"Do them in!"
Inside Storm City, within the royal palace's meeting room.
Renedia bared her small fangs and waved her little fists forcefully, exclaiming:
"Sage, let's go directly to that Country of Cyan, catch that old guy, and humiliate him brutally!"
Kaku came and went quickly; after bringing the conditions of the World Government, he left.
As for Sage, after returning, he called for a meeting.
"Ahla, being targeted by so many people..."
Marika chuckled, "So this is the treatment for the Pirate Emperor?"
"There won't be any weaklings."
Lily walked over to Sage, who sat at the head, and refilled the wine glass he just emptied, pondered for a moment, and said:
"We don't bear the title of Pirate Emperor, but we have the reality; they will grasp the terror within. If even admirals are deployed, it means the leading guy knows the weight and won't assemble a bunch of useless people."
"The ones coming are definitely some elites, but where they're coming from, how they're coming... The opponent should be prepared, they wouldn't let us easily find out. Just like the news Kaku brought, this is an attack specifically targeting Sage."
"If we go to the Country of Cyan, maybe they're waiting there. Additionally, I highly doubt the credibility of the World Government; if they all mobilize, would the World Government take the opportunity to come?"
The World Government doesn't recognize the five Pirate Emperors' existence, with the sea's current title still being [Four Emperors], with Cataclysm and Blackbeard still under dispute, jointly splitting the last Pirate Emperor's position.
In Sage's words, it's a gamble of chance; if Teach can't hold back, or if he's displeased with having no title, he might go mess with Blackbeard or any Pirate Emperor, continuing their conflicts?
If anyone dies, it's good news for the World Government.
No title, but definite strength, in such a situation where none dare provoke him, there are still attempts to use the alliance to ambush him.
It's surely not some brainless folks who think many people can easily succeed.
Besides admirals, the rest surely aren't weak, at least able to resist Sage's Supreme King.
Only those with such strength qualify for the attack.
"The World Government will deploy an admiral as their participation proof; according to intel... it should be the newly appointed Admiral Ryokugyu." Lily said.
World conscription resulted in the Navy recruiting two admirals: one 'Fujitora', one 'Ryokugyu', similarly combining color with animal as title.
As for how strong they are, nobody knows.
Those silent yet strong individuals without fame on the sea are many.
Maybe comparable to Kizaru or Aokiji, or akin to Akainu, but perhaps slightly weaker; yet being admirals, Lily reckons they won't be weak, surely warranting serious regard.
"The bounty hunter representative is Mad Treasure... anyone heard of him?" Lily asked.
"Ah! I know, I know!"
Renedia raised her hand, "Known as the strongest treasure hunter, used to be from our East Sea, quite famous there; didn't expect him to be in the New World now."
Saying that, she slammed on the table, "Let's crush this guy dead!"
Lily scoffed coldly, "Indeed clueless, treating our place as a plunderable treasure land?"
But considering it, this intent seems only natural.
Sage is extremely wealthy.
The cycle of taxation, spending then collecting, growing increasingly; the excess though used for infrastructure, boosting industry, others are unaware.
Never mind outsiders, even his subjects think their lord is affluent, given he's the master of all lands, adding to Sage's lavish lifestyle with a love for collecting rare gold jewels, historical artifacts, naturally regarded as an extremely wealthy Great Pirate.
Rumors have started, that the Great Pirate Cataclysm plundered half the Grand Line's treasures, obliterated seven Golden Countries, and stored all obtained valuables in the royal palace.
Defeating him means gaining fame, wealth, power, and status.
Thinking it over, it's not impossible.
They can make weapons, build warships, that's power.
And now the Rainbow Gem, gradually recognized by nobles, plus Sage's riches, surely is wealth.
Defeating Sage surely earns fame and status.
Honestly, if Sage were to separate this Storm City and hide away, ending with a beheading while saying 'Want it, then go seek it'...
Others may not hunt OnePiece, but surely will pursue Sage's treasure eagerly.
Yet thinking is one thing, actually acting is another.
A mere bounty hunter dares dream defeating?
If it weren't for not knowing his whereabouts, Lily would already have his head returned.
"And the Underworld..."
Lily furrowed her brows, "Those guys surprisingly agreed to this alliance, showing they're optimistic about this operation."
The Underworld's Six Great Emperors, representative of industries, the funeral... essentially 'Big Hand Funeral Master' handling assassination businesses personally took the task, sending a signal.
These guys are more rodent-like than rodents; Sage has intel via Lucci, still no sign of Du·Feld yet.
Regarding pirates, who exactly, Kaku's intel remains unknown.
The one leading this operation is the true key.
The crucial aspect is nobody has heard of him, yet being chosen by the World Government as leader, likely he's one of those silent strong ones.
"Heeheeheehee, they likely won't come to Storm City, but trying to lure Sage out... Hey, you might as well do like me, stay put here, and they'll eventually disband." Moriah pondered, giggled, "I'll lead the attack on the Country of Cyan, take that place first; should be the last added territory, right?"
These temporarily joined forces, over time they will naturally disband.
"Hum, the strategy won't last that short."
Sage chuckled, finished the drink, pushed the gemstone wine glass forward a bit, like moving a chess piece.
"Since the World Government initiated talks with me, it won't be mere pretense; an admiral has been sent, some results are expected after all."
"If I stay here, then you all will bear the brunt; once you move, you'll be caught, then even more passive."
"Kaku said that realm something also demanded from the World Government, winning means becoming a strong New World nation; if they lose, let the World Government take him to the West Sea..."
"Look, such a person, despite involving many allies, also considers aftermath of failure, the numerous non-adhering countries in the West Sea, must select somewhere... Plan's well done, visible are at least two strategies."
"That Country of Cyan place, even occupying it is useless; their aim is me, not territories, surely having other plans."
Sage leaned back, sneered, "But no matter how good the plan, they can't stop me from going personally! Regardless how many directions, I'm heading just one. Lily, prepare the ship, head directly to Country of Cyan, let's see his means and how many people assembled against me."
Logically, going to the allied base Country of Cyan is the riskiest.
If numerous strong opponents, even a Pirate Emperor can't ensure safe retreat.
Yet, this very risky approach proves most effective...
Instead of waiting here for others to make the move, Sage leads an assault into their base, rendering all plans utterly useless!
Eliminate the leader, who still plays strategy games with you?
Irrespective of plans or stratagems, Sage's decision to attack Country of Cyan will bring them to light.
Regarding numbers, lacks time for massive assembly, nor needs to, just brought a few people along.