Staying in Sabaody after killing a Celestial Dragon? Ritter must be out of his mind. But then again, the Navy didn't exactly send a whole fleet after him just Borsalino. They clearly don't have the resources to deal with him properly.
Ritter hadn't touched any of the Ancient Weapons, nor had he interfered with the Void Century. Im had no interest in him, and the Gorosei, along with the Navy, simply had no way to handle him. To take him down would require a massive force one they couldn't spare. And even if they could, success was far from guaranteed. Such a move might very well lead to catastrophe elsewhere.
Ritter: I just love how you guys wanna kill me so bad… but you can't. Heh.
He pushed open the creaky wooden door of Shakky's Rip-off Bar, the wind chime above giving a crisp jingle. Inside, dim lighting cast warm hues across the room. Behind the counter, Shakky was leaning over her ledger, flipping through it lazily.
"Welcome to oh?" She adjusted her sunglasses, lips curving into an amused smirk. "Well, well, if it isn't Ritter from the Roger Pirates. What brings you to big sis's place today?"
"Come on, Sis Shakky, don't tease me. After all that commotion outside, don't tell me you didn't hear it."
Ritter strode over to the bar, his massive black-iron blade landing beside him with a heavy thud.
"Where's that old man Rayleigh?"
"In the backroom, coating a ship," Shakky said, exhaling a puff of smoke with practiced grace. "You've got some nerve though, coming in here like this after slicing up a Celestial Dragon—"
Before she could finish, the beaded curtain to the back was flung aside. Rayleigh stepped out, wiping coating fluid off his hands, and barked out a laugh.
"I thought I heard some little brat calling me 'old man.' Ritter, you looking for a beating?"
Ritter grinned. "Uncle Rayleigh, you've got sharper ears in retirement than you did in your prime. What're you doing hanging out in Sis Shakky's shop?"
Shakky's cheeks flushed slightly.
Ritter (internally): Oh-ho? Something going on here, hmm? Heheheh…
Shakky poured three glasses of rum and set them on the bar. "So, after making such a scene, you planning to give up your position as a Warlord of the Sea? Going against the World Government head-on now?"
Ritter swirled the liquor in his glass. "Those pig-headed Celestial Dragons really piss me off. Besides, ever since we sent the captain off… didn't we already burn that bridge?"
"You've still got your head on straight, at least," Rayleigh said with a booming laugh. "The World Government doesn't tolerate threats to the Celestial Dragons. You're getting crazier by the day, Ritter!"
"I've got nothing holding me back now." Ritter met Rayleigh's gaze. "I keep thinking about what Captain Roger said when he disbanded the crew."
The bar fell silent. Shakky's hand paused slightly as she polished a glass.
"Too early?" Rayleigh asked, sipping his drink, his eyes clouded with memory.
"No." Ritter shook his head, eyes focused on the swirl in his cup. "If the prophecy he believed in is real, then…"
Rayleigh raised a hand, cutting him off.
Shakky suddenly set down her glass. "If you're thinking of starting your own pirate crew…" She pulled a stack of wanted posters from under the counter. "There are some interesting youngsters making waves lately."
Ritter glanced at the top few posters: Dracule Mihawk, Crocodile, and a flamboyantly dressed Donquixote Doflamingo.
(These were simply Shakky's picks; further chapters will explain their significance.)
Her eye for talent was still sharp those three would all become future Warlords.
"And this one," Shakky added, pulling out another sheet, "Monkey D. Dragon. Recently defected from the Navy. He's been stirring things up in the East Blue."
"I'm not interested in him." Ritter cut her off. "What I'm looking for are madmen people who'll help me tear this world apart. If I'm strong enough, just a wave of my hand could ignite a new Pirate Era."
"When I'm powerful enough, right and wrong will be debated by those who follow me."
Shakky and Rayleigh exchanged a look filled with unspoken meaning.
Even though Ritter still acted carefree most of the time, ever since Roger's death, he had matured especially when it came to the bigger picture.
Meanwhile, at Mary Geoise...
The Five Elders sat hunched around a world map, the flickering candlelight stretching their shadows long across the walls.
The God of Environment smashed his teacup to the floor. "That remnant of Roger's crew Ritter actually killed a Celestial Dragon in Sabaody?! Is he abandoning the Warlords system?"
The God of Justice dug his fingers into the armrest, white-knuckled. "And what's worse he's still roaming free! A direct insult to the World Government!"
The God of Finance slammed the table. "Mobilize all available admirals! Our authority cannot be challenged like this!"
"Calm down," said the God of Science, adjusting his glasses. "The only admiral currently stationed at HQ is Kong. Borsalino was seriously injured…"
"Then let Kong lead the operation!" the God of Agriculture roared. "I want that lunatic's head on a pike before sunrise!"
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
Fleet Admiral Kong set down the Den Den Mushi with a grim expression. His iron-hard fist punched through his desk, cracks spiderwebbing outward. "The Gorosei have ordered a full-scale manhunt."
Tsuru sat nearby, shadows heavy under her eyes. "If we mobilize all our forces now, the seas will spiral into chaos. Ever since Roger triggered the Great Pirate Era, pirates have surged in numbers. We're already stretched thin."
Kong picked up the Den Den Mushi and called back.
"Come again?" the God of Finance stared at him, stunned.
Kong replied flatly, "Right now, only Vice Admiral Borsalino is active, and he's seriously wounded. As for Aokiji and Akainu, if Ritter wants to escape, we can't stop him. A forced assault will only—"
"Outrageous!" roared the God of Environment, smashing another table. "Are you saying the Navy plans to mutiny?"
Kong's silhouette remained still under the light. "Just stating the facts. Roger's death has the seas in upheaval. Spreading ourselves too thin will only—"
The argument came to a screeching halt.
"Put out a special bounty," the God of Justice said, rubbing his temples. "Raise Ritter's bounty to 3.5 billion berries."
Not a small sum keep in mind, the future Yonko are only in the four to five billion range.
The God of Science added, "Inform CP0. I want them to take action before dawn—"
"Re-report!" A messenger burst in, breathless. "We just received word Ritter has already left Sabaody by ship!"
Ritter: Uncomfortable? Me? Nah. You guys uncomfortable? Heh! (ง •̀_•́)ง
The Five Elders sat in stunned silence. Outside, the eastern sky was turning pale.
The God of Agriculture slumped into his chair. "Tell CP0 to keep tracking him. As for Kong… I think he's no longer suitable to lead the Navy. I've heard good things about Sengoku hopefully, he's more obedient."
The World Government controls the Navy's funding. What they need is a tame dog. But now, this dog seems ready to evolve into a wolf.
Of course, the World Government wouldn't allow that. Sengoku, as Kong's protégé, wouldn't lead a large-scale rebellion. He lacked Kong's presence and authority, which made him easier to control.
"We're just letting Ritter go?" a vice admiral asked in disbelief.
Kong stood with the rising sun at his back. "Remember, we searched all night. He was just too slippery."
He turned, a faint smile on his lips. "Tell Sengoku to prepare to take over. The Five Elders will make their move. I'll submit my resignation tomorrow."
Gazing out the window, Kong murmured to himself, "They're probably planning to replace me as a warning to the Navy… Might as well beat them to it. Besides, it's about time I retired."
If the World Government forced him out, it would be a punishment. But if he voluntarily passed the torch to Sengoku, it would be a legacy. The Navy's unity would only grow stronger.
Ritter: Politics. Nasty business, all of it.
The next day, the Five Elders were once again gathered.
(Ritter wondered if they really didn't have anything better to do. Just sit around gossiping all day?)
In the Five Elders' chamber...
"Kong's trying to threaten us!" snapped the God of Finance, slamming down a teacup. "He wants to resign? Is the Navy turning on us?"
The God of Science replied calmly, "Reject his resignation. Better to keep a disobedient Admiral in position than let the Navy believe we forced him out. That would only unite them further. Plant a few CP0 agents inside. We can't allow the Navy to slip from our grasp."
The God of Justice sneered. "Issue an official reprimand. For failing to capture Ritter, mark down a major infraction on Kong's record. But for the sake of his service record, let him stay for now."
His eyes glinted coldly. "As for Sengoku… send him to the New World to suppress the pirates. Whitebeard's been too active lately. Let Sengoku deal with that."
—————————————————————————————————————————————————
Hooked already? Let me know what grabbed you leave a review and fuel the journey forward! and if we hit every 250 Power Stones, a bonus chapter drops!
Things are just heating up. Read ahead in Unbound Evolutionand stay ahead of the crowd.
[email protected]/_tey
Change @ to a.