Unlike other Yonko crews, the Big Mom Pirates controlled the largest territory, one that included not only pirates but also countless ordinary civilians.
After the war ended, the Navy swiftly took control of the Dessert Islands. Troops spread across the islands, cataloging resources and registering surviving personnel. The workload was immense and required careful coordination. Lloyd reviewed and approved the officers who would remain stationed there, placing Momonga in command, before preparing to lead the main force back.
Just as he was about to depart, a Marine rushed over to report the discovery of a hidden chamber beneath one of the castles. Inside, they had found a red stone engraved with strange symbols.
The moment he heard "red stone," Lloyd immediately understood. It was a Road Poneglyph.
He had been too focused on the battle earlier and nearly overlooked it.
Without delay, Lloyd headed to the underground chamber. There, the massive red stone stood locked behind iron bars. He studied it briefly, his expression unchanged. To him, the ancient script was nothing more than incomprehensible markings.
With a casual wave of his hand, darkness spread outward like a living veil, swallowing the Road Poneglyph whole and sealing it within the Dark Bible.
With that matter settled, Lloyd made his way to the shore.
A vast formation of Marines was already assembled, led by Sakazuki. From a distance, the formation resembled a white sea stretching endlessly. Behind them, rows of warships stood ready, their presence imposing and orderly.
The moment Lloyd appeared, every Marine stood at attention. Then, in perfect unison, they saluted.
"Celestial Dragon Marshal!"
The unified shout echoed across the coast.
Even Lloyd paused for a brief moment. Facing the sea of fervent gazes, he raised his hand and returned the salute with measured composure.
Off to the side stood the remaining inhabitants of Whole Cake Island, including members of the Charlotte Family.
Among them, Galette watched silently. Her expression was complicated as Lloyd's earlier words replayed in her mind.
"The Dessert Islands need a ruler. You will take that role."
"What?"
"There is no need to act surprised. You grew up here, you understand this place. You were a minister before. Becoming queen is not beyond you."
"But why me? Wouldn't Pudding be more suitable?"
"I am not familiar with her."
"...We have only known each other for a day."
"That is already long enough. My time is valuable, and I find you acceptable."
"...That is an honor."
"Do your job well. If you fail, I will replace you. Also, Pudding is coming with me. Her talent would be wasted here."
The sharp sound of departing warships pulled Galette back to reality.
She watched as the fleet slowly disappeared into the distance. Her hand rose unconsciously to her chest as she whispered,
"...Only one day."
---
Even before Lloyd's fleet returned, news of the battle on Whole Cake Island had already spread across the world.
The report came from the World Economic News Agency, though its leadership had quietly changed. Morgans had vanished from all records, replaced entirely by Stussy.
In truth, Lloyd had intended to replace Morgans long ago. Public opinion was not something he would ever allow to fall into the hands of someone disobedient.
Not just Morgans, but the entire network of underworld brokers, including figures like Lu Feld and others, had been seized and brought under Stussy's control.
Those who survived the war were captured before they could escape. With the help of Charlotte Pudding's Memory-Memory Fruit, the Marines extracted everything they needed without resistance.
Once the information was obtained, the prisoners lost all value.
They were executed without hesitation, their bodies cast into the sea.
Some met far worse ends.
At Lloyd's command, certain individuals were denied even a clean death. Limbs severed, they were thrown alive into the ocean, where the scent of blood drew predators from the depths.
The message was clear.
Mercy was not part of Lloyd's rule.
All intelligence gathered from the underworld was handed to Stussy. Understanding his intent, she mobilized CP0 and launched a sweeping operation across every major underground organization.
Efficiency was absolute.
Targets were eliminated. Survivors were subjugated.
Within a short time, the entire underworld was reshaped.
From that point forward, there was only one ruler behind the shadows.
Stussy.
Yet to the outside world, she claimed otherwise.
"I am not a queen. I am merely the king's woman."
Only a select few within the World Government understood the truth.
The "king" she referred to was Saint Lloyd.
A Celestial Dragon who did not rely on heritage alone, but wielded power, intelligence, and control over both the light and the dark.
---
At Marineford, a group of veterans stood waiting at the port.
Sengoku, Monkey D. Garp, and others watched as the fleet approached.
As Lloyd stepped off the warship, Sengoku gave a signal.
A triumphant march filled the air.
Despite their differences in ideology, Sengoku could not deny the magnitude of this victory. Nor could he deny Lloyd's capability.
To march alone into Yonko territory, face overwhelming forces, and endure until reinforcements arrived, it was something Sengoku himself would not have attempted.
Whether he liked it or not, Lloyd had proven himself as Fleet Admiral.
Not that Lloyd cared.
That realization left a bitter taste.
Sengoku adjusted his coat slightly, then glanced toward Garp.
The old Marine stood with his head lowered, his shoulders trembling faintly.
Sengoku sighed inwardly.
Monkey D. Dragon had died by Lloyd's hand.
From Sengoku's perspective, it was a consequence of Dragon's own choices. He had walked a path that led inevitably to this end.
But to Garp, that logic meant nothing.
A father burying his son was a pain that no amount of reason could ease.
Originally, Sengoku had not wanted Garp present for Lloyd's return.
But Garp insisted.
He had given his word that he would not act recklessly.
Sengoku could only hope that promise would hold.
"Garp… do not make this harder than it already is."
The thought lingered heavily in his mind.