MTLNOVEL Chapter 30: Meeting
[ Time skip: Two years ]
In one of the naval bases of the New World, an assembly of marines, including many newly promoted vice-admirals, watched attentively the image projected by the snail phone. Although well-versed in the affairs of piracy in the New World, some aspects still eluded them, justifying their presence at this meeting.
Sengoku, the Chief Admiral of the Marines, presided over the session. His duty was to prepare these new officers for the harsh reality: in the New World, piracy took on a much darker face, and those who ruled there were far from tender-hearted.
"You are familiar with four of the five emperors," he declared in a deep voice, sweeping the assembly with his gaze. "Among them, apart from Red-Haired Shanks, three have dominated these waters for decades." The tension in the room was palpable. "Today, we will focus on the last one, who ascended to this title two years ago," he continued, exchanging a knowing look with the soldier with the afro haircut.
The latter stepped forward, a poster in hand, and placed it on the blackboard he had just lowered. The marines' attention was at its peak. Some already knew the subject of the meeting, but not all the details.
"As you know, he is not called emperor by chance," began the soldier, scanning the assembly. "His power is on par with the other emperors," he added, seeking approval from Sengoku who nodded silently. "Appearing in the world of piracy at twenty, crowned emperor at twenty-eight, he is now thirty... I present to you the fifth emperor, Gojo D. Satoru!" His voice carried to the back of the room as he unveiled the bounty poster.
Satoru D. Gojo: 3,555,120,000 Berrys
The marines stared at the amount, stunned. Although they expected a lower bounty than the other Yonko, being the most recent, its magnitude left them speechless. His gaze on the poster was as piercing as the rumors suggested. It was said that thanks to his extraordinary eyes and his observation haki, even when hidden behind his headband or sunglasses, he could perceive and see every presence around him.
"What additional information can you give us about Gojo?" inquired a marine, his tone filled with respect and gravity.
"According to our intel, these eyes that earned him his reputation belonged to his family, now deceased for unknown reasons. He is said to be the sole survivor."
"What are his abilities?" asked another marine, curiosity evident in his voice.
The officer glanced at Sengoku for guidance. This time, the Chief Admiral himself took the floor to share their knowledge.
"As the officer mentioned, these eyes, known as Rokugan, manifest in some members of his lineage. They grant their bearer exceptional mastery of the world's abilities."
"Y-you mean..." stammered a marine.
"Indeed," confirmed Sengoku before continuing. "The Rokugan allows him to grasp with disconcerting ease all abilities: the six powers, the three types of haki, as well as the properties of his devil fruit, enabling him to make optimal use of each."
A heavy silence fell over the meeting room, the information proving hard to digest.
"If these eyes are so powerful, why have we never heard of them before?" questioned a marine.
This inquiry seemed to awaken the assembly, all eyes turning to Sengoku in anticipation of an answer.
"It makes sense... He is the first to manifest with such an ability."
Silence fell again. The revelations about Satoru D. Gojo were accumulating, each more unsettling than the last.
"This is the extent of our current knowledge about the Rokugan."
"Satoru D. Gojo poses a major threat, both due to the power of his crew and their numbers. Since his arrival in the New World, his true intentions elude us. His complete lack of fear, whether directed towards things or people, makes him particularly dangerous..." Sengoku concluded.
The screen now displayed the territory of the pirates of infinity. The islands were arranged in a particular pattern, forming a figure-eight - the symbol of infinity. Eleven islands in total, all located along the infinity current.
"Continuum, that is the name of his territory. Each of these islands is accessible by following the currents that trace the infinity," he explained before giving the floor to a marine who raised his hand.
"If locating these islands is so simple, why not launch an offensive?" The question was direct and sincere.
"These islands are treacherous, and only their crew members know the safe routes. Others, whether marines or pirates, must rely on the currents while remaining vigilant against enemy attacks. Moreover, no hostile crew has ever returned from their territory... That gives you an idea of their formidable nature," he replied, his expression grave.
A new silence hung in the air for a few moments.
"Satoru D. Gojo's status as emperor is based on his personal strength, the power of his crew, and the impressive expanse of his territory. To enter, one must take the current leading to the shaman islands. Access to the main island is only possible through a known entrance: an imposing pillar shaped like an infinity symbol emerging from the waves. Rumors speak of a second, secret entrance reserved for the commanders, whose location remains a mystery. Thus, Satoru D. Gojo's territory has two access routes, one public, the other confidential," explained the soldier with the afro haircut, before continuing.
"Finally, I must mention that he consumed the infinity fruit, of the logia type, granting him the ability to become a man of infinity. This information is probably already known to most of you. My presentation is complete, thank you for your attention," he concluded by turning off the snail phone, marking the end of the meeting.
********
A few minutes later, as Sengoku returned to his ship to head back to Marineford, he gazed at the wanted poster of Satoru D. Gojo, his brows furrowed. A soft and mature voice interrupted his thoughts - that of Tsuru, one of his oldest colleagues who, along with Garp, had known the time of Roger.
"Satoru D. Gojo still concerns you?" she asked in a calm and composed tone.
"A new D. causing chaos... His intentions are what worries me the most. He is the most unpredictable of the five emperors," he sighed, placing a hand on his forehead in a sign of weariness.
"And that is your biggest concern? Mine is much worse." This remark elicited a slight smile from Sengoku, who could guess what was coming next.
"That darned man with white hair has charmed some of my female soldiers..." she added with a sigh.
Satoru D. Gojo remained an enigmatic figure despite his fame. Few could claim to understand his thoughts and motivations. Tsuru had had an unfortunate confrontation with him four years ago, before his accession to the emperor's title. Her attempt to capture or eliminate him had ended in a humiliating failure, her strength being vastly insufficient compared to his.