"Maybe I can't change everything… but at least I can burn the sins before me with fire."
Standing on the edge of the Red Line, Fisher Tiger stared at the glowing Holy Land of Mariejois.
Even under the blanket of night, its brilliance loomed like a mockery. His eyes filled with resolve.
In the next instant, his figure melted into the shadows, slipping away toward the prisons toward the countless slaves shackled beneath the so-called holy city.
The moment Tiger vanished, new presences emerged at his former position.
Rain, Kaido, Dragon, and the others stepped out from the darkness.
Their gazes followed Tiger's trail, each pair of eyes reflecting a different light...curiosity, calculation, admiration.
Everyone carried different thoughts in their hearts.
But at the very least… all of them respected Tiger's resolve.
"Once he makes his move, we'll be able to act as well," Rain said calmly.
"I plan to invite him to join the Revolutionary Army after this incident," Dragon suddenly added.
"Hm?"
Rain turned, raising a brow at him, surprised that Dragon would say such a thing.
"…Do as you like. If he agrees, then so be it." Rain shrugged, expression casual.
Still, in truth, he would be pleased if Tiger joined. Perhaps this way, Tiger might even change the tragic fate waiting for him.
Mariejois, Office of the Five Elders
Even though the hour had already passed three in the morning, the Five Elders, the supreme authority of the World Government remained at their desks.
For those who commanded a behemoth ruling over the seas, rest was a luxury. Power at this level demanded payment in full.
Their position might be exalted, second to none but Imu-sama himself, yet it was far from as effortless as outsiders imagined.
Shepherd Ju Peter, the blond Elder, set down the report in his hand.
"The Navy has already submitted an application. They intend to thoroughly investigate corruption at the East Blue Naval Branch. A full force has been dispatched, one admiral and four vice admirals."
Topman Warcury stroked his beard and replied, "This is good. It will only strengthen the Navy."
Marcus Mars gave a curt nod, his expression as stern as ever.
V. Nusjuro, the Elder with the katana resting at his side, allowed himself a thin smile.
"And if the embezzled funds are recovered, they can be redirected as military expenses for the coming year. That alone could save us a fortune."
Ethanbaron V. Nasjuro spoke last, his tone calm.
"As for Marine Headquarters, Sengoku and Kuzan are already stationed there. With two of the Navy's top combat forces present, there's nothing to worry about."
Indeed, there was no reason to refuse the request. On the contrary, it was convenient.
As for the safety of the Holy Land itself? That had never been the Navy's burden.
From the beginning, Mariejois was guarded by the World Government's army and the God's Knights, not by the Marines.
If everything were simply handed over to the Marines, then the Navy's power would become far too great.
"…Hm? What's that noise outside?"
Shepherd Ju Peter frowned, his face darkening as the muffled chaos echoed from beyond the walls. What could possibly cause such an uproar in the Holy Land at this hour?
Before anyone could answer, a sudden blaze lit up the night sky. Red flames reflected across the Holy Land, followed by the rumble of an explosion.
"What's going on?!" Marcus Mars demanded, rising sharply.
The Five Elders exchanged grim looks. Trouble had reached the Holy Land.
"CP0!" barked V. Nusjuro, the Elder with the katana. "Report at once what happened out there?!"
He could have stretched his haki senses to grasp the situation himself, but that was not their role. CP0 existed for precisely this reason to act when emergencies struck.
Moments later, a masked agent hurried inside and knelt.
"My Lords, it has been confirmed. The slaves have escaped. They are in revolt."
At least CP0 had managed to identify the situation quickly, though the cause remained unclear.
Was it truly an internal uprising, or had someone infiltrated the Holy Land and set them free? That, they could not yet determine.
Most agents were already rushing to protect the Celestial Dragons.
After all, in their eyes, as long as the Tenryuubito were unharmed, the rest of the slaves or even the burning outer districts hardly mattered.
"…A slave revolt?" Topman Warcury muttered, stroking his mustache. The Elders were momentarily stunned before their composure returned.
Ethanbaron V. Nasjuro spoke coldly, issuing orders in quick succession.
"Prioritize the safety of the Celestial Dragons. Mobilize the Holy Land garrison and the World Government's army to suppress the rioters."
"Alert the Navy...have them secure the port immediately. No one is to escape."
"Yes, my Lords!" The CP0 agent bowed and vanished to execute the commands.
The room fell silent again, the glow of flames flickering through the window.
Shepherd Ju Peter exhaled and leaned back in his chair. "So much for sleep tonight…"
"Then we'll endure it," V. Nusjuro said with a thin smile, settling his katana at his side. "Bring coffee. We may as well watch how this plays out."
The Five Elders exchanged quiet nods, resigned to a long night ahead.
---
About half an hour after Tiger's departure, the once silent Holy Land began to stir with noise.
Shouts echoed through the night, followed by sudden bursts of fire erupting across Mariejois.
The flames spread quickly, illuminating the dark heavens in crimson light.
Rain's eyes glimmered at the sight.
"It's time to begin."
He turned toward Kaido, gesturing with a grin.
"Kaido, add some spice to this blaze. Make it brighter."
"Heh… leave it to me."
A savage smile stretched across Kaido's face as his massive body shifted.
In the next moment, he had transformed into a colossal azure dragon, scales glistening in the night as he coiled above the clouds.
"Wind Scythe!"
From his maw burst a roaring gust, slicing through the air and sweeping down toward the Holy Land.
"BOOOOM!!!"
The flames, once scattered, were suddenly fanned into an inferno. What had begun as scattered fires now surged into a raging blaze that spread across the pristine city.
"Let me join in," Dragon said, his tone sharp with excitement. His figure vanished, and the next moment, an even greater storm answered his call.
Violent winds howled across Mariejois, merging with Kaido's attack. Together, they transformed the proud Holy Land into a sea of fire.
Dragon reappeared beside Ivankov and the others, his eyes cold but resolute.
"Go. Gather supplies and treasures. These will be the funds for our future."
For this was no ordinary place.
This was Mariejois—the Holy Land of the World Nobles.
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