Chapter 189Nami was quick to act, covering Merry's mouth and pulling her aside. She crouched down and whispered hurriedly, "Merry, what happened in the bathroom just now is our little secret. You can't tell anyone, especially Sister Vivi! Otherwise... otherwise, no candy for you!"Merry blinked her large eyes and nodded, seemingly understanding but perhaps not quite.You couldn't tell if she was just pretending to understand or what.Just as Nami breathed a sigh of relief, Merry added, "But I have one condition."Little Merry was indeed a precocious one! The only certain thing was that Little Merry's allegiance lay firmly with Luffy; her bias was as plain as day.Vivi watched Nami's suspicious behavior and the scene of Merry's mouth being covered, the look of doubt on her face deepening.She leaned in toward Nami and couldn't help but ask, "What exactly happened?""Nothing at all!"Nami forced herself to stay calm, trying to change the subject. "Look, we didn't just defeat Moriah, we also got all of Moriah's treasure! We're rich now!""Do I look that easy to fool?" Vivi's attention was clearly not that easy to divert. She stared at Nami's wedding dress, then looked at Luffy not far away, her gaze complex.Robin, on the other hand, tapped her chin with a slender finger, eyeing Nami's attire with great interest, a meaningful smile playing on her lips."Hehe, this modified wedding dress is quite unique. It suits you well, Nami."Robin's deep eyes seemed capable of seeing through everything, making Nami afraid to even meet the older woman's gaze.Perhaps the two of them had some romantic encounter on this Thriller Bark.But Robin didn't try to get to the bottom of things like Vivi did; she clearly had her own plans. Regardless of whether anything happened between Nami and Luffy in the bathroom, this wedding dress was a good excuse. Maybe she could find an opportunity to try it herself later?Vivi had tried it before, and she had tried it too.A gold-standard certification from Robin; anyone who used it would say it's good.The thoughts of a mature woman were always much more active and bold than those of still-green girls like Vivi and Nami.Chapter 271: Shichibukai InvitationWhile everyone was immersed in the joy of victory and the subtle atmosphere, what should have been the victory settlement screen saw the shadows on Luffy's body emerge. However, he didn't smile; instead, he stared warily at the top of a Ferris wheel-like ship's rudder atop the only remaining tall building in the distance.There, a silent, tall figure had stood up at some point, seemingly blending into the shadows.He was exceptionally burly, clutching a thick book in his arms as he quietly looked down at the celebrating crowd, carrying an invisible sense of pressure."Luffy?"Nami was the first to notice Luffy's abnormality. Following his gaze, she also saw the blurred figure, her heart tightening. "Who is that? Is it an enemy?""Ah, this presence is exactly the same as the one that appeared back at Golden Lion's place. The guy who took Golden Lion away must be him," Luffysaid.Robin's expression also turned serious. Her vast knowledge meant her understanding of the World Government far exceeded that of ordinary people."To be able to send a legendary pirate like Golden Lion to Impel Down, this person likely has close ties to the World Government. If that's the case, he's most likely an enemy.""So the battle isn't over yet?"Chopper and Usopp huddled together.They had just defeated a Shichibukai, so why was another guy appearing who might be even more terrifying?Meanwhile, that tall figure was indeed one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Bartholomew Kuma.He had watched the battle between Luffy and Moriah from start to finish and had even lightly cleared out some of Moriah's subordinates.He slowly pulled out a transponder snail that was currently ringing "Bulu-bulu."The moment the transponder snail was connected, it mimicked the face of a majestic and cold old man."Bartholomew Kuma,"From the other end of the transponder snail came the voice of one of the Gorosei, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, carrying an unquestionable authority. "What is the situation? Is Moriah still alive?"Kuma's gaze swept over Moriah, who was half-buried under rubble in the ruins below; he looked like he had more breath going out than coming in."He still has a breath left," Kuma replied calmly."Hmph, that's good."Saint Jaygarcia Saturn's voice seemed to sigh in relief."We only just decided on a successor for Crocodile. It would be terrible if another Shichibukai vacancy appeared. As long as he has a breath left, wait for him to recover. I hope he continues to serve as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.As for the handling of his defeat, we'll discuss that after he recovers. If the Seven Warlords of the Seaare taken down one after another by the Straw Hatboy, the prestige of the Shichibukai will vanish entirely."This was something the World Government did not want to see.What the World Government wanted to maintain was the balance of this ocean.Whether it was the Marines, the Shichibukai, or the Four Emperors, they were all just tools needed to maintain that balance.But for now, they needed a good tool, so Moriahwas still useful, especially before that Great Eventarrived.Saint Jaygarcia Saturn's tone turned cold, carrying a hint of murderous intent: "This news must never get out. The Straw Hat boy's crew is truly a troublesome bunch. Do you understand what I mean?""Please elaborate.""There can be no witnesses to Moriah's defeat. Now, in the name of the World Government, I am issuing you a special mission—thoroughly eliminate all witnesses on this island, including the Straw Hat Crew, using the ability you are so proud of. Even if they are sent to Impel Down, they can all be received there."Saint Jaygarcia Saturn's voice carried a condescending, commanding tone: "You aren't like that useless Moriah. You should be quite experienced in doing things like this, right? Recall God Valley; your ability once caused even us quite a headache."The God Valley mentioned by Saint Jaygarcia Saturn was something Kuma didn't particularly want to remember.He had indeed used those hands to save many people, but...Kuma fell into silence, and a nearly imperceptible ripple seemed to cross his usually expressionless face.After a moment, he spoke in a low voice: "Your task might be a bit difficult right now.""Oh? Why?"Saint Jaygarcia Saturn's voice carried a hint of surprise and displeasure.Kuma's gaze turned downward, meeting Luffy's eyes which were firmly locked onto him: "Right now, I have been completely targeted by the Straw Hat boy. Being able to take Moriah away safely might already be the best possible outcome."The other end of the transponder snail fell into a brief silence, as if evaluating the weight of this information.After a few seconds, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn's voice rang out again, with an inscrutable meaning: "Has that Straw Hat boy already grown to such an extent?"The Gorosei highly acknowledged Kuma's strength; they knew very well how troublesome he could be.To some extent, defeating Crocodile and Gekko Moriah was nothing. Defeating Rob Lucci, the so-called strongest member of CP9 in centuries, wasn't much either. Even regarding Aokiji, the Gorosei suspected there were many other factors involved.But Kuma's words now, facing Luffy, caused Saint Jaygarcia Saturn's evaluation of Luffy to rise by a level.Just then, a figure appeared silently and with incredible speed atop the wreckage where Kuma was—it was Luffy.His speed was like teleportation as he stared intently at Kuma and the transponder snail in his hand."Is your goal the same as that old man on the other side of the transponder snail?" Luffy asked straightforwardly.He had heard it.The order to wipe out everyone on the island.Kuma didn't answer immediately, only looking at Luffy silently.On the other side of the transponder snail, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn was silent for a moment before speaking:"Straw Hat boy, Monkey D. Luffy, if you are willing, you can replace Moriah and become a new member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea."At these words, Kuma's expression finally shifted slightly.Inviting the Straw Hat Crew to become Shichibukai? How many headaches had this crew caused the World Government?Setting aside the Alabasta incident—where Crocodile, a legal pirate recognized by the World Government, had plotted against a member nation, a scandal that was quickly covered up.But the Enies Lobby incident had long since spread, becoming a household news item in the newspapers over the last few days.Clearly, the Straw Hat Crew was already considered major criminals in the eyes of the World Government. Logically, it was highly unlikely for Luffy to receive a Shichibukai invitation.Furthermore...Luffy's status as the son of the Revolutionaryleader made it even more impossible for him to receive an invitation to join the Shichibukai.Chapter 272: Deal with KumaKuma was deep in thought.Could it be because of Garp? Garp should be the one most opposed to it.The Seven Warlords of the Sea were still pirates, and even more unscrupulous ones at that.This intelligence should be very clear to the high-ranking officials of the World Government.Moreover, according to the intelligence Kuma had received, Monkey D. Luffy's brother, Fire Fist Ace, had been captured by Blackbeard and handed over to the World Government as a gesture of loyalty. Why invite Luffy to become a Shichibukai at such a juncture?It was most likely a stalling tactic, right?The kind where they use him and then eliminate him.But based on Kuma's tracking of the Straw Hat Crew and his understanding of Luffy during this time..."Not interested."Luffy felt that hesitating for even a second would be a sign of disrespect to himself. Besides, was the Shichibukai some kind of powerful organization? From what he could see, there weren't many who could actually fight.Saint Jaygarcia Saturn said, "I think you'll want to join. Why not hear the conditions we're offering first?""No."Saint Jaygarcia Saturn choked on his words.How could this guy be so stubborn?Wealth, status, fame, beautiful women... A pirate becomes a pirate because they have some kind of desire, right? But he didn't know that Luffy's only wish was to reach Laugh Tale and become the Pirate King.Even if Saint Jaygarcia Saturn told him where Laugh Tale was, Luffy wouldn't want to know.If he knew...The rest of the adventure would be meaningless.Kuma remained silent.Luffy's attention turned to the transponder snail, and he asked bluntly, "Hey, who are you, old man on the other end? And why do you talk with so many pauses? Is there something wrong with you?"Luffy's completely irreverent questioning caused even Kuma's calm expression to show a very slight, strange ripple.On the other end, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn clearly hadn't expected to be greeted so bluntly; the mimicked face of the old man seemed to stiffen for a moment.This was a common trick used by those in high positions.A means of exerting psychological pressure through pauses and tone.But with Luffy, it was like playing a lute to a cow.Kuma could even feel a low pressure emanating from the transponder snail that was almost tangible.He had no doubt that if it weren't for the transponder snail, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn might have descended in person to show this ignorant boy the meaning of authority.A Gorosei descending would truly be a major event.Kuma didn't hesitate to hang up the transponder snail and put it back in his coat.He was truly afraid Luffy would say something else shocking, and besides, there was no need for Saint Jaygarcia Saturn to hear what came next.Kuma keenly sensed that the Gorosei's level of concern for Luffy's crew was extraordinary, which surely had some deep-seated reason he didn't know. Before the situation became clear, he chose to cut off the call.He tightened the Bible tucked under his arm and slowly reached out to remove a black glove, revealing a singularly strange palm with a pink paw pad.His gaze fell straight on Luffy, and he said in a deep voice, "Monkey D. Luffy, shall we discuss a deal now?""We?""Yes. This is a personal transaction between you and me.""If it's about making me a Shichibukai, I'm not interested.""It's not. It's about intelligence regarding a certain person."Kuma said, "I want to exchange some things with you."A look of interest appeared on Luffy's face. "A Shichibukai wants to exchange something with me?"The reason he hadn't immediately attacked Kuma was that from beginning to end, he hadn't felt any clear hostility from this big guy; instead, there was an indescribable, complex feeling."Yes,"Kuma affirmed, "I think you'll agree. Because you'll want to know the intelligence about this person."
