Chapter 31 The Navy’s Retrograde

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"Gion?"

Tsuru's attention was fully focused on Gion.

Larson smiled and said, "I just took a cold bath. I kept you waiting for a long time."

Silence fell over the area, creating an eerie atmosphere.

The mood suddenly shifted to something solemn.

Sengoku's face was extremely grim as he clenched his fists, "Impossible! He clearly fell into the water; how could he be okay?"

Yes! Larson had undeniably plunged into the sea—so why was he unharmed?

This doubt echoed in the minds of all the Navy personnel present.

They observed the green flames flickering across Larson's body—a completely new ability they had never witnessed before. Especially for Zephyr, who, upon seeing the scars on Larson's body caused by Porusalino earlier, and the way he recovered at an alarming speed, felt his expression harden with unease.

What could they do?

At that moment, despite having the numerical advantage, the Navy felt a profound lack of confidence.

Should they continue fighting?

Though they surrounded Whitebeard and Larson, no one dared to take a step closer.

Larson descended slowly, gently placing Gion on the ground.

"Despair!"

"Despair!"

"Despair!"

As Tsuru approached Larson and Whitebeard, she moved cautiously.

"Be careful," Garp warned, his expression serious. These two pirates were exceedingly dangerous. With her strength, Tsuru was ill-equipped to resist Larson and Whitebeard.

Ignoring Garp, Tsuru walked ten meters away from Larson and Whitebeard and paused. Her gaze lingered on Gion for a moment before shifting to Whitebeard and Larson.

"Let this fight end here. It won't benefit either of us to continue."

The Navy personnel present were shocked by her words. Was Crane's statement a sign of weakness toward the pirates?

In response, Whitebeard merely sneered and remained silent. Larson stood tall and met Crane's gaze calmly. "Fight if you want, stop if you want. What do you think we, the Whitebeard Pirates, are—some third-rate pirate group?"

Tsurus expression remained unchanged. "Then what do you want?"

"Tsuru!"

Zephyr couldn't contain himself any longer. He felt a surge of indignation over Tsurus behavior.

They had so many Navy personnel, and now they were the ones seeking peace with two pirates?

If this news spread, how would their Navy maintain its dignity in the future?

Crane looked at Zephyr and shook her head slightly.

Zephyr clenched his fists tighter.

Turning to Larson, he said, "This situation arose because you first stole the Navy's celestial gold and subsequently captured Navy officers. The battle has gone on this far, and neither side has suffered casualties. If it continues, no one can guarantee there won't be injuries. For both of us, regardless of which side is harmed, it would be an unacceptable outcome. It would be best for both of us to simply leave and pretend nothing happened."

Larson sneered, "Do you really think you can kill us if you continue?"

Tsuru frown deepened as Zephyr, with a cold demeanor, retorted, "Pirate, don't get carried away!"

"Carried away?" Larson's tone turned frosty. "Your Navy sees itself as a powerful entity, yet it bullies the weak while fearing the strong. Today, we've demonstrated a strength that intimidates you, compelling you to consider ending this, but if our power had not been sufficient, you would have eliminated us long ago. If you wish to halt this conflict now, that decision no longer rests with you."

Garp clenched his iron fists, "Haha, then let's fight!"

Tension crackled in the air, and the atmosphere threatened to spiral out of control.

"That's enough," Tsuru sighed. "On behalf of the Navy, I hereby promise that as long as the Whitebeard Pirates cease their malicious activities, the Navy will no longer pursue you. This assurance will extend to your future crew members."

She turned to Larson, "I'm making a concession on behalf of the Navy, understand?"

"Tsuru , what are you saying!??" Everyone stared at Crane in disbelief.

However, Tsuru seemed oblivious to their astonished gazes, her eyes locked on Larson.

Larson was silent. The terms Tsuru proposed held little weight, as neither he nor Whitebeard had any fear of the Navy given their current power. Even when future crew members joined, they wouldn't need to fear the Navy for protection.

Yet Tsuru offer was more of an acknowledgment of their status—a symbol signifying that they transcended mere pirates.

Her words resonated with Larson. A pirate who was not subdued by the Navy—didn't this resemble the Shichibukai?

However, Tsuru terms differed from those of the Shichibukai.

While they would receive the status of Shichibukai, they wouldn't be obligated to assist the Navy, making this arrangement far more favorable than what the Shichibukai experienced.

Larson could no longer determine the course of action; the only one who could decide regarding Tsuru proposal was Whitebeard, the captain of the Whitebeard Pirates.

After a long moment of silence, Whitebeard finally said, "The battle is over."

Larson nodded slightly. He wasn't surprised that Whitebeard had agreed. This was a request no pirate could refuse. What Whitebeard truly sought was never world domination; rather, he wished to find more "children" to share adventures with. They wanted to live together, and tsurus conditions resonated in Whitebeard's heart—there was no reason for him to refuse.

Nearby, Porusalino let out a sigh of relief. Sakazuki, standing close by, wore a gloomy expression and said nothing. Normally, he would have exploded with anger at Crane's remarks, but he remained silent, intimidated by Larson.

The veins on the back of Zefa's hands bulged, and he looked as if he were on the verge of an eruption.

At that moment, an arm was placed on his shoulder. Sengoku, appearing somewhat weary, addressed Zephyr, "Let it go. Let's end this."

Zephyr snorted disdainfully, turned around, and walked toward the boat without another word.

Garp chuckled, saying, "Ah haha, what an unexpected conclusion."

Larson looked at Kuzan. "What did you do to my two crew members?"

Kuzan scratched his head and replied, "Don't worry, I just froze them for a bit. They won't be in any danger."

Larson felt relieved, but he was already contemplating how Marco's training should be improved in the future.

As the captain of the Whitebeard Pirates' First Division, it was rather embarrassing to have the conflict ended so easily.

"Gion, let's go," Tsuru gently urged as she approached Gion.

Gion pursed her lips, looking uncertainly at Larson.

Larson spoke calmly, "I told you that I have nothing to do with you. Whether you believe it or not, when we meet next time, we will just be enemies."

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