Mariejois is not far from Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
After setting out in the morning, the warship cruised at a moderate pace, and by noon, it had already arrived at the port situated beneath the Holy Land. As the world's economic, political, and cultural epicenter, and the sacred seat of the World Government, the port of Mariejois was naturally massive after eight hundred years of development.
Currently, the harbor was packed with warships, with a sea of Marine soldiers maintaining order and security. The heavy military presence made it clear that this was no ordinary occasion.
Diarmuid had traveled with Fleet Admiral Sengoku. Sakazuki would enter Mariejois from the New World side, while Borsalino was expected to arrive in two days.
Once the warship was securely docked, Diarmuid and Sengoku stood on the deck surveying the port. Ships were constantly moving in and out; the Reverie was as much a grand event for wealthy merchants as it was for the world's royalty.
"I haven't seen this kind of bustling prosperity since Mariejois burned all those years ago," Diarmuid remarked, clicking his tongue.
"Indeed," Sengoku nodded. He paused for a moment, then chuckled dryly. "To be honest, knowing we're about to launch an operation here... I'm actually feeling a bit nervous."
Facing war didn't scare him. As a veteran Fleet Admiral and a career Marine, Sengoku had the psychological fortitude to handle combat. But in eight hundred years, no Fleet Admiral had ever attempted what he was about to do. It was unprecedented. Now that the moment was here, Sengoku couldn't help but feel the weight of it. One wrong step here meant a bottomless abyss.
Diarmuid nodded in agreement. "It is a bit nerve-wracking." He paused, then grinned. "But isn't it even more exciting?"
"Hahahaha! You have a point," Sengoku laughed heartily.
The gangplank was lowered, and Diarmuid followed Sengoku down to the dock. The prestige of a Fleet Admiral and an Admiral carried significant weight; a large welcoming party was already waiting for them.
Gion had arrived several days earlier to oversee port security. As an Admiral candidate, her strength and seniority were more than enough to keep things under control, and the port had remained perfectly orderly under her watch. Since both Diarmuid and Sengoku were arriving today, she was naturally there to receive them.
Not far from Gion stood another group, their presence clearly clashing with the Marines.
CP0!
As the Director-General of the CP organization, Stussy held a rank comparable to Sengoku himself. In terms of official status, she technically outranked Gion. However, Gion had the advantage of personal proximity to Diarmuid; the two even lived together in Marineford. Thus, Gion had the "standing" to hold her ground against Stussy.
The two women harbored a mutual distaste for one another, and neither could fully suppress the other. They had already engaged in several bouts of "wit and will" since arriving in Mariejois.
Having heard Diarmuid was coming, Stussy had made a grand appearance at the port to welcome him. Her excuse was airtight: since becoming Director-General, she hadn't yet had a formal meeting with Fleet Admiral Sengoku. As fellow heavyweights, a meeting was only appropriate. Furthermore, Mariejois was technically Stussy's home turf; as the host, it was only natural for her to greet Sengoku.
Stussy was flanked by Spandine and other CP confidants, while Gion was backed by a cadre of Marine officers. Both sides were out in force, glaring at each other with ill-concealed hostility.
Seeing this standoff the moment he stepped off the ship, Diarmuid felt a bead of sweat form. I hope these two don't start a riot right here on the pier.
Sengoku was also momentarily stunned by the two distinct camps. He gave Diarmuid a helpless, sidelong glance and shook his head.
Stussy didn't move first. As a subordinate to the Admiral and Fleet Admiral, Gion couldn't afford any delay and stepped forward to greet them. Being so close, there wasn't much need for formal pleasantries, but Gion was clearly in a foul mood. She dragged Sengoku into a dense technical report, completely ignoring Diarmuid.
Knowing he was in the wrong, Diarmuid didn't say a word, silently playing the role of a background character behind Sengoku.
"Fleet Admiral, we have stationed twenty thousand elite officers and men at this port," Gion reported. "As the Vice Admirals escorting the various royal families return, we will have no shortage of leadership. Admiral Sakazuki has likely coordinated the deployment of thirty thousand Marines on the New World side. We now have a force of fifty thousand strong in Mariejois, ready to support any action at a moment's notice."
Sengoku nodded. "As an Admiral candidate, you won't be able to participate in the actual conference. Because of that, everything outside the meeting room rests on your shoulders."
In past Reveries, Admiral candidates could attend. But this one was special. With a hundred kings present, space was limited. Only the most pivotal figures of the Marines could enter: the three Admirals, the Fleet Admiral, the Chief of Staff... and the "tough old dog" Garp.
Strictly speaking, Garp didn't have the official clearance to attend. But who could ignore the "Hero of the Marines"? He was a stubborn man who didn't play by the rules; if you didn't let him in, he'd likely throw a tantrum and cause a scene that would embarrass everyone. Thus, a special exception was made for him.
Gion wasn't as thick-skinned as Garp, so she couldn't attend. But this was for the best; it allowed her to maintain command over the Marine forces in Mariejois.
"Understood. Everything for Justice!" Gion said solemnly.
Once Gion and Sengoku finished their exchange, Stussy walked over with a graceful smile.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, it has been a long time. I am relieved to see you looking so healthy," Stussy said. Her greeting established her status immediately; she stood a head above the others in the hierarchy here. No matter how much Gion disliked her, she couldn't interfere and had to retreat, visibly annoyed.
As the "Queen" passed Gion, she let out a haughty "Hmph," making Gion's grip on her sword tighten as if she were about to draw it then and there.
Sengoku was very respectful toward Stussy. After all, she was a vital ally and an official of equal standing.
"Stussy-san, it has indeed been a while. You look as young and beautiful as ever; your charm is truly undiminished," Sengoku complimented with a polite smile. The two shared a handshake.
"Alas, no amount of charm can keep someone from being unfaithful..." Stussy sighed with a performative air of melancholy.
Diarmuid, standing to the side, pretended he hadn't heard a thing, staring off into the distance as if the port scenery was the most fascinating thing in the world. Sengoku gave a dry cough. How am I supposed to respond to that? People who don't know any better will think I'm the unfaithful one!
Fortunately, Stussy knew when to stop. After that brief jab, she smiled brightly. "Welcome to Mariejois."
"And you are always welcome to visit Marineford as our guest," Sengoku replied with a nod.
The two stood a bit closer, and Stussy lowered her voice. "Fleet Admiral, what are your arrangements?"
"According to the previous plan," Sengoku whispered back. He paused, then added, "When the time is right, I'll have Diarmuid explain the details to you again."
As a high-level ally, Stussy wasn't completely in the dark. Sengoku had communicated with her many times. However, given the gravity of the situation, a face-to-face briefing was necessary. One couldn't be too cautious.
Stussy nodded. "Very well. Since we are all in the same boat now, I will do everything in my power to support the Marines' actions."
"Good. The Marines have enjoyed a very pleasant partnership with you over the years, Stussy-san. I hope we can maintain our friendship through this as well," Sengoku said, satisfied with the confirmation.
After settling the business with Sengoku, Stussy turned her gaze toward Diarmuid with a smirk. "My, Admiral-sama, it feels like we haven't seen each other in ages, hasn't it?"
Diarmuid's face twitched slightly. "You must be very busy to have such a short memory. Didn't we just see each other in the Gold City?"
"Oh? Was that so?" Stussy feigned confusion before shifting the subject. "By the way, Admiral, would you be interested in a tour of Mariejois tonight? You haven't visited much since the reconstruction, have you?"
She glanced at Sengoku, signaling that this was the "opportune time" he had mentioned. Although Sengoku knew there was a complicated personal dynamic involved, the need for communication was paramount, so he gave Diarmuid a subtle nod of approval.
Diarmuid stole a cautious glance at Gion, who was practically radiating high-voltage electricity. He felt a sense of impending doom, but for the sake of his "Righteous Mission," he had no choice but to succumb to the Queen's invitation.
"Of course, no problem," Diarmuid said, forcing a smile.
Stussy nodded in satisfaction. With a "victorious" air, she cast a final, patronizing glance at the fuming Gion. "Then I shall come to invite you tonight, Admiral."
With a polite farewell to Diarmuid and Sengoku, she departed with her CP0 entourage. Spandine, now a member of CP0 himself, bowed and scraped toward Diarmuid from a distance before happily following her.
Once Stussy was out of earshot, sparks practically flew from Gion's eyes. "That wretched woman... does she think having power makes her special? Does she think she can just do whatever she wants!?"
"Hahahaha!" Sengoku let out a loud laugh and patted Gion on the shoulder. "Quickly then, strive to become an Admiral or Fleet Admiral. Having power really does mean you can do whatever you want."
Gion knew her rivalry with Stussy was secondary to the mission, so she didn't throw a tantrum or forbid Diarmuid from going. This was exactly why Diarmuid could tolerate her "scary" side and pretend to be "afraid." Both women were smart; no matter how much they bickered or clashed, they never let their personal feelings interfere with Diarmuid's serious business.
Since they respected his bottom line, Diarmuid was more than happy to give them "face" by playing the submissive role. After all, if acting a bit "henpecked" kept the peace while he reaped all the benefits, why not?
The minor drama at the port soon concluded, and Diarmuid's group boarded the bubble elevator, officially ascending into the Holy Land of Mariejois.