"Taking over an entire kingdom... now that's a bold move."
Switch Dalt looked at Aeridar in astonishment. He hadn't expected this young pirate of the Grand Line to harbor such grand ambition. Dalt ventured a guess. "So your condition for becoming a Warlord of the Sea... was to get the World Government to officially recognize your status and your country's entry into their system, right?"
"Exactly," Aeridar replied without hesitation.
"Tch, politics sure are filthy." Dalt scoffed. "Invading non-member nations just to eliminate dissent?"
"More or less. If the World Government can add a new nation from the New World into their fold and extend their influence, they couldn't care less whether the ruler is a pirate or not."
Aeridar clenched his fist, his voice turning resolute. "In this world, power is everything. I conquered that country with strength, and with that same strength, I gained the World Government's recognition. That's why I'm a Warlord of the Sea now, and soon, I'll be a king allied with the World Government."
In the end, every world bows to strength. The powerful shape their own destinies, or dominate the destinies of others. The weak? They're merely pawns.
The World Government makes the rules because it's powerful enough to do so, just as they hunt down Dalt without fear of reprisal. And because the Four Emperors are strong, the Government doesn't dare to recklessly start a war with them.
It all comes down to power. If Dalt had enough of it, the Government wouldn't be hunting him like a dog. He wouldn't have to conduct his experiments in the shadows.
"You're full of drive, I'll give you that."
Dalt gave a wry smile and shrugged. "If you really can guarantee my safety, then I don't mind joining your crew. What do you say... Captain?"
He had thought it through. Hiding out with some no-name rookie pirates was no longer viable. Joining the Chris Pirates was the better move—under Aeridar's flag, he didn't have to constantly look over his shoulder for the World Government, nor worry about being crushed by some monstrous pirate crew in the New World.
"Hahahahaha..." Aeridar erupted into laughter at the sound of "Captain."
"Then welcome aboard."
Oliver, standing nearby, cracked a small smile at the news and turned to Dalt.
"Welcome to the Chris Pirates. I'm Oliver, the crew's dual-wielding swordsman, Head of Combat, and Second Division Commander."
"I know of you, Oliver-san," Dalt nodded respectfully. "A formidable swordsman. I'm Switch Dalt, biologist and scientist. I look forward to working together."
Boom. Boom. Boom. Boom...!
Suddenly, a barrage of cannonfire rumbled from outside. Explosions echoed in the distance—sustained, intense. From the sound of it, the fight was still some ways off... possibly just offshore.
"Where are those explosions coming from?"
"Are we under attack?!"
The unexpected shelling left Aeridar and the others stunned. Who would be so foolish as to stir up trouble this close to Marine Headquarters?
Pere... pere... pere...
Aeridar's den-den mushi began ringing.
"The World Government? Or the Marines?"
Frowning, Aeridar took it out and answered the call.
"Moshi moshi. This is the World Government's liaison office for the Warlords of the Sea. Am I speaking with Aeridar-dono?"
"This is Aeridar. What do you want?"
His eyes narrowed as he looked out the window toward the rising smoke and fire.
"Good afternoon, Aeridar-dono. Apologies for the sudden call, are you currently still on the Sabaody Archipelago?"
The voice was courteous, almost rehearsed.
"I am. Get to the point."
Aeridar's tone grew sharp, visibly irritated.
"The Demon Mask Pirates are being pursued by Admiral Kizaru's fleet. They've entered the waters around the Archipelago and are preparing to make landfall.
"The World Government is issuing an emergency conscription order, you are to assist the Marines in preventing their landing, and cooperate with Admiral Kizaru in capturing Gutte the Demon Mask."
Aeridar's expression darkened, rage flickering in his eyes. "You're issuing a compulsory order to me alone? You think I'm some disposable tool? What a load of crap."
His voice turned frigid, laced with bloodlust. A solo order to take on Gutte, a major New World pirate? There was no guarantee the Marines wouldn't throw him into the fire and leave him to die. He wasn't about to let himself be used as someone's pawn.
"You are the only Warlord currently close enough to intervene in time," the agent replied coolly, unfazed by Aeridar's tone. "As compensation, the World Government is prepared to grant one condition, so long as it does not cross our bottom line."
Aeridar's expression shifted. A grin slowly crept onto his face.
"In that case... I accept."
"Very well. What is your condition?" the agent asked.
Aeridar glanced at Dalt, then answered bluntly,
"Rescind the bounty on Switch Dalt and clear his name."
Dalt froze for a moment, then looked at Aeridar, gratitude shining in his eyes.
"Switch Dalt?" the agent on the other end paused. "You mean the scientist who allegedly sabotaged a research project fifteen years ago, killing fourteen prominent scientists?"
"The bounty can be rescinded," the agent added quickly, "but clearing his name is another matter. That kind of exoneration is off the table."
Before Aeridar could object, the agent continued.
"However, the Government is willing to provide advanced research equipment, enough to build a large-scale laboratory. All top-tier grade."
Aeridar hesitated. He understood this was likely the Government's hard limit. Clearing Dalt's name would be tantamount to admitting fault, a slap in the face to the Government's authority, something they would never allow.
Still, it was obvious they knew of Dalt's talents, and suspected Aeridar had plans for bio-weapons. Offering him research gear instead of clearing Dalt's name was a shrewd move. After all, top-tier equipment could be bought on the black market, but not of the same quality the Government could provide.
Dalt gave a small nod of approval. He was fine with it.
Seeing Dalt's response, Aeridar finally said,
"Fine. Remember the deal. I'll let you know where to deliver it when the time comes."
"Then let's call it a pleasant cooperation," the government agent interjected, tone sharp. "Please proceed to the battlefield immediately."
"...Yeah, yeah. Got it," Aeridar replied with a hint of feigned irritation.
He ended the call without hesitation.
Outside the window, the distant thunder of cannon fire was drawing closer, each blast more intense than the last. A slow, amused smile crept across Aeridar's face.
"Looks like someone interesting just joined the game."
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