Happy New Year šš
Chapter 29: Waves Across the World
The chamber in Mary Geoise fell silent after the name was spoken.
"Garp's bloodline, again. Why do recent disturbances so frequently involve his line?" One of the Elders mused, his tone a blend of irritation and contemplation.
"Alabasta. Enies Lobby. Thriller Bark. And now, assaulting a World Noble. The pattern isā¦ notable. Could he be the one?"
A dismissive wave from another. "Premature. History is littered with specious candidates who flared brightly and burnt out. Speculation is useless. Besides, the boy is now in custody. The point is moot."
"The disposition of Garp's grandson, then?"
"Execution is off the table. Garp's combat effectiveness remains a critical asset. Im-sama values hisā¦ stability. But there must be a consequence. The law must be seen to act. Let him stew. Let the pressure build. Then, we wait for Garp to come to us, hat in hand."
A slight nod of agreement passed between them. "The Straw Hat is a valuable piece. A lever to finally secure the full, unquestioning allegiance of the Marine Hero."
"Rayleigh is the priority. Have CP0 agents waiting at Impel Down the moment he arrives. We must extract every ounce of knowledge about Raftel, the Void Century, and Roger's final words. Time is of the essence."
"Understood."
The focus then shifted. "This Fourth Admiral, howeverā¦ is the immediate opportunity. His performance isā¦ exceptional. The background checks are clean. We must ascertain if his allegiance can be more directly secured for the World Government's core interests."
"If he is amenable, we could grant him a section of authority within CP0. A tangible reward for loyalty."
"A celebration in the Holy Land, then? An invitation to gauge his demeanor?"
"Approve."
"Let us hope Red-Hair does nothing reckless. He was, after all, Rayleigh's protƩgƩ of sorts."
"A hope, not an expectation."
The Five Elders' assessment of Levi had shifted from cautious observation to active recruitment. A warrior who could subdue the Dark King was not merely an Admiral; he was a potential cornerstone. The rewards would need to be substantial, not just ceremonial.
Just as the meeting was drawing to a close, a Den Den Mushi on the table began to ring. One of the Elders picked it up.
"Admiral Sakazuki. Perhaps he has heard about Rayleigh."
"Sakazuki's service record is impeccable. Let us hear his report."
Three minutes of listening later, the Elder's stern face broke into a rare, sharp smile. He set the receiver down.
"It seems today is a day of double fortune for the World Government. Not only is the Dark King in chains, but the 'strongest man in the world' may soon be saying his final farewell."
The other Elders leaned forward. "Explain."
"Blackbeard has delivered Portgas D. Ace, the commander of Whitebeard's Second Division. His price is a seat among the Shichibukai. Sakazuki seeks our directive."
A low murmur of satisfaction filled the room. "A Shichibukai position for the linchpin to break Whitebeard? A trivial cost. Summon Sengoku and Fleet Admiral Kong to the Holy Land immediately. Whitebeard has sat on his throne in the New World for too long. Finally, we have the key to dislodge him."
"At once."
News of Rayleigh's capture exploded across the seas like a volcanic eruption. It was too big, too public, with too many witnesses on Sabaody to suppress.
The archipelago itself erupted in relieved celebration. To the shopkeepers, coating workers, and residents, the recent influx of violent, arrogant rookies had been a nightmare. The swift, absolute justice of the Marinesāpersonified by the new, terrifyingly efficient Admiralāwas a cause for public joy.
The name "Black Crow Admiral" was etched into the very stones of the archipelago, forever tied to the legend he had ended there.
When the report reached Saint Shalulia that the Straw Hat instigator had been captured, an immediate, imperious demand was sent for Levi to hand the prisoner over for "personal justice." Levi's response was to ignore it completely, setting course directly for Impel Down. The credit was secure; the World Government wouldn't jeopardize an Admiral of such proven worth over the bruised ego of a single Noble. Engaging with their pettiness was, in Levi's view, an intellectual hazard.
Newspapers around the world screamed with variations on the same themes:
"DARK KING CAPTURED! LEGEND FALLS TO NEW ADMIRAL!"
"BLACK CROW'S DEBUT: ALL SUPER ROOKIES NABBED IN SINGLE SWEEP!"
"THE FOURTH ADMIRAL: YOUNGEST, STRONGEST, MOST FEARED!"
"GOD-LIKE POWER: EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS FROM SABAODY!"
"THE ADMIRAL AND THE SWORDSWOMAN: A PARTNERSHIP OF LEGENDS?"
In half a day, the information saturated every corner of the globe.
On the massive deck of theĀ Moby Dick, Whitebeard stared at the news coo's dispatch in his giant hand, his normally impervious expression cracked with disbelief.
"That old relic Rayleighā¦ caught by the Marines?" His voice was a low rumble of pure shock.
Standing beside him, Marco the Phoenix ran a hand through his blue hair, his usual calm replaced by wide-eyed confusion. "This isā¦ impossible to process. That guy Rayleigh is monstrous. Even if he's rusty, if he wanted to disengage from an Admiral, he should have been able to. For him to be capturedā¦ it means he was utterly overwhelmed. Is there really someone that far above him now?"
The question hung in the salty air, unanswered. A new, unknown variable of immense power had just been confirmed on the world stage, and its first act had been to shatter a pillar of the old era. The balance of the world had just received a seismic jolt, and every emperor, revolutionary, and warlord was recalculating their position in this new, uncertain landscape.
āØIf you're enjoying this story, consider supporting me on Patreon ā
Patreon.com/TofuChan
šPatreon members get early access to chapters, bonus content, and voting power on future ideas.š
Every bit of support helps me write more and faster. Thank you so much for reading! š„°
āØāØ I'll release an extra chapter for every 5 reviews! āØāØš„³š„³ For every 100 power stones! š„³š„³
Lets hit the goal of 100 Patreon Members now for 5 Extra Chapters š
We are at 60 members right now.