Broadcasting the Banquet!

Before the Roger Pirates discovered the Final Island, the ultimate destination of the Grand Line was believed to be Lodestar Island.

For a long time, many pirate crews capable of reaching Lodestar Island thought it was the endpoint.

This was because anyone who followed the magnetic pull to reach the island found that their Log Pose couldn't store enough magnetism to guide them to the next island.

According to maritime rules, a Log Pose should store magnetism for the next island after staying on a current one for a certain period.

Once the Log Pose fails to store magnetism for the next island, it signals the end of the journey.

However, the Roger Pirates proved that the Final Island indeed exists. This knowledge, paired with the inability to reach it despite knowing its existence, left countless treasure-seeking pirates in despair.

In the vast and unpredictable New World, without a Log Pose to guide the ship, it's nearly impossible to survive, let alone locate the Final Island.

Over the past twenty years, no one else besides the Roger Pirates has reached the Final Island.

For two decades, pirate crews venturing into the New World stopped at Lodestar Island.

Now—

Due to the actions of Kaido and Bullet, the once-neglected Lodestar Island has once again drawn the world's attention.

Combining the Permanent Log Pose to the Final Island with Lodestar Island creates an irresistible lure for those determined to find the One Piece.

Bullet and his crew chose this island because it's located in the New World, where the Navy and World Government's influence is minimal. The New World, being a pirate's paradise, naturally attracts powerful pirates.

Additionally, the journey to Lodestar Island is extremely challenging. Even with a Permanent Log Pose, the treacherous weather and lurking Sea Kings eliminate weaker contenders early on.

On Lodestar Island—

In the center of the island stands a mountain over a thousand meters high.

Atop the mountain is a temporary castle.

"I've put a lot of effort into preparing this grand event."

Standing on a high platform within the castle, Festa held a glass of red wine, gazing down at the bustling construction site below.

Given that the event was meant to be a grand festival, food, drink, and entertainment were essential. Otherwise, the pirates arriving at Lodestar Island would be standing on barren land—a humiliation Festa couldn't tolerate.

"Thanks to those underground rats, everything's proceeding smoothly. Soon, a world-shaking event will unfold! Hahaha!"

After a few hearty laughs, Festa drained his glass and returned inside. There was still much to handle.

As time passed, countless pirates scrambled for entry tickets, causing the Navy significant harm.

Many mid-ranking Navy officers were hunted by pirates.

The fierce clashes between the two factions plunged the world into chaos.

Then—

The Revolutionary Army seized this opportunity to make a strong entrance. In areas where the Navy was severely weakened, the Revolutionary Army deployed troops to fill the void, taking over the task of driving out pirates.

For powerful pirates, entry tickets could only be obtained by taking down Navy officers. However, the Revolutionary Army proved to be formidable opponents.

For ordinary pirates, without strong leaders paving the way, they stood no chance against Revolutionary Army-guarded towns.

Once the stronger pirates secured tickets through Navy officer bounties, they set off for the New World, eager to join the festival.

The chaos caused by pirates gradually subsided, and the Revolutionary Army's influence among the people grew significantly.

…

"Bullet, everything is nearly ready, but there's one thing I'm worried about..."

Festa slowly stood up, bracing himself on the table, and looked at Bullet, who was sitting on the sofa. "When those Navy monsters show up, can you and Kaido keep the 'upper hand'?"

Festa wasn't too concerned about the pirates. He knew that while there might be pirates capable of matching Bullet and Kaido, none could defeat them together. Moreover, those strong pirates had too much pride to join forces with others.

So, Festa's only concern was the Navy. If figures like Sengoku, Garp, Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan led the Navy's charge, could they be stopped?

"…"

Bullet remained silent, expressionless.

Festa narrowed his eyes and smirked.

In the past, Bullet might have confidently dismissed the concern.

At just 15 years old, he had fought Rayleigh to a draw, ranking among the top even in the monstrous Roger Pirates.

But after being defeated and captured by the combined efforts of the Navy's three Admirals, he realized that while he feared no one in one-on-one combat, facing multiple top-tier opponents was a different story.

"Don't worry, I won't go down easily," Bullet replied calmly.

Festa knew that even with Bullet and Kaido's strength, they might not fully control the situation.

After all, the gathering on Lodestar Island would attract not only a massive number of pirates but also the Navy. No one could confidently claim they could dominate such a chaotic event.

But—

So what!?

For Festa, as long as he could host an event that would shake the world, he'd have no regrets.

On a stage filled with so many powerful players, battles would only push the event to its peak!

"Brululululu…"

One of the many Den Den Mushi on the table started ringing.

Festa picked up the receiver.

A voice came through the Den Den Mushi:

"Festa, we've secured most of the live broadcast Den Den Mushi locations… But let me warn you, setting up a global broadcast network to your specifications will be staggeringly expensive!"

"Money is the least of my concerns. And don't think about trying to cheat me. If you mess this up, you're dead."

Festa glared at the Den Den Mushi, his eyes filled with malice.

To him, these underworld brokers were partners, but also untrustworthy scum.

Show even a hint of weakness, and they'd tear you apart.

"Hehehehe, relax, Festa. We'll deliver as promised. The wine and food needed for the event will arrive with the Den Den Mushi via Sea King Shipping. Just be ready with the payment—cash on delivery."

"Don't worry, you'll get your money."

Festa hung up.

He had no fondness for these money-grubbing parasites.

Given that this event was meant to be unprecedented, it had to be broadcasted globally.

He planned to use live broadcast Den Den Mushi to stream the entire festival worldwide.

Setting up a new global broadcast network, outside the World Government's control, came with enormous costs.

Festa put down the receiver and gazed out at the ocean, eager for the upcoming event that would captivate the world.

Time flew by—

Finally, the day came.

The waters around Lodestar Island were unusually calm.

Pirate crews from across the world started arriving near the island.

Festa, in the castle atop the mountain, spotted the first group of guests through the island's network of Den Den Mushi. He immediately grabbed a telescope and rushed to the balcony, where he spotted a sea of white sails on the horizon. Ecstatic, he began waving his arms.

…

After getting the items he eagerly pressed the button on his right hand. With the press of a button, Den Den Mushi stationed in town squares worldwide opened their eyes.

As the Den Den Mushi awakened, screens in towns across the globe displayed live footage of Lodestar Island and its surrounding seas.

Inside Festa's room, in addition to views of the island, several screens showed shadowy figures whose faces couldn't be made out.

These figures were the underworld bosses—Festa's "rats."

After all, even if they claimed to be "emperors" of the underworld, they were still just sewer rats hiding their true faces.

"Hahaha, live-streaming this event to the world?"

"Will the other Four Emperors show up?"

"Not sure about Big Mom or Shanks, but Whitebeard will definitely come—Bullet and Kaido have thoroughly enraged that old man recently…"

"I'm just curious when the Navy will make their move. This clash between most of the New World's pirates and the Navy could reshape the world's power balance."

"Heh, you underestimate the World Government's strength. Even if the Navy suffers a catastrophic defeat in the New World, it'll only cause some temporary chaos!

The only real threat to the World Government is the Revolutionary Army."

"No matter how the world changes, our positions remain unshaken, haha!"

The underground emperors discussed the upcoming clash between pirates and the Navy with complete disregard.

To them, this was merely a global game. No matter who won or lost, they'd remain the rulers of the dark underworld.

Returning to his room, Festa leaned on the table, resting his chin on his hand as he listened to the underworld bosses' conversation.

Would the Four Emperors come?

Would the Navy launch a major offensive?

The answer was clear.

The Four Emperors might not all come, but according to intelligence, the three Admirals, Garp, Sengoku, and a large elite force were already on their way to Lodestar Island.

"Who knows? But for now, let's enjoy this festival that's sure to go down in history!"

Festa raised his hands, his smile growing wilder.

Regardless of the outcome, as the festival's host, his name would be recorded in history.

As Festa and the underworld bosses talked, a cat with a charm covering its eyes quietly watched everything from the rafters above.