A Brief Calm

Unlike the stability in the fishing villages, subtle changes had also taken place in some small towns closer to the Grand Line.

Inside a bustling tavern, merchants and adventurers gathered together, and the atmosphere was more fervent than usual. They raised their cups to celebrate the rare peace of the past few months.

"Have you heard?

The Neo Marines and the Marines took down 'Steel Hook' Rake, the pirate leader of East Blue. They say he didn't even last an hour!"

A bearded merchant said excitedly.

"Ha, I heard it wasn't just Rake. Even the men under 'Bloodblade' Sparrow were hit hard by them."

Another man picked up the conversation, looking rather pleased.

"What does that mean?

It means the pirates' good days are over!"

The tavern's atmosphere immediately reached a fever pitch, with clinking glasses ringing out one after another.

Everyone's faces bore a long-lost sense of ease—this was a feeling of security they had not experienced in a long time.

Yet in a corner, an elderly man in a cloak slightly raised his head and swept a cold glance over them.

He muttered in a low voice:

"Neo Marines?

Marines?

Hmph. The order of this sea will not be changed so easily."

Meanwhile, in certain castles that had remained intact, the nobles of the old era were filled with anxiety over the situation.

The fall of the World Government and the Rebel Army's overthrow of the Celestial Dragons had completely upended their view of the world.

"With the World Government fallen, are we truly witnessing a new era?"

An elderly noble sat in his study, his voice heavy with panic.

"But at least for now, the pirates seem to have been suppressed."

A young noble beside him spoke slowly, trying to find something positive in the current situation.