"Allen, take a look at this."
Shortly after, Sanji, dressed in a black suit with a cigarette dangling from his lips, walked over and tossed a newspaper to Allen.
"This is today's news. The Whitebeard Pirates, who have been laying low for half a year, are making moves again."
With that, Sanji sat down on the nearby steps, exhaled a plume of smoke into the sky, and said calmly, "Those guys have done a few major things recently. It'll probably have a significant impact on the situation in the New World. Our friction with Big Mom will likely accelerate because of this."
"The New Whitebeard Pirates make a strong return? Reborn from the ashes—Flame Emperor Ace?"
Allen took the newspaper and glanced at it. The bold black-and-white headline caught him off guard for a moment, but then his lips curled into an amused smile.
"I haven't seen any news about them for so long, I thought they disbanded."
Hearing this, Nami curiously leaned her head over to read the newspaper with Allen.
Ever since the Summit War ended, the remnants of the Whitebeard Pirates had been briefly active for a short while, but there had been no news of Ace.
At the time, Marco led the division commanders and the remaining forces of their subordinate fleets to struggle over their invaded territories for a bit, but they disappeared not long after.
According to the newspaper, Ace had reappeared after half a year. Relying on his flame-powered speedboat, he single-handedly attacked three plundered territories in a row within a week.
On the other side, the Whitebeard Pirates fought on a separate front, similarly attacking and reclaiming two territories.
According to the report, they called themselves the 'New Whitebeard Pirates' upon their return and publicly announced Ace as their captain.
Furthermore, the World Government had updated Ace's bounty poster because of this.
"Flame Emperor, Portgas D. Ace. A bounty of 2.86 billion Berries. That's so high!"
Nami could not help but exclaim, her eyes widening as she looked at Allen in surprise. "That's a lot more than yours!"
Allen was speechless.
"To be able to command powerhouses like Marco the Phoenix, Diamond Jozu, and Flower Sword Vista, even a pig could get a two billion bounty as their captain."
Allen rolled his eyes and scoffed. "Unlike a certain pirate crew, where the subordinates are so disappointing that not a single one has a bounty over a billion."
"Hey! Are you talking about us?!"
"That's going way too far!"
Nami and Sanji rolled their eyes and glared at him fiercely.
Allen shrugged, spreading his hands as he spoke in a sarcastic tone, "I didn't say it was you guys. But if you throw a stone into a pigpen, the pig that squeals the loudest is the one that got hit."
"What did you just say...?!"
Nami and Sanji flushed red with anger, gritting their teeth and trembling with rage.
But jokes aside, the New World had fallen into chaos due to Whitebeard's death, and it would gradually stabilize as his territories were completely divided up.
The return of the Whitebeard Pirates would undoubtedly accelerate this process.
Sanji's concerns were not unfounded. The day Big Mom came to settle the score with them would arrive very soon.
Just then, Robin walked out of the burning cathedral, holding a connected Transponder Snail in her hand.
"Allen, the World Government is looking for you."
"The World Government?"
Allen turned around, stunned for a moment before realizing what was going on. He slapped his forehead and sighed, "Ah, I almost forgot this dump is still a World Government affiliated nation. Hand it over."
"Here."
Robin handed over the Transponder Snail and sat down nearby.
Allen passed the newspaper to Nami and took the Transponder Snail. "It's me. What is it?"
"Francis Allen. Our last contact was half a year ago, regarding Nico Robin. It is hard to believe there would come a day when she would be the one connecting my call."
The Transponder Snail spoke in a low, elderly voice. After a casual opening remark, it cut straight to the chase.
"You should still be on the Isle of Love Sanctuary. That is a world-renowned romantic tourist destination, a prosperous island. It is hard to imagine what a waste it would be if it fell into the hands of pirates."
"At the same time, the Kingdom of St. Dore is a World Government affiliated nation. If we do not send the Marines to take it back, word will spread and damage the World Government's prestige."
"But I can yield it to you. In exchange, I need your territory on Mosquito Coil Island."
On the other end of the Transponder Snail, Saturn finally revealed his true intentions.
Allen did not seem surprised. After all, everyone knew the World Government was never up to any good. He asked, "What do you want Mosquito Coil Island for?"
"That is none of your concern. You only need to care about the deal itself."
"That's no way to negotiate a deal. What do you want Mosquito Coil Island for?"
Allen pressed the issue again, his tone becoming blunt.
The Transponder Snail just stared at him, falling silent for a moment.
"To build a new Marine base."
The Transponder Snail said in a deep voice.
Meanwhile, in a spacious hall within Mary Geoise atop the Red Line, the Five Elders sat on sofas around a tea table.
The five men stared coldly at the Transponder Snail, seemingly deep in thought.
The World Military Draft had been underway for some time. Outstanding soldiers from the armies of various affiliated nations were gradually being inducted into the Marines, and plans to establish a foothold in the New World were being put on the agenda.
Although Mosquito Coil Island lacked resources, its geographical location made it a crucial checkpoint connecting the routes to other bases.
Now that the Marines were just beginning their massive push into the New World, it was obviously unwise to clash with the Demon Lion Pirates, whose strength was comparable to the Four Emperors, at this critical juncture.
Things that could be negotiated through deals did not necessarily require bloodshed. When facing a faction of this caliber, the usual rules of the Marines hunting pirates no longer applied.
Moreover, trading an affiliated nation's territory for an island with few resources seemed like a loss for the World Government no matter how one looked at it. The other party would most likely agree.
However, Allen did not see it that way. On the tea table, the Transponder Snail opened its mouth and relayed Allen's mocking voice:
"Playing these kinds of tricks with me is pointless. It looks like a good deal, but in reality, without the backing of being a World Government affiliated nation, this place will no longer be a tourist sanctuary."
"Would rich people come to vacation in a country ruled by pirates? Especially one that secretly runs a human trafficking ring? Once word gets out, the Isle of Love Sanctuary will be ruined overnight."
"Do you politicians sitting in the Holy Land really not understand this logic? Trading a country you're about to abandon for my strategic stronghold? Keep dreaming."
As Allen's sarcastic words faded, a dark glint flashed across the eyes of the Five Elders.
After a moment of silence, Saturn was the first to speak.
"It is regrettable, but we only just received news of the human trafficking. You do not need to worry about public opinion; CP0 is already on their way to the Isle of Love Sanctuary."
"For the sake of the World Government's reputation, they will ensure this matter does not spread and will restore the island to its usual order."
"Additionally, the Heavenly Tribute paid by the Kingdom of St. Dore this year will be brought along as well. That, combined with the territory, is enough to trade for Mosquito Coil Island."
"Hahahaha, since you're being so sincere, it's a deal!"
The Transponder Snail mimicked Allen's loud laughter and said, "One more thing. One of my territories, Cigar Island, is near Mosquito Coil Island. Once the Marines build their base, there won't be anyone causing trouble on my turf, right?"
"The Marines will not encroach upon your territory in those waters. I will inform them. CP0 will handle the rest with you tomorrow morning."
Saturn replied in a deep voice. Seeing that the matter was mostly settled, he hung up the Transponder Snail and took a deep breath.
"The Demon Lion Pirates are gaining momentum, the remnants of the Whitebeard Pirates have made a strong return, and Golden Lion has vanished since the Summit War, plotting who knows what."
"Those Supernovas are also restless. The situation in the New World is becoming increasingly complex."
"Who will be the first to ascend to the throne of the Four Emperors? Or will they advance neck and neck, giving birth to an unprecedented Fifth or even Sixth Emperor of the sea?"
Saint Mars stroked his long white beard and said, "The era is turbulent, but the Marines' development is not lacking either."
"A few days ago, a master named 'Issho' joined the Marines through the Military Draft. It is said his strength is on par with an Admiral."
"Furthermore, there is a police officer in the South Blue named Aramaki who was imprisoned for improper law enforcement. He is rumored to be extremely powerful. Perhaps we could send CP agents to investigate him."
"I have heard of this as well. With Akainu promoted to Fleet Admiral and Aokiji leaving, the Marines are suddenly short two Admirals."
"If we can fill those vacancies as soon as possible, our plans for the New World will proceed much more smoothly."
"Indeed. I agree."
"Let us proceed with that."
The Five Elders voiced their agreement one after another.
The next day, on the coast of the Isle of Love Sanctuary, two warships flying the World Government's white cross flag slowly docked.
Led by several masked individuals in pure white trench coats, a large number of black-suited agents and uniformed Marine soldiers marched straight into the royal capital.
"Thank goodness! The Marines are here!"
"I knew the World Government wouldn't abandon us!"
"Send those evil pirates in the city straight to hell!"
Seeing the Marines and World Government agents enter the royal capital, the civilians who had been hiding in their homes in terror flooded onto the streets.
The civilians cheered in welcome or shouted in anger from both sides of the road, but the Marine soldiers marching down the street moved at a slow pace, their faces expressionless, showing absolutely no sign of preparing to fight pirates.
Gradually, the cheers and angry shouts died down.
At the end of the road, from the half-burned cathedral where the Pope once resided, several figures slowly walked out.
In the eyes of the civilians, Allen and his crew—the demons from hell who had blasphemed against the gods and killed the Pope and numerous bishops—were actually walking alongside World Government officials in broad daylight!
"How... is this possible...?!"
"The World Government... is actually colluding with pirates...?!"
"Oh god! Please tell me this isn't real!"
At that moment, the civilians and faithful followers felt as if the sky was falling.
"You shouldn't have come out. This will only increase our workload."
The World Government's group arrived in front of Allen, and the leading CP0 agent, who had a pigeon perched on his shoulder, spoke coldly.
Allen couldn't help but take an extra look at him before examining the people beside him.
One had a long, square nose, another had a hairstyle resembling bull horns, and there was a sexy woman with smooth blonde hair.
Even though they were all wearing masks, Allen recognized their identities at a glance. Without a doubt, it was the former CP9 crew led by Lucci.
"None of that matters. Their stupidity is beyond saving. I'm sure the World Government can give them a good brainwashing."
Allen smiled mockingly, his words carrying a hidden meaning. "After all, that's what you guys have always done, isn't it? Where is what you promised me?"
"At the port. A warship is carrying the Heavenly Tribute this country paid this year, totaling nearly twenty billion Berries."
Lucci said in a low voice, his tone devoid of any emotion.
Hearing this amount, the people behind Allen frowned.
A country with a population of less than 200,000 had to pay 20 billion Berries in Heavenly Tribute a year. That averaged out to nearly two billion Berries a month!
Even Nami, who was usually money-grubbing, didn't show a hint of joy on her face.
She was currently moonlighting as the manager of the tribute collected from their affiliated islands. With over twenty islands under their control, the total amount collected each month was less than ten billion.
On average, each island was a full five times less than this place!
Although the level of prosperity varied from island to island, they did have several islands under their banner with revenues significantly higher than this place.
Especially Cigar Island, which handled the tobacco business, and Fish-Man Island, which had a thriving seafood and tourism industry. Their revenues were several times higher than here, making them the two biggest cash cows for their pirate crew.
Yet the money they collected was only about the same as the Heavenly Tribute!
When Allen previously called himself a great philanthropist, she had scoffed at him. Now it seemed she had truly misjudged him.
"Tsk, that's a lot of money. It makes me want to exclusively target ships escorting the Heavenly Tribute from now on."
Allen looked at Lucci with a playful gaze and said meaningfully, "After all, earning money is never as fast as robbing it, wouldn't you agree?"
"The World Government has a system to maintain stability. This is the price they must pay. Do not lump us in with bandits like you."
Lucci remained expressionless, as if firmly believing this was the righteous path.
To this, Allen only chuckled coldly, his tone full of sarcasm. "If you're this good at brainwashing yourselves, brainwashing these ignorant masses must be a piece of cake. I'll leave this mess to you. I look forward to the day you return a profitable country to me."
"Let's go."
Allen patted Lucci on the shoulder and led his crew past the CP0 agents, heading out of the city.
After they left.
"What a bastard...! I don't understand why the World Government would make a deal with someone like him. Giving them such a huge sum of money and still having to clean up their mess!"
Kaku, who had been holding back for a long time, finally erupted, shouting angrily in a low voice.
Lucci glanced at him indifferently and said, "Without them, the underground human trafficking in this place would continue to exist, secretly devouring this country like an invisible black hole."
"That is the real mess. Justice sometimes requires underhanded methods to be achieved, which is why we exist."
Lucci's voice was calm and unwavering, firmly believing that everything the higher-ups did was to maintain the stability of the world.
Meanwhile.
Arriving at the coast, Allen also saw a warship docked near the Freewill and ordered his men to transfer all the supplies from it onto their ship.
"The World Government is practically a demon. A country with a population of 200,000 actually has to pay that much Heavenly Tribute."
Nami crossed her arms over her chest and said indignantly, "How could they possibly afford to pay that every year? If an accident happens one year, wouldn't the whole country be doomed?"
"This is nothing. Some countries are hovering on the brink of destruction, yet their kings still have to squeeze every last penny out of the civilians' pockets to scrape together the Heavenly Tribute."
Allen stood by the railing at the bow of the ship, smoking a cigar as he spoke calmly.
There had long been more than one country destroyed because of the Heavenly Tribute.
Even some seemingly glamorous countries could one day fail to pay the Heavenly Tribute due to famine, pirate invasions, internal strife, or any random incident.
Then would come a series of sanctions: being kicked out of the World Government affiliated nations, losing the protection of the Marines, and having trade cooperation with other affiliated nations severed.
A country could face imminent destruction overnight.
Don't think that being kicked out is just being kicked out, and that many non-affiliated nations can still live perfectly fine.
Countries are more complex than people, but some principles are the same. The current situation of many affiliated nations is actually quite good, especially for the noble and royal classes.
With the support of the World Government, their status is maintained much more securely. If the exploited lower classes want to rebel, they can just make a phone call and have the Marines come suppress it.
After getting used to this model, it becomes very difficult for the privileged nobles to return to a model of diligent governance.
After all, earning money is never as fast as robbing it.
Allen was currently doing the exact same thing. If there was any difference, it was that he gave people a way to survive.
By collecting money based on a percentage of profits, the more the people below earned, the more he earned. Therefore, he would find ways to create a better development environment for the islands he ruled, and he would expand his territory to enrich trade between his domains.
He would also yield some of his profits to rope others into making money with him, such as the Donquixote Family.
Fish-Man Island replicated Dressrosa by vigorously developing its tourism industry, and Cigar Island used Doffy's channels to expand its tobacco business worldwide. Nowadays, which of the islands under his banner wasn't doing better than before?
The only thing Allen needed to do was rely on his own strength to protect his territories, allowing each island to develop freely while maintaining a certain degree of stability.
He was practically making money in his sleep; there was no need to mess around with anything else.
Allen turned back to Nami and said, "Chart a course. We're taking a trip to Banana Island to buy a few ships from the Galley-La Company for the Fourth Fleet. While we're at it, let's see if the Sea Train is worth investing in."