Reverie?
Held every four years, the kings of the fifty Affiliated Nation gather in Mary Geoise to discuss world affairs.
On the surface it was a "discussion," but in reality the World Government had the final say, with the kings of various countries nodding in agreement.
"When?" Roy asked.
Two months later, preparations were underway in the Sabaody Archipelago.
Roy nodded, not paying much attention.
What does the Reverie have to do with him? He's not Affiliated Nation.
"There's one more thing," Kalifa continued, "Things have been a bit strange lately with Doflamingo."
Roy's expression changed instantly.
"Explain."
" The Donquixote Family has been active in the West Blue and North Blue recently, and has come into contact with many black market merchants."
What exactly they are doing is still unclear.
But Mr. Crocodile felt something was amiss.
Roy remained silent for a moment.
Doflamingo.
That guy has been very well-behaved ever since he helped me out in the Pure Gold incident two years ago and earned me the qualification for a perfect Bloodline Transplantation.
They made the deal, gave money when they were due, and provided all the benefits when they were offered, behaving as obediently as sheep.
But Roy knew that guy was never a sheep.
They usually stay still, but once they get the chance, they'll bite you hard.
"Have Crocodile keep an eye on things," Roy said. "Report anything unusual immediately."
"Yes."
Kalifa turned and left.
Roy stood by the window, gazing at the distant sea.
Reverie.
Doflamingo's abnormality.
Could these two things be related?
He shook his head, unable to figure it out for the time being.
Forget it, we'll deal with whatever comes our way.
Hachinosu's strength is undeniable; anyone who wants to make a move against it has to think twice.
Just then, a commotion arose from the direction of the port.
Roy peered over and saw a huge warship docking at the shore.
The prow resembles a Doflamingo with outstretched wings.
Doflamingo?
Speak of Cao Cao, and Cao Cao appears?
Roy frowned and turned to walk towards the harbor.
Sabaody Archipelago.
This archipelago, located at the foot of the Red Line, has never been so lively.
No, to be precise, it has never been this "formal" before.
Areas 1-29 were completely sealed off by the navy; not even a seagull could fly in.
The port was filled with ships from all over the world—luxurious royal ships, simple merchant ships, warships flying various national flags, and some strange ships that were clearly not there for a proper meeting.
Of course, the latter was kept at bay by the navy and couldn't even get close.
"Make way! Make way! The King of the Kingdom of Westsea has arrived!"
"The King of the Norse Kingdom in the North Blue has arrived!"
" South Blue Sea--"
On the dock, servants shouted at the top of their lungs, their voices rising and falling.
The kings of various countries, dressed in magnificent robes and surrounded by their guards, disembarked from the ship.
Some were arrogant, some were cautious, some looked excited, and some looked numb.
Kizaru leaned against the port's watchtower, legs crossed, lazily picking at his nails.
"Oh my gosh, so many important people, how terrifying!"
The Rear Admiral beside him twitched his lips. " Admiral, can you be serious for once?"
"I'm very serious," Kizaru yawned. "Look, I haven't even closed my eyes."
The Rear Admiral remained silent.
At that moment, a uniquely shaped ship slowly entered the harbor.
The ship was enveloped in a huge bubble, its hull shaped like a fish, with a mermaid carved on its prow and the symbol of Fish-Man Island painted on its sails.
"The people from Fish-Man Island have arrived."
Kizaru narrowed his eyes, staring at the ship.
The ship docked, and a petite mermaid stepped out.
Queen Otohime.
She wore a white dress, her long golden hair cascading over her shoulders, and a gentle smile on her face.
Although he was short in stature, his presence commanded respect.
" Queen Otohime, welcome to the Sabaody Archipelago." A Rear Admiral stepped forward to greet her.
"Thank you." Queen Otohime nodded slightly. "Excuse me, where is the bubble cable car to Mary Geoise?"
"Plz follow me."
Queen Otohime, accompanied by her entourage, left the port with the naval Rear Admiral.
Along the way, she noticed the strange looks she received—curiosity, disdain, greed, and fear.
The people of Fish-Man Island have never been welcome in the human world.
But she didn't care.
For the people of Fish-Man Island, for them to live in the sunlight, for them to be freed from the fate of slavery, she was willing to endure all of this.
" Queen Otohime."
A voice came from behind.
Queen Otohime turned around and saw a tall man walking towards her.
He wore a white navy overcoat, with Sweet Commander slung over his shoulders, and a gentle smile on his face.
"Who are you..."
" Aokiji," the man introduced himself, " Marine Admiral."
Queen Otohime was slightly taken aback. " Marine Admiral? What brings you here?"
"It's nothing serious." Aokiji said casually, his hands in his pockets.
"I just wanted to remind you that Mary Geoise isn't a place where people are easy to talk to."
Queen Otohime frowned slightly. "What do you mean by that?"
Aokiji didn't explain, just waved and left.
Queen Otohime stood there, watching his retreating figure, lost in thought.
The bubble cable car slowly ascended into the air, passing through the Red Line.
Queen Otohime gazed at the blue sea below through the bubbles, her heart filled with longing.
Sunlight.
The earth.
Fresh air.
These are things that the people of Fish-Man Island have always dreamed of.
If this Reverie can get Fish-Man Island to join the World Government, then--
She dared not think any further.
The more I think about it, the more I fear disappointment.
Mary Geoise.
The core of this World Government was now adorned in dazzling gold.
The streets were lined with flags from various countries, and every few steps a World Government official in a white uniform stood expressionless.
The Celestial Dragons remained high above, sitting in their palanquins, wearing bubble helmets, looking down at the kings coming and going.
"What are these lowly people doing here for another meeting?"
A Celestial Dragons curled his lip.
"A waste of time."
"Exactly!" another chimed in. "We might as well capture a few more slaves to play with."
Their voices were not loud, but loud enough for the surrounding kings to hear.
Some people turned pale, some lowered their heads and remained silent, and some pretended not to hear.
Queen Otohime happened to be passing by and overheard these words; her expression changed.
slave.
The Celestial Dragons' favorite creatures are Fish-Man and mermaid slaves.
She took a deep breath, suppressed her anger, and continued walking forward.
Don't act impulsively.
For the sake of the people of Fish-Man Island, we must endure.
Conference hall.
Fifty kings were already seated around the enormous round table.
The Five Elders, Saint Saturn, sat in the main seat, expressionless.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku stood behind him, while Army Commander-in-Chief Kong stood on the other side.
In the audience seats sat the kings of hundreds of small and weak nations, including Queen Otohime.
She did not have a seat, but was only eligible to observe the proceedings.
But it's okay.
Being able to come is the first step.
Saint Saturn tapped the table, and the entire room fell silent.
" The Reverie is now in session."