57. Five Elders

"Fuck"

In the sky not far from where Atlas and Crocodile had battled, an albatross wearing a top hat and a black suit patted its chest in a surprisingly human-like manner, appearing quite frightened. Not taking things lightly, it gradually descended to the ground and carefully inspected the camera it had just used.

"It's okay, it's not damaged!"

.....

Here, Atlas placed seastone handcuffs on Crocodile and tossed him into a temporary prison on the warship. Then he instructed people to deliver food to him regularly, ensuring he wouldn't starve to death. The design of Marine's warship is quite well-thought-out, with a fully equipped kitchen, training room, bedroom, and prison.

The return journey went smoothly. Within a few days, Atlas and the others arrived at the port of G-8 Fortress. After delivering Crocodile to the fortress prison, they proceeded directly to Jonathan's office.

After all, as the top officer of the base, Atlas had brought back a "big fish," so it was only natural that he reported the detailed process of the battle.

Knock knock knock....

"Please come in!"

Jonathan still sported his familiar appearance with burgundy hair and a thick mustache, dressed in a white shirt, casually seated behind the desk. When he saw Atlas entering, he didn't express any surprise. Instead, his usual serious demeanor transformed into a smile as he looked at Atlas.

"Reporting to Vice Admiral Jonathan! The mission was successfully completed! The Arabasta incident was committed by the current Shichibukai Crocodile, and he has been arrested!"

Atlas also noticed Jonathan's expression but didn't care. He simply assumed that the Vice Admiral was pleased with the swift completion of the task.

"I already know. Now, take a look at this!"

Jonathan picked up a newspaper from the table and handed it to Atlas, who appeared puzzled.

Atlas took the newspaper, and the headline in capital letters immediately caught his eye: "Shocked! Marine Takes Action Against Shichibukai Crocodile! World Government Considering Abolishing Shichibukai?"

Most of the content of the newspaper is the detailed process of the battle between Atlas and Crocodile, and analyzes the world situation based on this battle, such as how the world government broke the Shichibukai Covenant, and the balance of the world is about to be broken.

The newspaper also featured images of Crocodile in his inhuman form and Atlas in his majestic appearance. There was speculation about whether Crocodile would seek revenge on the reporter once he was released from prison.

Atlas looked at the person signing this article. It was a reporter named Morgans.

The newspaper is probably the work of Morgans, the would be news king in the underworld. It makes sense that he "saw" a massive bird during the battle with Crocodile. I've heard that Morgans possesses the power of a bird-type Devil Fruit.

Back then, he didn't pay it much mind. After all, they were merely observing the battle without violating any laws. He didn't anticipate Morgans being so audacious as to speak out against the World Government.

"So, Vice Admiral Jonathan, you were already aware of this?"

Atlas glanced at Jonathan, who seemed to be enjoying the spectacle, and expressed his frustration.

"Ah, I knew it, but Admiral Sengoku is having a headache!" Jonathan said with a hint of schadenfreude. He was partially involved in the incident and understood that there was no concrete evidence to prove Crocodile's wrongdoing. However, since the Marines had already arrested them, there was no reason to let them go.

...

Red Line, Holy Land Mariejois.

"Damn it! Who gave the Marines the authority to arrest a Shichibukai! This is a provocation to the World Government!"

An angry bald old man, dressed in a white monk's robe, wearing glasses, and carrying a long staff, roared with indignation. The source of his anger wasn't the capture of Crocodile itself but the role the Marines played, implying an intention to confront the World Government. The Five Elders had always aimed to control and restrain the Marines.

"Hey, Saint Nusjuro! Calm down. Now is not the time to hold the Marines accountable!" Saint Warcury, a bald old man in a black suit with a birthmark on his face, objected.

"Our current issue is to discuss the disposal of Crocodile and... the survival of the Shichibukai system!" Another blond Five Elder in a red suit agreed.

"Impossible! The Shichibukai system cannot be abolished now! You should know very well..." Saint Nusjuro was a little excited. He stood up from his chair and looked around at the expressions of others and said slowly, "The Shichibukai system is not only to check and balance the pirates, but also to prevent Marine from getting too strong!"

"Okay, Saint Nusjuro, Saint Warcury, Saint Mars, the Shichibukai system cannot be abolished, so don't mention this matter again!" Seeing the smell of gunpowder, Saint Saturn hurriedly came out to smooth things over. .

In fact, all five of them knew in their hearts that Shichibukai could not be abolished unless... Marine was completely controlled by them, and the handover of the marshal position must be designated by them! But obviously that's not possible at the moment.

"Okay! Now, let's discuss the disposal of Crocodile," Dexter, who was wearing a black suit, white curly hair, a scar on the left side of his face, and a black flat hat, reached a consensus on the topic of the Shichibukai system. Another topic was slowly brought up.

In fact, they don't care about Crocodile's life or death. What they are concerned about is Marine's attitude, as it will help gauge their degree of control over Marine.

"Hmph! Summon Sengoku and demand an explanation from him!" Saint Nusjuro, who appears to have a bad temper, declared.

"Seconded!"

"Seconded!"

"Seconded!"

"Seconded!"

Soon, Warcury dialed Sengoku's number, and the Den Den Mushi soon transformed into an image with frog eyes and a braided beard on its chin.

"Moshi Moshi, this is Sengoku!"

"Sengoku, it's me, Saint Warcury. We'd like to know Marine's intentions regarding Crocodile."

"Saint Warcury, regarding Crocodile, Marine's stance is to detain him at Impel Down and revoke his Shichibukai status!" Sengoku's response was swift, indicating that Marine had already planned its course of action. The dissatisfaction with the Shichibukai system within Marine was considerable, and this situation provided an opportunity to weaken their influence. However, completely abolishing the Shichibukai system was still deemed impractical by Marine.

"Sengoku, you've gone too far this time! Marine is overstepping its bounds!" Saint Nusjuro voiced his discontent over the phone.

"Saint Nusjuro, this is the will of Marine. Justice cannot be blasphemed!" Sengoku's tone was more resolute this time, emphasizing an unyielding stance.

"Marine is just..." Saint Nusjuro attempted to say something more, but was halted by Saint Warcury.

"Okay, let's go with your plan..."

Click!

The caller hung up.

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This Chapter today is to thank UzumakiClanhead, my Patr*on member for liking my posts and motivating me for my work. Once again a special thank you to UzumakiClanhead.

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