"Oh, by the way, each Celestial Dragon who participates can bring a follower, and the kills made by the follower also count. The person who gets the most kills each time can join the Knights of God, but these are just symbolic rewards and don't have much meaning."
Ross smirked and suddenly said something with a mischievous grin.
Although it was a massacre, he didn't feel much psychological burden.
The islands that were chosen were the ones that were least cooperative with the World Government among the non-affiliated states.
Since they had different stances, why not just kill each other.
Benevolence and righteousness may be useful, but Ross believed more in tyranny, after all, it was the path that countless people had practiced.
In his previous life, the longest-reigning feudal dynasty in history had used this very tactic to maintain its rule.
In the initial invasion, if even one person resisted, the entire city would be slaughtered.
In the end, instead of arousing the people's fighting spirit, it made them servile.
The lesson learned from history was that one should either kill symbolically or kill thoroughly.
Ross was already a superstar, his reputation was already ruined, why bother with all this pretense?
"Why is a spot in the Knights of God a symbolic reward?" Gion asked instinctively.
After joining the Celestial Dragons, she gained a deeper understanding of the significance of the Knights of God.
The Knights of God was a group that only the elite Celestial Dragons could join. In addition to the elite Celestial Dragons, only those who were closely related to the elite Celestial Dragons could join.
If Ross joined the Knights of God, then she and Zephyr would most likely join as well, enjoying the same status as ordinary Celestial Dragons.
"Because members of the Knights of God can also participate in the Celestial Hunt." Ross smiled. "There are many ways to join the Knights of God. Apart from those who want to make a name for themselves, the rest of us have already applied and joined through normal channels."
"Even those Celestial Dragons who want to make a name for themselves are already slated to become members of the Knights of God; it's just a formality. How can we ordinary people compete with the elites?"
As soon as Ross finished speaking, everyone else looked at him with strange expressions.
If Ross was considered an ordinary person, then what about the other Celestial Dragons?
However, they didn't really think the other Celestial Dragons were very strong. They thought that Shamrock was no match for Ross.
"This bet isn't as simple as it seems."
Zephyr grinned and got to the point.
If it were just a regular gambling match between the next generation, why would they go to such great lengths?
The Marines' annual military expenditure was only in the hundreds of billions. Now, both sides had poured in trillions at once. Even the Celestial Dragons would be severely affected.
The Knights of God had many skilled fighters. Since Celestial Hunt allowed people to bring followers, Shamrock probably also had large-scale killing methods or subordinates.
"That's normal. The World Government only has so many resources. Above the Commander of the Knights of God is the position of one of the Five Elders, and every one of the Five Elders is Figarland's goal. My grandfather was promoted from Commander." Ross shrugged.
What else could it be but a clash that would determine the future of the descendants of two families?
He had been incompetent before, but now that he was standing up for himself, he could threaten the interests of the Figarland family, and Shamrock certainly wouldn't stand idly by.
While a trillion won might not cripple a Celestial Dragon family, it would inevitably leave them struggling for several years.
If he lost this gamble, not only would he be used as expendable material by the Celestial Dragons in the future, but his position as one of the Five Elders of Saint Saturn would also be in jeopardy.
A united front against external threats was the primary premise, while internal strife was often the main theme.
"So there's conflict even among the Celestial Dragons," Rouge couldn't help but remark.
She thought the Celestial Dragons, who were high and mighty, would never have any troubles, but she never expected there to be so many intricacies involved.
However, these commoners had no choice at all, unlike Ross and his ilk who could oppress others.
"Where there are people, there is struggle; who doesn't want to be the only one?"
Ross chuckled lightly, unconcerned.
Since we're already here, what's the point if we don't take down all the people above us?
Even high-class cattle and horses are still cattle and horses, aren't they?
Essentially, Ross and Monkey D. Luffy were the same kind of people; what they craved was freedom without any constraints.
However, Ross had strong desires, unlike Monkey D. Luffy who was simple-minded.
Back at the Jaygarcia family's palace complex, Ross glanced at Guernika standing at the door and immediately knew that he probably wouldn't be able to go back and rest for a while.
"Stella, arrange a place for them. Anywhere around my palace is fine. I'm going to see my grandfather."
"Master, I will make the arrangements."
Stella smiled and bowed, then continued leading her people toward the family compound.
Before the Buster Call of Ohara, she had spent a considerable amount of time in the Jaygarcia palace complex and was quite familiar with the area around Ross's palace.
After the two groups passed each other, Ross walked towards Guernika expressionlessly. "Let's go."
Guernika simply nodded and led the way without saying a word.
The incident that occurred at the Ross Palace more than half a year ago still cast a psychological shadow on him.
He originally had a bright future, but ever since he was taught a lesson by Saint Saturn, CP0 had been full of mocking voices at him, to the point that he dared not say much, for fear of saying the wrong thing.
Now that he wasn't saying anything, there shouldn't be any problem, right?
Guernika led Ross to the palace of Saint Saturn, located in the heart of the Jaygarcia family, which was far more luxurious than Ross's palace.
Upon reaching the palace gates, Guernika knelt on one knee:
"Saint Saturn has brought Saint Ross with him."
Ross ignored Guernika and strode into the palace.
As soon as they entered the palace gates, the two CP0 guards immediately knelt on one knee and respectfully called out:
"Saint Ross!"
"Hm?"
Ross glanced at the two of them, then suddenly said in surprise:
"Grandpa, do CP0s here have to bow to me too? I thought only ordinary CP0s did."
After these words were spoken, the palace fell silent.
The two people at the door instinctively looked at Guernika.
As expected of the 'foolish Guernika,' he actually dared to slight the only two elite Celestial Dragons of the Jaygarcia family.
"Drag him out and punish him according to the rules."
Saint Saturn, sitting inside the palace, could naturally hear Ross's words, and he understood Ross's meaning perfectly.
It's nothing more than that he's become successful and wants to establish his authority.
But what young people are like if they don't show their talents?
Ross was the family's future hope, and Saint Saturn didn't mind giving him that face.
Besides, Guernika definitely deserved to be punished.
"Aah!?"
Guernika's eyes widened.
Completely bewildered, he was dragged away by the two CP0 guards, and he was carried for most of the way without understanding what was happening.
No, he could be wrong even if he didn't say anything?
Doing it was wrong, not doing it was wrong, saying it was wrong, not saying it was wrong...
What should he do then? Why was it so difficult to be a CP0?
"Hey guys, don't slap me in the face later!"
...
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