By the time Dragon and Kuma reached Mary Geoise,
the war had already been raging for over an hour.
After all, the proposal to infiltrate Impel Down and steal the heavenly tribute had only been raised after the war began.
The meeting took time, as did the journey.
Dragon had the same target as Ignis: the residential district of Mary Geoise's Celestial Dragons.
He had never visited the area, but he knew exactly where it was.
During his time as a Marine, many parts of Mary Geoise had been off-limits to him.
With so many powerful fighters protecting Mary Geoise, he had not dared act rashly, especially given his status as a Marine.
If he were discovered, he might implicate both the Marines and his father, Garp.
Only after leaving the Marines had Dragon been free of those concerns.
Almost immediately, he had caused a major disturbance atop the Red Line, drawing the World Government's attention.
The Celestial Dragons' residential district was enormous.
Ignis and Dragon did not cross paths.
Besides, one had come from the direction of Paradise, while the other had come from the New World.
They were searching different areas as well.
Ignis had plenty of time to search for treasure.
He had inside information on Mary Geoise.
This banquet for the Celestial Dragons would last almost three days.
The lavish Palace was large enough to temporarily house a great many Celestial Dragons.
Among the guests were prominent figures from Mary Geoise's leading families.
Most attended as friends or followers of these Celestial Dragons.
Even so, it meant they had reached the pinnacle of the world.
These Celestial Dragons were no fools. They knew Mary Geoise was not entirely safe, and some were even keeping an eye on the battlefield.
Compared to their own mansions, the banquet