Gap in status!
At this moment, in the social plaza of Pangaea Castle:
Representatives from various nations were gathered, engaging in enthusiastic discussions. Representatives from countries in the New World, the Four Seas, and the first half of the Grand Line displayed unimaginable fervor towards each other. After all, forging alliances with nations from other seas could greatly strengthen their own rule.
Take the West Blue as an example: faced with the powerful Flower Country, many nearby nations had no choice but to become vassal states. Even those a bit farther away had to constantly worry about invasions or raids by the legal pirate crew, the Happo Navy. However, if they had a powerful ally in the New World, the Flower Country would be more cautious, weighing the benefits and losses. If the gains were not significantly greater than the losses, they might refrain from aggression.
Due to differing geographical locations, countries from various seas could trade their regional resources, gaining immense profits and purchasing weapons to enhance their own strength.
In the short time they waited to enter Pangaea Castle, many politically significant marriages and alliances were formed through such conversations in the social plaza.
As for the opinions of those getting married? Were they important? No. In royal circles, if one lacked power, they were merely tools for achieving political ends. After all, the royal family provided them with a life far superior to ordinary people, so some sacrifices were expected.
There were also discussions about trade, alliances, and weapon deals. The bustling atmosphere of the social plaza inevitably drew the interest of the Celestial Dragons who came to inspect the tributes.
To the Celestial Dragons, flaunting their noble status before these supposed "big shots" and enjoying their flattery and fear was an exhilarating experience. Many Celestial Dragons began heading towards Pangaea Castle.
In one Celestial Dragon residence:
"Charloss, remember, you are inherently different from these lowly races. You are the descendant of gods. These lowly creatures do not deserve your friendship, understand?" A man dressed in the distinctive garb of a Celestial Dragon looked down at a little girl coughing up blood under his foot. Beside him, a boy in a smaller version of the Celestial Dragon attire, with a runny nose, stared blankly at the scene. A younger Celestial Dragon girl beside him watched the scene with gleaming eyes, seemingly excited by the cruelty.
"Sir Rosward, your carriage is ready. Shall we proceed to Pangaea Castle?" A butler respectfully inquired, standing beside Rosward. Behind the butler, a massive figure was crouched on all fours.
"Oh, it's ready? Then let's go."
"My luck is great; just as my last giant mount broke down, a new one is ready... Hey, you guys, help me up."
The nearby bodyguards, dressed in black suits and arranged by height, quickly formed a human ladder. Rosward adeptly climbed up, soon sitting on the giant's back.
"Onward, to the social plaza!" Rosward commanded, raising his hand toward the plaza.
"Yes, sir!" the bodyguards responded in unison, and the entourage set off towards Pangaea Castle. Following Rosward's group were several figures in white robes and masks.
...
"Incredible, what kind of power must the Celestial Dragons possess to make so many World Government member countries and even the World Government itself bow to them?" Dragon, dressed in knight's armor, couldn't help but marvel at the discussions in the social plaza.
Among the nations here to pay the Heavenly Tribute were some powerful military states, yet they still grovelled before the Celestial Dragons.
"Maybe we'll find out today. But if we reel in a 'Sea King' while fishing, we might be in danger," Nicholas said, smiling as he enjoyed the delicacies prepared for the representatives.
As more Celestial Dragons arrived, the previously lively social plaza fell into a tense silence. The once-animated representatives now silently drank and ate. The presence of the Celestial Dragons instilled fear, making everyone wary of saying anything that might offend them and result in death or enslavement. Despite being national representatives, they were insignificant before the Celestial Dragons. Their kings wouldn't risk offending the Celestial Dragons and the World Government for them.
Suddenly, a commotion at the edge of the plaza drew everyone's attention.
"That's... a giant!"
The gathered dignitaries recognized the identity of the massive figure beneath Rosward.
"To think that even the mighty giants are reduced to slaves!"
"The people of Elbaf, renowned as the world's strongest military nation, are just slaves to the Celestial Dragons. How laughable."
Despite their long lifespans, giants have low birth rates, making each one a precious asset to Elbaf. Yet, the Celestial Dragons enslave them without opposition. The representatives realized the vast chasm between themselves and the Celestial Dragons.
As people whispered about the giant, he showed no reaction, his face expressionless, clearly broken in spirit. Rosward, atop the giant, looked down on the representatives with contempt.
"Why so quiet? Continue the music and dancing!" Rosward ordered, waving his whip.
Terrified musicians, who had instinctively stopped, quickly resumed playing, fearing the Celestial Dragons' wrath. The melodious sounds filled the air again.
Satisfied, Rosward planned to mingle with other Celestial Dragons, seeking new thrills.
"Bang!"
Suddenly, a gunshot echoed through the plaza.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone