Chapter 249: Volume 2 – Chapter 151: Quite the Guest List

"It's the Marines..."

"The North Blue Fleet's here too?"

"Doflamingo really pulled it off... Even the North Blue Fleet sent someone to celebrate!"

"What are you, stupid? You think the Donquixote family could've taken over the North Blue underworld so easily without the Fleet's silent approval?"

"Don't tell me..."

"Hmph... there's no official proof, but they say Doflamingo had a rather 'special' relationship with the former North Blue Admiral..."

"The former North Blue Admiral... You mean the 'King of the North Blue'!?"

"..."

At the mention of that legendary man, many of the guests instinctively swallowed hard, their eyes filled with dread and awe.

But not all reactions were fear—some noble ladies and princesses, who had accompanied their husbands or fathers, subtly licked their lips, eyes glinting with suggestive curiosity as they got... other ideas.

Less than thirty seconds later...

Under the breathless attention of the crowd, a massive warship—steel-plated and almost absurdly grand in design—slowly sailed into the harbor.

The boarding ramp was lowered, and a unit of sharply dressed elite Marines marched down in perfect formation, each step radiating an oppressive, disciplined energy.

Leading them was a man who looked no older than twenty, yet his presence was cool and composed. The mustache on his upper lip gave him a more mature air, and a military sword hung from his waist.

This was the current North Blue Admiral, Captain Momonga of Marine Headquarters.

"Admiral Momonga, it's been a while."

Vinsmoke Judge approached with a polite, insincere smile and extended his hand.

Momonga grasped it, returning the gesture with a calm smile.

"Mr. Judge, it has been some time."

They both exchanged the kind of half-lidded smile only seasoned politicians and power players could pull off, waiting just long enough for nearby reporters to snap a few photos before releasing their handshake.

It wasn't hard to guess one of tomorrow's headlines in the North Blue press: "Friendship Between the North Blue Fleet and the Germa Kingdom Endures!"

Momonga then turned toward Senor, offering a nod of approval.

"You must be Senor? Hmm, Doflamingo certainly knows how to pick his people."

Senor blinked in surprise.

He hadn't expected Momonga to recognize him. A bit flustered, he pursed his lips and gave a respectful bow.

"Admiral Momonga, good afternoon. My young master is waiting for you in the reception hall."

Momonga smiled.

"Then I'll trouble you to lead the way."

With Senor at the front, Momonga and Vinsmoke Judge walked together toward the reception hall.

Their entourages followed at a measured distance, each group keeping to its own side—clear boundaries, silently maintained.

The gathered guests looked on with mixed emotions—curiosity, wariness, and deep unease—but eventually followed as well.

...

Crystal chandeliers bathed the grand banquet hall in opulent light. Soft saxophone music drifted gently through the air.

It was hard to believe that this single room held nearly all the rulers and power brokers of the North Blue—royalty, nobles, and top traders alike.

Countless business deals were being sealed through offhand chats. A single joke could shift the economic lifeline of a kingdom. A casual wager might alter the fate of hundreds of families.

"Good evening, Mr. Fels... Oh, is this your wife? Pleased to meet you, Lady Dany."

"...Yes, well, I have some matters to attend to. We'll talk later."

Momonga finally managed to escape the swarm of guests, his face visibly darkened with irritation.

He grabbed a glass of red wine from a passing tray, tilted his head back, and downed it in one go, shaking his head with a sigh.

Seriously, if you want something, just say it. You want me to put in a word with the Donquixote family, help smooth your business along—fine. But what's the point of dragging your wife into this?

That gown's neckline… it was practically down to her navel!

"These people are unbelievable..."

Momonga muttered as he rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.

Just then, a voice laced with sarcasm drifted up from behind.

"Power, status, wealth... Sometimes, all that can be a real headache, can't it, Admiral Momonga?"

He turned to find Vinsmoke Judge had quietly joined him at some point, holding out a glass of chilled whiskey.

"Sounds like you're speaking from experience, Mr. Judge."

Momonga chuckled as he accepted the drink.

Judge gave a slow shake of his head, his eyes narrowing as he dropped his voice.

"Word is, Commodore Daren has stirred up quite a storm in the New World?"

Momonga gave him a quick glance, then broke into a smile.

"Nothing too serious—just wiped out the Beasts Pirates' main base."

Vinsmoke Judge's eyelid twitched.

As the commander of Germa 66, he knew full well how formidable the Beasts Pirates were.

One of their top executives, "Plague" Queen, had once been his colleague in a research team. That bizarre, suspenders-wearing lump of a man—Judge knew exactly how terrifying his power was.

When he first heard the news, Judge didn't quite believe it. In his memory, Daren was ridiculously strong, sure—but to destroy the Beasts Pirates' stronghold?

But now, hearing it straight from Momonga, Judge couldn't help but feel a cold chill creep down his spine.

He was quiet for a long moment before finally forcing out a sentence:

"Commodore Daren truly is the pride of the North Blue."

Momonga smiled, sensing the timing was right.

"By the way, Mr. Judge, regarding our North Blue Fleet's ongoing partnership with Germa 66, Commodore Daren has a minor proposal..."

Judge's brows furrowed slightly.

So he's using Daren to corner me?

Suppressing his annoyance, he replied,

"Please, go ahead, Admiral Momonga."

Momonga offered a polite smile.

"It concerns the new weapons and retrofit plans for our warships..."

...

Half a minute later, Vinsmoke Judge gave a measured nod.

"Not a problem."

He scanned the room with a frown.

"That brat Doflamingo still hasn't shown himself? He's really starting to overplay this 'big shot' act..."

His voice clearly carried a note of irritation.

Momonga smiled knowingly.

"Maybe he's tied up with something important... delayed by matters of great significance."

...

Meanwhile—

Inside the Donquixote family estate's grand hall.

While the entire upper crust of the North Blue patiently awaited the banquet's main event, its true star—Donquixote Doflamingo—was kneeling on one knee atop the cold marble floor, head lowered as he gently kissed the back of a man's hand.

With utmost reverence, he spoke:

"Welcome back to the North Blue... my godfather."