Chapter 184: 184. Wanokuni Is Not Here, Flying Kingdom Is Established

Words : 1338 Updated : Oct 6th, 2025

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari ---------- During the time when guests continued to arrive, the much-anticipated Fire Festival finally commenced after several days of meticulous arrangements. As with the usual ceremonies, every corner of the country was adorned with lights and festive decorations, exuding joy and creating a warm, vibrant atmosphere akin to a golden era. The spectacle turned the islands into a breathtaking vision in the sky. To be honest, while the festivals may feel like national celebrations that come and go every year, no one ever tires of them. Even this year, with the Fire Festival occurring for the seventh time, its grandeur remains unmatched, captivating everyone. After all, the annual delights of food, wine, and thrilling competitions are staples that never lose their charm. This year's unique location further elevates the experience with its extraordinary aerial views, offering a rare treat for the eyes. The Fire Festival is not just a grand birthday celebration—it symbolizes hope and bright aspirations for the future. Tens of thousands of lights ascend into the night, illuminating the hidden frame of a staircase, resembling a ladder of flames stretching into the heavens. "And now, gentlemen, please—proceed this way." A magnificent staircase, crafted by Perospero entirely out of candy, guides guests from the second-largest area to the central grounds. Walking along it feels as though one is stepping into a sky aglow with millions of lights—a sight that leaves an indelible mark on the heart. Arriving at the Flower Capital, now more resplendent than ever, guests are escorted by maids to a transport ship that ascends along a track. This leads them to the Admiral Army Castle's top floor, where an expansive open-air hall has been transformed into a grand banquet venue. At the head of the gathering stands Alex, the Flying General himself, occupying the main seat. Nearby, his entourage, including the Royal Guard, remains seated, their presence adding an air of solemnity. For many attendees, even those who have witnessed Alex preside over the Fire Festival in previous years, his newly elevated status imbues the event with a different energy. To them, he is truly the world's leading figure. What they cannot see, however, is the darkness behind Alex's gaze. In his eyes, the guests are nothing more than sheep awaiting slaughter—some among them, he notes, are particularly "fat sheep" worth savoring. As the guests settle in, the highest-ranking maids guide them to their respective seats. Among the most dazzling presences are Manager Lilith and Natasha, whose enchanting figures and high status among the general's maids draw every gaze. Then, there is Stussy. Her elegance and dignified demeanor stand out even among the brilliance of the scene. Draped in a gorgeous pleated dress that accentuates her stunner-level figure, and with a hat shading her golden hair, she raises her glass to Alex. "It's truly a beautiful scene, perfectly befitting the paradise of a woman's dreams. Thank you, General, for granting this little one such a delightful and dreamy night." Her soft, melodic voice captivates the room. As the queen of Pleasure District, Stussy's allure is undeniable. Unlike Hancock, whose beauty conquers with sheer force, Stussy wields subtle expressions and gestures to create an enchanting atmosphere. Her maturity and refined seduction weave a spell over even the strongest of minds, leaving ordinary men utterly entranced. But this kind of charm was clearly reserved only for the Flying Admiral. The other underground kings, who were all too familiar with each other, couldn't help but harbor their own unkind thoughts. As they observed Stussy, they felt her attire tonight was overly deliberate. Her current performance, dripping with pretense, only fueled their suspicions. Maliciously, they speculated that she might be angling to present herself as the perfect gift, hoping to climb into the Flying General's bed. Of course, none of them truly believed such absurd notions—or at least, they didn't think they did. But in the end, these musings weren't far from the truth. "If the Queen of the Pleasure District finds it enjoyable, then that is the highest compliment to the design of my Sky Kingdom," Alex said with a calm smile. "Wanokuni is the past. Now, it is the birth of the Sky Kingdom, a symbol perfectly aligned with the Fire Festival's celebration. Everyone, please take your seats." His words served not just as a reply to Stussy but also as a declaration. The era of Wanokuni had ended. In its place, a new Sky Kingdom had risen—a kingdom that soared above the world, unmatched in its splendor. For many of the guests, Alex's words stirred thoughts of opportunity. The establishment of this new kingdom promised a wealth of future possibilities for those who could navigate its political and economic tides. However, today was a day of festivities, not scheming. The ambitions brewing in their hearts could wait. The guests received Alex's remarks graciously, taking their seats as they prepared for the traditional entertainment and gift-giving segment. There was no need for an announcement; it was an unspoken expectation. Following the lead of the first few attentive guests, others soon began presenting their carefully chosen offerings. Over the years, it had become clear that Alex, the Flying General, had little interest in conventional gifts like piles of wealth or jewels. Instead, the focus had shifted toward rare antiques, treasures of significant historical value, or unique items that reflected the giver's creativity. Many of these gifts often found their way to the chamber of commerce. Among the guests, Natasha stood out as one of the most eye-catching participants. However, her presence was soon overshadowed when Doflamingo and Judge stepped forward with their offerings: Devil Fruits. Their gifts instantly stole the spotlight, eclipsing the treasures and antiques that had come before. While the crowd was somewhat accustomed to Devil Fruits being presented at the Fire Festival—this wasn't the first time—it was rare to see anything rivaling the prestige of the Logia-class "Snow-Snow Fruit," which had once been offered. Still, the act of presenting such valuable gifts ensured Doflamingo and Judge commanded attention. The interest surrounding Doflamingo was no surprise. His meteoric rise in the New World had solidified his status as one of its kings in the underground. Similarly, Judge's presence carried weight. As the leader of Germa 66, a dominant force in the North Blue, his name alone was enough to draw many guests into conversations during the banquet. After the gift-giving concluded, the most anticipated part of the Fire Festival began: the grand competition. This year, the contest boasted the largest pool of participants in its history. Among them, over 70% consisted of members of the Charlotte family now rebranded as air combat cadres. The experience of the past year, including the hardships of imprisonment, had driven many to recognize the importance of building their strength and securing positions as powerhouses within the new regime. With such fierce competition, the rewards had expanded, with prizes now awarded to the top ten competitors instead of just the top two. This ensured the audience would be treated to an unforgettable spectacle of intense battles. "The champion this time has to be Katakuri," one guest remarked, raising a glass as lively discussions filled the hall. "There's no doubt he'll claim the top spot." "The strongest in the Charlotte family, no question," another agreed. "Maybe King the Wildfire could give him a challenge, but he isn't here. Right now, it's Katakuri's time. It seems the Flying General is about to gain another ace in his Royal court." "You do realize everyone on that stage belongs to the General, don't you?" a voice interjected, cutting through the conversation. At this, a hush fell over the group, and a chill ran through the air. "When you put it that way..." one guest murmured, his voice tinged with unease. "It's a little terrifying, isn't it?"

Chapter 184: 184. Wanokuni Is Not Here, Flying Kingdom Is Established

Comments (0)