Setsuna continued his analysis. "With the World Government and Marine Headquarters' strength, dealing with one Emperor is, of course, not difficult. The problem is, if you mobilize all forces, the other three Emperors might feel threatened and form an alliance."
"As far as I know, Whitebeard, Big Mom, and Kaido once served on the same pirate ship. If such an alliance forms…"
The Den Den Mushi's expression turned exceptionally grave. The Five Elders clearly understood what kind of impact such an alliance would have on the world's balance.
As for why Setsuna knew about the Rocks Pirates, the Five Elders weren't surprised.
Although the Rocks era had ended many years ago, many secrets about Rocks still circulated on the seas.
"Your meaning is, you will lead the offensive against Kaido?"
Setsuna smiled. "Exactly. As a Warlord, me dealing with Kaido won't raise the other Emperors' alertness."
More murmuring discussion came from the other end of the Den Den Mushi.
A moment later, the Five Elders' attitude had clearly softened considerably. "Your willingness is commendable. We will dispatch CP0 agents to assist you. You can treat them as your own subordinates."
"And the matter of Sabaody Archipelago…" Setsuna timely revisited the old topic.
The Five Elders laughed. "You are right. Those Celestial Dragons below do need more discipline. We will strengthen constraints. During this period, no Celestial Dragons will come to Sabaody. You needn't worry about conflicts."
"Haha, as expected, you five elders understand reason," Setsuna laughed and hung up.
Ace and the others didn't find it particularly noteworthy, but Robin and Bonney looked at Setsuna with boundless admiration.
Cursing the Celestial Dragons as scum in front of the Five Elders, and the Five Elders had to apologize and promise stricter discipline.
They even secretly hoped to see Celestial Dragons, imagining the absurd scene of the Captain disciplining a Celestial Dragon, with the Five Elders having to clean up the mess.
However, no matter how daring they were, they didn't dare think about killing a Celestial Dragon.
Ace's attention was entirely on Setsuna's latter statements. He eagerly asked, "Captain, are we really going to fight Kaido?"
"Of course we'll fight," Setsuna nodded slightly, a glint flashing in his eyes. "Wano Country is a treasure trove."
Mythical Zoans were rarer than Logias. Yet in Wano Country, there were four Mythical Zoan users.
Kaido, Yamato, Kurozumi Orochi, and Onimaru.
Of course, what he looked forward to most was another nest of Mythical Zoans… the Five Elders and the God's Knights.
Hearing that the five he had just spoken with were all Mythical Zoans, Don Slime was practically drooling.
First, slowly stabilize this nest. Once he obtained the Yami Yami no Mi, he could start fishing for the big ones.
While Setsuna was 'keeping an eye on' the Five Elders, the Five Elders were also discussing.
"Do you believe what he said is credible?" Mars asked.
"I believe the credibility is quite high. Based on our historical Poneglyph research, Wano Country is indeed one of the most likely hiding places for Pluton," Nusjuro flipped through documents in hand.
"Regardless of the truth of the information, as long as he is willing to attack Kaido, it's a good thing. Whitebeard and Red-Haired have no interest in competing for Pirate King. Kaido and Big Mom are the most dangerous existences on these seas. We absolutely cannot allow anyone else to reach Laugh Tale," Saturn said gravely.
"But what if Chiaki Setsuna becomes an even more terrible dragon after defeating Kaido?" Ju Peter asked.
"I believe he is a smart man. Moreover, judging from his past words and actions, that contempt for pirates is definitely not an act," Warcury said.
"Also, our Celestial Dragons below do indeed need more discipline. It's acceptable to be wicked, but not incompetent," Saturn frowned. "Continuing like this, there won't be many Celestial Dragons capable of joining the God's Knights."
The other Elders nodded tacitly. Continuing like this, would they have to let CP0 agents join the God's Knights?
…
Setsuna and his group passed through the bustling streets of Sabaody Archipelago, arriving at Shakky's Rip-off Bar in Grove 13.
Ace stopped before the shop, looking at the name thoughtfully.
Setsuna pushed open the slightly aged wooden door. Shakky was leaning against the bar, wiping glasses. She visibly paused upon seeing the visitors.
"What a rare guest. A Warlord of the Sea gracing my humble little shop?"
Setsuna glanced around the unremarkable little bar, his gaze lingering briefly on the greatest treasure of God Valley. "I heard you have the best information."
Shakky set down the glass. "Naturally. What might the [Gluttonous King] wish to inquire about?"
Setsuna got straight to the point. "Coating. I heard an old craftsman named Rayleigh is the best."
Hearing 'Rayleigh', Ace behind Setsuna reacted subtly.
"My, my, a great personage like yourself actually inquires about such trivial information?" Shakky feigned surprise. "There are many coating craftsmen on the island."
"I always pursue perfection," Setsuna chuckled lightly. "Since we're coating, naturally we find the best."
Shakky sighed, lighting a cigarette. "That old man… he's probably selling himself to pay gambling debts at the human auction house again. But…"
She blew a smoke ring. "He might not be very keen on seeing you."
"Because of a certain fish-man?" Setsuna suddenly asked.
Shakky almost dropped her cigarette. She narrowed her eyes. "You actually know about that?"
Setsuna didn't answer, turning toward the door. "Thanks for the hospitality."
After leaving the bar, Setsuna headed straight for the auction house in Grove 1.
Living in the lawless zone of Sabaody, the most important skill was judgment. The auction house staff clearly understood this well.
Thus, when Setsuna arrived, the personnel immediately recognized his identity.
A manager hurried forward, bowing respectfully. "Lord Gluttonous King, you honor us with your presence. How may we serve you?"
Setsuna didn't beat around the bush. "Bring me the auction catalog."
"Th-this is against the rules…" The manager stammered.
"Idiot!" The auction house owner, having heard the commotion, rushed over and slapped the manager on the back of the head. "How can rules constrain a great personage like Chiaki-sama?"
He obsequiously presented a gilded auction catalog with both hands. "Please examine it."
After a quick browse, Setsuna pointed to a page. "Bring him to me."
Though unclear about Setsuna's intent, the owner carried out the order well.
Soon, a confused Rayleigh followed the auction house owner out.
Setsuna looked at the owner. "How much for him? I'll buy him."
The owner forced a smile, rubbing his hands. "What's an old geezer like him worth? If you want him, consider him a gift."
"Then I won't stand on ceremony," Setsuna said, then looked at the bewildered Rayleigh. "I've bought you now. Shouldn't you call me Captain?"
Rayleigh could only smile wryly. He didn't care much about other things, but the title 'Captain' belonged to one man only.
Seeing Rayleigh silent, the owner immediately berated harshly. "You lowly slave! Hurry up and bow!"
Setsuna just watched the show with a smile. Rayleigh sighed. "It seems you already know my identity?"
Setsuna raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you just Old Ray the coating craftsman? What other identity could you have?"
Life wasn't easy. Old Ray sighed. "It seems my peaceful life is over. My name is Silvers Rayleigh."
Hearing this, the owner laughed. "Haha, this slave has the same name as the legendary Dark King Rayleigh."
Seeing neither Setsuna nor Rayleigh respond, the owner suddenly realized something, his face turning pale, legs weakening. "H-he… he couldn't actually be the Dark King Rayleigh, the Pirate King's right-hand man, could he?"