Saint Macajuma: "—Then, convey this to Harald of Elbaf: if you meet this condition, we will agree to let you join the World Government: kill Rocks!"
A conspiracy using friendship and racial righteousness as bargaining chips was quietly brewing at the highest level of power.
...
The news that the Rocks Pirates had routed the main Marine fleet head-on spread like a storm across the world, quickly reaching every corner of the Grand Line through various channels.
In the New World, on an island with harsh weather, a group of pirates who had just finished a skirmish received newspapers delivered by the news birds that had become popular in recent years.
"Hey! Look! The Rocks Pirates have taken out the Marine's main force!"
"For real?! That's amazing!"
"That's what you call a pirate! I'm going to join the Rocks Pirates! If we follow them, we'll definitely be able to plunder the most treasure and territory!"
For a time, countless Pirate Crews that considered themselves strong, or were eager to rely on the powerful and get a slice of the pie in these chaotic times, turned their ships around and swarmed towards Hachinosu Island, where the Rocks Pirates were rumored to be.
However, there were also different voices.
In another part of the New World's sea, on a Pirate Crew ship shaped like a demon, a man with an aura as dormant and dangerous as a volcano crushed the newspaper in his hand.
"Overlord of the Sea... Rocks..." He whispered to himself, the flames of ambition Burning in his eyes. "That position must feel great to sit on. Just you wait, Rocks, sooner or later, I will replace you!"
There were also some established, powerful Pirate Crews that, while shocked by Rocks' strength, did not choose to submit. Instead, they retreated their forces more cautiously or formed secret alliances, attempting to find their own way to survive in this new landscape that was about to be dominated by Rocks.
Because of this battle, the pirate world became more turbulent, dangerous, and full of opportunities. The lawless nature was fully exposed at this moment.
...
On an unknown stretch of blue sea, the oro jackson was sailing leisurely.
"Hahaha! Wahahaha!" Roger, who did not yet have his iconic handlebar mustache, held the latest newspaper, laughing so hard he was swaying back and forth, tears almost streaming down his face.
"I was wondering why that mad dog Garp hadn't chased after us to bite us these past few days. So he went to cause trouble for Rocks! And he got beaten up so badly! Hahaha!"
His laughter infected some of the Crew members on the ship, filling the deck with a cheerful atmosphere.
The first mate, Rayleigh, who was standing to the side, did not laugh. He took a sip of wine, his golden eyebrows slightly furrowed, and the look behind his glasses appeared exceptionally profound.
"Roger, this is nothing to laugh about." Rayleigh said slowly.
"The power displayed by the Rocks Pirates this time has completely broken the balance. Defeating the main Marine force means that in the short term, no force on the sea will be able to check them head-on."
He looked at the undulating waves in the distance, his tone carrying a hint of gravity: "With that fellow Rocks' ambition and style of doing things... this sea is likely about to enter an unprecedented era of chaos."
Roger's laughter gradually ceased. He wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes, his mouth still curved in a hearty arc, but his eyes had become serious.
"Chaos? That just makes it more interesting! Rayleigh!"
He walked to the bow of the ship, facing the sea breeze, and spread his arms:
"No matter how chaotic the sea becomes, it cannot stop our forward progress! The destination is right there! Let's go, guys, before we reach the Final Island, don't let those Rocks guys outdo us!"
"Oh——!!" The Crew members' fighting spirit was ignited.
The oro jackson adjusted its sails and continued to sail steadily towards the direction indicated by the Log Pose, heading towards Lodestar Island.
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