Chapter 294: The Vigilance of the Yonko
The next morning, the seagulls of the World Economy News Paper soared across the sky as usual, but the headlines of the newspapers that fell into people's hands shocked the entire world—
[Great Pirate Ochoku Attempts to Claim "Yonko" Title, Annihilated by the Marines at Light Speed!]
[Half the Island Frozen, Suspected Action by Admiral Aokiji!]
Those two short lines of bold text crashed into every corner of the sea like a tsunami.
Countless pirate crews in the New World paled upon hearing the news. The destruction of Hachinosu wasn't just Ochoku's defeat; it was a heavy hammer striking the hearts of all pirates—
The current Marines were clearly no longer holding the tolerant attitude toward pirate expansion that they had in the past. Instead, they had begun to take the initiative, acting decisively and ruthlessly!
At the same time, the Big Mom Pirates suddenly began a large-scale consolidation of their forces, recalling their scattered children and fleets. This move immediately sparked speculation and unease among all factions.
Amidst the tension and vigilance of the pirates, the reaction of the common people was the exact opposite—
Enthusiastic cheers rang out from taverns, plazas, and markets in countless towns: "Long live the Marines!!!"
"That demon Ochoku is finally dead! Just last month he let his subordinates slaughter the town next to ours!!!"
"Admiral Aokiji is so cool! Freezing half an island just like that!!!"
Ochoku's arrogance and brutality while he was alive had long left a bloody shadow in the hearts of civilians. Now, his annihilation caused the Marines' prestige to instantly climb to its peak.
...
Holy Land Mary Geoise · Chamber of Authority
The Five Elders sat around the long table. The front page of the World Economy News Paper spread out on the table reflected their varying expressions.
St. Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro snorted coldly, tapping his fingertip on the newspaper. "The intelligence department confirmed that Aokiji did not participate in the entire subjugation. He only acted at the end to protect Gion."
St. Shepherd Ju Peter narrowed his eyes, his tone carrying a trace of regret. "A pity... If he had truly led the operation, we could have used the opportunity to intervene in the Marines' combat power deployment."
St. Jaygarcia Saturn flipped through Ochoku's file and spoke in a deep voice: "Ochoku... One of the original crew members of the Rocks Pirates back in the day. During the God Valley Incident, his hands were thoroughly stained with the blood of Celestial Dragons."
He coldly closed the file. "His death is nothing to be pitied."
St. Topman Warcury frowned. "But isn't the Marines' display this time a bit too massive? Directly freezing half an island, this kind of action..."
Before he finished speaking, St. Saturn pushed another document to the center of the table. "Compared to that, look at the request Roy just sent in."
St. Peter reached out and took the document. He was just about to flip through it when his gaze suddenly froze upon seeing the title: "He wants to publicly execute Hanafuda?!!"
Hearing this, St. Nusjuro's brows furrowed tightly. "Absurd! The Shichibukai system was personally established by our World Government. Even if it's Roy, he cannot openly slap our faces like this!"
St. Peter looked up, his expression becoming solemn. "But his reason is—Hanafuda used his status as a Shichibukai to secretly hoard a large number of Ancient Zoan Devil Fruits, and secretly transported all of them to the Beast Pirates."
"More importantly, Hanafuda and Kaido have been best friends for many years..."
As his voice fell, the air in the meeting room instantly solidified.
St. Warcury's face completely darkened. "In other words, the Shichibukai we personally appointed has been secretly supplying combat power to Kaido for years?!!"
St. Marcus Mars sneered. "No wonder the Beast Pirates' 'Animal Kingdom Army' expanded so rapidly..."
St. Saturn narrowed his eyes, his tone slow and icy. "Roy's move is forcing us to make a choice..."
"Either we admit that the Shichibukai system has a fatal flaw, or we agree to his execution plan."
St. Nusjuro gritted his teeth. "But if we really publicly execute a Shichibukai, the remaining ones will definitely fear for their own safety, and might even directly turn against us!"
St. Mars chuckled softly. "Perhaps that is Roy's true goal..."
"He wants to force us to abolish the Shichibukai system with our own hands."
Across the long table, the five looked at each other, the atmosphere as heavy as a layer of dark clouds pressing down.
...
A Certain Small Country Liberated by the Revolutionary Army · Town Plaza
Issho leaned on his cane sword, strolling slowly down the bustling street.
The aroma of bread and pastries filled the air. Children chased each other and played at the alley entrances, while adults gathered in small groups, fervently discussing the latest world news.
"Did you hear? The Marines completely wiped out the pirates on Hachinosu!"
"That Ochoku actually wanted to be a Yonko? He didn't even last a single day!"
"Hahaha, the Marines did a beautiful job this time. I heard even Admiral Aokiji took action!"
Issho's Observation Haki spread out quietly, feeling the soaring emotions of the surrounding citizens.
That atmosphere mixed with relief, joy, and a sense of security made the corners of his mouth lift slightly.
"The Marines' attitude toward pirates... is finally no longer a game of tag."
He thought to himself, "Roy's style has indeed changed the Marines."
Raising his head to "look" at the cloudless sky, Issho gently tightened his grip on his cane sword.
"Perhaps... it's time to consider Roy's proposal."
He stepped forward and continued walking, as if the end of this street was another path he was about to set foot on.
...
Onigashima
Kaido leaned back on his giant skull throne. The newspaper in his hand was crushed to powder, scraps of paper fluttering down between his fingers.
"The Marines... are getting more and more arrogant!"
His deep, thunderous voice echoed in the hall, making the air feel a bit heavier.
King stood in the shadows, reporting in a low voice: "The Big Mom Pirates have already begun to consolidate their forces. Charlotte Linlin might have sensed something in advance."
Kaido snorted coldly. "That old hag, her nose is sharper than a dog's! She must have smelled danger to suddenly shrink back to her lair."
After a moment of silence, he suddenly leaned forward, his gaze like a blade: "Pass down the order—"
"The Beast Pirates will undergo a comprehensive consolidation of forces!"
"All Beast Legions, withdraw to Onigashima completely!"
King froze slightly. "Boss, you are..."
Kaido took a deep swig of strong liquor, his Adam's apple bobbing. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes. "The Marines' movement this time... isn't right."
"They might be holding back for something massive!"
After the All-Stars retreated, the vast hall suddenly grew quiet.
Kaido took out a special Den Den Mushi, as pitch-black as ink, from his coat, his eyes flickering uncertainly.
Beneath his rugged exterior, his mind was spinning rapidly.
"That brat Roy would never act without a purpose."
"Behind the Marines' sudden display of toughness, there must be a deeper intention hidden."
His thumb rubbed the back of the Den Den Mushi, but he delayed dialing that number.
Ultimately, he shoved the Den Den Mushi back into his coat, abruptly tilting his head back to down a large mouthful of strong liquor.
Gulp— Gulp—
The strong liquor dripped down his beard, his breathing gradually growing heavy.
"The Marines want to play a high-stakes game, huh?"
"Then let's see who breaks first!!!"
♧♧♧
-> SUPPORT ME WITH POWER STONE
-> FOR EVERY 200 PS = BOUNS CHAPTER
♧♧♧
-> 30 Advanced chapters Now Available on Patreon!!
-> https://www.patreon.com/c/Segais
(Just remove the hyphen to access patreon normally)
If you like this novel please consider leaving a review that's help the story a lot Thank you