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Chapter 518: Straw Hat in Jail
Chapter 518: Straw Hat in Jail
"He does."
Lily hung up the phone and said to Sage, "Should we have him send it directly or have him come in person?"
"Isn't he busy in the West Sea, just finishing a business deal? Let him stay there. If he wanted to join, he would have done so long ago. Since he's not interested, I don't need him for my feast."
Sage leaned back slightly in his throne, supporting his cheek with one hand, and laughed, "With the location and people already in place, let's get started. Gather those subordinates who want to board the main ship and take them to the selection tournament!"
He looked at Sifer, "You and Misty should also get ready. If you want to become the Seven Stars, you need to gain the respect of our people. It's been too long since we started accumulating your reputation. This is also an opportunity. If you win against the competitors, you will become the Seven Stars!"
Sifer chuckled, "I'm still up for a raise."
"Underestimating others is not a good thing. Let's win first, then talk."
Sage chuckled, "I'll be the judge for the Seven Stars selection."
Among the rising stars, there were also some formidable individuals.
Paru and Miot, who had been following since the East Sea, Bellamy of the Grand Line, Strong Baru found in Shabondy, Suleiman recruited in the New World, the executives from Dressrosa, and the recently arrived Perona, were all capable individuals.
In this tournament, not only would the most elite two thousand subordinates be selected, but the Seven Stars could also be chosen.
"Should we notify Big Mom's Pirate Crew?" Lily asked.
"No need. As an affiliated pirate crew, they should just focus on being affiliates. I promised Kaido to preserve their autonomy, so unless he joins on his own initiative, there's no need to force it."
Sage thought for a moment and declined.
If they were to notify Big Mom's crew, they might overthink it. Although he didn't care much, since he had promised Kaido to respect their autonomy, he would leave it to them.
The affiliated pirate crews were just that—affiliates. Sage was selecting the elite members of the Dead End Star.
...
"Oh! The Grand Tournament!"
At the Storm City port, Paru raised his hands excitedly and exclaimed, "If we win, we can become the Seven Stars! This is a perfect opportunity!"
Lily's message spread quickly. From the main island of Ohara to the various direct islands, the pirates received the news of the crew-wide tournament.
"Hmph, the Seven Stars position is mine!" Bellamy, standing nearby, licked his lips, "This is a great chance to become a core executive, and I can show my strength to Sage-sama!"
"Oh!"
Miot roared from behind, his eyes filled with intense battle intent.
With two spots left for the Seven Stars, this was an opportunity for the 'Rising Stars' with bounties over 100 million to showcase their abilities to the entire crew. Few would miss such a chance.
Aside from them, other pirates like 'Gunshot' Leonardo and 'Double Axe' Baron, who had bounties over 100 million and joined Sage after he took over Ohara, were also eager to prove themselves.
In addition to the Seven Stars positions, the two thousand direct subordinate slots on the Dead End Star also attracted the attention of other pirates.
Only the captains of their respective pirate ships could become direct subordinates, and not everyone could make it.
Previously, Governor Sage hadn't made distinctions; even the old subordinates with inadequate strength remained on the Dead End Star, and it had become a habit.
But this time was different. The governor had released the slots, so everyone was eligible to compete.
Becoming a direct subordinate on the main ship meant enviable salaries, treatment, and status. They would automatically become 'Captain' level and later be assigned to an island, automatically becoming its leader.
This alone was enough to motivate them.
Some were willing to participate, while others were not.
Wakanogres, an island abundant in volcanic ash fertilizer and mineral resources.
Inside a mansion.
"Big brother, this is a great opportunity!"
Banabi's brother was excited, "If you win this time, you'll become one of the Seven Stars!"
"Stop dreaming."
Banabi, once with a bounty of 560 million, and later reaching 1.26 billion, one of the Rising Stars known as 'The Incredible Banabi', shook his head, "I don't plan to participate."
"Why not?" His brother asked, puzzled.
"I'm doing just fine here. What's there to fight over? Governor Sag isn't one to abandon his men. As long as I don't make mistakes and as long as Governor Sag stands strong, I'll always be in charge here."
Banabi spoke with a heavy heart, "There's nothing wrong with staying here. I'm involved in the business here, and I can make a lot of money. I can live a wealthy life and gain respect. My dream of sailing the seas has already come true, and I don't need to strive anymore."
"But that's the Seven Stars."
"Yes, it's the Seven Stars! It's a position only the strong can hold!"
Banabi spoke earnestly to his younger brother, "Do you think the Calamity Pirates are just any ordinary pirate crew? It's not about enjoying the status but having heavier responsibilities and greater dangers. The Governor will only grow stronger, and we'll become more formidable. By then, we might even have to fight for the Seven Stars position again."
"I'm not fit to compete, and I don't have the strength. I know how I got my bounty; if it weren't for joining the Governor, I wouldn't even have a billion. I'm already content with my current position."
He waved his hand, "Everyone on the sea has their own talents. Let them be, and I'll just live my life."
Everyone has a position that suits them best. Banabi felt he had reached his limit in his current position, even if he were to become one of the Seven Stars by chance. But the heavy burden and corresponding dangers that would come with it were more than he could bear.
The Governor could tolerate someone being mediocre, but only if they held a less significant position. For a position like the Seven Stars, it was out of the question.
Just as Sag had assessed, Banabi had always been a smart fellow.
...
Ten days later.
Delta Island.
This place, once a deserted island over two decades ago, had now developed into a bustling town. A Y-shaped current flowed from three directions of the island, converging into a circular sea area at its center. Even the tracks of the sea train were laid out, serving as a means of transportation within the island.
Numerous ships bearing pirate flags flowed in with the current, docking wherever they could. The streets were filled with rough-looking characters.
Shouts of fighting and cursing filled the air, and the pirates' spoils of war were on display for trade.
As the invitation had stated, anything was allowed on this island—killing, robbing, fighting, and drinking. The only rule was to keep the Navy in the dark.
This was the code of the pirate feast, and no one would dare break it at this pirate festival held once every twenty years.
Aside from the pirates roaming the New World, some retired old pirates from the Four Seas had also made their way to the New World through their connections.
In the tallest building on the island, a short man with an afro sat cross-legged on a chair, attended by two maids. His position allowed him to see the currents below through the window.
"No, no, no."
Buena Festa's eyes darted around, and he frowned, "Clearly, these 'actors' are almost all here, but that 1.5 billion Straw Hat Kid hasn't shown up. What a pity."
Among the recent pirate supernovas, the batch from two years ago was the most eye-catching, surpassing all previous ones.
Except for the one who had become a Four Emperor and those who had joined the Four Emperors, he had invited every one of them, especially the 1.5 billion Straw Hat Kid, who was the perfect choice for the main attraction of this feast.
But not a single one of them had shown up.
"Forget it. With so many people here, it'll still make for a grand feast, and that person will be satisfied." Buena Festa chuckled, swirling the wine in his glass.
"What? Straw Hat Kid?"
At the same time, in the island's marketplace, Sag, wearing a black cloak with red trim and a velvet hood, stood out among the crowd with his intimidating presence. He casually picked up a skewer from a nearby stall and tossed a gold coin to the vendor. Turning to Lily beside him, he asked, "What's he up to?"
"You're gathering intelligence on Wano Country, right? According to the latest news, there are rumors about the Straw Hat Kid in Wano. I haven't seen him here either, and with a bounty of 1.5 billion, he's worth keeping an eye on." Lily explained.
There was such a matter.
Straw Hat, Kid, and Law—aside from Sag, these three pirates had been the most talked about in the Grand Line.
Sag grinned, showing his teeth, "They're in prison. Nothing to worry about!"
(End of Chapter)
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