At the outskirts of paradise, several Marine Vice Admirals approached Ron with evident fear in their eyes, sensing the overwhelming and inexplicable chill radiating from his body—something formidable even against the Four Emperors and the Rocks.
Ron spoke softly, "Do you still wish to proceed? If not, just blink."
In response, Marine officials led by Sengoku blinked frantically.
"Kind of interesting," Ron smiled before drawing back his power. In an instant, the suppressed energy dissipated as if it had never existed.
In those brief ten seconds, the Marine officials found themselves drenched in cold sweat, now bowing down and catching their breath, their faces that were once filled with fighting spirit now reflecting relief.
They knew that if Ron had acted just now, none of them would have survived. Marine Headquarters would have lost a significant portion of its backbone, plunging the seas into a dark age.
However, a dissatisfied look from a stylish individual wearing sunglasses was cast in Ron's direction.
Why not finish them all off? Especially Akainu, that butcher... Injuries are fine; I can always go and patch things up with a sword.
"Who is this man?" Hancock asked softly, summoning Ron forcibly.
"He~" Kizaru raised his eyebrows. "He's a tavern owner, a decent citizen with a touch of mischief, nothing more."
True, if today's incident hadn't occurred, and the Celestial Dragons hadn't been killed, Ron might have been considered a virtuous individual.
Hancock nodded slightly, then fell into contemplative silence.
her beautiful eyes remained fixed on the deceased Celestial Dragons, a subtle flash of murderous intent crossing her face, as if she yearned to rectify the situation.
Several minutes later, once Sengoku had recovered from the earlier pressure, he questioned Ron, "What the hell are you planning?"
Ron smiled and replied, "You misunderstand, Mr. Sengoku. I gave you the choice from the beginning—whether to engage in war or negotiate. I didn't take any action just now; I merely offered you an opportunity."
Sengoku's expression darkened. Had Ron suggested letting the Celestial Dragons perish without reason? And now, with Kizaru and Akainu playing dead, who would dare to fight a war?
After contemplating for a moment, Sengoku spoke in a deep voice, "Negotiation, huh... What you can't achieve on the battlefield, don't expect to attain through negotiation. The Five Elders want your life; can that be negotiated?"
Ron nodded, "No, you're mistaken again. Negotiation, as I mentioned, means I propose, and you agree. It's simple. If you disagree, I don't mind dismantling the World Government right now."
In the midst of this, a stylish individual couldn't help but scream in his heart, urging Sengoku not to agree, not to agree, not to agree! Destroying the World Government and such is all just a bluff. Ron is just a paper tiger. Truly, believe me, confront Ron and be brave!
Sengoku found himself in a quandary. If he agreed to Ron's "negotiation," it would deal a significant blow to the Marines. However, opting for war would result in losses that Marine couldn't afford.
Sengoku deliberated and said slowly, "Discussing this with the Five Elders is not a decision I can make on my own."
Ron nodded, "Alright, but time is running out."
"By the way, let me remind you," Ron added, "Tell the Five Elders, do you still remember that your minds were spied on a few days ago?"
In the days prior, Guysha had explored this world, delving into the hearts of everyone in the pirate world. Now, this information could be brought to light to serve as a warning to the World Government. The extent of this revelation would depend on whether Guysha could probe into Im's heart.
Upon hearing these words, everyone present was shocked. Fearful eyes were exchanged among the Marine officials. Death might not be the most dreadful prospect; it was the intrusion into their deepest secrets that terrified them. The thought of having one's innocence laid bare in this world was more unsettling than the prospect of shattered bones.
Sengoku nodded, activating the carousel and resuming his seat.
[What's dad's dad's name...] Cheerful music played, covering the process of the call, yet it failed to mask Sengoku's changing expressions—from gravity to anxiety, and finally, from shock to disbelief.
A few minutes later, the music ceased, and Sengoku, suppressing his inner excitement, spoke with a trembling voice, "The Five Elders have declared they will not pursue the case. They grant you any requests you might have. Finally, they disclosed who is coming to your tavern."
In the midst of explaining, Sengoku corrected himself, "It's not a visit; it's an inquiry..."
Upon hearing this, a certain handsome boy's face turned extremely gloomy.
Waste! Why not dare to stand up against Ron? Compared to Doflamingo's ineffective rage, Marine was profoundly stunned. Is this really the resolution?
Celestial Dragons were the ones who perished! If it were anyone else, not only would ancestral graves be disturbed, but home eggs would also be shaken to make them yellow...
Ron smiled, "Quite sensible."
"After this war is over, come to the tavern to negotiate terms," Ron stated. Sengoku nodded and tentatively asked, "What are our actions now?"
"You can do whatever you want. It has nothing to do with me from now on," Ron replied, waving his hand. His purpose here was to address the issues arising from killing Celestial Dragons. As for Ace, it pertained more to Rayleigh's involvement.
Sengoku's expression brightened, and he promptly issued the order, "Send the order down. Capture Blackbeard and Ace immediately!" The Marine officials echoed in unison, "Yes!"
As the command was given, Marine Vice Admirals took the lead, followed by countless soldiers advancing toward the park's center.
Suddenly, Blackbeard's figure hurtled from a distance, colliding with numerous structures and trees within paradise before finally crashing into the carousel facility.
Before Marine could react, Rayleigh, wielding a longsword stained with blood, approached with murderous intent in his eyes. Soon after, two colossal figures descended from the sky—astonishingly, Shendu and Drago fought together.
Of course, Shendu still cradled Ace under his arm, adhering to Rayleigh's instructions.
"Old man, finding the soft-hearted spray amusing, aren't you? Practicing mercy, eh? I rejected your idea today," Drago taunted, lifting a foot crackling with electric arcs and stamping forcefully on Shendu's vulnerable spot.
"Rebellion, do you truly intend to kill your father?" Shendu swiftly moved Ace to safety and responded with two "Electric Eyes."
Chaos ensued on the scene, with everyone gaping at the two monsters and the windswept Ace. Sengoku stood stunned, his face twitching, and he muttered, "What's the situation?"