News Spreading Across the Sea

Inside the grand castle's council hall, people filled the long dining table. The core members of the Adams Pirates had gathered here.

Adams sat at the head of the table, leaning back in a high-backed chair, his silver hair cascading like a cloak as his gaze slowly swept across everyone present.

He cleared his throat, and his deep, magnetic voice echoed through the spacious hall:

"Everyone, our initial plans have been proceeding smoothly. We've gained a preliminary hold over resources and territory. Next, I have an announcement."

Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at him.

"I intend to enter seclusion for a time and focus on swordsmanship training."

Adams continued,

"When I finish my training, it will be time for us to formally enter the Grand Line!"

Swordsmanship training had been part of his plans for a long time. Now that he had obtained such a divine weapon, he had elevated it to his highest priority. He understood well that relying solely on brute strength and instinctively swinging a sword was not a sustainable path.

"Ho ho ho ho..."

Lafitte let out his somewhat eerie laugh and lightly tapped his cane against the ground.

"Then, esteemed Captain, what should the rest of us do while you are training? Should we continue with the original plan, expanding beyond the West Blue and further developing our power?"

Adams decisively shook his head, clearly having made up his mind long ago.

"No. Our outward expansion will temporarily cease. We already hold the right to speak in the Underworld of the Four Blues. Excessive expansion would only draw the attention of the true giants too early. The gains wouldn't be worth the losses."

He paused, and the arrogant figure of a blond man in sunglasses flashed through his mind—Donquixote Doflamingo. Ever since