New World, Peach Garden.
The grand meeting hall in Shandora, the capital of Sky Nation, was bustling. Leaders from nearly every island and nation in Peach Garden had gathered. Alongside Rolan, Robin, and Kuro were the newly joined leaders from Golden Island.
Rolan sat in the main seat, quietly surveying the room. In just over a year, what had begun as a two-person crew had grown into a formidable family. A faint sense of pride brushed against his otherwise unreadable expression.
"Now that Peach Garden is on the right track, developing steadily, all of this is thanks to everyone's efforts," Rolan said calmly.
Murmurs of humility and respect filled the room.
"No, Lord Rolan, we were only doing our duty."
"This is all because your vision is far ahead of its time."
"The Ion Tempest contributed the most."
"You are the one most tired, Lord Rolan."
Rolan waved his hand dismissively. "Actually, what we've done is nothing remarkable. Each of your nations has its own customs, and some kingdoms are side by side despite having very different ways of life. I have caused some inconvenience."
He bowed lightly.
The room went silent. Although every person present was a sovereign or leader, they now answered to Peach Garden, and Rolan was their undisputed leader. Even as the strongest pirate alive, the strongest man in this world, he bowed.
The gesture left Cobra, Umon Belu, and Tesoro quietly impressed. They felt fortunate to have pledged themselves to Peach Garden. With a leader who did not let power inflate his ego, there was no reason to doubt Peach Garden's prosperity.
Rolan straightened and resumed his seat. "Many of you may still not understand why I established Peach Garden."
Heads turned toward him, some in admiration, others with curiosity. Rolan's gaze swept across the room. He spoke deliberately.
"Peach Garden is my territory. I am a pirate, designated by the World Government as a grave threat. Even if you ignore that, Peach Garden is primarily composed of nations that have broken free from the World Government's control. I trust you all understand what that implies."
He studied their faces, noting not fear, only determination. This exceeded his expectations. He had thought someone might retreat at the mere mention of opposing the World Government. No one did.
"We stand completely opposed to the World Government. Only one of us can survive: Peach Garden or them."
Tesoro laughed heartily. "Hahaha, the World Government is nothing but a pack of cowards."
Gan Fall's hand rested lightly on his weapon. "I may be old, but anyone who dares harm Peach Garden will first have to answer to me."
Cobra nodded. "I have attended their World Conferences. I know how vile they are. My support for Rolan is absolute." He recalled how those meetings were dominated by selfish cries, drowning out any reasonable proposals. Even without Rolan, Cobra might have broken free from their influence.
Other leaders voiced agreement.
"When do we march?" A king named Lekebao stood tall, his military bearing evident. "I'm ready for battle."
Rolan allowed himself a small smirk. "Patience. The World Government is not as simple as you think. Their strength is terrifying. There are some I cannot hope to defeat alone. Strategy is essential."
Cake Island, Totto Land.
"Mama! Three intruders broke in, we can't stop them!"
BIG MOM's eyes widened in fury at the report, her fermented tofu cake suddenly tasting sour.
"Who dares?" she growled.
The voice that answered came from the doorway. "No need to look. We've come ourselves."
Three white‑clad figures appeared. Their masks concealed their faces, their cloaks whipping in the wind. BIG MOM sensed the deadly aura lingering on their hands. Totto Land had already been stained with their bloodshed.
"They're children who hide their faces?" she sneered, kicking her sofa to splinters as she moved forward. She struck the man in the middle with a devastating punch.
Through the holes in his mask, Kudins' eyes blazed. His right hand erupted with red fur, forming a massive Masira's arm, meeting BIG MOM's blow.
The collision was silent, but the resulting shockwave rattled all of Cake City, cracking walls and toppling statues. Citizens fled as the ground trembled beneath them.
Even BIG MOM, sensing the strength in this masked man's Haki-infused punch, was momentarily taken aback.
Both combatants withdrew slightly, reassessing each other.
BIG MOM's gaze swept the trio. Kudins and the other two were clearly stronger than even her son, Katakuri. Who were these unknown pirates?
"Mama, impressive strength. Who are you? What do you want on Cake Island?"
Kudins' tone was sharp. "We are Special Agents of the World Government."
BIG MOM froze. "People from the World Government?"
Pirates were already enemies. An Emperor's domain being infiltrated by the Marines? This was audacious.
Although these three were strong, Totto Land now had two Four Emperors and multiple commanders of First Mate level. Capturing them would be feasible.
Wein, the masked figure at the bow, sneered beneath his mask. "You two fools. We're here to help."
BIG MOM stiffened, taken aback by the insult.
Before she could strike, the masked woman's voice cut through. "We are here to discuss cooperation."
Kaido, struggling free from a toppled wall, staggered upright. "Who are you?"
Their eyes narrowed at him, noticing Kaido and BIG MOM's alliance. The woman repeated, "We are here to discuss cooperation."
"Cooperation?" BIG MOM and Kaido both frowned, puzzled.
The woman's gaze sharpened. "Because we share a common enemy."