Just as Vice Admiral Tsuru's group stepped out of the hotel, the meeting room discussion ended as well.
Nami and her group walked out of the conference room.
Judging by the smile on her face, it was obvious that the Devil Fruit had sold for a great price. But the Revolutionary Army definitely didn't lose out—they got an entire country, after all!
"Mr. Ryuen, Ms. Nami really hasn't changed. She actually asked for 1 billion berries," Sabo walked up to Ryuen with a slightly helpless look.
"Hahahaha~"
"Sabo, you're thinking about it the wrong way. You have to see the potential this country has," Ryuen laughed. He didn't believe for a second that the Revolutionary Army got the short end of the stick.
"Hmph~"
"Sabo, we're only being nice because we know you. Otherwise, I would've asked for way more than just 1 billion berries!" Nami huffed. She felt she was already being pretty generous.
"Hahaha~"
"True, true. Well, we're heading to the capital now. By the way, aren't you all going to Princess Angela's succession ceremony?" Sabo asked, a little awkwardly, then remembered to bring it up just before leaving.
"The ceremony is at noon, it's still early. No rush," Ryuen replied with a calm smile.
"I see~"
"Then we'll see you in the capital. Take care, everyone." With that, Sabo also left the hotel. That last question was really him trying to find out whether the Dream Exploration Team would show up at Angela's ceremony.
After all, the Revolutionary Army didn't have a strong presence in the New World. If members of the Dream Team appeared in public, it would take a lot of pressure off them.
His thinking was simple:
Even if Ryuen didn't go—as long as someone from the Dream Team showed up, that would be enough!
.....
Morning came.
The sun was already high in the sky, shining brightly and warmly over the entire port city.
The streets were packed with people and carriages. Everyone's face was full of joy and excitement.
Today was a big day for the city—Princess Angela would officially take the throne and become queen of the Kingdom of Magiatsuka.
People gathered in the main square of the port city, all staring up at the screen in the sky.
At noon, the succession ceremony at the royal palace would be broadcast live!
Fifteen years had passed, and now people could finally see hope again.
Their country was about to return to the rule of the Garfield royal family, ending the 15 years of chaos under the rule of the noble alliance.
This news had everyone buzzing with excitement and anticipation, as if a new era was about to begin.
At the top floor of the hotel, everyone was ready.
"Ryuen, are you really not going?" Nami walked up to him and asked again.
Angela was about to become queen, and Nami and the others wanted to join in the celebration—but Ryuen had no intention of showing up at the ceremony.
"You guys can go. If I show up, it'll cause too much of a stir. Besides, there's still a big show coming up in a couple days. I can't steal the World Government's spotlight, can I?" Ryuen declined again.
"Hehehe, true. The most important part of the Magiatsuka Kingdom event is in a few days anyway. Alright, we're off then." Nami waved casually, and the group headed downstairs, quickly making their way toward the capital.
————
Magiatsuka Kingdom Capital.
The square in front of the royal palace was filled with colorful flags and blooming flowers, creating a joyful and peaceful atmosphere.
Crowds of people gathered there, ready to witness a historic moment.
Thirteen-year-old Princess Angela appeared before the crowd, wearing a grand royal robe and a crown, smiling gently.
Her beauty and grace won everyone over and filled them with hope for the future.
After going through all the ceremonies and speeches, Garfield Angela was crowned the new king of the Magiatsuka Kingdom.
In an instant—
Cheers and applause erupted across the square, echoing through the sky.
At that moment, the whole country was immersed in joy and celebration, as everyone wished for Princess Angela to lead the kingdom into a bright and prosperous future.
————
Elsewhere, at the Marine G5 Branch.
Smoker, who had just been transferred here a few days ago, received another set of orders. He double-checked with Aokiji, and to his surprise, Aokiji agreed to it.
"Tashigi."
"If I'm not mistaken, the Dream Exploration Team is also in the Magiatsuka Kingdom, right?" Smoker asked, two cigars in his mouth, taking a deep drag.
"Huh?"
"Yes, Rear Admiral Smoker. And today is also the day the new king takes the throne," Tashigi replied after a slight pause.
Every time she thought about the Dream Exploration Team, she couldn't help but think of that woman in the group who looked almost exactly like her.
That woman was incredibly strong!
"No wonder Kuzan agreed to let me take this post. Looks like this trip to the Magiatsuka Kingdom won't be simple..." Smoker muttered to himself.
He didn't believe for a second that a declining country in the New World would really need a Marine Rear Admiral with a Logia ability to guard it.
The only explanation was that the Magiatsuka Kingdom event was more complicated than it looked, and it needed someone with real power to handle it.
"Rear Admiral Smoker, are we heading out now?" Tashigi asked right away.
"No rush. We're still waiting for Vice Admiral Tsuru. She'll be going with us to the Magiatsuka Kingdom," Smoker said, shaking his head.
"I see~"
"Well, I'll go get ready then. We just got here and now we're moving again," Tashigi grumbled as she turned and walked off.
Smoker didn't say anything.
He was deep in thought. Back when he was still in East Blue with the Dream Exploration Team, he had even told Ryuen they'd meet again at Marine HQ.
But now, with the whole Dream Exploration Team being wanted, the two sides were standing against each other.
What shocked him even more was how far the Dream Exploration Team had come—now they had the same kind of attention as the legendary Four Emperors.
Their territory kept growing, and their influence got stronger. Every move they made sent ripples through the entire sea.
"Sigh..."
"How did it end up like this..." Smoker couldn't understand.
Why did the Marines push such a powerful group to become their enemy? He didn't get it even when the bounties were first issued for the Dream Exploration Team.
Was it just because during the Summit War, they ignored Sengoku's orders and took Bartholomew Kuma away?
While Smoker was still puzzled by all this, somewhere else in the New World, Aokiji hung up a Den Den Mushi and stared ahead in deep thought.
On the table in front of him was a piece of paper with fresh ink—covered in names. They were names of Marine base commanders stationed throughout the New World.
And—
It also listed each commander's weaknesses and secrets.
---
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