Chapter 303: Chapter 303: Seven Shichibukai, Retaliation!
"El-sama, the Fishman reconnaissance unit has just reported back..."
That afternoon, after returning to Atlantis, El was enjoying time in the Dreamland Park with his children when he received a report from Sally, the Intelligence Minister:
"Due to the betrayal of Silver Axe, Wang Zhi, and John, Rocks, who initially planned to confront the Navy head-on, decided to retreat with his forces before the Navy's expedition fleet arrived. Golden Lion used the Float-Float Fruit's ability to carry away the entire Hachinosu island with them!"
"Oh?"
Seated on a large bubble chair, El raised an eyebrow as he held little Ares in his arms.
He wasn't particularly surprised—this outcome was within expectations.
Rocks might be arrogant, but he wasn't foolish. After the betrayal of John, Wang Zhi, and Silver Axe, he had to prevent Whitebeard and Golden Lion from leaving as well. Otherwise, the Rocks Pirates' alliance would completely collapse.
"Huff… huff…"
Little Ares struggled in his arms, clearly unhappy. With a flutter of his wings, he attempted to fly out of the Dreamland Park.
However, his path was blocked by Sif, a towering, youthful figure over five meters tall, who quickly caught him.
"Ares, you can't go out. You have to stay inside!"
Among the young members of the Kukulkan family, only Thor and Sif, with their immense strength, could withstand a direct collision with the powerful and reckless Ares.
The others, like Dal and Willie, while also displaying great physical strength, were still noticeably weaker. Even with the Lunarian race's natural resilience, they couldn't prevent themselves from being sent flying by Ares.
"Still, before they fled, they retaliated heavily against the Navy."
Sally continued her report:
"Golden Lion dropped a pre-prepared island hidden beneath the sea onto the Navy's fleet, causing significant casualties and damage."
"Following that, Whitebeard used the Tremor-Tremor Fruit to tear the sea apart, creating massive trenches that swallowed many warships. Even with the Freeze-Freeze Fruit's power in play, it was unable to fully counter the destructive force of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, especially since Zephyr's strength is still somewhat lacking."
She paused briefly before adding:
"But the World Government held a press conference in Mary Geoise, declaring a major victory for the Navy. They announced the full formation of the Shichibukai, officially designating it as the fourth major power on the Grand Line."
"They even claimed that Silver Axe, Wang Zhi, and John—once renowned figures in the Rocks Pirates—have now 'abandoned darkness for light' by joining the Seven Warlords."
"Huh? So much has happened?"
Nearby, Linlin, Gerd, and others gathered, listening to the report with visible surprise.
They had known about the Navy's expedition to Hachinosu, but they hadn't expected such dramatic twists. They thought there would at least be a major battle, with both sides taking heavy losses.
"Humph, the fourth major power?"
El sneered.
"In terms of sheer strength, they might barely qualify. But the idea that these ambitious, self-serving individuals could serve the World Government loyally is laughable."
"The Seven Warlords are just a facade to intimidate others—strong in appearance but ultimately hollow."
"You're absolutely right, El-sama," Sally agreed with a nod.
After all, pirates like Silver Axe, Wang Zhi, and John—cunning and treacherous—were emblematic of the entire Warlords system. Not a single one of them would align fully with the World Government's interests.
Even if summoned to battle, these pirates would likely only make a superficial effort to maintain their privileges, contributing little to the actual fight.
In dire circumstances, they might even turn against their supposed allies.
"The World Government dares to claim a victory after such losses?"
The Cloud Giantess Helen chuckled mockingly.
"Isn't that their usual trick?"
Gerd smiled wryly.
"They might lose anything, but they'll never lose face."
"Ma-ma-ma-ma! After suffering such a setback, I doubt Rocks will let this slide so easily."
Linlin's voice carried a tone of amusement.
"Indeed, he won't," El replied with a smirk. Holding little Idunn, he kissed her cheek affectionately.
"Strictly speaking, Rocks hasn't really lost much. The plundered Heavenly Tribute should more than compensate for any damages—moving house, in essence."
"However, with the loss of key figures like Silver Axe, Wang Zhi, and John, Rocks will need to stabilize his crew. Otherwise, more defections are inevitable."
"If even Whitebeard and Golden Lion were to leave, the so-called alliance would completely collapse."
As little Idunn flew off to play with Willy and the others, El leaned back and mused aloud:
"Rocks needs to act decisively to suppress dissent and deter opportunists."
"If I had to guess, his next move would likely be a retaliatory strike against one of the Navy's major bases to save face and reassert dominance."
As if on cue, the transponder snail in Sally's arms rang:
"Brrrr~~ Brrrr~~"
Sally answered with a smile:
"Baka, what is it?"
She was unsurprised, knowing that Baka had likely just recovered from her recent "exertions."
"Sally-sama, urgent news!"
Baka's voice was steady as she reported:
"Rocks has launched a sudden attack on the Navy's G-12 base in the New World, the nearest major outpost to Hachinosu. The entire island has been razed to the ground!"
"Ha! Now things are getting interesting."
~~~
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