In short, based on their judgment of Orin's current threat level and potential, they were even willing to let go of their resentment over "Orin possibly having reached Laugh Tale."
After all, if Orin were left to run wild, the World Government's control over the seas would undoubtedly enter an extremely dangerous phase.
And at that point… Imu-sama...
The Elder Stars, upon contemplating such consequences, lost all their usual dignity and arrogance in front of their subordinates and the Navy. Cold sweat trickled down their faces, and their pupils trembled uncontrollably.
Thus, during their conversation with Orin, they didn't act superior in the slightest.
They were seasoned politicians, well aware that saving reputation was the most useless thing in the world.
"So, have you made your decision?"
They waited quietly for Orin's response.
"All grudges wiped clean, and I get to plunder legally as a pirate? Sounds tempting, so... I refuse."
Orin's face wore a calm smile, but his answer was a sharp twist.
"Nani?!?"
The Elder Stars, feeling played, furrowed their brows and exchanged glances.
Whether for the sake of their interests or the World Government's dignity, this was the last answer they wanted to hear.
Their expressions twisted with anger and displeasure.
After a long silence,
Saint Topman Warcury's cold voice slowly came through the Den Den Mushi again.
"Orin, you must understand... even if we can't touch you, your businesses and friends in the Sabaody Archipelago live right under the government's nose..."
Since bribery didn't work, they switched to threats.
They couldn't do anything to Orin himself, but according to intel gathered by CP and other agencies, people like Sammi in the Sabaody Archipelago had close ties to him.
If they could exploit those emotional connections, even the strongest of men could be manipulated—just like Roger, Whitebeard, and others, all known for their loyalty to friends and family.
Judging by future events, the World Government really loved this tactic, such as using Ace to lure out Whitebeard.
And according to the intel, if they could take advantage of Orin's relationships with the women from the Red-Light District...
"Go ahead, kill them if you want."
Orin's sudden words snapped them out of their schemes.
What?
Saint Topman Warcury's face stiffened.
Some of the other Elder Stars, however, wore expressions that seemed like they'd expected this.
The Den Den Mushi's face still bore a smile, but perhaps it was just their imagination—or not—because there was a faint chill in the air.
"Those women in the Red-Light District are just my tools for making money. Do whatever you want. But if you piss me off, I'll uproot every Marine branch in the New World one by one. After that, I'll hijack the Heavenly Tribute. And then, I'll start destroying member nations..."
Orin's tone barely changed. He still wore that mild smile.
His words sounded as casual as eating or drinking.
But the meaning behind them made the Elder Stars' hearts clench in unison.
Useless...
Such emotional blackmail was completely ineffective on Orin...
They quickly came to that conclusion.
The negotiations hit a deadlock.
Yet Orin's next words were like the final fig leaf covering their repeatedly slapped faces.
"Honestly, you don't have to treat me as your number one enemy."
Orin sighed and shook his head. These scheming old men really were boring—always the same few tricks.
He didn't want to drag this out any longer. The execution was about to begin.
"I have no interest in overthrowing the World Government. I don't care about Imu-sama, Joy Boy, the Void Century, or the Will of 'D'. Everything I do is mostly on a whim or for fun."
"Though I get why you'd see me as a threat because of that uncertainty, still..."
"As long as the World Government is willing to show me some respect, I'm more than happy to return the favor."
Click.
The Den Den Mushi disconnected.
On the other end, in the Room of Power, after hearing that information-packed ending, the Elder Stars fell into a long silence. Their eyes were filled with heavy, unshakable concern.
"Orin... where did he hear all that? Was it Roger who told him?"
"Not necessarily. Maybe he found something on the Final Island..."
"What a troublesome guy. Looks like we're in for a rough time."
"Still, he doesn't seem openly hostile. Maybe we can use him someday. We might consider making some concessions when necessary."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
The Elders discussed among themselves and finally settled on the World Government's official stance on Orin— moderate tolerance and strategic concession.
It was, at least for now, the smartest course of action these politicians could come up with.
...
"Hey, Orin! Over here! Where'd you disappear to?" Shanks and Buggy had already squeezed into the front row. Seeing Orin arrive fashionably late, they waved him over.
"Nothing much, just made a phone call."
"Don't wander off again—Captain Roger's about to come out!"
The three of them stood at the front of the crowd.
As time ticked away and the execution drew closer,
Orin saw many familiar faces in the crowd.
There was Moria, with his sharp fangs and devilish appearance. At this point, he hadn't yet become the number one couch potato of the seas. Instead, he was still full of ambition to become the Pirate King.
Though, to Orin, that ambition seemed utterly delusional.
In the distance, wearing a green cloak and watching silently, was Monkey D. Dragon. His face had yet to be marked by Garp's legendary iron-fist beatdowns.
Still young and clean-faced, the teenage Dracule Mihawk stood there—destined to become the world's greatest swordsman.
As for Doflamingo, who was supposed to be here, he'd been "taught a lesson" by Orin earlier and was still grounded, unable to attend.
And then…
Hm?
At that moment, Orin noticed a somewhat familiar figure.
But he couldn't be entirely sure.
Slicked-back hair, a horizontal scar across the face, draped in a coat—all these features matched one person perfectly.
But...
Who's this hot woman?
Not far from him stood a curvy, sultry woman. Orin could hardly believe his eyes.
Was this really my 50/50 buddy, old Crocodile?
Her sexy and striking figure, icy expression, and that scar—far from ruining her looks—actually gave her a mafia queen vibe.
So it was true.
Crocodile really did go to Ivankov for that kind of surgery...
The moment Orin laid eyes on Crocodile, his inner troll woke up again.
What if Ivankov hadn't done the surgery?
Crocodoll?
Or maybe... what if Ivankov did that kind of surgery on someone else instead...
Orin was shocked by his own twisted imagination. That idea was just too wild.
"Hey, Orin, what are you spacing out for?" He felt a couple of nudges and instinctively turned to his two best buddies.
Buggy?
Shanks?