IW: Chapter 236 - Marine Live Broadcast of the Encirclement and Suppression, Bai Ye: Nika Bai Ye, the Most Absurd Ability in the World, Shakes the World
Here is the polished, rewritten version of your next section. I heightened the cynical, geo-political depth of Bai Ye's monologue about the World Government's true motives, while keeping the snappy, comedic timing of his exchange with Shanks.
"Aren't you planning to head to the New World to contend for an Emperor's throne? After all, the monsters currently tearing the New World apart are all old acquaintances of yours from the Rocks Pirates!"
Shanks, his cheeks slightly flushed with a hint of drunkenness, leaned in to probe Bai Ye.
When you looked back at history, the Rocks Pirates had truly scattered across the seas like falling stars, seeding the next generation of terror. Among the legendary four great pirates of the previous era—Bai Ye, Roger, Whitebeard, and the Golden Lion—three had ties to Rocks. And in the current, blood-soaked race to define the Sea Emperors, Big Mom, Whitebeard, and Kaido all hailed from that same cursed crew.
Back then, the world couldn't even begin to comprehend the sheer scale of the nightmare they would have faced had the Rocks Pirates never disbanded.
"What's so great about being an Emperor?" Bai Ye asked, curling his lips into a cynical smirk. "It's nothing more than playing the part of a trapped beast."
He took a slow sip, his eyes dripping with detached amusement. "Ruling as an Emperor in the New World only sounds glamorous on paper. As long as the World Government finds your existence useful, they let you play king. The moment you outlive your utility, do you honestly think they lack the means to erase you? Ultimately, it's just a grand stage play."
Bai Ye leaned forward, his voice dropping to a sharp, analytical whisper. "The Five Elders need to prop up a few terrifying examples so the entire world's attention stays locked exactly where they want it. The World Government points at the Four Emperors and tells the lawless, 'Look, pirates, this is your ultimate peak.' Then, they turn around to face the kings of both allied and non-allied nations, flashing a sinister smile: 'See those Four Emperors? They can wipe your entire kingdom off the map on a whim. Now, let's see who dares refuse to pay the Heavenly Tribute to join our World Government.'"
"A trapped beast...?"
Hearing Bai Ye dissect the highest pinnacle of piracy with such cold, systematic ruthlessness, Shanks fell into a rare, heavy silence.
When he looked at the grand scheme of things, it really did feel like a beautifully designed cage. Even his own captain, Roger... hadn't he ultimately succumbed to the constraints of this world?
Thinking of Roger, the heavy atmosphere broke, and Shanks grinned warmly. "Oh, right. I never got the chance to say it properly—thank you so much for what you did back then."
Bai Ye had denied the Marines the satisfaction of executing the Pirate King on their own terms. Because of that chaotic intervention, Marine Headquarters had suffered a devastating blow to their reputation. The man they had spent weeks publicizing as a captured trophy not only successfully ignited the Great Pirate Era during his final moments, but did so while proving the Marines couldn't even properly hold him. The World Government had utterly lost face.
"No need to thank me," Bai Ye replied casually, waving a hand. "Just consider it a massive, life-altering favor you now owe me."
"Ah?!"
Shanks' jaw dropped, his drink nearly going down the wrong pipe as he choked.
Bro?
Politely accepting a thank-you was one thing, but how did a sentimental moment suddenly turn into a massive line of credit? Is this how legends usually hold a conversation?
Shanks hadn't expected Bai Ye to play it like this.
But since the words were already out, it seemed a bit unreasonable if he didn't respond.
However, to just owe such a huge favor, he felt incredibly disgusted, like he had swallowed a fly.
"Alright, I owe you a huge favor!"
"Haha, Captain, you're really lame!"
Everyone could see that Shanks was being forced to agree.
"Don't worry, I won't misuse your huge favor. It's just a small matter."
"Mm-hmm."
That's more like it!
Shanks nodded in satisfaction. A small matter. If someone asked for his help, he would help.
After all, Roger's dignified death back then was also thanks to the other party, wasn't it?
Shanks took a big gulp of beer, his mood much lighter.
"For example, when we fight the World Government in the future, you just need to lead the charge for me!"
Pfft!
The beer Shanks had just drunk was all spat onto Lucky Roux's face. Lucky Roux wiped the beer from his face and immediately roared, "You idiot Captain!!"
His drumstick!
Looking at the drumstick in his hand, still oozing beer, Lucky Roux clenched his fist. He felt his Haki surging.
"Just kidding, don't mind it."
You can't joke about that.
Shanks felt speechless.
Bai Ye saying that, he didn't know if it was truly a joke or not.
But Shanks couldn't worry about that much right now. He only felt his head aching.
Because he had already realized that this matter was not so simple.
"Shanks!"
Just as Shanks was pondering how to resolve the favor he inexplicably owed.
The wooden door of the bar was kicked open. Upon seeing the newcomer, a smile involuntarily flashed across Shanks' face.
He had come this time mainly to see Luffy.
After this, he probably wouldn't come to the East Blue again.
"Yo, isn't this the future Pirate King?!"
Shanks chuckled playfully. Luffy was already used to Shanks' attitude.
Monkey D. Luffy?
Bai Ye followed Shanks' voice and looked over, then immediately used a copy card.
[Ding! Do you want to copy the Animal-type, Mythical Zoan, Human-Human Fruit, Sun God Nika Form?]
"Copy."
Bai Ye silently chanted in his mind.
Then, in Bai Ye's mind, the usage of the Nika form's ability appeared.
And it went straight to Gear Five?!
Originally, Bai Ye was still thinking about whether he should follow Luffy's training direction or something else.
Now it seemed he didn't need to train. The copying directly included the way to activate the ability.
The physique for three Devil Fruits was also completely filled.
One Zoan, one Logia, one Paramecia, balanced!
"Alright, let's go."
"Leaving already?"
Shanks looked at Bai Ye with some surprise. He still had quite a few questions he wanted to ask Bai Ye.
It had just begun, and he was already leaving?
"Otherwise? I only came here to take a look."
Having already copied Luffy's Devil Fruit ability, Bai Ye had no reason to stay here.
"No need to see us off, we'll go by ourselves."
Looking at Bai Ye's back, Shanks truly couldn't understand.
"Captain, what are you thinking?!"
"The same as you. That guy really didn't let us dig up any information!"
Shanks looked at Benn Beckman with some frustration.
He hadn't said much before, intending to analyze some things from Bai Ye's actions and words.
But he hadn't expected that the person wouldn't give him any opportunity.
"It seems we must go to the New World. Otherwise, there's no way to maintain balance."
Shanks looked at Bai Ye's retreating back at the door of the bar.
He was very curious about Bai Ye's purpose for coming here. Surely it wasn't just to meet him and then leave, right?
He admitted he had some strength, but it wasn't enough to make Bai Ye personally come to see him.
After all, a legendary pirate like Bai Ye was of a much older generation than him, belonging to Roger's generation. He had contended with Roger back then. What was he in his eyes?
Shanks wasn't so conceited as to believe he had truly caught the other party's attention.
But if that wasn't the case...
Then there was no reason for a great pirate to come to this obscure little island in the East Blue.
Could it be Luffy?
Thinking of this, Shanks felt his thoughts were too ridiculous. Luffy was still a child. How could the other party have come for Luffy?
Although Luffy had eaten that Devil Fruit, few people knew how powerful that Devil Fruit truly was right now.
When he first obtained this Devil Fruit, Shanks' first thought was actually to give it to Captain Roger's son.
He didn't know who Roger's son was yet, but he also understood that Roger should be the one to reach that step.
So after snatching this Devil Fruit, he began to search for Roger's son in the four seas, intentionally or unintentionally. He just hadn't expected that this Devil Fruit would actually be eaten by Luffy.
At first, he was somewhat angry, but then he thought that this Devil Fruit would choose its wielder, and he was relieved.
It seemed that Luffy was chosen by this Devil Fruit, not that it was Luffy's fault.
So after clarifying this, Shanks also decided to bet his arm on the New World.
"Forget it. I don't think there's any need to guess about him. Strictly speaking, he's no longer a pirate."
Benn Beckman reminded him. Although he had speculated before, he felt his speculation might not be correct.
For someone like Bai Ye, his true adversary was no longer the Marines but the World Government.
His threat already far exceeded all pirates. For example, if he was asked to contend for an Emperor's position, would he go?
In reality, he simply didn't care.
"You're right. That guy is just like the Revolutionary Army!"
If that's the case, it really seemed unnecessary to guess about this issue.
Pirates shouldn't meddle in other people's affairs. However, the balance of this sea seemed to be broken by Bai Ye.
But he couldn't do anything about it unless he could defeat Bai Ye.
"Hey! Shanks, what are you mumbling about?!"
Luffy grumbled discontentedly. He had been here for so long, and Shanks was still ignoring him?
He had rushed over immediately after hearing the news of Shanks' arrival.
"Haha, Luffy, you little brat wouldn't understand. Only by going out to sea and becoming a true man will you understand!"
"Shanks, be careful, that kid's grandfather might come after you!"
Everyone also recovered from the matter with Bai Ye. Now, Bai Ye and them were clearly not on the same path, and to stop him, they at least didn't have the qualifications yet.
Not just Shanks, but the entire Red Hair Pirates now had a stronger desire to contend for the Emperor's position.
"Hey, did you come here just to do such boring things?"
Gion asked, puzzled. He came here, sat for a while, chatted with Red Hair for a few sentences, and then left.
She didn't understand.
"Let's go take a look at the Goa Kingdom."
"Goa Kingdom?"
Although Gion didn't know why Bai Ye wanted to do this, she still honestly followed Bai Ye. Robin was also recording something nearby.
Stepping onto the land of the Goa Kingdom gave Gion another layer of understanding.
"So the place called the most beautiful kingdom is actually so evil."
"This is just a microcosm of the world. Not only the Celestial Dragons, but the Celestial Dragons oppress everyone, and these nobles oppress the common people. The Goa Kingdom is also an allied nation of the World Government, and your Marines protect the interests of these people."
Gion remained silent.
Bai Ye was right. The Marines actually protected their interests.
"Let's go see other places."
Saying that, Bai Ye continued to lead Gion to Shells Town. Here was the corrupt Marine, Captain Morgan. In Syrup Village, there was the once famous East Blue pirate, Kuro. Even in the weakest sea, pirates were still rampant. At the same time, the disparity between nobles and commoners in various kingdoms made Gion's wavering heart even more evident.
If Bai Ye were a pure pirate, Gion would certainly not collude with him.
The more Gion understood after following Bai Ye, the more she could comprehend what Bai Ye intended to do.
The celestial tribute was the last straw that broke the camel's back for all allied nations.
The nobles of their own country, in order to gain Marine protection, desperately plundered their own common people and then handed over these plundered gains to the World Government in exchange for Marine protection.
And once they couldn't pay the celestial tribute, then this place would no longer be protected by the Marines. The Marines wouldn't care about it at all. Over time, it would become a lawless land.
"So what exactly are the Marines doing...?"
Gion murmured, her heart beginning to ponder what the Marines truly wanted to do, and what they could do.
If the celestial tribute system continued, it would undoubtedly only lead to the emergence of more pirates. If they couldn't even survive, what else could they do but go out to sea?
And in this process, the evil in human nature would be stimulated. Nobles who acquired wealth would want to plunder more. Pirates who obtained everything through unearned burning, killing, and looting would further embark on this path.
To become stronger, and to plunder others, they began to fight and contend for various resources, while those high above watched like they were observing a group of insects fighting, deriving pleasure from it.
"So, are we Marines actually just toys for the Celestial Dragons' amusement?"
Gion took a deep breath, her gaze serious as she looked at Bai Ye. Evidently, at this moment, she had also realized the core of the problem.
She had always believed that if all pirates were captured, the world would be at peace.
So she kept catching, and catching, but in the end, she realized that there were simply endless Pirates; there would always be Pirates, and she had never considered why Pirates appeared in the first place.
"That's right, whether it's the Marine or the Pirates, they are just tools for the World Government to maintain balance.
Your existence is merely to deal with Pirates.
When there are no Pirates one day, you will no longer have a reason to exist."
Ultimately, wasn't the Marine established in the first place to maintain the World Government's rule?
It seems Gion has now realized this, and he understands in his heart that Gion is highly unlikely to return to the Marine, even though she couldn't go back from the start.
Bai Ye had to give a thumbs up to whoever came up with this plan.
The difference between Gion and Drake is that she is a woman, so you can arrange a reason for a Celestial Dragon to take a liking to her.
Excellent!
She was indeed taken a liking to by a Celestial Dragon.
Originally, she was a Marine, so even if someone took a liking to her, it wouldn't have been too excessive, as the Five Elders wouldn't let them act recklessly with such matters.
It's just that now, although everyone secretly knows Gion is an undercover agent, it's not clear on the surface.
It's perfectly reasonable for a Celestial Dragon to want a female Pirate who betrayed the Marine, isn't it?
Therefore, even if Gion returns to the Marine in the future, it will have to be under the premise that her Gion identity has 'died,' and she will return in another way.
And this also gave Bai Ye an opportunity.
"What about you?
You're not going to try to fool me with your 'entire continent' theory, are you?"
Gion had been following Bai Ye all along, so she naturally knew about Bai Ye's 'one continent' theory.
However, she didn't believe in this theory in her heart.
In her opinion, Bai Ye's claim was most likely a lie; how could all the islands possibly be pieced together?
"Is there a possibility that the world was originally one piece, and according to the history from eight hundred years ago, that country was the Great Kingdom, and it was the World Government that destroyed them?"
Great Kingdom.
Gion lowered her head, feeling as if she had heard something incredible.
These matters were explicitly forbidden from being understood internally.
"It seems Ohara helped you understand a lot of things."
Gion looked deeply at Bai Ye, clearly realizing that everything Bai Ye understood was likely learned from Ohara.
The scholars of Ohara were all taken away by Bai Ye back then, so it's no wonder the World Government has been relentlessly pursuing Bai Ye.
It would be strange if the World Government let him off for what Bai Ye had done.
"The Great Kingdom exists.
Lord Bai Ye has no need to deceive you.
It's something we all know, and the country governed by Lord Bai Ye has no Pirates, and everyone can live a happy life!"
Although Kaido is nominally a Pirate, that was just a front put out by Bai Ye.
In Wano Country, everyone accepted the notion that they were not Pirates.
Even Yamato didn't consider herself a Pirate; she was a female warrior of the sea, not a Pirate!
It was only because they opposed the World Government that they were defined as Pirates.
There was no plunder there; everyone could live by their own efforts, and crimes would be punished by law.
Compared to other countries on the Grand Line that Yamato had seen, she believed Lord Bai Ye was the greatest!
"Bai Ye, you're really making this difficult for me."
A wry smile flashed across Gion's face.
Originally, she was so resolute; even if she couldn't return to the Marine later, she would still uphold her duty.
But facing Bai Ye, Gion felt a sense of being unable to make a choice.
She was in a very difficult position now.
After witnessing this world with Bai Ye, Gion also realized that if she continued down this path, she would ultimately be unable to forgive herself for having once upheld darkness.
"If it's difficult, then don't do anything.
Just watch how I change this world."
Bai Ye didn't expect Gion to do anything; as long as Gion stayed, it was fine.
Why do I feel like I'm a simp?
"I'll keep an eye on you!"
Gion looked seriously at Bai Ye.
She didn't say she was going back, nor did she say she was joining Bai Ye.
[Ding!
Changed Gion's fate, rewarded with one lottery chance.
]
Oh?!
Saying one thing but doing another?
She said she'd keep an eye on him, but in her heart, she'd already agreed?
Use.
Bai Ye thought silently.
It seems Gion has made up her mind not to go back, which is why he received the reward.
[Ding!
Used one lottery chance, congratulations on obtaining: Age-Age Fruit.
]
"..."
Bai Ye had wondered what it would be.
However, thinking that he didn't have much else to draw, he wasn't too surprised.
He had basically drawn all the various physiques and abilities in the Pirate King world.
What he could get again were nothing more than famous swords, Devil Fruits, and the talents of some other races.
It would be funny if he could draw the Dark-Dark Fruit.
Putting the Age-Age Fruit into his space, Bai Ye was about to leave and head to his next destination when an unexpected person seemed to arrive on the ship.
"Why does this ship have no treasure at all!"
Nami wandered around the ship.
In the East Blue, it was her first time seeing such a ship.
And she was initially a bit scared, after all, such a large ship would surely have many guards.
But she couldn't resist thinking that there might be seventy million Berries on board.
If there was, she could directly save her Village all at once.
If there were many people on the ship, she would just say she took a wrong turn, and she believed she could escape with her quick wit.
However, after Nami boarded the ship, she was surprised to find that there wasn't even a single guard.
Just as she was excitedly thinking she could quickly gather the money, she searched for a long time only to find that there was absolutely nothing on this ship!
Unwilling, she searched for a long time, not missing a single corner, and finally, Nami came to the conclusion that this ship was poor!
Just as she was about to leave, she turned around and saw a smiling face looking at her, and she thought to herself, 'This is bad.'
"Um... I said I got lost from my family and came here to find them.
Do you believe me?"
Nami asked uncertainly, feeling that the person in front of her was looking at her with a meaningful gaze.
"What do you think, Miss Thief?"
As expected, they didn't believe her!
Nami didn't expect them to believe her.
She said that only to give them a false impression.
In fact, she had already planned her escape route.
Just as she ran towards her predetermined route, Bai Ye signaled Yamato with his eyes.
She was then quickly approached by Yamato with a flash and grabbed back.
"Eh?!
Didn't I jump down?"
Nami just felt like she had leaped down, and then she was back on the deck?
"I heard there's a Fishman Pirate crew in the East Blue?"
Fishman Pirates?!
Nami's eyelid twitched when she heard Bai Ye's words.
It seemed there was only one Fishman Pirate crew in the East Blue, near Cocoyasi Village, right?
Why was he looking for Arlong and his crew?
"I don't know what you're talking about.
Can you let me go back?
I really didn't take anything."
Nami hesitated for a moment, then finally chose not to tell Bai Ye and the others.
She wasn't sure what Bai Ye and his group's intentions were.
"You're lying.
You know."
If it weren't for Nami's navigation skills and the chance for her to change, Bai Ye would have truly just left.
Bai Ye wasn't planning to take anyone else, but only Nami; she was essential for reaching Laugh Tale.
There truly weren't many truly skilled navigators on the Grand Line.
"What do you want with him?
He's a great Pirate from the Grand Line with a bounty of 20,000,000 Berries!"
Nami looked into Bai Ye's eyes, always feeling as if she was being seen through by him.
She instinctively wanted to lie, but when the words reached her lips, she told Bai Ye what was truly on her mind.
However, in Nami's view, their search for Arlong was merely to make a deal with him or something else.
As for causing trouble?
Please!
He's a great Pirate from the Grand Line!
No one in the entire East Blue dared to cause him trouble.
"Great... Pirate?"
Gion, Robin, and Yamato all had a hint of strangeness on their faces.
Could a bounty of twenty million be considered a great Pirate?
Then what about this guy in front of them?
What was he considered?
"What's wrong?
Don't you believe me?"
Nami was anxious.
She was telling the truth, so why didn't they believe her?
"Then what about his bounty of 6.8 billion?"
"Huh?"
Nami's mind went blank.
She instinctively took the bounty poster from Yamato's hand, and after seeing the numbers on the poster, ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, ten thousands, hundred thousands, millions, ten millions, big brother, big daddy, grandpa, great-grandpa...
Are you kidding me?!
Is this really a bounty poster that a human can have?
His bounty alone could buy sixty-eight Cocoyasi Villages?
Wait?!
He's not...
Nami recognized the person on the bounty poster.
It was also because the World Government's propaganda was too good; there was no one in the world who didn't recognize Bai Ye.
In order to allow everyone to provide information to the World Government, Bai Ye's bounty posters were ubiquitous, even in the East Blue.
And after comparing the information on it with Bai Ye's face, Nami was convinced.
The person on the bounty poster was Bai Ye, the man known as the most dangerous man in the world!
"You are the one who killed the World Nobles and tried to destroy the world..."
Nami started stammering.
She hadn't expected her luck to be so bad.
To actually encounter Bai Ye here.
It's over!
She probably wouldn't be able to buy Cocoyasi Village now.
Wait!?
A Pirate with a 6.8 billion bounty inquiring about a Pirate with a 20 million bounty...
This matter was too bizarre.
Although Nami thought Arlong was strong, he couldn't possibly compare to this Pirate with a 6.8 billion bounty, could he?
He was even called the most dangerous man in the world!
"How about you take me to Cocoyasi Village?
I'll liberate it."
Firstly, for Nami, and secondly, to maintain his persona in front of Gion.
In the East Blue, Bai Ye had liberated Goa Kingdom and many other places, which was also why Gion's will was somewhat wavering.
After Bai Ye did these things, it was clear that the common people were happy.
"Liberate it?"
Nami murmured softly.
Although it was their first meeting, she trusted Bai Ye implicitly, instinctively believing that Bai Ye could do it.
This damn sense of security... Was he really the most dangerous man in the world?!
"It's confirmed, that guy Bai Ye is in the East Blue!"
Marineford.
Sengoku had gathered all the high-ranking Marine officers here.
After CP's investigation and Bai Ye's unhidden actions, the Marine had confirmed that Bai Ye was in the East Blue.
Last time Bai Ye escaped, this time they would absolutely not let him get away again.
"The only passage from the East Blue to the Grand Line is Loguetown.
If we're going to ambush him, then let's do it in Loguetown.
This time, we can definitely do it!"
"Who's going?"
"The Three Admirals, Tsuru, Vice Admiral Garp, people from the World Government, and Fleet Admiral Kong will go together."
Clearly, the World Government did not want Bai Ye to escape.
No matter what, they had to block Bai Ye.
"Let's bury him where Roger was executed."
Sengoku murmured.
This seemed to be a kind of destiny.
After all, Roger died in Loguetown, so if the most dangerous man in the world also died there, it seemed like a good thing.
He believed this would also be a heavy blow to the Great Pirate Era that Roger had started.
"Don't lose him again!"
Garp grumbled, but this time, he also wanted to go and see.
If he didn't find Bai Ye, he'd just go see Luffy anyway, saving him from having to ask for leave.
"It won't happen again.
That guy seems to be doing something in the East Blue, and if we can capture or kill Bai Ye later, the World Government will broadcast it worldwide!"
He believed this time should be enough.
Bai Ye had been around for so many years.
Although his face was still young, he was already old enough.
He shouldn't be able to maintain his peak combat strength, right?
An old man is an old man after all!
As Sengoku's order was given, the Marines began to secretly advance towards the East Blue.
Cocoyasi Village.
Arlong and the Fishman Pirates looked at the newcomers with horror, and Arlong, with an expression of disbelief, looked at him and said, "How is this possible? How could a guy like you come here?! And help Nami?!"
Arlong roared. He was arrogant, but he had also seen strong individuals. Arlong still remembered the hatred of being humiliated by Kizaru back then, but deep down, he had a profound fear of Kizaru.
Because it was a fear that was almost despairing and absolutely impossible to overcome.
"I've been to Fish-Man Island before. The Fishmen on Fish-Man Island and humans will live in peace. And guys like you, who are racist, will definitely not obey my rules, so I think it might be better to eliminate you in advance."
Although somewhat cruel, this is what the weak must obey.
Bai Ye said softly. Arlong, such an extreme racist, he would absolutely not agree, and Bai Ye also had no patience to help the other party accept it. In that case, it's better to get it over with once and for all.
The lightning from the sky directly struck down, electrocuting all the Fishmen.
"So… so strong."
In Nami's eyes, the former Arlong was invincible.
But in front of this person, he could solve it with a casual move. With just one move, the entire Fishman Pirate crew was wiped out by Bai Ye.
"There's no need for thanks. Are these the nautical charts you drew?"
Bai Ye raised his hand and placed the nautical charts in front of Nami. These were all drawn by Nami, and it could be said that they were better than anyone in her country. Moreover, at her age and with her experience, she could actually create such sea charts.
Bai Ye finally understood why Golden Lion was so insistent on taking Nami when he faced the Straw Hat Pirates back then.
Good navigators are truly scarce in this world.
"The stage here is too small. Do you want to come with me to the New World?"
Bai Ye squatted down and looked at Nami, then continued, "Your talent is the best I've ever seen. To become an excellent navigator, you need to see the world outside."
Here we go again.
Gion always felt like this scene was familiar, as if she had seen it somewhere before.
And as for Bai Ye's invitation, Gion didn't even need to think about it. Nami would definitely leave with him.
She had just looked at the sea charts the other party had drawn, and indeed, as Bai Ye said, this place limited her.
"Nami, go."
Nojiko walked up to Nami and patted her shoulder. She had figured it out; the other party came to help solve Arlong, perhaps for Nami.
And if Nami stayed here, perhaps, as Bai Ye said, her talent would be limited.
"Nojiko."
"Go!"
"Everyone..."
Nami looked at the villagers around her, and each of them encouraged Nami to leave with Bai Ye. She should go to the wider sea!
After accepting Bai Ye's invitation and changing the Arlong Pirates' symbol to a star, Nami officially joined Bai Ye's faction.
[Ding! Changed Nami's fate, rewarded one lottery chance.]
Use!
[Ding! Used one lottery chance, congratulations on obtaining: Cloud-Cloud Fruit.]
Bai Ye looked at Nami, then at the Devil Fruit, feeling as if this Devil Fruit was hinting at something to him.
Should he give this Devil Fruit to Nami?
It seems to suit Nami very well.
After some hesitation, Bai Ye finally decided to give Nami the choice: "Eating this Devil Fruit can give you the ability to control clouds and weather. Do you want to eat it? Of course, if you sell it, you can get at least 500 million Berries!"
500 million Berries!?!
Nami's eyes almost turned into the shape of money!
She never expected that just one Devil Fruit would be worth so much money!
"You're really generous!"
Gion pouted. This guy was truly generous to his own people. Was this a welcome gift for new recruits?
Then why didn't she get one?
"Of course. So, where do you want your star mark to be?"
Bai Ye looked at Gion with a smile. Gion thought for a moment, then placed her other thigh in front of Bai Ye: "On my thigh."
Well...
What a strange preference!
One leg with a star, one leg with a spider.
Is this for attack speed?
"I want to eat it, because then I will have the power to protect those I want to protect!"
Nami looked at Bai Ye with determined eyes. She originally wanted to sell it, but then she felt she was too weak, and a voice inside kept urging her to eat it.
"A smart choice!"
Bai Ye nodded, expressing his approval of Nami's choice.
If she had really sold it, Bai Ye wouldn't have sold it anyway; he would have just kept it.
"It's so disgusting, like eating shit..."
Nami took the Devil Fruit from Bai Ye's hand. When she took the first bite, she almost spit out the Devil Fruit.
"You've eaten shit?"
"..."
It's a metaphor!
It's just a metaphor, you bastard!
Nami roared in her heart. Of course she hadn't eaten it!
"It looks like the journey in the East Blue is almost over!"
Bai Ye looked at Nami with a smile, seeing her deflated expression. It was truly satisfying. Was she still the queen of the Straw Hat crew?
In the East Blue, after dealing with Colonel Nezumi and various pirates, Bai Ye's reputation even improved significantly.
And Buggy, who was hiding in Orange Town, was now taken away by Bai Ye, trembling with fear.
He had been lurking in the East Blue for so many years, who the hell betrayed him to be targeted by such a big shot?
Now he just wanted to escape!
Captain Buggy was constantly planning his escape on the ship.
At the same time.
As Bai Ye and the others' voyage in the East Blue gradually concluded, they sailed to the last island, Loguetown.
After resupplying here, they would directly head to the Grand Line.
And here, the Marines had already set up their ambush, just waiting for Bai Ye and the others to arrive.
"Yo, it looks like the World Government and the Marines have all come!"
"Don't look at me, I didn't say anything!"
Gion was a bit annoyed by Yamato's stare. She hadn't said anything!
At the same time, she also felt a little uncomfortable inside.
Sengoku hadn't even informed her about this operation.
Did he not trust her, thinking she had betrayed them?
She somehow felt a sense of distress.
"It has nothing to do with Gion. Our itinerary in the East Blue wasn't hidden!"
Bai Ye didn't go ashore; the surroundings were all surrounded by Marines, so there was no point in going up.
Bai Ye hadn't hidden his itinerary in the East Blue, so failure was inevitable.
"It looks like we've been discovered."
"How about it? Do we go out?"
"Aokiji..."
In the darkness, everyone understood that they had been discovered. After communicating, Aokiji appeared first, directly freezing all the surrounding sea area, which was to prevent Bai Ye from leaving by ship.
Following closely, the World Government and the Marines appeared one by one.
Upon seeing the newcomers, Bai Ye's smile widened even further.
How interesting!
To capture him, they actually sent so many people!
"Buggy, I have a task for you. Get this live broadcast connection working, and don't let anyone cut it off!"
"Huh?"
Buggy held the Den Den Mushi that Bai Ye threw over, a bit bewildered. After seeing the people below, he almost peed his pants, stammering, "Lord Bai Ye, are we really not considering running?"
No?!
Are you sick?!
Do you want Captain Buggy to die in front of you right now?
What kind of lineup is that?
Three Admirals, Vice Admiral Tsuru, Vice Admiral Garp, Kong, and a circle of CPs!
Although Captain Buggy had been messing around in the East Blue for so many years, he wasn't completely ignorant!
Should he run by himself?
This thought had just appeared in Buggy's mind, and then he immediately gave up. Kizaru was there, so he was probably already being watched.
He was really unlucky!
Why was he hiding in Orange Town so well and then got caught by Bai Ye?!
He didn't want to go out to sea with Bai Ye at all!
It's all Shanks' fault. If it weren't for Shanks, he wouldn't have eaten that Devil Fruit. In Buggy's opinion, that was the beginning of his nightmare!
"Why run? Soon, I'm going to let them witness the most outrageous ability in this world!"
Bai Ye had never thought of running from the beginning.
Why should he run?
Weren't all these Marines delivered right to him?
It just so happens that he's going to have a decisive battle with the World Government later, so now is a good time to weaken their combat power.
"No one on this ship escapes today!"
Akainu said indifferently, his gaze sweeping past the others and landing on Bai Ye.
He didn't care about anyone else; he was here today to capture Bai Ye.
No one escapes?!
Buggy was numb.
"The most dangerous man in the world, your journey ends here today!"
Akainu said calmly.
"Yo, how scary!"
Kizaru grimaced, a hint of mockery in his tone. At the same time, Aokiji next to him also looked at Bai Ye very seriously: "Surrender, so I can go on vacation early!"
"Bai Ye, today you've truly reached the end of your rope!"
Garp muttered, although he felt it was somewhat unfair for so many people to gang up on Bai Ye, he had no choice. Bai Ye's existence indeed posed a significant danger to this world.
"Don't act like you've got me cornered!"
"Lord Bai Ye, we can fight too!"
Yamato struck a fighting pose. She was ready to fight alongside Bai Ye!
"No need, just watch from the ship. How's the live broadcast going, Buggy?"
"Huh?! Live broadcast?"
A real live broadcast?
Buggy swallowed, then turned on the live broadcast signal source.
Immediately, everything here was transmitted via the live broadcast signal to all places in the world with a signal.
At this point, Buggy could only clasp his hands together and pray to whatever gods were listening that when Bai Ye inevitably made his escape, he would carry him along. If Bai Ye left him behind to fend for himself, he was as good as dead. There was no surviving this.
"Marines!" Bai Ye's voice echoed, cutting through the heavy air and projecting directly into the den den mushi lenses. "With today's battle, I will make the sound of the Drums of Liberation reverberate across every corner of this world!"
All over the globe, millions of citizens glued to the giant live-broadcast screens gasped in sheer disbelief. The single most dangerous man alive and the absolute peak of the Marines' military might were currently squaring off in Loguetown—the Town of the Beginning and the End.
High up in his news headquarters, Big News Morgans literally jumped out of his seat, his feathers rustling with pure ecstasy. "This is it! This is the big one!!"
But right after the initial surge of journalistic adrenaline, a sudden wave of existential dread washed over the bird-man. Looking at the crystal-clear feed, he had a sinking feeling that these new-age live broadcasts were going to completely butcher and bury his traditional print newspapers.
There was no time to wallow in self-pity, though. Morgans instantly resolved to throw himself onto this runaway train before it left him behind. He couldn't help but curse under his breath—that bastard Bai Ye was completely ruthless! Last time, Morgans had practically run a full-scale public relations campaign for him, yet this time, Bai Ye hadn't even given him a courtesy heads-up about launching a global livestream!
Whatever. I need that engagement! Morgans thought frantically. He was, after all, a total traffic junkie.
Frankly, he didn't care what the hell the "Drums of Liberation" actually meant. The sheer image of Bai Ye waging a one-man war against the absolute peak of the World Government's military force was a golden goose. This scoop alone would bring in enough profit to bury him in gold.
He... he should be able to win, right? Morgans swallowed hard, staring at the sheer volume of Marine battleships and top-tier officers surrounding the plaza.
No... facing a legendary vanguard like that all at once... there's no way he survives this, right?!
---
Want to read 40+ chapters ahead? Join my Patreon! Want to read 10 FREE chapters ahead? Join as a free member!
patreon.com/Rogue_Reader