Chapter 837: Chapter 515: Straw Hat in Prison
"He does."
Lily hung up the phone and said to Sage, "Should we have him send it directly, or bring him over in person."
"Isn’t he busy in the West Sea, just finished a deal? Let him stay put. If he wanted to join me, he would’ve done so already. Since he’s not interested, my grand feast doesn’t need him."
Sage leaned slightly on the throne, supporting his face with one hand, and smiled, "The location and characters are already set, so let’s begin. Gather those who want to board the main ship, bring them... start the selection tournament!"
He looked at Sipher, "You and Misty should prepare too. To become one of the Seven Stars, you need to win the internal respect. Gradually gaining acclaim takes too long, this is a chance too. Defeat the competitors... and you become the Seven Stars!"
Sipher chuckled, "I’m all in for anything that raises the salary."
"Underestimating others is never good. Win first, then talk."
Sage chuckled, "I’ll be the judge for the Seven Stars’ selection."
Among the New Stars, there were quite a few powerful ones.
Pearl and Mute, who followed since the East Sea days, Bellamy from the Grand Line, Jean Bart from Shampodi, Suleiman recruited in the New World, and those cadres from Dressrosa, along with the recently arrived Perona, are all remarkable individuals.
This tournament, besides selecting the elite two thousand subordinates, will also pick the Seven Stars.
"Should we notify the Big Mom Pirates?" Lily asked.
"Hmm... No need. Being an affiliate pirate crew, they should just remain as that. I promised Ka the Second, unless he joins voluntarily, there’s no need to force it."
Sage thought for a moment and still refused.
If notified, the Big Mom Pirates might overthink. Although Sage doesn’t care much, he promised Ka the Second to retain the pirate crew’s autonomy, so let them be.
An affiliate pirate crew is just an affiliate; this time Sage wants to choose the elite for the Death Star.
...
"Oh! The grand tournament!"
At Storm City port, Pearl raised both hands, exclaiming excitedly, "If we win, we become the Seven Stars! This is a golden opportunity!"
Lily quickly relayed the message, and soon pirates from O’hara Main Island to various direct islands received the news of the grand tournament.
"Hmph, the position of Seven Stars is mine!" Bellamy licked his lips, "This is a perfect opportunity to become a core officer. I can also show Master Sage my strength!"
"Ooh!"
Mute bellowed from behind, his eyes filled with fierce battle spirit.
Two positions of Seven Stars remain, for those ’New Stars’ with bounties over a hundred million, it’s a chance to showcase themselves before the entire crew, a rare opportunity none would miss.
Besides them, figures such as ’Blast Spear’ Reinaldo and ’Double Axes’ Balrog, who joined after Sage took O’hara, already have bounties over a hundred million and are eager as well.
Apart from the Seven Stars positions, the two thousand elite positions on the Death Star also entice other pirates.
Only the captains of pirate ships can become elites, but not everyone can get in.
Previously, Governor Sage did not differentiate, even incapable old followers stayed on the Death Star, accustomed to it.
But this time is different. The Governor released the positions for everyone to contend for.
Once you become an elite on the main ship, both salary and status become enviable, automatically a ’captain-level’ figure. Wherever they are posted, they become that island’s leader.
This alone is enough to spur them to strive.
Though some are willing to join, some are not.
Wakanogres, an island rich in volcanic ash fertilizer and ores.
Inside an estate.
"Brother, this is an opportunity!"
Barnaby’s brother eagerly said, "If you win this time, you’ll be one of the Seven Stars!"
"Stop dreaming."
Barnaby, once had a bounty of 56 million, later reaching 126 million, known as ’Great Barnaby,’ shook his head:
"I don’t plan to compete."
"Why not?" the brother asked puzzled.
"I’m doing well here, why compete? Governor Sage won’t abandon his followers, as long as I don’t mess up, as long as Governor Sage remains, I’ll be the leader here."
Barnaby said, "There’s nothing bad here. I engage in business here, can earn a lot, live a rich life, and command respect. The dreams I had at sea are all fulfilled, no need to struggle further."
"But those are the Seven Stars..."
"Right, the Seven Stars! A role for the strong!"
Barnaby admonished his brother, "Do you think the Disaster Pirates are just ordinary pirates? Having a status doesn’t mean enjoyment, but heavier responsibilities and greater danger. Moreover, as the Governor grows stronger and we expand, the Seven Stars position may need to be contested again."
"I’m not suited to compete, nor do I have the strength. I know exactly where my bounty came from. If not for joining the Governor’s ranks, I wouldn’t have reached over a hundred million. I’m already satisfied with my current status."
He waved, "People at sea each have their own path, let them be. I just need to live my life well."
Everyone has a suitable position. Barnaby feels he’s reached his limit, and even if he became one of the Seven Stars by chance, he can’t bear the burdens and dangers that come with it.
The Governor may accept someone being idle, but not in important positions like the Seven Stars, certainly not.
Just as Sage commented, Barnaby has always been a clever guy.
...
Ten days later.
Delta Island.
This place, once a deserted island twenty years ago, has now developed into a sizable town. A trifurcate current flows from three directions into the central circular sea area, even with sea train tracks mounted as internal transport.
Numerous ships with pirate flags flow in from the currents, docking at convenient places, and streets filled with intimidating people.
The air echoes with brawls, yelling, and sea pirates selling their plunder.
As noted on the invitation, in this place, anything goes: murder, robbery, fights, drinking... but one thing is prohibited: alerting the Navy.
Such are the rules of the pirate feast, and during this rare feast held after twenty years, everyone knows to respect this rule.
Apart from pirates stirring in the New World, retired old pirates from the Four Seas came through various channels to the New World.
Inside the island’s tallest building.
A dwarf with an explosive hairstyle sits cross-legged, served by two maids, in a seat perfectly positioned to view the sea currents below.
"No, No, No..."
Buena Festa’s eyes darted around as he frowned:
"All these ’actors’ are nearly here. That fifteen-billion Straw Hat hasn’t shown up, such a pity."
In recent years’ pirate super rookies, only those from two years ago attracted the most attention, unmatched by previous batches.
Apart from those who have become part of the Four Emperors, or joined them, he’s sent invitations to every notable super rookie, especially watching Straw Hat with fifteen billion bounty, perfect as the opening dish for this feast.
But none have come...
"Oh well, with so many people, serving them will surely satisfy that person too." Buena Festa shook his wine glass, smiling.
"What? Straw Hat?"
Meanwhile, in the island’s market, Sage, draped in a black cloak with red fur tips, casually picked up a skewer from a stall amidst terrified glances, tossed a Gold Coin as a tip, and asked Lily, "Why bother asking about him?"
"Weren’t we gathering intelligence on Wano Country recently? Reports mentioned sightings of Straw Hat in Wano. I haven’t seen him here. After all, with fifteen billion, he’s a bit worth noting." Lily replied.
That is indeed the case.
Straw Hat, Kid, Law...
Beside Sage, those three pirates once garnered a lot of attention from the sea, now...
Sage grinned, "They’re in jail, don’t worry!"
