LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 150: Seven Warlords of the Sea
It is not wrong to say that the life of a king can be quite enjoyable. As the ruler of a kingdom, the king wields significant influence and possesses the freedom to shape the rules as they see fit. If a king fails or is overthrown, he is simply a fool.
Hence, it is understandable when a king resorts to any means necessary in order to preserve his position. Nevertari Cobra finds himself in a highly advantageous position at present, as he stands unchallenged by any siblings who might seek to seize his power. He has just a single child, his daughter Nevertari Vivi, who will be the sole inheritor.
Suppose he can successfully persuade his daughter to choose a suitable partner. In that case, he can ensure the continued prosperity of his kingdom for the foreseeable future, even in the event of his demise.
Yet another predicament presents itself...
In every kingdom, imperfections abound, be it issues of authority, prosperity, or rebellion, and currently, there is someone named Crocodile who is trying to stir society into rebellion.
There was a man who claimed that the reigning monarch of the Arabasta Kingdom was deeply corrupt. Despite the scarcity of rainfall on their island, the king appeared indifferent to the plight of his people. It was during this time that a figure named Crocodile appeared, offering a glimmer of hope. His first act was to bring rain to the parched land.
Having spent several days at the palace, I made sure not to miss the chance to get closer to Vivi. As Captain Hina engages in a lively discussion with Nevertari Cobra regarding marines, pirates, and world governments, Vivi, Uta, and I find ourselves engrossed in our own conversation.
"At present, our hands are tied. As a member of the esteemed Seven Warlords of the Sea, Crocodile wields an immense amount of power, granting him the freedom to act with immunity. Therefore, my father and I are trying to find strong evidence of his crimes."
Although I was already aware of it, the mere mention of the title "Seven Warlords of the Sea" excited me. This encounter would mark my first encounter with one of them.
Next to me, Uta paused mid-action, a grape hovering just inches from her lips. "Are you saying to me that man, Crocodile is on this island now?"
"Do you know about him?" Given Uta's extensive sailing experience alongside Shanks, I knew she had heard about these people. Nevertheless, I proceeded to inquire.
"I've never met him, but I've heard a lot of stories about him. I also heard that he has an annoying devil fruit."
Vivi appeared to share the same sentiment, her face contorting with sheer terror as she voiced her concerns, "I've witnessed countless people wither away, despite Crocodile's supposed efforts to combat the pirate menace plaguing this island. I'm convinced that numerous innocent souls have suffered at his hands."
Despite our lengthy discussion about the man's intimidating nature, Uta and I managed to maintain a sense of calm. Vivi's surprise was evident as she started asking me:
"How can you guys be this calm? Do you have a way to beat him?"
As we find ourselves in the open expanse of the palace, it appears that only the three of us are present, granting me the freedom to express my thoughts without reservation.
"What's problematic, in my opinion, is fighting people who happen to be under his command. While I may not be concerned about the mass of his gang members, there are some people on his side who will be troublesome."
"Wait, Luffy, are we facing this Crocodile? isn't he the Seven Warlords of the Sea who are under the world government?" As Uta posed her question, Vivi's face underwent a sudden transformation, betraying a hint of unease. Yet, amidst her hesitation, I couldn't help but notice a glimmer of anticipation in her eyes directed towards me.
"It seems like sometimes you forget that we are Marines... I at least promised Vivi to look into this matter."
My words were nothing but gibberish, as they were far from conveying my true intentions. I am confident that Uta also recognized this, although her annoyed expression was undoubtedly genuine. Alas, this turn of events only served to increase our already burdensome workload.
"Thank you so much, Luffy. I apologize for ever doubting you."
-***-
After bidding farewell to Captain Hina at the palace, I invited Uta back on the ship. Despite her initial refusal, I managed to convince her by emphasizing the significance of our upcoming endeavor.
Just like before, we must endure a night in the vast expanse of the desert before reaching our ultimate destination of Nanohana. This bustling port town is situated in the southeastern region of Arabasta. I find that our time together becomes even more meaningful and intimate when we engage in lovemaking outdoors.
I devoted my complete attention and affection to Uta. Although she initially appeared disinterested, slowly, when her love juice mixed with my semen, she was excited to have another round.
Following that incident, her behavior underwent a significant transformation. With just the two of us present, she began to speak more relaxed and, some might even say, spoiled. Consequently, upon reaching my destination, I accompanied her on a leisurely stroll through the bustling market as if we were on a romantic date.
As we reached the port where our marine ship was docked, there stood Nojiko, poised on the ship's deck. Her face betrayed a hint of boredom, her eyes intermittently wandering towards the sprawling cityscape. As I approached, her face lit up with an irresistible smile.
Uta's once-spirited demeanor had noticeably diminished, but in the presence of Nojiko and Makino, she effortlessly reverted to her usual self. Once I divulged the events that unfolded within the palace, the two women eagerly reciprocated by sharing their own tales of the ship's happenings in recent days.
"Very strange, they should have known we were here. Why haven't they taken action to save their friend?"
I had anticipated their arrival once I left, fully prepared to relinquish my captive. However, to my surprise, their indifference prevailed, leaving me shocked.
Uta took a sip from the glass of water that Makino had kindly provided before posing her question, "So, what's the plan now? Does the matter you're referring to have any connection to Baroque Works?"
Nojiko and Makino cast curious glances my way, and I didn't disappoint them, "I will show you how to handle prisoners. This can also make you grow, especially Uta and Nojiko. You have to watch carefully."