"Saint Vascrie? Is it that one?"
Two months ago, the man who had been running rampant in Sabaody Archipelago before being taught a lesson by Rowan was this very man. Seeing Saint Vascrie's identity, the kings and nobles were even more confused.
Even though Saint Vascrie had been beaten by Rowan, he was still a noble Celestial Dragon. Why had he become like this?
Of course, they didn't know the trauma Rowan had inflicted on Vascrie's soul that day. Even now, whenever Vascrie dreamed of Rowan, he would wake up in a cold sweat. Rowan had become the living nightmare of his heart!
Despite their confusion, the royalty and nobles proceeded into Pangea Castle. The start of the conference was drawing near.
Time passed. Twenty minutes later, inside Pangea Castle.
"I am honored to serve as the chairman of this meeting. I now invite the representatives of each nation to voice their proposals," one of the kings stood up and announced as the Five Elders descended into the hall and the clock struck the hour.
With those words, the atmosphere became lively. Almost most kings or national representatives had their own opinions to share. The meeting proceeded rapidly amidst a flurry of discussions.
After about half an hour of debate, a sinister laugh suddenly rang out, shattering the bustling atmosphere.
Hearing the laugh, the kings all frowned and looked toward the source, ready to scold the ill-mannered intruder. However, when they saw the owner of that laughter, their faces changed instantly.
Because that man was...
"The King of Dressrosa... Donquixote Doflamingo..."
In the New World, he was the Underworld Emperor "Joker." To the Navy, he was a Warlord of the Sea. But here, he was the King of Dressrosa!
"Fuffuffuffuffu... the suggestions you're making are truly boring..." Doflamingo lay lazily in his chair, his hairy legs propped up on the table, a cold smirk on his face as he scanned the room.
Seeing his behavior, the Five Elders only frowned slightly without getting angry. One of them asked, "Doflamingo, what is your proposal?"
Doflamingo took his legs off the table and slowly sat upright, though that wicked grin remained. "I propose that we strip Vice Admiral Rowan of all authority within the Navy, arrest him for the crime of rebellion, and lock him in Impel Down forever..."
At these words, every king and noble in the hall paled.
"What is this guy... trying to do?!"
Inside the conference room, the expressions of the royalty grew grim. Even among the Celestial Dragon contingent, Saint Vascrie, who had been indifferent, couldn't help but look toward Doflamingo. But in Vascrie's eyes, there was only endless mockery.
This guy wants to move against Rowan? Remembering the killing intent Rowan radiated in Sabaody, Vascrie still trembled. A mere Warlord who had abandoned his Celestial Dragon status thought he could touch that man? Was he looking for death?
But the other kings were mostly furious. A month ago, the news of the great incident in the New World had reached every corner of their nations. Rowan had defeated Mihawk, claimed the title of the world's greatest swordsman, led two hundred thousand Marines to repel four Emperors, and arrested tens of thousands of pirates.
Since then, pirates across the Grand Line and the four seas had become much more low-key. Their kingdoms had become safer. All of this was thanks to Rowan. Yet now, Doflamingo wanted to strip him of his rank and arrest him?
What were his intentions? Right, at his core, Doflamingo was a pirate. Everyone glared at him. Even with the title of Warlord, he was still an enemy of the Navy. The news had reported that Rowan had pummeled him and arrested almost all the officers of the Donquixote Family. This was revenge!
However... would the Five Elders agree? Surely not, right? The Navy was under the World Government; pirates were the enemy. Why would the Elders cut off their own arm to help a pirate?
Yet, faced with this "outrageous" demand, the Five Elders did not refuse. They continued to look at Doflamingo, waiting for his reasoning.
Seeing this, Doflamingo's grin grew even more arrogant. He was right. Rowan's recent display of power hadn't just terrified pirates; it had rattled the Five Elders. Rowan hadn't just shown combat strength; he had shown Conqueror's Haki.
Conqueror's Haki represented the qualities of a King. Sengoku had it too, but for years, Sengoku had never shown the intent to lead the Navy as his own personal force. The Elders trusted Sengoku. But Rowan was different.
Rumors were already spreading that Rowan was the "King of the Marines." His prestige surpassed Sengoku, Garp, and even the World Government itself! If left unchecked, the Navy might one day belong to Rowan alone, not the Government.
Doflamingo had gambled on this fear. If the Elders couldn't easily strike Rowan themselves, he would play the villain for them! As long as he provided a crime, the Elders would be more than happy to lock Rowan up.
"Fuffuffuffuffu... Marine Vice Admiral Rowan is guilty of two unpardonable crimes!"