Chapter 232: The Peace is Broken
As the strength of his subordinates grew, Charlotte's next plan was finally ready to unfold.
His round-the-world journey had been delayed for five or six years, but this year, it was finally happening.
The Poseidon, the Sea God—a ship that had taken nearly ten years to build—was successfully launched!
The vessel Charlotte had poured so much effort into was finally complete.
This also meant that Charlotte could finally embark on his long-awaited journey around the world.
After fifteen years in this world, Charlotte had remained mostly in the New World, only briefly sailing the Grand Line.
But there were still countless wonders and beautiful sights across this pirate world waiting to be explored.
The exclusive port of the Rockefeller Pirates buzzed with activity.
Teams of maids carried luggage aboard the Poseidon, while 500 swordsmen followed closely behind.
These were the elite forces accompanying Charlotte on his journey:
300 maids
500 warriors
"Boss! Are you really leaving?"
The captains of the Rockefeller Pirates stood at the port, looking at Charlotte with concern.
Charlotte turned around and met Carter's gaze—the man who had just spoken.
"Yes," Charlotte replied calmly.
"I've always had a dream of traveling around the world.
"Now that the ship is ready, it's time to chase that dream."
Charlotte stood with his hands behind his back, looking up at the 30-meter-high ship.
"But Boss," Carter continued in a deep voice, "what about Kami Island?
"What if some scoundrels attack us while you're gone?"
Carter's concern was genuine.
He didn't want Charlotte to leave.
The Rockefeller Pirates were in a period of rapid growth.
Their strength increased daily, all thanks to Charlotte's leadership.
Charlotte was the stabilizing force behind it all.
His reputation alone deterred countless enemies.
Without Charlotte, Kami Island would surely become a prime target.
"Don't we still have you?"
Charlotte patted Carter's shoulder reassuringly.
"I trust you.
"Under your leadership, Kami Island will continue to prosper."
Charlotte had complete faith in Carter.
After all, Carter was the first man to follow him—the oldest companion in his crew.
A native of Kami Island, Carter's loyalty was unwavering.
Hearing Charlotte's words, Carter sighed and stopped arguing.
"Don't worry. Nothing will happen.
"As long as I'm alive, no pirate will dare attack Kami Island.
"You'll only need to clean up the fools who can't recognize their own weakness.
"I believe in you."
Charlotte spoke with such certainty that Carter could only nod silently.
With the farewells done, Charlotte took Elena and the six other women aboard the Poseidon.
Following them were Esdeath and Caesar, along with their siblings.
This time, Charlotte was bringing his entire family.
The only ones left behind were the crew's senior cadres, tasked with defending Kami Island and the surrounding territories.
It was more than enough.
There was no need for further conquests.
"Let's go! Set sail!"
Charlotte's voice rang from the deck.
At his command, the navigators in the captain's cabin activated the ship.
The massive propellers began to turn.
Standing on the deck, Charlotte could feel the vibrations beneath his feet as electric energy surged through the ship.
As the Poseidon moved forward, Charlotte hoisted the Rockefeller Pirate Flag—
A skull, pierced by a long sword.
This was the feared emblem that struck terror into the hearts of New World pirates.
Charlotte had left Kami Island.
And the news spread like wildfire, thanks to the intelligence networks of various factions.
"Hahahaha!
"After staying home for so long, you're finally leaving your den?!"
For years, Shiki the Golden Lion had kept a close eye on Charlotte.
Why?
1. He had never given up on recruiting Charlotte.
2. He had nearly conquered the first half of the New World.
Except for some kingdoms near the Red Line, Shiki had complete control over the region.
But Shiki was no longer satisfied.
He now set his sights on the central New World—the richest and most powerful territories.
However, the center was considered the territory of the Rockefeller Pirates.
An open invasion would surely spark a catastrophic naval battle—perhaps even worse than the war four years ago.
Thus, Shiki hesitated.
But now, the news was clear:
Charlotte had left Kami Island, taking his family and children with him, leaving only the crew leaders behind.
Shiki immediately recalled the "ridiculous dream" Charlotte had mentioned six years ago:
"I want to travel around the world with my family."
Though Shiki had mocked the idea back then, he now smirked with satisfaction.
Charlotte's departure meant that Shiki could move freely.
"Give the order!
"All units, prepare yourselves!
"A massive operation is about to begin!"
Shiki stood at the center of his grand hall, surrounded by his elite commanders, who erupted into greedy laughter.
At the same time, the Navy Headquarters received the news.
"What's going on with this Charlotte?!
"Why did he suddenly leave the island?!"
Kong, the Fleet Admiral, frowned as he read the intelligence report.
Immediately, he summoned all the high-ranking naval officers.
For the past two years, the navy had focused mainly on suppressing the Roger Pirates, while maintaining strongholds along the Grand Line.
No major wars had broken out.
"Has his purpose been identified?"
Kong asked, looking toward Tsuru, the Navy's Chief of Staff.
"Not yet," Tsuru replied calmly.
"But based on previous intelligence, Charlotte had been building the fastest ship in the world.
"Now that the ship is complete, it seems he's finally setting out to sea."
"Setting out?" Kong frowned.
"Where is he going?"
The New World had grown increasingly unstable over the past two years:
Shiki the Golden Lion was extorting kingdoms for protection money.
Whitebeard was expanding his family, adopting countless "sons."
And now, Charlotte, the quietest of the three great pirates, was also on the move.
Kong's concern deepened.
How much chaos will this cause?
Will it undo the fragile peace we've managed to maintain?
No one could answer.
After a moment of tense silence, Kong gave the order:
"Send out a surveillance fleet!
"Track the Rockefeller Pirates from a distance.
"Report back immediately if there are any unusual movements!"
"Yes, sir!"
The surrounding generals saluted and rushed to execute the order.
Charlotte's departure had shaken the balance of power.
Every major force on the sea felt a ripple of unease.
For some, it was excitement.
For others, it was anxiety.
But for most, it was confusion.
From the moment he set sail, the peace of the New World was shattered.
And the first victims?
The pirates who had long wandered the central New World, restrained only by the fear of Charlotte's presence.
Now that the King had left his throne…
The vultures were circling.
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