With the appearance of Ōtsutsuki Kaguya and Konan, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly became heavy and oppressive.
Seeing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Most of the people attending the world conference were major figures. Relying on an old man like him alone was far from enough to keep everyone in check.
After all, his performance in the previous two wars hadn't been particularly outstanding, so many people didn't truly fear him.
But Kaguya and Konan were different.
Just a few days ago, one of them had nearly blown a bald monk to death with ten billion explosive tags, while the other had effortlessly defeated the combined forces of the Five Elders.
The women of the Ninja Guild were not to be trifled with.
From Whitebeard to Roger, everyone present was wary of their strength—especially Ōtsutsuki Kaguya.
After they appeared, no one dared to cause trouble anymore.
Some people were so tense that their faces turned red from holding back.
As time passed, the conference hall remained eerily quiet. The atmosphere grew heavier and heavier, making many feel suffocated under countless gazes.
At that moment, space suddenly rippled.
Two figures appeared in the empty space at the center of the hall, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
They were Lin Xuan, who had just returned from outside, and Ace, whom he was holding in one hand.
Conis, who had been following Lin Xuan before, had already left at Sabaody Archipelago to attend to her own affairs.
As for Ace, Lin Xuan casually tossed him back to Whitebeard.
Whitebeard, Marco, and the others were all stunned.
Wasn't Ace supposed to be chasing Blackbeard? Why had he ended up with Chairman Lin?
But there was no time to ask.
With Lin Xuan's arrival, it meant that today's conference was officially beginning.
Lin Xuan swept his gaze across the hall and smiled slightly.
He was quite satisfied that so many people had come to attend.
"First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for coming," Lin Xuan said with a light smile. "I won't waste time on pleasantries. I'm sure most of you already know why I called this meeting."
He didn't bother with formalities and went straight to the point.
"I gathered everyone here today for a simple reason—to establish a New Era Alliance and invite all of you to join."
A ripple of disturbance spread through the crowd.
Many looked surprised.
Although most had already guessed his intentions, hearing him say it out loud still came as a shock.
Soon, someone raised a question.
It was Monkey D. Dragon.
"Chairman Lin," Dragon said calmly, "if we join the alliance, what responsibilities will we bear? And what benefits will we receive?"
Clearly, he and Lin Xuan had already discussed this beforehand. Now, he was simply voicing it for everyone's understanding.
Lin Xuan smiled faintly.
"The alliance is primarily about cooperation. After joining, you will be partners of the Ninja Guild. We won't interfere with your development, nor will we collect taxes from you."
"You'll receive the Guild's protection and assistance, and you'll also have priority access to commissioned missions."
"As for your responsibilities…"
He paused, his gaze turning sharp.
"After joining, no organization is allowed to engage in indiscriminate killing, plundering, or atrocities. Anyone who violates this will lose our protection and face severe punishment."
Looking around the hall, Lin Xuan continued,
"I want a cooperative alliance, not a group of murderous criminals. If you can't accept this, you're free to leave now."
Silence fell over the hall.
Everyone stared at him, yet no one stood up.
Those who had come were all formidable figures. Petty crimes and senseless violence were beneath them.
No one left.
Among the crowd, however, figures like Avalo Pizarro and Catarina Devon frowned, struggling internally. In the end, they still chose to stay.
"Good," Lin Xuan said calmly. "Since everyone accepts this, let's move on to the second point."
This was enough to serve as a warning.
He knew that some people might not truly obey in the future, but that didn't matter.
Anyone who crossed the line could be dealt with later.
"There will inevitably be a major war…"
He continued in a steady voice.
"You all know the relationship between the Ninja Guild and the World Government. We are already like fire and water. It's only a matter of time before we clash."
"The establishment of the New Era Alliance is meant to prepare for war against the World Government. When the time comes, you must follow the Guild's deployment and command."
As soon as he finished speaking, many faces in the audience changed.
His meaning was obvious.
Joining the alliance meant becoming an enemy of the World Government and participating in future battles.
Some factions had long known this.
The Whitebeard Pirates, Rayleigh and Roger's companions, and the Red-Haired Pirates had already been preparing for it.
However, some small nations that had come temporarily began to hesitate.
The protection of the Ninja Guild was extremely attractive to them.
Many had come precisely for this reason.
With such backing, their future would be secure.
But asking them to send troops to fight the World Government was another matter entirely.
After all, the World Government had ruled the world for eight hundred years. Its authority was deeply ingrained in their hearts.
Lin Xuan, however, gave them no extra time to deliberate.
If they wanted protection and future power without contributing anything, they were dreaming.
There was no such thing as a free ride.
In the end, several small nations chose to withdraw, unwilling to confront the World Government head-on.
Lin Xuan didn't mind.
The number of factions willing to join had already exceeded his expectations.
And so, the New Era Alliance was officially established.
After further discussions on future plans, the conference finally came to an end.
Many participants left Sabaody that very day, returning to prepare for the coming storm.
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T/N:
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