Chapter 71

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In Bai Ye's eyes, the balance of the "Three Major Forces" is nothing but hypocrisy.

"End?" he said, standing on the barren battlefield. He held Ryūjin Jakka firmly, not casting aside his saber Griffin in response to the red-haired Shanks' desire to end the conflict with him and the Red Hair Pirates. Instead, Bai Ye silently judged the situation with disdain in his indifferent expression.

He had already incinerated Kaido's body to stop the World Government from extracting more blood factors to make weapons. Turning to face the red-haired Shanks, Bai Ye questioned him, "Do you think rules are only for those who cannot live without them?"

Shanks' expression shifted upon hearing these words. He seemed eager to end the conflict, but Bai Ye understood the reality. The Red Hair Pirates had other aspirations for the first half of the Grand Line. Unable to win with strength alone, Shanks wanted to depart.

But who gets to decide when it's over?

The battlefield beneath Bai Ye's feet was where the World Government's "Operation Demon Slaying" had taken place. Since Bai Ye beheaded Kong, the commander-in-chief of the World Government's forces, they realized Bai Ye was a threat to be eliminated.

As such, Bai Ye had every reason to take Kaido's life. His intentions were clear. Yet the Red Hair Pirates stood in his way, spouting excuses about maintaining the New World's balance by not killing Kaido.

Setting aside Shanks' plea, Bai Ye considered the world's current "balance," the alliance of the Marines, the Shichibukai, and the Four Emperors. Had anyone ever really questioned its legitimacy?

To Bai Ye, a time traveler, the so-called balance maintained by the three forces was nothing more than the World Government's deceitful attempt to hold onto absolute power. They crafted these "rules" as shackles for the sea, claiming to ensure balance when, in truth, they were manipulating power from the shadows.

They laid down unnecessary rules and guaranteed chaos where structure was needed. All this while ensuring that their grip on power was never threatened. They deceived the world into believing in severe consequences if one strayed from their rules.

It was clear to Bai Ye what the "Three Major Forces" really stood for in maintaining the superficial balance of the era.

The real purpose was clear from the start. It had nothing to do with the lives of ordinary people in the pirate world. Bai Ye had been a Marine in the North Blue for nearly forty years and could see things for what they really were. To the common folk, those grand concerns mattered far less than having enough to eat, reuniting with family, and steering clear of pirate attacks.

Consider the so-called "balance" of the era that Red-haired Shanks spoke of. Just look at the Kingdom of Dressrosa, seized by Doflamingo. As the premier weapons supplier in the underground world, they continuously provide weapons to various kingdoms and pirate groups. Their dealings also include intelligence, slavery, human trafficking, and other illegal activities.

Or take Alabasta, nearly overtaken by Crocodile, another member of the 'Seven Warlords of the Sea.' Although Alabasta was not officially captured by pirates, the nation lacked the purported half a million strong troops, leading to endless civil strife and an inability to solve even basic water issues.

One can only imagine the chaos wrought by the "balance" upheld by the three great powers and how it has escalated conflicts at sea. Meanwhile, the World Government remains secure behind the Marine government, enjoying unthreatened power without effort!

With a "boom," high-temperature flames and immense spiritual pressure wrapped around the blade of Ryujin Jakka engulfed the sky. Bai Ye swung the sword to the side! Suddenly, the battlefield ground for miles melted under the deluge of bright orange-red flames, turning the sky red.

"You... this guy!" At that moment, Yasopp and his team, already stunned by Shanks's decision, felt the intense heat from the flames rising high. Their complexions changed simultaneously in disbelief. Was this man still wielding such terrifying power? Could this creature even be human?

Shanks, the captain of their Red Hair Pirates and a member of the Four Emperors, had offered to lay aside his reputation to stop the conflict. Yet, it seemed that Bai Ye would not be swayed in the slightest.

"Whether you care about the so-called 'balance' or the 'unnecessary rules' created by the World Government," Bai Ye said calmly to Yasopp and the others, "these hypocritical constructs will meet the same end as the World Government, doomed to be buried together. And let it be known that I will spare no one who dares to stand in my way or becomes an obstacle!"