In the New World, on Fragrant Rice Island, all the core crew members of the Demon Emperor Pirates had gathered inside a palace adorned with carved beams, painted rafters, soaring eaves, interlocking brackets, and cloud-patterned rooflines.
This was the only palace on Fragrant Rice Island. Lafitte and Pike had discussed and arranged its construction. Though it stood somewhat alone, it still looked quite magnificent.
At the top of the hall, beyond nine steps, sat a purple-gold grandmaster's chair. Nangong Yan lounged in it, supporting his head with one hand while holding a newspaper in the other, his expression utterly blank as he read.
Below were two rows of identical black grandmaster's chairs. The Demon Emperor Pirates' core crew sat properly in them, each holding a newspaper as well. Their expressions varied as they read, occasionally whispering among themselves.
Nangong Yan took out a pristine white cigarette. Flames flickered from his hand, and the newspaper gradually caught fire. After lighting the cigarette in his mouth, the paper completely turned to ash in his hand.
He exhaled a long stream of smoke. A soft cough came from Nangong Yan, and the palace instantly fell silent.
"You've all seen the newspaper. Although Roger has already become the One Piece, he hasn't shown himself for half a month, and the Roger Pirates under his command have vanished without a trace."
"The Roger Pirates didn't take advantage of their victory to expand their territory. Instead, they've gone completely silent. That proves something unspeakable must have happened."
"If the Roger Pirates still don't appear within another half month at most, I'm afraid the New World will descend into chaos."
"A dead or missing man can't intimidate the countless ambitious and reckless pirates of the New World!"
"Everyone, how did the matter of contacting your former subordinates