Chapter 155: A Plot Against Jack

Red Line, Holy Land Mary Geoise.

The Five Elders were gathered in their usual chamber. The golden-haired elder, sporting a trimmed beard, handed a document to the bald elder, who was busy polishing his long sword. After all five had reviewed the contents, the golden-haired elder spoke softly:

"According to Admiral Kizaru's report and CP0's investigation, it has been confirmed that Jack the Drought possesses the bloodline of the Oni Clan. Furthermore, like Kaido, he has awakened their unique physiology."

He paused, observing the reactions of the others, then continued:

"The Beasts Pirates have expanded rapidly over the past two years. Aside from Onigashima, they've taken control of Ailen Island. Additionally, numerous fish-men have left Fish-Man Island to join the Beasts Pirates, undoubtedly orchestrated by that Jack. The Donquixote Family also maintains transactions with them. Given the Navy's limited influence in the New World, they're no match for the Beasts Pirates. Should we take action against them? Or perhaps target the Donquixote Family?"

As the golden-haired elder's gaze shifted to the long-haired elder, who remained impassive, the latter spoke:

"Although he is a Donquixote by birth, as one of the Five Elders, I will not show favoritism. Doflamingo may wish to return to live in the Holy Land, but let us not forget he's still a Celestial Dragon by blood. He has seen Lord Imu seated on the Empty Throne…"

The long-haired elder's voice grew sharper.

"If you cannot kill him and this secret spreads—that the throne symbolizing peace and equality among nations has a ruler—the consequences would be catastrophic. Do you understand?"

The golden-haired elder fell silent. The bald elder, still polishing his sword, broke the tension.

"Leave the Donquixote matter aside for now. Our focus should be the Beasts Pirates. Their power is growing uncontrollably. What do you all think?"

The other three elders exchanged glances before turning to the elder with the receding hairline, who sat behind the desk. His birthmark, resembling a miniature map, was fully visible as he contemplated with closed eyes. After a long pause, he opened them and said:

"There's no need to engage the Beasts Pirates now. Even if we win, our forces would be significantly weakened. Roger's final words have caused an explosion in the number of pirates. The seas are chaotic, and we must restore balance."

He leaned forward, adding:

"Kaido, as mad as he is, understands the power of the World Government better than anyone. As long as we don't push him, he won't act recklessly. Still… monsters like him are troublesome. Perhaps we can encourage other pirates to deal with him. Whether they succeed or fail, any resulting chaos could further our aims."

The elder's lips curled slightly.

"After all, the Emperors of the Sea must eventually clash."

The bald elder nodded. "Then it's settled. I agree."

"Agreed."

"Agreed."

The golden-haired elder stood, his resolve evident.

"I'll handle this. It's time to mobilize the Whitebeard Pirates' allied fleet and our infiltrated CP0 agents. Let's see who prevails—the world's strongest man or the strongest creature."

...

Upon returning to the New World after leaving Fish-Man Island, Jack learned of his new title: "The World's Strongest Fish-Man."

Jack scoffed. "Whitebeard is the world's strongest man, Kaido the strongest creature, and I'm just a fish-man? Most people have never even seen a fish-man. To them, we're just… fish. 'Strongest fish-man' probably means I'm more edible to them."

Jack's disdain for the title was evident, but his subordinates, led by Finder, were ecstatic.

"The World Government recognized our leader! Even Tiger never got this acknowledgment. The future of the fish-men rests with Jack-sama!"

Their celebrations aboard the Mammoth were cut short when a pirate ship bearing the curling-skull flag of the Whitebeard Pirates approached Ailen Island. The vessel also flew the banner of the allied fleet and was captained by Andre, an old hand of Whitebeard's crew who later formed his own pirate group. Towering over six meters with wild curls and a square jaw, Andre radiated fury. His comrades had recently been slain by fish-men, according to surviving witnesses.

Ignoring the Beasts Pirates' reputation, Andre's ship docked on a nearby island. One of his crew members approached him nervously.

"Captain Andre, this is as close as we can get without risking detection. This island is the last stop for merchants traveling to Ailen, including those from Fish-Man Island. Shouldn't we inform Pops first? If we move against the fish-men, it could lead to war. I've heard Jack the Drought has a violent temper."

Andre's eyes narrowed. "And my temper's pleasant? If war breaks out, it'll be the Beasts Pirates who started it. Failing to act would disgrace Pops. Keep watch. I'll have my revenge, no matter the cost!"

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The fanfic is Finished on p@treon/tambeerg