Chapter 93: Execute Him

"Admiral Kizaru, I was just about to turn in Rayleigh for the bounty when you showed up. Please help me process it."

Caelan looked at Kizaru and smiled as he spoke.

"Huh?! You want to turn him in for a bounty?"

Kizaru looked at Caelan in disbelief.

The World Government had always taken a hands-off approach with the remnants of Roger's crew. As long as they didn't cause trouble, they were mostly ignored.

That was because they were incredibly powerful and knew too many secrets about the World Government. Plus, they were scattered across the world. If one of them were captured, the others would likely rise up in response, creating massive trouble for the Government.

And now Caelan wanted to turn Rayleigh in? Wouldn't that spark a whole new wave of chaos?

"Of course. I'm a bounty hunter aligned with the World Government. Isn't it normal for me to claim the bounty on Rayleigh?"

Caelan nodded seriously.

Rayleigh, still lying on the ground, didn't believe a word of it.

Aligned with the World Government? Then how did he get Conqueror's Haki strong enough to rival a Yonko?

This kid had no regard for authority. He had to be scheming something.

"Eliminating dangerous pirates is certainly a noble deed."

"But there are still many of Roger's former crewmates hiding out, and the current Yonko, Red-Haired Shanks, has deep ties with them. Are you sure about this?"

Kizaru held his head as if it were aching.

If he had known, he would've come slower. He hated dealing with troublesome situations like this the most.

"It's just a pirate. What's there to be afraid of? Admiral Kizaru, you should help process the bounty first."

Caelan chuckled.

Roger's own son was about to be executed, and those people didn't make a move. If Rayleigh got caught, they probably wouldn't intervene either.

And even if they did, Caelan was confident he could handle them. He might even get more treasures out of it.

"Well, since you insist, I won't say more."

"Rayleigh's bounty is 3.8 billion Berries. That's a massive amount. I'll need to get approval from Fleet Admiral Sengoku."

Kizaru gave Caelan a long look and sighed helplessly.

3.8 billion Berries was no small sum, even for the World Government.

Soon, the news that Caelan had captured Rayleigh and requested the bounty reached both Marine Headquarters and the World Government.

"That old man Rayleigh got caught by Caelan? And he wants the bounty?!"

Sengoku was so shocked he yanked out several strands of his beard.

Back when he and Garp were chasing Roger, they had countless encounters with Rayleigh.

Rayleigh's strength was genuinely at the level of an Admiral. Even in his old age, with his slippery evasive techniques, it would take at least two Admirals to guarantee a successful capture.

And now he'd been captured by Caelan? It was unbelievable.

Moreover, Rayleigh's capture might not be a good thing. It could provoke other former Roger Pirates who had been laying low for years.

The sea, which had barely maintained balance, might become turbulent once again.

Thinking of this, Sengoku couldn't help but feel a migraine coming on.

"That's right. He wants the bounty immediately. Please arrange for the release of 3.8 billion Berries."

Kizaru replied casually.

This kind of thing was better left to others to stress over.

"Alright, I'll send someone over right away."

Sengoku rubbed his forehead and hung up the Den Den Mushi.

Choosing who to send was a headache in itself.

Whoever went would not only be responsible for delivering the money but also had to escort Rayleigh back with Kizaru.

Akainu was too extreme. Aokiji was still in the hospital recovering. And Sengoku himself couldn't leave.

"Crunch, crunch."

Sengoku's gaze drifted to Garp, who was loudly munching on senbei. He was the best option.

"Garp, take the money and go."

He hadn't been able to control Garp in the past, but today was different.

"Nope."

Garp ignored him and kept munching.

"It seems your grandson is in the Sabaody Archipelago too. If I send Akainu…"

Sengoku shook his head, as if picturing a tragic scene.

"Dammit!"

Garp glared at Sengoku and stormed out of the office.

He didn't need to think twice. If Akainu went, Luffy would be reduced to ash.

Soon after, a dog-headed warship carrying 3.8 billion Berries set sail toward the Sabaody Archipelago.

…

The Five Elders also received the news quickly and immediately convened a meeting.

The capture of the Pirate King's right-hand man was a huge deal that could shake the entire sea. It was worth a serious discussion.

"Have the relics of the old era grown this weak? Getting captured by a rookie… how embarrassing."

Saint Nasjuro sneered, holding the First Generation Kitetsu in his hand.

"Haha. In the end, they're just mortal men. How could they ever compare to us immortals?"

Saint Saturn swirled his red wine, looking intoxicated.

This was their pride. To them, the rise and fall on the sea were just temporary waves.

Only those with eternal life, like themselves, could laugh at the end.

The so-called remnants of Roger's crew, after over twenty years, were no longer a threat.

"Even so, the sea is far from peaceful."

Saint Mars wasn't as optimistic.

The Four Emperors were still carving up territory. The Revolutionary Army was on the move. And countless new pirates were thirsting for Laugh Tale.

It felt like the Will of D. was particularly active in this era.

Only the Nika Fruit was a bit reassuring, as it showed no signs of awakening so far.

"Unruly pirates, huh? If we publicly execute the Pirate King's right-hand man, all those fools might wet themselves in fear." Saint Saturn said.

"I'm afraid publicly executing Rayleigh would also cause significant casualties for the Marines."

Saint Mars frowned, concerned.

"Hmph. The Navy has already become rebellious. Only Akainu is still loyal."

"This is a great chance to strike and bring them back in line. We can also recruit new loyal soldiers."

Saturn snorted in displeasure, his eyes glinting coldly.

The Navy had become increasingly disobedient in recent years, often giving only lip service to orders from the World Government. This was a perfect time for a purge.

"What about Caelan, the one who captured Rayleigh? He now has the strength of a Yonko. How should we deal with him?"

Saint Peter asked in a serious tone.

Previously, they had viewed Caelan as an unstable element who needed to be eliminated.

But now that he possessed Yonko-level strength, they simply didn't have the resources to handle him.

"As long as he doesn't make a move against the World Government, we'll leave him be."

"If he wants to fight pirates, let him. Hopefully they injure each other. That would be ideal."

Saint Saturn replied calmly.

The World Government's key combat forces were already tied up dealing with the Revolutionary Army and the Four Emperors.

Taking out Caelan would require at least two Admirals, and they simply couldn't spare them.

Letting him continue to clash with other pirates would be the most beneficial outcome.

"Execute Rayleigh. Ignore Caelan. Anyone opposed?"

Saint Saturn swept his gaze around the table.

"Agreed."

"Seconded."

The other Four Elders gave their approval one after another.

(To be continued.)

***

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