Above Delta Island, high amidst the clouds and mist, a colossal island ship emerged, its presence just the tip of the iceberg.
"It looks pretty impressive, doesn't it?" remarked Atlas.
With a slow, deliberate movement, Atlas removed the sea-blue telescope from his nose and handed it to Smoker before descending from the ship's bow.
Even with his heightened senses and finely-tuned physique, trying to make out the details of the island below from such a lofty vantage point proved challenging.
Unless you possessed the rare ability bestowed by a Devil Fruit, transforming you into a human telescope, it was near impossible to perceive the scene clearly from up here.
Perhaps upon reaching the point of awakening, one might gain the ability to peer into people's hearts or perceive things from different perspectives.
"Have all the pirates arrived?" Smoker inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"Probably not," replied Atlas. "Even though the event has been announced for two weeks, not all the pirates capable of reaching the New World will gather at Delta Island."
"But the Pirate Festival must go on as planned," Atlas continued. "They can't afford to take such a big risk for just a handful of pirates."
Kyros understood this well.
Although Buena Festa aimed to create a festival exclusively for pirates, bringing together every pirate in the New World was clearly an unrealistic goal.
Besides, considering the sheer number of pirates in the New World, navigating its vast expanses within just two weeks is no easy feat.
Furthermore, not all pirates place their trust in the so-called Eternal pose pointing to Raftel.
"Yes, even though there are plenty of pirates on the island already, more pirate ships keep arriving," noted Atlas as he walked over to a nearby wicker chair and reclined on it.
These pirates are merely individuals misled by Roger into a life at sea.
And his aim is to dispatch these pirates to their doom, all in pursuit of questioning Roger.
"How are the preparations for the Buster Call coming along?" Smoker inquired.
"The Vice Admiral have already been contacted. They're on their way according to the coordinates we provided. It shouldn't take more than a day or two," replied Atlas.
Smoker couldn't shake off the memory of a den den mushi he received two days prior. "Why did you turn down Marshal Sengoku's summons to the Shichibukai?" he asked.
"With the their assistance, even with a force like Bullet or a Sanko, we could compel them to comply."
"Hey, what makes you think the Shichibukai are reliable? The last time we called upon them to deal with Byrnndi World, hardly any of them responded. Do you still have faith in them?"
Upon hearing this, Atlas let out a scornful laugh.
If we truly aim to reassemble the Shichibukai, it's likely that even Jinbei won't respond to the call. There are likely numerous unresolved issues remaining in Fish-Man Island that demand his attention.
Furthermore, despite the abundance of pirates, the Buster Call arrangement alone should be sufficient to manage the situation.
"Then let's proceed with..."
Smoker leaned against the side of the boat and peered downwards.
Of course, he saw nothing.
Even with Atlas' Superman-like physique, his sight range wasn't that extensive.
Moreover, he felt powerless.
"Just wait until the so-called Treasure Hunting Conference kicks off. Bullet hasn't made an appearance yet," remarked Atlas.
While he could investigate through observation haki, Atlas had only heard of Bullet from others. He'd never laid eyes on him, making it impossible to recall his aura.
Nevertheless, he could still discern Bullet's whereabouts by the intensity of his life force.
Clank-Clank Fruit...
Grants the ability to restructure and merge all inorganic matter, then fuse with the wielder.
In simpler terms, with any inorganic substance in Bullet's grasp, he could rearrange and combine it at a molecular and atomic level, crafting anything from a stone machine gun to intricate structures.
Definitely one of the top Paramecia Devil Fruits, no doubt!
It seems this guy has even reached the point of awakening his Devil Fruit powers.
And his mastery of Conqueror's Haki is complete, though it's unclear just how proficient he is with it.
Could he be another individual on par with a Yonko?
But being labeled a Sea Emperor isn't solely about possessing the ability to dominate the seas.
The ability of his pirate crew to exert influence throughout the entire New World is undeniably a significant factor.
Atlas was unfamiliar with this man, but Zephyr mentioned him casually while teaching him about Haki.
This guy... his Haki is incredibly potent!
This level of power isn't just about individual strength; the sheer magnitude of it is downright terrifying!
Furthermore, the Bullet that Zephyr knew existed over ten years ago!
Atlas has also perused the Devil Fruit illustrated book.
This comprehensive record, held by the Marines, provides far more detailed information about Devil Fruits than what circulates among pirates.
It delves into the past and present lives of Devil Fruits, the evolution of their abilities under previous users, and more.
It's a testament to the immense strength of the Marines, owing to the vast resources accumulated by the World Government over 800 years.
'If only I could overcome the superior forces...'
It's undeniable that the World Government's longevity is a significant advantage.
The clandestine methods and resources they've amassed over the years are formidable. Dragon's efforts to recruit individuals and establish a revolutionary army may not be enough to overthrow such a deeply entrenched power.
.....
Black Spot Pirates.
Youmils and the crew, having just docked their pirate ship, eagerly disembarked and began surveying their surroundings.
"Captain, who do you reckon that is?"
The first mate subtly approached Youmils, wearing a mysterious expression as he discreetly pointed towards a tall figure amidst the crowd.
With his sleek, slicked-back hair and a fur coat that made him unmistakable, even from behind, an air of arrogance seemed to radiate from him.
"Crocodile?!" exclaimed Youmils, his pupils quivering as he let out a quiet breath.
However, he quickly realized he was overreacting and casually curled his lips.
"Isn't he just a failure who managed to escape Whitebeard's clutches by sheer luck?"
He had witnessed the battle that had sent shockwaves throughout the world, from start to finish.
If Crocodile hadn't been quick to retreat from the battlefield after being knocked aside by Whitebeard, he likely would've found himself back in Impel Down.
Of course, Youmils only dared to think this to himself.
He remained acutely aware of the vast strength gap between them.
After all, the initial purpose of establishing the Shichibukai was to maintain a balance of power against the Emperor of the Sea!
The target wasn't a newcomer like him, Youmils, who had just begun honing his armament haki skills and hadn't yet mastered his observation haku skills.
"Indeed, no man can resist the allure of the Pirate King's treasure, not even someone like him!"
Youmils lowered his gaze, silently grumbling to himself.
"Alright, let's just leave him be. While our goal may align this time, acquiring the Eternal Pose requires more than just sheer strength!"
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