One Piece: King of the World

Chapter 197: Sengoku: I’m Just Spitballing, Would You Please Listen?

It wasn't just Marine, the World Government, or Claudius working tirelessly to develop their influence and recruit talents. Every major faction was doing the same. The Revolutionary Army was moving in silence, and of course, the pirates were constantly expanding their ranks.

Among the pirates, the ones developing their operations most aggressively were Charlotte Linlin, Kaido, Doflamingo, and Crocodile.

Even Enel could be counted in this group. Having ventured into the New World, he was carving a name for himself. Given two more years, he could likely take up the mantle of a Seven Warlords of the Sea without much difficulty.

As for Whitebeard, Newgate's faction wasn't showing the same explosive growth. The Whitebeard Pirates felt like they were on the defensive, lacking the same aggressive expansion seen with others.

What set Linlin apart from the rest, though, was her methodology. While Doflamingo, Crocodile, and Kaido pursued power by "seeking a kingdom," carving out territories like Dressrosa, Alabasta, and Wano, Linlin's approach was entirely different.

Rather than seeking a kingdom, she had built one.

The "Whole Cake Island" region of Totto Land was the largest pirate nation in the New World. Comprising dozens of islands spread across an entire sea, it had developed rapidly, though it hadn't yet reached its peak. Even now, its strength was undeniable.

Normally, forming a pirate nation of this scale would require hundreds of years of accumulation. But Linlin managed it in mere decades, and she used the most unconventional methods to do so.

By ensuring her personal strength remained unmatched and tirelessly expanding her family through relentless childbearing—ten or more children at a time— Linlin rapidly grew her influence. Adding to this, her frequent marriages and alliances brought in talent and power, further solidifying her empire.

Through these political marriages, Linlin recruited skilled individuals from across the sea, strengthening the foundation of Totto Land. And now, her sights had fallen on Gild Tesoro—a rising star in the dark world.

Tesoro's background was clean, supported by CP-X and the World Government, so much so that even the renowned intelligence network of the Big Mom Pirates couldn't uncover any skeletons in his closet.

As a ruler of such an expansive system, Linlin was constantly in need of money. After all, any major power seeking to grow required massive financial resources to sustain their operations. Naturally, when a financial genius like Tesoro emerged, Linlin's interest was piqued.

"I didn't expect this," Claudius murmured as he rubbed his chin, his tone contemplative.

It hadn't occurred to him that Tesoro would catch the attention of the Big Mom Pirates. Yet now, it seemed like an opportunity worth seizing.

After thinking for a moment, Claudius asked, "So what's Marine planning to do about this?"

Sengoku smiled knowingly. "For the third time, Your Highness, I must stress this is only an idea. We've been busy with internal restructuring over the past week and haven't formalized anything yet."

Claudius rolled his eyes. "I knew it. You're just trying to drag me into this mess."

"Come now, Your Highness," Sengoku said with a grin. "Punishing evil and promoting good, it's our shared responsibility, isn't it? You're not afraid of a little pirate, are you?"

Though Claudius saw through the provocation, he couldn't help but smirk. "A little pirate? You're underestimating Linlin. But fine, I'll bite. I've never been one to back down from a challenge."

Sengoku's grin widened. "Exactly. With Marine's top-tier forces and CP-X's expertise, we can strike a devastating blow. We've done it before—Byrnndi World, Douglas Bullet. This is no different."

Claudius mulled it over. It was true, Marine and CP-X had successfully collaborated on high-profile takedowns before. And yet, something about this plan seemed... overly ambitious.

Before he could voice his doubts, the door to the office opened, and Vice Admiral Gion entered. Her sharp gaze immediately locked onto Claudius, her expression cold.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, the venue is ready. The inaugural speech can begin," Gion said crisply.

Sengoku nodded. "Understood."

Gion turned to leave but not before giving Claudius another piercing glare.

"What was that about?" Claudius asked, genuinely puzzled.

Sengoku chuckled. "Your Highness, you really don't remember? You arranged for Mihawk to challenge our swordsmen at Naval Headquarters. Gion was one of his opponents."

"Oh, I see," Claudius said, scratching his head. "Let me guess—she lost?"

"In terms of pure swordsmanship, yes. But in overall strength, it was more of a draw," Sengoku explained.

"No wonder she's glaring at me," Claudius said with a shrug.

Sengoku stood, gesturing toward the door. "Care to join me for the speech?"

Claudius waved him off. "I'll pass. Global live broadcasts aren't my thing. I'll just offer my congratulations in advance."