https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-487-I-ll-Allow-You-to-Keep-Your-Flag/12936870/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-489-The-Path-I-Choose-A-Risky-One/12936872/
Chapter 488: Washing and Discounting for Warships
Chapter 488: Washing and Discounting for Warships
They were all pirates, seasoned ones at that, who had roamed the seas for many years and encountered numerous individuals.
Once a Vice Admiral, now an Admiral.
Red Hair, who had only become the fourth Sea Emperor six years ago.
And various others, from those who reached the peak and then fell, to those who had retired from the sea.
Having witnessed so much, they were no longer naive; instead, they accepted certain things more readily.
The inexperienced newcomers might be unaware of the Four Emperors' power, but how could they not know? Even with her advanced age, Big Mom was still one of the Four Emperors!
And as for Saga, who single-handedly defeated Big Mom, it was even more so.
Even Owen, with his volatile temper and utmost loyalty to the family, had to calm down in the face of Saga and carefully consider his proposal.
In this vast sea, there was no pirate who could maintain their dominance indefinitely, for they were merely pirates.
But even among pirates, age mattered.
Each of them was older than Saga, and at the very least, Saga could live for another sixty or seventy years.
This was a long time.
Among those captured, aside from the 35-year-old Sumugi, who knew a little less, the others were all aware of past events.
Even Snaggle, as the tenth son and fifteenth child, was already 45 years old. He was born when Big Mom was only 23, and by the time the Divine Valley incident occurred, he was already eight years old and had a good memory.
The others were even older. As the eldest son, Perospero understood that with the passage of time, things would change.
Over forty years ago, when Big Mom was still associated with the Rocks, no one could have predicted that the seemingly invincible Rocks would suddenly collapse thirty-eight years ago.
Later, Whitebeard, Golden Lion, and Blackbeard, also known as Roger, the Three-Colored Tyrants, dominated the seas until Roger became the Pirate King. But similarly, no one could have foreseen that fourteen years after the Divine Valley incident, the Pirate King who had conquered the seas would be executed twenty-four years ago.
After that, Big Mom became a Sea Emperor, and Kaido also rose to the same status, maintaining their dominance in this great pirate era.
Eighteen years later, or six years ago, the position of Sea Emperor was once again divided, and Red Hair joined the ranks of the Four Emperors.
And now, in the present, after roaming the seas for several decades and reaching the pinnacle, Big Mom has been replaced by a younger individual.
Even the Seven Seas Marines, known for their longevity, were likely established between 1508 and 1510 in the Marine Calendar. Based on the latest intelligence, this decade-old system seemed to be at risk of being overthrown.
And this was only after three World Conferences.
Whether it was the Four Emperors, the Seven Seas Marines, or the silver medalists of the seas, the so-called 'peak' status lasted at most a decade or two. This was the norm for pirates.
Big Mom was no exception.
The fact that Big Mom had died was undeniable, and it was also very normal for a pirate to be eliminated on the path to supremacy. No matter how unacceptable it was, they had to consider their future development.
Defying Saga's good intentions was absolutely unfeasible. This guy dared to kill even Dragon People and could casually wipe out an entire country. Such a person would undoubtedly achieve their goals.
Preserving the family was of utmost importance to them.
"Since that's the case, there's nothing more to say."
Perospero retracted his protruding tongue and offered his candy cane with one hand, "There's only one outcome, and I will serve you."
"The eldest son is indeed the eldest son, knowing when to adapt."
Saga smiled and said, "In my homeland, we have a saying, 'Washing and discounting for warships.' I admire you, Perospero."
And then he turned to Katakutsu, "What about you?"
"I have a question."
Katakutsu thought for a moment before replying, "Our family members can sail under your flag and in your name, but if we encounter an overwhelming enemy that we can't defeat..."
"I'll step in."
Sage spoke with assurance, "For those who pledge their allegiance to me, I'm not stingy. If you want money, I'll give you money. If you want security, I'll provide it. If it's status you desire, I'll grant it, except for ruling power. You'll have everything else. The so-called strong enemies you mentioned are just a handful—the Navy Admirals and the Four Emperors, perhaps a few lesser-known ones. But those lesser ones won't dare provoke the Four Emperors, and as for the others, they're already on my to-do list."
"Then I have no objections."
Katakutsu's voice turned grave, "I will also pledge my loyalty to you."
"Excellent."
Sage smiled, and finally, he looked at Sumugi, "And you?"
"No objections."
Sumugi was straightforward, "I follow my older brothers."
"This guy..."
Perospero stared deeply at Sage and then lowered his head, muttering, "He sees right through everything."
Family matters are best understood by those within the family.
The Big Mom Pirates, if one were to categorize them, could be divided into three factions.
The first is the Rational Faction led by the eldest son, whose loyalty lies with Big Mom's power and the expansion of their territory.
The second is the Family Faction headed by Katakutsu. Despite his efforts to conceal it, after decades together, Perospero knows his brother's thoughts well. Katakutsu values family deeply, cherishing every family member, even to the point of defying Big Mom.
How to put it, Big Mom is indeed a shield against external dangers, but if there are no external threats, then Big Mom becomes the greatest danger herself!
The title of Four Emperors ensures that the number of pirate crews daring to venture here each year is limited, but the destruction caused by Big Mom annually is far more frequent, and as the years go by, she becomes increasingly volatile.
At the slightest disagreement, she would threaten the lives of her own children and lead the discrimination against them.
This is unacceptable to the caring Katakutsu, who values each family member.
As for the last faction, it's the Neutral Faction led by Sumugi. Their principle is to go with the flow as long as they aren't involved. They live the most freely but also on the fringes.
Sage has seen through them all, and the people he brought along are carefully chosen.
The Three Generals and those who hold sway over the family are all present.
"Let go! Let go!"
Seeing that everyone agreed, Sage burst into laughter. He waved his hand, signaling his subordinates to release their Seastone shackles. He stood up personally and pulled Katakutsu up by the arm, saying, "I've got your back, Catatrust! The territory is safe!"
Perospero is great, and Sumugi is fine, but the one Sage values the most is Katakutsu.
It's not just about impressions; this guy has a good reputation on the high seas.
Ranked second, his filial piety and loyalty are unparalleled.
Loyalty?
Pirates don't concern themselves with such things.
Lily is still recovering from her injuries, and this guy's combat strength is more than sufficient.
In any case, he is worthy of the title of the Sea Pirate Second Lord.
A true Crown Prince.
With him guarding this place, Big Mom won't have to worry about splitting her forces; she can focus on establishing a base and collecting taxes.
(End of Chapter)
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