The Big Mom Pirates were different from other Yonko crews. Her territory was vast, and besides pirates, many ordinary people lived there.
When the war ended, the Marines quickly occupied the islands of the Totto Land territory and began tallying resources and population across the islands.
It was a massive undertaking, requiring significant time. Carl approved the stationed personnel led by Momonga and other Vice Admirals, then prepared to lead the main force back to Marineford.
Just as Carl was about to leave, a Marine reported discovering a hidden chamber beneath a castle. Inside was a red stone engraved with peculiar symbols.
Upon hearing "red stone," Carl immediately realized it was a Road Poneglyph!
The intensity of the battle had momentarily made him forget its significance. Without hesitation, Carl rushed to the chamber and saw the massive Road Poneglyph locked within a cage.
To Carl, the Poneglyph was merely a collection of scribbles. After glancing at it briefly, he released a wave of darkness that engulfed the stone, storing it within the Dark Bible.
With the Road Poneglyph secured, Carl proceeded to the shoreline.
Akainu and a vast number of Marines were already assembled, a sea of white uniforms stretching as far as the eye could see. Behind them, imposing warships stood ready.
When Carl appeared, every Marine present, led by Akainu, saluted in unison and shouted:
"Fleet Admiral!!!"
Carl paused for a moment, slightly stunned by the overwhelming display. Meeting their fervent gazes, he raised his hand and returned the salute.
Among the crowd stood residents of Totto Land, including members of the Charlotte family.
Galette, standing amidst the crowd, watched Carl's figure at the forefront of the Marines, her expression conflicted. Her thoughts drifted back to their earlier conversation.
"The Totto Land needs a ruler. Why not you?"
"Me?"
"Don't look so surprised. You've lived here since childhood and are familiar with this place. You were even the Minister of Butter. Becoming queen shouldn't be too difficult."
"But… why me? If that's your reasoning, wouldn't Poire be more suited for this?"
"I don't know her."
"But we've only known each other for a day!"
"That's long enough. The Fleet Admiral's time is precious. Besides, I have a good impression of you."
"...I should be honored, then."
"Indeed. Rule as the Queen of Desserts, and if you don't do well, I'll replace you. Oh, by the way, I'm taking Pudding. She has potential, and staying here would waste it."
The sound of the departing warships jolted Galette from her thoughts. Watching the ships grow distant, she pressed her hand to her chest and murmured,
"Just one day..."
While Carl's fleet was en route, news of the Totto Land incident had already spread across the world.
The report was published by the World Economy News Paper, though its president, Morgans, had been quietly replaced. His name had been erased, and Stussy had taken over.
Carl had wanted Morgans gone twenty-two years ago. As a ruler, he couldn't allow the media to remain in the hands of someone uncooperative.
Not only Morgans' organization but also those of Lu Feld, Drug Peclo, and others from the underworld fell under Stussy's control. Many of these so-called underground emperors had either perished in the Totto Land conflict or been captured by the Marines.
Thanks to Pudding's memory-related Devil Fruit, the Marines extracted valuable intelligence. Afterward, Morgans and the others were executed, their bodies discarded into the sea to feed the sharks.
Under Carl's orders, all intelligence from these organizations was handed to Stussy. Understanding his intent, she used CP0 to infiltrate the headquarters of various underground organizations.
As the World Government's strongest intelligence agency, CP0 acted with unparalleled efficiency. Following the acquired intelligence, they eliminated threats and assimilated assets, reshaping the underworld entirely.
From then on, there was only one ruler of the underworld—Stussy.
However, publicly, she claimed, "I am not the ruler. I am merely the woman of the king."
Few within the World Government knew the "king" Stussy referred to was Figarland Carl.
It was hard to fathom the sheer power Carl now wielded. A second-generation Celestial Dragon with ambition was truly terrifying.
...
At Marineford,
Sengoku, Garp, and other senior Marines stood at the harbor, watching the approaching fleet.
When Carl disembarked, Sengoku signaled the Marine band to play a triumphant march.
Though he often clashed with Carl over ideals of justice, Sengoku genuinely admired the victory and respected Carl's abilities. He had to admit he lacked Carl's strength and decisiveness to face three Yonko forces alone and hold them off until reinforcements arrived.
Now, Sengoku fully recognized Carl's position as Fleet Admiral, even though he knew Carl didn't care for his approval.
This realization stung.
Looking at Garp, who stood silently trembling, Sengoku sighed inwardly.
Dragon had ultimately perished at Carl's hands. Sengoku considered it a fitting end for Dragon's actions. From his academy days, Dragon had been a source of trouble, ultimately causing Garp's reassignment to prison duty.
Still, Dragon was Garp's son. Losing him was a pain no parent should endure.
Though Sengoku had advised Garp not to come, Garp insisted, promising to remain composed.
'Garp, don't make this difficult for me,' Sengoku thought.
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+250 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg