Chapter 103Navy Headquarters Vice Admiral Tsuru."Fuffuffu, Grandma Tsuru is as strict as ever."Doflamingo's grin widened even further, but his fingers stopped moving.In the Marine Headquarters, there was no one he feared, except for this old woman.Just as Garp had spent his life chasing Rogeracross the seas, Doflamingo had been constantly pursued by Tsuru.Tsuru's abilities naturally countered his, and the old woman never fought him head-on, preferring to play mind games and use schemes.Doflamingo didn't want to play with Tsuru at all.Beside him sat a silent giant, built like a mountain, quietly reading a thick book.Tyrant Bartholomew Kuma."As expected, you're still loyal to the World Government, Kuma. Tell me, what kind of deal do you have with them? I'm curious."Kuma didn't react to Doflamingo's words, appearing completely immersed in the world of his book.At that moment, the meeting room doors were pushed open, and Fleet Admiral Sengoku walked in with steady steps.He glanced at the only two Shichibukai present and said in a heavy voice, "Hmph, it's already beyond my expectations that two of you actually showed up."Sengoku scanned Doflamingo and Kuma, his voice steady but carrying a trace of subtle irony.The Seven Warlords of the Sea system was essentially a deal with the devil; it would be a miracle if these great pirates actually followed order."So, gathering us from all over just to discuss the mess left behind by that Sand Crocodile who's already been locked in Impel Down? Fleet Admiral Sengoku, do you really have that much time on your hands?" Doflamingo mocked."You dregs of the sea, let's begin the meeting. No one else is coming no matter how long we wait; every single one of them is a law unto themselves." Sengoku sat down."I've been listening for a while and it's all nonsense. I was starting to wonder if I'd walked into the wrong place."Before the voice even faded, an aura as sharp as a sword suddenly descended."Since everyone is here, let's get started. Wasting time is meaningless."Everyone's gaze turned toward the source of the voice, where Dracule Mihawk—the worlds greatest swordsman, Hawkeye—slowly walked in.He had clearly just arrived."No way, no way. The most unlikely guy actually showed up," Doflamingo laughed."Mihawk, even you came?" Sengoku was also somewhat surprised."I'm just here to observe. It just so happens the subjects of this meeting are a few pirates I'm interested in.""Please wait a moment, Mr. Fleet Admiral."An abrupt voice interrupted Sengoku.The meeting room window had been opened at some point, and a figure landed as lightly as a ghost on the sill.The newcomer wore a top hat, held a cane, and had clown-like makeup on his face. He was the Navigator of the Blackbeard Pirates,Demon Sheriff Laffitte."Showing up uninvited is quite rude behavior," Vice Admiral Tsuru's eyes turned cold."Please forgive my intrusion, lords. I am Laffitte, and I come on behalf of my Captain to present an application to the World Government." Laffitteshowed no fear as he gave an elegant bow and said, "His name is Marshall D. Teach. He is commonly known as Blackbeard."Blackbeard?D?Chapter 143: Charge!Sengoku's brow furrowed. This name had only recently begun to enter the Marine's field of vision.But his actions had already caused a massive uproar.Killing a crewmate and deserting the Whitebeard Pirates."Yes," Laffitte smiled. "We, the Blackbeard Pirates, nominate our Captain to become the new Shichibukai to replace Sir Crocodile!"Doflamingo let out an interested laugh, "Fuffuffu, another rookie who doesn't know the height of the heavens?"Laffitte continued, "To prove our sincerity and strength, we are carrying out a plan—capturing pirates with bounties over a hundred million to accumulate enough fame and merit! I believe the World Government will see our value very soon."Hawkeye closed his eyes indifferently, seemingly uninterested in this farce.Kuma remained silent.Vice Admiral Tsuru looked at Laffitte thoughtfully. Regardless of anything else, this man's sheer audacity alone warranted the World Government's attention."A seat among the Shichibukai isn't something gained through mere talk. Prove it with actual deeds. Until then, leave this place, or you will be treated as an intruder at Marine Headquarters!" Sengoku said deeply.He was interested.Laffitte smiled.Otherwise, he, a pirate, wouldn't have had the chance to leave.He bowed again, and his figure vanished from the window as eerily as it had appeared:"As you wish, Mr. Fleet Admiral. We will soon present our tribute."The scene shifts back to the waters outside Mock Town.On the Blackbeard Pirates' dilapidated small ship, Blackbeard Teach held a brand-new bounty poster he had just bought from a News Coo. On it was Luffy's bright smiling face and the striking figure of 200,000,000 Berries."Zehahaha!""I knew it! How could a mere fifty-million pirate possess that level of Haki! Two hundred million Berries—now that looks more like it!"Blackbeard burst into a massive laugh and crumpled the bounty poster into a ball.Beside him, the Champion Fighter Jesus Burgessasked in a booming voice, "Captain, should we go take out that Straw Hat boy now?""Laffitte told us to wait here for news," Doc Q reminded them from the side."Our plan needs that legal status, and the meeting at Marine Headquarters is the key. However, the target is certainly decided."Blackbeard stroked his chin, his eyes flashing with calculating light. He smoothed out the wrinkled bounty poster and grinned, "It's him!"Straw Hat Luffy, two hundred million Berries!He seemed strong, but according to intelligence, a large part of this bounty was likely inflated because he kidnapped a princess. To the outside world, it looked like it might be exaggerated.He was the perfect choice to establish their prestige!The sea near Jaya Island.Aboard the going merry.Regarding the fact that Luffy had gotten into trouble with another Shichibukai, Nami, after her initial breakdown, accepted the reality surprisingly quickly.In her own words:"Since I'm already buried in debt, I might as well get used to the daily routine of being chased by an Admiral while staying by this idiot Captain's side!"She and Vivi had previously met a half-ape man named Mont Blanc Cricket. Upon hearing that they truly believed in Sky Island and were trying to find it, this man—mocked by the world as the leader of the Saruyama Alliance—shared all the research he'd spent half his life on regarding the knock up stream and the giant jack clouds without reservation."According to the data Mr. Cricket gave us, and the changes in the currents and clouds I've observed these past few days."Nami spread a sea chart on the deck, pointing at a coordinate with great confidence. "If my calculations are correct, the next eruption of the knock up stream is today!"As if to confirm her words, one drop, then two... raindrops began to pitter-patter down, hitting the deck and splashing into tiny droplets."Ohhh! It's time to set off, to Sky Island!!""The fortress in the sky!"Luffy was excited: "Merry, get ready! We're going to ride the knock up stream into the sky!""Understood, Luffy!"Merry's small figure floated by the helm, a smile on her face.Her coordination with Nami was seamless; one precisely calculated the weather and currents, while the other perfectly controlled every aspect of the ship's state. They were truly a treasure combination of Navigator and Klabautermann.Cricket had warned them they would need a Southbird to guide them on Sky Island, but such a difficulty seemed like nothing in the face of Nami's astronomical knowledge and Merry's natural sense of direction.However, a trace of worry still appeared on Merry's small face:"Nami, Luffy... Mr. Cricket said the impact of the knock up stream is extremely, extremely powerful. Even large warships can hardly withstand it. I'm worried..."Luffy laughed, "Don't worry, Merry. Leave it to me."Don't forget his Rubber ability.Nika, floating nearby and hugging a sake jug, chimed in, "This Rubber brat can temporarily turn the ship's hull into Rubber."On this noisy ship crowded with problem people, she felt the only relatively normal one was Merry, whose heart was as pure as a little angel's.Mainly, if you asked for wine, she actually gave it!In fact, no one on the ship could refuse Merry.Every time they saw her clinging to Luffy's shoulder or head like a little accessory, Luffy would receive malicious glares from Nami, Usopp, and even Sanji.The rain grew heavier, the sky darkened rapidly, and the wind and waves on the sea began to intensify.In the distance, a massive whirlpool slowly took shape, swallowing the surrounding seawater with a low roar."Look, that's the sign of the giant jack forming!"Nami pointed into the distance.Everyone looked up.Where the sea met the sky, a boundless darkness spread out. Above the darkness were unimaginably thick, grayish-white clouds—the giant jack.The cloud layer was so thick it completely blocked out the sun, making the area beneath it feel like night had arrived early. Its coverage was vast, far exceeding Jaya Island, and possibly even larger than the territory of Alabasta.This scene of blotting out the sky carried a sense of near-destructive pressure, like the entrance of a final villain boss.The massive whirlpool in front of the going merrybegan to attract everything around it. As the Merrywas pulled by the current and drew closer to the whirlpool, its full scale was revealed—its diameter was comparable to an island!The profound darkness at the center of the whirlpool seemed capable of swallowing everything.They could even see a massive Sea King, over a thousand meters long, struggling futilely in the whirlpool before being ruthlessly dragged toward the center, looking so small and powerless!"Are... are you... kidding me!!""We're... we're... we're going to die!!" Usopp's teeth chattered. Chopper hugged Usopp tightly, his fur standing on end and tears welling in his eyes.They were going to charge into a place like this voluntarily?!Just then, a strangely styled ship appeared not far away—it was the Blackbeard Pirates' ship.Chapter 144: I'm Beating You, Blackbeard!Blackbeard stood at the bow and shouted loudly:"Hey, Straw Hat boy! I didn't expect you to be a big shot with a two hundred million Berry bounty!Zehahaha! Lend me your head; you're the perfect stepping stone for us to become Shichibukai!"The surrounding crew members also had wicked smiles, looking every bit like villains.Vivi and Nami walked over, looking over warily:"Luffy, who is that?""Do you know him?""Oh, I met him in a tavern in Mock Town. He's a guy who says some interesting things. As for his name... I really don't know," Luffy replied.Nami was speechless: "You don't even know his name?"Over there, Blackbeard heard the conversation and fell silent for a moment, appearing a bit hurt. But he was an ambitious man who was patient enough to wait for the right moment, skilled at seizing opportunities, and willing to go all-in."I am Marshall D. Teach. Remember that name, Straw Hat boy!"Robin heard the name and said, "I knew he felt familiar. He is Blackbeard.""Blackbeard?"The playfulness on Luffy's face vanished instantly. He remembered Ace's words—the traitor he was hunting was named Blackbeard!"The one Ace is trying to catch is you?""Oh?"Blackbeard laughed loudly, "Zehahaha, it seems you're quite familiar with our Captain Ace!"
