The World Government holds a World Conference every four years, with all fifty member nations attending.
And the next World Conference is only one month away.
Malverick's timing this time was perfect.
Capturing a Celestial Dragon at this moment meant the World Government wouldn't dare act rashly.
To rescue the Celestial Dragons, the World Government had only one option… negotiations.
If they couldn't deal with Malverick's group before the World Conference, then this was their only choice.
Hearing Malverick's plan, Shanks immediately understood.
"So that's your real purpose for wanting to meet me?"
"That's right. But I didn't expect you to show up looking for me too. Isn't that convenient?"
With the Red-Haired Pirates present—even if they didn't take action—the deterrence alone was enormous.
"So what do you need me to do?"
"It's simple. Head over to the Navy's G1 base and walk around a bit. If Sengoku tries to bring troops to arrest me, block him."
In the end, Shanks nodded.
"Fine. I'll help you this one time."
"Good. Thanks. Next time we meet, the drinks are on me."
They continued drinking freely.
After a while, Malverick suddenly asked:
"Are you planning to head to the East Blue soon?"
Shanks had not yet lost his left arm, and the straw hat was still on his head.
Which meant he had not yet met his lifelong nemesis—the Sea King.
"Yeah, that's the plan. Why? You heading there too?"
"I will, but only after I become a major power. I actually went to East Blue before setting sail. I even drank some wine on the captain's execution platform."
"Oh?"
Shanks smiled.
"What a coincidence. I went too. Even fought the local marines."
"By the way, have you seen Buggy? I heard he's got his own pirate crew in East Blue. Wonder when he'll enter the Grand Line?"
Malverick shrugged.
"He does have a crew. But entering the Grand Line… probably ten years from now."
Buggy's résumé was impressive, but… never mind.
"You said you want to become a major power. Like Whitebeard?"
"Of course. Otherwise being a pirate would be pointless. Don't tell me you don't want to—I won't believe it!"
"Hahaha! As expected of my crewmate. Yes, that's my goal too!"
The Red-Haired Pirates were already a top group in the New World. The next step was expanding territory.
But the New World was already occupied by monsters like Whitebeard, Kaido, and Big Mom. Conflict was inevitable.
"So which one are you aiming at?"
Malverick asked.
Shanks drank, his eyes turning firm.
"The Beasts Pirates. Kaido."
Malverick wasn't surprised.
The Red-Haired Pirates were like an iron wall — facing the Beasts Pirates head-on wasn't impossible.
"Let me visit the East Blue first. When I return, I'll start."
"Then I wish you success."
"I told you my target. What about you? Which one are you aiming at?"
Malverick grinned strangely.
"Since you're taking Kaido, that leaves me the other two: Whitebeard and Big Mom."
Shanks: "…Are you joking?"
Your crew has only a handful of people… and you want to challenge both the Whitebeard Pirates and Big Mom Pirates?
Is my hearing broken? Or are you drunk?
"Just wait. I'll carve a piece of meat off those two tigers."
Late at night, Shanks patted his stomach and staggered off to rest.
He had drunk plenty.
Five barrels of wine — he alone finished four.
Malverick looked at the sea of collapsed Red-Hair Pirates, then returned to rest as well.
Inside the room, he saw Robin sitting on the bed, waiting for him.
"It's so late. Why aren't you asleep?"
Robin stood and walked step by step toward him.
"Because I was waiting for you."
She pulled Malverick toward the bed and pushed him down.
Sitting on top of him, she leaned close. Malverick didn't resist.
"Have you really decided? No regrets?"
"Hmph. Regret wouldn't matter. You've already crossed the line. This is how it has to be."
"Starting today, I'm the mistress of this ship. No one can take that spot."
Robin leaned down and kissed him.
Malverick, already no saint and full of alcohol, responded naturally. He shifted positions, taking the lead.
"Guess whether the one under you is a clone or not," Robin teased suddenly.
Malverick froze.
He used his Five-View Omniscience.
It wasn't a clone—this was Robin herself.
A sudden shift signaled Robin's clothes being pulled aside.
"Hey! Can't you be gentle!" she protested.
…
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for acquiring Phoenix Blood again!]
Malverick: "Get lost!"
[Understood, host. Please continue!]
…
"Wait—wait!" Robin suddenly stopped him, sensing a certain change.
She knew exactly what that meant.
"What is it?"
"I—I'm only eighteen!"
"I know. So?"
"You know what I mean!"
Robin covered her blushing face, struggling to explain but forced to continue.
"I'm not ready… for a child."
She had only met Malverick recently, and she was still young.
Plus, they were dealing with marine pursuit and would soon be fighting for territory in the New World.
It wasn't the right time.
"I don't care — but you can't just continue like this!" she insisted.
"There is a way," Malverick whispered into her ear.
"Did you forget your clone ability?"
Robin froze for a moment, then bit his shoulder in embarrassment.
"You're horrible!"
…
Afterward the scene ended with the two sharing an intimate moment.
Seeing the flower petals on the bed, Robin wrapped herself tightly in the blanket, refusing to come out no matter what Malverick said.
"Come out. I have something for you."
In his hand, Malverick held the Phoenix Blood.
This one belonged to Robin — with it, her physique would improve greatly.
—------------------------------
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