The Hidden Fortress
The Embrace Alliance's first official gathering was not going to be held in any kingdom's capital — Vegito made sure of that. Instead, Heaven's Embrace carried them to a fortress carved directly into the side of a sheer cliff face on a remote island surrounded by perpetual mist.
The place had no name on any chart. Its stone walls were streaked with enchanted runes, and the landing platform was big enough for three warships to dock.
Robin traced her fingers along a wall as they entered. "These glyphs are from the Void Century… but the structure itself is much newer. Did you build this?"
Vegito grinned. "One part construction haki, one part Wood Release, one part high-tech ship replicator systems. And no, you can't have the schematics."
The Guest List
Bell-mère stood at the entry hall doors, reading off names as the guests arrived.
Queen Amara of Sorbet, regal as ever.
Queen Serenya of Ventross, wrapped in fur-lined armor.
Duchess Liora of Rosevale, who waved to Vegito like they were already married.
Representatives from Zou, Wano, and Laquaria.
A Mink delegation, led by Carrot's uncle.
And, shockingly, an envoy from the Revolutionary Army — not Dragon himself, but one of his commanders, a woman named Maris with an unreadable smile.
Summit Hall
The main chamber was round, the ceiling a glass dome that showed the swirling mist outside. At the center, a massive table was set with maps, stacks of parchment, and enough food to feed three kingdoms.
Amara raised an eyebrow at the spread. "Is this a diplomatic summit or a feast?"
"Both," Vegito said, already stealing a plate of roasted boar for himself. "It's hard to argue on an empty stomach."
Opening Statements
Vegito stood, palms resting on the table. "You all know why we're here. The Embrace Alliance exists for one reason — to keep the World Government's hands off our lands. We trade freely, we protect each other, and when one of us is attacked… all of us respond."
Serenya's voice was calm but edged. "And when the Government sends a fleet?"
Vegito's smirk widened. "Then we send it back in pieces."
The Comedy of Politics
The first hour was spent in actual negotiations. The second hour devolved into banter:
Liora accusing Serenya of "hoarding" Vegito's attention.
Amara asking if this "alliance" came with marriage clauses.
Wanda reminding everyone that the Mink tribes would expect to be invited to any parties.
At one point, Lysandra — still new to the crew — leaned over to Robin and whispered, "Do they all… flirt with him?"Robin didn't look up from her notes. "Constantly."
The CP0 Infiltration
High above the dome, hidden in the mist, three masked agents of CP0 rappelled down the cliff wall. Their orders were simple:
Plant listening devices in the Summit Hall.
Identify any weaknesses in the Embrace Alliance leadership.
If possible, abduct one high-value target.
The lead agent — a tall man in a white mask — signaled for silence as they slipped through a side ventilation shaft.
Vegito Knows
Inside, Vegito's ears twitched. His tail swished once. Then he went back to slicing steak like nothing was wrong.
Thirty seconds later, just as CP0 reached the edge of the dome's support beams, Vegito vanished.
The next moment, the three agents found themselves sitting at the summit table — with their weapons neatly stacked in front of them, and plates of food in their hands.
"Gentlemen," Vegito said with a friendly smile. "Welcome to the party."
Humiliation by Hospitality
Instead of executing them, Vegito forced the agents to sit through the entire summit while he "interpreted" their mission objectives out loud for the whole room.
"So you were supposed to plant bugs here, here, and here," he said, tapping the table map. "And then maybe kidnap… ah, Duchess Liora. Bold choice."
Liora leaned back, smirking. "I'd like to see them try."
By the end, the CP0 agents were sweating through their masks.
Alliance Sealed
With the tension broken — mostly at CP0's expense — the summit concluded with a formal agreement:
Mutual defense.
Shared resources.
Full trade routes between member states.
Each leader left with a personal comm-link attuned to Heaven's Embrace, courtesy of Vegito's tech shop.
A Private Conversation
After the summit, Robin cornered Vegito on the balcony. "You've just painted an even bigger target on yourself."
"I know," Vegito said, watching the mist roll over the sea. "And that's the point. If they're focused on me, they're not hitting the Alliance."
Robin studied him for a long moment before smiling faintly. "You're reckless."
"Comes with the tail," he said.
The Departure
As the guests departed one by one, the crew prepared for their next voyage. Bell-mère adjusted the helm while Lysandra stood at the bow, scanning the horizon.
Reiju came up beside Vegito. "Where to now?"
"Somewhere loud," Vegito replied. "The Government needs to remember I'm still moving."
[World State Updated]
Embrace Alliance: Fully formalized, multi-kingdom coalition established.
World Government Alert: CP0 infiltration failed; Vegito classified as "unpredictable, impossible to corner."
Public Perception: Pirate King in the making.
Next Destination: A dangerous trade hub deep in the New World — and the first major clash between the Alliance and the underworld.