This simple and rough arrangement surprised everyone in the room. It was basically a way of admitting that different groups could rule themselves within the new system, as long as they answered to one absolute "Overlord."
Whitebeard frowned a bit as he thought it over. He lived for the bonds of a "family" and did not really like the idea of such a loose alliance. However, looking around at the wreckage, he knew there were no better options right now. On the other hand, the eyes of Kaido and Charlotte Linlin lit up with excitement. This plan was exactly what they wanted. As long as they could keep their independence and stay free to plunder whatever they wanted, having a boss in name only did not seem like a bad deal at all. +3
Dragon looked at the situation with a deeper focus. Even though this structure was simple and crude, it was smart because it would stop the different groups from fighting each other. It would help stabilize the world quickly. As for how to bring everyone together and develop things later, that was a plan for another day. +3
"As for you," Takuro said, turning his gaze toward Robin. "Don't you love studying history? From now on, you're responsible for all the data we dug up from Mary Geoise. I want you to find out everything about those Dragon Balls and that old monster Imu. Also, I need to know what this 'Observer' thing is all about. Find out for me!" +4
"I understand," Robin replied with a graceful nod. This was the exact job she had been hoping for. +1
Takuro then shifted his attention to Lucci. "You know the dark side of the government better than anyone. From now on, you'll be in charge of... well, watching out for any fools trying to cause trouble behind our backs. If you find anyone like that, deal with them yourself. You don't need to ask me for permission."
Lucci bowed, his face showing no emotion at all. "Yes," he said simply. This gave him a huge amount of freedom and the power to decide who lived or died, which suited his cold personality perfectly. +1
Finally, Takuro let his eyes rest on Gion for a moment before speaking casually. "As for you... for now, you'll just be my bodyguard and my enforcer. You used to be a Marine, so you know how things work around here." +1
Gion's mouth twitched. He wanted her, a former Marine Vice Admiral, to be a common bodyguard? But when she saw Takuro's eyes, she knew she couldn't say no. She let out a helpless sigh and responded, "...Yes." +1
With just a few quick words, Takuro had set up the entire power structure and decided who would run things after the war. His efficiency was amazing, but the casual way he did it left everyone speechless. +1
"Alright, if that's everything, you're all dismissed!" Takuro said, waving his hand like he was shooing away annoying flies. "Go do what you need to do! Don't just stand around here!" +1
The leaders all looked at each other before finally walking away. They each had a very heavy workload ahead of them. Dragon had to get to work on making public announcements and contacting the remaining Marines. Whitebeard needed to find his sons and calm their hearts. Kaido and Big Mom were already rushing off, eager to go claim their "spoils of war." Robin and Lucci also departed to start their new missions. +1
The Call of the Stars
Before long, Takuro was the only one left sitting on the edge of the massive pit. He looked down at the busy scene below, where people were moving through the ruins still covered in smoke. Then he looked up at the sky as it started to get dark. Stars began to twinkle in the high heavens, reflecting the small fires burning in the wreckage below.
System Notification: * Phased Mission: [Overthrow the Throne]... COMPLETED. * Calculating Rewards: Qi Control Rank increase, permanent power boost, and the blueprint for the [Dragon Ball Radar · Improved Version]. +2
New Main Mission: [Call of the Stars]. Investigate the warning left by Imu and find the truth about the "Observer." * Energy Status: Reserve needed to leave this planet and enter the broader Universe: 0.1%... +2
The sound of the System ringing in his mind brought him a surge of new power and a fresh set of goals. Takuro squeezed his fist tight, feeling the Ki humming through his veins. He looked at the tiny progress bar for his energy reserve on the screen and thought about the words "broader Universe." +1
"Observer... Universe..." he whispered to himself. His red eyes glowed with excitement. Ruling this one world? That was just something that happened along the way. His real journey was meant for the endless sea of stars! The ruins sitting beneath his feet were just the first step on his path to the galaxy. The ship of this new era had already started its journey, and the Captain was looking far beyond the horizon. +2
Shadows of the Past
Deep inside Mary Geoise, in a place near the "Land of the Gods," the damage wasn't quite as bad as the center of the battlefield, but it was still a mess. Half of a beautiful palace had fallen down, and expensive statues were smashed on the floor. Burning curtains made a quiet crackling sound, and the air smelled like smoke, blood, and the old, rotting scent of a prison. +2
This was a hidden, "Advanced" prison area. Most of the people kept here were slaves who were "favorites" of the Celestial Dragons or people who needed special guarding. The heavy bars made of Sea Stone were bent and twisted. Some had been smashed open, while others were still locked tight. +2
In the corner of one cell that was still standing, three small girls huddled together. The oldest girl was about twelve or thirteen years old. Even though she was young, you could see she would grow up to be very beautiful. She had long, black hair, but it was messy and full of dust. Her skin was very pale, and her lips were dry because she was so thirsty. Her deep blue eyes were filled with fear, like a scared animal. She stared at the cell door without moving. Her name was Boa Hancock.
She held her two younger sisters, Sandersonia and Marigold, as tight as she could. The two younger girls hid their faces in her arms, their small bodies shaking from fear. Hancock could feel her own heart beating fast in her chest. Every time there was an explosion or a loud scream from outside, she wanted to jump, but she stayed still. As the big sister, she knew she had to be the brave one.
They had no idea what was happening. Was it a punishment from the gods? Or had new masters come to take them? For slaves like them, it didn't matter. It just meant a new, scary future. +1
Suddenly, the sound of messy footsteps and the clatter of moving rocks echoed through the quiet prison. Hancock's heart skipped a beat. She pulled her sisters even closer, wishing she could just hide them inside her own body. They were coming... there was no way to run away now.
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