The world has turned upside down, creating so much noise.
Red-Haired had believed for decades that he possessed enough strength and courage even in the face of the World Government with its three Admirals. He never backed down a single step and finally became one of the Four Emperors.
That was until today.
Shanks's heart froze. Before this beast, they were like ants suddenly realizing the existence of humans one fine day.
He had seen ancient Sea Kings many times, but he had never actually seen such a terrifying giant that stirred the sea.
Honestly, their entire crew didn't have communication devices. And now Beckman already regretted that they weren't informed about Alabasta's powers. Even the Emperor and the World Government are no match for them!
The Super Kingdom... indeed, and this is no exaggeration.
And such a status is justified by just one of their Kings.
"Your Majesty, King of Alabasta, we have no intentions against you, and we do not wish to start a war. Could you please withdraw your forces and leave North Blue? There are only innocent people here," Red-Haired Shanks politely called out to Ezekiel. His expression was very serious, as he truly didn't want to fight with Ezekiel.
Ezekiel looked at the Red-Haired Pirates and then at Jinbei, who was experiencing an inexplicable feeling of true pride. In the past, he had been a member of the Ryugu Kingdom's palace guard, served King Neptune, and was also a member of Tiger's pirate crew, but he had never felt anything like this...
This is definitely the strongest King in the world! Even one of the Four Emperors is polite to him. Therefore, it's no surprise that Jinbei is also ready to follow him. Not just because of His Majesty the King's personal qualities, but because he truly has power.
Not everything is built on personal qualities—that's merely fantasy, but a single idea is not enough to impress the strong.
In this regard, His Majesty Wilcis is truly an ideal King.
Contrary to Red-Haired Shanks's expectations, Ezekiel did not respond directly to him but said:
"Innocent people here? If I'm not mistaken, I sent Smoker here a month ago."
Red-Haired gave him an awkward look, then scratched his head and laughed uncertainly.
Is that the gray-haired man? He claimed they owed over 10 billion Belli for piracy. At first, they were somewhat surprised. But Shanks was an Emperor of the sea, not a King, so where could he have gotten so much Belli?
In fact, it was because he was avoiding Smoker that he moved to North Blue at Beckman's suggestion.
"A man who owes for piracy cannot claim to be innocent," Ezekiel stated plainly.
Actually, the place where the Red-Haired Pirates caused damage in the past wasn't worth 10 billion Belli before, but due to Alabasta's rapid development, now this land is a prime asset, almost several times increased in value. It wasn't an exaggeration.
"Emperor Shanks pays his debts. We will return the money," Beckman saw that Red-Haired was dully scratching his head and didn't know how to respond, so he took the initiative to answer. "But that doesn't mean you can do whatever you want in North Blue! Please leave North Blue, Alabasta has no reason to stay here, you are burdened with the attention of too many powerful enemies." Staying here can only lead to disaster. You are the King of a country. I hope you understand me.
Ezekiel smiled silently. The pirates still did not understand what power and a nation truly entailed.
No matter how strong the Four Emperors are, it's just power that produces nothing. The productivity of his Alabasta provides a livelihood for his people.
Can your band of uneducated sea marauders comprehend this? This isn't the simpletons from Blackbeard's crew. You guys are somewhat reasonable when you're not drowning in alcohol.
It's time for you to understand what a country means!
Do you think 10 billion will be enough to make Ezekiel leave North Blue?
You're too naive.
Ezekiel stared at Beckman, and his gaze made Beckman slightly shiver.
Beckman is intelligent enough, but his wisdom is limited to the world of One Piece. How can he understand the mindset of a King who hails from a land of infrastructural madness? Ultimately, in terms of understanding state thinking, Beckman is at least several hundred years behind.
So Ezekiel simply put on a kind smile.
"In fact, I've already paid that money for you. Do you know the true purpose of my presence here and the presence of the Admiral of the Royal Fleet, Hancock?"
Hancock glanced suspiciously at Ezekiel, only now remembering that her assignment was to retrieve Baron Tamago and Pekoms. As for the rest, it was truly unclear to her as well.
"The Royal Fleet of Alabasta will not only remain in North Blue, but it will also stay here for a long time."
"Does Alabasta have a reason to remain in North Blue?" Beckman was very calm.
"There wasn't a reason before, but today it appeared," Ezekiel slowly stated, looking at the ruined Swallow Island.
"Although North Blue is the least invested region among the four seas for Alabasta, even here our country has production worth more than five hundred billion Belli. Alabasta has the right to protect its industry. Only in the country of Swallow, which you see before you, are there 13 mountain mines. Last year, they received more than a year's worth of investments from Alabasta. This fortune amounts to over 10 billion Belli. You can ask the residents of Swallow whom they welcome— you or me?"
His smile was like the light of a sword.
Shouldn't you act wisely, Shanks?