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Chapter 16: Massive Uproar! The World Government's Hidden Secret
Across the entire seas,
There were over 170 affiliated nations belonging to the World Government.
The World Government had the obligation to protect these countries, while the nations had to obey the World Government's arrangements.
It could be said they were in a mutually interdependent relationship.
Because of the World Government's protection,
The vast majority of affiliated nations were not militarily strong.
The armies they maintained were merely to safeguard their royal families' positions.
Who knew if Rocks' revenge operation against the affiliated nations this time would allow him to trigger a new round of sign-ins?
Lotte pondered inwardly.
The crew on the ship, because of Rocks' earlier announcement,
Had plunged into complete revelry.
Excited pirates held victory banquets one after another, celebrating their successful repulsion of Marine Headquarters' invasion.
Not far away,
Kaido watched Lotte—who had just displayed his might—with gritted teeth, clenching his fist in reluctance.
The guy's growth speed had far exceeded his imagination.
Just a few days ago, they could still barely exchange blows.
Now, Kaido's strength had clearly been left far behind!
It seemed he had to find a way to increase his power quickly—otherwise, in this pirate crew where the strong ruled, he wouldn't be able to stand out!
Kaido silently resolved in his heart.
As night gradually fell,
Bonfires flickered on the ship, and the pirates' victory feast officially began.
Lotte, however, had no interest in it.
To someone who had tasted the delicacies of Huaxia,
The food and alcohol at these banquets held no appeal.
Rather than joining these gatherings, he'd rather use the time to cook a meal himself.
He turned and left without hesitation.
Golden Lion Shiki
Quietly watched Lotte's departing back and narrowed his eyes.
Though he hadn't managed to get the kid to join his division this time,
Shiki wasn't in a hurry.
After all, there would be plenty of time to interact on this ship in the future.
No need to rush.
He believed that as long as he showed enough benefits and strength later,
This kid named Lotte would eventually join under his flag.
Rocks indifferently watched the celebrating pirates.
He subconsciously clenched his fist slowly.
Though he had already become the hegemon of these seas, Rocks felt no satisfaction whatsoever.
His goal wasn't merely to rule one region.
It was to become the king of the entire world!
To achieve that goal,
He was willing to pay any price!
If he wanted to overthrow the World Government that ruled the world,
He had to obtain that thing.
Otherwise, he couldn't threaten the World Government at all.
Rocks calculated inwardly.
As night faded,
News of Marine Headquarters' failed operation spread,
And the Rocks Pirates' glorious feat once again shocked the entire seas.
For a time, their prestige was unmatched.
...
People everywhere were discussing it heatedly.
To carry out this operation,
Marine Headquarters had even mobilized the Fleet Admiral himself.
Yet even so, they couldn't do anything to the Rocks Pirates. Had the seas reached a point where even the Marines couldn't suppress pirates anymore?!
"Hey, hey, is this real?!" "Even Marine Headquarters couldn't handle Rocks?!"
"What if that guy targets our affiliated nation next—who's going to protect our safety?!"
"Why are we still paying so much tribute to the World Government every year?!"
The royal families of many affiliated nations were greatly dissatisfied.
After all, they had become affiliated nations precisely for the World Government's protection.
The annual Heavenly Tribute they paid was an astronomical sum.
It left them with no extra military power.
But if even the World Government couldn't guarantee their safety,
Why should they keep paying such massive funds?!
The Marines were also in panic.
For most Marines who usually strutted around with authority,
They had never imagined a pirate crew that even the Fleet Admiral couldn't handle.
If they ever encountered one,
Wouldn't they be doomed to death?
Regarding this,
Marine Headquarters issued no official explanation for the time being.
In the high-rise office in Marineford,
Steel Bone Kong narrowed his eyes as he flipped through the documents in his hand.
Directly in front of his desk and chair
Stood three white-robed CP0 members, gazing at the aging man.
"Fleet Admiral Steel Bone Kong, the Five Elders demand an explanation from you."
"Why did you let the Rocks Pirates escape so easily?"
"With the forces you brought, even if you couldn't kill Rocks,"
"Inflicting heavy damage on the Rocks Pirates should have been feasible."
The white-robed man spoke calmly.
In their view, even as Fleet Admiral, Steel Bone Kong was merely one of the God's servants.
So their tone carried no respect whatsoever.
Garp, sitting in a chair nearby,
Couldn't help but stand up and glare at the white-robed man, shouting.
"If not for your CP organization's faulty intelligence, how could the Marines have made such a mistake?!"
"Whether it's the leader Rocks or the new member, none of it matches the intel your spies provided!"
"If you have the ability, you should—!"
Before Garp could finish,
Steel Bone Kong let out a low roar like a raging tiger.
A terrifying aura instantly spread outward.
"Enough!"
Garp obediently shut his mouth.
He didn't want to get lectured by Steel Bone Kong later—the man never held back when disciplining.
Steel Bone Kong interrupted Garp.
Then he looked up at the white-robed figures before him and sneered coldly.
"This time, it was indeed my misjudgment. But if we had kept fighting,
Even if we inflicted heavy casualties on the Rocks Pirates,
Marine Headquarters would have suffered equally devastating losses.
Moreover, even if we killed cadres and members on Rocks' ship,
What would that achieve if we didn't defeat the leader, Rocks?
It would be completely pointless!"
Steel Bone Kong had no desire to clash with CP0.
It would do him no good.
After all, CP0 was the World Government's direct highest-secret intelligence agency—the "strongest shield of the Celestial Dragons," a gathering place for the world's top-tier powerhouses.
There was no ripple in the white-robed man's eyes behind his mask.
He spoke calmly as ever.
"I understand. This report will be submitted to the Five Elders."
"Is there anything else you wish to add?"
At this,
Steel Bone Kong narrowed his eyes and placed both hands on the desk.
"Nothing much to add—just pass along a message."
"Rocks said that thing you're hiding—he's determined to have it.
I wonder if, regarding this statement,
The Five Elders could cooperate with the Marines and provide some information?"
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