One Piece: Wielder of the Void

83. Saint Charlos

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"Oops, I didn't expect King Anos of Tru Kingdom to be here as well," Aokiji remarked, his voice carrying a lazy drawl as he sat back in his chair.

His demeanour was nonchalant as if nothing could faze him, yet his gaze sharpened as he acknowledged the king's presence. "The World Government meeting isn't for another two months. It seems you're here a little early."

King Anos, a figure whose mere presence commanded respect, arched an eyebrow, offering a slight smirk in response.

The room was filled with high-ranking officers and officials, each bearing the insignia of the World Government, yet Anos seemed unfazed by the importance of this gathering.

It was as if he had come here for a reason beyond the official protocols.

"Is he the king of Tru Kingdom in the South Blue?" murmured a Marine officer seated near Aokiji, casting a sceptical glance at Anos.

Though Tru Kingdom was a respected member of the South Blue, its power was far overshadowed by the influence of the World Government, which made Anos's presence here both surprising and slightly unnerving to those unfamiliar with his confident demeanour.

"We're conducting a meeting here. I wonder what brings King Anos to this gathering," another Marine chimed in, his voice carrying a cold edge.

This officer, the first to address Anos, held a stern expression that conveyed both caution and mistrust.

Anos met his gaze calmly, unflinching. "Don't speak to me in that tone," he replied, his words laced with a hint of mockery. "We're here because the World Government extended an invitation to the Tru Kingdom to consider joining as a member nation."

"And given how the future unfolds, we may even be offering financial support to the Marines."

A hushed silence filled the room as his words lingered in the air. Several Marines shifted in their seats, exchanging uneasy glances.

The idea of a new kingdom joining the World Government always stirred mixed reactions, especially when it involved potential shifts in financial backing or alliances.

Yet, Anos seemed entirely at ease, almost as if he anticipated such a response.

There were at least a dozen figures in the room, all familiar with each other's faces, yet the presence of an outsider, particularly a king, seemed to alter the usual atmosphere of their meetings.

It wasn't difficult to guess that this gathering involved preparations for the upcoming World Government Conference, a highly anticipated event that was still two months away.

For Anos, however, this opportunity felt like fate's subtle hand guiding him to this particular place and time.

Who would have thought that these Marine officers, who normally received little respect outside their jurisdiction, would soon be heading to Mariejois, the seat of power for the World Government, for a meeting of such magnitude?

"If you're joining the World Government, then go ahead and join," one Marine officer interjected, his voice dripping with disdain. "Why show up here?"

"Boring," Anos replied, shrugging off the hostility. "I'm not here to please you. Perhaps I happened upon this meeting by pure chance, or perhaps I wanted to see the Marines in action."

The Marine scoffed, narrowing his eyes as he studied the king, but chose not to press further.

Anos's provocations had struck a nerve, yet the man could do little but simmer in silence.