Chapter 418: Show Your Head and You

Blackbeard had assumed it would take great effort to find Lu Bianyi, but fate had already arranged everything in advance.

Such smooth sailing only reinforced Blackbeard’s belief that he was destined by heaven—merely robbed of his fate by Whitehair.

“Captain, you’ve been living well lately.”

In response to Lu Bianyi’s teasing, Blackbeard simply gave him a big hug—Lu Bianyi had once been Blackbeard’s first mate, worthy of such an embrace.

Just as Blackbeard was about to pour out his years of hardship, the bar owner’s voice rang out.

“Lu Bianyi, settle your tab—you’ve owed three million Berries in drink bills for over a year.”

At these words, Lu Bianyi shrugged helplessly.

“Captain, you see…”

What could Blackbeard say? He signaled Lafitte to cover the three million Berries.

This was all the Blackbeard Pirates had left.

From the New World to Loguetown, fearing Marine surveillance, Blackbeard dared not rob or steal—three million was still Viper’s private stash.

Blackbeard dared not gamble.

If the Marines spotted him, reported him to the United Kingdom, or if Whitehair or Vegapunk learned his whereabouts, no one could say what might happen.

He had barely gained his freedom—he couldn’t risk losing it all over a few million Berries and end up back in chains.

Even after his power surged from fusing bloodline factors, Blackbeard still clung to the principle that less trouble meant better peace, seeking only quiet growth.

After settling the bill, Blackbeard gritted his teeth and used his private funds to order three bottles of rum and one glass of juice.

Consider it the Blackbeard Pirates’ first team-building.

“Conditions aboard ship are harsh—bear with us. We won’t be long before we grow strong and reclaim our glory.”

Fearing exposure, Blackbeard led his crew away from Loguetown, then revealed his plan to Lu Bianyi.

“Stussy?” Lu Bianyi frowned slightly.

“Captain, when I left CP, Stussy was still a girl…”

Blackbeard cut him off.

“Just tell her I’m the son of the World King, Rocks. I have a deal to propose.”

By now, Blackbeard no longer cared—he knew his identity was no secret to the United Kingdom’s elite.

Better to be honest.

After all, beyond being Rocks’ son, Blackbeard had no real leverage to make the hidden old nobles cooperate.

The Blackbeard Pirates were utterly destitute.

No money, no men, not even a decent territory— the only ship they had was one Lafitte had stolen.

Hearing this, Lu Bianyi froze, his long-dead heart, buried beneath years of vengeance for his fallen comrades, trembled violently.

“The… World King… Rocks?!”

Everything clicked.

“No wonder the World Government targeted you so fiercely—sending Marine Admirals just to capture you. It was because of your identity.”

“I’ll contact Stussy right away.”

Years ago, Lu Bianyi’s CP squad had been slaughtered by Seven when he first set sail—only Lu Bianyi survived, having been investigating Seven’s movements.

Over the years, as Seven’s power grew, Lu Bianyi had nearly given up on revenge.

But Blackbeard’s return had reignited the faint hope of vengeance.

Even if the hope was minuscule.

At least it was hope—better than lingering in a Loguetown bar, wasting his life.

Soon, Lu Bianyi hung up the Den Den Mushi.

“Captain, Stussy didn’t refuse—but she didn’t agree either. She wants us to do something to prove the Blackbeard Pirates are worthy of her cooperation.”

Hearing this, Blackbeard relaxed.

If Stussy had agreed to cooperate just because of one phone call, he’d have suspected a trap.

Before the overwhelming might of the United Kingdom, even Stussy and the remnants of the old era were like rats hiding in sewers, afraid to show their heads.

Because showing your head gets you erased instantly.

“What’s the task?” Blackbeard asked.

“The former World Government’s Celestial Dragon, Elaine Saint. Find him and deliver him to Stussy—she and her backers will support us.”

Lu Bianyi continued.

“They’ll give us money, men— but Stussy insists we bring Elaine Saint to her unharmed.”

“Agree.” Blackbeard grinned.

It was just finding one man—not kidnapping someone near Whitehair.

A while later, the Den Den Mushi transmitted Elaine Saint’s photo.

“Captain, according to Stussy’s intel, this guy was last seen near the Sabaody Archipelago.”

“Then what are we waiting for?” Blackbeard waved his hand. “Men, fortune awaits—turn the ship. We’re heading to the Sabaody Archipelago.”

Blackbeard refused to believe this Celestial Dragon could vanish into thin air.

Find Elaine Saint, and the Blackbeard Pirates would gain the funds and manpower they desperately needed.

The road must be walked step by step.

Didn’t Whitehair start out penniless too? His current situation is far better than Whitehair’s was back then.

Blackbeard would treat the remnants of the old era like blood bags—drain them slowly, one sip at a time, to grow the Blackbeard Pirates.

One day, he would overthrow the United Kingdom just as Whitehair had overthrown the World Government.

The World King belongs to Blackbeard!

…

Sacred Land Sky City, Black Ice Platform

Stussy hung up the Den Den Mushi with a smile, gathered her compiled intelligence, and prepared to report directly to Seven.

Heibing Platform was an intelligence division under the United Kingdom, led by Rain Shiryu.

On Vegapunk’s recommendation, Stussy secretly joined Heibing Platform—serving Seven while secretly maintaining contact with select remnants of the old era.

After all, she had once been one of the underworld’s kings—her identity as Queen of the Joy Street made her far more trustworthy to the old-era remnants.

Stussy’s sole mission: find the hidden remnants of the old era.

Seven had toppled the World Government too quickly—some fugitives had slipped through, perfect for his subordinates to train on.

If Seven had to handle every task himself, what was the point of building his pirate crew, laying plans for years, and overthrowing the World Government?

He had to give his men chances to grow.

That’s why Seven began seeking new ways to enjoy life.

Like forming a band—or holding the first Martial Arts Tournament during the Great Conscription.

The tournament would help the United Kingdom’s Marines and Army recruit talent, while offering unemployed pirates a new path.

Don’t be pirates—there’s no future in it.

The ranks are right before you. The choice is yours.

“Saint Seven, contact has been made with Blackbeard.”

“Well done. From now on, you’ll handle the Blackbeard line.”