Sunlight shimmered over the sea, reflecting with a brilliant sparkle.
Ezekiel beamed radiantly, and this brilliance made the Red-Haired Pirates avert their eyes. None of them dared to look at him, including Shanks himself, who turned away, embarrassed and unsure of what to say.
How is the crew of the Red-Haired Pirates supposed to take on the survival of these millions of people?
But if you are one of the Four Emperors and you are taking responsibility, then you must fully assume it, if you can!
Turning to face Ezekiel, who awaited their response, Hongo and Beckman exchanged glances, seeing the helplessness in each other's eyes—a feeling they had never experienced as members of a pirate crew under one of the Four Emperors.
They felt angry and helpless, and finally, they sighed deeply.
At present, no matter how strong their crew was, Beckman didn't dare to claim they could afford to pay five hundred billion Belli plus two hundred billion Belli annually.
Money is secondary, but this involves the survival of millions of people!
At this moment, Beckman realized that His Majesty, the King of Alabasta, faces such issues daily. Their rash decision could affect the survival of millions, and as one of the Four Emperors, you have the power to halt a nation at will. Due to such a hefty price, they truly cannot afford to make the wrong decision.
In Beckman's opinion, such an extraordinary King deserves admiration. It's the only King he has admired in these seas over the years.
Thinking about the lives of millions, Beckman's expression grew even more serious as he looked at the bewildered Shanks.
How he wished Shanks would proudly tell Ezekiel:
"The Red-Haired Pirates will give this money to the people, and you can return to your Alabasta."
But is this even possible?
Ezekiel smiled and looked at them.
"You've given it some thought?
That's the right approach."
One of the Four Emperors, Red-Haired Shanks, a tough guy with great prospects. A man who lost an arm because of Luffy. A kind-hearted person, welcomed by the simple villagers in East Blue.
Having a conscience and still being a pirate?
It's remarkable, but challenging.
Until now, Ezekiel had only encountered thugs like Crocodile or Weevil, who knew only destruction, or criminals like the World Government.
"Unexpectedly... Alabasta has indeed done so much in North Blue, Your Majesty, I thank you on behalf of the people of North Blue. After all, my hometown is also in North Blue..." said Beckman.
Ezekiel smiled.
Beckman was the first to speak, after all, he was the most clever of the crew.
"And what have you decided?"
"I don't think this matter should be taken lightly," Beckman replied with a slightly strained smile, which he hoped appeared charming and friendly.
Ezekiel also smiled more kindly.
Benn Beckman paused, then almost irritably flicked away his cigarette and led Red-Haired to the side.
"I think it's beneficial for Alabasta to remain in North Blue, what do you think?"
"I think so too," Red-Haired nodded briefly.
He couldn't come up with anything in this situation; he's first in battles and all that... but diplomacy really isn't his forte.
None of the Red-Haired crew said anything. For this kind of tricky business, it was better for everyone if old Beckman took the initiative.
Thus, a time was agreed upon for the repayment of the 10 billion Belli debt, and the Red-Haired Pirates left North Blue.
Even after giving such a promise, Alabasta became their friend.
In reality, there are different ways to deal with different opponents.
Using the same tactic against Kaido or Charlotte Linlin would be useless. Whitebeard wouldn't even come to North Blue to deal with such a matter.
Clearly, not everything needs to be resolved through conflict. But some things must involve a battle, like during Erume.
This time, victory was secured by Alabasta's vast financial resources. The Red-Haired's goal wasn't Alabasta or the strength of Wilcis, but millions of innocent people.
Ezekiel stared at the gradually calming ocean and felt anew what it meant to be a King. Finally, with a smile, he turned his head and extended his hand to Hancock.
"Let's go home."
Tashigi would stay for now; with her level of strength, she could easily keep an eye on the marine creatures swimming in North Blue. The enormous Leviathan was still slowly turning in the sea.
Zephyr had reached the Calm Belt through the Mirror Fruit. Only when Germa was under Zephyr's supervision would Ezekiel feel relieved.
At this moment, Ezekiel felt like he was being watched. He frowned slightly and activated his Observation Haki. He saw a fleet of the Marine Patrol drifting more than a dozen miles away. On the deck stood Kizaru. He didn't intend to leave…
Kizaru stood on the deck, trying to discern the battle situation from a distance. Until the lightning disappeared, he vaguely understood what was happening. Due to the location and direction, he didn't notice the gigantic Sea King.
He used his Observation Haki, wanting to find out. As soon as he activated it, he sensed the terrifying monster, Leviathan! Kizaru's breath became erratic, his body stiffened, and he stood motionless for a long time.
What's wrong, Admiral Kizaru? - asked his subordinate Counter Admiral.
Kizaru paused for a moment, finally scratched his head, and said:
I think we should return.
But the mission... - the Counter Admiral hesitated.
Kizaru shrugged his shoulders, turned, and pointed at the sea behind him.
If you have enough confidence to handle that monster, you can stay till the end.
The Counter Admiral looked up and saw the shadow of the terrifying monster, racing through the wind and waves with unmatched strength. Its size blocked out the sky and the sun, and its deep maw swallowed the sea, leaving nothing alive or inanimate. Its roar sounded like the horn of judgment day:
O-o-o...!!!
An ancient monster beyond imagination!
The Marine patrolman's pupils narrowed, and his hair stood on end.
It's Leviathan!
This Sea King named Leviathan is rushing towards the envoys of the World Government.