Standing at the window of the small two-story house, Ortoren gazed out at the desolate landscape before drinking the tea in his hand in one go.
He then placed the cup on the windowsill, pulled out his Den Den Mushi from his coat, and dialed the number.
After a few rings, a slightly aged voice came through: "Ortoren? What is it?"
This voice unmistakably belonged to Saint Warcury, one of the Five Elders. They had exchanged contact signals during their last meeting in Holy Land.
"Saint Warcury, greetings." Ortoren offered his pleasantries before continuing, "As per your instructions, upon my return to the New World, I immediately met with Katakuri, one of the Admirals of the Big Mom Pirates, and had some discussions."
At the mention of this, Saint Warcury immediately became alert and praised, "Your efficiency is remarkable, I must say, it's quite unexpected."
"It's a task you assigned, after all. Naturally, I had to take it seriously," Ortoren replied smoothly, offering a bit of flattery.
Truth be told, Saint Warcury was genuinely pleased with Ortoren's work ethic—obedient, sensible, exactly what an Admiral should be!
"And what did the Big Mom Pirates say?" Saint Warcury asked.
"Unfortunately, Charlotte Linlin shows no sign of abandoning her pirate identity," Ortoren sighed softly.
Saint Warcury didn't seem surprised. It would be odd if Charlotte Linlin had just bowed her head after a few casual words, wouldn't it?
"That's truly unfortunate. But since you contacted me, that must mean there has been some progress, correct?" Saint Warcury asked.
"Your wisdom commands my utmost respect," Ortoren replied with another smooth compliment. He had carefully learned these techniques by studying Spandine's behavior patterns.
After the flattery, Ortoren continued, "While the results aren't perfect, the Big Mom Pirates have shown some flexibility and are willing to engage in deeper cooperation with us. This time, Katakuri proposed an idea I find quite interesting. However, given its significance, I haven't agreed yet and need to consult with you first."
Saint Warcury, now intrigued, asked, "What kind of cooperation?"
"The Big Mom Pirates are planning to build an entertainment complex in the New World. In simple terms, the concept is..." Ortoren quickly began explaining the entertainment complex project to the Five Elders.
After a lengthy explanation, Ortoren finally conveyed the essence of the idea.
Saint Warcury was silent for a long time, seemingly deep in thought. Ortoren didn't rush him, simply standing by the window, enjoying the view.
After a considerable pause, Saint Warcury spoke, "It's a good idea. The concept of a neutral zone is sound. So, what's the sticking point?"
"The sticking point is that the Big Mom Pirates are considering involving the Revolutionary Army in the project. They argue that this is the only way to truly make the project 'neutral.' That's one of the main reasons I haven't made a decision yet. After all, our World Government and the Revolutionary Army are like oil and water..." Ortoren said, his voice tinged with hesitation.
"The Revolutionary Army..." Saint Warcury murmured before continuing, "Not long after the Holy Land incident, rumors spread in the underworld. It was said that Totto Land allowed them to rest and regroup within Charlotte Linlin's territory, as long as they adhered to certain rules..."
Ortoren remained silent, and Saint Warcury continued on his own: "It seems that the Revolutionary Army's burning of Holy Land has given many ambitious people unrealistic illusions... Of course, this is understandable. Without enough ambition, Charlotte Linlin would never have reached where she is today."
For the strong, the Five Elders might consider 'understanding' them. But for the weak, the Elders would only consider sending them a blast of Holy Flame!
Ortoren stayed quiet, and after a moment of muttering to himself, Saint Warcury suddenly asked, "Ortoren, do you think the Revolutionary Army might..."
Before Saint Warcury could finish, Ortoren cut him off without hesitation, "Impossible. Dragon has wolfish ambitions and unwavering resolve. Unlike pirates, there is no possibility of them being coaxed into submission by our World Government!"
"I think the same," Saint Warcury softly agreed.
"However, this concept of a neutral zone does pique my interest. If it succeeds, it would greatly expand the World Government's influence in the New World, while also showing our capacity for tolerance. For the Big Mom Pirates, it would be a test of our sincerity. Perhaps Charlotte Linlin specifically emphasized involving the Revolutionary Army to gauge our resolve. If we can tolerate even the Revolutionary Army in this matter, she should feel much more at ease... What do you think?" Saint Warcury asked, his tone contemplative.
Ortoren was genuinely surprised. The offhand remarks he had casually made were now being analyzed so thoroughly by Saint Warcury—and upon reflection, it actually made a lot of sense!
If this proposal really did come from Charlotte Linlin, it seemed that she was testing the World Government's capacity for tolerance.
After all, compared to the Revolutionary Army, her Big Mom Pirates weren't irreconcilable enemies of the World Government.
The fact that the World Government was willing to tolerate the involvement of the Revolutionary Army, and even hoped to collaborate with the Big Mom Pirates, was itself a demonstration of sincerity and tolerance.
This truly reflects the high regard for the Big Mom Pirates—such sincerity is genuinely heartfelt!
Regrettably, however, Saint Warcury's lengthy analysis proved entirely useless. After all, these events were completely fabricated by Ortoren himself, having nothing to do with Charlotte Linlin at all.
One could only say that Saint Warcury was sparring with thin air.
But this did not diminish Ortoren's admiration for Saint Warcury's wisdom and political acumen.
"Your insight is truly profound, Saint," Ortoren praised. "I hadn't considered any of this. In fact, I even thought the Big Mom Pirates were using this cooperation as a way to politely decline us. But now, it seems there might indeed be deeper implications here. You truly see further and deeper than I."
"You're right. I'm still a bit too shallow," Ortoren said humbly.
Say whatever you want—I'm not the one losing out.
After a brief pause, Ortoren asked again, "So, how should I respond to the Big Mom Pirates about this? What should we do?"
"Whether they're rejecting our invitation or testing our sincerity, getting an answer is simple: have them present a detailed proposal. If the plan is comprehensive, meticulously crafted, and shows real potential, it means they've thoroughly considered it. It would also show that this isn't just a flimsy excuse to turn us down, but a genuine test of our sincerity. But if the proposal is vague, unrealistic, or half-baked, then there's no need to discuss it further. It could very well be, as you suggested, just an excuse to dismiss us," Saint Warcury explained.
"Understood. I'll pass on your wishes to the Big Mom Pirates and make sure they submit at least one detailed proposal. I'll then forward it to Holy Land for your personal review to discern their true intentions," Ortoren replied earnestly.
"Very well. If the proposal is genuinely feasible, then establishing the neutral zone would be acceptable," Saint Warcury agreed.
Throughout their conversation, Saint Warcury never once mentioned the profitability of the entertainment complex. This clearly showed where his priorities lay: he cared much more about the political objective of the 'neutral zone' than about any potential profits.
"Understood. We'll proceed with this as soon as possible," Ortoren responded quickly. After a brief pause, he added, "Additionally, regarding the maritime police force I mentioned earlier, we've developed some preliminary plans. Would you like me to brief you on them?"
"No need. Handle it as you see fit. We trust your abilities. But don't get too distracted by it for now. The immediate priority is resolving our issues with the Big Mom Pirates. That is the most important matter right now!" Saint Warcury reminded him.
Clearly, to Saint Warcury, the Coast Guard was nothing more than a minor issue. After all, the World Government wouldn't spend a single penny on it. What impact could the kingdoms of the New World make?
To Saint Warcury, this was a trivial matter, not worthy of the attention of the Five Elders—the highest authority. The Big Mom Pirates, on the other hand, were a major concern. Resolving that issue would bring significant benefits to the World Government.
"Understood. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to guide my work," Ortoren added another compliment.
Saint Warcury chuckled, offered some reassuring words to Ortoren, then hung up the Den Den Mushi.
"The old man really does have some ideas..." Ortoren muttered as he put the Den Den Mushi away with a sigh.