Chapter 24 The News Spread
The meeting room within Mariejois was tense, the air heavy with anger and unease. The walls, adorned with opulent decor fit for the World Government's highest officials, seemed to radiate the weight of the gathering's significance. Seated around an ornate table were the Five Elders, their faces grim as they reviewed the reports from Sabaody Archipelago. The massacre of countless Celestial Dragons and the destruction of nearly half the island had sent shockwaves through the world.
Admirals Akainu, Kizaru, and Aokiji stood at attention nearby, their presence adding to the gravity of the situation. Fleet Admiral Sengoku was at the head of the table, visibly angry as he slammed a stack of reports onto the surface.
"This cannot stand!" Sengoku's voice boomed across the room. "This McKenzie D. Namor and Enel have committed one of the gravest acts of defiance in history! The world nobles were slaughtered like cattle, and an entire section of Sabaody Archipelago is now underwater!"
One of the Elders, the bald man with glasses and a sword resting at his side, leaned forward. "What are their current statuses? Do we know where they are headed?"
A marine commander, trembling slightly, stepped forward with a saluted report. "Fleet Admiral Sengoku, we've tracked their last known movements. They appear to have taken a number of slaves from the ruins of Grove 1-29 and escaped using sea kings. As of now, their exact location is unknown."
"Sea kings…" muttered Aokiji, his expression cold as he folded his arms. "Only someone with a connection to the ocean on a primal level could control them."
Akainu's expression darkened, his clenched fists igniting faint embers. "He's a just like Fisher Tiger. The fact that he slaughtered those Celestial Dragons so mercilessly proves he's a threat to everything the World Government stands for. He needs to be eliminated immediately."
The Elder with the long white beard raised a hand to silence the room. "This man, Mckenzie D. Namor, carries the Will of D. And now, with this Enel as his ally, they pose an even greater threat to our control."
Kizaru leaned casually against the wall, though his usual carefree tone carried a faint edge. "A man who can command sea kings, and another who manipulates lightning... they're quite the troublesome pair."
Sengoku exhaled heavily, his voice quieter but no less firm. "Their actions have forced our hand. The bounties for both of them must reflect the magnitude of their crimes."
One of the Elders nodded. "Agreed. Let the world see the cost of defying the World Government."
The numbers were decided quickly, and the room fell silent as the new bounty posters were brought in.
The first poster bore Namor's face, his long dark turquoise hair flowing behind him, his eyes sharp and filled with defiance. Beneath his image, the number 1,200,000,000 was printed in bold letters.
The second poster showed Enel, his expression haughty and smug, his staff crackling faintly with lightning. His bounty had risen to 950,000,000.
"These bounties will send a message to the world," said Sengoku. "Namor and Enel are no longer just pirates—they are symbols of rebellion."
The Elder with the sword leaned back in his chair. "Prepare the Admirals. If they resurface, we must be ready to crush them before they gain any more influence."
Akainu stepped forward, his voice filled with determination. "If I find them, I will eradicate them personally."
Kizaru smirked faintly. "If you don't get there first, Sakazuki."
The tension in the room remained thick as the meeting continued. The destruction of Sabaody and the slaughter of the Celestial Dragons marked a turning point. Namor and Enel had declared war on the World Government, and the retaliation would be swift and merciless.
The news of the destruction at Sabaody Archipelago and the updated bounty posters spread like wildfire across the world, reaching the farthest corners of the seas. The sight of McKenzie D. Namor's 1,200,000,000 bounty and Enel's 950,000,000 bounty sent ripples of shock, fear, and awe through all who saw them.
---
Rika's Cottage
Rika held the freshly printed bounty poster in trembling hands. Her eyes scanned Namor's image—his sharp, defiant gaze, the trident in his hand, and his hair flowing wildly like the sea itself. She didn't recognize the man in the picture; the boy she raised had transformed into someone she could hardly fathom.
"Namor…" she whispered, worry brimming in her eyes. "You are just like your father…"
Despite her worry, a faint smile tugged at her lips. No matter what the world thought of him, he was still her grandson, and her pride in him shone through.
---
Skypiea
The citizens of Skypiea gasped as they saw the face of Enel plastered across the bounty posters delivered to Angel Island. His smug expression and towering bounty caused panic and outrage.
"Enel survived?" one elder exclaimed.
"Didn't that pirate from the Blue Sea defeat him?" another questioned.
Meanwhile, a small group of Shandians stared at the poster in silence. Chief Wyper clenched his fist. "If Enel is back, we'll make sure he never threatens anyone again."
---
Red-Haired Pirates' Ship
Shanks sat in his usual seat on the deck, a mug of ale in his hand, as his crew crowded around the bounty posters. Yasopp whistled low, holding up Namor's.
"This one's trouble," he said. "That bounty's not for show."
Shanks took the poster from him, his expression serious. He studied Namor's features for a long moment before setting it down. "The will of a king burns brightly in this one. He's making waves… big ones."
He leaned back, a smirk forming. "Let's see where this takes him."
---
Amazon Lily
Boa Hancock held the poster in one hand, her other clenched tightly. She gazed at Namor's face, her thoughts conflicted. The destruction of Sabaody and the slaughter of the Celestial Dragons had shocked even her.
"That kid…" she murmured. "He's bold… fearless. But to challenge the World Government so openly…"
She looked down, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Perhaps he truly is someone who can change the world."
---
Alabasta: Royal Palace
King Cobra studied the poster in silence, his aged features grim. Vivi stood beside him, her expression full of worry.
"Father," Vivi said hesitantly. "This Namor… he's dangerous."
Cobra nodded. "Yes, but he's also a man of conviction. Such men can change the course of history, for better or worse. We'll need to keep a close eye on him."
---
The Going Merry
Sanji handed the posters to Luffy as he sat at the counter, enjoying a meal. His eyes widened as he recognized Namor from their encounter at arlong park.
"Namor?!" Luffy exclaimed through a mouthful of food. "He's got a crazy bounty! And he's the one who destroyed Sabaody?!"
Nami smiled gently. "It seems he's making quite the name for himself."
Luffy grinned widely. "I knew he was bad news! He's gonna be one of the big guys out there!"
---
Fish-Man Island
News of Namor and Enel's actions reached the underwater kingdom, causing an uproar among the citizens. Fishermen and fish-women crowded around the bounty posters, murmuring in shock.
King Neptune held the poster of Namor in his hand, his face troubled. "Another human has risen to prominence, but this path he's chosen… it may lead to disaster."
His son, Fukaboshi, nodded solemnly. "Still, his strength and courage are undeniable. If he ever comes to Fish-Man Island, we must be prepared."
---
Every Corner of the World
The bounty posters of Mckenzie D. Namor and Enel circulated far and wide, from pirate crews in the New World to Marines stationed in the Calm Belt. Some saw them as symbols of hope, others as harbingers of chaos.
The seas had changed, and the world would not soon forget the names of Namor and Enel. Their bounties were not just numbers—they were declarations of war.
…
…
As they swam through the deep blue waters on the backs of the massive Sea Kings, the world around them grew darker and heavier. The shimmering sunlight from the surface disappeared, replaced by the eerie glow of bioluminescent creatures. Namor floated alongside the slaves, his face calm but his mind churning with plans.
Enel, encased in a protective bubble of air, floated lazily nearby, arms crossed and his usual smirk in place. "This is ridiculous," he muttered, watching the murky depths. "I'm the god of the skies, not the ocean. You'd better know what you're doing."
Namor glanced at him. "You're alive, aren't you?"
Arlong, who was swimming ahead of the group with confident strokes, finally turned back to them. His wounds were healing slowly, but his determination kept him pushing forward. "Fish-Man Island isn't far now. Once we get there, Namor, you'd better let me handle the introductions. Not everyone's going to be thrilled about a crowd of surface-dwellers showing up."
Namor's eyes narrowed. "These people were slaves, Arlong. If anyone has a problem with them seeking refuge, they'll answer to me."
Arlong frowned but didn't argue. "Fine, but just don't expect them to roll out the welcome wagon. We're not exactly known for our trust of humans… or anyone else."
Behind them, the freed slaves whispered among themselves, some still clutching at their wounds, others staring wide-eyed at the dark waters surrounding them.
One woman, her voice trembling, asked, "Are we really going to be safe there? I heard stories about Fish-Man Island…"
Namor slowed his pace, turning to address the group. "You've been through hell, but no one will harm you while I'm here. This is a chance for you to start fresh. Trust me."
His calm, commanding tone seemed to ease their fears, though the tension lingered.
The closer they got to the island, the more breathtaking the sights became. Enormous coral reefs, glowing with vibrant colors, stretched out in every direction. Schools of exotic fish darted past them, and the distant silhouette of Fish-Man Island began to come into view—a massive, domed structure glittering with light.
Arlong pointed ahead. "There it is. Fish-Man Island."
Enel's eyes widened slightly, the first sign of genuine awe he'd shown since their journey began. "It's… impressive," he admitted.
Namor nodded, his gaze fixed on the island. "It's beautiful. Let's make sure it stays that way."
As they neared the entrance to Fish-Man Island, a group of guards noticed their approach. They were armed and cautious, swimming toward them with spears raised.
"Halt!" one of the guards barked, his voice amplified by the currents. "State your business! Who are you!?"
Namor floated forward, holding his trident loosely in one hand. "I am Mckenzie D. Namor, king of the seas. These people are freed slaves seeking refuge. Let us pass."
The guards exchanged wary glances. One of them noticed Arlong and softened. "Arlong?"
"Save it," Arlong replied. "We're here on business. Let us through, or you'll answer to him." He nodded toward Namor, who radiated an aura of quiet power.
The guards hesitated but eventually lowered their weapons. "Fine, but don't cause trouble. King Neptune will want to hear about this."