"Huh, when did a tennis court appear here?"
As the fifty kings and their guards arrived at Pangaea Castle and were about to pass through the social plaza on their way to the World Conference Hall, those who had been here before immediately noticed the change.
Tennis, as a popular sport among the nobility, was something that none of the kings present were unfamiliar with.
Of course, this isn't to say that all the kings and nobles of the affiliated nations knew about tennis. However, the kings who could attend the Levely were among the upper echelons of the kingly class, and their breadth of knowledge far surpassed that of the kings of small, weak, or poor nations. "Hahaha, this is quite nice. How about we play a couple of matches later?"
"Sure, no problem. I often play with my daughter!"
"Hey, have you noticed? The design of this court, combined with that crimson net, looks a bit like the Grand Line and the Red Line Continent?"
"You're right!"
Just as the kings were chatting about the tennis court, the administrative official leading the way stopped and turned around, his expression blank as he spoke.
"That is a court bestowed with the name 'Sanctuary.' Only those with special permission are allowed to use it. Anyone who steps onto the court without authorization will be arrested on charges of 'defiling the World Nobles!'"
As he spoke, his cold gaze swept over all the kings present, as if silently warning them that even they would not be exempt.
"..."
The kings were stunned. Some who had been about to step onto the court quickly jumped back, their faces drenched in cold sweat as they stared at the azure court before them.
Not only that, but the official's warning was also transmitted to the masses through the Image Snails. Immediately after, the projection screen displayed the image of the 'Sanctuary Tennis Court.'
"Wow, what a magnificent court!"
The azure court, divided into sections by deep blue lines, was painted with the major islands of the first half and the second half of the Grand Line, with the slightly darker Calm Belts on either side.
It was a massive overhead view of the Grand Line, split into two halves by the red net in the middle.
King Cobra could clearly see that his own Alabasta was prominently displayed on the side representing the 'first half.'
This made his expression grow complicated, or rather, unpleasant. He wasn't the only one; the kings from the nations along the Grand Line all looked awkward. After all, who would be happy to see their kingdom depicted as a place to be trampled underfoot during a game?
In addition to the islands of these kingdoms, Marine Headquarters Marineford, the sleepless city of Enies Lobby, the underwater prison Impel Down, and the three Gates of Justice were also depicted.
All of this combined created an incredibly striking visual impact, leaving countless citizens gasping in awe, marveling at the grandeur of the World Nobles.
"So… the World Nobles, no, the legendary Five Elders, enjoy playing tennis in their spare time?"
Kings and nobles from various regions who were not qualified to attend the Levely felt they had keenly discovered the key point.
"Uh, but there are five Elders. Wouldn't one court be insufficient?"
"Fool, don't you know that tennis can be played in doubles? Two against two, and the remaining one can be the referee. That's a perfect fit!"
"Hey, that's right!"
"Huh, tennis can be played two-on-two? Let's find some time to try it."
While the outside world was captivated by the 'Sanctuary Tennis Court' and buzzing with discussions, the kings left their guards in the social plaza and continued to follow the officials ahead to the World Conference Hall.
Ten minutes later, "WOW!!!!!"
The moment the official pushed the doors open, all fifty kings present and the audience watching the live broadcast instinctively exclaimed in unison.
At that moment, it felt as if the entire world trembled from that collective "wow."
The brilliant sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows illuminated the hall with unparalleled brightness. In the center stood a circular white table, with fifty white and purple high-backed chairs neatly arranged behind it, each spaced one meter apart.
Considering the varying sizes of each king, the width of the seats was custom-made to fit each one perfectly.
But what caught everyone's attention the most was the circular white platform inside the ring-shaped table, emblazoned with the massive emblem of the World Government! The entire scene exuded an overwhelming sense of solemnity and grandeur!
"Is this where the fifty kings discuss major affairs?"
"My goodness, this is so high-class!"
"When will I ever get to sit there?"
Even King Cobra and King Neptune, who were present, were utterly stunned. Those who hadn't been here before were simply amazed, while those who had were completely baffled.
"What's going on? Why has the hall's layout changed? Where's the long table we used before?!" King Arnold of the Drum Kingdom pointed inside in astonishment.
Previously, the place where they held the Levely was a long table less than three meters wide but dozens of meters long. Two of the fifty kings would sit at either end, while the rest faced each other on either side.
In fact, in the original timeline, this arrangement would continue for quite some time, only changing to the circular table format over twenty years later.
"Please take your seats according to the nameplates on the table. Afterward, attendants will remove the nameplates and serve tea or coffee," the guiding official said before promptly turning and leaving.
The kings exchanged glances but quickly sprang into action, searching for their seats. King Neptune, however, didn't need to—he simply floated over to the largest chair and sat down.
"This is great. Compared to before, the current environment is much more comfortable and grand!"
Sitting next to King Neptune was the king from the Goa Kingdom in the East Blue, who wholeheartedly agreed with the former's assessment.
"Indeed, I always felt that the long table didn't do justice to our status and position."
As he spoke, he glanced around at the Image Snails placed around the room. When he noticed the snails' gaze sweeping over him, he quickly straightened his posture, sitting upright with his chest puffed out, exuding an air of authority and pride.
King Neptune couldn't help but shake his head inwardly at the sight.
Soon, all fifty kings were seated. Attendants respectfully served tea, removed the nameplates from the table, and quietly exited the hall.
In an instant, the atmosphere became incredibly quiet.
In the past, this moment would have been quite lively, with friendly greetings exchanged and those on less amicable terms trading barbs.
But now, with countless eyes watching them, no one dared to be the first to speak.
Just then, the grand doors swung open once more. Queen Otohime, dressed in a resplendent orange gown and meticulously adorned, floated into the air above the large circular platform bearing the World Government's logo, buoyed by a bubble.
Her wavy, pure golden hair, paired with her large blue eyes and soft pink lipstick, effortlessly captivated everyone's admiring gazes.
"?????"
At that moment.
Except for King Neptune, the other forty-nine kings were instantly filled with confusion, while the countless viewers watching the live broadcast were thrilled to catch a glimpse of the legendary beautiful mermaid.
"Respected kings, members of the royal family, nobility, commoners, and friends of all races watching the broadcast, hello. I am the queen of Fish-Man Island, named Otohime."
After speaking, she bowed deeply, then slowly straightened up and continued.
"I am deeply grateful to the World Government for inviting me to the Levely to deliver an opening speech for everyone. The title of this speech is—"
"I Have a Dream!"