Broccoli Island, Chris Kingdom.
It's been a day since Atlas triumphed over Big Mom. Atlas guided the Marines to thoroughly search every part of the island repeatedly, ensuring that all pirates in the entire kingdom were eliminated.
With Atlas's haki spreading across the entire island, no pirate can evade the search.
Even though his perception lacks Issho's unique skill of sensing others' ill intentions, he still possesses the fundamental ability to detect the essence of life.
Under the systematic leadership of the new king, Andrew, and with the assistance of the Marines, the reconstruction of the kingdom is in full swing.
Atlas effortlessly handles heavy objects or clears collapsed houses using the rooster talisman ability.
The damage to the kingdom's buildings wasn't severe, thanks to Atlas's careful management of the post-war situation. Otherwise, the sole expense of reconstruction after the war could have been enough to further burden this already struggling country.
In summary, everything is progressing positively.
With nothing specific to attend to, Atlas strolled aimlessly through the streets.
It's a stark contrast to when I initially arrived on the island.
Now, the streets are bustling with civilians wearing happy smiles, busy repairing houses and carrying tools in their hands.
There was a palpable sense of excitement all around.
As Atlas walked in, many people instinctively paused their work to greet him warmly. Some were even eager to introduce their daughters to him.
"Vice Admiral Hakuryu, thank you so much for saving our country!"
"Vice Admiral Hakuryu, our Kingdom of Chris will forever cherish your kindness!"
"Your Majesty Vice Admiral, we have some eggs at home; allow me to offer them as a token of gratitude."
"Yes, Vice Admiral Hakuryu, are you married? My daughter..."
For them, Atlas is the savior who rescued them from dire straits. In this moment, they can only convey their humble gratitude in the simplest manner.
Confronted by the growing crowd, Atlas offered a slightly awkward yet polite smile, waved to everyone, and hastily made his exit, exclaiming that he couldn't handle the attention.
The uncle insisting on introducing his daughter nearly thrust her into his arms!
Phew~
After politely excusing himself from the enthusiastic crowd and departing from the civilian streets, Atlas headed straight to the palace hall.
In the meantime, Andrew had swapped into lavish attire, wielding a scepter in his right hand, a stark contrast to his usual demeanor. His entire demeanor had undergone a significant transformation, with a hint of composure now visible in his eyebrows.
After all, he has been groomed in aristocratic education since childhood. Now, as the reigning king of a country, he bears the weighty responsibility that requires him to maintain a facade of composure even if he feels unrest within.
"Mr. Atlas, thank you for saving this country!"
Observing Atlas entering through the palace gate, Andrew bent his knees, eager to express his profound gratitude with a grand gesture.
"Eh? You're the king of a country that's part of the World Government. It wouldn't be right for me, a Marine, to receive a king's kneeling gesture."
Observing this, Atlas promptly raised Andrew to his feet and even quipped, "If someone catches wind of this and complains, I might have trouble eating and walking away."
"Huh? I sincerely apologize; I didn't consider your position!"
Andrew, compelled to stand upright, immediately blushed and offered repeated apologies.
"Okay, it was just a joke, but you should be more cautious in public going forward. After all, you represent the image of the Kingdom of Chris," Atlas advised earnestly.
Even though Andrew is still young, as the king of the Kingdom of Chris, maturity and stability will be essential attributes for him in the future.
"Okay, thank you for your guidance," Andrew responded appreciatively.
Andrew responded once more, lacking the slightest hint of the arrogance one might expect from a king.
"So, Mr. Atlas, are you planning to leave the Kingdom of Chris this time?"
"No, I think it's best for me to remain on Broccoli Island for a few more days until news spreads about what transpired here. Otherwise, the pirates drawn by Pizarro before might converge here," Atlas explained.
Atlas shook his head in disagreement.
Pizarro had control over the Kingdom of Chris for a while, and his aspirations to establish a pirate kingdom were widely known. Many pirates might still be unaware of the current situation on this island. The upcoming days pose uncertainty, and there's a chance that some uninformed pirates might arrive.
He decided to stay here, settling the matter once and for all.
Knock Knock Knock Knock! !
Suddenly, a series of brisk footsteps echoed outside the palace hall. A Marine hurriedly entered with an urgent expression.
"Reporting to His Excellency Vice Admiral, Vice Admiral Akainu has arrived at the port!"
Atlas was taken aback.
So soon? He had anticipated it would take a few more days.
"Alright, I got it. I'll head to the port first, Your Majesty Andrew!"
After a wave and a brief apology to Andrew, Atlas turned around and swiftly made his way towards the port.
...…..
At the port, a warship bearing the inscription 'G-7' was docked beside Atlas's warship.
On board, Sakazuki stood on the deck, observing the bustling activity on the port. He couldn't help but clench his fists and pound heavily on the railing.
"It looks like Charlotte Linlin has been ousted. I arrived just a bit too late. Damn it!"
"There's nothing we can do about it. Why did our intelligence get leaked?" Atlas remarked as he descended from the sky next to Akainu.
"That person from Big Mom knew beforehand that you were on your way, so he evacuated in time."
"You're aware I can't handle her alone."
"Information leaked!?" Akainu's eyes narrowed, catching the crucial words in Atlas's statement.
"Yeah, it appears to be a woman named Stussy," Atlas nonchalantly employed the same language he had used to deceive Sengoku before.
"Stussy, Stussy..."
Akainu couldn't help but mutter Stussy's name, a powerful murderous intent evident in his eyes. Lava surged out of his tightly clenched fists, dripping onto the deck and instantly turning a substantial portion of it into black ash.
"Sakazuki Vice Admiral, please calm down"
The Onigumo on the side couldn't resist offering a reminder.
The upkeep of warships is funded through allocations within their respective bases!
"Then, what are your plans for the next period here?" Akainu inquired once he had regained composure.
"No worries. A bunch of pirates is expected to show up here," Atlas replied. "And I'm taking responsibility for rounding them all up right here!"
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