Chapter 79: Do You Have Seastone?

Click, click!

As the two most prominent figures of the evening shook hands with polite smiles, the journalists on-site instantly raised their cameras. Flashes flickered non-stop as they captured shot after shot.

To the nobles, politicians, distinguished guests, and wealthy merchants from across the North Blue, it was clear—they weren't the stars of today's baptism ceremony.

Germa's presence spoke for itself.

A militant nation where every citizen was a soldier, Germa possessed terrifying military strength and an aggressive ambition to dominate the North Blue. It was the living nightmare of many North Blue countries, keeping royals, ministers, and nobles awake at night.

If not for the North Blue Marines' earlier mediation, Vinsmoke Judge would have likely plunged half the sea into endless warfare.

As for Rogers Daren, the Supreme Commander of the North Blue Marines, the guests viewed him with nothing short of awe.

Everyone knew—this young man, not even twenty years old, was the true authority in the North Blue.

His fleet was undefeated. His own strength was unfathomable. He held absolute sway over this sea.

"Admiral Daren, I've heard the situation in the North Blue has changed quite a bit lately…"

Vinsmoke Judge took a glass of red wine from a passing server and handed it to Daren, speaking casually.

Daren accepted the glass, took a light sip, and replied with a faint smile.

"Oh? And what changes might King Judge be referring to?"

Vinsmoke Judge frowned slightly.

A scientist by training, he had little patience—or interest—for political games.

What he excelled at was overwhelming his enemies with science and military power, crushing nations with an army so strong it left no room for resistance.

Daren's vague, roundabout political tone only made him more irritated.

"Admiral Daren, I believe you know exactly what I'm talking about…"

He took a deep breath, forcing down his growing annoyance.

"Your Marines turned the entire North Blue underworld on its head. Then, within just two weeks, a brat named Doflamingo swept in with his family and took control of the region's black market."

"I'm just curious—are the rumors true?"

"Is Doflamingo working with you?"

"You do realize the rise of the Donquixote Family is disrupting Germa 66's expansion."

Daren gently swirled the wine in his glass, the blood-red liquid rippling against the crystal.

"King Judge, you should already know my stance on the so-called underworld."

He smiled.

"As long as there's peace and things are handled by the rules, I turn a blind eye."

"Doflamingo may be young, but he's capable. That's something I respect."

"As for Germa's expansion…"

He tapped his glass lightly against Judge's.

"If I remember correctly, the North Blue Marines are Germa's biggest trade partner now, aren't they?"

In the original timeline, the Donquixote Family's rise in the North Blue also disrupted Germa 66's plans for dominance. Left with no choice, Vinsmoke Judge had turned to exporting warfare, operating worldwide as mercenaries to continue his expansion through force.

Now, hearing the Marine's words, Vinsmoke Judge fell silent.

A few seconds later, a slow smile returned to his face.

"You're right. Stability and peace in the North Blue are what truly matter."

At that moment, the butler softly rang a ceremonial bell, cutting short the conversation.

"Now presenting the eldest daughter of the Vinsmoke family… The baptism ceremony will now begin!"

The crowd turned their attention toward the entrance.

A pale but gentle-looking woman entered, pushing a baby stroller, escorted by several Germa guards. Her white royal gown was simple and elegant, without excessive jewelry or embellishment. Lightly made up, she carried a delicate, graceful presence.

Queen Sora of the Vinsmoke royal family.

'So this is Sanji's mother… she really does seem gentle.'

The thought flickered through Daren's mind.

"Admiral Daren, a pleasure to meet you."

Queen Sora approached, pushing the stroller, and offered a graceful noble's curtsey.

Daren gently took her hand, gave a polite bow, and placed a chivalrous kiss on her fingers.

"I've heard much about Queen Sora's elegance. Seeing you today, it's clearly well deserved."

He glanced down at the rosy-cheeked baby girl in the stroller and smiled.

"This must be Reiju, the Vinsmoke family's eldest daughter? Congratulations to you both."

"I've prepared a small gift for little Reiju, just a personal token. I hope you won't refuse."

He signaled to Momonga, who quickly stepped forward and handed a list to the butler standing behind Vinsmoke Judge.

The writing was dense and detailed—even from a glance, it was clear this wasn't just any ordinary gift.

"I sincerely thank Admiral Daren for his generosity. May the friendship between Germa and the North Blue Marines last forever."

Queen Sora smiled and raised her glass with elegant composure.

Daren clinked his glass against hers and drank it all in one go.

Soon, the baptism began.

Little Reiju, delicate as a porcelain doll, was gently placed into a warm wooden basin by the butler. Before all the gathered guests, she received the ceremonial blessing.

Applause followed, and with that, the banquet officially commenced.

"May I hold her?"

Daren asked, smiling at Queen Sora, who now held baby Reiju in her arms.

She hesitated slightly, then replied softly.

"Of course."

With care, she handed Reiju over.

Daren held the baby girl—pink hair, curled eyebrows, sucking on her tiny fingers—and for a moment, felt a rare sense of disorientation.

This was Sanji's biological sister. The future "Poison Pink," Vinsmoke Reiju.

He gently pinched her soft cheek, already forming a judgment in his heart.

Vinsmoke Judge had clearly begun modifying the lineage factors in his bloodline.

"She'll be the pride of Germa 66."

Judge walked over and said in a deep voice.

Daren glanced at him and smiled slightly.

"I believe she will."

He carefully returned Reiju to the soft crib, gently adjusting her hair and tucking her in.

Then, almost casually, he asked,

"King Judge, there's something new I'd like to discuss."

"Germa 66… do you have any seastone?"

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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