However, Sengoku's excitement was doomed to be short-lived. In fact, that momentary joy was about to turn into bitter disappointment.
After all, Sengoku's first assumption had been that Kaido had defeated Elior, and that, as planned, Tokikake and Gion would capture Elior, who should've been badly injured after such a clash.
"Chaton, what's the situation?" he asked urgently.
Tokikake paused for a moment, then replied, "Kaido suffered a serious injury during the battle. He was defeated by Elior. In the end, Red-Haired Shanks appeared as well. There seemed to be a brief standoff between Elior and the Red-Hair Pirates, but no actual fighting broke out. So the outcome of the battle…"
"Fleet Admiral, Elior is far too powerful! He's now operating at the same level as the Yonko. This isn't the first time Kaido has been beaten, but this time he's seriously wounded. That alone shows how terrifying Elior has become!"
As Tokikake spoke, Sengoku felt a weight settle deep in his chest. His earlier optimism evaporated like mist.
The three Admirals, along with Vice Admiral Tsuru, also looked grim. Just moments ago, they had thought they were hearing good news—but instead, it turned out to be a chilling report.
"It looks like we'll have to clean up after all this is ove" Tsuru said calmly. "Once the public execution is finished, and Marineford has time to recover, we'll send a fleet into the New World to wipe out Elior and his crew. In such a short period, they shouldn't have the time or resources to truly reach Yonko level."
It was the only reasonable approach they had in such a volatile time.
The execution of Fire Fist Ace was a pivotal moment. If the Whitebeard Pirates could be destroyed along with it, the World Government predicted it would mark the beginning of the end for the Great Pirate Era.
Back on the line, Tokikake continued, "Fleet Admiral, I'm being redeployed to handle unrest in other parts of the New World. As for Vice Admiral Momousagi, she's requested to remain stationed on Hachinosu to observe Elior's movements."
Sengoku thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Let her continue surveillance. Aside from Whitebeard, the most unpredictable and dangerous force in the New World right now is Elior. Chaton, make sure Momousagi is cautious. That man… he already has the power to defeat Kaido."
Tsuru frowned. "Do you really think Elior will tolerate a Marine Vice Admiral on his turf?"
Chaton replied, "She says she's willing to take the risk. If anything goes wrong, she'll withdraw immediately. She's confident she can handle herself."
"…Very well."
Sengoku sighed deeply. Joy turning to despair—this contrast weighed heavily on him.
For Marine HQ, Elior's sudden emergence had become a shadow hanging over everything—one that could not be easily dispelled.
....
Gion's request to remain on Hive Island was quickly approved by Sengoku.
Though in truth, she wasn't so much stationed there… as kept there.
At that moment, in the central district of Paradise Island — inside the grandest villa once built for a now-deceased local warlord — Elior was comfortably residing. The former owner? Slain by Elior's own hand shortly after his arrival. The luxurious estate had fallen into his lap by force. Bullet and the others had taken up residence elsewhere.
Still, Elior planned to construct a palace complex in the near future.
His ambitions were clear—he would become king of this world, starting here.
Like Big Mom's Totto Land, which centered around Whole Cake Island, Elior would create not a pirate kingdom — but an empire. One capable of toppling the World Government itself.
Nothing had officially begun yet, but it was all part of his plan.
He would rest for two days, then depart. The battle would soon begin.
Of course, Elior also wanted to visit Marineford to see if he could "sign in" there. Given how powerful the location was — after all, when Shanks showed up, Elior had gained top-tier swordsmanship and Conqueror's Haki from it — it was worth the risk. Perhaps Marineford held even greater rewards.
Was he going to join the battle to save Fire Fist Ace? Help the Whitebeard Pirates?
Absolutely not.
Elior's goal was maximum personal gain.
Maximum profit.
When a Yonko fell and a spot opened, Elior would take it without hesitation.
To be clear, the Four Emperors were all his enemies.
It was now the night after Kaido's defeat.
Elior sat in his residence. Gion was there too.
But unlike Elior, who sat comfortably, Gion was on her knees, diligently serving him.
Looking at her, Elior felt a twisted sense of domination.
This woman — according to the original timeline — would one day become a candidate for Admiral after the war at Marineford.
What did "Admiral candidate" mean? It meant someone with the strength of an Admiral, but without a seat due to the limited number of positions. If an Admiral died, one of the candidates would be promoted.
The World Government had strict criteria when appointing Admirals — strength, influence, combat record, and the ability to inspire fear.
Compared to Green Bull and Fujitora, who were chosen later, Gion may not have been as monstrous. Elior assumed both of them were Devil Fruit users — especially Fujitora, whose abilities in the manga made Elior suspect he might be the strongest Admiral of them all.
Of course, that was just speculation. But there was no doubt Fujitora was a monster.
As for Gion… if Marine HQ ever found out what she was doing now — completely subservient to a criminal like Elior—they would see it as nothing short of betrayal. A corruption of justice.
Tonight was bound to be a long one.
The next day, as agreed, Elior went to meet Vinsmoke Judge. By that time, Judge and his entire family were already waiting for him.