92 The Five Elders' Doubts
A/N: If you want to see more chapters and support my work, go to my Patre@n to see more chapters ahead.
You can see more chapters ahead of everyone on my Patre@n:
WWW.patre@n.com/RK98
------------------------------
As Brontes remained confined within the walls of Impel Down, the world outside was already in a state of unrest.
The day's newspaper had been distributed far and wide across the seas, and countless individuals had eagerly grabbed their copies.
The front page was adorned with the photographs of seven figures, each one a pirate of considerable repute.
The headline that screamed for attention announced the formation of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, the Shichibukai!
Displayed prominently were the faces of these seven pirates.
Among them were the renowned "Hawkeye" Mihawk, a swordsman without equal, and Jinbe, the Knight of the Sea. Both had now joined the ranks of the Shichibukai.
The paper also highlighted the infamous Donquixote Doflamingo from the North Blue and the formidable Tyrant Bartholomew Kuma. These were men whose names alone commanded respect and fear.
The lineup was formidable indeed, with Crocodile, who had dared to challenge the mighty Whitebeard, and Moria, who had taken on Kaido, also joining as Shichibukai.
The power they represented was undeniable. And then there was the stunning Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock.
Someone lamented never having acquired her bounty poster, for now that she had become a Shichibukai, her wanted status would surely be withdrawn. Regret tinged their words, wishing they had seized the opportunity when it was available.
The official recognition of the Seven Shichibukai had sent shockwaves through the seas.
The most significant change was the legalization of these pirates' actions. From this point forward, these seven were no longer mere pirates; they were now legally allowed to engage in their plundering ways.
...
In the New World, within the territory of Whitebeard.
"Hm, the Seven Shichibukai System... Why would the World Government and the Marines make such a foolish decision? Did living for so long turned the Five Elders into idiots? Can't they foresee the danger their decision poses to innocent lives?" Whitebeard mused aloud after perusing the newspaper, then casually tossed it aside and took a hearty gulp from his jug.
"Old man, I'm also at a loss. Why would the World Government take such a step? But what's truly baffling is why they would reassign Ragnarok from his Admiral position to guard Mariejois instead?" Marco, picking up the discarded newspaper, as in a confused voice.
"Yes, pops, as much as I hate to admit it, Admiral Ragnarok's presence in the New World meant everything was in order. But since he's been gone, chaos has returned." Jozu added, nodding in agreement.
"It's because his presence brought peace to the New World, which must have threatened the World Government's interests. So, they moved him to Mariejois to keep him under their control. Such a waste of his talents." Whitebeard explained, then he shook his head.
...
In the territory of the Red-Hair Pirates, a different conversation unfolded.
"These are uprising pirates from our time, yet aside from us, none have truly made their mark in the New World." Beckman said nonchalantly, glancing at the newspaper.
"Who will emerge victorious? There's no clear answer now; only time will tell." Shanks said, his voice carrying a hint of a smile.
.....
Big Mom Pirates' Territory
The news of the Seven Shichibukai's establishment had reached the Big Mom Pirates, and it was those seven who had been chosen.
Looking at the newspaper, Katakuri said: "Apart from Hawkeye, who is worth our attention, the rest don't seem very impressive. They're not even on the same level as Smoothie."
Perospero approached Big Mom and asked: "Mama, now that Ragnarok has left the New World and it's unlikely, he'll return soon, should we..."
Big Mom pondered for a moment before responding: "Even though he's gone, Akainu and Kizaru are still around in the New World. We'll keep things as they are for now. But let's make sure our flags are flying over the islands we've taken. We can make a good profit from those territories."
...
Beasts Pirates' Territory
Kaido was in high spirits: "Joker has secured his place among the Seven Shichibukai. How are the preparations for the factory and the weapons coming along?"
A hefty man beside Kaido assured him: " Kaido-sama, everything is set up. We're just waiting for Joker to make his move into the New World."
...
As the world was still reacting to the Shichibukai news, Brontes finished his time in Impel Down and made his way back to Mariejois.
He had thought he'd have a break from trouble after leaving Marineford and until the Summit War, but he soon realized that the World Nobles were a constant source of troubles.
"Those damn fools." Brontes muttered, frowning upon hearing the latest news.
His assistant, taken aback by his words, glanced around anxiously, worried that someone might overhear.
"Sir, please be careful with your words. The Five Elders have requested your presence." The assistant whispered to Brontes.
"It's fine." Brontes said as he stood, and the assistant draped a white coat over his shoulders.
It hadn't been long since the last incident, and now the World Nobles were stirring up trouble again.
Upon reaching the office of the Five Elders, Brontes didn't hesitate to push the door open and enter.
"You're becoming more and more disrespectful." One of the Elders remarked coldly as Brontes walked in.
"Let's not dwell on that. Rules are lifeless, and by now, you should be somewhat accustomed to how I am." Brontes responded nonchalantly.
The Five Elders didn't bother arguing with Brontes; they knew it was useless.
They might claim that the Marines were mere underlings of the World Government in front of other marines, but not in front of Brontes, especially not here in Mariejois, where angering him could have catastrophic end.
The Elder wearing a hat spoke up: "Saint Mjosgard left Mariejois in secret, went to the Sabaody Archipelago, and from there, he set off for Fish-Man Island."
Brontes frowned, clearly displeased: "They should just stay put and be their own figureheads. The sea is no place for their games."
"That's enough, Brontes. This concerns the safety of a World Noble. You can't be rash. Go and see if you can intercept him. Hopefully, you can reach Fish-Man Island in time to ensure his safety." the Elder with long hair and a beard said sternly.
"Fine, I'll take care of it. But this is the last time. If they go off on their own again without informing me and something happens, don't expect me to help. I can't be responsible for saving them if they're going to be reckless every single time." Brontes said firmly.
"We understand. We'll speak with the World Nobles and make sure you're kept in the loop about their movements." The Five Elders agreed, accepting Brontes's request.
Brontes gave the Five Elders a silent look, then walked past his assistant. Without stopping, he instructed: "Start the coating process on a marine warship at Sabaody Archipelago. We need it done quickly; the Ark Maxim won't make it in time."
"Understood, sir!" The assistant responded promptly, moving to relay the orders to the marines stationed at Sabaody Archipelago to prepare the warship for departure.
...
Once Brontes had left the room, silence fell over the office of the Five Elders. It was the bald elder with the large beard who finally broke the quiet: "He's getting out of control. I'm concerned that we might not be able to manage him in the future."
"He's shown considerable restraint after we removed him from his marine position. Despite his calm demeanor, I suspect he harbors deep resentment towards us." Said the blond-haired elder with a sneer.
The elder with the black hat, looking thoughtful, brought up another point: "What intrigues me is Brontes's appearance. He's around 35 years old, yet he looks no different than he did at 25."
"Yes, it's peculiar. It's as if time has stopped for him, much like it has for us." The elder with the sword agreed, nodding.
"No, he's not like us." The long-haired and bearded elder interjected.
A sign of frustration appeared on their faces, the the elder with the sword said angrily: "What exactly did he and Vegapunk work on at Punk Hazard? Damn! It's infuriating that only Vegapunk and he know what happened there, especially after Brontes took over the SSG at that time."
"He's growing stronger by the day. He's even more formidable than he was last month. He's like a monster wearing a human skin." The bald elder with the big beard observed.
"We can't let him return to the Marine. It's better he remains here in Mariejois with the title of Fleet-Admiral." The elder with the black hat suggested.
"We must not forget his influence and standing within the Marines." Another elder added.
"Let's just hope he doesn't act recklessly." They concluded.
Unbeknownst to the Five Elders, their conversation did not remain private. In Mariejois, Brontes's advanced hearing capabilities meant that nothing could escape his notice. Every secret, every daily exchange within the walls of the holy land was electromagnetically recorded and heard by Brontes.
