“Put away your curiosity!”
Ohka’s tone turned exasperated. “Indeed, the number of top-tier warriors on the sea is limited. Regardless of how you managed it, the fact that you defeated Zebruth means your strength is already at the pinnacle of this world. In today’s era, including myself, no more than ten people could face you head-on. You have every right to be proud.
Moreover, you’re not even 36 yet, not even at your peak. I have no doubt that you can become the strongest of this era!”
“I, too, believe that,” Doug instinctively encouraged.
Ohka shot Doug a glance, then faced the ‘curious’ Figo, emphasizing with a warning tone, “As far as I know, the forces stationed in each country don’t have top-tier warriors. The strongest among them wouldn’t be able to beat this old guy Doug here. Their advantage lies in their numbers, which can range from tens of thousands to millions.
“And over the past seven hundred years, many rulers of the sea have tried to shake the World Government, even charging up to the Holy Land. But… without exception, they all died at the Holy Land!”
“Are the Five Elders also strong?” Seeing Ohka willing to talk, Figo pressed on, still curious.
Ohka was silent for a few seconds before sighing, “The Five Elders are the highest-ranking Celestial Dragons. Mendesbin Saint is mainly responsible for the Navy, Enies Lobby, and, in recent years, your domain, Impel Down, along with these three primary institutions of the World Government.
“The other four have different responsibilities: one handles internal affairs of the World Government, one manages intelligence agencies, one oversees diplomacy with allied nations, and the last one focuses solely on combat training!”
Knowing what Figo was most concerned about, Ohka explained directly, “Yes, combat. After becoming Fleet Admiral, I learned that the World Government has a small elite force composed entirely of Celestial Dragon elites. Charlen Saint once served as the leader of this unit. No one has seen him in action, but he likely has combat power at the peak of the sea.”
Figo immediately thought of the old man with the first-generation Onimaru mentioned in the original story, who seemed very capable of fighting. An elite force of Celestial Dragons, with one Five Elder and the current commander, amounts to two Admiral-level combatants?
That’s not too many or too few. Becoming Admiral-level isn’t easy, and the World Government can’t just churn out a bunch of them, but it’s also unlikely they have none outside the Navy.
“But that’s not the crucial part. The Celestial Dragons have ruled the world for seven hundred years not just because of the legend of their ancestors saving the world but because they possess two national treasures!”
Two national treasures?
Figo recalled reading about this in the original and fan works, but it always mentioned just one national treasure, not two. Was it the Uranus or the giant straw hat? How did it become two?
Is it both the Uranus and the giant straw hat?
Figo maintained his curious gaze.
Ohka shook his head, “Even I don’t know what these two treasures are. All I know is that those who charged up to Mary Geoise were either killed by arriving Admirals or by the Celestial Dragons using these treasures! Without exception!”
These secrets, even Doug wasn’t well-versed in, so he asked on Figo’s behalf, “That’s all?”
“Isn’t that enough?! Doug, are you also going crazy with your student?!” Ohka almost jumped in frustration, ready to knock Doug on the head.
Doug laughed heartily.
“Don’t get agitated, don’t get agitated. I’m genuinely just curious.” Figo quickly appeased, internally realizing that Ohka didn’t know about Im.
Who exactly is Im?
But regardless of who Im is, for now, Figo could only be curious.
Based on Zebruth’ strength, before defeating him, Figo’s power was around SSR5 close to 6. After gaining substantial benefits from capturing Zebruth and reaching the top level of Armament Haki, he was probably around SSR6 close to 7.
Zebruth had two top-tier abilities: his physique and his fruit. As for Conqueror’s Haki, Armament Haki, and Observation Haki were only at a high level. His mastery of Conqueror’s Haki was just beginning, not particularly strong.
Figo had confidence in surpassing Zebruth because his physique and fruit abilities didn’t perfectly complement each other, whereas Figo’s physique and Armament Haki were extremely compatible. That’s why Figo chose Armament Haki over swordsmanship despite the pain of missing out.
Even if he overestimated himself, there were still SSR8 and 9 levels above. Furthermore, the gap between top-tier warriors isn’t vast. Figo had no confidence in defeating two of the weakest Admirals like Raul. Even if he reached SSR9, he might not win against two SSR7s. Even Rocks was besieged by Roger and Garp before reaching his peak.
They are all monsters. Who can instantly defeat another? In prolonged battles, being outnumbered is a disadvantage. It’s either flee or get worn down.
But for Figo, his growth has no limit. If SSR9 isn’t enough, what about doubling every aspect from that base?
Seeing him lost in thought, Ohka quickly glared at Doug, signaling him to talk some sense into Figo.
Doug chuckled, “So, Figo, thinking of going to the World Government to seek justice for the fallen Marines? No problem, teacher will go with you!”
Mia smiled.
Ohka almost passed out.
Figo hurriedly reassured the old man, “Nothing like that, really just curious. I have no other intentions.”
What other intentions? How could you say that if you have none? Ohka didn’t want to deal with this master-student pair but nodded after a moment of silence, “Justice must be sought. In seven hundred years, there’s never been an instance where a Five Elder deliberately sent Marines into an unwinnable battle without informing them!
Figo, what’s your plan now? Are you going back to Impel Down?”
“I still have over two years left in my term. I prefer to serve out my term as Warden.”
The Hell Pirates’ officers are yet to be dealt with, including three SSR1s and many SR9s.
“Also, Sapphire helped us greatly in this battle. I want to make some regulatory changes in Impel Down to give her some leniency in her situation.” Figo considered, “But everything depends on the Five Elders’ decision. If they directly put a 10 billion bounty on my head…”
“They wouldn’t dare!” Doug roared.
“They won’t!” Ohka added, “Having defeated the Hell Pirates, you’re now a hero of the Navy. The Five Elders can’t touch you easily… Are you still planning to return to Impel Down?”
He looked at Doug, “Where did you put the CP0 agent following the Buster Call?”
“You want this.” Doug pulled out a Den Den Mushi from his pocket.
Ohka nodded, took it, and immediately dialed Mendesbin Saint.
“Moshi moshi, this is Ohka.”
The other end was silent for a moment before Mendesbin Saint’s voice came through, “Ohka? You’re already at the fleet? How did the battle go?”
“Before I arrived, Figo had already successfully defeated and captured Zebruth, dismantling the Hell Pirates… thanks to your arrangement.”
The other end fell silent longer, and Figo’s keen hearing faintly caught Mendesbin Saint’s heavier breathing.
“Casualties?”
Ohka: “Not too severe. Even old Doug is still kicking.”
“…Good, well done.” These words seemed squeezed out through clenched teeth. Mendesbin Saint said, “Given the glorious victory, I won’t pursue Gaston’s unauthorized leave any further. Ohka, you remain as Fleet Admiral.”
“No need, Mendesbin Saint. I’m already 77; it’s time for me to step down. But I won’t fully retire. How about I be the Deputy Warden of Impel Down? To ensure Zebruth’s secure imprisonment, Figo alone can’t guarantee the prison’s safety.”
Figo was stunned, looking at Ohka in surprise.
Ohka smiled at him: Do as you wish; I fully support you!
Doug also smiled slightly.
Figo felt a mix of emotions. Impel Down isn’t a retirement place. The World Government didn’t satisfy him, but most of the Navy, especially Doug and Ohka, had never let him down!
Choosing to return to Impel Down wasn’t just for quick power growth or Sapphire but also for these two old men, crucial to his decision not to become a lone wolf.
Conversely, Mendesbin Saint’s tone grew more complex, “Alright, I agree. Ohka. By the way, how is the campaign against the Revolutionary Army? What about the Blind Witch?”
Figo took over, “Thanks to the Blind Witch being persuaded by Doug to join our side, we managed to destroy the Hell Pirates with minimal losses. But this doesn’t absolve her of her crimes. I’ve arrested her and will send her to Impel Down. However, I’ll grant her some leniency once she’s there. Any objections, Five Elder?”
“…No objections! Well done! Gaston Figo! You did well! If you wish! You can stay in Impel Down with the Blind Witch and her brother for life…”
Figo quickly hung up.
Then, he spread his hands to the two old men.
“He panicked. The great power of the Five Elders actually panicked?”
“Hahahahahaha…”
The cabin filled with laughter.
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