Year 1506 of the Sea Calendar.
Eight years had passed since Lloyd fell into a deep sleep.
During those years, the world had not remained idle. Because of their major contributions in the battle against Ohara and the campaign involving the Pirate King, both Sakazuki and Borsalino were promoted ahead of schedule and obtained the rank of Admiral within the Marines.
Aside from Zephyr, who still held the unusual position of an Admiral on secondment, the Marine Headquarters now officially had three Admirals who possessed true authority and influence, Sengoku, Admiral Sakazuki, and Admiral Borsalino.
Judging by the timeline surrounding the fate of Donquixote Rosinante, Sengoku was still serving as an Admiral during this period.
However, whether inside the Marines or throughout the outside world, there was a common belief. Even if the three current Admirals combined their influence and power, they still could not match the deterrence once created by Admiral Black Dragon.
Admiral Black Dragon had disappeared from the world for eight long years.
Yet his legend had not faded.
On the contrary, it had only grown larger.
To many people across the seas, the title Black Dragon had long surpassed the simple meaning of a Marine rank. The title no longer represented only an Admiral of the Navy.
A mere Marine Admiral was no longer enough to describe that man.
Across the world, people preferred to call him:
Legendary Navy.
Navy War God.
First Admiral.
The World Government was naturally pleased with this situation. They deliberately guided public opinion and spared no effort in strengthening the legend surrounding Lloyd.
On the pirate side of the seas, the situation had also begun to change.
After the execution of the Pirate King, a new concept quietly emerged among pirates and civilians alike.
Sea Emperor.
Several pirates gradually rose to the top of the New World and dominated entire seas. Among them were Edward Newgate, Charlotte Linlin, and the rapidly rising newcomer Kaido.
Before his death, the Pirate King had spoken words that ignited the ambitions of countless people. Because of that, the number of pirates sailing the seas increased year after year.
However, the situation was still far more controlled than what history might have become.
Eight years earlier, the final battle had been witnessed by the entire world.
Everyone had seen the Pirate King fall under the hands of Admiral Black Dragon.
That scene had not been heroic or peaceful. It was brutal and tragic, far from the calm and composed ending people imagined. Because of that, the speech that was meant to inspire a new pirate era lost much of its impact.
The seas still grew restless, but they had not yet descended into full chaos.
---
At the summit of the world stood the Holy Land.
Mary Geoise.
Within the sacred city, a group of golden armored guards escorted two visitors through the territory belonging to the powerful Figarland family.
The visitors were Otohime and her daughter, Shirahoshi.
Six years had passed since Shirahoshi was born.
According to the arrangement made years ago, once she turned six, Otohime would bring her to the Holy Land.
Saint Lloyd had mentioned this matter to Saint Garling Figarland in advance. As a result, Garling had already sent guards to escort the mother and daughter into the family territory.
Although Shirahoshi was only six years old, her height already surpassed her mother's.
Even though Otohime could temporarily transform her fish tail into legs, she still looked small beside her daughter.
It was Shirahoshi's first time leaving Fish-Man Island.
She walked nervously behind her mother, her head lowered as she carefully observed everything around her from the corner of her eyes.
Her voice was soft and timid.
"Mom... this place is so big and beautiful."
On the surface, Otohime maintained a calm expression.
Inside, however, she was deeply shaken.
She had once believed that Dragon Palace City on Fish-Man Island was already grand and magnificent. But after stepping into the territory of the Figarland family, even she, the queen of an entire kingdom, felt like a rural traveler entering a great city for the first time.
The wealth and influence of the Figarland family were obvious from the vast territory alone.
Otohime turned and forced a faint smile.
"Do you like it here, Shirahoshi?"
Shirahoshi nodded enthusiastically, her childish voice filled with wonder.
"I like it. I've never seen such a big palace before. Mom... who lives here?"
Otohime's smile grew faint.
She sighed quietly before answering.
"The people who live here control the fate of countless lives. The future of Fish-Man Island, even the life and death of its people, can depend on their will."
Shirahoshi was far too young to fully understand those words.
She simply nodded innocently.
"So powerful..."
Otohime gently stroked her daughter's hair.
Her voice carried both hope and heavy responsibility.
"Shirahoshi, the fate of Fish-Man Island is entrusted to you."
Shirahoshi blinked her large eyes, confusion filling her expression. She wanted to ask what her mother meant, but the guards walking ahead suddenly stopped.
The leader turned around.
"This is the private residence of Saint Garling. Please enter."
Otohime nodded respectfully and bowed slightly.
Then she placed a finger to her lips, signaling Shirahoshi to stay quiet before guiding her into the residence.
---
Inside the reception hall.
Saint Garling sat calmly on a sofa, one leg resting over the other.
His posture was relaxed, yet the pressure he radiated was overwhelming.
As soon as Otohime and Shirahoshi entered the room, Garling's gaze fell upon the young princess.
Time had left faint gray streaks along his temples. Instead of weakening him, it only added to his imposing aura. The authority he carried had grown even heavier with age.
Shirahoshi felt the weight of his gaze instantly.
Fear overwhelmed her.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she shrank backward and hid behind Otohime.
Even Otohime felt her body stiffen.
Only now did she truly realize the vast difference between the rulers of ordinary kingdoms and the World Nobles who stood above the world.
Compared to her husband, King Neptune, Garling's body seemed much smaller.
Yet Otohime did not doubt for a moment that terrifying power resided within that seemingly ordinary frame.
Shirahoshi's quiet sobbing echoed through the room.
Garling frowned.
"Stop crying."
The words were simple.
But the power within them shook the entire room.
Garling's Conqueror's Haki had reached an extraordinary level. The moment he spoke, an invisible pressure surged through the hall like a raging tide.
Each word struck like thunder.
Shirahoshi's crying stopped instantly.
Her small body trembled as she clutched Otohime's clothes tightly, not daring to look at Garling again.
Garling observed her reaction with a slight frown.
"This child is supposed to be the Ancient Weapon, Poseidon?"
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"Is she truly your biological daughter?"
The moment those words were spoken, a terrifying aura descended upon Otohime.
The pressure was unbearable.
Otohime collapsed to her knees with a heavy thud.
Despite the fear filling her heart, she forced herself to speak.
"Saint Garling, Shirahoshi is indeed my daughter. My only daughter. If necessary, you may send people to investigate Dragon Palace City on Fish-Man Island."
Because her lower body was still a fish tail, Shirahoshi could only lie beside her kneeling mother, quietly sobbing.
Garling slowly stood up.
He walked forward until he stood directly in front of them.
Looking down at the mother and daughter, he remained silent.
The air in the room felt completely frozen.
Sweat rolled down Otohime's forehead as she clenched her teeth and pulled Shirahoshi into her arms.
Just when Otohime felt her resolve about to collapse, Garling suddenly glanced toward the door.
"Guards."
His voice echoed calmly.
"Take them to the private quarters of Lloyd."
Then he looked back at Otohime.
"You do not need to remain here any longer."
His tone was cold and indifferent.
"You will be escorted back later. As for the matter Lloyd promised you in the past, I will make the arrangements in his place."