The World Government indeed acts with little regard for face.
Numerous powerhouses across the sea can see through the tricks of the World Government.
It's nothing more than the World Government being unable to address the Konoha Pirates, first setting up Crocodile as a target, then knocking down this target to demonstrate the supposedly still strong power of the World Government.
Powerhouses who have long been lurking in the latter half of the Grand Line couldn't care less about Crocodile's fate and certainly wouldn't be intimidated by this trick of the World Government.
The World Government doesn't care about their attitude either.
The World Government's goal isn't to intimidate the true powerhouses of the sea; they're merely aiming to intimidate the multitude of ordinary Pirates.
Admiral Akainu personally led four Vice Admirals from Headquarters to chase Crocodile, this kind of lineup for capturing a mere former Seven Warlords of the Sea is indeed quite respectful.
"Still trying to escape?"
Akainu also carried a cigar in his mouth, looking displeased at Crocodile's little boat. His palm slowly turned into a mass of magma, suddenly punching toward the sky!
The next moment!
Countless lava stones rained down!
An instant later, a lava stone smashed through Crocodile's little boat!
Vice Admirals on other warships swiftly ordered their subordinates to coordinate with Akainu's assault; shells continuously bombarded Crocodile's ship, forcibly sinking that little boat directly!
Crocodile and Daz Bonez, both Devil Fruit Users, were captured at this moment, seized by this group of Navy!
Everything seemed like a play...
The World Government issued the highest bounty for Crocodile, and the Navy promptly apprehended this former Seven Warlords of the Sea...
"Just as expected from Admiral Sakazuki..."
A group of Vice Admirals watched Akainu standing lightly at the bow of the ship, showing a trace of reverence on their faces. After all, Akainu's unyielding sense of justice is admired by the Navy who abhors evil.
"Just going through the motions..."
Akainu bit down on his cigar, nonchalantly watching a group of Navy retrieve Crocodile, feeling somewhat displeased: "Allowing that dangerous Pirate crew to continue sailing the seas, rather than capturing a waste like Crocodile..."
"Crocodile is also an extremely dangerous Pirate after all..."
Akainu's adjutant stood beside him, explaining softly: "The major incident in Alabasta was manipulated by Crocodile single-handedly, the Konoha Pirates were also one of his exploited pawns..."
"First, let's imprison them in Impel Down!"
Akainu shook his head, showing little concern for capturing a Sand Crocodile: "Hm, one Crocodile can't make them understand the unreliability of the Seven Warlords of the Sea?"
Akainu himself was not inclined to leave any survivors.
However, regardless of whether it's the Five Elders or the Navy Admiral, they all required him to leave survivors, even preventing him from allowing Crocodile any life-threatening harm before being sent to Impel Down.
"Seven Warlords of the Sea..."
Akainu's gaze flashed with a sharp killing intent as he looked at Crocodile being fished up with a net: "Absolute justice does not accommodate any Pirates..."
This system of the Seven Warlords of the Sea...
Undoubtedly brings disgrace to the Navy!
Akainu particularly loathes the unruly Pirates of the Seven Warlords of the Sea; their existence tarnishes justice and is the reason why the public doubts the righteousness of the Navy!
If ever he could rise to the Navy Admiral, this shameful system must be abolished; any blemish on justice must be eradicated...
At any cost!
This is Akainu's absolute justice!
"A vacancy has appeared in the Seven Warlords of the Sea..."
Akainu's adjutant sighed while watching Crocodile and Daz Bonez being captured: "Let's hope the World Government doesn't fill this position..."
Unfortunately...
The World Government will inevitably fill the vacancy in the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
After all, the current World Government and the Heavenly Celestial Dragons are weaker than ever; even a certain Seven Warlords of the Sea dares to negotiate terms with them now.
Dressrosa.
This is the kingdom of Donflamingo, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
Donflamingo's background is complex; he hails from the Heavenly Celestial Dragon Donquixote family. Though his father abandoned the identity of the Heavenly Celestial Dragon leading to the family's downfall, his origin still grants him significant conveniences within the Pirate profession.
Once, to return to Holy Land Mary Geoise and reclaim his position as a Heavenly Celestial Dragon, Donflamingo murdered his own father, only to be rejected by the snobbish same clan.
Thus, Donflamingo swore to turn the world ruled by Heavenly Celestial Dragons upside down, making those who refused his return regret it!
Admittedly...
Donflamingo is quite cunning.
Regardless of the territory of Dressrosa Kingdom or the position in the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Donflamingo has utilized every method at his disposal to its fullest, becoming the renowned Flamingo on the Grand Line, wielding considerable influence in the world.
After all...
A clever person will not be restricted to just one layer.
Donflamingo isn't simply confined to the persona under the sunlight; in the underworld, he conducts a vast number of trades, whether it's in arms or slave trading. Anything that profits, he dares to engage in, even transacting business with the Four Emperors.
The more chaotic the world becomes...