The Five Elders gave the Marines their orders:
Convince Crocodile to join the Seven Warlords.
And for Sami, the World Government's response was identical.
"Apologies, Miss Sami. Crocodile cannot be released yet. Unless she agrees to join the Seven Warlords plan.
The World Government cannot allow anyone to trample its dignity. Unless... they're one of our own."
When CP0 answered like this, Sami froze for a moment.
Then they explained the Seven Warlords plan in full.
But even after hearing it all, Sami was still confused.
Since when was the World Government this hardline?
In the past, whenever Aus made a move, the World Government would yield if they could. If they couldn't, they'd figure out a way to yield anyway.
This time... why did they suddenly care about dignity?
Highly unusual.
"Have you considered what might happen if Aus-sama learns you're detaining his companion..."
No choice. Sami played the Aus card. Tried to apply a little Black Emperor pressure on the World Government.
This tactic had always worked before. But this time was different.
The CP0 agent on the line seemed to have been briefed. Responded calmly:
"Regarding Aus-sei-sama's attitude, the Five Elders have naturally considered it.
But we believe Aus-sei-sama will give the World Government face on this matter."
Sami was speechless.
After all, her authority to negotiate directly with the World Government came from her identity—
Aus's spokesperson when he traveled the world, unable to manage his forces or business personally.
Since they'd said this much, all she could do was relay the message.
What turbulent times...
Beside her, Airi—her trusted aide who'd followed Aus from the start—was processing reports.
She couldn't help complaining:
"Honestly, relying on their friendly relationship with Aus-sama, the World Government's been getting bolder lately.
A while back, they openly sent slave ships into our territory. Only targeting those three sisters."
"Probably some Celestial Dragon's sick hobby. Absolute perverts."
Sami rubbed her temples. Hearing Airi say this, her intelligent, beautiful eyes narrowed. Her gaze turned dangerous.
"I approved that matter after consultation."
Airi's eyes went wide. Disbelief written on her face:
"How could you agree to such a request? With our resources, we don't need their money or anything. They're just perverted Celestial Dragons..."
"This was an order Aus-sama issued to CP0 as a Celestial Dragon."
At those words—
Airi, who'd been righteously indignant a moment ago, fell silent.
"...Now that you mention it, Aus-sama must have his reasons. No wonder Aus-sama dotes on No. 6 and No. 7 so much. What excellent taste!"
Watching her face-changing subordinate, Sami shook her head helplessly.
Think about it—
If Aus-sama hadn't approved, how would those slavers have dared?
Airi awkwardly walked back her earlier offense. Seeing Sami didn't seem inclined to hold it against her—
She fawned her way over, offering a cup of coffee.
"So... should we contact Aus-sama? Usually, to avoid disturbing his travels, we only call when absolutely necessary~"
Sami took the coffee. Blew on it gently. Her beautiful eyes glanced at her deputy.
"Of course. This matter's too important for me to decide alone. Since the World Government has this confidence, what can we say?
Regarding Crocodile's situation, we'll follow Aus-sama's wishes."
Airi nodded.
"One more thing—where'd that Enel kid run off to? Feels like I haven't seen him in forever."
Just as Airi was about to fetch the Den Den Mushi to contact Aus-sama, Sami seemed to remember something. Asked Airi.
Airi tapped her chin. Thought for a moment.
"That guy... I think the red-light district girls sweet-talked all his spending money away. Now after work every day, he hunts pirates for bounties.
Speaking of which, it's ridiculous—
That clueless idiot... when he went to claim a bounty, he almost got tricked into joining the Marines!!!"
While working for Sami, Enel also had to make time to train his Haki as Aus ordered. His days were pretty packed.
When he finally got time to enjoy himself—to be worshipped and flattered like a god in private rooms—money flowed like water.
Sami's allowance wasn't small. But it couldn't withstand that kind of spending.
Poor kid. Sami had him wrapped around her finger. He had no idea—
As Aus's subordinate, he could play anywhere without paying.
After his failed Marine recruitment and confirmation as the Black Emperor's companion, the Marines immediately changed their tune.
Wanted Poster
"Thunder God" Enel
Companion of "Black Gun" Doctor Aus. LogiaRumble-Rumble Fruit user. Extreme threat.
Bounty: 1,936,000,000 Belly
Dead or Alive. Heinous criminal!
They rejected him in the morning. Printed the poster that afternoon.
Hearing Enel was off earning side cash again, Sami stopped caring.
Go wild, kid.
New World.
Near the Red Line's starting point.
Thunder and rain. Howling wind and torrential downpour. A luxury cruise ship sailed through it all.
Harsh weather was normal in the New World. The sky raining fireballs wasn't unheard of. So the passengers didn't panic. Just quietly watched the dark clouds.
Of course, there was another reason—
In the ship's most luxurious cabin, that distinguished guest preferred quiet.
Through the massive floor-to-ceiling window, a figure in a bathrobe and slippers sat leisurely on the sofa. Watching the overcast sky outside.
He could scatter those clouds. But why?
Sunny weather got boring. Rainy days had their own charm.
Whoosh...
"So this is what the fuss is about?"
Right. Now twenty years old, he'd tried cigars for the first time.
Didn't get the appeal at first. Then got more and more hooked.
No wonder Crocodile and the others always had one lit. Pretty interesting.
"I've seen most of the New World. Might as well head back to Paradise through the Holy Land.
Heard Shanks made a name for himself..."
Wanting to reunite with an old friend, he smiled faintly. Took a light drag. Exhaled slowly.
Luffy and Uta should be appearing around this time too, right?
His thoughts drifted. He recalled the timeline. Then a sudden Den Den Mushi ring interrupted.
"Buru buru buru buru..."
"Click."
As the call connected, a face with red lips, seductive eyes, and delicate features appeared. She spoke respectfully:
"I sincerely apologize for disturbing your leisure with this matter...
Aus-sama!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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