Chapter 266: Crocodile Wants to Join the Seven Warlords of the Sea
"Gurararara… It's because of that Summoner kid. That's why they can grow so fast."
Whitebeard took a swig of blade and laughed loudly.
"Because of the Summoner?"
Marco grew puzzled, not understanding why his father would say that.
"That Summoner kid is an anomaly in this sea. I reckon in the future, neither pirates nor the World Government will have an easy time.
As for the red-haired brat Roger placed his hopes on—he… won't make it!"
Whitebeard said mysteriously as he drank.
"Dad, we'll train hard. We definitely won't disgrace you again next time!"
"Yes!"
They all shouted firmly.
Usually, they had been too relaxed and carried at least a hint of disdain toward other pirate crews. Now that they had been hit with a reality check, it finally sank in.
…
On that island, no one remained anymore. Both pirate crews had already departed.
But…
"Roar~"
A beast's roar echoed up from beneath the massive crater blasted into the ground.
Below, a gigantic rat nearly ten meters tall crouched there, its eyes glowing with an intelligent light.
It then closed its eyes. Its belly squirmed continuously, as if nurturing something inside.
…
On the vast open sea.
The Dragon Flame sailed forward at high speed.
On the deck, no one was joking around anymore. One by one, they were all immersed in cultivation.
Inside the cabin, Jiang Qize sat with his eyes closed. The air around his body vibrated as his Observation Haki continuously sensed the surroundings.
After an unknown amount of time, the Den Den Mushi rang.
Gururururu…
Buzz!
Jiang Qize abruptly opened his eyes, a flash of golden light passing through them.
"Hello!"
He answered the call.
"Master, it's me—Capone Bege."
Capone Bege's excited voice came from the other end.
"Bege, judging from your tone, the task I gave you is done?" Jiang Qize asked calmly.
"Yes, Master. I've unified the underground forces of the Four Seas. The Mafia's influence now spreads across all four seas."
"Very good. Arrange everything properly. Once you're done, you may set sail."
Jiang Qize knew what he wanted and spoke lightly.
"Thank you, Master. I'll go make the arrangements right away."
"Form a new pirate crew. You are not allowed to mention the Dragon Flame Pirates' name."
"Yes, Master."
"Mm."
He then hung up the call.
A smile curled at the corner of Jiang Qize's mouth.
Now he had people within the navy, the Four Seas, and the World Government. Even if it was just one for now, it was a good start, wasn't it? Given time, controlling the entire sea wouldn't be a problem.
"Captain, Crocodile has joined the Seven Warlords of the Sea established by the Navy!"
Suddenly, Robin's voice rang out.
"Hmm?"
Jiang Qize raised an eyebrow.
Click!
The door opened, and Robin walked in holding a newspaper.
He took it and read through it.
Sure enough, the Navy was planning to establish the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Crocodile was intending to join, though it hadn't been finalized yet. None of the seven seats had been officially confirmed.
"I didn't expect history to repeat itself. Crocodile has changed so much now, and his strength has reached the level of a vice admiral, maybe even an admiral—yet he still wants to join the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
Jiang Qize narrowed his eyes and muttered.
Gururururu…
At that moment, his Den Den Mushi rang again.
He glanced at it and knew immediately—if nothing unexpected had happened, it was Crocodile.
He answered.
"You saw the newspaper, right?" Crocodile's arrogant voice sounded.
"Mm-hm. So?"
"Not curious why?"
"Not curious."
"Uh…"
Crocodile on the other end was momentarily stunned.
That's not how this is supposed to go. Aren't we even good buddies anymore?