Chapter 158: World's Greatest Swordsman
"The loss of the God Valley Guardians and many Celestial Dragons has left the Celestial Dragon families feeling insecure."
"So, they are unwilling to send out their powerful forces, preferring to keep them close for protection, fearing for their lives."
"Therefore, relying on their strength to hunt pirates in the New World, like we did with the Rocks Pirates, is not feasible."
"We haven't yet replenished the loss of the CP0 Chief and the Army General, and we don't have enough resources to deal with the New World pirates."
"The best course of action now is to have CP spies infiltrate the major pirate crews and incite conflict among them in the New World, letting them destroy each other. This serves our interests best."
Saint Mars, the God of the Environment, suggested.
"I agree. Deploy most of the CP spies; keeping them idle is futile."
Saint Piter, the God of Agriculture, concurred.
"There's another issue: how to handle the loss of four member nations. This is significant for the other nations."
"Especially for those in the New World, they're very worried about becoming the next targets for the pirates."
Saint Saturn, the God of Scientific Defense, expressed concern.
"Reassure them, and increase naval protection for these kingdoms, at least showing them our overt sincerity."
"We lack the strength to eradicate the New World pirates."
"Additionally, use this situation to remind the member nations that just because Rocks is gone, the seas aren't safe. They shouldn't think about reducing the Heavenly Tribute."
"We must keep the member nations in a state of worry and insecurity to highlight the World Government's importance. Otherwise, they'd just fall prey to pirates."
"To increase our capability against pirates, we must have these nations increase the Heavenly Tribute!"
Saint Piter emphasized.
Their stronghold is the Four Seas, plus the first half of the Grand Line.
As for the second half of the Grand Line, the New World, even if all member nations there fell to pirates, it wouldn't be a significant loss.
At most, they'd lose control of the New World, as during the Rocks era.
The New World is just a small part of the second half of the Grand Line.
The vast majority of the world, the Four Seas, still remains under the control of the World Government, which is their foundation.
However, the member nations in the Four Seas are foolishly trying to reduce the Heavenly Tribute.
So, they can't blame the Five Elders for using other methods to pressure the member nations for more tribute!
**Roger Pirates:**
"The world's greatest swordsman? Impossible, our captain is the world's greatest swordsman!!"
Members of the Roger Pirates were indignant upon seeing the report about Li Yuan.
Their captain, Roger, had defeated Rocks, so such a prestigious title should belong to him.
"Hiss, I didn't expect this young Li Yuan to be able to wield two Sword Intents simultaneously. If true, he is indeed better in swordsmanship than I am!"
"But I won't acknowledge the title of the world's greatest swordsman unless my sword, Ace, agrees!"
Roger remarked as he read the newspaper.
"Are you stronger than Garp? The newspaper has photos of him fighting Garp, and even Garp's fists couldn't defeat him."
Rayleigh commented, curious about who managed to capture photos of Li Yuan and Garp's battle, considering it involved seven top-tier fighters.
"Who says I'm not stronger than that mad dog Garp? If not for me holding back, he would've been crying by now!"
Roger retorted, refusing to accept that Garp was stronger.
"Then next time Garp chases us, don't run. Go and fight him properly. If you beat him, maybe he won't chase us again."
Rayleigh adjusted his glasses with a sly grin.
"Ahem, let's have a banquet to celebrate young Li Yuan. If he can wield two Sword Intents, it means this path isn't a dead end. Maybe we can try it too."
"If we succeed, our strength will significantly increase!"
Roger suggested with a cough.
**The Four Seas:**
In a bustling city, a sword dojo stood, where a six-year-old boy was diligently practicing sword swings with a wooden sword.
After practice, he picked up a newspaper his master had read and began reading it.
"Master, is the world's greatest swordsman really that amazing?"
Mihawk asked his master after reading the newspaper.
"The world's greatest swordsman is, of course, incredible. Whoever holds that title means their swordsmanship is the strongest among all great swordsmen in the world!"
Dwight Roberts nodded.
Though a great swordsman himself, he only broke through at forty, and at forty-five, his progress felt stagnant.
He knew it was due to his environment.
The Four Seas, under the World Government and Navy's suppression, were peaceful compared to the New World.
This peace meant no wars, no pressure, and no life-or-death challenges.
In such an environment, even great talent struggled to manifest.
Growth was painfully slow compared to those in the New World.
As a result, while the Four Seas produced many powerful warriors, true top-tier powers, like Navy Admirals, were more numerous in the New World.
Because chaos, as history shows, breeds heroes.
Only in the truly chaotic New World could more top-tier warriors emerge.
Like the former Rocks Pirates, which produced Li Yuan, Whitebeard, and Golden Lion, among others.
"The strongest swordsman in the world? I'll become the world's greatest swordsman one day!!"
Mihawk declared after looking at Li Yuan's photo in the newspaper.
"Hahaha, Mihawk, becoming the world's greatest swordsman is a daunting task, but I believe you can achieve it!"
Dwight Roberts said, looking at Mihawk with satisfaction.
His disciple had better swordsmanship potential, and once Mihawk matured, Roberts intended to send him out of the Four Seas to the New World for training, avoiding the mistakes of his past.
When Li Yuan returned to his territory, he gathered his pirate crew.
Standing on a platform, he looked at the dense crowd of over 30,000 people below, a smile on his face.
"Captain!!!"
Seeing Li Yuan appear, the crowd erupted in cheers.
These were pirates who had pledged allegiance to Li Yuan, his subordinates, or former samurai of Wano.
Under Li Yuan's leadership, the Infinity Pirates grew stronger, both in strength and numbers.
Their territory was well-managed, attracting even the local civilians, who wished to join the Infinity Pirates to achieve personal glory.
"Hahaha, are you ready, everyone?"
"Those who want to be captains, stay put. If not, stand aside!"
Li Yuan laughed loudly from the platform.
"I want to be a captain!!!"
"Well, I'll just watch."
"I'll definitely become a captain!!"
As Li Yuan's words fell, many began moving aside, aware of what was about to happen.
Those with self-awareness withdrew, but the majority still chose to try.
Ultimately, about 10,000 stepped aside, leaving over 20,000 in place.
"Buzz!!!!"
Once movement ceased, Li Yuan unleashed a torrent of Conqueror's Haki, pressing down on the pirates below!
"What's going on? It's even stronger than before!"
Those familiar with Li Yuan's Conqueror's Haki felt its increased intensity.
As Li Yuan grew stronger, so did his Conqueror's Haki, raising the bar for becoming a captain.
Those captains who couldn't keep up with his Haki would eventually be eliminated.
Seeing 20 still standing under his full force, Li Yuan nodded in satisfaction.
This meant his crew's strength had significantly improved.
Among them, previous team leaders like Nephilim, Fishman Jerar, Mink Tribe Kuma, and Scientist Yuma could now stand firm under his Haki.
This meant they had been promoted from team leaders to main captains.
The remaining team leaders were either samurai from Wano or newly joined, stronger pirates.
"Hahaha, excellent! Those still standing will be the Infinity Pirates' captains from now on!"
Li Yuan announced, pleased.
His words filled the other pirates with envy for those selected as captains.
Becoming a captain meant their strength and status had surpassed ordinary pirates significantly.
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