https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-592-The-Calamity-Pirates-with-a-Different-Style/13080772/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-594-The-Sea-Level-Rises-by-One-Meter-/13080774/
Chapter 593: The Legacy of the Locks Pirates
Chapter 593: The Legacy of the Locks Pirates
Conquer, conquer, and damn it, still conquering!
Rule, rule, and it's still bloody ruling!
Amidst the chaos of the World Conference, with casualties, the Revolutionary Army surrounding Mary Geoa and cutting off the Celestial Dragons' supply, and the disruption caused by nations halting their contributions, the first half of the New World seemed relatively monotonous.
The Navy had neither the strength nor the will to confront Sage, who was solely focused on expansion. He aimed to acquire the abundant resources and populations of islands, transforming them into productive assets.
As for overproduction, there was no need to worry.
Indeed, the population was insufficient. On a typical island without even a kingdom, a population of ten thousand was considered a blessing, with most ranging between three and five thousand.
With such a small population, even developing the local resources of the islands was challenging, let alone significantly enhancing Sage's productivity.
However, overall, it was still better than the chaotic world.
"How's the contact with the people of Alabasta going?"
In the grand bathhouse within the palace.
Sage, leaning against the edge of the bath, didn't even turn around this time. He stood up amidst the swirling steam and allowed the attendants to wrap him in a bath towel. He walked out of the bathroom, facing Lily, who had approached.
"We haven't made contact yet, but there's something you need to decide on personally."
Lily held a notebook, dressed differently from her usual gowns and battle skirts. This time, she wore a black secretary outfit, with a pencil skirt that hugged her hips and reached just to the top of her thighs, revealing the plump, lustrous curves of her legs, even through the mist.
Her upper body was encased in a tight-fitting shirt that accentuated her bust, but the outer formal attire kept it from appearing too bouncy.
Sage strode past her, exiting the bathroom and lounging on a luxurious, gold-trimmed sofa in the adjacent room.
Lily approached with her legs crossed, first stopping at the liquor cabinet to pick up a bottle of red wine, "How about a Musigny?"
With Sage's nod, she opened the bottle, which was already priced at 500,000 Belly, and this particular ten-year vintage was valued at 2 million Belly on the market. She poured a glass for Sage and reported,
"Palu has encountered a group of Navy personnel preparing for combat on an island and has captured them. Do we negotiate with the Navy or execute them on the spot?"
She provided a detailed report on the Navy's plan to plunder a place without human rights.
These Navy personnel, including a colonel, were different from the usual defeated or executed pirates. Since they had been captured, there was a specific protocol to follow.
They were no ordinary pirates now.
"And there's more good news?" Sage asked with a smile.
"This is a simple matter," Sage explained. "Set up a live broadcast, publish it in newspapers, and send it out through underground channels to all non-affiliated islands. Let them report the details and then carry out the execution in public."
"Be sure to emphasize the consequences, making it clear to everyone that the World Government not only neglects them but also harms them. But it's different here. Regardless of who they are or what they've done, as long as they don't break my rules, I'll take them in and provide them with work."
"Those who hate chaos and pirate invasions..."
Sage raised his glass and took a sip, "Let them choose their path. Since they can't defeat either side, they might as well join one."
"Understood, I'll make the arrangements," Lily nodded.
"Involve the Cross Guild; they'll be more than willing to help."
Although their channels were limited, they had a printing business and a significant influence in the world, along with the channels controlled by Old Sha and his associates. While they couldn't reach every corner of the world, they could impact a substantial area.
In addition to contacting the population of Alabasta, Sage could also inspire people to aspire to his cause. If they could reach the New World, that would be the best outcome.
Anyone who made it to the New World, regardless of their background, was undoubtedly formidable.
...
In the first half of the Grand Line, on the island of Nine Snakes.
"I'm getting old," said Rayleigh, his white hair standing out amidst the ruins as he shook his head. "Blackbeard retreated due to threats, but I'm not sure if I could defeat him alone."
Beside him, Hancock, dressed in a high-slit cheongsam that exposed her thighs up to the roots, was biting her thumb, her face grim.
With the abolition of the Shichibukai system, people had immediately come to challenge them. Hancock didn't care about fame, but she knew that her own power, and that of a few others, was the reason they had become Shichibukai.
However, Blackbeard had launched a surprise attack, and before she could even release her abilities, he had grabbed her by the neck. If it weren't for Rayleigh's timely arrival, the outcome might have been dire.
In the end, Blackbeard had taken a Navy colonel with him, and that colonel had shown remarkable resilience, offering himself in exchange for the release of the captured Navy personnel.
"The current issue is, Hancock, what should we do now?"
New Gorio Sa, leaning on her cane, walked up to Hancock and sighed at the sight of the ruined wasteland. "The world has undergone drastic changes, and the legitimate position to protect our country has vanished. We must now make a choice, or else we'll be attacked on all sides."
"The Navy, pirates, and those hunters coveting Amazon Lily..." New Gorio Sa's voice trailed off.
"Oh? Your assessment is quite accurate," Rayleigh said with a smile. "It's been a long time, New Gorio Sa."
"Roger is dead, and you're still not going to join him! And I'm New Gorio Sa now!"
The diminutive New Gorio Sa gave Rayleigh a disdainful look. "Don't call me that name anymore. It's all in the past, just like you."
During the battle in the Valley of God, they had fought fiercely. Though many years had passed, she couldn't help but reminisce, and at the same time, she felt contempt.
It was this guy and his captain who had defeated the seemingly invincible Locks Pirate Crew.
"Three sides?" Hancock looked up at the sky.
For her, this matter wasn't a big deal. At worst, she could just set sail again.
But as the queen of Amazon Lily, she had to take responsibility for all the island's residents.
Moreover, dealing with the Navy and pirates was one thing, but the third party was what worried her—those who coveted Amazon Lily.
Amazon Lily was an island of women, and in the eyes of the world, it was a mysterious place. Naturally, it would attract the attention of others. To maintain this mystery, they would risk entering the island, and if they captured just one person, it could fetch a high price!
Hancock, having once been a slave, understood this all too well.
The previous queens, her predecessors, had failed to resolve this issue. It was only after the position of the Seven Warlords was established that the problem was somewhat alleviated.
But now, would it all start again?
No matter how unique the location, it couldn't curb people's greed.
"Now, we have three choices," New Gorio Sa said, extending three fingers. "Submit to the World Government, pay at least one billion in celestial gold annually, and become a legitimate country."
"Impossible!" Hancock immediately rejected the idea.
Aside from the fact that money didn't exist on Amazon Lily, as they had lived by plunder for generations, even if they wanted money, they would need something to sell.
What could they sell? Giant beasts?
Or the local fruits?
There was no way they could earn that much in a year, and this was just the tax, not including their own living expenses. It would be impossible to survive.
Furthermore, with her bounty, if she entertained such thoughts, she might be the first to face trouble.
"Hancock, listen to me. Things are different now. The Revolutionary Army has launched the Eight Nations Revolution. If we surrender to the World Government without paying celestial gold, they might agree to our terms, given your strength. If we become a legitimate country, our people will have 'human rights,' and your bounty will be revoked. All you have to do is..."
"All I have to do is kneel before the Celestial Dragons?!"
Hancock's voice turned cold. "Even if it means my life, I will never do such a thing! Don't bring it up again!"
"Then the second option."
New Gorio Sa bent her second finger. "Join the Calamity Pirates."
"That's not a good idea," Rayleigh said, stroking his white beard. "The location is a problem; we're separated by the Red Line."
With their strength, the Calm Belts were not an issue, but even crossing them wouldn't help. That heavenly chasm stood in their way, and aside from the Fishman Island route, there was no other solution.
But they couldn't abandon this island; their ancestors had lived here for generations, and they wouldn't leave.
"The Calamity Pirates can make it work. If we join them, they'll surely welcome us. There are risks, but with the Four Emperors' influence and your strength, the Navy won't act rashly. However, the danger is that if a war breaks out, we'll be on the front lines. But the advantage is that anyone daring to covet this island, aside from the Navy, will face punishment from the Calamity Pirates."
New Gorio Sa had some confidence in the Calamity Pirates.
That guy was the most powerful pirate, and he had connections in the underground world, even leading them. Whether it was pirates or slave traders, none dared to cross him.
"No," Hancock shook her head. "I've heard that under his rule, everyone must work and pay taxes. Those living there are more like a different kind of servant, seemingly free but facing a fate worse than death if they try to leave. Sage is just another Celestial Dragon."
"And that guy is also profit-oriented. He wouldn't agree so easily if it didn't benefit him. I know the Fur Tribe. They submit to the Sage and sell their combat power in exchange for his support. I don't want this country to end up like that."
What do pirates talk about if not profit?
Righteousness?
Even righteousness takes a back seat to profit.
A pirate who talks about righteousness is an individual, but a pirate who talks about profit is part of a whole.
For the Sage to have built such a vast empire at such a young age, he can't be a fool.
Geographical location is also crucial. Kuja Island cannot access the powerful production capabilities within the Sage's territory, and I don't want all of Kuja Island to be at his beck and call!"
"Lastly..."
Grandma Nyon raised her third finger, "Join the Cross Guild."
"Hmm?"
Hancock furrowed her brows, "The guild founded by that red-nosed man?"
"Yes, 'Thousand-Pound Clown' Buggy. He's also one of the Four Emperors, but unlike the Calamity, he doesn't have such a strong ruling power. He's more inclined towards alliances; otherwise, Crocodile and Hawkeye wouldn't have joined him. You're also one of the Seven Warlords, and if you join, you'll become a member of the alliance. With the four of you together, Rayleigh, why are you smiling?"
Grandma Nyon glared at Rayleigh, who had started laughing mid-sentence.
"Buggy..."
Rayleigh chuckled, "Nothing, just a bit surprised. The former apprentice crew members have all become the most renowned Sea Emperors."
"Yes, he was indeed a crew member of Roger's ship. Another one was Shanks, who was also an apprentice under you, and they're both very powerful. If you know Buggy well, you can tell us about him." Grandma Nyon said.
"Hmm."
Rayleigh looked up at the sky, pondering and smiling. After a long while, he said, "Well, Buggy is actually skilled in naval combat. If he's in the water, his strength rivals that of the Fishmen."
"Huh? Isn't he a Devil Fruit user?" Hancock asked with a frown.
"Yes."
Rayleigh shrugged, "That's why I'm also surprised. Anyway, contacting the Cross Guild is a good idea. Mihawk and Crocodile, along with you, are all Seven Warlords. You should have common ground."
Grandma Nyon nodded in agreement, while Hancock was more perceptive.
Mihawk, Crocodile...
Why didn't she mention Buggy?
Come to think of it, is that guy really that strong? To stand above those two proud individuals and become the leader of the Cross Guild?
"If we join the Cross Guild, we'll still have the advantages we discussed earlier. The Cross Guild threatens the entire Navy, and as one of the Four Emperors, their power can protect us from slave traders and other pirates." Grandma Nyon explained.
The pros and cons of each option were laid out.
The World Government offered stability, but it would require Hancock to set aside her pride, and while the Kuja Island citizens would be safe, they might face hunger due to the lack of Sky Gold.
The Calamity's side was the best and the worst. It could solve everything, but it would require them to risk their lives. When the Navy targets them, Kuja Island would be on the front lines, facing potentially greater risks.
The Cross Guild wasn't as stable, and the treatment wasn't as good, but the risks and threats were reduced to a moderate level. Most importantly, Hancock could maintain her power there.
Hancock released her bitten thumb and exclaimed, "I, as your humble servant, can join the Cross Guild! They will definitely need more power, and if they do, my joining will not be rejected!"
A force that opposes the Navy would naturally require more strength, and it was an alliance, so they wouldn't need to be there all the time; maintaining the alliance would suffice.
Grandma Nyon sighed as she looked at Hancock's resolute decision, "You're just like the Locks."
Blackbeard had taken over the former base, the Hive Island, and was attracting pirates with his central position in the pirate world.
The Calamity possessed the strongest military might and influence, akin to the once-powerful Locks.
The Cross Guild, on the other hand, united powerful pirates in an alliance, forming another version of the Locks.
She had lived through that era and knew how formidable the Locks were. Now, these powerful pirates had each chosen a path, establishing their own factions.
After thirty-eight years, the once-great pirate crew had resurrected in a different form.
(End of Chapter)
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