Inside Pangaea Castle, the Five Elders were presiding over the World Summit, completely unaware of what was happening outside.
Claudius, however, had a general understanding, so long as the meeting proceeded without interruption, it meant that Spandine and the others were executing their plans smoothly. Otherwise, someone would have already come to report an issue.
"The downfall of the Whitebeard Pirates marks the beginning of the World Government's cleanup of the New World.
For the past eighteen years, the era of the Great Pirates has wreaked havoc across the world. Countless nations have suffered under its chaos.
But soon, all of this will settle.
The World Government has both the confidence and the determination to win this long battle!"
Nusjuro, the bald-headed elder, declared passionately from his seat.
The room erupted in applause.
However, a king soon spoke up.
"Pirates are nothing more than parasites but what about the Revolutionary Army?
After all these years, rather than being eradicated, they've only grown stronger."
At these words, murmurs spread among the gathered royals. Many nodded in agreement, discussing the topic amongst themselves.
"While we understand that in order to quell the era of pirates and suppress the Revolutionary Army, military forces must be strengthened, the economic burden on our nations is severe.
Could the tribute tax be reduced this year?"
"Can the construction of the Sea Train be expedited? All of us here are member nations—we should receive equal treatment!"
"The nearest Marine base to the Strand Kingdom is a three-day voyage away. Pirates have been exploiting this weakness, causing us great distress. I propose the establishment of a new Marine branch in our kingdom!"
One after another, the royals voiced their concerns, leading to a heated debate.
The Five Elders' expressions grew impatient.
At that moment, someone suddenly brought up the issue of the Heavenly Tribute.
"Based on my records, since the last World Summit four years ago, seven nations have been expelled from the World Government due to their inability to pay the Heavenly Tribute.
Of those seven, four have since been completely destroyed by pirates.
The remaining three barely survive, with some being forced into alliances with pirate factions just to endure.
And in these past four years—today included—only three new nations have joined the World Government.
Originally, there were 177 member nations.
Now, there are only 173.
If this trend continues, won't it affect the World Government's authority and influence in the long run?"
Doflamingo, holding a document in his hand, was the one who had spoken.
The moment his words fell, the once-noisy conference hall fell into silence.
Many looked at him in shock.
The last time someone had dared to raise concerns about the Heavenly Tribute, it was the Kingdom of Alabasta.
And what happened to Alabasta?
The Nefertari royal family was completely wiped out, and Crocodile became its king.
That incident served as a chilling warning yet here Doflamingo was, openly bringing up the topic again?
The bearded elder's expression darkened as he asked, "Doflamingo, what exactly are you trying to say?"
Doflamingo placed the document on the table, a wicked smile playing at his lips.
"Fufufufufu… Nothing much. As the king of Dressrosa and a loyal member of the World Government, I'm simply looking out for the greater good.
My kingdom is thriving, but not all nations are as fortunate.
Some may not be able to afford the tribute in the coming years… and when we gather here for the next summit, I fear a few familiar faces may be missing."
As he spoke, his gaze swept over the other royals in the room.
Several of them paled.
They knew all too well—if they couldn't find a way to ease their economic burdens, they could be among those unable to pay the tribute in the near future.
And if that happened… their nations could be destroyed.
"Mind your own kingdom," the bearded elder responded coldly.
"The Heavenly Tribute represents the legal and moral foundation of the World Government.
Eight hundred years ago, twenty kings relinquished their claim to the world and established the World Government.
Their descendants, the Celestial Dragons are the gods of this world, and as such, they are entitled to the tribute.
It is the duty of all member nations to provide it!"
"In other words," Doflamingo smirked, "any proposal to reduce the Heavenly Tribute would be considered a challenge to the World Government's laws? Meaning… such a proposal will never pass?"
The bearded elder cast a glance at Claudius, who had remained silent thus far, but quickly refocused and firmly declared,
"Correct. This system has stood for eight centuries without change.
It will not change now.
It will not change in the future!"
"But, my lord…" Doflamingo grinned. "Times have changed."
The bearded elder's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean by that?"
"If reducing the Heavenly Tribute is out of the question because it's a fundamental principle, then…
Why not approach the problem from another angle?"
Doflamingo's expression turned ice-cold.
"The tribute is meant for the Celestial Dragons, correct?
If the tribute cannot be lowered…
Then why not reduce the number of Celestial Dragons?
Fewer Celestial Dragons means less tribute is needed.
Wouldn't that ease the burden on our nations?
After all… useless parasites serve no purpose.
So why keep them around?"
The entire room fell into stunned silence.
"IMPUDENT!!!" Nusjuro slammed the table, glaring at Doflamingo.
"Doflamingo, do you have any idea what you're saying?! The Celestial Dragons are not for you to question!"
"Fufufufu… But is there really no precedent for this?" Doflamingo sneered.
"Look at me.
I left Mariejois years ago, yet here I am, alive and well.
As a former Celestial Dragon, as a senior who has walked away from that life,
I'm simply showing these 'younger generations' another possible path.
What's wrong with that?"
A murmur spread across the room.
"What?"
"Doflamingo is a Celestial Dragon?"
"No wonder his surname is Donquixote, just like that Highness… Is he from the same family?"
"I thought Donquixote was a title given to Saint Claudius… but it's his real surname?"
"A Celestial Dragon who fell from grace? How have I never heard of this before?"
"Nonsense! Who would openly discuss something like this?"
At that moment, two distinct taps echoed as Claudius knocked on the table.
The room fell silent.
"Doflamingo, watch your words," Claudius said calmly.
Doflamingo turned to him, feigning innocence. "My apologies, cousin. I spoke too freely."
The Five Elders, now visibly displeased, turned to Claudius.
"Claudius, control your subordinates. Otherwise, you will bear the consequences as well!"
Claudius's lips curled into a faint smirk.
He nodded. "Understood, my lords."
The Five Elders were just about to move on when.
Claudius suddenly continued.
"However… I must say, Dover's words are quite interesting, wouldn't you agree?"
Nusjuro frowned slightly, confused.
Claudius, a Celestial Dragon himself, shouldn't be opposing them on this matter.
But before he could even process it, Claudius spoke decisively:
"The World Government governs all nations.
While it enjoys the power granted by its member states, it also bears the responsibility to protect them.
But in reality, the Heavenly Tribute has become a system of exploitation and oppression.
Therefore—I, Donquixote Claudius, as a High Celestial Dragon, formally propose the complete abolition of the Heavenly Tribute at this World Summit!"
His voice was firm, echoing through the hall.
Unlike Doflamingo, his words carried true weight.
The moment he finished speaking, the hundred kings collectively gasped.
The world was about to change.
***
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