Chapter 383: United Peoples
Chapter 383: United Peoples
New World.
Azure Kingdom.
This is an island where spring and summer overlap, mostly covered in forests with beautiful scenery. As a large magnetic island, it is considered a decent country in the New World.
While it may not be a powerful nation, it is by no means to be underestimated.
Evidence of this is that they have not accepted the protection of the Whitebeard Pirates, relying on their national strength to resist pirate attacks.
There are many pirates in the New World, especially the Pirate Emperors.
In the New World, countries either pay Celestial Gold to become Allied Kingdoms or accept the protection of Great Pirates.
Of course, some do both.
For example, Fishman Island was previously under the protection of Whitebeard and was also an Allied Kingdom.
Azure Kingdom has neither, yet it has defended itself against pirate attacks solely through its own strength, thanks to the Azure Kingdom King who ascended to power twenty years ago.
"Kai Hai, why have you summoned us?"
Behind the capital city, which is enveloped in forests, stands an ancient palace. Inside the palace, the main hall is lit by candlelight, illuminating the surroundings.
In the center of the hall is a long table, already filled with people.
One of them looked at the man seated at the head of the table, who was wearing wooden clogs, holding a feather fan, and draped in a cloak with a long nose.
The Azure Kingdom King, known as the country's guardian deity, Kai Hai.
He is a well-known figure in the region.
Thanks to him, this country has managed to stand firm in the chaotic New World.
As for the people at the table, they are the rulers of the nearby islands.
"A great calamity is upon us. I did not summon you here for a tea party," Kai Hai said with a slight smile, waving his feather fan. "It is about the Catastrophe."
This statement made everyone at the table pause.
Unlike Azure Kingdom, their islands are rarely referred to as countries. If they are, they are small and obscure.
They were previously under the protection of Whitebeard.
It must be noted that they were fortunate.
Although Whitebeard is dead, the pirates were busy fighting over territories, and not all had the energy to focus on this area, resulting in fewer pirate attacks. They managed to hold on.
Before the pirates completely fell into chaos, the Catastrophe and Blackbeard emerged, taking over Whitebeard's territories.
Their islands were within the Catastrophe's influence, although not yet conquered. Everyone knew this place would soon be targeted by the Catastrophe, so the pirates dared not come.
Logically, they just had to wait for the Catastrophe to arrive, pay the protection fee, and continue their noble lives.
Some had even gone to Storm City, carrying tribute, ready to pledge allegiance to the Catastrophe.
However, they were told that the Catastrophe would not accept any form of protection, only absolute rule. They were given the choice to either prepare for execution or flee.
Later, they learned about the Catastrophe's actions in the conquered territories.
All rulers, whether kings, mayors, or island lords, were killed by the Catastrophe Pirates, regardless of their legal claims to the land.
While the previous actions in Gares could be understood as the Catastrophe wanting to establish a base, the complete subjugation of all conquered territories, near or far, was both incomprehensible and terrifying.
Upon hearing this, they considered seeking protection from Blackbeard.
Their location was at the edge of the territories divided between the two, making it possible to seek Blackbeard's protection.
However, Blackbeard also rejected them, as the news brought indicated that the Catastrophe and Blackbeard were partners, not interfering with each other.
This plunged them into total panic. No one wanted to die, nor did they want to abandon their wealth and noble status.
Thus, they accepted Azure Kingdom's invitation without hesitation, only to find that it was indeed about the Catastrophe.
A young man dressed in expensive clothing was surprised, "You fear the Catastrophe as well?"
This person was the mayor of Red Agate Island, a wealthy island located in front of Azure Kingdom.
On the same route, if it were to be conquered, it would happen faster than Azure Kingdom.
Kai Hai shook his head slightly, "The World Desiring City has already been conquered, and my place is nothing compared to that. Of course, I am afraid. That is why I have invited you all to deal with the Catastrophe together. After all..."
He looked at the people present, "You don't want to be killed by the Catastrophe, do you? That guy shows no mercy."
"Exactly!"
A man on the left exclaimed, "We are nobles, with bloodlines that have been passed down from ancient times. A mere pirate wanting to eliminate us is unacceptable!"
"If it's just talk, then forget it."
A fat man in a fur coat on the right said, "You didn't summon us here just to have us resist on our own, right? If we had the strength, we wouldn't be afraid."
"The ruler of Fanitte Island, Mad Torrega, is renowned for its production of high-quality furs."
"Of course not. In fact, this is an opportunity, and it has also given rise to a plan to defeat Cataclysm!"
Kai Hai declared solemnly, "As long as we succeed, he will no longer be a threat on the high seas!"
As he spoke, he clapped his hands, "Come out."
From the shadows where the candlelight couldn't reach, a tall figure emerged. He had deep red hair, wore greenish sunglasses, and his bare upper body had green tattoos on his right shoulder and left ribcage, with chains bound around them.
"Mad Torrega?"
One of the people at the long table was slightly startled, "The famous Treasure Hunter, what brings him here?"
"In pursuit of treasure."
The man named Torrega spoke in a deep voice, "Cataclysm's treasure."
Another island noble frowned, "Although I've heard of your name, in terms of fame, Cataclysm is still more renowned. He's on par with the Pirate Emperor."
The Pirate Emperor was acknowledged as the strongest on the high seas, regardless of the number of powerful figures. The Pirate Emperor was the pinnacle.
Although Torrega was also quite famous, known as the most ferocious Treasure Hunter, it was evident that he wasn't in the same league as Cataclysm.
"It's not just him. I've invited many bounty hunters, and he's just their representative."
Kai Hai explained, "And there are others..."
Step, step, step...
From the darkness, a taller figure emerged with each footstep.
He wore a yellow work uniform, with a clown mask covering the upper half of his face and a bizarre smile on the lower half. He carried a massive scythe and stepped into the candlelight.
No one recognized him, as they had never seen him before, but he looked formidable.
"Dolag Pieckro, one of the six great emperors of the Underworld, the Grand Undertaker."
Kai Hai added, "To be precise, he's an Assassin."
"Hehehe!"
Pieckro let out a muffled laugh, "This job is acceptable!"
Kai Hai ignored him and waved his feather fan again.
From the darkness in the corner, another person appeared, an elderly white-haired man with a muscular build, wearing only a worn-out martial arts uniform.
"Allow me to introduce a Pirate, and also a representative of those Pirates who resent Cataclysm."
Kai Hai tapped him with his fan, and the man nodded without saying a word.
"Of course, there's also a distinguished guest."
He put down his fan and clapped his hands.
From the darkness behind him, a man dressed in a white suit, wearing a tall hat, and a mask covering his face, except for a small goatee on his chin, emerged. There was also a pigeon perched on his shoulder.
"An Agent of the World Government."
Kai Hai's words shocked everyone.
"The World Government?!"
One person stood up in astonishment and exclaimed, "How did you establish contact with them?"
Although their island was relatively prosperous, no one was willing to pay the high Celestial Gold taxes. Previously, having Pirate protection was beneficial, as the amount paid to Pirates was less than what the World Government demanded.
The most crucial point was that even if they paid, it wouldn't make a difference.
Their island was situated between Cataclysm and Blackbeard, especially Cataclysm, who had even killed members of the Dragon Tribe. The World Government held no power over them.
And for the World Government, unallied nations had no human rights, so it was unlikely for them to have any contact.
"Of course, it's because of the threat posed by Cataclysm," Kai Hai smiled, "They are the ones who truly detest Cataclysm, so we reached out to them. The World Government has promised to send Marines to assist us."
"Pirates, bounty hunters, the Underworld, Marines, and the World Government—I've united all forces to defeat Cataclysm."
"If you've already made all the arrangements, what do you need us for?" someone asked, puzzled.
"Money."
The king explained, "The World Government won't pay for me, and I can't afford such a large sum alone. I need everyone's support. Your islands are more prosperous than mine, and I can't afford to pay that much. So, this portion of the funds will come from you."
As the Azure Kingdom, known for its forests, it lacked the prosperity of these islands. Aside from Kai Hai himself, the kingdom's lack of wealth prevented them from paying the Whitebeard Pirates for protection, indirectly avoiding the attention of powerful Pirates.
"Just money?"
Everyone present expected as much.
Paying money was inevitable.
In fact, by just paying money, they could avoid the risk of being annihilated by Cataclysm, so they were undoubtedly capable of affording it.
If Cataclysm wasn't after their money but their lives, they wouldn't be here.
"What if it fails?" someone still worried.
"Failure means death."
Kai Hai stated, "Cataclysm's attack will also lead to death, so there's no difference. We must take the chance. Of course, if we pay, we'll have time to escape. But if we win, Cataclysm will no longer be a threat."
"Additionally, if we win, we can join the World Government as an Allied Kingdom. This is what the World Government has promised, and they may even waive the Celestial Gold taxes!"
"I have a proposal of my own!"
Kai Hai stood up and spoke in a persuasive tone, "At that time, we can unite and form a new kingdom."
"With individual strength, we're too weak. But united, we can become a powerful nation!"
"Cataclysm's territory will all be ours. We can even take over Garess and enter World Desiring City! Even the Great Pirates won't dare approach us. We can maintain our nobility and even take it further!"
"As long as we win, that's all that matters! As long as you pay up, that's all I need!"
Kai Hai's eyes gleamed with fervor as he spoke passionately, "Your ten years of savings, just this much is enough! After all, if we die, everything will be gone!"
"Cheers!"
"You're right, I don't want to wait for death. Cataclysm is too cruel."
"Good! I'll go back and increase taxes to gather this money for you!"
The people around the long table became excited.
The future was within their grasp.
All forces were uniting, and with the World Government and the Marine Force, it was impossible to deal with just Cataclysm.
No matter how powerful he was, he was still just a pirate.
Could powerful nations endure such targeted efforts from so many?
All that was needed was to raise funds; after all, if they died, everything would be lost. It was better to listen to Kai Hai.
The odds of success were high!
"Very well, leave the specifics to me."
Kai Hai picked up his feather fan and smiled lightly, "You know my strength."
"Then we entrust this to you, Kai Hai, no, King Kai Hai!"
"Your Majesty, you must give it your all!"
A group of people left, filled with excitement, even those industry representatives they had invited, leaving only the white-robed figure behind.
"Then, what method will you use?"
The white-robed figure found a seat and asked.
"Hahaha, I can't reveal it now, let's wait until everything is arranged."
Kai Hai smiled and glanced at the empty seats, a hint of disdain curling his lips, 'Those fools, they really think money is enough. Without Cataclysm, those islands can be mine. Before, they were just under Whitebeard's protection, making them forget they're just sheep.'"
"You seem confident in your victory, unafraid of Cataclysm?" The white-robed figure asked.
"No matter how powerful, they're still just pirates, right?"
Kai Hai's lips curled, "I don't think I'll lose. Before, I just didn't have the chance, but now I do, and I can do it. Of course, I need your all-around help, so don't hold back. Know that my people, Hwang Mu, have joined your Marine Force."
"Of course, we promise to send a Fleet Admiral."
The white-robed figure said, "Agents will assist you, and if you succeed, you'll become an Allied Kingdom of the World Government. They promise no Celestial Gold for twenty years."
"Help me take all of Cataclysm's territory!" Kai Hai added.
"As long as you succeed," the white-robed figure continued.
"I will not fail. If you're sending a Fleet Admiral, let it be Hwang Mu. We can coordinate well!"
Kai Hai shook his feather fan vigorously, his smile turning into a sinister grin, "This time, I'll make a name for myself in the Great Sea! Hahaha!"
The white-robed figure remained expressionless, but the pigeon on his shoulder spread its wings, as if in mockery or support.
It was unclear if it was a gesture of celebration or ridicule...
Ohara, Storm City.
"Hey, don't damage this ship! We're selling it, so be gentle when you're on board!"
At the port, Gabra shouted angrily at a group of subordinates.
It was a captured pirate ship that Gabra had found while gathering intelligence. He had captured both the ship and its crew and was now preparing to reclaim and modify the vessel for sale.
"Don't worry, it won't break from ordinary collisions. After all, it's a ship that sailed in the New World; its strength isn't that low."
A voice sounded beside Gabra's ear, causing him to pause.
The voice was familiar.
He turned, blinking in surprise, first showing joy, then quickly turning to disdain.
"Tsk, I thought it was someone else. It's just the World Government's dog, the Dragon Tribe's exclusive guard, CP Zero!"
To his side, in a hidden spot, leaned a long-nosed man against a building, wearing a high-collared white windbreaker, a light yellow tie, and a hat.
Former CP9, current CP0, Animal Zoan Giraffe Power, Kaku.
"To correct you, also the Dragon Tribe's dog."
Kaku grinned, "And you're one too, idiot!"
"I'm not. I've never executed a CP0 mission in a day. I've definitely spent more time as a Cataclysm Pirate crew member than as CP0."
Gabra sneered, "So, what brings you here?"
(End of Chapter)
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