Author: Xiao Yifeng
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
In the solemn hall of Mary Geoise, the conversation among the world's most influential figures progresses. The elder in the dark blue suit reiterates his earlier point, emphasizing the manageability of King Cobra's requests. "Indeed, the demands laid out by Cobra aren't overly troublesome for us to address," he affirms, indicating a willingness to consider Cobra's proposals.
Another member of the council, clad in a distinguished dark red suit, his blond hair and beard framing a notable scar on his chest, joins the discourse. He appears somewhat younger than his counterparts. With a contemplative look, he addresses the group, "Indeed, we can accommodate Cobra's request."
His focus then shifts to the more pressing matter at hand. "What requires our immediate attention now are the repercussions stemming from the recent events in Alabasta," he states, underscoring the importance of the situation. "While the fate of those pirates involved is of little consequence to us, the vacancy in the Warlords of the Sea cannot be left unfilled."
The blond elder concludes his point with a cold snort, emphasizing the gravity of the situation, "The seas demand a balance." His words underscore the need for stability and order, reflecting the World Government's commitment to maintaining the delicate equilibrium of power across the oceans.
In the eyes of the World Government, the number of pirates roaming the seas isn't a primary concern. In fact, the presence of pirates can be beneficial to them. When ordinary people feel threatened by pirates, they naturally seek protection from the World Government, which, in turn, allows the government to strengthen its control and collect substantial taxes.
However, the World Government is wary of pirates becoming too powerful. If pirates amass significant power, they might shift their focus from attacking ordinary citizens to challenging the ruling elite, a scenario the World Government is keen to avoid. Hence, they prefer not to engage directly with the formidable pirates of the New World. The treacherous second half of the Grand Line, with its harsh conditions, serves as a battleground where powerful pirates can weaken each other.
The establishment of the Warlords of the Sea is a strategic move by the World Government. These "legal" pirates, an ironic title indeed, serve as valuable tools for the government. They provide assistance during major upheavals involving the Four Emperors or in special wartime situations, helping to keep the pirates in the New World in check. Additionally, these Warlords execute tasks for the World Government, actions that might be considered morally questionable. In return, they receive official sanction to continue their piratical activities, a small price for the government to pay for such utility.
Maintaining this delicate balance is crucial for the World Government, as it stabilizes the dominion of the Celestial Dragons. The overarching goal is always to keep the seas balanced, ensuring the uninterrupted reign of the ruling class. The number of lives lost in the pursuit of this "balance" is of little consequence to the Celestial Dragons, whose focus remains on preserving their power and control.
In the meeting room, a distinguished old man who stood out from the others for not wearing a suit raised a crucial point. Unlike his companions, he was clad in a white robe, his head bald and glasses perched on his nose. Holding a valuable sword in his hand, he expressed his concern with a sense of urgency:
"We have another pressing issue, related to the navy's role in recent events. Crocodile's ambitious plot to usurp a country was foiled, not by the navy, but by a group of pirates. This situation has significantly overshadowed the navy's role in maintaining order."
The old man's frustration was palpable as he struck the floor with his sword, emphasizing his point:
"It's disappointing! The navy should have been at the forefront, but now they're barely a footnote in this saga. It's quite a blow to our prestige."
The navy's minimal involvement in the Alabasta incident had become a subject of widespread criticism. Governments from around the world, all part of the World Government, had voiced their discontent. There were calls not just against the Warlord system but also a lack of confidence in the navy's effectiveness. Some nations even used this as leverage to demand lower taxes, arguing that if the navy's role was merely to transport a pirate, such extensive funding was unnecessary.
The old man in the white robe continued, outlining the core issue:
"At the end of the day, it's not just about upholding justice. It's about maintaining the delicate balance of power in the seas and ensuring the steady flow of heavenly tribute from our member nations. Our focus should be on rectifying this situation swiftly."
The final member of the Five Elders, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. He was dressed in a dark green suit, his face adorned with a two-stroke beard and a prominent birthmark on his forehead:
"Let's find a replacement for Crocodile without delay. As for the navy, a slight reprimand will suffice. I trust Sengoku to handle the matter appropriately."
With those decisive words, the group concluded their discussion on an issue that had stirred the entire world.
One of the Five Elders, distinguished by his blond hair, spoke with a deep and authoritative voice:
"What should we do about these emerging rookie pirates?" He asked, scrutinizing the detailed reports on the Straw Hat Pirates compiled by the CP department. "Their recent actions have certainly put the navy in an awkward position."
Another elder, notable for his baldness, scanned the information about Monkey D. Luffy, his tone tinged with annoyance:
"Monkey D. Luffy...isn't he related to Garp?"
The elder with the long beard interjected, clarifying the connection:
"Yes, he's Garp's grandson."
He then made a suggestion:
"Let's have Garp deal with this matter personally. They're just rookies, after all. Even with Crocodile's defeat, they're not significant enough to disrupt the sea's balance."
As they continued, the curly-haired elder presented a photo of Bai Ye, raising a concern:
"This one managed to overpower a vice admiral, nearly causing a fatality. If he's allowed to grow stronger, he could become a real problem..."
However, the mustachioed elder cut in, offering a different perspective:
"Intelligence suggests he might be dead, likely having pushed his limits too far. Let's worry about their potential growth if and when they reach Sabaody Archipelago. After this incident, it's likely the navy will increase their bounties."
He then shifted the focus of the discussion:
"Besides, we're currently stretched thin in resources, as per the latest CP department updates. And there's another pressing issue – the rumored meeting between Red-Haired Shanks and Whitebeard."
This revelation noticeably altered the mood in the room. A potential meeting between two of the Four Emperors could significantly impact the entire maritime world.
In light of this, the Straw Hat group's importance diminished in their eyes. The reports on Bai Ye and Luffy were casually set aside, deemed secondary to the more pressing concerns at hand.
-----
A few days had passed, and within the walls of the Navy Headquarters, specifically in the Admiral's office, Sengoku, the seasoned leader, sat pensively. His gaze was fixed on a set of bounty orders laid out before him. The weight of decision-making was evident in his demeanor. After a prolonged period of contemplation, he finally lifted his head, his expression resolute.
Facing Ripper, who stood attentively across from him, Sengoku issued his directive with a firm tone: "Proceed with issuing these bounties as they are."
"Sir, Yes sir!" Ripper responded with a crisp salute, taking the bounty orders in his hands and departing from the Admiral's office.
As he walked through the corridors of the headquarters, Ripper found his thoughts drifting to Bai Ye. This was the man who not only saved his hometown but had also played a pivotal role in saving an entire nation. A sense of curiosity and wonderment filled his mind as he pondered Bai Ye's motivations and intentions.
Musing to himself, a hint of admiration and inquiry in his voice, Ripper whispered:
"What are you really after, Mr. Bai Ye?"
-----
In the grand halls of the Alabasta Palace, Bai Ye presented a surprise to Princess Vivi, who clasped her hand over her mouth in astonishment. A warm smile spread across Bai Ye's face as he said, "I've brought a special gift just for you, Vivi."
Tears welled in Vivi's eyes as she gazed at the item resting in Bai Ye's outstretched palm. It was a pair of exquisitely crafted earrings, delicate yet imbued with hidden strength. Bai Ye continued, his voice gentle, "I remembered that you use a pair of rings as your weapon, so I thought these would be perfect for you. They're not only elegant as jewelry but also formidable in battle. These earrings are as sharp as any sword and have the added ability to harness the element of fire. They can also be used to..."
His words trailed off as Vivi, overwhelmed with emotion, enveloped him in a heartfelt embrace. "Thank you, Bai Ye!" she whispered, her voice soft but filled with gratitude. Nestled in Bai Ye's arms, Vivi expressed her heartfelt thanks, "Thank you for considering me a friend."