The stir caused by the Hundred Beasts Fruit is still ongoing, causing a seismic shift in the fields of science and medicine. Researchers studying carbon elements even claim they have discovered a unique Grand Treasure.
Everyone wants to study that crystal, but it's quite unstable, so their research progresses very slowly.
However, this matter is insignificant to the World Government because this year's World Conference has commenced.
On the Red Earth Continent, the massive cross insignia of the World Government is striking. This is Red Port, the legal crossing point of the Red Earth Continent. Most of the kings eligible to participate in the World Conference have already arrived here.
This is the most heavily guarded location by the Navy. Above it lies Mary Geoise, with Marinfanto and the Navy's G-1 Branch on either side of the Red Earth Continent. Admirals stationed at the headquarters can support Mary Geoise at any incident in a very short time.
With the might of its existing defenses, Mary Geoise has remained unassailable for centuries.
The ship flying the flag of Alabasta swiftly approached the port under the Navy's escort, while the reporters below quickly moved aside to clear a path.
"King Cobra, this way please."
Nefertari Cobra, the king of the Desert Kingdom of Alabasta, stands out among the many kings participating in the World Conference.
Because his ancestor was one of the original Twenty Kings; however, they refused to move to Mary Geoise and opted to stay in Alabasta instead.
He could have become a Heavenly Celestial Dragon, but his ancestor gave up that opportunity.
This area is within the influence of the Shampodi Islands, so coating technology is still applicable. Using coatings and ropes, a special elevator named the Bubble Cable Car was built here, which is the common method people use to scale the Red Earth Continent.
Cobra isn't new to this place. Standing on the ascending cable car, he felt no fear, but as he turned to look at the Red Earth Continent, he felt as if he had lost his sight.
"Guard, is there something over there?"
"There's nothing there, King Cobra, what's wrong?"
"Maybe I'm seeing things... I seemed to see a snake made of stone..."
"The wind is strong outside; it might have confused your eyes. Come over here and rest for a while."
When the bubble cable car vanished, the rocks on the cliff fell off, and a large blue-black Onix poked its head out, surveyed the surroundings, then burrowed back in, filling the original gap.
Cobra wasn't seeing things; he indeed spotted the large Onix that had dug its way here. They've already found quite a few mineral deposits, but this time, they accidentally dug too far.
After a long staircase, they finally arrived at the Holy Land Mary Geoise. There was an "automatic" walking path here, but in reality, such things do not exist. Underneath those automatic escalators were slaves in rags.
The opulence of Mary Geoise is built upon their flesh and blood, but this is all hidden. People can only see the dazzling exterior here.
.....
"Bollywood Kingdom - King Ham Burger arrives!"
"Taji Kingdom - Queen Mororon arrives!"
"Shixia Kingdom - King Tacos arrives!"
In Mary Geoise's King's Council, fifty kings took their seats one after another. This is the place the king of the former Vwaka Kingdom would break his head to enter.
Sitting around the massive round table, they began discussing one matter after another.
"The people of the Flower Country aren't very courteous, are they? That Chinjao seems to be looking for something everywhere."
"That's not my command; it's entirely his own decision."
The king of the Flower Country was communicating with another king. This is the World Conference, and the disputes occurring here could even trigger wars after returning to their countries. Therefore, even if they have opinions about each other's behaviors, they merely discuss it.
"Let's not talk about irrelevant matters. I've heard that a rebellion broke out around Freyvans, and they're calling themselves the Revolutionary Army?"
"Just a rebellion; it's nothing serious, merely a few small countries. Is there any need to talk about it now?"
"Indeed, let's move on to the next topic."
The meeting leader skipped this topic. The fifty kings take turns acting as the meeting leader, and the discussion topics are agendas submitted in advance by each king.
The current Revolutionary Army, in their view, is a mere ordinary rebellion. They do not understand the term "revolution" and have no awareness of the significant impact the Revolutionary Army may bring.
"Pirates have become more numerous over the years. How are things on your end?"
"It's okay; we haven't been much affected."
"We're not faring well; our location is too unfavorable. The Navy's protection is far from sufficient. I've heard that Alabasta's environment is quite good because of that Seven Warlords."
Crocodile has now arrived in Alabasta according to various reports. As one of the current Seven Warlords of the Sea, he has the right to stay within member countries as long as he does not attack them.
Moreover, Crocodile is building his reputation for his future plans, currently beating pirates daily.
The desert environment is his natural home field. Having fought in the New World, even after losing the power of his heart, he's not someone those newcomers who just entered the Grand Line can deal with.
For a time, Alabasta became uncharacteristically peaceful, almost making Crocodile a hero within the kingdom.
Some kings even think this is a good thing.
Meanwhile, as they were discussing this topic, within Mary Geoise, the Five Elders were also discussing the same issue.
"The number of pirates is growing, and the Seven Warlords of the Sea still has only one member. This organization needs to be filled."
"The influence of the Hundred Beasts, Whitebeard, and BIG MOM is increasing, especially the Hundred Beasts... Is it really okay to allow them to develop freely?"
"It's just a corporation; they can't stir any waves. Isn't a pirate willing to do business much better than pure chaos? The Freyvans incident shows these people understand when to advance and when to retreat."
"They have occupied Wano Kuni. Let's keep that secret sealed below. With them there, other pirates can't reach that place."
The Five Elders discussed this issue one after another, but in their eyes, the so-called Sea Emperors are just playing small games.
"The power within the Navy seems to be inflating a bit. The actions of those three Logia-type Ability Users are overreaching."
"That's why I said the Seven Warlords system should also be completed. Do you have any ideas?"
"Moonlight Moriah, who withdrew whole from a battle with Kaidou back then, I think he would be a good choice; his abilities aren't bad either."
"Navy Hunter, he's caused the Navy quite some embarrassment. I've heard his swordsmanship is quite powerful..."