Levely and Shichibukai
The commotion caused by the Beasts Fruits was still ongoing, causing a major upheaval in the scientific and medical communities. Especially among those researching carbon elements, some even believe they have discovered a unique "One Piece."
Each of them desires to research the crystalline substance, but it is highly unstable, leading to slow progress.
However, this matter was inconsequential to the World Government, as this year's Levely has begun.
On the Red Line, the massive cross symbol of the World Government was shining brightly. This is Red Port, the only place to legally cross the Red Line, where the kings of nations eligible to participate in the Levely have mostly arrived by now.
This is the most heavily guarded area of the Marines, with Mariejois situated above. On either side of the Red Line are Marineford and Marine's G1 Branch, while the Admiral stationed at the headquarters can provide rapid support to Mariejois in case of unexpected incidents.
Combined with its formidable defense forces, Mariejois has never encountered any trouble for centuries.
A ship flying the Alabasta kingdom's flag quickly approached the port under the escort of the Marines. The reporters below quickly made way for it.
"King Cobra, this way."
Nefertari Cobra, the king of the desert kingdom Alabasta, is the most unique among the many kings participating in the Levely.
Because his ancestors were one of the original Twenty Kings; although they chose to remain in Alabasta rather than move to Mariejois.
He could have become a Celestial Dragon, but his ancestors chose to forgo that opportunity.
This place is still within the reach of Sabaody Archipelago's influence, allowing the use of coating technology. With the coating and ropes, a special lift called Bondola was built here, which is also a common way for people to cross the Red Line.
It wasn't Cobra's first time here, so standing on the rising Bondola, he felt no fear. However, when he turned to look at the Red Line, he noticed something seems amiss.
"Guard, do you see anything over there?"
"There's nothing there, King Cobra. What's wrong?"
"Maybe I'm seeing things. I thought I saw a snake made of stones."
"The wind is strong outside. You might be mistaken. Come over here and rest for a while."
After Bondola disappeared, rocks on the cliffside fell down and a blue and black Onix popped its head out. It glanced around, then retreated and sealed the gap.
Cobra wasn't mistaken; what he saw was an Onix that had dug its way here. They had already found the locations of many mineral deposits, but this time they had accidentally dug too far.
After passing a long staircase, they arrived at the holy land, Mariejois. Here, there were supposedly "fully automated" pathways, but in reality, such things did not exist. Beneath those automatically moving escalators were slaves dressed in tattered clothing.
The splendor of Mariejois is built upon the flesh and blood of those beneath, yet all of this remains unknown. People can only see its shiny exterior.
"Ballywood Kingdom's King Ham Burger has arrived!"
"Tajine Kingdom's Queen Mororon has arrived!"
"Shishano Kingdom's King Tacos has arrived!"
In the Council Room of Mariejois, fifty kings successively took their seats. This is the place that the king of the Vodka Kingdom has desperately sought to enter.
Around the colossal round table, they begin discussions on various matters.
"People from your Kano Country are quite rude. That Chinjao seems to be searching for something everywhere."
"It isn't on my order; it's entirely his own decision."
The king of Kano Country was talking with another king. This is the Levely, and the conflicts arising here could potentially lead to war upon returning home. So, even if they have objections about the other's actions, they can only have a discussion.
"Don't talk about those irrelevant matters. I heard there's a rebellion erupting around Flevance. Those people call themselves the Revolutionary Army?"
"It's just a rebellion, not a big deal. Just a few small countries, is it necessary to talk about it now?"
"True, let's move on to the next topic."
The meeting chairman skipped this topic. Fifty kings take turns as the chairman, and the topics discussed are proposals submitted in advance by each king.
To them, the current Revolutionary Army appears to be just an ordinary rebellion. At this point, they don't comprehend the term "revolution" and are unaware of the significant impact the Revolutionary Army will bring.
"Over the years, the number of pirates has been increasing. How has your situation been?"
"We're fine, not affected much."
"We're not doing well. Our location is extremely unfavorable, and the Marine's protection is not enough. I heard Alabasta is doing well because of that Shichibukai. Is that true?"
At this point, Crocodile has already arrived in Alabasta based on various information. As one of the current Shichibukai, he has the right to stay within allied-countries' borders as long as he doesn't attack them.
Moreover, for his future goals, Crocodile is building his reputation by actively attacking pirates every day.
The desert environment is his natural battleground. Having fought in the New World, even without the power of Haki, he is not someone that newly entered Grand Line rookies can handle.
Alabasta became surprisingly calm for a while, and Crocodile almost became a hero within the kingdom.
Some kings even think it's a good thing.
While they were discussing this topic, inside Mariejois, the Five Elders were also discussing the same topic.
"Pirates are increasing, yet there is still only one Shichibukai. This organization needs to be filled."
"Kaido, Whitebeard, Big Mom, their influence is growing, especially Beasts Pirates. Is it really okay to let them develop freely?"
"It's just a company. It won't stir up much trouble. Isn't it much better to have pirates who are willing to do business than those causing chaos? The Flevance incident shows that these people know how to control themselves."
"They've taken over Wano Country. Let's keep that secret below sealed for now. With them there, other pirates can't go there."
Several of the Five Elders were discussing this matter, but, in their view, the so-called Emperors of the Sea are nothing more than small fries.
"It seems that the strength of the Marines is also expanding. The actions of the three Logia fruit users on their side have overstepped their boundaries."
"That's why I said the position of the Seven Warlords of the Sea should be all filled. Do any of you have thoughts on this?"
"Gecko Moria, the man who battled Kaido and came out unscathed. I think he's a good choice, and his abilities are decent."
"Marine Hunter, that guy has caused the Marines a lot of embarrassment. I heard his swordsmanship is very powerful."
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