In the southern waters of the Fifth Route, in the first half of the Grand Line, there lay a hidden island—a haven built specifically for the underworld. It had no official name, but among the pirates who frequented it, it was known simply as Black Island.
Here, as long as you had enough Belly and treasure, you could buy anything you needed.
Liquor, food, weapons, women… even doctors, shipwrights, and intel. But this place had only two rules:
No attacking service staff. No destroying island property.
Beyond that? Robbery, murder—anything goes.
In truth, Black Island hadn't been around for very long—less than two years. When it first emerged, the outlaws—pirates, gangsters, slavers—completely ignored the two posted rules.
But within six months, after over a dozen crews were wiped out in brutal, bloody fashion, everyone learned to behave.
A single family name and a smiling insignia were burned deep into their minds.
Donquixote.
Despite the late hour, the island was still ablaze with lights. Cheers, laughter, screams, and the occasional shriek of pain filled the air, mixing into a chaotic but lively atmosphere. At the docks, more than a dozen pirate ships bearing different flags bobbed in the water.
That said, the old-timers who frequented this place could tell—there were noticeably fewer ships than in months past.
No doubt about it—it had to do with the public execution of Pirate King Roger. And also… the capture of the Golden Lion, Shiki.
Word was more and more pirates had decided to come ashore and return to a normal life.
"Hey, you guys! Have you heard about the big treasure?!"
Inside a bustling tavern, a clearly drunk man raised his beer mug high, his face flushed red as he shouted to the crowd.
The moment those three words—big treasure—left his mouth, every ear in the place perked up. Even the conversations dropped to a whisper. Several sets of eyes turned toward him, and the drunkard flashed a smug grin.
"What big treasure?" a pirate at the table to his right asked cautiously.
"Why, the Pirate King Gold Roger's treasure, of course! You tell me—is that big enough for ya?!"
"WHAT?!"
Gasps erupted across the room. The atmosphere instantly went dead silent.
At that moment, a towering man—over two meters tall and shirtless, with a massive sword slung across his back—slammed his empty mug down on the table with a heavy thud. A sinister grin crept across his face.
"Kid. Start talking'. If what you say is good, I'll cover your tab tonight. But if it's just a load of crap… heh… better watch your back when you walk outta here."
"Hahaha! That's perfect! Bartender, another round!"
The drunk, instead of shrinking back in fear, laughed gleefully and shouted for more beer, completely unfazed by the threat.
"Don't forget to put it on his tab!"
"Got it." The bartender nodded expressionlessly.
"Come on, spit it out! Hurry up!" The other pirates began urging, but the burly brute from earlier slammed his palm violently onto the table, roaring furiously, "Shut your mouths, all of you!"
Surprisingly, the tavern's noisy commotion was immediately silenced, greatly pleasing the drunken storyteller, who nodded with satisfaction and cleared his throat.
"Ahem. Here's the thing—recently, a fascinating rumor started circulating across the seas. They say that Gold Roger, the Pirate King who successfully navigated the entire Grand Line, has hidden all his immense treasures on the final island, 'Laugh Tale.' And he's given that treasure a special name."
A fleeting moment of sobriety flickered through the drunk man's eyes.
"The ONE PIECE!"
...
Marine Headquarters, Marineford, Fleet Admiral's office.
[Knock, knock, knock.]
"Come in."
Sengoku opened the door and stepped inside. "Fleet Admiral, you called for me?"
"Yes, take a look at this. It's an order from the Five Elders." Fleet Admiral Kong handed over a paper, smiling.
"Alright, give me a moment."
Sengoku nodded, took the paper, and sat down calmly on the sofa to read. The contents weren't long, and he finished quickly, surprise visibly crossing his face as he looked up at Kong.
"Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan promoted to Admiral candidates? But Borsalino is only a Rear Admiral right now. Isn't this inappropriate?"
"That kid will also be promoted to Vice Admiral simultaneously. After all, he took part in Roger's arrest," Kong explained with a smile, before adding, "What do you think?"
Sengoku pondered for a moment and replied, "It's unexpected, yet reasonable. Apart from Kuzan, who still lacks some experience, Sakazuki and Borsalino's strength already surpasses most Vice Admirals. There's no issue with them becoming Admiral candidates. It's just—"
"You didn't expect the World Government to approve their promotions so easily, right?"
"Exactly. I thought it would take a few more years. After Roger's execution, the situation at sea has improved significantly, so there's less immediate need for additional Admirals."
Just as Sengoku finished, something else crossed his mind. "I was previously wondering why the Five Elders specifically requested those three for Roger's capture. Now I realize they were setting the stage for their promotions. But—"
He hesitated again, sensing something amiss.
"But you're wondering why the Five Elders suddenly changed their attitude towards us and became so cooperative, right?" Fleet Admiral Kong finished his thought.
"Yes."
Sengoku admitted this openly. Having served as Admiral for so many years, and known as a master strategist, he was fully aware of the World Government's tendency to suppress the Marines.
Often, Admiral promotions weren't simply a matter of strength—they depended heavily on the World Government's strategic needs. Without their support, one could be stalled indefinitely at Vice Admiral, or even Admiral candidate rank, unless a significant achievement was made.
"Yes, I also found this puzzling at first, but after speaking with the Five Elders, I have some guesses," Kong continued thoughtfully.
"Please go on."
"Apparently, at this year's World Summit, the World Government plans significant actions. Maybe they're preparing for that, especially considering you're currently our only official Admiral," Kong concluded, giving Sengoku a meaningful look.
...
As soon as news broke that Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan had officially been promoted to Admiral candidates, the trio instantly captured the attention of the entire world. Their titles—Akainu, Kizaru, and Aokiji—rapidly spread across the seas.
Under ordinary circumstances, such promotions wouldn't stir such widespread interest.
However, following Roger's execution and Shiki's capture, the Navy was in the global spotlight. Every action they took was magnified significantly.
More importantly, the three were top-tier Logia Devil Fruit users, which truly amazed the public. Coupled with their towering physiques of nearly three meters, even the most casual observer could recognize their extraordinary potential.
Especially for the kings under the World Government's banner—it wasn't difficult to foresee that within a few decades, the Navy would boast three Admirals with formidable Logia powers!
...
West Blue, Kingdom of Ilisia.
Two massive Navy Headquarters warships flanked an extravagantly luxurious white cruise liner, slowly entering the kingdom's port. White sails emblazoned with the World Government emblem undulated gracefully in the sea breeze.
By royal decree, all other ships had been removed from the port, as ordered by King Thalassa Lucas, ensuring the cleanest, most spacious reception possible for the arriving World Noble.
The king himself, accompanied by every noble in the kingdom, waited respectfully on the dock, eyes filled with awe as they watched the vessel dock.
Hundreds of the kingdom's strongest, most elite soldiers stood at rigid attention, eyes fixed ahead, maintaining order within hundreds of meters around the area.
Shortly afterward, as the luxurious liner settled into place, four long wooden ramps were swiftly assembled side-by-side. Two attendants quickly rolled out a vividly colored red carpet, connecting seamlessly with the one beneath the King's feet. Immediately afterward, ranks of armored spear-bearing soldiers disembarked swiftly, securing the entire dock area in moments.
Neither the King nor any of the gathered nobles voiced objections; their attention remained fixed firmly on the figure of supreme authority now descending from the ship.
A Celestial Dragon!
A blond-haired man wearing a transparent bubble helmet, dressed in a white jumpsuit and golden cloak, allowed himself to be carried slowly down the carpet by a muscular slave. Behind him followed two government agents dressed in crisp black suits and polished leather boots.
"Hey, isn't that Captain Onal?" whispered a startled nobleman to his neighbor.
"Yes, it is—'Black Tiger' Onal of the Tiger Claw Pirates!"
"Didn't he boldly enter the Grand Line two years ago? How… how did he end up a slave?"
"I recall his bounty was as high as 43 million Belly," murmured several other nobles, exchanging glances filled with astonishment.
"Ahem!"
The King shot them an irritated glare, quickly straightening his attire before stepping forward, bowing respectfully.
"We humbly welcome the most supreme descendant of the Creator, Saint Rosward, to the Kingdom of Ilisia. I am King Thalassa Lucas."
Seated casually atop Captain Onal's back, Saint Rosward glanced dismissively at the gathered nobility and surroundings, scoffing coldly, "A king is acceptable, but since when do lowly nobles dare stand in the presence of a Celestial Dragon?"
"Ah! Forgive me—this was entirely my oversight!" stammered the King hastily, turning furiously to the nobles behind him. "What are you waiting for? Kneel immediately and pay respects to the great Saint Rosward!"
The nobles froze momentarily; they were accustomed to arrogance and authority within their kingdom. However, the elderly duke at the front didn't hesitate for even a second, swiftly dropping to his knees and pressing his forehead firmly against the soft red carpet.
As he took the lead, the others finally came to their senses and followed suit, kneeling one after another on both sides just like the old duke.
Seeing this scene, King Thalassa Lucas let out a deep sigh of relief and gave the old duke a big mental thumbs-up.
"Not bad," Saint Rosward nodded with satisfaction. He was clearly pleased with the nobles' attitude, and his opinion of this kingdom rose considerably.
"Let's go. I'm tired of sitting on that ship. Time to eat something."
"Yes, yes! I've already ordered the finest chefs in the kingdom to prepare a meal. This way, please!"
King Thalassa Lucas stepped aside and gestured respectfully for Saint Rosward to take the lead. The latter made no pretense of courtesy—he stepped directly on Captain Onal's head and, flanked by dozens of kneeling nobles, walked proudly toward the royal palace in the heart of the island.
[Purupuru, purupuru]
But just as he reached the far end of the red carpet, the sound of a Den-Den Mushi rang out behind him. The noise made Saint Rosward instinctively turn his head, because he immediately recognized it as the direct line from Mary Geoise.
Sure enough, a government official on the right pulled a small platinum Den-Den Mushi from the inner pocket of his suit jacket. As he lifted the receiver, the Den-Den Mushi's features morphed—and it began to speak:
"Order from the Five Elders: all Celestial Dragons currently outside must return to the Holy Land immediately. No delays permitted!"
"Repeating: Order from the Five Elders. All Celestial Dragons currently outside must return to the Holy Land immediately. No delays permitted!"
Saint Rosward's expression darkened at once. He was furious—he had only just arrived here, barely two minutes ago! He opened his mouth, ready to lash out with a question, but the Den-Den Mushi had already closed its eyes.
In an instant, the atmosphere turned incredibly awkward. Even King Thalassa Lucas was stunned, unsure of what to say or do.
What's going on?
"Saint Rosward, what are your instructions?" the CP agent holding the platinum Den-Den Mushi asked softly.
"Tch... huff..."
Rosward's face was grim. He hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath, stepped off the slave captain's back, and strode toward his luxurious ship.
"Back to the ship!"
Though he was a Celestial Dragon, the Five Elders were Celestial Dragons too—at the very top. When such a direct order was issued, he even had no choice but to obey. Still, once he returned, he intended to get some answers.
Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks and turned to the bewildered King Thalassa Lucas.
"This slave is yours now. You did well."
"Uh—thank you, Saint Rosward!"
The king looked on in stunned confusion as the Celestial Dragon boarded his ship again. Five minutes later, even the soldiers of the Holy Guard had fully withdrawn. Ten minutes after that, the luxurious ship and two Navy battleships had once again set sail.
...
The Holy Land, Mary Geoise — Pangaea Castle.
"Lord Imu, following your will, all Celestial Dragons have been ordered to return. Within seven days, all will be gathered in the 'Domain of the Gods'."
Imu listened to the Den-Den Mushi's report with a cold, silent nod.
"From now on, without my permission, no Celestial Dragon is to leave the 'Domain of the Gods'. Anyone who disobeys will have their status as a World Noble revoked, lose all privileges, and be imprisoned within Mary Geoise."
"Yes, your will shall be carried out."