Chapter 176: The Sea's Reaction, Lindgas in Action.
"Ah la la la..."
"You guys are really loud with your plans. I could hear you from far away."
"Aokiji?"
"Damn, the Marine Admiral is actually eavesdropping!"
Hearing Aokiji's voice, the Dream Crew instantly looked up toward the rooftop.
...
"Uhh (ˉ―ˉ?)"
"This isn't my fault. I was planning to see you all before leaving, but when I arrived, the topic you were discussing was so interesting that I just had to stick around and listen." Aokiji casually explained as he jumped down from the top of the villa.
"It's not just interesting, is it? As a Marine Admiral, you probably want to get involved too?" Daisy said with a slight pout.
"Well..."
"You're right, little girl. Since you're looking to cooperate with the Marines, as a Marine Admiral, I can handle that for you. Just make sure to give us Marines some credit when the time comes for the publicity." Aokiji didn't deny it.
The Dream Exploration Team members looked at each other, thinking that working with Aokiji in the Marines was not a bad idea. After all, they had some close ties in the past.
Moreover, they had a good understanding of each other, so the cooperation wouldn't face too many obstacles.
The more important thing was, Aokiji was easier to persuade than Sengoku!
"Alright..."
"We can work with you. As for coordinating with the different Marine branches, that'll be up to you, Marine Admiral." Ryuen agreed.
"Of course, no problem. I'll handle coordinating with the various Marine branches." Aokiji nodded.
"Then I'll contact Bellemere and have them head to Oykot Kingdom. The house and other facilities also need to be prepared ahead of time." Nojiko said and began reaching out to Bellemere.
Aokiji was still carefully observing the Dream Crew. When he arrived, he had just overheard them discussing Saint Lindgas.
The tone they used didn't sound like Lindgas was protecting them, but more like they were the ones in charge.
He couldn't help but feel that these young people had more impressive backgrounds than he initially thought, especially since even the Celestial Dragons seemed to listen to them.
How strange...
But this was also the reason he wanted to work with the Dream Exploration Team. It seemed like a good opportunity, and he had to get involved.
After all, his role would just be coordinating things. It wouldn't interfere with his usual laziness, and he would still gain fame from it.
The more Aokiji thought about it, the more he felt this could be a profitable move!
...
Afternoon.
After half a day, news of the complete destruction of Enies Lobby had spread throughout the seas, and people all over the world were discussing it.
The key thing was that some places were hearing about the World Government's judicial organization for the first time.
However, when they learned the reason for Enies Lobby's destruction, any small hope they had just faded away.
...
In the New World, the Four Emperors all reacted differently to the news.
Whitebeard, Kaido, and Charlotte Linlin were all watching the situation unfold with a sense of amusement.
The chaos was with the World Government's rule, not their problem, and more importantly, the situation could directly benefit them.
However...
Only Shanks and his crew were showing signs of worry. As those dedicated to maintaining balance in the seas, how could they remain indifferent to this event?
"Hey!"
"Beckman, I want to meet the Dream Exploration Team, especially their leader, Ryuen!" Shanks said in a low voice.
"Mm..."
"Yeah, you should meet them. But, Shanks, I've heard that Dream Exploration Team has quite the background," Beckman said after a moment of thought.
"That's the headache for me too. I just don't get why Lindgas would go so far to protect the Dream Exploration Team." Shanks rubbed his head, clearly troubled.
"Well..."
"Let's give it a try. We'll go to Sabaody Archipelago and wait for them. The balance of the sea isn't at the point of being destroyed yet," Shanks interrupted Beckman and made up his mind.
"Captain, do you think the Dream Exploration Team is behind this?" Lucky Roux asked, taking a bite of meat from a stick.
"Because they're in Water City. They're the most likely suspects. Even if it's not them, I still need to check!" Shanks said seriously.
The rest of the Red-Haired Pirates had no objections.
~~~~~~
While everyone's attention was focused on the destruction of Judicial Island,
In Mariejois, Lindgas was pacing in front of a luxurious mansion. The servant at the door didn't know what to say.
"Lord Lindgas, how about... you go inside and wait? Lord Locklaide should be back soon..." the butler nervously suggested, afraid Lindgas might get angry for waiting too long.
But Lindgas didn't accept the suggestion. He simply waved his hand and said calmly, "No need. I'll wait here for my uncle. If I go in without permission, he'll just say I'm playing with his toys again when he comes back."
"Oh?"
"Lindgas, what are you doing here again? I won't give it to you this time. Go back!"
As soon as Lindgas finished speaking, an older man appeared.
This man was Lindgas's uncle, Locklaide!
The most important thing was that Locklaide was in charge of the World Government's orphanage now!
Lindgas knew that in order to get control of the orphanage, he needed to convince his uncle to hand it over.
"Hahahaha~~~"
"Uncle, I didn't come here to ask you for slaves this time.
I got a bottle of good wine. I know you like good wine, so I brought it to show my respect." Lindgas said, pretending to be casual.
"Good wine?"
"You're actually being so kind?" Locklaide looked at Lindgas suspiciously.
"Uncle, how can you doubt me? Let me explain..." Lindgas defended himself while leading Locklaide into the mansion.
...
"What?"
"You want control of the orphanage?"
"Lindgas, what's gotten into you? When did you start wanting to protect those commoners?" Locklaide looked at Lindgas, shocked.
"Uncle, don't ask. If you're willing to give me control of the orphanage, I... I'm willing to marry Alexisia Palace!" Lindgas said, gritting his teeth.
"Are you serious?" Locklaide jumped up in excitement when he heard Lindgas was willing to marry Alexisia Palace.
"Yes!"
"Uncle, I'm serious. I promise to marry Alexisia Palace!" Lindgas replied firmly.
"Hahahaha!"
"Doesn't matter why you want control of the orphanage. I agree now.
I'll go to their house and tell Alexisia this good news!" Locklaide said happily, finally fulfilling a long-held wish.
After that, he immediately rushed out of the mansion.
Lindgas slumped onto the sofa as soon as his uncle ran out, crying, "I... I'll have no freedom anymore... Waaa..."
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