Chapter 167: Chapter 167: Grand Banquet
The Holy Land, Mary Geoise!
In Pangaea Castle, the office of the Five Elders!
"Hmph, is this the result we've been waiting for, keeping the Navy on standby?"
At this moment, Fleet Admiral Sakazuki wore a disgruntled expression, his tone filled with accusation.
Previously, the World Government had ordered the Navy to hold off on any action, claiming they had already initiated operations against Central Authority.
Akainu was dissatisfied from the start and felt that the World Government underestimated Shiro. As expected, not long ago, a shocking piece of news reached the world. All Marine branch bases located in the first half of the Grand Line, as well as those in the East and South Blue, had been seized and occupied by the forces of the Central Authority.
It's estimated that the Navy lost tens of thousands of soldiers in this incident. But that wasn't even the worst part.
The most significant consequence was the fact that the Navy's influence had been completely driven out of the first half of the Grand Line! Meanwhile, the Central Authority had established dominion over critical regions in the first half of the Grand Line and both the East and South Blue.
It was now undeniable: the Central Authority had grown beyond the level of a mere regional power.
As for the World Government's "secret operation"? Heh. Word had it that the Blackbeard Pirates were completely annihilated, and Marshall D. Teach was imprisoned by the Central Authority. The World Government's CP0? They suffered heavy casualties, and only a small fraction managed to escape with their lives.
"Sakazuki, watch your tone. Do you realize who you're speaking to right now?"
The Five Elders glared at him. The botched assault on the Central Authority's base was a significant failure, and they couldn't hide their frustration. Adding to their woes, the CP0 suffered considerable losses, and even their secret weapon was damaged.
The World Government had not only failed their mission but had also paid a heavy price. Yet, it wasn't Akainu's place to lecture them. Who was he, to speak in such a tone?
"Sakazuki, return to your post. The Central Authority will be dealt with. The Navy's job is to follow orders and maintain its duty. Nothing more."
Without giving Akainu further opportunity to speak, the Five Elders waved him off.
While Akainu, driven by his belief in Absolute Justice, was bound to follow orders, he had no intention of sitting idle. After several encounters with Shiro, he understood the young man's terrifying potential. If left unchecked, in less than two years, Shiro would be standing at the pinnacle of the world!
As for the Central Authority, they were already a force to be reckoned with, having amassed terrifying power.
The Central Authority not only had its original powerful members like Zephyr and Kuzan, but after the breakout from Impel Down, they had gained even more formidable allies, including former Seven Warlords of the Sea, the world's strongest swordsman Hawk Eyes Mihawk, Crocodile, and Jinbe, the Knight of the Sea.
Their power had doubled!
The Central Authority's cadre now boasted an unprecedented lineup. Even the current Four Emperors paled in comparison. Perhaps only the Rocks Pirates of old could have rivaled them!
For Akainu, eliminating Shiro was of the utmost urgency. Otherwise, the entire world would be reshaped by Shiro's existence.
The Calm Belt!
Central Authority Base!
On this now formidable island, a grand banquet was being held!
The recent period had been filled with victory after victory for Shiro and the Central Authority. Hence, a celebration was inevitable.
After fending off the World Government's assault, Shiro had wasted no time. Alongside Hawk Eyes Mihawk and a small army, he returned to Impel Down, launching an assault on the seas near Enies Lobby and the former Marineford.
The two stationed Marine Vice Admirals were swiftly dealt with — one killed and one surrendered. Under the leadership of Shiro and Mihawk, the Central Authority's forces stormed through, capturing the three great marine strongholds of Enies Lobby, Impel Down, and Marineford.
On another front, under the command of Zephyr and Fujitora, the Central Authority, with assistance from Enel, Crocodile, and other powerful figures, completed their objectives in record time.
Now, apart from the various nations in the East and South Blue, most of the sea regions had fallen under the Central Authority's control!
While the first half of the Grand Line was often dismissed as a "paradise" compared to the New World, no one now dared to underestimate the Central Authority.
The entire world knew that not even an Emperor could face the Central Authority alone!
Shiro found himself sitting in the midst of the festivities. Despite the joyous occasion, the atmosphere around him was strange. Surrounding him were Boa Hancock, Nico Robin, Momousagi, Domino, Little Sadi, and Marigold.
Though Momousagi maintained a distant but natural demeanor, the others were subtly tense. Marigold dutifully served both Shiro and Hancock, while the others exchanged glances full of unspoken tension.
It had all started innocently enough when Zoro and the others had casually mentioned the incident with Catarina Devon disguising herself as Robin. That set off a chain of subtle rivalries.
Even Zephyr and the other officers had discreetly moved to other areas, leaving Shiro in an awkward situation.
The sudden arrival of Ghost Princess Perona only escalated the tension in this already fiery scene.
"Oi, oi, Shiro, is this what you call a peaceful celebration?"
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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg