Feeling the suffocating aura of killing intent in the air, as well as the densely packed, well-disciplined Navy soldiers and officers of various ranks, even someone as arrogant as Doflamingo fell silent at this moment.
His expression was unprecedentedly grave.
Similarly, Crocodile had to reassess his identity and position himself to face this seemingly transformed Navy force. While Hanafuda and Moria also had their own thoughts, they didn't show it, maintaining a calm exterior though inwardly panicking.
The most relaxed among them was undoubtedly Jinbei. Long before receiving the summons for the Seven Warlords of the Sea, he had already learned about all the recent events at the Navy Headquarters through various news outlets and related channels.
He had formed a relatively rational judgment about the newly appointed young Fleet Admiral.
Based on the young Fleet Admiral actions—from launching a military coup to purging dissidents within the Navy Headquarters and all its bases, as well as forcing the World Government to compromise and sign the Mary Geoise Treaty—he didn't believe that this young Fleet Admiral would resort to forceful suppression against them, the Seven Warlords, during the meeting.
At most, he might use this public execution as a warning to intimidate the members of the Seven Warlords and the lawless pirate crews on the seas.
"It's truly chilling!"
After a brief silence, Doflamingo hunched his back and slowly walked forward, his gait no longer as arrogant as before.
Under the gaze of thousands of eyes that turned in unison, Hanafuda, and Moria felt an inexplicable shiver down their spines and obediently followed behind.
Even Crocodile merely glanced around before straightening his posture and walking up to the platform, where they sat in two rows at the long rectangular conference table.
"Attention, everyone!"
Just as they had taken their seats, a loud shout suddenly came from the entrance of the square. Before they could react, including those standing on the platform, all the officers and soldiers in the square turned almost simultaneously, their eyes fixed in the same direction, their gazes becoming unprecedentedly fervent.
"The Fleet Admiral has arrived!"
"Attention!"
"Salute!"
Whoosh—
Accompanied by a unified and awe-inspiring sound, all the officers and soldiers in the square straightened their bodies and raised their right hands, shouting in unison.
"LOYALTY!"
Amid the synchronized chant, a group of people immediately emerged from the entrance of the square.
At the forefront was none other than the newly appointed Fleet Admiral of the Navy Headquarters, Orion, draped in his Fleet Admiral coat and radiating confidence.
Following closely behind Fleet Admiral Orion were the three Admirals walking side by side, along with Gion, who had just been promoted to Admiral.
As they watched the figure walking through the ranks of fervent soldiers and officers, the five Seven Warlords seated at the conference table on the platform, despite having experienced countless storms, were still struck with awe.
Especially Doflamingo.
Although he had already seen the group photo of Orion and the officers and soldiers published by the Navy Headquarters, upon witnessing Orion entrance in person, he couldn't help but widen his eyes, a wicked smile creeping onto his lips.
Just as the five Seven Warlords were captivated by the electrifying scene caused by the young Fleet Admiral arrival, three figures abruptly strode out from the direction of the square entrance.
At the forefront was none other than the world greatest swordsman, Dracule Mihawk, carrying his supreme-grade sword and walking with an elegant stride.
Following closely behind him was Boa Hancock, the Empress of Amazon Lily, whose appearance immediately caused a stir among the previously disciplined and upright Navy soldiers and some officers.
Behind her was Gunko, clad in her underwear, wearing a cape and a newsboy cap.
"Oh? Unexpected figures have appeared!"
Watching Mihawk follow Orion and his group into the square, Doflamingo grinned widely.
"I never expected him to be living at Marine Headquarters and even entering with Orion. Has he completely submitted? Fufufufu~"
After letting out his signature sinister laugh, Doflamingo quickly shifted his gaze to Gunko, who was standing beside Hancock. His smile gradually faded as his eyes lingered on a symbol on Gunko arm. He was caught off guard, his eyes widening in shock as he silently exclaimed in his heart.
'Is that... the emblem of the God's Knights?'
At that moment.
Accompanied by Sakazuki, Borsalino, Kuzan, and Gion, Orion swiftly walked up to the high platform and took a seat at the head of the conference table. The four admirals did not sit but instead stood on either side of Orion.
After removing his gloves and placing them on the table, Orion scanned the five seated Warlords with a warm smile, as if greeting old friends, and said in a gentle tone.
"Good afternoon, everyone—"
"Scum and trash of the Sea!"
As soon as these words were spoken, all five Warlords were taken aback, their eyes widening in surprise. When they first saw Orion warm smile and heard his gentle greeting of "Good afternoon, everyone," they were already prepared to nod in return.
But before they could react, Orion immediately followed up with "scum and trash," leaving them both stunned and speechless, their words stuck in their throats.
Fortunately, at that moment, Mihawk and Hancock also ascended the platform and took their seats on either side, closest to Orion.
Of course, even if Mihawk and Hancock hadn't appeared, the Warlords would have had no choice but to remain silent.
Setting aside Orion identity and strength, the mere presence of Sakazuki, Borsalino, Kuzan, and Gion standing on either side of him, exuding the aura of the Marine Headquarters' strongest fighters, was enough to keep them quiet.
"Orion—"
As soon as she sat down, Hancock gaze immediately fixed on Orion. However, as soon as she spoke, Orion shot her a sharp look.
"Hancock, the only thing you need to do now is sit quietly and not speak."
"O... okay."
Orion sudden use of her name caused Hancock face to flush red. She obediently straightened her posture, her mind wandering to various delightful scenarios, even imagining the names of their future children.
This unexpected little episode caused the other five Warlords, aside from the already numb Mihawk, to exchange glances in perfect sync, looking from Hancock to Orion.
"Ahem..."
Noticing the subtle atmosphere, Orion cleared his throat to break the sudden silence and spoke in a measured tone.
"I believe you've all already learned about the events between Marine Headquarters and the Holy Land, as well as my identity, through the news. However, I still think it's necessary to introduce myself!"
"My name is Orion, the current Fleet Admiral of Marine Headquarters."
"Due to a very pleasant agreement reached with the World Goverment, from the effective date of the agreement, the Seven Warlords system has been transferred from the World Government to the Navy Headquarters."
"This means that from now on, you will all take orders from me!"
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