Feeling the suffocating atmosphere of killing intent in the air, along with the impeccably disciplined and imposing formation of countless Marine soldiers and officers, even someone as arrogant as Donquixote Doflamingo fell silent. For the first time ever, his expression turned unusually grim.
Likewise, Crocodile found himself reevaluating his identity and adjusting his posture to face this seemingly reborn Marine force.
Although Kazha and Gecko Moria each harbored their own thoughts, they concealed their unease, appearing calm while inwardly panicking.
The most composed among them was Jinbe.
Long before receiving the summons for the Seven Warlords meeting, he had already gathered information on the recent events at Marine Headquarters through various news outlets and channels. This allowed him to form a relatively rational assessment of the newly appointed, young Fleet Admiral Xayuki.
From the coup that brought him to power, to the purge of dissenters within Marine Headquarters and its branches, and finally forcing the World Government to compromise and sign The Marijoa Treaty, Jinbe did not believe this young Fleet Admiral would resort to forcibly suppressing the Seven Warlords during their meeting. At most, he would use the public execution as a warning to intimidate the Warlords and deter the lawless pirate crews roaming the seas.
"This is truly chilling," Doflamingo muttered after a brief silence. He hunched his back and walked forward, his once-arrogant stride now subdued.
Under the gaze of thousands of piercing eyes, Kazha and Gecko Moria obediently followed behind him, while Crocodile, after a quick glance around, also straightened up and proceeded towards the high stage. They took their seats in two rows at the long rectangular conference table.
"Attention, all personnel!"
Just as the Warlords had settled into their seats, a loud shout echoed from the plaza entrance.
Before they could react, every officer and soldier in the plaza, including those standing on the high stage like Strawberry, turned in unison to face the same direction. Their gazes grew fervent, filled with unprecedented intensity.
"The Fleet Admiral has arrived!"
"Stand at attention!"
"Salute!"
Whoosh—
In unison, every officer and soldier in the plaza straightened their posture and raised their right hands in salute, shouting in a thunderous chorus, "LOYALTY!"
Amidst the deafening slogan, a group of figures emerged from the plaza entrance.
Leading the way was none other than the newly appointed, spirited Fleet Admiral of Marine Headquarters, Xayuki, draped in his Fleet Admiral coat.
Following closely behind him were the three Marine Admirals, walking side by side, along with the newly promoted Admiral Gion (Momousagi).
As the group passed through the fervent soldiers and officers lined on both sides, even the five Warlords seated at the high stage—veterans of countless storms—couldn't help but be awestruck.
Especially Doflamingo. Although he had seen Xayuki's group photo with Marine officers and soldiers in Marine Headquarters' official news, witnessing Xayuki's entrance in person still made his eyes light up. A wicked grin crept across his face, impossible to suppress.
If Doflamingo had seen the historical drama The Legend of Chu and Han, he might have echoed Liu Bang's famous line upon seeing Emperor Qin Shi Huang: "Now this is what a man should aspire to be!"
While the five Warlords were captivated by the blood-stirring scene of Xayuki's entrance, three additional figures suddenly emerged from the plaza entrance.
Leading the way was the world's greatest swordsman, Dracule Mihawk, carrying his supreme-grade sword and walking with an elegant stride.
Following closely behind him were Boa Hancock, the Empress of Amazon Lily, whose mere appearance caused a stir among the previously disciplined Marines, and Gunshi, who wore his signature cape and newsboy cap, with his underpants boldly worn on the outside.
"Oh? An unexpected lineup of individuals!" Doflamingo chuckled as he noticed Mihawk walking behind Xayuki's group. "I didn't expect him to be living at Marine Headquarters and even entering alongside Xayuki. Has he completely submitted? Kekekeke~"
After letting out his trademark sinister laugh, Doflamingo shifted his gaze to Gunshi, who walked beside Hancock. His smile gradually faded as his eyes landed on a specific emblem on Gunshi's arm. His expression changed, and he silently exclaimed in his mind, "That's... the emblem of the Holy Knights?"
At that moment, Xayuki, accompanied by Sakazuki (Akainu), Borsalino (Kizaru), Kuzan (Aokiji), and Gion, ascended the high stage and walked directly to the seat at the head of the conference table.
The four admirals did not sit but instead stood on either side of Xayuki, flanking him.
Removing the gloves from his hands and placing them on the table, Xayuki scanned the five seated Warlords with a warm smile, as if greeting old friends. His tone was gentle as he said:
"Good afternoon, everyone—"
"Scum of the Grand Line!"
As soon as these words left his mouth, the five Warlords were caught completely off guard, their eyes widening in shock.
When Xayuki first spoke with a warm smile and greeted them with "Good afternoon, everyone," they had instinctively prepared to nod and return the greeting. But before they could respond, the sudden phrase "scum of the Grand Line" left them speechless, choking back the words they had been about to say.
Fortunately, at that moment, Mihawk and Hancock also ascended the high stage, taking seats on either side of Xayuki.
Of course, even if Mihawk and Hancock hadn't appeared, the others would have been left with nothing but stunned silence.
After all, setting aside Xayuki's identity and strength, the sheer presence of Sakazuki, Borsalino, Kuzan, and Gion—the highest combat forces of Marine Headquarters—was enough to silence them with the oppressive aura of their power.
"Xayuki—"
As soon as Hancock sat down, she immediately fixed her gaze on Xayuki. However, before she could continue, Xayuki shot her a sharp look and said, "Hancock, there's only one thing you need to do next: sit quietly and don't speak."
"Y-Yes... understood."
Hearing Xayuki suddenly address her by name, Hancock's cheeks flushed red. She obediently straightened her posture, her mind wandering into vivid fantasies, even imagining the names of their future children.
This unexpected interlude caused the atmosphere to shift slightly. The remaining five Warlords, excluding Mihawk, exchanged glances, their eyes moving between Hancock and Xayuki.
"Ahem—"
Clearing his throat to break the subtle tension, Xayuki calmly began, "I'm sure all of you are already aware of the events between Marine Headquarters and the Holy Land through news reports, as well as my identity. However, I still think it's necessary to introduce myself!"
"My name is Xayuki, and I am the current Fleet Admiral of Marine Headquarters."
"Through a very pleasant agreement with the Holy Land, the Seven Warlords system has officially been transferred from the control of the World Government to Marine Headquarters."
"This means that from now on, all of you will answer to me!"
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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