Chapter 123: The Shocked Kings and the World!
"Huh, when did a Tennis Court appear here?"
When the fifty Kings and their Guards arrived at Pangaea Castle, just as they were about to pass through the Social Plaza to head to the World Conference Hall, those who had been here before immediately noticed the change.
Tennis, as a popular sport within the Noble Circle, was basically known to everyone among the Kings present.
Of course, this didn't mean that all Kings and Nobility from Affiliated Countries knew about Tennis, but the Kings who could attend the Reverie were considered upper-class even within the King Class. Their knowledge and experience were far superior to those from Small Nations, Weak Nations, or Poor Nations.
"Hahaha, this is quite nice. How about we play a couple of matches later!"
"Alright, no problem. I often play with my daughter!"
"Hey, did you notice? The Court's Screen Feed, combined with that vermilion Net, looks a bit like the Grand Line and the Red Line?"
"You're right!"
But just as the Kings were chatting about the Tennis Court, the Administrative Department Official leading the way stopped and turned around, saying expressionlessly.
"That is the Court bestowed with the name 'Holy Land'. Only those specifically permitted may use it. Furthermore, anyone who steps even half a step into the Court without authorization will be arrested under the charge of 'Blasphemy against World Nobles'!"
As he said this, his cold Gaze swept over all the Kings present, as if silently Warning them that even they would be treated the same.
"..."
The Kings were stunned. Some Kings who were just about to step onto the Court quickly jumped back, looking at the sea-blue Court before them with cold sweat.
Not only that, but the Official's Warning was also transmitted to millions of Citizens through Visual Den Den Mushi. Immediately after, the Screen Feed of the 'Holy Land Tennis Court' appeared on the Projection Screen.
"Wow, what a magnificent Court!"
On the sea-blue Court, divided into areas by deep blue Lines, were actually drawn the Main Islands of the First Half of the Grand Line and the New World. On either side were the slightly darker colored Calm Belt.
This was a giant Overhead View of the Grand Line, divided into two Half-courts by the red Net Bag in the middle.
King Cobra could clearly see how conspicuous his Alabasta was on the Court representing the 'First Half'.
This made his Expression complicated, or rather, look unpleasant. It wasn't just him; the Kings from various Countries on the Grand Line were all awkward. After all, who would be happy to have their Kingdom stepped on and played upon?
Besides the Islands where these Kingdoms were located, Marine Headquarters Marineford, Judiciary Island, Impel Down, and the three Gates of Justice were also drawn on it.
These elements combined created an extremely strong Visual Impact, leaving countless Citizens speechless, only able to repeatedly sigh in amazement at the Display of the World Nobles.
"So... the World Nobles, no, it should be the legendary Five Elders, usually like to Play Tennis?"
Kings and Nobility of various levels from Various Places who were not qualified to attend the Reverie felt they had keenly discovered a Key Point.
"Uh, but the Five Elders are five people. One Court isn't enough, is it?"
"Idiot, don't you know that Tennis can be played as Doubles? Two against two, and the remaining person acts as the Referee. Doesn't that divide it perfectly!"
"Oh, you're right!"
"Uh, Tennis can be played two-on-two? Let's find some Time to try it."
While the outside World's attention was drawn to the 'Holy Land Tennis Court' and various discussions were flying, the Kings left their Guards in the Social Plaza and continued following the Official ahead to the World Conference Hall.
Ten minutes later...
"Wow!!!!!!"
The moment the Official pushed open the Gate, this time, the fifty Kings present and all the Audience watching the Live Broadcast subconsciously shouted out in unison.
At this moment, the entire World seemed to tremble slightly from this single 'Wow'.
The brilliant Sunlight streaming in through multiple Floor-to-Ceiling Windows illuminated the Hall brightly. A white Circular Round Table was placed In the Court, and fifty white and purple High-Backed Chairs were neatly arranged behind the Round Table with a Spacing of one meter.
Considering that each King's Body Size varied, the Chair Surface width was completely customized according to each King's Size.
But what was most eye-catching was the circular white Platform within the Circular Round Table, imprinted with the Giant Emblem of the World Government!
The entire scene gave off an Invisible Aura of Solemn and Dignified atmosphere!
"This is where the fifty Kings discuss important matters?"
"My goodness, this is too high-class!"
"When can I go and sit there?"
King Cobra, King Neptune, and others who were actually present were also dumbfounded. Those who hadn't been here before were simply shocked, while those who had were completely bewildered.
"What's going on? The Hall's layout has changed. Where's that Long Table?!" King Arnold of Drum Kingdom asked in surprise, pointing inside.
Previously, the place where they held the Reverie was a Long Table less than three meters wide but dozens of meters long. Two of the fifty Kings sat at the ends, and the rest sat facing each other on either side.
In fact, in the original Timeline, this Situation would have continued for a long Time, only changing to the Round Table format more than twenty years later.
"Please take your seats according to the Nameplates on the table. Afterwards, Attendants will remove the Nameplates and bring Black Tea or Coffee." After saying this, the leading Official turned and left without delay.
The Kings exchanged glances but immediately took Action, searching for their seats. King Neptune, however, didn't need to; he just needed to float to the largest Chair and sit down.
"This is really good. Compared to before, the current Environment is comfortable and grand!"
Sitting next to King Neptune was the King from Goa Kingdom in the East Blue. Hearing the former's evaluation, he also expressed strong agreement and satisfaction.
"Indeed, I always felt that Long Table couldn't match our Identity and Status."
As he spoke, he observed the Visual Den Den Mushi placed around him with his Gaze. When he noticed the Transponder Snail's Gaze sweeping over, he quickly sat up straight, puffed out his chest, and adopted a majestic and arrogant Posture.
Seeing this, King Neptune secretly shook his Head.
Soon, the fifty Kings were seated. The Attendants respectfully served Black Tea, removed the Nameplates from the table, and quietly left the Hall.
For a moment, the entire atmosphere became very quiet.
Actually, in the past, this Time would have been quite lively, with those on good terms greeting each other and those on bad terms exchanging sarcastic remarks.
But when they thought about the countless people watching them now, no one was willing to be the first to start Speaking.
Just then, the Gate opened again. Queen Otohime, wearing a gorgeous orange-yellow Gorgeous Long Dress and meticulously dressed, floated Mid-air above the circular white Platform imprinted with the World Government Logo, using the Buoyancy of Bubbles.
Her wavy, pure Golden Long Hair, paired with her large Blue Eyes and light pink lipstick, easily attracted everyone's Astonished Gaze.
"?????"
At this moment.
Except for King Neptune, the other forty-nine Kings immediately had Big Question Marks pop up in their minds, while the countless Audience watching the Live Broadcast were excited to see the legendary beautiful Mermaid.
"Respected Kings, Royalty, Nobility, Civilians, and friends of all races watching the Live Broadcast, hello everyone. I am the Queen of Fish-Man Island, named Otohime."
After speaking, she bowed deeply, then slowly straightened up and continued.
"Thank you very much to the World Government for inviting me to the Reverie to deliver an Opening Speech for everyone. The Topic of this Speech is..."
"I Have a Dream!"
(End of Chapter)