2 chapters will be uploaded on daily basis i.e. 14 Chapters will be uploaded every week apart from the bonus chapters.
1 Bonus Chapter will be uploaded for every 50 Power Stones or 1000 Collections.
All interested readers can read advanced chapters on: Free Members of Patreon can read 10 Chapters ahead of Webnovel for FREE.
[email protected]/Heroicverse
×××××××××××××××
The matter of the Dance Powder was certainly impossible to conceal, so the World Government decisively chose to shift the blame. All the bad deeds were done by others, and we, the World Government, are supremely just!
"Given Mr. Auguro's temper, bearing such a huge, undeserved stain on his reputation is likely to make him very angry," Cobra said helplessly.
He was the hero who saved the nation, yet he was framed as the greatest mastermind. No one could accept that.
Vivi stated, "We must inform him as quickly as possible! Otherwise, he might think we are collaborating with the World Government to slander him, and that would be a problem!"
Thinking of the newly arrived Captain Soi Fon, Vivi knew Alabasta absolutely could not withstand Auguro's wrath!
In the study, Auguro and his group were invited in, and Cobra personally explained what had happened.
"Tsk!" Auguro clicked his tongue.
"Truly the World Government's style! I'm not even a pirate, yet my bounty keeps getting higher."
Cobra apologized profusely, "We are truly sorry, but we have no way to stop the World Government!"
Auguro waved his hand, indicating he didn't mind. When had the World Government, or rather those Five Elders, ever cared about anyone else's opinion?
However, Soi Fon suddenly stood up.
Soi"Lord Soul King, I shall go and kill these blasphemous fools!"
As she spoke, her Captain-level Reiatsu spread out like a dark cloud covering the sun, heavily pressing down on everyone present. Instantly, Cobra's and Vivi's faces turned white, and their breathing hitched. Under this immensely heavy Reiatsu, they felt like insects facing a storm, completely helpless.
"Soi Fon, calm yourself!"
Auguro gave a light command, and only then did Soi Fon retract her Reiatsu.
Cobra and Vivi felt as if they had been granted a reprieve, gulping large breaths of fresh air.
"My subordinate was a bit out of line. My apologies," Auguro offered an apology.
"No, no problem, it's understandable!" Cobra quickly waved his hands, his gaze toward Soi Fon filled with respect and awe. As a leader of a World Government affiliate, he had met many high-ranking Marines during the Reverie. This Soi Fon gave him a feeling no less imposing than the three Marine Admirals! With such powerful subordinates, it was no wonder Auguro disdained the title of "pirate"!
"Your Majesty Cobra, the World Government is a ship taking on water everywhere. Now, they are unwilling to even safeguard the interests of their own affiliated nations. Alabasta needs to be prepared!" Auguro warned with deep meaning. In the original timeline, this King Cobra died at the hands of the Five Elders! And Vivi was chased relentlessly!
Cobra, wise from his age, immediately asked, "I wonder if Mr. Auguro has any suggestions?"
"Where there is oppression, there will be resistance. Since the World Government is being irresponsible, one must naturally secure an alternative path for themselves."
"I believe the most important duty of a nation and government is to ensure the people live good lives!"
Auguro lacked exceptional eloquence. He merely relayed the philosophies he had encountered in his past life. After close contact with Alabasta, Auguro knew that with his current territory and prestige, directly annexing it would be too difficult. However, gaining them as an ally was crucial!
Cobra and Vivi had never heard of concepts like democracy and freedom, and they listened in stunned silence. Recovering slightly, Cobra asked in a low voice, "Could it be, Mr. Auguro, that you are from the Revolutionary Army?"
He couldn't help it; Auguro's ideas sounded exactly like those of the Revolutionary Army!
Auguro scoffed dismissively at the question.
"I am not affiliated with that band of children playing house!"
Playing house?
Cobra was bewildered. That was the Revolutionary Army—the force that had overthrown several nations and was considered the World Government's foremost enemy! How could they be so worthless in Auguro's eyes?
Auguro explained, "It's not that I look down on them! They only have short-term goals but no comprehensive action plan. What kind of nation do they want to create? How do they plan to guarantee the rights of their citizens in a stable, long-term way?"
"They lack all those key elements! They simply replace the king. What happens if the new king proves inadequate in a few years? Overthrow him again? If that's not playing house, what is?"
Cobra fell silent. Hearing Auguro's explanation, what the Revolutionary Army was doing truly sounded like child's play!
"Then does Mr. Auguro also intend to overthrow the World Government?" Cobra asked with a serious expression.
"I simply want to lead ordinary people toward a peaceful life free of oppression and killing! I don't wish to be enemies with the World Government."
"Everyone who joins me is given the respect and rights they deserve, allowing them full freedom within a set of rules."
"But I suspect the World Government won't be happy to see us succeed, so a battle will likely be unavoidable in the end," Auguro spoke candidly, laying out his goals.
"In the East Blue, a few villages and towns that are willing to follow me have already begun this experiment. If Your Majesty is interested, you can send someone to observe! If you find it viable, perhaps you can join us."
Hearing that Auguro was already enacting such a grand vision, both Cobra and Vivi looked shocked and impressed.
Cobra's eyes darted around, and he gave a hearty laugh.
"Oh! These complicated matters are beyond this old man!"
"Vivi, you will consult with Mr. Auguro from now on! I believe Alabasta will become better and better under your guidance!"
Vivi was momentarily taken aback by this sudden declaration but agreed, as it was clearly beneficial for Alabasta.
Auguro felt this was for the best. Compared to Cobra, Vivi, as a younger person, was more likely to accept his theories. Vivi excitedly began to ask Auguro about the theoretical details, and seeing the two chatting happily, Cobra simply led the others out of the study.
"Your Majesty!" Pell hesitated for a moment on the way out before asking, "Are you letting Princess Vivi consult with Mr. Auguro because you intend a political marriage?"
"Haha! Do you think Auguro is not worthy of Vivi, Pell?" Cobra countered, smiling.
Pell shook his head, looking troubled.
"Mr. Auguro's strength and knowledge are exceptional, and he is naturally an excellent choice! However, he is a pirate now, after all!"
Although Auguro himself didn't agree with the title, since the Marines had issued a bounty, in everyone's eyes, Auguro was a pirate!
Cobra's smile grew wider. "Pell! Do you remember what Captain Soi Fon called Auguro?"
Pell froze, then recalled, "I believe it was... the Soul King?"
"Exactly! Did that title not suggest anything to you?"
Pell's body trembled slightly, and he said in awe, "You mean... he wants to become a King?"
"Hahaha! A man who intends to forge a new era—could he ever be content with serving under others? Becoming a King is only a matter of time!" Cobra laughed heartily.
"When that happens, the entire world will enter a completely new phase!"