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Chapter 1197: We Want Wano Country
Chapter 1197: We Want Wano Country
Through the Transponder Snail, they were well aware of the highest authority in the World Government - the Five Elders at the center of all power.
"A large-scale deployment of the Navy into the New World will provoke a collective backlash from New World pirates", the voice from the Transponder Snail said gravely. "You should understand this, Sakazuki. The New World isn't just about the Four Emperors."
If the New World had only the Four Emperors, matters would have been simpler.
But reality was otherwise. The number of pirates in the New World was enormous - it was the stronghold of the Great Pirates, their own private domain.
Just like how Gecko Moria had battled Kaido twenty years ago, pirates of that magnitude, while not exactly common, were definitely present in the New World.
And beneath that level, new pirates continuously sprouted up like bamboo shoots after rain.
It wasn't a problem for the Navy to break through on a large scale, but it would cause all the New World pirates to unite against the Navy and force them out, protecting their own territory.
A Sea Emperor's fleet could easily number thirty to fifty thousand, or even more. And among these silver medalists, fleets numbering in the thousands to ten thousand were definitely common. If one had thousands to ten thousand, what about ten? Or a hundred?
This was the New World - a chaotic battleground, an even harsher place than the first half of the Grand Line. They wouldn't allow the Navy to interfere there.
They had already learned this lesson long ago when they withdrew from the New World.
"The Navy cannot deploy on a large scale into the New World, or if we are defeated, our prestige will plummet again!" the voice from the Transponder Snail stated.
Sakazuki flew into a rage: "But Kuro ended an era! Just like Garp, isn't that enough!!"
"But that doesn't mean we'll achieve total victory, Sakazuki. This will come at a cost. Kuro did an excellent job by shattering the pirates' morale and ambitions. But going further will provoke large-scale resistance. This victory is already sufficient. We're stopping here - this is an order. As for Kuro, we'll speak to him personally. That's final!"
The Transponder Snail made a clicking sound before its eyes closed.
Bang!
Sakazuki slammed the receiver against the Transponder Snail, shouting furiously: "Unforgivable!!!"
"This has become like this", Yi Xiao said in disbelief. "The World Government doesn't even have the courage for a single battle?"
Kokko glanced at the two men and said, "It's not entirely unreasonable. We were driven out of the New World long ago. Kuro ending the Four Emperors will spread quickly. If we deploy on a large scale now, they won't believe we're just here to escort prisoners. Once they ambush us during the transfer, the Beasts Pirates will definitely escape. This risk is indeed great."
The Navy was strong - the most influential force in the world, which was a consensus. But the Navy couldn't deploy their full power because they had too much territory to manage. Pirates didn't need to consider this - they could abandon territory easily and just seize new lands.
They weren't afraid of combat, but being targeted collectively by New World pirates would indeed have fatal consequences.
Hearing Kokko's explanation, Yi Xiao showed a contemplative expression.
"Hmph!!"
Sakazuki snorted in anger: "Yi Xiao, you go. And where is Borsalino?"
"He..."
Kokko thought for a moment and shook her head: "Not sure. Last time I saw him, he mentioned something about becoming a kindergarten principal. Not sure where he ran off to."
...
"What? We can't escort the prisoner?"
At this moment, in Wano Country, Kuro held the receiver, slightly dazed.
"It can't be helped, Kuro. We can't raise the New World's suspicions. You should understand, but Yi Xiao is coming", Kokko said slowly.
Kuro tugged at the corner of his mouth: "Wait, what use is he coming with just his small group? Over thirty thousand crewmen? When it comes to escorting prisoners, numbers are the most important thing, right?"
What good would Yi Xiao do by coming alone? Where would his ships be? Where would his crew be? Where were the guards?
"This is an order from above. The Five Elders will explain it to you personally. Please understand, Kuro. You are an Admiral", came Kokko's helpless tone through the Transponder Snail.
"Well then, tell Yi Xiao Brother not to come. It won't make any difference if he does", Kuro said directly.
"But what about escorting Kaido?" The Transponder Snail showed a frowning expression.
"Escort hell! With insufficient numbers, there will always be accidents along the way!"
Kuro reached into his coat with his other hand, took out a steam-powered cigar, placed it in his mouth, then pulled out a lighter and clicked it to life.
"Hmph!"
He exhaled a puff of steam-like smoke and looked at Kaido's gradually calming aura with a grin: "I'll handle it!"
Snap!
He placed the receiver back on the Transponder Snail held by one of the Navy officers.
Escort?
Monsters of this level weren't that easy to transport.
Even escorting Donquixote Doflamingo required the combined effort of Sengoku, Yi Xiao, Kokko, and himself. For a Four Emperor, even if bound in Seastone, it would be difficult to safely transport unless the Navy's elite forces were fully deployed.
Especially someone like Kaido, the strongest being on land, sea, and air. Even if he had the chance to jump into the ocean, he could survive. Once that happened, capturing him again would be difficult.
Since accidents would occur either way, better to choose the method that wouldn't cause accidents.
Old man, I'll just kill you and be done with it!
Kuro wasn't interested in the idea of keeping Kaido alive to increase prestige. For safety considerations, it would be better if this guy just died!
Boroboroboro.
The Transponder Snail rang again. The same Navy officer still held the large Transponder Snail. Instinctively, he picked up the receiver: "Yes, this is the location of Admiral Kuro in Wano Country!"
"Get Kuro on the line", came a steady voice from the other side.
Upon hearing this voice, Kuro raised his eyebrows but didn't reach for the receiver. He simply said, "I'm here. Speak directly."
"Find a quiet place, Kuro."
Kuro pressed his lips together, then directly took the Transponder Snail and walked to where Kaido was surrounded by Navy officers. He plopped his butt down on Kaido's body and spoke into the receiver: "Speak. Why didn't you send anyone to escort?"
"You should understand, Kuro. Kaido has already been captured once, and we cannot afford the risk of failing to escort him again. This would make your accomplishment meaningless."
The voice from the Transponder Snail continued gravely: "Frankly, we didn't expect you to reach this stage. Well done, Kuro."
Kuro exhaled another puff of smoke: "Alright, the deed is done. I was just testing my luck since the opportunity presented itself, didn't expect it to be this easy. I guess those 'Worst Generation' brats did a decent job."
"Regardless, this is our victory now."
The voice from the Transponder Snail showed a hint of smile, but soon turned serious, saying something that caused Kuro's expression to stiffen.
"Kuro, we want Wano Country", the Transponder Snail said slowly.
This meant that the five elders of the World Government had issued their highest command.
(End of Chapter)
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