After killing a Celestial Dragon and still staying on Sabaody, Rhett must be quite insane. The Marines didn't have enough manpower to arrest him; otherwise, they wouldn't have just sent Borsalino alone.
Rhett hadn't touched the ancient weapons, nor had he meddled with the Void Century. Im wasn't interested, and the Gorosei and Marines couldn't do anything about him. The forces required to capture him were uncertain, and it might even lead to the fall of another location.
Rhett: "I just love how you want to kill me but can't. Hehe."
Rhett pushed open the wooden door of "Shakky's Rip-off Bar," the bell jingling crisply. Under the dim light, Shakky leaned against the counter, flipping through an account book.
"Welcome...?" Shakky adjusted her sunglasses, her red lips curling into an amused smile. "Well, well, isn't this Rhett from Roger's ship? What brings you here, little brother?"
"Sister Shakky, don't tease me. With all the commotion just now, don't tell me you didn't know."
Rhett walked straight to the bar, his Black Tide sword thudding against the table. "Where's that old geezer Rayleigh?"
"He's in the back, coating the ship," Shakky elegantly blew out a smoke ring. "You sure have guts, killing a Celestial Dragon and then..."
The curtain to the back room was suddenly pushed aside, and Rayleigh, wiping coating fluid from his hands, scolded with a laugh, "I thought I heard some brat who doesn't know his place calling me an old geezer. Rhett, you asking for a beating, huh?"
The corner of Rhett's mouth lifted. "Uncle Rayleigh, your hearing's gotten sharper since you retired. What are you doing in Sister Shakky's shop?"
Shakky's face flushed slightly.
Rhett: "Something's going on here, hehehehe."
Shakky poured each of them a glass of rum. "So, after causing such a ruckus, aren't you going to be stripped of your Shichibukai title? Are you planning to turn against the World Government?"
Rhett swirled his glass. "Those Celestial Pigs really piss me off. Besides, after bidding farewell to the captain, we've already torn up relations."
"You're still sharp, kid. The World Government will never tolerate threats to the Celestial Dragons," Rayleigh laughed heartily. "Seems like you've gone a bit crazy, little Rhett!"
"Nothing to worry about anymore." Rhett looked directly at Rayleigh. "I've been thinking about what Big Brother Roger said when he disbanded the crew."
The bar suddenly fell silent. Shakky's hand wiping the glass paused almost imperceptibly.
"Too early?" Rayleigh took a sip of his drink, his gaze profound.
"No." Rhett shook his head, staring at the swirling liquor in his glass. "Was the prophecy the captain believed in true? If it is, then..."
Rayleigh waved his hand, cutting Rhett off.
Shakky suddenly put down her glass. "If you're considering forming a pirate crew..." She pulled out a stack of bounty posters from under the counter. "There are some interesting youngsters recently."
Rhett glanced at them; the top ones featured Hawk Eyes, Crocodile, and the flamboyantly dressed Doflamingo's latest bounties.
"And this one," Shakky pulled out another poster. "Monkey D. Dragon, who recently defected from the Marines and has been active in the East Blue. It seems..."
"I'm not interested in him," Rhett interrupted. "I'm looking for lunatics who can help me turn the world upside down. If I'm strong enough, just a wave of my hand will usher in a new era of pirates."
"When I become strong enough, right and wrong will be defined by me."
Shakky and Rayleigh exchanged a meaningful look.
While Rhett was chatting, at Holy Land Mary Geoise...
The Gorosei sat around a world map, their shadows cast on the wall by candlelight.
The Environment God of War slammed his teacup to the ground. "That remnant of Roger's crew, Rhett, killed a Celestial Dragon on Sabaody Archipelago! Does he intend to defect from the Shichibukai?"
The Legal God of War's fingers dug deep into the armrest. "What's worse is that the murderer is still roaming freely on Sabaody! This is the most blatant provocation to the World Government!"
The Finance God of War suddenly stood up and pounded the table. "Dispatch all Marine Admirals immediately! The dignity of the World Government cannot be violated!"
"Calm down," the Science Defense God of War adjusted his glasses. "Currently, only Kong is stationed at Marine Headquarters, and Kizaru has just been severely injured..."
"Then let Kong lead the mission himself!" the Agriculture God of War roared. "We must see that lunatic's head by dawn!"
"Agreed."
Fleet Admiral Kong put down the Den Den Mushi with a grim expression, his steel-like fist cracking the desk. "The Gorosei have ordered us to launch a full-scale manhunt immediately."
Tsuru's eyes were shadowed with fatigue. "Deploying all our forces now will leave the world's pirates unchecked for a short time. Moreover, Roger's initiation of the Great Pirate Era has swelled their numbers, and our forces are already stretched thin."
Kong called the Gorosei again.
"Say that again?" the Finance God of War stared at Kong in disbelief.
Kong replied expressionlessly, "Currently, Admiral Kizaru is on duty but severely injured. Aokiji and Akainu couldn't stop Rhett if he decided to flee. If we force an engagement..."
"Insolence!" the Environment God of War smashed the tea table. "Are the Marines planning to rebel?"
Under the light, Kong's shadow remained unmoving. "I'm merely stating facts. Roger's death has shaken the seas. Dispersing our forces now..."
The argument in the hall of power finally subsided.
"Issue a special bounty," the Legal God of War rubbed his temples wearily. "Increase Rhett's bounty to 3.5 billion Berries."
The Science Defense God of War added, "Also, notify CP0 to act immediately. We must..."
"Report!" a messenger suddenly burst in. "News from Sabaody: Rhett has already left by ship!"
The Gorosei collectively fell silent. Outside, the eastern sky began to lighten.
The Agriculture God of War slumped back into his chair. "Let CP0 continue the investigation... I don't think Kong is fit to lead the Marines anymore. I hear Sengoku is quite capable; let's hope he's smart."
"Are we just letting him go?" the adjutant looked at Kong in disbelief.
Kong's silhouette was outlined by the dawn light. "Remember, we searched all night, but the culprit was too cunning."
As he turned, his lips carried a faint smile. "Let Sengoku prepare to take over my position. The Gorosei will likely make a move. Submit the recommendation for the next Fleet Admiral to the World Government tomorrow."
Kong murmured to the window, "You'll probably replace me as Fleet Admiral to discipline the Marines, but I'll just retire instead."
Rhett remarked, "These politicians have dirty hearts."
The next day, the Gorosei convened once again.
Inside the Gorosei conference hall,
"This is Kong threatening us!" the Finance God of War slammed his teacup on the table. "Voluntary resignation? The Marines are about to turn the world upside down!"
The Science Defense God of War: "Reject his resignation. Keeping a disobedient Fleet Admiral is better than letting the Marines feel we forced him out. Forcing him out would only make them more united. Insert a few CP0 agents; we absolutely cannot allow the Marines to escape our control."