Chapter 119: MVP of the Underworld, Endgame Screen

"This is way too much… If it goes on like this, I'll be handing over billions of Berries every year…"

"Then go say something!"

"@# off! Why don't you?!"

Whispers buzzed below the stage as the underworld figures exchanged glances. But not a single soul dared to speak up.

Refuse?

They wouldn't dream of it. None of them had any real backing, and worse yet, each of them had entrusted a piece of their life card to Ozz. In his eyes, they were ants he could find them at any time, and crush them at will.

And didn't you see? Even those shady bigshots backed by the World Government were keeping their mouths shut.

Besides

If they couldn't speak up now, they'd never get the chance to pull tricks later.

Ozz's network was full of intelligence experts, and he himself was the most elusive of them all. Everyone here had a rough idea of how much the market was worth, and how much they should be profiting each year.

Try skimming off the top?

Get caught, and you're dead.

Watching the crowd's grim faces, as if they'd just lost their parents, Ozz revealed just how well he understood the art of control.

"Of course, under my protection, your businesses and market shares will also be safeguarded. The underworld is about to enter an era of prosperity unlike anything before!

In the name of Ozz!!!"

The meeting didn't last long. Hardly anyone dared to interrupt Ozz's word was as good as law.

Meanwhile, a flag bearing the image of a black sun was distributed by staff to every participant.

This was the banner of the Black Sun, Ozz's insignia.

It marked those under his protection and dominion. Even the Kingdom of Dularmos had recently hoisted it, publicly declaring its allegiance to the world.

From that moment on

The rise of the Black Sun marked the formal emergence of Ozz's underworld empire onto the stage of history.

A force now on par with the World Government and the Four Emperors of the sea the underworld, led by Ozz, was beginning to exert real global influence.

News reports erupted worldwide. Even the Five Elders sent their congratulations and began negotiating a series of benefit-sharing agreements with him.

Ozz had no ambition to rule the world a fact that brought a sigh of relief to the higher-ups.

Because if a force this vast and terrifying did seek to overthrow the seas… it might just provoke Lord Im into action.

East Blue

A small sailboat rocked gently over the waves as a group of people celebrated their latest addition Yasopp.

"Let's celebrate! We finally have a sniper on board!"

"Feast time!!!"

Among them was a young Shanks, not long out at sea, partying with his growing crew. Even the usually composed Ben Beckman was grinning as he passed around food and drink.

Just then, Hongo the crew's doctor and intel guy walked over with a newspaper in hand.

"Hey, Captain! News about your buddy!"

"Huh?!"

Shanks, in his usual white shirt and straw hat, was drinking heartily when he took the paper. On the front page was a familiar face Ozz.

Yasopp leaned over too, clearly interested.

"You know Ozz?" Shanks asked, a little surprised.

"He doesn't know me, but I sure know him… He's the world's greatest sniper. He's the one I'm aiming to surpass!"

"Uh… is that so?" Shanks scratched his head, hesitant to say more.

He believed in his crew, believed in chasing dreams… but surpassing Ozz?

He paused, lost in thought, eyes scanning the article. A flicker of pride and complexity played across his face.

"What is it, Captain?"

"It's Ozz… They're calling him the Black Emperor now. His presence rivals that of Captain Roger in his prime…"

Even as pride filled his heart for his old friend, Shanks couldn't deny the sinking feeling deep down

Ozz was walking a path far ahead of them. Not just Yasopp even he felt like he might never catch up.

"What kind of face is that?!"

The voice of laughter pulled him out of his thoughts. Shanks looked up to see Beckman, Lucky Roux, and the others smiling and holding up drinks.

"That's not the Shanks we know. We're going to be big names too, someday.

Have a little faith in us and yourself!"

Looking at his crew, young Shanks froze for a second. Then a smile crept up on his lips, his eyes full of a new fire.

"Yeah… Let's reach the peak of piracy together. Then we'll challenge Ozz it'll be one hell of a showdown!

Hahahahahaha!!!"

As his words rang out, a faint but unmistakably powerful wave of Conqueror's Haki rippled out from him. Still young, but unmistakable.

Can't wait to see you again, Ozz.

World Economic Journal – Latest Issue

Buggy was the first to bark orders to snatch a copy from the locals not because they couldn't afford it, but because his entire crew had long been blacklisted from purchasing it.

"Captain Buggy, we got it!!!"

Before his crew could hand it over, a disembodied hand had already flown out and snatched it into the captain's seat.

Blacklist or not, Buggy remained the most loyal reader of the World Economic Journal.

Not for the articles but because the paper was part of Ozz's empire.

And more importantly, it often had news about Ozz. As the world's number one Ozz fanboy, Buggy kept up religiously.

Front and center on the cover was a massive image Ozz at its heart, surrounded by major players and powerful figures, with countless underworld bosses around them clapping.

It was a symbolic shot.

Ozz, towering and smiling warmly, looked downright friendly.

…If you ignored the storm of black-and-red lightning raging around him.

This was

The MVP Endgame Screen of the Underworld!!!

"Ozz… and Vice-Captain Rayleigh…"

The familiar faces brought Buggy back to the days three years ago, when they were all still sailing the Oro Jackson together.

"As expected of Ozz… he's just too damn cool…"

The wave of emotion hit him hard. Tears gushed like a geyser, and not even his split-off hands could stop them.

"Captain Buggy…"

cabaji looked on, finally realizing that this legendary figure Ozz had once been close friends with his own captain. He couldn't help asking:

"If Ozz-sama is already this powerful, why hasn't he started his own pirate crew?"

"Huh?!"

The question stunned Buggy for a moment.

Yeah…

Even though Ozz was technically a pirate, he'd never once flown a Jolly Roger or claimed a crew under his own name.

Could it be?!!

A memory flashed in his mind.

In the ship's galley, back when they were all still kids, Ozz had grinned at him between bites and said:

"When you make it big, I'll come join you, Buggy!"

"My position as vice-captain will always be saved for you, Ozz!!!"

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