Chapter 47: The White Wolf Has Returned to His Loyal Sphinx!

As expected— Magnus took less than ten minutes to crush the three pirate crews occupying Sphinx, eliminating their leaders in one fell swoop. Ordinary great pirates were still worlds apart from someone who had stepped into Yonko or admiral-level strength. Even though Magnus had just barely reached that realm— Without anyone of equal power to keep him in check, to common pirates, he was a natural disaster. If the three pirate captains had attacked together, maybe they could have lasted a move or two. But when Moz charged in alone— The outcome was already decided. When only Dukeman was left, the gentlemanly middle-aged pirate immediately surrendered, terrified of suffering the same fate as the other two. "Mr. Magnus! I was forced into this! I'm just a merchant! I have no reason to be at odds with the White Wolf Pirates!" "Oh?" Magnus landed on Dukeman's ship, perched atop the bow, gazing down at him. "That's not what you were saying earlier." "Misunderstanding! It was all a misunderstanding!" Dukeman was drenched in sweat. If even the strongest—Moz—and the immortal Jason couldn't last a blow, he had no illusions about his chances. "If you want me to spare you, that's easy." Magnus pointed his blade at Dukeman's forehead. "What can you offer me?" Others might not know, but Magnus was well aware—right now, the White Wolf Pirates were practically a one-man crew. Ripley and Rocks hadn't fully matured. They could dominate the first half of the Grand Line, but they were still too green for the second half. "I can help you manage Sphinx." Seeing Magnus's expression darken, Dukeman panicked: "And I'll guarantee that from now on, only the White Wolf flag will fly over Sphinx! We'll take nothing from the profits, and the Black Merchant Pirates are willing to become an affiliated crew under the White Wolf Pirates!" He held his breath, hoping Magnus wouldn't refuse. Many rumors said the White Wolf Pirates had no interest in expanding their influence. Unlike ambitious pirate crews, they seemed more like adventurers chasing ideals. If Magnus had truly wanted to grow his power, even if the strong didn't join him, there were countless weaker pirates across the seas who would. What most didn't know was that the White Wolf Pirates had long been entangled with the CP agencies under the World Government, leaving them no room to expand. If they grew too large, they would've attracted a full Navy crackdown. Back then, Magnus didn't have the strength to repel an admiral. But now—it was different. "Interesting." Magnus's laugh was like music to Dukeman's ears. "You should know what I hate most. In my absence, Sphinx has become a cesspool. If you can clean up the underground filth, I'll let you live." "Understood!" Dukeman bowed deeply: "Within a month—no, two weeks—I'll shut down all slave markets on Sphinx and clean up the pleasure districts! I swear, nothing filthy will offend your eyes again!" He spoke humbly. He didn't mention the powerful pirates behind the slave trades—because clearly, Magnus didn't care. Or maybe— Dukeman began to suspect: Could this Magnus not be the real White Wolf Magnus, but his secret successor? He couldn't be blamed for thinking so. Magnus now looked far too young to be in his seventies. He seemed more like someone in his early fifties—vital, powerful, and full of ambition. More youthful. More driven. More dangerous. Dukeman was sure the White Wolf Magnus of the past was strong—but not strong enough to defeat a hundred-million-Berry pirate in a single strike. That level of might was something only a true legend possessed. If such power belonged to a man in his seventies, Dukeman might submit in fear, but he would never serve him wholeheartedly. But if this strength came from someone younger, more ambitious, then why not bow down? After all, he was just a businessman—not like Moz with his haoshoku haki (Conqueror's Haki), or Jason with the pride of a pirate captain. Dukeman had no such pride to get in the way. If there was profit, he'd even sell himself and his crew. "I hope you don't disappoint me." Magnus didn't know Dukeman had already assumed he was the secret heir to the original White Wolf Magnus. Many pirates were starting to question his identity. But Magnus didn't care. Dukeman's assumptions meant nothing. Even if he betrayed him in the future—for now, he would do his job. His new generation still needed time to grow. If Dukeman did his job right, past sins would be ignored. But if he hesitated... Magnus wouldn't show mercy. "Still too few capable people." He muttered, glancing back toward the Black Pearl. Once Moz and Jason were defeated, the remaining pirates attacking the Black Pearl lost all will to fight. With their captains down, what was the point of continuing? Most of those sent to attack the Black Pearl were cannon fodder. A few skilled pirates had worked together and managed to suppress Ripley and Rocks for a time, but once they saw Moz and Jason fall—and Magnus glance their way— They lost their nerve. Nope. Not fighting anymore. Seeing Rocks smirking in front of them despite being weaker was irritating. Just because your captain is strong, you get to act arrogant? Rocks & Ripley: Sorry. But yes. Our captain's strength lets us do whatever we want. Even Edward Newgate and his friends were unharmed under their protection. And so— In the year 1461 of the Sea Calendar, Magnus returned to his loyal Sphinx. However, a clash between the White Wolf Pirates and three great pirate crews wouldn't go unnoticed by the island's hidden intelligence networks. That very night, the news of the White Wolf Pirates' return to Sphinx spread. A storm was brewing. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/euridome] [Thank You For Your Support!]