The Invitation
The summons came on golden parchment sealed with the emblem of Amara's court — one of the three Alliance queens Vegito had recently saved.
Robin read it aloud:
"Captain Vegito of the Heaven's Embrace, you are cordially invited to the Grand Alliance Banquet in Roseveil to discuss mutual security interests."
Nojiko frowned. "That sounds way too polite for what it is."
Reiju smirked. "Translation: they want to lure you somewhere public so they can make a move without starting a war."
Vegito tapped the parchment with one finger. "Let's go. I want to see how bad they are at playing games."
Roseveil's Grand Hall
The Grand Hall was a masterpiece of carved marble, crystal chandeliers, and long tables covered in delicacies. Musicians played a soft waltz as nobles and officials mingled.
The Heaven's Embrace crew entered together — dressed not for battle, but for impact. Bell-mère wore a crimson gown with a slit high enough to scandalize half the room. Robin's dress was black silk, hugging her figure like shadow. Reiju wore shimmering pink with a neckline that made a few ambassadors choke on their wine.
Vegito himself ditched his normal open-chested coat for a tailored white-and-gold jacket reminiscent of Edward Newgate's style — minus the bandana, plus the tail swaying lazily behind him.
Every head turned. Conversations stopped. The power dynamic in the room shifted instantly.
The Trap Springs
Halfway through the meal, Amara rose to speak.
"Friends, honored guests… tonight, we welcome not just allies, but legends. Yet we also face dangers that test our unity."
The double doors slammed open. In marched a squad of Government envoys, flanked by elite Marines. At their head was Admiral Ryokugyu, green hair slicked back, expression smug.
"Vegito," he said. "You've interfered in Government operations. By the authority of the Celestial Dragons, you're under arrest."
The hall went silent. Nobles exchanged nervous glances.
Vegito's Response
Vegito stood slowly, setting his wineglass down.
"You barge into a queen's banquet… to arrest me?" He looked around the hall. "How rude."
Ryokugyu smirked. "You can come quietly, or—"
Vegito flickered. One moment he was at his table, the next he was behind the Admiral, leaning down to whisper in his ear:
"Do you really want to try me in front of all these people?"
The Shift
Ryokugyu spun, swinging a vine-wrapped blade — and Vegito caught it between two fingers.
"I came here to eat, drink, and maybe dance," Vegito said. "You? You came here to embarrass me. Let's see how that goes for you."
He twisted. The vine-blade shattered into splinters. Gasps filled the hall.
Comedic Humiliation
Vegito didn't just beat Ryokugyu. He toyed with him — teleporting behind him, tripping him into a dessert table, making the Admiral's attacks slice only chandeliers and buffet trays.
At one point, Carrot leapt onto the Admiral's back, hanging from his shoulders like a backpack and shouting, "You're losing to our captain in formal wear! Hahahaha!"
By the time Vegito knocked him flat with a single tail-whip, Ryokugyu's coat was covered in frosting and his pride was in tatters.
The Speech
Vegito stepped onto the center dais.
"To everyone here," he said, "remember this: the World Government doesn't care about your sovereignty. They care about control. But if you stand with the Embrace Alliance, you won't stand alone. And if they come for you—" He glanced at the groaning Admiral. "—you'll still have your dessert."
Laughter rippled through the hall. Even the queens hid smiles behind their fans.
Private Aftermath
Later, in Amara's private chambers, she and the other two queens — Serenya and Liora — met with Vegito.
"You've made them hesitate," Serenya said softly. "And… rumors are spreading."
Liora's hand brushed her stomach subtly. "Soon, those rumors will become truth."
Vegito's gaze softened, but he only said, "We'll deal with that when the time is right. For now… we make the Alliance untouchable."
Government Fallout
Back in Mariejois, Sakazuki slammed his fist into his desk after hearing the report.
"He humiliated an Admiral at a diplomatic banquet?! In front of royalty?!"
Sengoku sighed. "Yes. And now three Alliance capitals are rallying behind him."
Saint Marcus Mars's voice was cold. "This has gone beyond containment. Vegito is shaping the New World's politics — and soon, its future."
[World State Updated]
Alliance Strength: Roseveil, Sorbet, and Ventross fully commit to the Embrace Alliance.
World Government: Political standing damaged by public humiliation.
Foreshadowing: Alliance queens' pregnancies will soon be undeniable, with massive symbolic implications.
Next Destination: Vegito leads the crew to intercept a heavily guarded Government convoy carrying something the Five Elders desperately want to keep hidden.