"It's the Marines..."
"Even the North Blue Fleet is here?"
"Doflamingo sure has some serious pull... getting the North Blue Fleet to show up for his birthday!"
"What nonsense are you spouting? You really think the Donquixote Family could've taken over the North Blue underworld so easily without the North Blue Fleet's tacit approval?"
"Wait... you're not saying—"
"Heh... while there's no official evidence, rumor has it Doflamingo's relationship with the former Supreme Commander of the North Blue isn't exactly ordinary..."
"The former Supreme Commander of the North Blue... that's the 'King of the North Blue,' isn't it?!"
The moment that legendary name was spoken, a shiver of dread and awe ran through the assembled guests. Many of them gulped hard, their eyes showing a mix of fear and submission.
Yet among the noble ladies and princesses in attendance—some brought by their husbands or fathers—there were glimmers of mischief and intrigue in their eyes, the hint of unspoken desires lingering as they licked their lips.
In less than half a minute, the giant warship—its exaggerated steel form looming—glided smoothly into the harbor under the tense silence of all watching eyes.
The gangplank thudded down.
A unit of Marines in crisp uniforms disembarked with heavy, deliberate steps, their overwhelming presence exerting a suffocating pressure.
At the head was a man who looked no more than twenty. Yet the calm, cold sharpness in his gaze—and the small mustache that adorned his upper lip—gave him a gravity well beyond his years. A ceremonial blade hung at his side.
It was the current Supreme Commander of the North Blue—Marine Headquarters Captain, Momonga!
"Supreme Commander Momonga, it's been a long time."
Vinsmoke Judge approached him with a polite, insincere smile, extending a hand.
Momonga clasped it with a measured smile.
"Indeed, Judge. Long time no see."
The two men's eyes narrowed faintly, each sizing up the other. After a few moments—punctuated by the click click of reporters' cameras—they both released their grip.
Tomorrow's North Blue headlines would surely shout something like: "Enduring Friendship Between the North Blue Fleet and the Germa Kingdom."
Momonga turned his gaze next to Senor, a note of approval in his eyes.
"You must be Senor? Hm, Doflamingo certainly has good judgment."
Senor blinked in surprise.
He hadn't expected Momonga to recognize him, and with an awkward, respectful bow, he said:
"Supreme Commander Momonga, sir—our young master is already waiting for you in the reception hall."
Momonga chuckled softly.
"Then please, lead the way."
And so, led by Senor, Momonga and Vinsmoke Judge walked side by side toward the reception hall.
Their respective entourages kept their distance—a careful, silent line of separation.
The guests watched this spectacle with wary, unsettled glances, suppressing their unease as they too moved to follow.
The grand ballroom was awash in the warm, extravagant glow of crystal chandeliers. Soft, flowing saxophone music floated through the air.
It was nearly unimaginable—the combined weight of the entire North Blue's royalty and power gathered here. Heads of state, industry titans, all mingling beneath one gilded roof.
Deals worth kingdoms were struck with casual words. A single joke could decide the fate of entire economies. A thoughtless bet... the future of countless families.
"Mr. Fells, good evening... oh, and this is your lovely wife? My pleasure, Lady Dani."
"...Hm, I have other matters to attend to—let's speak later."
Momonga finally escaped the relentless social ambush, his expression dark.
He snatched a glass of red wine from a passing server's tray, tipping it back in one swift gulp before shaking his head in mute exasperation.
Honestly... if you want me to smooth things over with Doflamingo, just say so!
But pulling your wife out in that dress—damn near to her navel—what are you thinking?
"These people are exhausting..."
He rubbed his temples, mumbling to himself.
Just then, a faintly mocking voice drifted from behind.
"Power, status, wealth... all of it can be a real headache sometimes, can't it, Supreme Commander Momonga?"
Momonga turned, seeing Vinsmoke Judge approaching with a wry grin, offering him a glass of chilled whiskey.
"It seems you're speaking from experience, Judge."
Momonga smiled faintly and accepted the glass.
Judge merely shook his head, his eyes narrowing as he leaned in and lowered his voice.
"I hear Commodore Darren has been causing quite the commotion in the New World."
Momonga met his gaze for a moment—then a small smile curved his lips.
"Oh, nothing much. He only wiped out the Beasts Pirates' headquarters."
Vinsmoke Judge's eyelids twitched.
As Germa 66's supreme commander, he knew exactly how terrifying the Beasts Pirates were.
Especially Queen, one of their top officers—he and Judge had once been colleagues in the same research group.
Judge knew just how formidable that bizarre, suspender-loving fat man truly was.
At first, he'd refused to believe it—Darren's strength was monstrous, but to crush the Beasts Pirates' main stronghold?
But now, hearing it confirmed from Momonga's own mouth, a cold shiver snaked down Judge's spine.
He was silent for a long moment before finally managing to murmur:
"Commodore Darren truly is the pride of the North Blue."
Momonga gave a small, knowing smile. Sensing the timing was right, he spoke up:
"By the way, Judge—regarding the North Blue Fleet's cooperation with Germa 66, Commodore Darren has a small proposal..."
Judge's brows drew together.
This guy... using Darren's name to pressure me?
Suppressing a flicker of irritation, he replied coolly:
"Let's hear it, Supreme Commander."
Momonga's smile didn't waver.
"It concerns our new weapons and the ongoing ship modifications..."
Half a minute later, Vinsmoke Judge gave a slow, thoughtful nod.
"That... shouldn't be a problem."
His eyes swept around the ballroom, and he frowned.
"Though I have to say... where the hell is Doflamingo? His show of power is getting a bit ridiculous..."
Momonga gave him a pointed smile.
"Perhaps he's... tied up with something very important."
In the Donquixote Family's grand hall.
The man whose birthday had summoned the entire North Blue's nobility was nowhere to be seen at the party.
Instead, Donquixote Doflamingo was down on one knee upon the cold marble floor.
His head bowed low, he reverently kissed the back of a man's hand.
"Welcome back to the North Blue, my Godfather."