Peace Descends at the Will of the Strong

His gaze was as gentle as sunlight as it swept over the bewildered crowd, yet the indifference deep within his pupils seemed to reveal his true attitude.

"Consider? What are we supposed to consider?!"

"Accepting or refusing..."

As they spoke, the flag behind them fluttered in the wind. Many residents stared at that deeply significant banner and immediately guessed what was happening.

"From this day onward, Golden Land Jaya shall officially become territory under His Majesty's protection. All fighting is forbidden on the sky islands and the island below. Only beyond a ten-kilometer radius from the islands will be considered free sea."

"Without His Majesty's permission, no one may touch the gold within the Golden Land—not even the Marines or the World Government."

With a flick of his finger, dim black rings of shadow encircled several sky islands. A pair of red-glowing eyes flickered within them, watching those who might violate the rules at any moment.

The moment those words were spoken, the people living on Jaya Island were utterly dumbfounded.

"Good heavens, not only does lightning fall from the sky, but manna does too! The place we live is protected by one of the Four Emperors now!"

"What incredible mercy! Whoever made up those rumors that Uchiha Hanazuki massacres a country every year—I strongly condemn such irresponsible slander!"

"Gods, this must be a dream. We have the protection of one of the Four Emperors now. We can live safely for the rest of our lives..."

At the same time, under Mont Blanc Cricket's careful explanation, the sky island residents and Shandians finally understood the status the Four Emperors held on the seas, and they completely put their minds at ease.

They had thought this would be like the battle they had faced four hundred years ago, one where they