Chapter 50: A Step Back

"However, to uphold the dignity of the Celestial Dragons, you must handle this matter flawlessly," Saint Zunesha said, his arms crossed over his long sword, the sharp glint in his glasses reflecting his stern demeanor. "Additionally, suppress the news. At the very least, this incident must not appear in the newspapers."

"That might be difficult..." Kong frowned.

The news had already spread like wildfire across Sabaody Archipelago, and it seemed someone was deliberately controlling the narrative.

"The Navy on Sabaody tried to contain the situation, but it was futile," Kong explained, his tone tinged with frustration.

The Five Elders were visibly unsettled. "How is that possible?!"

"Sabaody Archipelago is a melting pot of pirates and other factions. Many forces on the island operate outside the Navy's jurisdiction," Kong said helplessly. "There's really nothing we can do..."

The Five Elders regretted their past decisions. Sabaody was the most important hub for pirates, and countless pirate crews had informants there. The island's chaotic state was a result of their deliberate neglect, and now they were reaping the consequences.

"Do your best..."

The Five Elders knew there was no point in pressuring Kong further. The situation was already out of control, and the only way to deal with it was through ruthless measures to deter any rebellious thoughts among the pirates.

"I will mobilize all CP agents," Saint Jaygarcia Saturn declared. "They will assist you in completing this mission. The Golden Lion's flying pirate fleet must be completely annihilated."

This was no overreaction. For 800 years, no news of a Celestial Dragon being killed had ever leaked, allowing them to maintain their rule. Now, that number had gone from zero to one. If they didn't suppress these ideas, they couldn't imagine what the world would become.

Their positions required them to think for the entire Celestial Dragon community. Even Im-sama, who stood behind them, did not want the world to descend into chaos.

If they failed to handle this properly, they too would face punishment.

The Celestial Dragons were supreme and untouchable. They were the gods of this world!

...

Somewhere in an unknown sea.

The waves churned violently as towering Navy warships formed a formidable blockade, their flags fluttering in the wind, showcasing their might and authority.

Sengoku stood on the command deck, binoculars in hand, observing the battle unfolding in the distance.

Meanwhile, the Navy ships unleashed a devastating barrage of cannon fire. The shells roared through the air, raining down on the pirate fleet with relentless force. The deafening explosions and thick smoke created an overwhelming sense of dread.

Golden Lion Shiki's flying pirate fleet was being relentlessly pursued by Sengoku's forces.

Explosions erupted around the pirate ships, leaving trails of smoke that dissipated in the wind.

The pirates stood on the deck, their brows furrowed as they nervously watched the approaching Navy fleet. Beads of sweat dripped from their foreheads.

"Admiral, we're about to be surrounded by the Navy!"

Despite floating in the air, the pirates were being pushed into a corner due to the weather and the relentless bombardment.

The crew exchanged anxious glances, their hearts filled with fear and uncertainty. They knew their situation was dire. If the Navy surrounded them, escape would be nearly impossible.

"All we did was take some treasure! Why is the Navy sending so many forces after us?" one clueless pirate muttered in frustration.

"We're taking the fall for someone else. That damn bastard killed someone and then pinned it on us! If he had the guts to kill, he should have the guts to turn himself in!"

Shiki stood at the bow of the ship, his golden hair flowing in the wind. "Such is fate."

Even during his time with the Rocks Pirates, he had never faced such a massive manhunt. Now, as a captain, he was experiencing it firsthand.

The wind howled, and the ship swayed precariously. The crew managed to deflect the cannonballs for now, but they knew exhaustion would eventually doom them.

Yet, resistance offered a slim chance of survival, while surrender meant certain death. So, they chose to fight to the end.

Suddenly, Shiki burst into laughter. "Kekekekeke! Sengoku! You think you can take my life? You can't! I am Golden Lion Shiki, the man destined to stand at the pinnacle of this world!"

In the distance, massive islands began drifting toward the battlefield.

"I was waiting for my backup. What were you waiting for, Sengoku?"

Shiki laughed maniacally as he manipulated the islands to hover above the Navy fleet.

His ability allowed him to levitate anything he had ever touched, no matter the distance, and control it at will.

"What is that?!" the Navy soldiers exclaimed as they saw something massive approaching, growing larger by the second.

When the islands floated into position, they blotted out the sun like dark clouds, exuding an overwhelming pressure.

The trees, rocks, and vegetation on the islands swayed in the wind, as if the islands themselves were furious beasts ready to unleash their wrath on the Navy below.

The Navy sailors felt a wave of despair. They had never imagined facing a threat of this magnitude.

In the face of such power, they felt insignificant, like ants unable to resist.

"All ships, scatter!" Sengoku roared desperately.

If those islands were to fall, the entire fleet would be annihilated. He had never anticipated Shiki possessing such terrifying power.

"Sengoku!" Shiki's voice echoed from above. "How about we both take a step back?"

"You let me go, and I won't drop these islands."

"What do you say?"

Shiki wasn't at his full strength yet and didn't want to engage in a fight to the death with the Navy. A mutual retreat was the best option.

As the floating islands loomed over the Navy, the sailors felt a sense of hopelessness. They stood on the decks, watching in horror as the islands slowly moved into position above them.

"What kind of insane power is this?" a Vice Admiral muttered, gripping the ship's railing tightly. "What do we do?"

The officers gathered at the bow, their faces filled with anxiety and helplessness. Shiki's threat had left them with no options.

Meanwhile, Shiki stood at the edge of his ship, his eyes gleaming with madness, as if he held dominion over the entire world.

"Are you still hesitating?" his voice boomed across the sea. "Hesitation will cost you dearly!"

Sengoku knew he had to make a decision quickly, but the choice was agonizing.

If he let them go, the Navy's reputation would plummet. If he refused Shiki's offer, the islands would fall, bringing catastrophic consequences.

"Admiral Sengoku, don't hesitate. We believe in your strength to defeat Shiki."

"We joined the Navy prepared to sacrifice our lives at any moment."

"Go all out! We'll take responsibility for our own safety!"

...

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