It wasn't long before they arrived at the gates of the ancient castle, where a group of sharp-looking pirate guards stood watch.
Chinjao's gaze darkened slightly.
He could easily tell that these gatekeeping pirates were no ordinary riffraff.
Were these the pirates Crocodile and Moria had brought out from Impel Down all those years ago?
They certainly didn't look easy to mess with.
Damn it!
An organization like the Cross Guild—placing them in the West Blue, they would already be overpowered!
Their own Happo Navy, once dominant in the West Blue, was utterly powerless in front of the Cross Guild.
Just Crocodile alone had captured him, forcing him to bow his head.
And to think, it was all the fault of that damned Beast Pirates!
If that bastard Ian hadn't driven out all the monsters from the New World, how could he have ended up in such an awkward situation?
In silence, Chinjao was led into the castle by Crocodile.
"Hahaha! The legendary Great Pirate of the previous era, Chinjao the Drill! I've heard so much about you, but this is truly the first time meeting in person!"
The one who approached with an exaggerated laugh was Shiryu.
Chinjao, of course, was not unfamiliar with him.
Once the Head Jailer of the World Government's Impel Down, he had decisively defected during the uprising stirred by Crocodile and Moria, eventually becoming one of the founding members of the Cross Guild.
Over the years, he had rampaged across the West Blue as a high-ranking officer of the Cross Guild.
Many said this guy was a psychopath—any enemy who appeared before him would never leave intact.
So even though he now wore a cheerful smile, who knew when he might strike from behind?
"Heeheehee! Welcome to the Cross Guild, Chinjao!"
Almost as warmly, Moria, who was just slightly less enthusiastic than Shiryu, also smiled broadly and spoke.
His enthusiasm, however, didn't seem fake. Chinjao thought.
"Chinjao, huh? Never imagined we'd end up on the same side in this lifetime."
Older than Chinjao, with hair and beard completely white, Redfield sat on a long sofa with one leg crossed over the other, leisurely sipping his coffee.
Beside him stood a small girl with pink twin tails, holding a tray, her round eyes wide as she scrutinized Chinjao.
"Redfield…"
Chinjao's tone was complex, layered with curiosity and a hint of unease.
The time he had spent active on the seas had nearly overlapped with Redfield's prime.
He had personally witnessed just how formidable this man could be.
"So," Chinjao asked, "why exactly force me to join you?"
He was genuinely curious.
"One reason is the Jewel Ice Sheet."
Crocodile stated it bluntly.
"Bastard!"
Chinjao couldn't help but grit his teeth in anger.
The Jewel Ice Sheet was where the Happo Navy had stored centuries' worth of accumulated wealth—a massive treasure, the very lifeblood of the Happo Navy.
Unfortunately, twenty-five years ago, after his head was dented by a punch from Garp, Chinjao had never been able to open the iceberg again or retrieve the treasure inside.
But that didn't mean he was willing to hand over his family's century-old savings to anyone.
"The second reason," Crocodile ignored Chinjao's anger entirely, continuing on his own, "is that the Happo Navy is a powerful force. Not to mention, you also have the Niho Navy at your side—"
"We need your strength."
"What exactly are you planning?"
Chinjao lowered his voice, his gaze sharp.
"Everything we wanted to do," Crocodile replied.
"The World Government and the Beasts Pirates are bound to clash," Moria added, "and that will probably be our only chance. To seize that opportunity, we need to strengthen ourselves fully."
Chinjao paused slightly, surprised.
"Let's start with the West Blue."
Crocodile sneered. "Though the pirate strength in this sea is weak, there's no choice. Gathering all the strong pirates here will at least form a respectable force."
Dominating the West Blue wasn't just about territory—it was about building power.
To compete with the World Government and the Beasts Pirates, every bit of strength counted.
At that moment, Shiryu let out a faint, strange smile.
"In any case, Chinjao,"
"Welcome to the team," Crocodile said.
Chinjao wanted to curse.
All the threats, all the bribes, all the tricks… and now he's acting so sincere here?
Competing against the Beast Pirates and the World Government at the same time?
What a bunch of lunatics!
Yet, somehow, this arrogance… wasn't entirely unpleasant…
Boom!
The top of the fortress exploded, and something plummeted from the sky.
The floor shook violently beneath them.
"What?"
Redfield, who had been leisurely sipping his coffee, tensed up instantly.
"What's going on?"
Moria waved his hands forcefully, trying to disperse the rising smoke.
"Is it an intruder?" he shouted.
"…"
Crocodile said nothing, but a sudden sense of foreboding crept over him.
"Ah, you really made me work for this."
A voice, tinged with amusement, emerged from the dust.
"But luckily, I finally found you. I suppose I should say… long time no see, everyone."
The expressions of Crocodile, Moria, and Redfield froze in an instant.
No way…
This can't be happening.
Of course, they would recognize this voice—or rather, it was unforgettable, a voice etched into their memories forever!
"Who is it?"
Only Chinjao had never heard this voice before.
He almost instinctively spoke out loud.
What's happening now? Did a rival of the Cross Guild come knocking?
The smoke gradually cleared, and Chinjao finally saw the people who had fallen from the sky.
And then he saw the handsome young man with his hands in his pockets, smiling.
Then—
"Impossible!!!"
Chinjao broke into a cold sweat.
"The Emperor?!"
The Emperor Ian has arrived!
**********
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