The appearance of another Royal Seven Warlord of the Sea was something they had never anticipated.
Who could have imagined figures of this caliber would gather together? Don't they have any sense of territorial boundaries?!
Meiser's expression also turned grave. During the previous battle, he had used numerous Release Techniques and the Super Size Amplification Technique, depleting a massive amount of Chakra.
Especially the Super Size Amplification Technique—that thing consumed far more Chakra than ordinary Ninjutsu!
After all—he wasn't that fat to begin with!
"This bastard... really picked the perfect time to show up," Meiser muttered.
But he didn't waste time complaining. It was pointless.
If this Warlord intended to attack them, fighting was their only option.
"What do we do? What should we do?!"
"Don't let his reputation scare you!" Zoro placed his hand on his weapon, glaring intently at Kuma. "We just took down one of the Royal Seven Warlords, didn't we?"
"But—"
"No buts! Everyone, pull yourselves together!"
If their opponent truly intended to kill them, fear wouldn't help.
Echo and the others were stunned as they watched the Straw Hat Pirates ready themselves for battle again. After just fighting Gecko Moria, they were actually preparing to face a second Warlord?
Were they... truly unafraid of death?
This was a Royal Seven Warlord at full strength!!
"Prepare for battle, everyone," Lola said firmly, her eyes locked on Kuma. "We have no other choice."
Now, it all depended on this Warlord's true purpose for being here.
Observing their reactions, Kuma's expression remained unchanged. Instead, he calmly took out a Den Den Mushi and dialed in front of everyone.
"Buro buro buro~"
"Buro buro buro~"
"Click~"
"Kuma?"
Watching as the Den Den Mushi transformed into the likeness of the Five Elders, Kuma replied evenly, "Yes."
"What's the situation there?"
"Gecko Moria has been defeated head-on by the Straw Hat Boy."
Hearing Kuma's report, the Five Elders exchanged glances before turning their attention to Saint Mars.
The development of events had indeed unfolded just as this old man predicted.
Saint Mars smiled faintly before asking, "And what of the Straw Hat Pirates now?"
"All members are alive and have not left."
"All alive, huh..."
Saint Mars seemed surprised. He clearly hadn't expected the Straw Hat Pirates to defeat Moria without suffering any casualties.
This Warlord... truly was useless.
A flicker of disdain passed through Saint Mars' eyes. It seemed his decision had been correct.
"Proceed as planned, then," Saint Mars declared. "If they refuse... eliminate everyone except the target."
"Understood."
"Click~"
Watching the disconnected Den Den Mushi, Saint Mars glanced at the others. "Do you think he'll agree?"
"If he's smart enough, he won't refuse the offer."
Saint Saturn folded his hands, his tone calm. "Otherwise, Kuma will kill every last one of his comrades."
Kuma's strength is far beyond that of a useless fool like Moria. Even among the Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea, Kuma ranks near the top!
If the Straw Hat Pirates refuse, given their exhausted state after the brutal battle they just endured, they would undoubtedly be annihilated by Kuma.
"You're right."
"Now it's up to his choice."
"The benefits we're offering aren't small. As long as he has a brain, he won't refuse."
Not only the title of Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea—they were even willing to offer more. If he agreed, money, beautiful women, power—all would be his!
They refused to believe anyone could resist such temptation!
Pirates... in the end, isn't that what they all chase after?
Hmph, once they fully mastered this ability, who in these seas could stand against the World Government?
Pirates?
Revolutionaries?
None of them could!
At this moment, the five old men seemed to see that day arriving, each wearing a confident smile.
These seas would forever bow beneath their feet!
Atop the tower, Kuma slowly stood up, calmly tucking the Den Den Mushi into his coat before gently removing the gloves from both hands, revealing his soft, fleshy palms.
"Hey... that Den Den Mushi just now... it said they were going to wipe us out, right...?" Tooth gulped.
"Yes, you heard correctly."
"Why?"
"What did we do wrong?"
"Defeating one of the Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea—isn't that enough?" Nico Robin said with a grave expression. "Don't forget, they're all affiliated with the World Government."
If she wasn't mistaken, the other end of that call had been someone high-ranking in the World Government.
From the sound of it, this Royal Seven Warlord had come with a purpose... sending another one after them? They must really think highly of them.
Suddenly, a thought flashed through Nico Robin's mind.
Could it be... they're here for me?
Once the idea took hold, she couldn't shake it, and her expression darkened.
Perhaps noticing this, Meiser instinctively stepped in front of Nico Robin, shielding her.
Clearly, Meiser had the same thought.
"Everyone, stay calm," Sanji said. "This guy—"
Before Sanji could finish, Kuma vanished from his sight. Realizing this, his pupils shrank.
Where did he go?!
"If you were to go on a journey, where would you like to go?"
Hearing that deep, magnetic voice right beside him, Sanji froze, slowly turning his head to the side.
When he saw the towering figure standing next to him, cold sweat broke out down his back.
He hadn't even seen him move!!
Immediately, Sanji leaped back, putting distance between himself and Kuma, eyes locked onto him.
"Cut the jokes," Meiser said. "What the hell are you really here for?"
"Is it because of Moria?"
"Yes... and no..."
Meiser: ???
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Meiser's expression darkened. Was this bastard messing with him?
Kuma didn't answer. Instead, he glanced at Nico Robin and said softly, "Nico Robin...
This woman who can decipher the Poneglyphs holds the power to shake the world..."
Upon hearing Kuma's words, the expressions of the entire Straw Hat Pirates changed. Was he actually here for Nico Robin?
"You bastard, so your target really is Robin?"
"Shing!"
Meiser immediately drew his Grass Sword, glaring fiercely at Kuma. "If you want to take her, you'll have to get through us first!"
At that moment, the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates also steeled themselves for a fight to the death, their eyes filled with determination.
Nico Robin was a comrade they had risked their lives to reclaim—how could they possibly hand her over?
Even if it meant death, they wouldn't let anyone take Robin away.
Yet, faced with their murderous gazes, Kuma's expression remained utterly calm.
"I have not received orders to take Nico Robin," Kuma said plainly.
The so-called extermination mission included Nico Robin herself.
The World Government's intent was clear: if they couldn't have Nico Robin, they would rather kill her to prevent the Poneglyphs from being deciphered.
Everyone: "...?"
Kuma's words left Meiser and the others utterly confused. He wasn't here for Robin?
Then what did he want?
"My purpose in coming here is for you, Blood-Eyed Ninja... Meiser," Kuma said, looking directly at him.
"Me?"
"What do you mean?"
Meiser frowned. The other party was actually here for him?
Why?
Because he had crushed the Buster Call?
"The World Government is very interested in your abilities," Kuma explained. "So they are offering you an opportunity—a chance to serve under the World Government."
At those words, Meiser's expression darkened. "You're saying you want me to be their dog?"
Kuma paid no mind to Meiser's words, even if he had likened him to a dog.
"You defeated Gekko Moria, which qualifies you to become one of the Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea," Kuma continued. "Thus, the World Government has sent me to ask if you are willing to accept the position."
His words sent shockwaves through the room!
Everyone present was stunned. They never imagined Kuma's purpose was to recruit Meiser as a Warlord?
This... this was too unbelievable.
"They're actually inviting Meiser to become a Warlord...?"
"This is insane."
Some of the sharper ones noticed something odd—wasn't it the Straw Hat Boy who defeated Moria? Why was Meiser, who wasn't even the captain, being offered the position?
Was this an attempt to drive a wedge between them?
But the Straw Hat Pirates remained silent, simply turning their gazes to Meiser.
As comrades who had fought together at Enies Lobby, they didn't believe Meiser would betray them—not even for the temptation of becoming a Warlord.
"Hahaha...!"
Meiser burst into laughter. "To think the World Government would send one of the Royal Seven Warlords just to invite me... What an honor!"
"If you agree, I can take you away from here immediately," Kuma said calmly. "Once you reach the Holy Land Mariejois, you can have everything you desire."
"Power, wealth, beautiful women... whatever you desire, you can have it all!"
"This... is a promise made personally by the World Government!"
"So... what is your answer?"
As he spoke, Kuma's eyes, hidden behind his glasses, bore into Meiser, as though trying to see right through him.
Lola glanced at Meiser's back. She understood Kuma's intentions—no matter how sweet the offer sounded, the goal was to lure Meiser to that so-called Holy Land.
Is it to obtain the power of a Ninja like Meiser...? Lola thought to herself.
If that was the case, then Meiser must be someone with a special bloodline.
That Ninjutsu power... perhaps it was inherited through bloodline!
The moment she recalled Meiser's ability to use Water Release, Lola realized why the World Government coveted it so much. That kind of power was invincible in naval battles!
And for a colossal entity like the World Government, such an ability was an enormous temptation!
If the World Government ever mastered that power, would there be any future for pirates?
Most importantly... if Meiser really went with them, would he end up being treated like a lab rat?
The chances of that were terrifyingly high!
Thinking this, Lola spoke up, "Meiser, you—"
"Hm?"
Kuma shot her a glance, freezing her in place instantly. Cold sweat poured down her back.
But remembering that Meiser considered her a friend, Lola bit her tongue hard, forcing herself to stay calm.
Then, she said, "Meiser, what they're after is most likely your Ninja abilities. You need to think carefully before answering!"
She didn't know why the Straw Hat Pirates hadn't spoken up, but as his friend, she had to warn him.
After saying this, Lola clenched her fists, bracing herself for an attack from Kuma.
But to her surprise, he didn't strike—he merely glanced at her before looking away.
As if... she wasn't even worth his attention.
"Don't worry, Lola. I know what to do," Meiser said.
What Lola had realized, he had too. They were after nothing but the power he wielded.
A Ninjutsu that freely manipulated seawater—its potential in this world was immense. Of course they'd be tempted.
At that moment, Meiser recalled the words Old Man Garp had once told him:
(But given enough time, it's only a matter of time before the World Government comes for you.)
Back then, he'd assumed they'd try assassinations or something similar. But no—they were after his unique abilities... What a cunning plan!
"So, what is your answer?" Kuma asked again.
Instead of replying, Meiser countered, "Hey, big guy... if Luffy heard you saying all this to me, what do you think his answer would be?"
Kuma didn't respond immediately. His gaze shifted calmly to the young man lying on the ground.
That boy lay there with a relaxed smile, as if... as long as his crew was by his side, no danger could touch him.
Dragon's son...
After chuckling inwardly, Kuma spoke up: "What's your answer?"
"Of course... I'll use my fists to tell you that no one can take away his comrades!!"
Hearing Meiser's words, the members of the Straw Hat Pirates immediately laughed, having understood his meaning.
"Is this... your answer?" Kuma said. "You don't even care about the position of a Royal Seven Warlord of the Sea?"
"Exactly!" Meiser stepped forward, calmly meeting Kuma's gaze. "Please go back and tell those guys that I'm used to being free and unrestrained—I have no interest in putting a noose around my own neck."
As Kuma listened, a faint glimmer of amusement flashed in his eyes. This young man's reaction was almost exactly as he had anticipated.
However... since a response had been given, the corresponding resolve must also be prepared!
With that in mind, Kuma said, "Let me repeat the orders I was given."
"If you refuse the invitation, I will kill everyone here except you!!"
"Do you... still intend to refuse?"
Yet what Kuma didn't expect was that the moment he uttered those words, the entire Straw Hat Pirates sprang into action!
Zoro tied his bandana around his head, his gaze growing increasingly fierce!
Sanji lit a cigarette and crushed a massive boulder beneath his foot!
Nami gripped her Clima-Tact, her eyes locked onto Kuma!
Chopper's body rapidly enlarged as he assumed an offensive stance!
Franky removed his flesh-toned gloves, revealing his steel fists!
Usopp aimed his reinforced giant slingshot squarely at Kuma's heart!
Nico Robin crossed her arms, gathering her power!
Merry held a small hammer without a trace of fear!
Brook drew his Cane Sword, his expression grave!
The entire crew was ready for battle!
Standing beside Meiser, each member expressed their support in their own way.
Their stance seemed to declare that using their lives to threaten Meiser... was a grave mistake!!
Even though they were facing an overwhelmingly powerful Royal Seven Warlord, even though they weren't in peak condition, even though... their captain Luffy lay unconscious...
Still... not a single one of them showed the slightest hesitation. Anyone who dared threaten their comrade had to be prepared to face their retaliation!
At that moment, Luffy, who had been lying motionless behind them, suddenly murmured softly: "Meiser..."
As if sensing something, the unconscious young man faintly voiced his thoughts.
Even with just those two words, Meiser understood perfectly.
A smirk curled on Meiser's lips as he looked at Kuma and said, "If you want our lives... then be ready to face death yourself!"
"Bartholomew Kuma!"
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