Just as Black returned to Mary Geoise, the old men in the halls of power were already discussing countermeasures within Pangaea Castle.
"Kong's failure has spread, and recently there have been reports of pirates causing trouble all over the world, with some even daring to attack Vice Admiral warships."
Saint Marcus Mars held a red wine glass in one hand. The matter under discussion was serious, yet his expression remained calm and unhurried.
The other Gorosei appeared much the same.
For over eight hundred years, they had dealt with countless crises far more severe than this. The Great Pirate Era itself had not shaken the foundation of the World Government.
Not to mention that Kong had only been severely injured. Even if he had been killed outright by pirates, it would not truly affect the Government's rule.
At most, it would require replacing a piece on the board.
The current situation was merely a minor inconvenience.
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro slowly wiped the blade of his long sword, the steel reflecting cold light.
"The Marines need to do something big. Divert the attention of this sea, and at the same time, reestablish their prestige."
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter spoke as if casually:
"Recently, that brat who once sailed on Roger's ship has been quite active."
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn immediately responded:
"If that's the case, issue orders to the Marines. Launch a Buster Call on Douglas Bullet's location. Have Sengoku and Garp personally lead the operation."
Saint Topman Warcury hesitated slightly.
"Will this affect our understanding with Roger's remnants? If those old monsters step out to stir trouble, it will not be a small matter."
Nusjuro sheathed his blade with a crisp sound.
"Pay them no mind. A mere pack of rats hiding in the gutter."
"This time, it was that boy Bullet who leapt out on his own. If they dare to interfere, we will wipe them out together."
"Seconded."
"Seconded."
"Seconded."
The Gorosei nodded one after another, the decision made with the same indifference they would use to move a chess piece.
Black, already deep in slumber within his manor, knew nothing of their discussion.
And even if he had known, he would not have cared.
Subduing the great pirates of this era was nearly impossible, and Douglas Bullet was among the most obsessive of them all.
He believed fanatically in the supremacy of strength. In his mind, Gol D. Roger had been the strongest man on the sea, and the only path forward was to surpass him.
Bullet spent over twenty years imprisoned in Impel Down, and during that time he conceived a method to exceed Roger.
His answer?
Eliminate all Four Emperors and all Admirals.
What kind of logic produced such a conclusion?
In the end, he did not even clash with the Yonko. Instead, he was defeated through the combined efforts of multiple Shichibukai and Supernovas.
Boa Hancock's "Great Perfume Femur" in particular left an unforgettable mark.
Bullet was the archetype of a brute who endlessly strengthened his Haki yet neglected to refine its techniques.
Black had no interest in such a man.
…
The next morning, Black finished his lavish breakfast in Mary Geoise. He rose, stretched lazily, and looked at Stella, Robin, and Perona seated beside him.
"Come. I'll show you the unique features of the Holy Land."
Perona's eyes sparkled as she hurried to his side.
"What are the unique features? Is it interesting?"
Robin, standing quietly nearby, was also curious.
Neither of them noticed the faint stiffness in Stella's smile.
Black, however, revealed a mysterious grin.
"You'll see soon enough."
What were the unique features of Mary Geoise?
Of course Slaves.
Black kept the girls close not as decorations, but as companions who would inevitably be shaped by this world. The earlier they understood the hierarchy of the Holy Land, the sooner they would adapt.
He wanted them to experience superiority while they were still young.
If even he a transmigrator who had once lived under a completely different system had gradually accepted this reality, could two children truly remain untouched by it?
…
The second time they stepped onto the moving walkway, Robin and Perona appeared calmer than the day before. They were adapting.
That pleased Black.
Following the pathway, they arrived before a massive circular structure.
Countless gemstones embedded in the dome shimmered beneath the sunlight.
The main body was constructed from blocks of pure white stone, carved with the emblem of the World Government and reliefs of the Twenty Founding Families. Between the pillars hung shattered battle flags and iron chains symbols of conquest disguised as glory.
From within came a deafening clamor.
Perona's eyes still shone with curiosity.
Robin, however, had already guessed the building's purpose. Her face turned pale.
Black reached out and rubbed her head.
"Don't be nervous. You are now part of the ruling class."
Without waiting for her response, he stepped inside.
Stella gently squeezed Robin's hand and followed.
Yes this was one of Mary Geoise's most infamous features.
The Slave gladiatorial arena.
Inside, Robin realized the structure spanned several thousand meters in diameter. It was grand to the point of absurdity.
At the center lay a vast sandy arena. Towering stone walls surrounded it, iron spikes lining their tops. Armed guards patrolled continuously.
Iron cages hung above the arena, suspended by pulley systems. The metal was dark and polished, clearly reinforced to restrain powerful captives.
Beneath the arena ran underground passages leading to holding cells. The entrances were adorned with roaring bronze beast-head sculptures.
Charcoal mixed into the sand absorbed blood. Drainage channels lined the perimeter.
At the four corners stood massive torch pillars fueled by substances capable of burning for years without extinguishing, casting restless shadows across the stands.
On the northern side rose a stone platform carved with a scale motif. A gallows and a guillotine stood upon it.
The arched dome was designed to amplify sound the screams of the Slaves and the cheers of the nobles blending into a single oppressive roar.
An organ in one corner played music that echoed through hidden amplification systems.
The seating was divided into three tiers, each constructed from increasingly luxurious materials.
The highest tier consisted of private boxes forged from gold, slowly rotating to provide a panoramic view.
Robin did not need to ask what powered the mechanism.
As Black entered, a steward rushed forward and dropped to both knees.
"Noble Celestial Dragon-sama, please follow me."
Black gave a faint hum of acknowledgment.
The steward rose halfway, bowing deeply as he led them forward.
In the arena below, two Slaves tore into one another like wild beasts, blood spraying across the sand.
Perona, usually mischievous and bold, immediately covered her eyes.
Stella's expression turned solemn. She held both girls' hands tightly as they followed Black.
They arrived at a private golden box.
The steward placed several jewel-encrusted binoculars upon the table.
At Black's subtle gesture, he withdrew, bowing until the door closed behind him.
The instant it shut, the thunderous noise vanished.
Silence enveloped the room.
It was as if the brutality outside existed in another world entirely.