-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you want to read advanced chapters and support me at the same time, you can join my p@treon. I'm going to start uploading chapters of my two stories again, and if you have doubts about joining, you can try the trial mode—it's seven days of free reading.
I would say that at the latest next Saturday, the new chapters will be uploaded to p@treon, this week I finished with the chapters that are left in the draft of this novel, the ones for DImensional Wanderer are already finished so it's time to go back to editing and I'll leave the chapters scheduled for both novels so you don't think I disappeared again.
--------------------------------------------------
p@treon.com/TheAkashicRecords
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Without further ado, enjoy the chapter.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Let Onigumo check my strength?" With a smirk, Ethan dismissed the notion, "Sengoku, spare me the nonsense!"
"Fine, after dealing with Crocodile, I'll be in Alabasta waiting for the ghost spider."
"But don't take your time, it's a two-day window. Don't be late!"
Without hesitation, he disconnected the call before Sengoku could respond.
Tossing the Den Den Mushi aside, he traced a curve in the air, landing it neatly on Baccarat's table.
Then, he swiftly retrieved his blood-red sword and resumed training, undeterred.
Silence enveloped the room.
The abrupt end to the call left the girls stunned, Gazing blankly at Ethan's retreating figure, they felt a sense of awe wash over them.
Did he hang up like that?
His decisiveness was startling.
"Who would have thought," Carina commented with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "The captain dared to hang up on Sengoku… only he would have the audacity."
Perona, floating in the air, vigorously, her laughter echoing melodiously. "Exactly! The mighty Navy Marshal would probably be red in the face by now! Horohorohorohoro…"
Honey Queen shrugged, a wry smile on her lips. "The title of Shichibukai is no small matter. It's sure to cause a stir in the Grand Line."
Betty practiced her Devil Fruit ability with calm determination. "It's a strategic move. The balance of power will shift now that a new force has taken the reins."
Alvida agreed. "Indeed, the title carries weight. Only the strongest among pirates not counting emperors can hold it."
"It's so manly and cool!" —Carmen fainted, her eyes shining—. "Becoming a Shichibukai suits the captain perfectly."
Princess Vivi, brushing her blue locks, wore a thoughtful expression. "Among all the pirates in the world, few are worthy of that title. Ethan, stepping into Crocodile's shoes, changes everything."
Robin, lounging gracefully, chimed in with a knowing smile. "It's an important role. The Shichibukai are meant to maintain a delicate balance between order and chaos."
"But let's not forget," she added, "that becoming a Shichibukai means facing constant scrutiny. It's both a privilege and a burden."
"I'd love to see how the Marines react to this. Sengoku's reaction must be invaluable."
Reiju, frowning slightly, voiced her concerns. "Isn't it risky to hang up on the Marine Marshal?"
"After all, the Shichibukai are pirates under the yoke of the World Government. Couldn't this backfire?"
"Who knows if we'll attract unwanted attention because of that?"
Baccarat, serene and elegant, reassured them with a pat on her jade hand. "Don't worry. He knows what he's doing and it benefits us for our plans and I don't think they'll deny Ethan the position."
"Besides, this title is more than just a name. It's a symbol of power and influence granted by the World Government in which the Marines have no say. Let's trust Ethan's judgment and get started with our plans."
The girls agreed, acknowledging the importance of the Shichibukai title. Their trust in their captain was unwavering, knowing that any move he makes will cause waves in the sea but they are not worried as they are prepared for any challenge that comes their way.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval Headquarters, Marineford.
Inside the office, silence fell, the atmosphere heavy with foreboding.
Garp, first to react, slapped his desk, roaring with laughter. "Hanging up on Sengoku! Bwahahahaha..."
"Yo yo yo~~" Kizaru played dead, his mouth twisted in amusement. "Young people nowadays are truly something."
"Daring to hang up on the Marshal's call, terrifying!"
Akainu seethed, his anger palpable. "Damn pirates, insulting Marine's justice, unforgivable!"
Doberman's eyes gleamed with malice. "With Onigumo's speed, he'll reach Arabasta within two days."
"Damn Ethan, let's see how arrogant he remains. off to Impel Down with him!"
Aokiji yawned, speaking lazily. "Daring to hang up on Marshall Sengoku, his strength must exceed our expectations."
"Whether Onigumo can handle him remains to be seen."
Momonga frowned, his tone grave. "If Onigumo can't subdue him, making him a Shichibukai isn't unreasonable."
"His strength at such a young age will play a significant role in restraining the Four Emperors."
Tokikake leaned back, crossing his legs. "Sending Onigumo is the safest solution."
"Replacing a Shichibukai is no small matter and would cause a stir."
Tsuru interjected, his voice commanding attention. "Allow me to share my analysis."
The room fell silent, all eyes turning to Staff Officer He, awaiting his words with reverence.
Tsuru spoke decisively, "From Ethan's conversation, it's clear he's extremely powerful and confident."
"His decision to await the ghost spider in Alabasta speaks volumes about his confidence."
"Combined with his demeanor, we may have underestimated his experience."
Tsuru sighed, acknowledging, "If my predictions hold, Ethan's strength rivals the Onigumo's."
"Onigumo's mission is doomed to fail this time."
Shock reverberated through the room.
Garp, still boisterous, chuckled."That he can handle an elite vice admiral despite not having been at sea for long. Young people these days are something special!"
Sakazuki, firm as ever, disagreed. "I know Onigumo's strength. Ethan can be subdued."
"Tsuru analyses are usually accurate, but not this time," Doberman said, puzzled. "Onigumo is a formidable opponent."
"This situation is more complex than anticipated."
Yamakaji, serene, affirmed Tsuru's analysis. "If Staff Officer Tsuru says so, it must be right."
"Let the higher-ups decide."
Aokiji, nonchalant, remarked, "Ethan is quite the troublemaker."
Sengoku rapped the desk, his voice commanding attention. "I'll report the situation next."
"The meeting is adjourned!"
The generals filed out, Momousagi reflecting, "Ethan has certainly caught the Five Elders' attention."
"He's making waves, and it's time for me to do the same."
"I must recruit potential Marines, build my team, and prepare for the Admiral Position."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Holy Land, Mariejois.
The air was fresh in a spacious palace, and sunlight streaming in illuminated the luxurious decor, exuding nobility and elegance.
Inside, five men sat, the highest leaders of the World Government— the Five Elders.
"The sea has been calm for too long. It's time to stir things up."
Saint Sheperd Ju Peter lounged on a sofa, legs crossed, casually flipping through documents. "For someone so young, his insight is impressive. If left unchecked, he might rise to the level of the Four Emperors."
"Let the Marines pursue him relentlessly, leaving no room for error."
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro gripped a sword, his tone was serious. "He's just a newcomer, hardly worth our concern."
"It's always the D's causing trouble. Others are merely temporary nuisances, not worth fretting over." Saint Marcus Mars laid documents on the table, expression blank. "No need to make a fuss."
"We've ruled for ages. Many talented youths have emerged, yet none posed a threat to our authority."
"Unless they're a D, they're inconsequential."
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn leaned back, arms with his arms folded. "History shows only the Ds can challenge us. Others are mere annoyances."
"Rocks, Roger—all Ds."
"Only they pose a threat." Saint Topman Warcury gazed out the window. "Let's focus on the Shichibukai for now."
"Tsuru's analysis is sound. Crocodile's replacement is inevitable."
"If we change Shichibukai, chaos will ensue. Pirates will vie for the position, destabilizing the sea."
"The throne's allure is too great. It mustn't be moved."
Ju peter paced, voice low. "The sea's been too calm. Time for some excitement."
"Replacing Crocodile will provoke pirates, keeping them occupied."
"The Shichibukai's allure ensures chaos. Marine won't need to intervene."
Nusjuro, still holding the sword, spoke solemnly. "Strength rules the seas. If Crocodile falls, he's unworthy."
"The Shichibukai deter the Four Emperors. Weakness must be replaced."
"Marine's dominance is unassailable. A little chaos won't harm us." The bearded Elder glanced down, with a soft voice.
"A calm sea favors our rule."
"Upsetting the balance spells trouble."
"Shichibukai's are replaceable." Saint Jaygarcia Saturn dismissed Ethan as a rookie.
"He can't upset the balance alone."
"Only the Ds matter."
"Ethan isn't a threat." Warcury sided with the majority.
"Though I disagree, majority rules." Mars agreed.
"Three in favor ends the discussion." Ju Peter hoped Ethan proved resilient.
"Entering our radar is an achievement."
"Let's hope he's not easily dispatched." Nusjuro doubted Ethan's durability.
"Conqueror's Haki won't save him."
"Potential seeds don't perish easily. Saturn dismissed Ethan.
"He's inconsequential." The Five Elders moved on, unfazed by Ethan's presence.
After all, they'd seen it all, and a young upstart hardly caught their attention.
----------------------------------------------------
Titles of the next chapters. (Spoilers)
----------------------------------------------------
----
----
----
----
----
----
110-111: Dorry and Broggy Appear!!
112-113: The Black Sun Pirates Arrive at Arabasta.
114-115: Black Sun Pirates vs Crocodile.