Chapter 222: The Package Deal

"Jabra?"

Vivi was momentarily confused, but seeing Xiang Gaowen's grave expression, she instinctively replied:

"Currently in the surrounding towns, together with Igaram, quelling unrest and aiding the local disaster victims."

"Is that so..."

Xiang Gaowen immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

The hurdle posed by Kizaru now seemed cleared; at least for the near future, the Marines would not actively move against Robin.

But if Robin's identity were discovered by Jabra and the others and reported back to the World Government, the problem would become massive.

"Before we depart, do not let them return for now, and do not let them know what has happened here."

Cobra's brows knitted slightly:

"Is there something wrong with those individuals?!"

Xiang Gaowen nodded:

"They are agents of the CP organization. Originally, they should have been targeting Baroque Works; this sudden appearance of the Marines was likely due to intelligence they secretly transmitted."

"They bear no malice toward Alabasta."

"However, it is best not to startle the snake by striking the grass."

"I understand."

Cobra nodded, now aware of the situation regarding Jabra and the others, then turned to look at Xiang Gaowen, appearing hesitant to speak.

"Speak."

Xiang Gaowen said indifferently.

Seeing this, Cobra stopped beating around the bush:

"I heard that the person behind the East Blue Martial Arts Tournament, which recently captured the attention of the entire world, is you?!"

"So you were waiting for me here all along."

A slight smile curved the corner of Xiang Gaowen's mouth.

How could he not see through Cobra's intentions?!

Alabasta's territory is barren, and its available arable land cannot even feed its own people.

To improve livelihoods, the best option would naturally be external expansion to seize high-quality land.

But given Cobra's character, he clearly could not bring himself to do such a thing, leaving him no choice but to seek other means.

The economic benefits brought by the Martial Arts Tournament had already been verified at Raven Port; even the overt profits had already made Xiang Gaowen immensely wealthy.

"Want to share a slice of the pie?"

Cobra replied noncommittally:

"To be precise, cooperation."

"If the Martial Arts Tournament wishes to expand outward, increase its influence, and truly extend its reach across the entire world, it must inevitably enter the Grand Line."

"With your title as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea and your martial prowess approaching that of a Marine Admiral as guarantees, pirates and underground forces within the Paradise section of the Grand Line naturally would not dare to touch you."

"But the Martial Arts Tournament is, in essence, a talent selection mechanism."

"Small-scale operations in the East Blue are fine, but once the target expands to the entire world, especially the Grand Line, the number of participants will explode exponentially."

"Based on this, you could easily gather a vast amount of talent; neither the World Government nor the Marines would allow you to grow so powerful by leveraging such momentum."

Xiang Gaowen raised an eyebrow.

When he initially established the Martial Arts Tournament, he had such a plan, but he had yet to find a true foothold; for now, pursuing an elite route remained more flexible, so he had not truly activated it.

Not even Xiang Keluo had seen through this point back then, yet Cobra spotted Xiang Gaowen's intention at a single glance.

One could only say that having ruled a nation for decades and caused its national strength to rise steadily, while his strategic cunning might not equal Xiang Keluo's, his vision and perspective were certainly not lacking.

"Continue."

Cobra said seriously:

"I can block these troubles for you."

"Of course, pirates controlling a worldwide talent selection mechanism is not permitted, but Alabasta, a member nation of the World Government—no, one of the Twenty Kingdoms that founded the world—can."

"Although Alabasta's ancestors did not settle in Mary Geoia and the Nefertari family are not truly Celestial Dragons, our status is still far higher than that of ordinary nations."

"In this aspect, we can cooperate."

"Each taking what they need."

Xiang Gaowen did not reply immediately, instead thinking of something else.

At this point in time, Vegapunk should have already begun researching the Seraphim; once those things are completed, the ecological niche of the Seven Warlords of the Sea will be completely replaced.

In the original story, what truly caused the World Government to abolish the Seven Warlords system was never the demands of member nations or Marine Admirals, but rather the Seraphim, whose strength was absurdly off the charts.

Keep in mind that those things, when facing Blackbeard, Straw Hat, and others who were already at Yonko level at the time, sustained absolutely no actual damage throughout the entire encounter.

It was simply absurdity's mother opening the door for absurdity—absurdity had arrived home.

And once the protection of the Seven Warlords title is lost, given the money-making ability demonstrated by the Martial Arts Tournament, it will undoubtedly become a delicacy in everyone's eyes, inviting attacks from all sides.

Even if his combat power by then already rivaled that of the Yonko, it would be very difficult for him to manage everything.

But Cobra's words opened a new line of thought for Xiang Gaowen.

Letting a major nation like Alabasta enter the game, and simultaneously leveraging their power to provide cover for the Martial Arts Tournament within the World Government.

If possible in the future, drag a few slightly normal Celestial Dragons into the fray.

Leveraging the influence of such existences, even if Xiang Gaowen loses his Seven Warlords disguise in the coming years, he can ensure the Martial Arts Tournament remains unaffected.

Even replicating Blackbeard's maneuver to directly scheme for a seat as a member nation is not impossible.

As for anyone within stretching their hands too far, someone else will crush them to death without Xiang Gaowen needing to lift a finger.

Of course, the premise for all of this is that Xiang Gaowen must occupy the dominant position.

Xiang Gaowen lowered his eyes to glance at the Guanshi Zhengzong in his hand, a cruel smile curling at his lips.

The monk can run, but the temple cannot; killing a few shareholders is far easier than chasing targets across the world!

……

Beside him, Kobra, seeing Xiang Gaowen lost in thought, silently waved to Weiwei.

She understood at once, turned quietly, and slipped away, leaving the space to Xiang Gaowen and Kobra alone.

Xiang Gaowen closed his eyes and began considering who would be most suitable to handle this matter.

First, the person must be trustworthy; second, their ability must be solid.

The first name that popped into his mind was Xiang Keluo, but he immediately suppressed the thought.

Though Xiang Keluo's ability and combat strength were the optimal choice.

But this guy was never one to sit still—his bloodthirsty, combative nature could never be hidden; every time his power broke through, his first instinct was to test it on Xiang Gaowen.

The madness he displayed during the battle with Akin at Crow Harbor had even sent Akin trembling with fear.

If he were put in charge of running the Martial Arts Tournament, he'd likely end up fighting on stage himself and going on a rampage.

Another candidate, Jiasa, was unquestionably trustworthy, but his ability fell short—he could hold a city in the East Sea, but to expand territory along the Grand Line, he was simply inadequate; that leaves only…

Xiang Gaowen turned his gaze to Robin, lying on the hospital bed.

His eyes lit up.

Robin, as the one with the darkest past, deepest mind, and greatest knowledge among the Straw Hat Pirates in the original story, was undoubtedly capable.

If she could truly cleanse her name and become Princess of Alabasta, taking over the Martial Arts Tournament afterward would be entirely legitimate.

But all of this hinges on clearing her suspicions.

Ideally, she should fake her death and become a dead woman in the eyes of the World Government!

Xiang Gaowen had formed a rough plan:

"It's not impossible for Alabasta to come in and claim a share."

"But before that, I have one condition: Robin must truly become Princess of Alabasta."

"There must be plenty of female death row inmates in Alabasta, right?!"

"Find one who resembles Robin in appearance."

Kobra understood, glanced at Robin, and said:

"The Golden Cicada's Shell Trick?!"

"That's simple, but it will take time—and even if we find someone who looks nearly identical, they can't be exactly the same."

"That doesn't matter."

Xiang Gaowen said coolly:

"The wanted poster photo is over ten years old; after such a long time, slight changes in appearance are perfectly normal."

"What about Huan Yuan?"

"Don't you see yet?!"

Xiang Gaowen's lips twitched:

"That old bastard avoids trouble whenever he can; since he chose to turn a blind eye this time, he won't go out of his way to make trouble for himself."

"Understood."

Kobra replied, his voice trembling slightly.

Alabasta had been impoverished for far too long; its people had endured too many hardships.

But now, with the Martial Arts Tournament as a money tree, even if they can't be reborn, they can at least live better through its spin-off industries.

Kobra slowly rose to his feet; only when he extended his finger did he realize his trembling wasn't just in his voice, but in his arms too:

"Then… let's make this deal!"

"Deal!"

Xiang Gaowen nodded.

He understood Kobra's feelings—it was no different from Jian's excitement when Kokoa Village was reborn.

They truly loved the land beneath their feet and the people living on it.

"I'll have the East Sea team's contact person follow up with you on the finer details."

"No problem."

……

A few minutes later.

Kobra departed, eager and brisk, his steps lighter than ever, utterly shed of his former gloom.

Robin, who had listened quietly all along, smiled faintly:

"I've never seen Mr. Kobra like this before~"

Saying this,

Robin looked at Xiang Gaowen.

As clever as she was, she couldn't miss that Xiang Gaowen had already chosen her role.

"So, Captain, will you entrust the Martial Arts Tournament to me?!"

"Exactly. What do you think?!"

Xiang Gaowen wouldn't force his crew—if Robin refused, Jiasa, already handling the tournament, could be trained for a few years and still prove useful.

Robin paused, her gaze fixed on Xiang Gaowen, soft and warm:

"If possible, I still want to stay with you… no, with my companions, and see the ideal land."

"The Martial Arts Tournament is still in its early stages; the tentative plan includes four seas and Paradise as regional venues, and the finals in the New World."

Xiang Gaowen explained:

"Once we establish a stable base in Britannias, everything will converge there, including you, who are temporarily remaining here."

"However, I respect your wishes; if you wish to sail with me, that is no problem."

"But first, we must completely shake off the World Government's pursuit here."

Robin nodded, her gaze falling upon Xiang Gaowen.

At this moment, golden sunlight streamed through the window, striking Xiang Gaowen's face, making his head of golden hair shine brilliantly and highlighting a young, handsome countenance even more.

"Does the Captain have a girl he likes?!"

(End of Chapter)