The natural system started off strong, but the navy finally reached its peak!

Without the support of people around the world, we are like a rootless duckweed.

“Even…” She glanced at the pale-faced Sabo and uttered an even crueler truth.

"The reason why our headquarters in Baltimore, which we had cultivated for many years and regarded as our home, was so thoroughly exposed and precisely destroyed by Akainu..."

Subsequent intelligence indicated that it was highly likely that some of our radical actions had provoked discontent and fear among some local residents.

They...voluntarily reported it to the Navy!

"!!"

That last sentence, like a thunderclap, exploded in the conference room.

The Western Army Commander, Mori, and the Southern Army Commander, Lindbergh, who had been silent all along, also lowered their heads.

Ivankov sighed heavily.

Sabo opened his mouth, wanting to retort, but found that his throat felt like it was blocked by something.

What Betty said were bloody facts.

When the old oppressors (the World Government member state system) were replaced by a seemingly more rule-abiding "new order" (the Independent Navy) that offered more practical protection...

Where should their banner of "liberation" point?

Have their actions ironically made them "troublemakers" who disrupt stability?

Saving the dragon is imperative. But how?

With its own ideals thwarted, its strength diminished, and its opponents unprecedentedly powerful and potentially setting traps, reckless action could very well mean the complete annihilation of the revolutionary army.

Chapter 627 'Clown King' is not a clown.

The New World, Pirate Beehive Island.

The island was ravaged, but the Blackbeard Pirates' flag still stubbornly flew above the remaining fortress.

The Sword of Gibeck is docked in the port.

Blackbeard Marshall D. Teach has returned and is sitting on his newly restored, enormous throne.

His face was gloomy and displeased, and his large hands pounded the armrest in frustration.

"Zehahaha..." he let out his signature laugh, but there was little joy in it; instead, it was filled with annoyance.

"Honestly, after seeing all this news today, I almost forgot..."

"We actually pulled off a 'big deal' here too!"

He was referring to the destruction of the Heart Pirates.

Taking advantage of Law's retreat from Wano Country, Blackbeard personally led a team to intercept and kill him, almost annihilating the main force of the Heart Pirates.

Unfortunately, at the last moment, something unexpected happened, allowing Law to be rescued and preventing him from obtaining the Op-Op Fruit ability that Law coveted most.

This should have been an event that shook the seas, but it unfortunately coincided with a series of even more explosive news, such as "the fall of the Three Emperors," "the marshal capturing an emperor," and "the change of control of Wano Country."

This caused his Blackbeard "achievements" to be completely buried and ignored, which made him furious.

“But speaking of which,” Blackbeard changed the subject, his gaze falling on Kuzan, who was sitting on one side of the hall, his chest still wrapped in thick bandages.

"Kuzan, after seeing the news about that old man Garp, I really didn't expect... that you could actually bring him back alive?"

"Oh no, it's 'stay'."

He quickly changed his story, since strictly speaking, Garp was missing, not captured by Kuzan.

Kuzan sat astride a sturdy chair, his back against the cold stone wall.

He kept his head down, his curly black hair was a little messy, and his face was expressionless.

Hearing Blackbeard's words, he merely raised his eyelids slightly and replied in a flat voice.

"Ah... I never expected that he would actually survive."

This statement doesn't convey whether it's a sense of relief or regret; it simply seems to state a fact.

But when the name "Garp" was mentioned, a very complex emotion seemed to flash across Kuzan's eyes, which was then covered by calm.

“Hero Garp…it’s Hero Garp.” A soft, calm voice rang out; it was “The Cursed Doctor” Samuel Kronos.

The eerie green eyes behind the new mask swept over Kuzan, and his tone carried a hint of lingering fear.

"At the time, I really thought that the few of us, along with the core of this island, would be completely wiped out."

He paused, his gaze returning to Kuzan, his tone shifting to one of genuine admiration (or rather, a kind of "certification").

"Thanks to Kuzan. If it weren't for him, it's questionable whether we could even be sitting here drinking right now."

Samuel's words, seemingly describing the battle situation, were actually meant for Blackbeard.

He was telling Blackbeard in a clever way

When facing Garp, Kuzan did not hold back and even fought with all his might to inflict damage.

Kuzan played a crucial role in Garp's serious injury and disappearance.

This is Kuzan's pledge of allegiance, proving that he has completely broken with the Navy and his former mentors, and has boarded Blackbeard's pirate ship.

Hearing Samuel's words, Blackbeard grinned and let out an even more hearty laugh: "Zehahaha!! Well said!!"

His last shred of doubt vanished completely with the "certification" from his trusted advisor, Samuel.

Kuzan's value lies not only in his terrifying combat power.

More importantly, it lies in the resolute determination represented by his act of "killing his master" (though unsuccessful, he had done his best).

This truly made him a reliable "one of our own" in the Blackbeard Pirates.

With that topic over, Blackbeard was in high spirits. He snatched the thick stack of newspapers, still smelling of ink, from the hands of the "fighting champion" Gizzas Burgess, who was standing beside him, and began to flip through them roughly.

"However, this world... has truly changed a lot!" Blackbeard's eyes gleamed as he looked at the sensational headlines in the newspaper.

"Red-haired Shanks, Kaido, Big Mom... plus Whitebeard, who died long ago."

Tsk tsk, the so-called 'Four Emperors' of the old era have come to a complete end and been swept into the dustbin of history!

He licked his lips, his gaze falling on Luffy's wanted poster, the "Fifth Emperor," and gave a disdainful sneer.

"Straw Hat Luffy? 30 billion? 'Fifth Emperor'? Hahaha... I don't think he's qualified!"

The title of 'Emperor' is too early for him!

He just took advantage of the chaos and got something for nothing, plus he has a good grandfather, a good father, and a good uncle (Shanks) protecting him from all the trouble!

"Then... what about the Cross Guild?" a cold voice rang out.

Shiryu of the Rain had a blood-soaked bandage wrapped around his head, revealing only one sinister eye. He wiped his beloved sword "Thunderstorm" and asked without looking up.

Having suffered a heavy loss in his battle with Garp, he spoke with hostility when mentioning the rising powers.

"The Cross Guild? Hahaha!"

The one who answered him was Alvaro Pizarro, the "Evil King," lying in bed, wrapped up like a mummy and barely able to speak. Even in his severe injuries, his arrogant nature remained unchanged.

"Just a shady organization that deals in mercenaries and intelligence! They dare call themselves 'Emperor'? And 'Clown King' Bucky?"

His laughter aggravated his wound, instantly turning into a violent cough.

"Ahem, I think they're just a bunch of clowns! Hahaha! Ahem, ahem, ahem!"

"I don't think so~" a seductive voice rang out with a touch of languor.

"Moon Hunter" Katrin Demi held a glass of red wine and slowly took a sip.

All eyes turned to her.

Die Mei put down her wine glass, her eyes becoming somewhat serious: "Don't forget, there's a real old monster sitting in the Cross Guild."

"Barolok Redfield, 'Lone Red'".

The name brought a slight quiet to the hall.

"That was Roger's era, a legendary pirate on par with Whitebeard and Shiki," Die Mei said slowly, her voice carrying a hint of awe for the old legendary era.

"Back when you were still in the underwater prison, Captain, didn't you also not dare to recruit him?"

Even though he was already old and frail, his condition was declining due to age.

She paused, then dropped a more crucial piece of information:

"And now, according to reliable intelligence, Redfield seems to have obtained the ability of Bat Fruit Mythical Zoan Vampire Form!"

It can restore youth and vitality by sucking blood!

He is no longer some aging legend, but a resurrected, terrifyingly powerful peak expert!

Die Mei's gaze swept over everyone, her tone becoming more forceful.

"The title 'Solitary Red' is well-deserved!"

"Back then, he was a lone powerhouse who was comparable to an entire pirate crew!"

In terms of personal strength and deterrent power, he is fully qualified to sit in the position of 'Emperor'.

The Cross Guild had him, plus that treacherous guy, Crocodile.

And then there's Edward Weevil, the 'Whitebeard II' whom they somehow managed to win over or control...

The fighting force gathered under the banner of this 'Clown King' is anything but 'clown'.

Die Mei's words were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing Pizarro's maniacal laughter and the contempt of some people.

Blackbeard stroked his braided beard, his gaze becoming serious.

Indeed, if "Lone Red" Redfield were to truly regain his youth and fighting prowess, the threat level of the Cross Guild would be drastically different.

In this new world of poker, old players are ousted, and new players enter the game with unknown cards in hand.

The Blackbeard Pirates' core fighting force remains intact, and they have been replenished by Kuzan.

Facing the Straw Hats, the two newly crowned "royal groups" of the Cross Guild...

And that lofty, independent navy that has already bared its fangs—their future path to supremacy is destined to be even bloodier and more treacherous.

"Hahaha..." Blackbeard laughed again, this time his laughter filled with greed and excitement.

"This is getting more and more interesting!"

"Who truly deserves to sit on the 'throne' in this new era... Let me give it a good once and for all!"

Chapter 628 You're Not 'Tianzhen'

Seeing Blackbeard's confident demeanor, Kuzan, sitting in the shadows, subtly flickered in his eyes.

Just then, a deep, flat voice, devoid of any emotional fluctuation, came from the heavy doors of the hall.

"Captain, the men have arrived."

It was Van Oka who spoke.

He stood at the doorway, clutching his long sniper rifle, his face still bearing that same deadpan expression he never showed.

But this phrase—"The person has arrived"—...

This startled all the officials in the hall!

"Shh!"

In an instant, Shiryu's gloom, Themi's playful expression, Samuel's profound depth, Bagges's bewilderment, and Pizarro's (barely raising his head) doubt...

All eyes turned from Van Augur's expressionless face to the black-bearded man in the main seat.

Blackbeard's smug smile slowly faded as he rose from the massive chair and opened his arms.

He made an almost exaggerated welcoming gesture, speaking loudly and deliberately with an air of enthusiasm.

"Oh? My 'benefactor' has arrived!"

He grinned, revealing a toothless grin, his eyes fixed intently on the shadows by the doorway.

"Then don't just stand at the door! Come on in!"

"I... have been waiting for a long time!"