Chapter 93: Codename - Godfather

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The Toroa Islands are renowned across the world, rivalling even Ohara in fame. 

Known as the City of Arts, this island has produced musicians, writers, and painters who have greatly contributed to global culture. 

Many of the enslaved musicians sold at the auction houses of the Sabaody Archipelago are from this island. 

The artistically gifted people of Toroa are highly sought after by the World's Nobles. 

With a broom in hand, they can serve as diligent cleaners; without it, they transform into captivating musicians, playing mesmerizing melodies.

A Marine warship carrying Arashi slowly docked at the harbour, with Eveya following closely behind him. 

Meanwhile, figures like Crocodile, Douglas Bullet, and T-Bone had been dispatched to quell recent unrest in the West Blue. 

In truth, after an initial period of turbulence, the region had largely calmed down. 

However, what troubled Arashi most was figuring out how to sustain the resources required for maintaining such a massive Marine force under his command. 

Guns, ammunition, daily equipment maintenance, food, and worn clothing—all seemingly trivial but crucially tied to human needs. 

This led him to consider the Five Mafia Families that operate across the seas, the first of which was naturally Capone Bege's family.

"Major Salok of the Toroa branch reported having seen Capone Bege on this very island," Eveya informed.

"Hmm," Arashi nodded. "No need to worry too much. A man like him would've already been informed the moment we set foot on this island." 

His gaze lifted slightly, noticing a group of men in black hurriedly turning and leaving an alley ahead.

"Rather than Capone Bege, what interests me more is the globally famous art on this island," Arashi remarked with a smile as he withdrew his gaze.

"I'll take you on a tour immediately," Eveya offered, leading the way. The artistic atmosphere of Toroa was indeed vibrant. 

Street corners teemed with local bands, eccentric painters carried their canvases, and the peculiar architectural designs of the island spoke volumes about its creative spirit. 

Melodious tunes could be heard no matter where one walked. Yet, even in such a rich artistic environment, the shadow of dark forces was inevitable. 

Arashi's keen observation allowed him to spot street thugs brawling in alleys or engaging in illegal transactions.

He even noticed a thriving underground boxing ring, roaring with cheers, but paid it no mind. 

The surface calm of the West Blue concealed the fact that the Five Mafia Families secretly controlled everything. 

Of course, where there is light, there is shadow—such is the truth of the human world. After a while, Arashi found a quiet teahouse. 

Seated on the second floor, he listened to a band playing soothing music on the first floor. 

Across the street, scantily clad women with heavy makeup occasionally pulled men into darkened houses, drawing the curtains behind them. 

Eveya's face turned red at the sight, while Arashi cast a calm, indifferent glance. In his previous life, he had seen it all.

Suddenly, his sharp eyes focused on a building three streets away. "So my bad feeling was right! That man came!" 

Capone Bege took a deep drag of his cigar, his body trembling slightly. 

Quickly regaining his composure, he reasoned that hiding was pointless now that the man had arrived. 

Given the vast number of islands in the West Blue, it couldn't be a mere coincidence that he appeared here.

"Prepare an extravagant gift," Bege ordered. "A man like him cannot be treated lightly." After adjusting his attire and taking a deep breath, Bege headed toward the teahouse. 

As he neared, his gaze briefly settled on the women across the street. He frowned and ordered his men, "Keep them quiet today."

"Yes, boss!" his subordinates responded promptly. Bege nodded and entered the teahouse. 

To show respect and goodwill, he had already removed his pistol, dagger, and short blade beforehand. 

He understood well that if Arashi intended to harm, no amount of preparation could save him. His best option was to leave a favourable impression.

Ascending to the second floor, Bege's eyes immediately fell on a towering, muscular man dressed in loose casual clothes, nearly twice his size. 

The sheer aura of strength emanating from Arashi was overwhelming, plainly visible and unrestrained. 

Across from him sat a refined woman in a pink dress, a blade strapped to her waist.

"The Supreme Commander of the West Blue, responsible for capturing the Pirate King Roger and the Golden Lion Shiki... Vice Admiral Arashi!" 

Bege thought, his mind racing with the realization. "And beside him, Captain Eveya."

Steeling himself, Bege approached cautiously and bowed deeply. "Capone Bege, here to pay respects to Vice Admiral Arashi." 

His voice was measured—loud enough to be heard clearly, but not disruptive. Evea immediately turned to face him.

"And you are?" she asked, frowning.

Bege offered a polite smile. "One of the Five Mafia Families in the West Blue—the Capone Family."

"Mafia families?" Evea's frown deepened in instinctive disapproval. She saw no connection between the Marines and such criminals, her distaste palpable. 

Sensing this, Bege's heart skipped a beat. He cast a glance at Arashi, who showed no reaction. 

Relaxing slightly, Bege quickly added, "Please, Captain Eveya, rest assured. The Capone Family abandoned illegal and dark dealings years ago." 

"We now focus solely on legitimate business." Pausing for a moment, he added, "Although, conflicts with other families occasionally lead to... aggressive measures."

Eveya snorted in disbelief but said no more. Silence enveloped the teahouse.

Capone Bege was under immense pressure, beads of sweat already covering his forehead. 

The man before him didn't need to speak to radiate an aura of terrifying oppression. 

Bege understood that it wasn't just the man's reputation but also his overwhelming power that created this effect. 

Compared to him, Bege felt as insignificant and powerless as an ant.

After a long silence, the man finally spoke.

"Capone Bege," Arashi began. "Two years ago, you sent me a gift."

The sudden voice made Bege's body jolt. He quickly raised his head and replied, "Yes, Vice Admiral!"

Arashi smiled faintly, his eyes fixed on the Mafia boss, easily noticing the tension and fear written all over him.

"There's no need to be so nervous," Arashi said. "I liked your gift very much. So..."

He paused briefly before continuing, "Capone Family Boss, please straighten your back. Let's continue our conversation from there."

Bege's body trembled, his eyes flashing with hesitation and uncertainty. However, he quickly decided to comply with the suggestion, slowly straightening his posture. 

Even so, his shorter stature meant he still had to look up at Arashi, who, even seated, exuded an imposing presence.

"There are five major Mafia families in the West Blue, correct?" Arashi asked lightly.

"Yes, Vice Admiral," Bege confirmed.

"Then tell me, why have the other four never sought me out?" Arashi asked suddenly, catching Bege off guard.

The unexpected question left Bege momentarily stunned, unsure how to answer. But Arashi answered it himself.

"Perhaps they don't see me as worth their attention," Arashi mused. "Or perhaps, Capone Bege, you're just a bit more thoughtful than the rest."

Bege's body tensed, cold sweat running down his back. He couldn't tell if the Vice Admiral was testing him, but he dared not doubt his words.

"You... flatter me, Vice Admiral," Bege stammered, his mind racing.

"I'm planning to form an organization," Arashi said suddenly, almost casually. "It was just an idea a while ago, but today, I've decided to make it a reality."

Bege dared not interrupt and instead listened intently. After a brief pause, Arashi continued.

"I've decided to bring you into this organization."

Bege's eyes widened in shock, staring at Arashi in disbelief.

"What?"

"However," Arashi said, his tone turning firm, "joining my organization comes with conditions. I want you to unify the entire underground world of the West Blue. The other four Mafia families... have no reason to exist anymore."

"Unify the underground world?!" Bege's pupils shrank as the gravity of the request hit him.

Arashi's proposition left no room for refusal, not that Bege would dare reject him. 

But the demand was monumental—wiping out the other four families and uniting the West Blue's underworld. 

If he had been capable of such a feat, he wouldn't be in his current position.

"I'll help you accomplish this," Arashi said. "In return, I'll expect your support to cover the West Blue Marine's expenses—every last one of them."

The words, though spoken lightly, carried a chilling weight. A faint breeze swept through the second floor of the teahouse. 

Bege's body stiffened, his face shifting through a range of emotions. 

The reality was clear: the Vice Admiral intended to take control of his entire operation, leaving no room for resistance. The methods were ruthless and iron-fisted.

Weighing the costs and benefits of joining Arashi's organization and fulfilling his demands, Bege quickly came to a decision. 

With a serious expression, he bowed deeply.

"Thank you, Vice Admiral, for granting the Capone Family this opportunity! I won't disappoint you!"

Hearing this, Arashi picked up the steaming cup of tea on the table, blew on it lightly, and took a sip.

"May I ask, Vice Admiral," Bege ventured cautiously, "what will the name of our organization be?"

"Pantheon," Arashi replied simply. "And you..."

He fixed Bege with a sharp gaze.

"Your codename will be: The Godfather."

<End Chapter>

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