The Red Line is a massive, ring-shaped continent that intersects with the Grand Line. Together, they divide the world's oceans into four distinct regions: East Blue, West Blue, North Blue, and South Blue.

Two critical junctures exist where these geographic marvels intersect.

The first is Reverse Mountain, the treacherous entrance that all sailors must navigate to enter the Grand Line from any of the four Blues.

The second intersection lies halfway around the world—a formidable obstacle that marks the boundary between Paradise and the New World.

This location also serves as the headquarters of the World Government and the sacred domain of Mariejois, home to the privileged Celestial Dragons.

It is only here in Mariejois that these self-proclaimed world nobles would deign to remove their ridiculous bubble helmets, breathing what they considered the rarified air that only gods and their servants were worthy of inhaling.

Strangely, something had changed in this elevated city. In the past, these Celestial Dragons would frequently parade around Mariejois, escorting acquaintances on tours to flaunt their extensive slave collections and opulent lifestyles.

But today, the streets of Mariejois were eerily quiet, with barely any nobles in sight.

Along the normally bustling avenues, only a handful of slaves shuffled about, heavy chains around their necks as they meticulously swept the streets to maintain the holy land's pristine appearance. A few pairs of armored guards conducted their routine patrols, while government officials and agents hurried past, focused on their various missions.

Beyond these sparse signs of life, the entire Holy Land seemed deserted—not a single Celestial Dragon could be spotted in the open.

As a disciplined unit of Holy Land guards, clad in ornate iron armor and wielding ceremonial spears, carried out their patrol along the main boulevard, a sudden bolt of lightning struck from the clear sky, landing directly in front of their formation.

"Intruder!" the patrol captain shouted, immediately raising his spear and signaling his men to advance toward the impact site. "Defensive positions!"

His well-trained guards responded instantly, efficiently forming a tight circle around the area where the mysterious lightning had touched down.

As the blinding electric light dissipated, a tall, handsome man in an immaculate white suit emerged from the fading glow. Despite his imposing stature and powerful build, his face retained a hint of youthful mischief as he surveyed his surroundings.

A gentle breeze swept through the street, causing the white Marine cloak of justice draped over his shoulders to flutter majestically.

The patrol captain visibly relaxed when he recognized the familiar insignia, his eyes quickly scanning the newcomer's features. As realization dawned, the captain's body froze momentarily before he hastily lowered his weapon and dropped into a formal bow, his men following suit.

"Vice Admiral Luffy! We sincerely apologize for our discourtesy. Please forgive our hasty reaction to your unexpected arrival."

Luffy, who had been curiously examining the unusually empty streets, shifted his attention to the guards prostrating themselves before him. He couldn't help but feel slightly impressed by their quick recognition.

As expected of those who serve in the Holy Land, he thought. Their survival instincts are remarkably sharp.

"No need for apologies," Luffy replied with a casual wave. "I should be the one apologizing for my dramatic entrance. But tell me—is this really Mariejois? Where are all the Celestial Dragons? I haven't seen a single one since my arrival."

Upon hearing this question, the patrol captain bowed even lower, internally groaning at the awkward situation.

What terrible timing! the captain lamented silently. Why did this famous officer have to appear today of all days? If he's offended by the lack of proper reception, our heads will roll. And if we're not careful with how we speak about the Celestial Dragons, that could be even worse!

As a mere guard, he naturally wouldn't dare risk offending Luffy—the young Marine who had recently defeated Emperor-level pirates and whose meteoric rise through the ranks had captivated the attention of the entire world.

After a brief moment of internal panic, the captain carefully answered Luffy's inquiry.

"I assure you, Vice Admiral, this is indeed the Holy Land of Mariejois. It's just that, thanks to your contributions, the Celestial Dragons have recently discovered the joys of computer gaming. They've been spending most of their time indoors lately, engrossed in their new entertainment."

Luffy's expression immediately shifted to one of genuine interest, his eyebrows rising in surprise.

He had merely been making casual conversation and honestly couldn't care less about the activities of those he privately considered parasites. But the revelation that they had become addicted to games—perhaps the very ones developed by his company—was unexpected and rather amusing.

"Is that so?" Luffy replied, unable to suppress a small smile. "I'm honored that the Celestial Dragons have taken a liking to our technology. When I return to headquarters, I'll instruct the developers at Olive Company to design some exclusive games specifically for their enjoyment."

It was rare for Luffy to express even feigned interest in the affairs of the Celestial Dragons, but the irony of the situation wasn't lost on him. There was a certain poetic justice in using the wealth extracted from these self-proclaimed gods to fund operations that would ultimately undermine their authority.

With a warm smile that masked his true thoughts, Luffy continued, "I've come specifically to pay my respects to the Five Elders. Would you be kind enough to inform them of my arrival and guide me to their castle?"

"Of course, Vice Admiral! It would be our honor," the captain responded promptly, visibly relieved that the dangerous moment had passed without incident.

Luffy's approachable demeanor and lack of arrogance had put the captain at ease. Unlike some high-ranking officers who delighted in making life difficult for subordinates, this young vice admiral seemed refreshingly reasonable, considering his reputation.

Without delay, the captain dispatched one of his men to deliver news of Luffy's arrival, while he personally escorted the vice admiral toward Pangaea Castle—the central fortress of Mariejois where the Five Elders and other high-ranking World Government officials conducted their business.