After the meeting concluded, news of Admiral Black Dragon's return spread rapidly throughout Marineford.
At the same time, another shocking announcement followed, the Navy had gained three new Admirals.
Among them was even a female Admiral.
Many of the newly enlisted Marines were unfamiliar with Lucia, but after hearing explanations from veterans, they quickly came to understand her identity, or rather, the achievements of Admiral Nightingale.
It was said that in nearly every legendary battle fought by Admiral Black Dragon, Nightingale had been present.
Despite being a woman, her strength was overwhelmingly powerful. After her return, Rear Admiral Gion, once regarded as the strongest female officer at Marine Headquarters, openly admitted that she was far inferior to Lucia. This alone proved that Lucia's promotion to Admiral was more than justified.
As this information spread beyond the Navy, the entire world was thrown into an uproar.
Those who understood Lloyd's style knew exactly what his return meant.
The world was about to change.
Admiral Black Dragon who had once suppressed an entire era had returned.
Dressrosa, King's Plateau.
Doflamingo held a newspaper in his trembling hands, his voice low as he muttered,
"Saint Lloyd, you've finally returned."
Violet, standing beside him, had never seen him behave this way. She frowned slightly and asked,
"Doflamingo, what did you just say?"
His body stiffened. Without hesitation, he stuffed the newspaper into his coat and cast her a cold glance.
"Nothing. Is there any news from Kaido?"
Suppressing her curiosity, Violet replied,
"A few days ago, he sent Jack the Drought. He's dissatisfied with the speed of our SMILE production and wants us to increase supply."
Doflamingo let out a cold laugh.
"I doubt this is just about SMILE. That beast simply wants my Donquixote Family to bow to his Beasts Pirates."
He walked toward the balcony, his gaze sweeping across Dressrosa below as a sneer spread across his face.
"Fuffuffuffu… A mere Emperor wants me to submit? Don't be ridiculous."
Marineford.
Lloyd rested his chin on one hand. On the table before him sat a Den Den Mushi with an oddly charming expression.
"Master, why didn't you inform Stussy when you awakened? Did you forget about me?"
A faint smile appeared on Lloyd's face.
"Stussy, you are now the highest-ranking officer in CP0. Must you still act like a child?"
"In front of Master, titles mean nothing. There's too much tedious work here. I would rather join the Navy."
"You've visited me quite often over the years, haven't you?"
"But I still missed the most important moment, your awakening. I haven't heard your voice in twenty-two years."
"You are hearing it now. Next time, go directly to Mary Geoise if you wish to see me."
"Mmm… Master, I can't wait."
The Den Den Mushi mimicked her expression perfectly, almost teasing in nature. Lloyd shook his head lightly, amused.
"Enough. Have you located the Straw Hat Pirates?"
Stussy's tone immediately turned serious.
"They are currently under close surveillance. According to recent intelligence, they have arrived at Sabaody Archipelago and are likely preparing to coat their ship before entering the New World."
Lloyd nodded.
So, the incident was about to unfold.
The moment Monkey D. Luffy would strike a Celestial Dragon.
Charloss.
His thoughts drifted briefly.
Charloss's father, Rosward, had once personally sought Lloyd out to apologize, even offering three Devil Fruits as compensation. Despite that, the man and his son shared the same disgusting hobby, collecting slaves.
After their encounter years ago, Rosward developed a deep fear of Lloyd and no longer frequented the slave markets atop the Red Line. Instead, he confined his dealings to Sabaody.
Before Lloyd could continue his thoughts, a knock sounded at the door.
"Lloyd Bro, something's happened! A Celestial Dragon has been killed at Sabaody!"
Ginny's voice was urgent.
Lloyd raised an eyebrow, ending the call immediately. In the next instant, he appeared at the door and opened it.
"A Celestial Dragon… is dead?"
Ginny nodded quickly.
"The report just came in from the stationed forces. Fleet Admiral Sengoku has already mobilized troops. Admiral Kizaru is being dispatched."
A flash of golden light appeared beside her, and Kizaru materialized, speaking as soon as he arrived,
"Lloyd, Sabaody—"
Lloyd raised a hand, stopping him.
"I'm aware. You won't be going. I will handle this personally."
Kizaru shrugged without hesitation, completely unbothered by abandoning Sengoku's direct order.
"Alright. The one who died is Saint Charloss. His father and sister are still on the island. The situation is unstable."
Whoosh.
Massive black wings spread from Lloyd's back as he shot into the sky, vanishing into the horizon in an instant.
Sabaody Archipelago, Grove 31.
What was once a lively and bustling area had been reduced to ruins. Navy soldiers and men in black suits lay scattered across the ground, defeated.
At the center stood Zoro, his sword lowered as blood dripped from its tip.
Not far ahead, Charlos lay motionless in a pool of blood.
Moments earlier, Zoro had cut him down with a single strike to the abdomen. Charloss's frail body could not withstand it, and he died instantly.
Every guard and Marine who attempted to intervene had been defeated just as easily.
Zoro slowly sheathed his sword, frowning.
"What a mess…"
His gaze shifted forward.
Rosward and Charloss's sister were surrounded by trembling slaves, their collars clinking softly as fear gripped them.
Their faces were pale, their bodies shaking uncontrollably.
Rosward clutched his daughter protectively with one arm, while his other hand held a golden flintlock pistol, though it trembled violently.
When Zoro's eyes met his, Rosward flinched, then shouted loudly, trying to mask his fear.
"You bastard! Do you have any idea who I am? Are you trying to die!?"