Chapter 198: The Fifth Emperor's Throne, and the Rumble-Rumble Fruit
"Three conditions, huh?" Shane said, casually tossing the Transponder Snail in his hand. "That's quite generous of you. Let's hear them."
"First, as you've already heard, all Marine military operations against Dressrosa will be canceled. If you wish to claim it as your territory, the Marines and the World Government will recognize your claim and will not interfere in any way."
So... they're just giving me Dressrosa?
Shane's lips curled into a smirk. "Go on."
"Second, whether in terms of strength or influence, you now possess the qualifications to be a supreme power in the New World. The World Government is willing to officially build up your reputation, elevating you to the throne of a so-called 'Emperor of the Sea'."
"So, a Fifth Emperor?"
"You could say that," Saturn's deep voice replied. "The current Four Emperors are figures who stand at the pinnacle of the world. I'm sure I don't need to emphasize the weight that title carries."
"Continue," Shane said, noncommittally.
"The third and final condition. Shane, you are a master swordsman, renowned for your pure physical prowess and sword skills, correct?" Saturn paused briefly before continuing, "As it happens, the Holy Land possesses one of the 12 Supreme Grade Swords, the 'Shodai Kitetsu,' currently without a master. If you are interested, I am willing to bestow... to gift this priceless weapon to you."
"Is that all?" After hearing the three conditions, Shane burst out laughing. "Interesting! How very interesting! To see you old geezers back down this far... that's a rare sight indeed!"
His laughter grew cold, a mocking glint in his eyes. "But... aren't you getting a few things wrong?"
"Dressrosa is already under my protection. Whether your Marines withdraw or not, what difference does it make to me? Don't forget, you were the ones who lost this battle! If you want this territory back, feel free to send more men. But you'd better think long and hard about the price you'll pay!"
"As for that bullshit 'Fifth Emperor' title..." Shane scoffed. "It sounds terrible. I don't like it." Four Emperors are Four Emperors. Five Emperors... just adding one more number makes it sound like some second-rate fluke who's about to get knocked out with one hit.
"Besides, I've earned my reputation every step of the way with my own two hands. Since when did I need a title bestowed upon me by a bunch of old fossils like you?"
"And finally, that sword you mentioned..." He glanced over his shoulder. "A Supreme Grade Sword is valuable, but I'm quite fond of my Masamune. I have no intention of replacing it." And neither does Kuina. Wado Ichimonji had been passed down through her family for generations. It carried too much meaning. Zoro would never replace it, and neither would she.
Saturn was silent for a moment on the other end of the line. His voice, when he finally spoke, was even colder. "Then what do you want?"
"Simple." Shane held up a single finger.
"First, regarding Dressrosa. I don't just want your Marines to withdraw. I want you to make public everything that has happened here over the last four years!"
"Doflamingo's crimes, the suffering of the people of Dressrosa, the horror of the toy kingdom... and the apology you owe them!"
"I want all of it, written clearly and plainly in the newspapers for the entire world to see!" Shane's grin was wide, showing a flash of white teeth. "Did you hear me? None of you Five Elders are from the Donquixote family, are you? If you try to cover for that flamingo bastard just because he was a Celestial Dragon, then we have nothing more to talk about!"
In the original timeline, six years from now, it was Fujitora who had stepped forward, kneeling before the people of Dressrosa in front of the world, representing the Marines and the World Government. His apology had shaken the world and enraged the newly-appointed Fleet Admiral Akainu.
But now, there was no Admiral named "Issho."
No problem. If he's not here, then I'll just have to be Fujitora myself.
"..."
There was a long silence from the other end. It seemed the Five Elders had muted the call again to deliberate. After a while, Saturn's voice returned.
"Very well. The World Government will publicize the truth of the Dressrosa incident. However, it will be limited to Doflamingo's crimes. His lineage and any connection to the Holy Land will not be mentioned."
"That's enough. I didn't expect you to air your own dirty laundry." Shane held up a second finger. "Second, I want you to return the last four years' worth of Heavenly Tribute to Dressrosa, as start-up capital for them to rebuild. And, of course, you'll deliver an equal amount to me."
"You want money, too?" The snail's eyebrow twitched. "How surprising... Shane, from your past actions, we were under the impression you were one of those self-righteous heroes who disdains wealth..."
"Don't be stupid," Shane sneered. "I'm expanding my territory in the New World! Isn't that what you want? More people, more land... how can I do that without money?!" In the past, his crew was small, and his expenses were low. The few hundred million Belly he'd cashed in at Water 7 had lasted him this long. But for the future... money was everything.
"I understand," Saturn said, taking a deep breath. "And your final demand?"
"Your presence," Shane grinned. "I want something that will allow me to familiarize myself with the presence of all five of you old men. In simple terms, I want each of you to give me a personal, treasured item."
This was an unprecedented, unheard-of demand.
"Did I... hear you correctly?" Even Saturn sounded stunned. "You... why would you want such a thing?"
"I already told you the reason," Shane said, glancing at the snail. "You five, and those Holy Knights, you can all teleport using some kind of devil's power, can't you? You're showing goodwill now, but what happens when you decide to turn on me in the future? I need some insurance. If I can recognize your presence, I'll know immediately if you ever dare to set foot in my territory."
Mary Geoise, the Chamber of Authority.
The Five Elders looked at each other in silence.
"Ridiculous..." the kimono-clad Elder sneered. "The arrogant little brat. What makes him think we would ever personally descend to the mortal world? His reason is flimsy. I suspect he has some other motive."
"What motive could possibly be a threat?" the blond Elder said dismissively. "Are you afraid he has the Mark-Mark Fruit and is planning to throw things at the Holy Land? That's no threat to us." Their immortal bodies were beyond the comprehension of mortals. What did they have to fear from such petty schemes?
"Agree to his terms," the long-bearded Elder said calmly. "Of his three demands, this is the easiest to fulfill, is it not?"
Saturn nodded and unmuted the call. "Very well. The Holy Land agrees to all three of your conditions. The truth of Dressrosa will be made public, the Heavenly Tribute will be returned, and an equal amount will be delivered to you. As for the items you requested... they will be delivered to Dressrosa within ten days. You may collect them then."
"Then we have a deal." Shane hung up. He looked at the now-sleeping Transponder Snail, his smile fading into a thoughtful frown.
The Five Elders' attitude was too strange. He was certain that, before, their goal had been the same as the Marines': to wipe him and his crew off the face of the sea. But now, their strategy had done a complete 180, leaving even the Marines confused. Even if they were wary of his current strength and wanted to avoid further losses, they shouldn't have compromised this much. The more he thought about it, the more bizarre it seemed. And when something seems illogical, the answer is usually obvious...
"Imu..." Shane looked up, his gaze distant, in the direction of Mary Geoise. The Admirals were the dogs of the Five Elders, and the Five Elders were just the dogs of Imu. The only one who could make them change their tune so drastically was the master of the Empty Throne. What Imu was thinking, no one could say. But on the surface, it seemed the World Government was more than happy to push him into the spotlight, to have him clash with the other Four Emperors and reshape the New World, while they watched from above.
Waiting for what? Was it just the World Government waiting, or was Imu waiting too? The lack of information was frustrating. But he wasn't going to waste time overthinking it. His plan was already set. To establish a foothold in the New World, clashes with the other Emperors were inevitable. If the World Government stayed out of his way, great. If not, he'd just beat them up too. He trusted his fists more than he trusted convoluted political schemes.
His thoughts cleared, Shane looked up. "Hey, Old Man Garp! And you, Yellow Monkey! You can come back now!"
ZHEW!
A flash of golden light, and Kizaru reappeared on the ice, his face grim. "What kind of deal did you make with the Holy Land?"
"That's not something a dog like you needs to know," Shane said, tossing the snail to him. "When the masters are talking, do you have any right to listen in?"
"You!" Kizaru's anger flared, but then a thought occurred to him. "You... were you invited to become a Celestial Dragon?"
"Smart boy," Shane laughed. "I'm still thinking about it. But you should start showing me some respect. If you call me Saint Shane now, you might get to keep your other arm."
"..." Kizaru stared at him, but said nothing. He couldn't trust the boy's words, but there was a grain of truth to them. Sakazuki had told him about the Vice Commander of the Holy Knights meeting with Shane in private, and now the Five Elders themselves had spoken with him. Considering the Holy Land's ambiguous stance and Shane's terrifying potential... Kizaru began to wonder if the kid had come from the Holy Land himself, like the rumors about Shanks... For now, it was best to be respectful.
THUD!
Garp landed on the ice. He was picking his nose, completely unconcerned with the phone call. "All done talking? So, Shane, can I take my men home now?"
"Be my guest, old man," Shane shrugged. "No time for a proper spar this time. I hope you can give me a real fight next time we meet."
"Bwahahaha! I hope for that day, and I hope it never comes!" Garp flicked away a booger and laughed, his arms crossed. "Well then, see you around, kid!"
Splash! His grand pose cost him. The ice under his feet split, and he fell into the sea.
The vast ice plain was a shattered mess. It was difficult to walk on, but for the warships, it meant they were finally free. The lower-ranking Marines who had been knocked out by the Conqueror's Haki were beginning to stir. They watched in confusion as their battered and bruised superior officers limped back to the ships.
What happened? We were just unconscious for a little while... and we lost?
"What do you think?" Kuina said, sheathing her sword. She shook her head at Gion. "You were so focused on our fight, you didn't even notice your own side was getting completely wiped out?"
"Not at all!" Gion pouted, slapping her forehead. "I was having too much fun fighting you! I didn't even notice Little Garp had arrived." She had a habit of using nicknames for the old-timers she was close to.
"In any case, we were the only ones on this battlefield who fought to a draw," Kuina said coolly. "To me, that is a disgrace. The next time we meet, I will be stronger, and I will defeat you."
"Shouldn't I be the one saying that? How is not defeating an Admiral candidate a disgrace?" Gion shot her an annoyed look, sheathed her own sword, and waved her hand. "Whatever, I'm out of here. I can't talk to a serious-faced brat like you."
Kuina stood motionless, watching the tall figure in the justice coat board her warship and sail away. Only then did she look around. We won...
One Marine Admiral, one Admiral candidate, one Warlord, and a massive fleet led by multiple veteran Vice Admirals... They had launched a full-scale assault, and they had been repelled. It was a great victory. After this battle, not just the captain, but the entire Curtain Call crew would become one of the most dazzling forces in the New World. And she... she would likely be considered on the same level as Katakuri, King, and Marco.
She looked down at Wado Ichimonji. The blade was covered in fine scratches from her clash with Gion, but it was still as sharp as ever. A small smile touched her lips.
"Hey! Big Sis!" Jack sauntered over, his hands behind his head, trying to look casual. "How was I? I beat up those two old Vice Admirals so bad they were spitting out teeth! Couldn't even stand up!"
"Yes, I saw. You did very well," Kuina nodded, a rare smile on her face. "But don't get arrogant. The deeper we go into the New World, the stronger our enemies will be."
"Hehe, don't worry, Big Sis!" Jack grinned, puffing out his chest. "With Captain Shane leading us, we'll just keep getting stronger!"
Kuma walked over, his massive form casting a long shadow in the moonlight. "The crisis in Dressrosa is over, Lady Kuina," he said gently. "King Riku has personally invited us into the city for a grand victory feast."
"A feast?" Kuina frowned. "The Marines have retreated, but the World Government might not be done with us. Shouldn't we..."
"Don't worry," Kuma said, adjusting his glasses. "The Five Elders themselves have promised not to interfere with Dressrosa again, nor will they be hostile to us."
"The Five Elders?" Kuina was surprised. "I thought the captain let them go because of Old Man Garp... Why? Did he make a deal with them?"
"Who knows?" Kuma shook his head with a smile. "But to make those arrogant old men bow their heads... perhaps only Lord Shane could do it."
Just then, a wave of cheers came from the direction of the city. They turned to see Shane being surrounded by the people of Dressrosa. King Riku himself was bowing deeply to him.
"Lord Shane!" Viola stood beside her father, a brilliant smile on her face. "Thank you so much. If it weren't for you, Dressrosa would have..."
"Alright, that's enough with the formalities," Shane said, rubbing his stomach with a loud laugh. "If you're throwing a feast, let's get to it! We've been traveling and fighting all day! We're starving!"
"Hahaha, of course!" King Riku laughed heartily. "Someone, prepare the feast immediately! Tonight, the entire nation celebrates!"
Night fell, but the royal capital of Dressrosa was ablaze with light. The square in front of the palace was a sea of people, the celebration engulfing the entire island. In addition to the soldiers and civilians who had fought, countless others had flocked to the city, eager to catch a glimpse of the hero who had saved them. Even the Tontatta Tribe from Green Bit had come out in full force, swarming around Kyros and peppering him with questions.
"Mr. Kyros! Did Lord Shane really punch that shiny Admiral into the sea?"
"Is it true Princess Mansherry fought too? Didn't she get knocked out with one punch?"
"And that 'God' who controls lightning couldn't even scratch Mr. Kuma? That's amazing!"
"What 'God'... you people will believe anything," Kyros grumbled, taking a swig of ale.
Just then, the crowd parted like the sea. Shane was walking through, a cup in his hand, meeting every cheer and toast with a warm smile. He seemed to be able to drink endlessly without getting drunk. This is a true hero, Kyros thought with admiration.
As the night wore on and the party was in full swing, Shane, his face flushed, slipped away from the feast, claiming he was drunk. He made his way to a secluded spot on the rock wall. Gin was already waiting for him. The silver wolf's eyes lit up, and he trotted over, dropping two items at Shane's feet: the "body" of Enel, and Kizaru's severed arm. This had become their routine for situations where Shane couldn't personally loot the bodies.
"Good boy, Gin," Shane said with a smile, ruffling the wolf's fur. Gin closed his eyes and purred contentedly.
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