Chapter 203: Pirate King Within Reach

The discussions across the seas continued unabated.

"The Emperors of the Sea have all been defeated. Other pirates are no match for the Sun and Moon Pirates. Does this mean the Sun and Moon Pirates will become the Pirate King?"

"It's over. The Pirate King is about to emerge."

"We're about to witness the rise of a new ruler, the one and only king."

At this moment, no one doubted this conclusion.

"Now it depends on whether the Navy will intervene. Pirates no longer qualify to obstruct Kuke's path to becoming the Pirate King."

"The Navy? Didn't the previous Fleet Admiral die at Kuke's hands? Do they really dare to act?"

"There were rumors recently about the Navy making a big move, but it seemed to quiet down. They probably chickened out."

"Now it's just a matter of how soon Kuke becomes the Pirate King. It shouldn't take long."

In the New World, within the initial sea regions, there floated an ordinary-looking ship. However, aboard this vessel was a group of monsters.

Among them were the current Fleet Admiral Kong, three Admirals, Garp, and others. Notorious members of CP0 were all present, as well as several hidden agents of the World Government exuding a menacing aura, and even three of the Five Elders.

Anyone who discovered the identities of those aboard this ship would be utterly shocked.

For the first time, the World Government's top forces and the Navy's elites had joined hands.

On the ship's deck, neither the Navy personnel nor the Government agents wore uniforms or suits with the World Government's insignia. Instead, they were dressed in plain clothes. The ship itself bore no identifying marks.

Even if another vessel passed by, it would likely be mistaken for an ordinary passenger or merchant ship, attracting no attention.

"Smoker, do you know the purpose of this mission? Hina is confused," asked Navy Lieutenant Hina in a low voice.

Smoker cautiously surveyed the surroundings. Although he was a standout among the Navy's younger generation, on this ship, he ranked among the lowest in status.

"It's probably because of him," Smoker replied, avoiding directly naming the individual.

Hina frowned slightly. "But why bring us along?"

This was the question that puzzled her the most. Although she was no weakling, in this setting, even Admirals were not considered top-tier. Why bring along a fresh graduate and a low-ranking officer like her?

"Who knows?" Smoker was equally baffled.

"And we've been stationed here for almost three days. Why haven't we made a move?" Hina's confusion deepened. If their target was the Sun and Moon Pirates, they should have acted by now. Why were they lying low, hiding their identities? What could they possibly be waiting for?

Waiting in the vast ocean for the Sun and Moon Pirates to pass by was futile—it could take decades.

"The higher-ups are still deliberating. Let's just follow orders," Smoker replied, casting a reverent glance at the closed doors. Behind them were some of the most influential figures.

Reflecting on his former classmate Kuke, who required so many powerful individuals to strategize against him, Smoker couldn't help but sigh. In contrast, he himself didn't even qualify to guard the door.

Inside the conference room, three of the Five Elders sat at the head of the table.

"You're all aware of the outcome of Kuke's battle with Whitebeard, correct?" one of the Elders asked, scanning the room filled with powerful individuals. Everyone wore grave expressions. The result had shocked them all—no one had expected Whitebeard to fall so quickly.

"Looks like Whitebeard is truly past his prime. Useless," Akainu sneered. He had hoped Whitebeard would defeat Kuke and extinguish the arrogance of the Sun and Moon Pirates. Instead, it had only emboldened them further.

Frustrated, Akainu looked toward the Elders and asked, "Didn't we initially plan to ambush the Sun and Moon Pirates outside Whitebeard's territory? Why was the plan canceled?"

The sword-wielding Elder responded, "Because we have a better strategy."

"What strategy?" Akainu pressed.

Kizaru and Aokiji also perked up their ears. They had no desire to join this mission, but when the Elders themselves led and issued orders, even Admirals had no choice but to comply.

"An ambush in Whitebeard's territory would have been too risky. Firstly, our movements would have likely been exposed. The cunning Kuke would have anticipated it and taken precautions. Secondly, involving Whitebeard's crew would complicate matters. Our target is solely the Sun and Moon Pirates," the sword-wielding Elder explained.

"Then we'd just eliminate the Whitebeard Pirates along with them," Akainu retorted, slamming the table. He glanced at the gathered forces and felt confident they could wipe out all the monsters of the New World in one fell swoop.

"Other pirates are irrelevant compared to the Sun and Moon Pirates. We cannot risk any mishaps before dealing with them," the Elder replied coldly.

He continued, "Whitebeard's territory is vast, and it's impossible to predict where the Sun and Moon Pirates will emerge. An ambush could easily fail."

Akainu fell silent, realizing the validity of these concerns. "So how do we find the Sun and Moon Pirates? The ocean is vast, and we have no idea where they're heading next. How can we encircle them?"

The Elders exchanged knowing looks and smiled confidently. "We already know their next destination."

Everyone was taken aback. How could they know? Could there be a spy within the Sun and Moon Pirates?

"The current chatter across the seas must have reached your ears. Everyone believes Kuke is on the brink of becoming the Pirate King. Therefore, the Sun and Moon Pirates will undoubtedly aim to claim that title and conquer the final sea," the Elders declared.

Their reasoning was sound. Having come this far, no one could resist the temptation of the Pirate King's crown when it was within reach.

Akainu's eyes widened. "That's right. He'll definitely go for the Pirate King. We just need to ambush them at… the Lodestar Island Island."

Lodestar Island Island is the last island accessible through the Log Pose. Beyond it, the route can only be navigated using the Road Poneglyphs. To become the Pirate King and conquer the final island, one must pass through Lodestar Island Island.

"Exactly," Akainu acknowledged, no longer irate. He conceded that the Elders' plan was superior and more likely to succeed.

The Elder continued, "Now we just need confirmation that the Sun and Moon Pirates intend to claim the Pirate King's title. Once we have that, we'll act immediately and head to Lodestar Island Island at full speed."

Akainu frowned again. "Can't we prepare the ambush in advance?"

"Impossible," the Elder replied, shaking his head. "Lodestar Island Island is too far from Mary Geoise. Until we're absolutely certain, we cannot afford to send such a large force so far from the Holy Land."

The Elders had their reservations. The distance between Lodestar Island Island and Mary Geoise spanned half the New World, thousands of miles. Any unexpected developments would make it impossible to return swiftly. It was only the immense pressure from the Sun and Moon Pirates that compelled the Elders to deploy such a powerful force. For any other enemy, they wouldn't have risked so much, nor would the Elders have personally joined the mission.

"Patience. We'll have confirmation soon," the Elder reassured Akainu with a confident glance.

After discussing further details, the Elders dismissed the group.

"Remember, do not expose our movements. If any passing vessel discovers us, regardless of who they are, destroy them immediately."

"Understood," came the collective response.

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DONT FORGET POWER STONE 

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