Chapter 136 - CHAPTER 136 - Kuma's Sincerity and Invitation

"I understand, if Your Majesty does not approve of my choice, please grant me death," Morad suddenly looked calm. Although the queen harbored murderous intent towards him beyond his expectation, he insisted on his choice, which might lead to a brighter path. He did not resist, got down on one knee, drew the long knife from his waistband, and presented it to Queen Hathaway with both hands. Hathaway coldly stared at Morad, receiving the weapon and holding it before her blood-stained face, gazing silently at him. "Your Majesty, this matter has nothing to do with Commander Morad. It is a path we chose ourselves. We know the Navy is not entirely trustworthy, but if it's true, we may be able to take a part of our people out of Lantis and preserve a spark." Upon seeing Queen Hathaway's movements, a dozen others nearby also knelt down. Morad was a powerful individual, not weaker than Alice, perhaps even slightly stronger. He was usually very rational and strategic but now wished to leave. "The ninth garden is currently unstable, but as long as I kill you, all unstable elements will eventually calm down. At the same time, it would mean an end to any potential negotiations with the Navy. What do you suggest I choose?" Queen Hathaway observed the kneeling individuals with an expressionless gaze. Everyone fell silent, unaware of how to respond. Morad recognized that this decision would render Lantis significantly weaker. However, the temptation was hard to resist, especially since his desire to leave Lantis had grown stronger ever since his child was born. Previously, he did not consider leaving simply out of loyalty to the queen and responsibility towards his subjects. Now, the possibility of taking some subjects away presented itself, which, if true, meant that Lantis would not face complete destruction. "The Navy is speaking the truth," a voice suddenly echoed. On a mound, a figure as tall as a bear stood under the moonlight, quietly watching Queen Hathaway and the others below. "Who is it?!" The nearby warriors were startled—how could someone appear so suddenly without detection? How is that possible?! Hathaway, sensing something, turned her gaze towards the mound where Kuma stood and sheathed the sword she had been holding. Morad and the others stood alert, staring at the unexpected guest, Bartholomew Kuma. "Another Shichibukai," Hathaway said with slight displeasure, but she did not immediately start a fight. The intruder was not weak but for one person to confront them was naive. But since he dared to appear alone at such a time, in such an environment, it was unlikely he had come for a fight; he probably sought something else. "Did you come here just to say this? Seeing our discord? Are you confident of your victory now?" Queen Hathaway looked disdainfully at Kuma. "No, I just came to inform you. I hope you will give up on Lantis. This is an island newly segregated for you by the Navy and the World Government; here is the essential information you can look over..." Kuma's figure flickered before Queen Hathaway. Morad and the others suddenly felt threatened, only Hathaway remained calm. At this distance, he was within her killing range. Hathaway stared at Kuma without any movement; Kuma did not feel awkward, still extending his hand to present the information. He slowly began speaking: "The earlier blockade of Lantis Island was a decision made by the world's aristocracy and the World Government. The higher ranks of the Navy headquarters were unaware of this, and Admiral Sengoku did not agree with such a style of action and conduct, so the conditions I mentioned during the day were indeed true." "We're willing to assist you in evacuating Lantis Island. You won't need to do anything or engage in unnecessary combat," Kuma stated, showing approval of Sengoku's decision. Unfortunately, Sengoku's will was often subdued by the World Government. "How can we trust the Navy isn't trying to round us up for annihilation?" Hathaway replied flatly, fingers already on her sword handle. If not for the massive upheaval this matter had caused in Lantis, she would not have spoken; the best action would have been to eliminate the enemy directly. "Your concerns are justified. Now, let me speak to you from a different identity. Do you wish for the World Government to disappear?" Kuma already anticipated the response. If ordinary methods were effective, there wouldn't have been any unnecessary conflict earlier in the day. "It would be best if the World Government and the nobles all died," a soldier spitted on the ground in contempt. "What does that mean?" Hathaway asked. "Have you heard of the Revolutionary Army?" Kuma laid it out frankly; sincere conversation was necessary with these individuals. Also, if there were no emergencies, when Sabo, the second-in-command of the Revolutionary Army arrives at Lantis Island, Hathaway would know his words were true, as Sabo would be more persuasive, being a wanted individual by the World Government. If Ace and Luffy had not assumed Sabot was dead early on, they would have sought him out long ago; Luffy didn't seem to care, though, as he never watched the news. "Revolutionary Army?!" Morad was shocked. He was a close companion to the queen and was aware of external news. The Revolutionary Army was the world's most dangerous criminal organization, at least that was how the World Government advertised it. This group, led by the world's number one criminal Dragon, had already overthrown dozens of kingdoms, becoming the greatest enemy threatening the World Government's rule. Its danger even surpassed the individual Four Emperors; most of the Four Emperors were local tyrants, while Dragon sought to overthrow the World Government. "Indeed, I am a member of the Revolutionary Army. I have reported your situation to our leader. Soon, someone will communicate with you. The person is a wanted criminal by the World Government and is also the second-in-command of the Revolutionary Army; you should all recognize him. We are willing to form an alliance with you and assist you in evacuating the victims from the island. Apologies for our tardiness..." Kuma's expression slightly shifted but he maintained control. "You are a member of the Revolutionary Army?! Then how did you become a Shichibukai and join the Navy to land on Lantis Island? Such a dirty job would only be assigned to someone the Navy profoundly trusts," Hathaway interrogated. Kuma's claims were easily verifiable; if the second-in-command appeared, many warriors held questions. If it were true?! Then the entire situation in Lantis would change radically. "From your perspective, you may consider me an undercover agent, for various reasons, I had to become a part of the World Government," Kuma said naturally. Hathaway and the others' expressions slightly changed; it seemed there was some credibility to Kuma's words, but specific validation would need further investigation. Hathaway even pressed her sword back down, and seeing this shift, Kuma practically felt assured. Perhaps he couldn't convince them today, but at least genuine communication could commence now... The next morning. In the Ninth Garden, a giant metal research institution rising dozens of meters from the underground, in the highest monitoring center room. Queen Hathaway sat on her exclusive throne made of the skeletal remains of the strongest monsters she had defeated, covered with soft fur. She gazed at the monitoring center directly in front of her, recalling that this place once held very active memories, also her darkest thoughts deep within. In front of these abandoned monitoring instruments was a luxurious throne made predominantly of gold adorned with gemstones, which had belonged to the Celestial Dragons of the World Government, a position she despised intensely. Sitting on her skeletal throne, she eyed the golden throne before her, constantly reminding herself that one day she would display the heads of the world's nobility upon it, allowing blood to wash away her past memories. "Morad, have you made a decision?" There stood two warriors and Morad beside Queen Hathaway. "Yes, Your Majesty, won't you join us?" Morad inquired. "Perhaps that Shichibukai mentioned some truth last night, but I do not trust any information that comes from the World Government. You've remained with me for so many years; you should know this much. Regardless, survive," Hathaway closed her eyes, saying nothing more. Ultimately, the Ninth Garden still split apart. Though few left, the impact would be significant, and in the end, she did not murder Morad. (End of Chapter) ========================================================= DROP THEM POWER STONES PLEASE SUPPORT ME ON P@TREON IF YOU'D LIKE ACCESS ON ADVANCED CHAPTERS PAT REON . COM / TurdTranslations (Just remove the space).