Chapter 68: The Gorōsei!

However, the ten-year term was only Magnus's own bottom line. As for the World Government... Magnus would never actually agree to their ten-year clause. That was his minimum — not theirs. And so, after another round of bargaining, they finally set the term at twenty years. After twenty years, depending on inflation, Sphinx would pay an annual Tenjōkin (Heavenly Tribute) equivalent to today's ten billion Berries. Both sides walked away satisfied. — World Government. Atop the Red Line dividing the Grand Line, in the Holy City of Mary Geoise where the Celestial Dragons resided. Five old men, radiating the aura of absolute authority, stood or sat in the simply adorned council hall. Creak— The doors opened, and in stepped a towering figure clad in a white marine admiral's cloak, his build like solid stone. It was none other than the current Fleet Admiral — Elephant-yama. Yet even someone at the very pinnacle of this world, standing before the five old men, could only bow low. "Fleet Admiral Elephant-yama, at your service, Gorōsei-sama!" These five before him were the highest authority in the world. The Gorōsei! "Yama, you know why we summoned you," said the first, dressed in a black suit with a scar across his left cheek, white curly hair, and a fluffy beard. "We are very disappointed in you." Not only had the critical Tenjōkin shipment been plundered, but the ensuing punitive expedition had resulted in an admiral's humiliating death and thousands of marines captured — a stain on the face of both the marines and the World Government. As the supreme power of the world, the Gorōsei didn't care how many marines died — but the marines were their face. Slapping the marines was slapping the World Government. "This is the first time, and it will be the last." The World Government did not tolerate threats. If that White Wolf Magnus thought he could coerce them with a few thousand marine hostages, he was gravely mistaken. They would unleash thunderous wrath to show Magnus and his so-called White Wolf Pirates why the World Government had ruled the world unchallenged for 800 years. "Yes." Even with his admiral-level strength, Elephant-yama still felt the enormous pressure standing before them. It wasn't just political. Their strength as individuals was also undeniable — each of them was on par with him. "Promote Kong to admiral," said the one in a deep blue suit, with long straight white hair. "Then, eliminate the White Wolf Pirates." "Sphinx can remain a member nation. But the White Wolf Pirates must be wiped out. Whoever dares challenge us will pay the price." "What about Elbaf?" asked another, sporting drooping mustache. "It was Von Braun Rona who discovered Magnus there, wasn't it?" "Shall we move against Elbaf?" "We have already been too lenient — those giants have had too much freedom for too long." ... Hearing their exchange, a chill ran down Elephant-yama's spine. Were the Gorōsei really planning to attack Elbaf? If the White Wolf Pirates were truly connected to Elbaf, hearing of trouble there would surely draw them out to help. That would allow the World Government to lay a trap. If the White Wolf Pirates didn't come, it didn't matter. Seizing Elbaf would only strengthen the World Government — and a timid White Wolf crew, even if they controlled Sphinx, would be nothing but cowards. And cowards were not worth fearing. Long ago, the World Government had already considered taking Elbaf — that's why they'd staged the whole charade with Carmel. "The CP0 we sent to Elbaf was dealt with by the White Wolf Pirates, so we can assume Carmel betrayed us," another noted. "Capture her and put her on trial!" "Let everyone see what happens when you deceive the World Government!" The Gorōsei spoke freely in Elephant-yama's presence but gave him no chance to interrupt. Word by word, they finalized the plan to invade and subjugate Elbaf. His heart grew heavier and heavier. Elbaf was the world's strongest nation — even the marines would pay a terrible price attacking it. Clearly, this was a warning to the marines. "These past years, the marines have grown too powerful." "The marines don't need so many strong men." "This world needs stability. Pirates are part of maintaining that balance. If the White Wolf Pirates hadn't provoked us, they would have made excellent tools." Once Elephant-yama left, the Gorōsei's voices rose again. Weaken the pirates, strengthen the marines — and the result was pirates crushed under the marines' heel. But if pirates stopped raiding member nations, those nations wouldn't need marine protection. And then why would they keep paying the Tenjōkin? So balancing marine and pirate strength was something the Gorōsei had done for 800 years. Cutting down the strong, supporting the weak. And if something uncontrollable arose, they would personally prune it. They had the confidence — and the strength — to do so. — At the same time. After reaching an agreement with the World Government, Magnus released the captured marines, letting everyone breathe easier. In truth, if the World Government had dragged things out any longer... It would have become Magnus's headache instead. Because those thousands of marines could really eat! As if turning grief into appetite, the marines showed no restraint, stuffing themselves so much that Magnus had to implement food rationing. So long as they didn't starve, that was enough. He was a pirate — why should he pamper his enemies? Yet among them, Magnus spotted many young and familiar faces. They were the children who had once lived in the House of Lambs. "All grown up, huh?" He recognized them, and they clearly recognized him. But they were now enemies. Like parallel lines that would only intersect to clash. So Magnus didn't disturb them. Even though his own ambition had grown, they had their own goals and convictions. He only hoped they hadn't forgotten his old teachings — to hold fast to their hearts. — Two months later. Magnus decided it was time to return to Elbaf... To fetch his little crewmate. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/euridome] [Thank You For Your Support!]