Coin Island.

The spacious, luxurious banquet hall fell into complete silence.

Over a hundred reporters from various media outlets stared in shock at the smiling former Vice Admiral on stage, their hands trembling as they clutched their pens.

It was true!

Even though many of them had already suspected it, hearing the confirmation from the man himself still sent shockwaves through their hearts.

The legendary former Marine, now the world's most wanted criminal, commanded a fleet that could only be described as a weapon of mass destruction!

"T-Then, about the Mary Geoise incident…"

A reporter asked, voice shaking.

"That was on my orders."

Daren spread his arms wide, speaking openly.

"Mary Geoise was nearly reduced to rubble. I bear the main responsibility."

Gasp!

At those words, not only did the reporters on site suck in a breath of cold air, but so did the countless people watching the global broadcast through Den Den Mushi.

He admitted it!

He actually admitted it!

Wasn't he afraid of the World Government's retaliation?

Oh right, they already retaliated, and he's still standing here alive—then never mind.

"Then, Daren-sama, did you truly engage in a fierce battle with the Five Elders, the highest authority of the World Government?"

Another reporter nervously raised his hand, gulped, and asked.

Daren smiled.

"The Five Elders were, without a doubt, the most troublesome opponents I've ever faced. I must thank them for the valuable lessons."

He turned to the camera with a smile.

"Especially the esteemed Saint Jaygarcia Saturn. I'm particularly grateful for his teachings."

At those words, the reporters exchanged puzzled looks.

...

Meanwhile

Red Line, Holy Land Mary Geoise

World Government Council Hall.

Smash!

Saturn suddenly crushed the teacup in his hand, hot tea splashing across the floor. His sinister eyes filled with bloodshot veins.

"That damn brat!"

The other Five Elders remained silent, but their expressions were equally grim.

No one understood better than they did what that brat's words really meant.

In the battle of Philseque Island, Rogers Daren's power had clearly shifted—

More accurately, it had grown stronger!

"This isn't on us."

Topman Warcury frowned and spoke hoarsely.

"That brat is a monster among monsters. He has a freakish talent for training, able to draw strength from every fight and every kill."

The other four Five Elders were silent for a moment.

"Mm, agreed."

"Agreed."

"Indeed."

...

Wano Country.

"Worororo! Yeah, that's the feeling!"

Members of the Beasts Pirates looked on in confusion as Kaidou, who had been furious just moments ago, suddenly burst out laughing.

Kaidou whipped his head around and locked eyes with Queen, who was crawling out from the rubble of the wall, and grinned wickedly.

"Queen, did you see that?"

"I knew it… I knew it!!"

"I'm not the only one who's been through it!"

Queen rolled his eyes and muttered,

"Of course I know. I've been through it too."

…

Marine Headquarters.

"That's so cool!"

Kuzan jumped up from his seat, eyes sparkling as he stared at the Den Den Mushi screen.

"How terrifying, provoking the Five Elders in front of the whole world..."

Borsalino rubbed his stubble and smiled lazily.

"What a big mouth you have, Daren..."

Sakazuki sneered, the corner of his mouth curling into a cold smile.

"Bwahahaha! That brat Daren sure has some guts!"

Garp crunched on a rice cracker and burst into hearty laughter.

"Enough!"

Sengoku slammed his fist on the conference table, seething with anger.

"You bunch of bastards, do you really think I'm dead!?"

The other generals instantly fell silent, not daring to breathe.

...

It took a full minute for the reporters to process the shocking revelation.

Their gazes toward the black-haired young man were now filled with awe... and a deeply hidden sense of admiration.

To challenge the highest authority of the World Government single-handedly... Just imagining it was enough to make one's blood surge.

That was the supreme power that had ruled the world for 800 years!

A divine existence far beyond the reach of mortals!

And now, standing right before them was a man who dared to oppose that divine power as a mere human.

Setting aside all allegiances and factions, the sheer courage and audacity it took were enough to spark admiration in countless hearts.

After a moment of silence, another reporter raised his hand and asked:

"Daren-san, you were once a legendary star in the Marines, a powerful figure admired by countless Marines, but now, overnight, you have become the 'most wanted criminal' with the highest bounty on the seas..."

He glanced cautiously at Daren.

"With such a huge change in status, how do you feel now?"

Daren smiled and replied:

"Don't be so nervous, I'm here today to clear up your doubts."

"As for the change in status, I don't think it's that big of a deal."

"In my opinion, a person's status doesn't determine their stance—what they do does."

"As for the bounty, well, that's just the Marine Headquarters and my colleagues being generous."

He blinked and teased,

"After all, even if you tied me up and sent me to Marineford, I doubt the Marine Headquarters could even cough up 5 billion Belly."

As soon as he finished, the hall echoed with laughter.

...

Bang!

Sengoku slammed his fist on the table again. His eyes were bloodshot as he panted furiously and growled through clenched teeth,

"That brat Daren! Does he think he's being funny!?"

He suddenly turned and glared at Garp.

"Is that funny, Garp!?"

Garp quickly covered his mouth with both hands and shook his head vigorously.

Sengoku's eye twitched. He looked ready to pound the table again when Staff Officer Tsuru said irritably,

"Calm down. That desk wasn't cheap."

Sengoku froze mid-motion, then picked up his teacup, drained it in one gulp, and slammed himself back into his chair with a huff.

Tsuru shook her head helplessly.

If someone else had said it, maybe it would've just been a joke. But coming from that brat Daren, it was a fact.

Because the truth was harsh.

The Marine Headquarters really couldn't scrape together 5 billion Belly.

From the repeated large-scale deployments to the hunt for the Roger Pirates, to escort missions in the North Blue, and especially the chaos caused by Daren's rampage at headquarters just days ago—

The financial burden was crushing.

Warship repairs, ammunition resupply, reconstruction of buildings… it all burned through money.

As the Marine Headquarters' "housekeeper," Tsuru understood better than anyone just how dire their financial situation had become.

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