idea of using a human body to preserve the virus would be difficult to implement even if it were feasible."
"If we had an antidote, we could quickly deduce its formula based on it. But the antidote is in the hands of the Beasts Pirates, and we'll have a hard time getting our hands on it."
The Red Demon Virus is difficult to survive, which is both its weakness and its strength, making it difficult for others to use this characteristic to research a cure.
"An antidote needs to be developed as soon as possible; we'll have to use it sooner or later, and some sacrifices are worthwhile for it."
"In the next battle, I will personally handle this virus. When the time is right, I will pass it on to another person, and then Vice Admiral Tsuru will help me dispel it. In this way, the virus can be preserved for a long time, which will also minimize the possibility of greater casualties."
Sakazuki thought for a moment, then said seriously, "The purpose of the next war is this: to cease hostilities until an antidote is developed. This doesn't mean the war is over, it's just a postponement. Inform the World Government, and they should understand."
Sakazuki's words gave the others a glimmer of hope; this perfectly solved the problem. By preserving the virus in the human body, it could continuously change hosts, and with the crane present, there was no need to worry about death.
As for volunteers, the navy has no shortage of them.
"This is a great idea!" Sengoku nodded in approval. The key point was to postpone the war, allowing ample time to research the antidote.
When they first heard Sakazuki's words, they thought Sakazuki would want to wage war at any cost, which would cause huge casualties to the navy, and even if he won, it would be a devastating victory.
It seems Sakazuki has given this matter careful consideration. Considering the current state of the Navy, Sakazuki has clearly matured considerably over the years.
They unanimously approved Sakazuki's decision; nothing could have been better.
The only thing to consider is the World Government's attitude, but I believe the World Government can understand that, after all, they need a reasonable excuse and a way to back down.
That war was only six months ago, and this battle is only within the navy's barely manageable capacity. The time is still too short. It would be best if there were more time to recuperate.
"Is that so? We agree. We'll give you time." Upon hearing the Navy's request, the Gorosei thought for a moment and readily agreed. Their reasoning was reasonable; six months was not a short time, and they could afford to wait.
Moreover, they have seen the danger of the Red Demon Virus and must resolve it as soon as possible. Without an antidote, even the World Government will not feel at ease.
Vegapunk will also be involved in the research on the antidote, which would pose a great threat if it were to spread.
While researching the drug to suppress the Red Demon Virus, the Navy can take a good rest, especially those Navy members who have suffered severe blood loss, some of whom will need two or three months of recuperation.
After the navy withdrew, it took no further action, but continued to prepare for war, suggesting that the war was not yet over.
What others couldn't have imagined was that the war was nearing its end, with only one more test remaining.
Of course, this is only a temporary truce.
A few days later, the war between the Navy and the Beasts Pirates was no longer of much concern to anyone.
Because the long-awaited wedding between the Night Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates has finally arrived.
All the invited factions arrived in the Night Sea Domain two or three days in advance, residing either in the Combat Pyramid or in the luxurious palace on Pagila Island.
That's right, it's a palace, essentially a super luxurious hotel. You can't stay there without a certain status and position. It was originally a place for the Night Pirates to receive important guests.
The palace is named after Hera, a goddess from mythology, and was personally chosen by the Dark Emperor Teach, which also highlights the palace's nobility.
The interior decorations were magnificent and resplendent, showcasing wealth and status. Many people considered it an honor to live in the Hera Palace.
The entire Night Sea Domain was filled with cheers. This was a day worth celebrating, representing the connection between the Night Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates, and also signifying the Night Pirates' unshakeable supreme position in the New World.
Countless ordinary residents celebrated together, and a grand banquet was held on this day.
Laughter and cheerful conversation filled the Night Sea Domain, especially in the area near Pagila Island, where the Pagila Island itself was extremely prosperous.
A large number of residents and pirates surrounded the entrance to the massive Hera Palace, including many media reporters who had already prepared Transponder Snail and cameras.
In the sky, on the rooftops of houses in various locations, the Reporter Bird were also ready, trying to capture the most perfect photos and videos from the best angles.
Once their story is published in the newspaper, they can be said to have no worries for the rest of their lives.
For them, both their own kind and the humans below them are their competitors, and the atmosphere of involution in the journalism industry is extremely serious.
Because the Hera Palace is now filled with important figures from all over the world who are not usually seen. As the start of the wedding draws closer, these important figures will soon appear. They have been staying in the Hera Palace for the past few days.
Most people are not qualified to go to the Sky Island to attend the wedding, and for these media outlets, there are only a few places where they can obtain important information.
Just like the entrance to the Hera Palace, the other locations were also bustling with activity, attracting large crowds.
The Sky Walk leading to the Sky Island, which is also the entrance, is a necessary route for many important figures.
Near the Sky Walk to the Combat Pyramid, guests from the Giant race reside there. Due to Giant race' enormous size, the Combat Pyramid the only place suitable for them to live.
Inside the Combat Pyramid, large rooms were specially built specifically for the Giant race, as planned in advance.
There are thirty rooms in total; if everyone squeezes in, accommodating a hundred giants wouldn't be a problem at all.
The arrival of the Giant race on Pagila Island a few days ago shocked and greatly impressed many people. The legion led by the "Fierce God" Ares escorted them all the way from the rear of the New World to the Night Sea Domain.
This includes not only the Giant Soldier Pirates, who have been rebuilt and are now renowned New World, but also Loki, the prince of the Giant race, and his ten elite warriors from the Giant Kingdom.
Its enormous size and terrifying aura inspire fear.
Although there are giants on Pagila Island, their numbers are not large. The total number of Giant race who joined the Night Pirates, as well as those attracted to Pagila Island, is only close to thirty, and they are usually scattered.
How terrifying would it be to have nearly sixty giants standing together? It's a force that leaves one with no room to resist.
The significance of the Giant race prince is something that various forces want to explore, since the Giant Kingdom has never appeared on the sea in the past few hundred years, there are no records of it, and many people do not know that the Giant race have a kingdom.
This also shows that the relationship between the Night Pirates and the Giant race is closer than imagined, as the Giant race's special techniques have been learned by Ares, Slada, Mog Radon, three main members of the Night Pirates.
At the same time, this is a marriage alliance between the Night Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates.
The relationship between the Giant race and the Big Mom Pirates is well known to some factions. The fact that the Giant race could attend the wedding of two top-tier factions is unlikely to be a disturbance; it is very likely a reconciliation.
After all, Loki, the Giant race prince, is of noble status, and some people have already guessed the Giant race' purpose in coming here. They hope that the Night Pirates' relationship with both sides can serve as a link to facilitate reconciliation.
The Night Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates are already virtually invincible; if the power of the Elbaf Giant race were added, their strength would be unimaginable.
Besides Hera Palace, Pagila Island also boasts a very famous luxury hotel called Purple Water Palace, a beautiful palace with a marine theme, resembling a large aquarium.
Most importantly, it features beautiful female mermaids, which alone attracts a large number of customers.
However, virtually no one dares to lay a hand on female mermaids, because the Night Pirates stand behind the Purple Water Palace and the mermaids.
The guests from Fish-Man Island resided in the Purple Water Palace, along with Neptune Fish-Man Island, Queen Otohime, and their children.
The main guests attending the wedding, apart from the members of the Night Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates, were all located in these three areas.
On the other side, the Sky Island in the sky is incredibly beautiful, enveloped in a giant, colorful bubble— Anne's masterpiece. A cloud path passes through the bubble and leads to the ground of Pagila Island.
On the Sky Island, the members of the Night Pirates guarded it, while the Homie of the Big Mom Pirates also assisted them.
The site had been set up a few days ago; it was an open-air, giant building with a church-like design.
It possesses the solemnity of a church, while also showcasing the freedom of pirates.
The flags of the Night Pirates and the Bigmon Pirates flew high on either side.
Below, rows of large round tables are arranged in a flower-like pattern; these are the seats for the guests.
The plates were already neatly arranged. Although everything had been prepared well in advance, all the tableware, bottles, tables, chairs, and everything else had to be carefully wiped clean before the wedding officially began.
Even if the tables and chairs were slightly crooked, I had to rearrange them; the strictness of the requirements was no less than that of aristocratic banquets.
The Night Pirates don't have a strong pirate style; they've never actually plundered. Now, with their massive size, they need to demonstrate Night Pirates status in various ways.
Moreover, the wedding Teach was overseen by Rediat, Mostima, and others, and was mainly managed by Rediat, Mostima, Xiouyapufu, and List.
Rediat was a prince, Xiouyapufu was a nobleman, Mostima had also received an elite aristocratic education, List, as a member of a musical family, belonged to the aristocratic class. They were all very knowledgeable about these things.
On one side, various musical instruments were even set up, indicating that there would be musical performances.
The round tables were arranged from the center outwards, with each seat marked in advance, ensuring that each guest had their own designated spot. The Night Pirates had made these arrangements beforehand.
There are also designated seats for the Night Pirates, seats for the Big Mom Pirates, and a mixed seating area in the center.
The larger one clearly belongs to the Giant race.
Elsewhere, all sorts of delicious food and desserts are constantly being created by world-class chefs and gourmets, their aromas filling the air, ready to be served at any time.
Everything is ready; we're just waiting for the guests to arrive so the wedding can officially begin.