Soldiers Attack

New World, Atvaro Sea, Grims Island

As one of the largest islands in the Atvaro Sea, Grims Island, the annual Hundred Flowers Festival, is the liveliest time of the year.

The sunset was in the west, and the night fell completely. As night descended upon Grims Island, countless lanterns of various bright colours illuminated every corner.

Countless young girls wearing long dresses woven from various flowers began to parade on the streets.

Countless young men played enchanting music with various unique flower instruments.

Fireworks continuously shot into the sky from the island's edge, blooming into lovely flowers.

The entire street was packed with tourists from all over the world. Airlan stood on a parade float, singing various melodious songs continuously, and many beautiful flower-seasoned girls danced elegantly on the float to accompany Airlan.

Countless people cheered like thunder. In the highest castle palace on the coastal mountains of Grims Island, Lox sat with Alice on the rooftop, watching the lively and beautiful streets.

"So, what brings you to me?" Lox leaned on the railing, sipping his coffee and enjoying the lanterns and fireworks lit up various parts of the island.

Alice pursed her lips, struggled for a moment, and finally decided. She kneeled on one knee and respectfully performed a gesture of courtesy to Lox.

"Captain Lox, I implore you to help me become the new queen of the Kingdom of England!" Upon hearing Alice's words, Lox showed no surprise.

"What can I gain by helping you become the new queen?" Lox did not immediately agree or refuse.

"To show my sincerity, I will lead the Kingdom of England to pledge allegiance to you once I become queen. I can also use our Kingdom of England's resources as collateral for your guild and bank."

"With our entire Kingdom of England as collateral, your guild and bank will gain the trust and support of most people on the high seas." Lox nodded thoughtfully.

Indeed, having a historically renowned nation as collateral and being a member of the World Government would undoubtedly increase the reputation and trustworthiness of the Hundred Flowers Guild and Bank.

"I agree to your request. However, I have a condition. After I help you become the Queen of England, I will send an officer stationed in your kingdom."

"You can consider it as surveillance or a threat. But rest assured, as long as you do not do anything out of line, we will not interfere in your country's internal affairs. One more thing, I will need one per cent of your kingdom's annual net income."

...

After listening to Lox's demands, Alice finally nodded in agreement after a long time.

Upon receiving Alice's response, Lox had Eirida summoned.

Shortly after, Eirida arrived at the castle rooftop. "Eirida, I need you to help Miss Alice become the new queen of England."

Eirida looked at Lox in confusion, then at Alice, completely unaware of what was happening.

After hearing Lox's explanation, Eirida suddenly realized and became somewhat reluctant.

"Um, Captain Lox, helping Princess Alice become the new queen is fine, but can I avoid being stationed there?"

"Hmph! Mr. Eirida, do you despise me?" Alice looked pitifully, gazing at Eirida with resentment like a young girl who had been abandoned.

"Oh...!" Seeing the aggrieved expression on Eirida's face, Lox suddenly felt like laughing.

However, he concealed it well.

"Alright, Eirida, this is your task. You can discuss the details with her later." With that, Lox turned and left.

He didn't want to be a third wheel. After leaving the rooftop, Lox took out a Den Den Mushi (transponder snail) and made one call after another, slowly heading towards the meeting room.

An hour later, all the officers of the Lox Pirate Crew had gathered in the meeting room.

"Hehehe, Captain Lox, tell us what we need to do next!"

"Hahaha, that's right, I can't wait any longer!"

"Yo-ho-ho, even though I'm just a pile of bones, I'll still give it my all!"

"Hoho, Captain Lox, I've been looking forward to this day for a long time!"

"Hahaha! This time, I'll make a name for myself on the high seas!"

"Ah, so troublesome!"

"Hmph! Vista! Be serious! We're in a meeting now!"

"Hahaha! Jin, you always take things so seriously!"

"..."

All of Lox's companions looked excited as they gazed at Lox. Even Shinpei, who had recently joined, stood with his arms crossed, eagerly awaiting Lox's following words.

Lox's lips curled up slightly, revealing a smile.

"Hehe, it seems like everyone can't wait. Well, I won't waste any time. Brothers, our months of rest and recovery have come to an end. It's time to collect our spoils!"

"This Atvaro Sea, it's all ours! I need you to take back every island that belongs to the Atvaro Sea, no matter how big or small."

After Lox finished speaking, the meeting room erupted in a huge cheer. They had been looking forward to this day for a long time.

After defeating the Golden Lion Pirates, they didn't want to give away their spoils to anyone.

"Hahaha! It's time to make a move, Lox!"

"Hehehe, that's right! I can't hold back anymore!"

"Kahaha? This time, I'll ensure everyone on the high seas knows my name!" Sasuke recalled the nightmare from earlier in the day, and he had decided not to hold back this time.

"Heh, everyone, the first step towards conquering the world is about to be achieved. To our glorious future, cheers!" Lox handed out the prepared wine to everyone. 

Everyone raised their glasses high.

"Friends, follow my lead, and there will be no rivals ahead!"

"Hahaha!"

"That's right! We'll be unmatched in front of books!"

"Cheers!"

The first rays of dawn illuminated the sea. The lively and bustling Hundred Flowers Festival had come to an end.

On Grims Island, ten enormous pirate ships had prepared supplies and were slowly leaving the harbour.

"Hehehe! Everyone, let's have a competition this time to see who can conquer more islands!"

"Set sail, everyone! Let the waves in the entire Atvaro Sea churn!"

"Oh!!!"

"Long live Moriah!"