In Whitebeard's eyes, or in the eyes of most people, once you set sail, you no longer need to follow the rules of the islands.
It's just that everyone has their own way of doing things, Whitebeard is like this, and so are others.
Cyrus's earliest known title was Pirate Hunter, and it was heavily promoted by the Marines at the time.
This was also the initial perception people on the sea had of him.
Although this title still remains with Cyrus, given the current situation, the label of Pirate Hunter alone can no longer accurately represent his way of doing things.
"Actually, I'd really like to meet him." Whitebeard's words made Shanks laugh heartily.
"That's true. Hawkeye traveled with him for a while, and since you're friends with Hawkeye, you probably share similar topics of conversation."
Hearing this, Whitebeard was momentarily stunned before nodding in strong agreement.
He still remembered the duel between Red Hair and Hawkeye he had witnessed in the past, the clash between those top-tier master swordsmen on the high seas left a profound impression on the old man.
"But I have matters to attend to now, so I must keep moving forward."
After saying this, Shanks stood up, shook his black cloak to cover the hilt of Gryphon, and turned to leave without hesitation.
Such occurrences were incredibly common on the high seas.
When powerful people met, they would either fight, or sit down to drink and feast before going their separate ways.
"Pops!" After Shanks left, Marco the pineapple-head approached the throne. "Cyrus is truly not someone to be trifled with. Now that he's entered the New World, we're bound to cross paths eventually. Should we make preparations in advance?"
It wasn't that Marco was overthinking things—the oppressive aura Cyrus projected across the world was simply that overwhelming.
Currently, no one could confidently claim they would remain undefeated when facing Cyrus.
Not even the world's strongest man, Whitebeard.
"Gurararara, don't worry, I'm not so old that I can't move anymore," Whitebeard laughed heartily upon hearing his son's concern.
Marco glanced at the bandages on Whitebeard's chest and the IV drip connected to his arm, his expression somewhat resigned.
The hidden injuries accumulated over decades of brutal battles at sea were finally beginning to take their toll.
Whitebeard's physical condition had already declined due to these old wounds, though it wasn't too noticeable to outsiders just yet.
But as the doctor of the Whitebeard Pirates, Marco knew all too well that once these hidden injuries started heavily affecting the body, the deterioration would accelerate and worsen rapidly.
If too many old injuries flared up at once during a fight, the Emperor's body could collapse in a very short time.
Fortunately, Whitebeard's physical constitution was extraordinarily robust, meaning for now, Marco could only do his best to mitigate the effects of these injuries—a complete cure was impossible.
...
Back in Dressrosa.
Cyrus had underestimated King Riku.
He had originally thought Dressrosa would remain chaotic for some time, but Riku, the former king of Dressrosa, had been hiding his identity and gathering strength after losing his kingdom, waiting patiently for an opportunity to strike back.
But as the saying goes, in the face of absolute power, all schemes and conspiracies are useless.
Before Cyrus arrived here, Doflamingo had been that absolute power to King Riku.
And to Doflamingo, Cyrus now represented that exact same insurmountable wall.
Among the toys created by Sugar, many had once been loyal members of Dressrosa's royal guard.
With Sugar's ability nullified, these people—erased from everyone's memories for years—had reappeared.
"Apologizing?" Robin and Cyrus stood atop a building, calmly observing the gathering of Dressrosa's citizens in the plaza below.
King Riku, who had summoned the people, was kneeling before them in a deep formal apology.
"This shows his resolve." Issho, holding his sword, sounded appreciative of Riku's humble actions.
Cyrus glanced sideways at the blind swordsman. "Perhaps this is just a necessary strategy to regain power. After all, without such a gesture, authority wouldn't return to him so easily."
"Mr. Cyrus!" Violet, standing slightly behind them, wore a helpless expression upon hearing this cynical assessment.
She was, after all, King Riku's daughter.
"Regarding the false rumors circulating now, my father plans to find a way to clarify the things you've done for Dressrosa." Violet pretended not to have heard Cyrus's earlier remark and stated her true purpose for coming.
"What have I done?" Cyrus retorted.
"I'm only here to deal with Doflamingo. Your matters are merely incidental," he added, waving his hand dismissively.
"Alright!" Violet immediately understood that such trivial political things were of little importance to a man like Cyrus.
Being clever, she directly shifted to a topic that would interest him more. "Do you have any instructions regarding the Hunter Guild?"
Hearing this, Cyrus reached out and patted Robin's shoulder beside him.
Robin nodded, glanced back at Violet, then turned and left the rooftop with the princess.
"Dressrosa is in the New World, and it is not particularly powerful on its own. Originally, having a Warlord kept other pirates from running rampant here. This time, are you planning to make the Hunter Guild Dressrosa's primary external deterrent?"
After the women left, Issho suddenly spoke these words, surprising Cyrus.
"You see things quite clearly, don't you?"
"I'm blind. I suspect you're deliberately poking at my sore spot!" Issho's expression stiffened upon hearing this, his voice carrying a tone of clear exasperation.
"Not at all. But you're right. However, previously, Dressrosa was a member nation of the World Government. Even after Doflamingo violently seized it, it maintained that protected status," Cyrus noted, stroking his chin as a contemplative look flashed in his eyes.
To completely overthrow an organization that controls half the world is no easy task.
Having controlled the globe for so many years, the intimidation of the World Government and Celestial Dragons is deeply ingrained in the public consciousness.
Moreover, with vast oceans isolating the scattered islands in this world, direct connections and communications between nations are extremely scarce.
Aside from forces like the Revolutionary Army that deliberately operate this way, it's nearly impossible for regular citizens to stir up any significant trouble.
At most, it's just minor, localized skirmishes.
Of course, if one possessed an invincible power surpassing all others to utterly destroy the World Government, the Celestial Dragons, and the Marines in one fell swoop—so powerful that no one would ever dare entertain other thoughts—that would also be a feasible path to peace.
But Cyrus isn't capable of that level just yet.
Peeling away layer by layer, gradually eroding the World Government's control over this world, is the safer path.
That's exactly why Cyrus had Crocodile establish the Hunter Guild branches in the Four Seas and Paradise first.
However, this massive undertaking cannot be achieved quickly, and moreover, the World Government won't sit idly by while it happens.
Even if they currently fear his raw power and dare not act against him directly, once Hunter Guild branches appear on a large scale and the World Government senses the systemic danger, they will take action despite their fear of his strength.
That will be the true all-out confrontation.
'But those who dig their own grave cannot be saved,' Cyrus thought.
The past actions of the Celestial Dragons have already sown numerous hidden dangers for themselves across the globe.
Perhaps these formerly submissive people simply need a catalyst to finally act.
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