Rocks Band: I have 48 Imperial Arms.

Murcasia, the Land of Gems! A powerful empire that monopolizes more than half of the gem trade on the high seas.

It sounds somewhat similar to Locke and his team's surprise attack on the Stone Empire.

However, the two are far more powerful than each other. Gems, which are inherently valuable items, have monopolized the trade of such resources, so one can only imagine the enormous profits hidden behind them—a truly astonishing situation.

Chapter 189: Locke, who surpasses the King of the World!

and!

Unlike the Stone Empire, which is a crippled empire entirely dependent on General Stone, the Gem Empire has a well-structured organization, possesses powerful combat strength and a massive core army, and even secretly harbors general-level combat forces.

This is a point clearly recorded in the intelligence of the Rocks Pirates.

Even among generals, they are not considered weak!

It can be said to be a very powerful force, with a luxurious foundation and mountains of wealth, making it a place of endless prosperity. Its overall power can be considered a complete kingdom.

The only difference is who is stronger, the Emperor-level powerhouse in the Land of the Lustrous or the fully-formed Big Mom. However, one thing is certain: the other party definitely does not have Big Mom's obvious weakness of food cravings.

With its formidable strength, it can be said to be a dominant force at sea. Even in the latter half of the Grand Line, it would be a top-tier power. Moreover, it is said that this Land of Gems has an inseparable connection with the legendary Golden Land.

It's just that no one has ever confirmed it, so it's been treated as a rumor and circulated in the underworld.

But Arthur...

I don't really believe in baseless rumors; there must be some reason or origin to them.

"Would a major power like this take the initiative to send a note?"

"Moreover, judging from this posture, they want to form a 333 alliance with us."

Locke looked somewhat surprised.

Dragons do not live with snakes.

Lions, of course, cannot travel with goats; the latter are merely one of their prey.

Although Locke did not consider himself inferior to the 'Land of the Lustrous'.

However, at this stage, the gap between 'Mulcasia' and 'Noxus' is a fact that even Locke cannot deny. It is too big, too big, like the difference between an infant and an adult.

"Your Highness..."

Esdeath interrupted Locke's thoughts with a soft laugh.

Her cold smile, however, possessed a unique charm that captivated all who beheld it.

With anyone other than Locke present, Esdeath instantly became serious, showing no trace of her previous flippancy.

Are you questioning their attitude?

Locke nodded, not denying it: "That's right."

"actually……"

"You don't need to worry at all!"

Esdeath looked completely at ease.

Locke frowned slightly: "No need?"

"Hehe~"

"Of course not~ Your Highness, guess what I just learned from Najenda and the others!!"

Leone ran over with a smug look on her face.

It looks just like a playful cat.

He was holding a rough newspaper in his hand, and he kept shaking it back and forth.

Ok……

Locke admitted that he was seeing things.

"Well~"

"I already know!"

Esdeath clicked her tongue, unconcerned.

"Could it be..."

A sudden inspiration struck Locke, and he immediately voiced his guess.

"Is it a bounty?"

"The Navy has put a bounty on me?"

So much time has passed since the Battle of God Valley, the aftermath should have fully spread by now.

"As expected of His Highness."

Esdeath nodded, confirming Locke's guess.

In his cold eyes, there seemed to be a strange, indescribable glint.

Locke was a little confused.

But he didn't dwell on it; he simply took the newspaper from Leone's hand as a matter of course.

Rough!

My first impression upon handling it was that it was rough!

It's far less impressive than the sensory experience of a certain albatross after it took over; it's more like the rudimentary state of the old film era, somewhere between civilized and uncivilized, with a feel similar to papyrus.

The layout is also quite chaotic, with pieces scattered here and there, completely disorganized.

But even on the most complex layouts...

There is also a large section that is so eye-catching that it immediately draws you in with its content, making the layout quite striking.

The Rocks Pirates were defeated.

The remnants of the old era perished.

The Pirate Era Begins!

A series of bold, explosive fonts immediately captured everyone's attention.

Whitebeard... Golden Lion... The Great Pirate...

One by one, powerful pirates of the Emperor level broke away from the Black Pearl, forming their own powerful pirate crews, roaming the seas, gathering and roaring, becoming new legends.

My experiences in the battle within God Valley.

However, it was deliberately obscured, suggesting that the World Government must have been involved.

The location was reduced to just a few words. The records inside, as well as the details of the battle, were completely erased. Rocks' defeat and death were also obscured by their writing, becoming a story of Garp and Roger ending Rocks's life.

The most ambitious of the old generation, a villainous party attempting to dominate the world and become its king.

It was destroyed by a combined force of pirates and the Navy.

"Tsk~"

"Gior's name was actually preserved."

"Looks like they're trying to build up Roger's reputation. With one Rocks dead, they need another 'Rocks' to take over his mission..."

Locke clicked his tongue dismissively. This all-too-familiar feeling was nothing more than creating momentum and making enemies, so that other people and forces on the sea would continue to fear pirates, thus maintaining their superior status.

If you really want to eliminate pirates and bring peace to the seas, you should just eliminate Roger's usefulness. Why bother listing his name alongside Garp to promote him?

Don't tell him that he has the ability to erase the traces of 'Flame' and save face, but he doesn't have the ability to remove the name 'Roger' to suppress the pirates and prevent them from raising their morale!

Who believes it!

The publicity stunt is so blatant, even someone with eyes could see it!

"Hehe~"

"They're not just building momentum for Roger alone!"

After Sebastian put down the documents and quietly pushed them out through the side door, Esdeath resumed her carefree demeanor, sitting on the high footstool, her slender white feet swaying like white jade.

"Not just me?"

"Oh, and Garp too, right?"

Locke nodded knowingly. "I know this one well, it's Hero Garp!"

"Hey Hey hey!"

"Your Highness, aren't you underestimating yourself?"

"I?"

Locke pointed to himself, a hint of surprise on his face.

"certainly!!"

He nodded firmly and looked in the direction he was pointing. The huge God Valley Battle section featured Roger and Garp's final battle.

All that's left is—himself!