Imu walked into the Throne Chamber, also known as the Room of Authority.
The hall was vast and eerily silent. Cold white stone stretched endlessly in every direction, polished so perfectly that it reflected the dim light falling from above. Tall pillars lined the sides like silent guards, their shadows stretching across the floor. At the far end of the chamber rose a long staircase, leading to a single throne placed above everything else.
Swords were embedded into the ground around the throne, their blades pointing outward, forming a circle of authority and domination.
Imu climbed the stairs slowly, his footsteps echoing through the chamber. Reaching the top, he sat down on the throne, placing both hands comfortably on its armrests. His posture was relaxed.
Before him stood the Five Elders, lined up in silence, and beside them stood Herald, the King of Elbaf.
"Well, you can speak now," Imu said slowly and calmly. His voice echoed throughout the chamber, filling the empty space with quiet pressure.
"Imu-sama," Saturn began, bowing slightly. "The giant robot has been disposed of. The slaves have been secured as well. They are being kept in separate special rooms, and as you instructed, we did not do anything harm to them. The mother of Shanks and Shamrock Garling—Ruby, is being held in a separate room. Eris and Shakky are in the same room."
"Oh? And what about the Celestial Dragons?" Imu asked casually. "Did they make any noise?"
"Yes, Imu-sama," Mars replied this time. "Many of them were furious about the tournament being abruptly canceled. They created quite a disturbance throughout Mary Geoise, shouting, complaining, and demanding explanations. However, the situation has already been handled. Everything is calm now. There's no need for concern."
Why would I care about useless pigs who do nothing but eat, rot, and create more problems for me? Imu thought to himself, his expression unchanged.
"What about the children?" Imu asked, raising an eyebrow slightly
"As you ordered, Imu-sama," Saturn replied with a serious expression, "the children are being kept in a separate room to ensure no lifelong trauma is inflicted on them."
"Oh. Good work," Imu said calmly. "Is there anything else?"
"Yes, Imu-sama. As you commanded, we also summoned the King of Elbaf—Herald," Saturn said, tapping his cane lightly against the floor and gesturing toward him.
Herald, who had been listening silently, stiffened as all attention suddenly turned toward him. For a moment, panic flashed across his face, but he quickly composed himself, standing straight and silent.
"So you are the King of Elbaf… King Herald?" Imu asked, despite already knowing the answer.
"Yes. I am King Herald," Herald replied hesitantly, looking at Imu, unsure of how to address him.
Imu noticed the panic in his expression and spoke casually.
"I'm Imu Nerona. The King of the World. Though I don't really care about titles. You can just call me Imu. I've the chief authority over the Marines, Cipher Pol, the Holy Knights, and more."
Imu leaned forward slightly, interest showing in his eyes.
"I heard you want Elbaf to join the World Government. That's new. And interesting at the same time you know. So explain to me about your goal.
"Yes," Herald said, taking a breath. "I have a dream. A dream to end the violent history of giants. For hundreds of years, giants have lived through endless war and bloodshed. I want to change that. I want to create a peaceful environment for future generations."
His voice grew firmer as he continued.
"I want to break the cycle of hatred between giants and humans. I believe it's possible. I'm ready to cooperate with other nations and seek support. I want to replace the image humans have of giants as violent, war-hungry monsters."
Herald clenched his fist.
"I want giants to be respected, not feared, not enslaved. For this dream, I'm ready to do anything, as long as the World Government promises Elbaf recognition and equality. I want the world to see Elbaf as more than just a nation of war. Without the World Government's help, achieving this would be nearly impossible." Though he was still shaken by the revelation that the King of the World stood before him, Herald did not waver. He spoke with utmost respect and a serious, unwavering tone.
Imu chuckled softly.
"Hm… hehe~"
"That's unique," Imu said. "No more than that. I admire you. Do you know why?"
Herald hesitated, then asked, "Why… if I may?"
"Because you didn't give up on your dream," Imu replied calmly. "You're ready to do anything for it. You were even prepared to kill your own friend. Ready to bow your head. Ready to serve the World Government."
Imu rested his chin on his right hand.
"That's very different from normal giants. Honestly, I admire you. Just like I admire Xebec. He never gave up on his dream, even when he had zero chance of survival, zero chance of victory. Yet he still tried. That persistence is admirable."
Imu's gaze sharpened.
"I expect the same from his friend."
Herald looked down, memories flooding his mind, clashes with Rocks, sharing banquet, small quarrels.
"It seems luck isn't on my side," Rocks had said once, extending his hand. "Lend me a hand, my friend."
"Screw you," Herald had replied angrily. "I'm the King of Elbaf. I carry responsibilities you can't even imagine."
Herald clenched his teeth.
There's no path left for me now. If I fail, my dream dies, and worse, Elbaf will suffer consequences it cannot handle.
"I won't betray myself, my dream," Herald said firmly. "I'm ready to face any punishment, any consequence, to atone for the sins of the giants."
Imu spread his hands slightly, smiling faintly as he responded to herald, "Admirable. But just as you choose what's best for Elbaf, I must choose what's best for the World Government. Let's discuss the contract. I'll be direct, and clear. If Elbaf wishes to receive formal recognition from the World Government, it must fulfill few conditions. Of course, this is based on consent, if you dislike any condition, you are free to reject it."
"First," Imu continued, raising a finger, "Elbaf must not shelter or assist any enemies of the World Government, pirates, terrorists, or any hostile forces."
A second finger rose.
"Second, giants from Elbaf must voluntarily join the Marines and other government-affiliated organizations. If giants wish to cleanse their image, then they must actively serve the world. Through their participation in the Marines and government institutions, both the people of the world and the World Government will witness Elbaf's willingness to cooperate and contribute."
Though Imu's eyes curved slightly, almost as if smiling, his face itself remained completely devoid of emotion.
Third finger rose.
"Third, Elbaf will protect the World Government and its interests, just as the World Government will protect Elbaf in return. If the World Government or its allied nations are attacked, Elbaf must send its forces to assist in their defense. Likewise, the World Government will respond if Elbaf is threatened."
He continued, lowering his hand briefly before speaking again.
"One more thing," Imu continued, his tone calm but absolute. "Elbaf will share any ancient texts or records related to the past, should they be deemed necessary. The World Government will 'preserve' them with the utmost care. Elbaf must also hand over any legendary Devil Fruits in its possession."
He paused briefly, letting the weight of his words sink in.
"In return, Elbaf will be formally recognized by the World Government. You will gain a seat at the Reverie, establish contact with allied nations for cooperation, and your people will be allowed to join the Marines, helping to cleanse and reshape the image of giants in the eyes of the world."
Imu's voice hardened slightly.
"There is also one condition that is non-negotiable. Every time the King of Elbaf changes, the new king must renew this contract with me. Think of it as a verification process. Through this, both the World Government and Elbaf can ensure continued cooperation."
The vast hall fell into complete silence.
"What do you think, King Herald?" Imu asked calmly, his gaze fixed on him.
Herald did not answer immediately. His mind raced at a terrifying speed. The demands were enormous, far from insignificant, but they were tolerable. And more importantly, Elbaf had no real alternatives. As Imu had said, refusal was possible in theory, but only on the surface. True choice did not exist in reality.
Then,
Boom.
Herald dropped to his knees before the throne.
"I, the King of Elbaf," he said firmly, his voice echoing through the chamber, "accept the conditions of the World Government."
"Oh?" Imu chuckled softly. "Hehe~ You're a smart one, aren't you?"
A faint smile bloomed across his expressionless face.
"Well then," Imu continued, leaning back on the throne, "let's make a contract… shall we?"