An invitation to the Pirate Expo

Heavenly Queen. The Holy Land, Mary Geoise, Pangaea Castle.

Inside the domed, tower-style conference room, rows of slender, arched floor-to-ceiling windows are embedded in the white Marble walls, casting a strip of sunlight across the carpet.

The Five Elders sat around a white Round Table, each seated on a gold sofa with a green fabric cover.

Saint Warcury coughed lightly.

"Ahem. The reason I've gathered you all here today is related to 'Reg' and 'Babbage.' They're preparing an operation against 'Bondrewd.'"

The bald patches on his forehead were slightly distorted as his brows furrowed.

Saint Nusjuro placed the First Generation Kitetsu on his lap, his hands clasped over the scabbard, his gaze sweeping over the documents on the table behind his glasses. He raised an eyebrow at Saint Warcury.

"Isn't this a good thing? But can't 'Bondrewd' Resurrection his subordinates?"

Among the Five Elders, the only 'young man,' Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, who still had blond hair, leaned back on the sofa, loosened the collar of his dark red suit, and asked a question.

"Indeed. Without resolving this issue, destroying Bondrewd's body wouldn't make much difference."

Saint Mars stroked his long beard, his shoulders slightly hunched.

"That might not be a good thing. It's rare that Bondrewd hasn't caused a global crisis for almost a year. Could it be that they've found a way to break Bondrewd's immortality?"

Saint Saturn, who was 'in the know' to some extent, had his flat cap pulled down low, and the scar on his left cheek distorted slightly with a soft sigh.

"This matter is somewhat related to 'Roger,' so it shouldn't be taken lightly."

Saint Nusjuro, Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, Saint Mars were all taken aback.

Saint Shepherd Ju Peter sat up straight.

"Roger? Could it be that 'Reg' has... broken some taboo behind our back?"

The fact that the matter was discussed at the Five Elders' meeting and involved Roger made him wonder—could Reg have been tainted by the Poneglyph Saint Reg!?

Saint Warcury's lips curled up slightly, revealing a smug smile.

"On the contrary. It was 'Saint Reg' who, in the name of the Shichibukai, took the initiative to report to me."

As the 'Warrior God of Justice,' one of Saint Warcury's main responsibilities is dealing with 'Pirates issues.' And the 'Shichibukai' 'department' is nominally under his management.

Saint Saturn's expression flickered subtly for a moment. From the perspective of the Science Team Advisor, Saint Reg was also his subordinate. But this incident did not indeed fall within the scope of scientific issues.

But Saint Saturn still added something as if to save face.

"Alpha also became aware of this, and the Titans began secretly moving supplies. After I questioned Babbage explained the situation without reservation."

Saint Warcury nodded and continued.

"Festa, known as the Festival House, is the world's number one Festival Master. He disappeared twenty years ago in Sea Kings accident, and everyone thought he was dead. But he didn't die; he's been lying low ever since. He found Reg and proposed a plan."

Festa concealed the fact that it was a 'Eternal Pose', so Shining and Babbage were 'unaware' of it.

Saint Warcury was unaware that such a huge bombshell was hidden inside.

"Hold Pirate Expo. Use Roger's treasure as bait to lure Golden Lion and his crew there. Then, with the combined efforts of various parties, capture the Pirates and Bondrewd's executives in one fell swoop."

Saint Nusjuro, Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, Saint Mars remained silent for a few seconds.

Saint Mars spoke first.

"Indeed, eliminating Golden Lion and his group would be a significant step in curbing Road Island's development."

Over the past six months, the Navy and Agent have discovered that Road Island's peripheral members have been placing Obelisk around the world. Upon inspection, the outer layer is Obsidian, but the core is made of the same material as the Poneglyph inscriptions.

Even the Five Elders couldn't figure out what this thing was for, and Vegapunk couldn't figure it out either. This uncertainty made the Five Elders somewhat nervous. They could only order CP Agent to clean it up all over the world.

Saint Nusjuro adjusted his glasses.

"Will the 'Great Angel' cooperate with the operation this time?"

Saint Warcury nodded.

"According to Reg, yes."

Saint Mars it briefly.

"Speaking of 'Great Angel,' this guy officially Political Marriage the little Princess of the 'Nefertari' family a few days ago."

The Five Elders' feelings became somewhat conflicted.

The Nefertari family is one of the Twenty Holy Families, but they refuse to become Celestial Dragons.

The Five Elders have always wanted the Great Angel to become Celestial Dragons, after all, it is a new Mythical Zoan that has never been seen before. Moreover, the fact that it is an 'Great Angel' makes them think a lot.

Political Marriage is one solution, but the problem is that most female Celestial Dragons are arrogant and domineering. Great Angel, a womanizer, would never tolerate that, much less accept marrying into the family.

Saint Saturn thought for a moment, then couldn't help but mention it.

"Perhaps Gunko would be more suitable."

The other four all looked at Saint Saturn.

Time passed, and April arrived.

More than two months have passed since 'Festa' and 'The Shining' collaborated.

With the powerful resources, finances, and transportation capabilities of the Titans, the Pirate Expo is basically ready and invitations have begun to be sent to Pirates in the New World.

The New World, Sphinx Island.

The grass rippled with a light green wave as the spring breeze blew. In the distance, Sphinx lay lazily in the shade of a tree, its tail occasionally flicking.

Ace lay on the grass, one hand behind his head, the other holding up a flyer. His gaze fell on the words 'Pirate King Treasure,' and his brows furrowed slightly.

Sunlight streamed in from the side, casting a soft shadow on his face. The edges of the flyer fluttered slightly in the breeze.

Footsteps approached from afar. Marco appeared at the edge of Ace's field of vision, crouched down, and looked at him from the side.

"Hey, Ace. What's up?"

Ace sat up from the grass and placed the flyer on his lap.

"Marco, excuse me, is there something you need?"

Marco sat Cross-Legged on the grass and patted Ace on the shoulder.

"It's alright. But you should be the one who doesn't worry too much. Just go if you want to, Pirate Expo."

He glanced at the flyer on Ace's knee and softened his tone.

Marco also knew that Ace's feelings would become complicated whenever 'Pirate King' was mentioned.

Ace was silent for a few seconds. The wind blew across the grass, and the salty sea breeze drifted in from the distant coastline.

"Hey Marco, did Pops attend this World Expo too?"

Marco looked up at the clouds in the sky. His expression softened with a hint of nostalgia.

"I've participated twice, depending on my mood. It's actually us younger folks who participate more often. The last time was twenty years ago. It's usually held about once every three or four years. I didn't expect 'Festa' to still be alive."

The Pirate Expo supposed to be a celebration for Pirates, but it's really just that. For those at the level of the Emperor of the Sea, going once or twice out of curiosity is about enough.

Ace stood up and stretched. Illumination on his face, and the corners of his mouth curved into a smile.

"Then let's go take a look."

Marco watched Ace's retreating figure and added a comment.

"Sanji asked me about the Expo not long ago. It seems your brother will be attending too."

Although the Straw Hat Pirates are not affiliated with the New Whitebeard Pirates, they have a very good Pirates.

Ace let out a soft breath and chuckled.

"Luffy... really... not surprising."

... on the other side.

Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral's Office.

Akainu sat behind his desk, his hands clasped on the surface, his face as dark as if it were about to rain.

Kizaru was sprawled on the sofa on the left, clipping his nails.

Ryokugyu is sitting upright on the sofa to the right, near Akainu.

Chaton sat opposite Kizaru, his small eyes fixed on the document, his brow furrowed.

After scanning the three of them, Akainu began to explain the situation.

"The Pirate Expo. Festa is back, using Roger's treasure as bait to gather Pirates from the New World in one place. This is a good opportunity—not only can we wipe out a large number of Pirates, but we also have a chance to eliminate Road Island's high-ranking officers."

Kizaru responded slowly, his voice neither hurried nor slow.

"The Pirate Expo... I've heard of it before. I never expected the organizers would collaborate with us."

The Pirate Expo was once a very famous event, generally only inviting Pirates from the New World.

If a participant leaks information to the Navy, they will be considered a traitor by all the Pirates involved and will be hunted down relentlessly.

The navy is aware of the event, but by the time they can organize Fleet to go to the site, it's usually too late.

Chaton stroked his chin. His posture was languid, but more upright than Kizaru's.

"But Bondrewd can be 'Resurrection.' Is it appropriate to alert him like this?"

Akainu answered in a deep voice.

"To remain on the defensive is to shirk Justice. We need to take the initiative now. Otherwise, what will become of the Navy's reputation?"

Chaton did not refute after hearing this, but simply nodded in agreement.

Akainu looked at Kizaru.

"Borsalino, this time you and Aramaki will lead the team. Eliminate as many high-ranking officers of Road Island as possible."

Kizaru spoke in a somewhat casual tone.

"Uh... okay."

Ryokugyu seemed excited when he heard that he would also be involved. He leaned forward, his eyes behind his Sunglasses filled with a sharp excitement.

"Oh! Don't worry, Mr. Sakazuki! Leave it to me!"

Akainu nodded to Ryokugyu, then looked at Kizaru.

"Sengoku and Garp will also be there."

Kizaru's expression became more lively, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

"The Grand Inspector of the Sengoku and Mr. Garp, huh? Now we can rest easy."

... Meanwhile, the Navy's targets of discussion were also at this time the 'Pirate Expo'.

The Golden Lion Floating Islands, Main Island, Inside the Palace.

In the luxurious Japanese tea room, a Brass chandelier hangs from the mahogany beams on the ceiling.

Sunlight streamed in through the half-open paper sliding door, where a ukiyo-e screen stood in the corner, decorated with patterns of waves and flying birds.

The Golden Lion sat in the main seat. An orange striped Haori was draped over his shoulders, and his long golden hair was tied up and hung down his back. He held a Cigar in his hand, and the smoke rose slowly.

The Red Count was to his left, a deep red coat draped over his shoulders, his silver hair falling beside his face.

On the right, Crescent Moon Hunter is dressed in a Pink female Pirate Ship's outfit, which, combined with her appearance, makes her look very eerie.

The Corrupt King was positioned further out, the hem of his fur Coat spread out on the tatami mats.

Bullet leaned against the wall, arms crossed, and remained silent.

The Golden Lion exhaled a puff of smoke.

"You've all seen the Pirate Expo flyers, right?"

The Pirate Expo typically only sends special invitations to eligible Pirates, rather than advertising it worldwide.

Although Road Island is difficult to locate outside, it still has ways to contact the outside world. This time, all the Pirates crews under Road Island's command received invitations.

The Crescent Moon Hunter, let out a unique laugh.

"Hmm, that's really interesting."

At her age, she had never participated in the Pirate Expo.

The Corrupt King sighed.

I participated once when I was younger. It's been so long, meow.

He joined the crew not long after he started out as Pirates.

Bullet didn't speak. He sat cross-legged against the wall, head bowed, lost in thought. The things related to Roger made him reminisce about the past.

"... Hmph, hehe..."

But now, having witnessed the 'Paramount War' and the 'National Transmutation War' on Hachinosu, Bullet managed a complex laugh.

Red Count took a sip of tea and pondered for a moment.

"The 'Festival House,' which disappeared twenty years ago, has suddenly reappeared, and they even claim to have 'Roger's treasure.' That's very suspicious."

The Golden Lion's lips curled up, revealing a ruthless, domineering smile.

"Of course. That's what makes it interesting."

Out of caution, the Crescent Moon Hunter still asked a question.

"What did the Alliance Leader say?"

Red Count put down his teacup and glanced at Crescent Moon Hunter.

"Mr. Bondrewd said it's up to you to decide, and to have fun. Contact us anytime if you need anything."

Upon receiving the news, Red Count immediately reported it to Bondrewd through special contact and received a very lenient reply.

Bullet stood up, bumped his fists together, and grinned.

"Well then, let's see what 'Festa' is up to."

The Golden Lion burst into laughter. He stood up, his orange-striped Haori fluttering in the light.

"Hehehehe--Alright! Let's go see what tricks the 'Festival House,' which hasn't been seen for twenty years, has up its sleeve!"

... at the same time.

Sky Island, Babylon Temple, Divine Palace.

Sephiroth sat behind his desk, several documents spread out on it. Birdsong and the distant chimes of Clock Tower drifted in from outside the window.

Baby-5 sat across from the desk, sometimes making tea, sometimes peeling oranges, and even carefully picking out the white fibers from the orange segments.

With a beaming smile, she arranged the pristine orange segments into a heart shape on a plate.

"Lord Sephi ~ The orange is peeled!"

Baby-5 carried the plate to Sephiroth's side, carefully placed it down, and her eyes sparkled as if they were about to burst into stars.

"Oh, thank you, Rina. Well done."

Sephiroth quickly patted Baby-5's head, otherwise the super Maid would have been fed to him.

Just as Baby-5 made a face like a little animal, the office door opened automatically.

Lilith walked in with 'The Shining'.

"OI~! Honor Student ~! I've come to cause you trouble~!"

The Shining, seemingly in the mood for a picnic, waved its arms playfully, a large smiley face outlined on the black Ball Lightning.