Chapter 423: Give Blackbeard a Boost

In the year the World Government was overthrown, Blackbeard witnessed the changes upon the sea and saw the United Kingdom’s rule grow ever more secure.

Just thinking about it filled Blackbeard with despair.

The Marines, the Revolutionary Army, the Four Emperors, Wano, Elbaf, Fish-Man Island, the legendary Sky Island, Alabasta… all belonged to Whitehair.

Such a terrifying force was even more despair-inducing than the former World Government.

Even if his father Rocks revived with the peak Rocks Pirates, he still wouldn’t be a match for Whitehair.

With such a terrifying enemy, could Blackbeard really still have a chance to win?

Blackbeard sank into depression once more.

Seeing Blackbeard standing alone at the bow, his face filled with despair, Lafitte knew: it was time for him to act.

He must keep pumping Blackbeard full of hope—future glory and wealth all depended on Blackbeard!

“Captain, don’t lose heart.”

Blackbeard’s eyes instantly welled with tears; even now, the Lafitte brothers still urged him not to give up.

“Lafitte… I…”

“Captain,” Lafitte clapped Blackbeard on the shoulder: “The United Kingdom only appears terrifying on the surface—in truth, its inner circles are rife with flattery and sycophancy; just think of Morgans.”

“And how much better could the others be?”

“Besides, you yourself said: back then, all three of Seven Saint’s men couldn’t match you—what does that prove?”

Blackbeard blinked.

“They’re not that strong?”

“Exactly,” Lafitte nodded firmly.

“They’re not that strong—you’ve merely been unlucky so far. Once we reach the Flower Country and gain the support of the old nobility, the Blackbeard Pirates will find their chance for rapid growth.”

“The Four Seas are vast—there are always those who prefer the old era.”

“Under your leadership, we will overthrow the United Kingdom and restore freedom to the sea.”

Admittedly, Lafitte had a gift for persuasion; in just a few words, he revived Blackbeard’s spirits.

“Hehehehehe!”

“Lafitte, you’re right—we’ll make the sea free again together, and I—”

“Will become the King of the World!”

Nearby, Wapol sneered, convinced Blackbeard was insane—and Lafitte even more so.

Any clear-eyed observer could see: the United Kingdom’s rule would only grow stronger; as long as Seven Saint lived, there could be only one King of the Sea.

Could Blackbeard be stronger than the Fleet Admiral?

If Blackbeard were stronger than the Fleet Admiral, why would he break into cold sweat the moment he saw the Fleet Admiral on Sabaody Archipelago?

Why would he scream in his dreams: “Whitehair, please, spare me!”

How could a man who begged for mercy from Seven Saint in his dreams ever achieve greatness?

As for that fellow Lu Bianyi, wanting revenge against Seven Saint? Utterly ridiculous.

With the pitiful strength of the Blackbeard Pirates, even a single Marine Admiral could wipe them out completely.

And the United Kingdom currently has six Admirals: Marine Admirals Akainu, Aokiji, Kizaru; Army Admirals Mihawk, Red Count, Barrett.

Not to mention.

Fleet Admiral Sakazuki, Navy Hero Garp, Army Marshal Dragon, and the Three Four Emperors: Whitebeard, Gold Lion, Kaido…

The Giant Prince Loki of the Giant Kingdom.

Seven Saint doesn’t even need to lift a finger—just send two Admirals, and the Blackbeard Pirates will have no escape, neither up nor down.

Blackbeard wants to become King of the World?

Dream on! In dreams, you can have anything.

Wapol was certain the three of them had lost their minds—he couldn’t stay on the Blackbeard Pirates one more day; after reaching the Flower Country, he must find a chance to slip away.

Otherwise, when things eventually came to light,

his entire life would be ruined.

Wapol still planned to use his Gomu Gomu no Mi ability to serve the Seven Warlords and eventually join the United Kingdom to secure a position.

The behavior of Blackbeard and his two companions—strong yet refusing to join the official structure—was sheer stupidity.

Meanwhile, in the Sacred Sky City.

After more than a year away from the Red Line, Elaine followed Shi Liu, staring in awe at the Sky City—more majestic than Mary Geoise.

Good heavens, the rumors of the sea were true.

Seven Saint truly was a god fallen to earth.

Elaine had no fear of being executed by the United Kingdom; after all, he and the Morning Star Crew had shared years of bonds.

He had willingly assisted Seven Saint in kidnapping a hundred Celestial Dragons, and had repeatedly exchanged gifts with the Morning Star Crew.

Seven Saint was a man of deep loyalty and emotion—he would never execute him.

But the others? That was another matter.

“Sigh,” Elaine sighed.

“Brother Shi Liu, I’ve done many wrong things in the past—I even tried to steal Stella from Tazolo… Tazolo… isn’t he still in the Sacred City… right?”

Shi Liu smoked a cigar.

“They’ve had three kids together—stop dreaming about her. As for whether Tazolo will seek revenge? That depends on how useful you are to the Captain.”

“If you’re useless to the Captain,” Shi Liu’s lips curled into a bloodthirsty smile, “I’d even cut off your head myself and keep it as a trophy.”

“After all, living Celestial Dragons are rare—and ones of noble birth like you are rarer still.”

Elaine wiped sweat from his brow.

“Brother Shi Liu, you can have my head—just spare my wife. She’s innocent; she knows nothing.”

Shi Liu didn’t answer, but urged:

“Stop dawdling—the Captain is waiting for you.”

Finally, within the grand, shimmering palace, Elaine saw Seven Saint handling state affairs.

“Seven Saint… long time no see.”

“Sit,” Seven Saint smiled. “It’s been a long time. I heard you got married?”

“Yes,” Elaine explained.

“That day, after graduating from Vegapunk’s academy, I planned to return to Saint… Mary Geoise—then I saw you overthrow the World Government.”

“A few of my escort guards tried to capture me to gain favor with you; during the standoff with the other guards, I slipped away by turning into a airship.”

“Later, I collapsed from exhaustion and landed on Sabaody Archipelago, where my father-in-law rescued me—and I’ve lived there ever since.”

“You’re alive—that’s what matters,” Seven Saint nodded.

Learning Elaine could now transform into an airship, Seven Saint marveled: the Paramecia Ship-Ship Fruit was indeed promising.

Fortunately, he hadn’t sold it on the trading platform.

“What are your plans now?”

“You won’t kill me?” Elaine continued. “I’ve done many terrible things in recent years—I often followed other Celestial Dragons in killing slaves for amusement.”

For Elaine, Seven Saint had other plans.

“Death is spared, but punishment is unavoidable.”

“The shipbuilding department needs an engineer—someone will take you to report in. Don’t neglect developing your Fruit’s ability; you’ll be evaluated monthly.”

Seven Saint hoped that one day, Elaine could transform into a spaceship—inspiring the shipbuilding department while mutually validating their designs.

After resolving Im or collecting all twelve talismans, they could explore outer space.

“I’ve arranged a home for you in the Sacred City—it’s not large, but I hope you’ll like it.”

Elaine exhaled in relief, silently murmuring: Thank you, Ship-Ship Fruit. Thank you, Seven Saint.

“Thank you.”