As the two highest-profile figures of the event shook hands with polite smiles, a sea of reporters immediately lifted their cameras. Under the burst of flashing bulbs, photos were snapped in rapid succession.
To the nobles, dignitaries, merchants, and elites attending from all corners of the North Blue, it was perfectly clear who the real stars of the ceremony were.
Germa, of course, needed no introduction.
A militant kingdom where every citizen was a soldier, Germa 66 was a powerhouse of terrifying military science, feared and resented across the sea. Their ambition to dominate the North Blue was no secret—it had haunted the dreams of kings and nobles for years.
In truth, if it hadn't been for the North Blue Marines stepping in as mediators, Vinsmoke Judge might have already dragged half the sea into endless war.
And then there was Rogers Darren, Captain and Supreme Commander of the North Blue Marines.
The man standing quietly beside the king.
Despite being under twenty, everyone in the room knew exactly who held real power in the North Blue.
His fleet was invincible. His personal strength, immeasurable. He cast a shadow long enough to eclipse nations.
"Captain Darren, I hear there's been some... interesting developments in the North Blue lately."
Vinsmoke Judge accepted a glass of wine from a server and offered one to Darren, speaking in a casual tone that failed to hide its edge.
Darren took the glass, swirling the blood-red wine before sipping.
"Oh? And what aspect might Your Majesty be referring to?"
A man of science, not politics, he had little patience for veiled words. He believed in brute force—overwhelming power to crush enemies. These little dances of language annoyed him.
"Captain Darren, you know exactly what I mean."
He exhaled sharply, swallowing his irritation.
"The underground world of the North Blue has been overturned by your Marines. Then, in less than half a month, some punk named Doflamingo swoops in with his family and seizes control of the underworld."
"There are... rumors."
"That he's working with you."
"The Donquixote Family's sudden rise is already interfering with Germa 66's expansion."
Darren gently swirled his wine, watching the crimson liquid lap against the crystal like a tide.
"King Judge, you should know how I view the underworld."
"So long as peace is maintained and the rules are followed, I see no reason to micromanage."
"Doflamingo might be young, but he's capable. I respect that."
"As for Germa's expansion..."
He tapped his glass lightly against Judge's.
"If I'm not mistaken, Germa's largest trade partner right now is the North Blue Marine fleet. Wouldn't you agree?"
After a few moments, a thin smile returned to his face.
"You're right. Peace and stability in the North Blue must come first."
A bell rang gently, interrupting the conversation.
"And now, please welcome the Vinsmoke family's first daughter—the baptism ceremony will now begin!"
All eyes turned toward the grand entrance.
A pale, graceful woman in a flowing white gown entered, pushing a baby carriage flanked by Germa guards.
She wore no flashy jewelry, only light makeup, her figure slender and her demeanor gentle.
Queen Sora of the Vinsmoke family.
So this is Sanji's mother... she really does look gentle.
Darren thought quietly.
"Captain Darren, it's an honor to meet you."
Queen Sora approached, executing a noble's curtsey with elegant ease.
Darren stepped forward, bowed slightly, and kissed her hand with the formality of a knight.
"I've long heard of Queen Sora's beauty and grace. I see now the tales were true."
He peered into the carriage and smiled.
"This little one must be Princess Reiju, the first daughter of the Vinsmoke line. My congratulations to you both."
"As a personal gift, I've prepared a small token for young Reiju. I hope you'll accept it."
He nodded to Momonga, who stepped forward and handed a thick envelope to Judge's butler.
Though its contents were hidden, the densely written list inside made clear this was no 'small' gift.
"Thank you, Captain Darren," Sora said warmly. "May the friendship between Germa and the North Blue Marines endure."
She raised her glass.
Darren clinked his against hers and drank.
Baby Reiju, pink-cheeked and serene, was gently placed into a warm wooden basin under the watch of the gathered guests. As the rite concluded, applause swept through the room, and the banquet began in full.
Darren asked with a smile, watching Reiju nestled in her mother's arms.
Sora hesitated only briefly.
She lifted the baby carefully and passed her to him.
Darren accepted her with quiet reverence. A pink-haired, curly-browed infant who sucked calmly on her finger.
This was Sanji's sister. The future "Poison Pink"—Vinsmoke Reiju.
He gently pinched her cheek, eyes narrowing slightly.
Yes... the modifications were already there.
Judge had clearly begun altering his bloodline with genetic manipulation.
"She will be the pride of Germa 66."
Judge approached, his voice heavy.
Darren glanced at him and smiled faintly.
He returned the baby to her cradle, tucking the blanket softly around her.
Then, casually—almost as an afterthought—he asked:
"King Judge, I'd like to discuss a new kind of business."
Darren brushed Reiju's tiny bangs aside, voice low.
"Does Germa 66... have access to seastone?"