Marines' Reputation is Worthless

"Kaido, you b*stard! What have you done?!"

Not long ago, when the newspapers started circulating, Arceus quickly saw the information Shayna brought back. The writing style was clearly the official Marine style.

What could be confirmed was that Kaido was fine; otherwise, the newspapers would have been boasting about their victory by now.

Plus, the content in the photo was obvious. The image of Kaido retreating on "Hydrachton" was quite clear.

In the past, Kaido had caused trouble here and there, but it was always minor incidents at most—like sinking a warship or causing a ruckus in a branch. But this time, he demolished most of G-1 Base, the impact of which was on a whole other level.

War is a money-burning endeavor, and at this point, the Beasts Pirates need massive amounts of funds for their future development. Beasts Fruits have become a huge tool for raking in wealth. Kaido's actions, however, could potentially lead to some negative consequences.

It was around this time that Shayna brought new information.

"Lord Arceus, Tesoro just messaged. He said that a World Government official wants to discuss something with him."

"Tell him to go without worry. Nothing will happen. Let him know of that location, and if something feels off, he can head there. Someone will be waiting to assist him. As for the content of the talks, he can agree to anything he deems reasonable."

This was the message Tesoro received, and he was also given the address of a particularly special location. Before, he had no idea of its significance.

Nevertheless, he chose to trust it unconditionally.

He wasn't the least bit nervous. Kaido's matter had nothing to do with him, and there hadn't been any word from the Celestial Dragons either. Even if the World Government could restrain their officials, they couldn't do that with the Celestial Dragons.

Most Celestial Dragons wouldn't care about such things, instead prioritizing their own interests. With no word from them, it was unlikely to be anything too major.

Arceus gave him the address of a rather ordinary place, but underneath it was a tunnel leading to a safe zone, a creation by Onix. Those above had no idea that an underground passage had already been dug through the Red Line.

They never considered such a thing. Like termites, until significant damage is done, people rarely notice any signs.

Before long, Tesoro arrived at the meeting place. Upon seeing an old acquaintance, his expression became even more relaxed.

"Well, well, if it isn't my old friend! Why the long face? Isn't it better to relax a little?"

This was the other person's private office, filled with various golden ornaments—all gifts from Tesoro. Seeing the gold, Tesoro's smile became more genuine. If he wanted, these golden items, influenced by his ability, could instantly turn into deadly weapons.

"Tesoro, let's cut the small talk. You and I both know what's going on behind the scenes. The higher-ups aren't happy this time, and there's nothing I can do about it."

"Same here. I can't stop whatever the higher-ups want to do, so what's your point...?"

Tesoro tapped his fingers on the desk, and the official, understanding the gesture, smiled.

"We're friends, right? During the meeting, I spoke highly of you. However, your taxes are going to increase this year as the losses have been significant."

"I see. I understand..."

Breaking things in a fight and having to pay for the damages—this way of handling things is very superficial, with no intention of delving deeper into the matter.

"Also, there's a verbal agreement I need you to pass on: he needs to rein it in a little."

He was referring to Kaido, and both of them knew it. World Government wasn't using this opportunity to demand any special technologies. They had tried to negotiate this before, but the Beasts Pirates never agreed to such deals.

Arceus gave Tesoro a great deal of autonomy in this matter. After weighing the situation, Tesoro agreed to the request, but there was no formal paperwork. It wasn't unusual for the World Government to negotiate with pirates.

The Op-Op Fruit deal, Shanks visiting the Five Elder's office—as long as one has enough status and value to offer, the World Government will act with utmost friendliness.

However, they would never leave behind any evidence that can be used against them. How long this verbal agreement would remain in effect was anyone's guess. For the time being, it was merely a way for everyone to protect their reputation.

In the end, this matter didn't affect Beasts Fruits; it only reduced this year's revenue slightly. If the World Government had extensively targeted Beasts Fruits, it would have had a much greater impact on their profits. Tesoro considered this the best possible outcome for now.

The situation only involved the Beasts Pirates, not Beasts Fruits. The reason for this decision was simple—profit.

And because of this, Sengoku was now in confusion as he talked with the Five Elders.

Even for the Marines, if they wanted to wage an all-out war with an Emperor of the Sea, they would need the World Government's approval. This kind of high-level military action required authorization from the Five Elders.

Although the newspapers had glossed over the truth of the situation, the attack on G-1 Base was a direct slap to the Marines' face.

Originally, Sengoku had expected at least some sort of action. To his surprise, the World Government made no arrangements, only demanding that the original plans remain unchanged and forbidding any deliberate mobilization of troops for war.

This order has many loopholes that can be exploited, but it's pointless. Without gathering sufficient forces, a single warship could never defeat the pirates in their own territory.

"Saint Saturn, why? This time the Marines suffered heavy casualties, and we're supposed to do nothing?"

Only one of the Five Elders sat before Sengoku, the one with a scar on his face and a head full of dreadlocks.

"This is the World Government's order. You only need to follow it."

"But… this battle left Momonga severely injured, Bogard lightly wounded, and over half of G-1 Base destroyed, with numerous casualties…"

"Sengoku, the World Government is not interested in these matters. We've already resolved the issue through negotiation. The funds allocated to the Marines will be enough to rebuild two G-1 Base, and the compensation to the family members of the dead people will be doubled as well."

"Government does not want the current balance to be disturbed. Do you understand?"

Saturn's eyes turned harsh, and his tone became firmer, making their final stance clear.

There had been no Celestial Dragons kidnapped, and though there were significant casualties among regular soldiers, none of the higher-ranking officers were seriously injured.

Momonga was in relatively good condition, having only underestimated the deadly poison from Hydrachton, which left him severely injured and unconscious. To the Five Elders, ordinary soldiers were just a string of numbers.

If some were lost, they could always be replenished.

They handed over only a portion to the Marines, which shows just how much profit the Beasts Fruits generate each year. Neither the World Government nor the families of the Celestial Dragons were willing to part with such a lucrative piece of the pie, which is why "negotiations" took place.

"I understand..."

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