Hachinosu Island.
Wang Zhi's expression was grave as he looked at the Den Den Mushi, his voice dry. "Hey, Roa, is it really necessary to go that far?"
"Wouldn't it be better to just deal with the World Government's moves when they actually make them? Wouldn't actively trying to set a trap for the World Government be a bit too extreme?"
"Oh-oh-oh, when did you get so timid, Old Man Wang Zhi?"
The clear voice of the young man came from the other end of the line, but to Wang Zhi, it only sounded incredibly irritating.
"If we don't hit the World Government hard enough this time, they'll keep clinging to us like hyenas,"
"Instead of constantly being on guard, it's better for us to strike first and give them a serious blow."
"You, you bastard..."
The corner of Wang Zhi's mouth twitched.
In the world, only this brat Roa could be crazy to this extent.
Even that bastard Rocks was far less reckless back then.
Even in the final battle of God Valley, no one—not even Rocks himself—had anticipated that things would escalate to that level.
"Fine," Wang Zhi finally sighed helplessly. "What do you want to do?"
He was extremely annoyed, but this bastard Roa had a hold over him.
If he didn't attack the World Government, Roa would soon come and attack him with Shiki.
"We need to give the World Government an opportunity," Roa said with a smile. "An opportunity that makes them think we'll definitely be tempted to act. And it has to be one that you feel will lead to both us and the World Government suffering heavy losses."
Is this guy speaking in riddles?
Wang Zhi's eyelid twitched.
However, he immediately understood what Roa was trying to say.
It had to be an opportunity that would reassure the World Government while also making them feel that he would be reassured.
"That kind of opportunity won't be easy to find." Wang Zhi sighed.
"That's not something you should be worrying about, is it?"
Roa's voice carried a heavy sense of amusement. "The plan you come up with might not reassure the World Government; let them worry about that."
"You just need to tell them to hurry up."
Wang Zhi paused slightly. After a quick thought, he realized that was true.
They definitely had to let the World Government devise the plan; otherwise, how would they willingly fall into the trap?
"Of course, you can't just do nothing. You need to be aggressive. Don't let the government side detect anything amiss."
"You don't need to tell me that." Wang Zhi snorted. It's just acting. As if anyone can't do that.
"Alright, that's it then. I'll await your good news, Old Man Wang Zhi. Don't disappoint me."
With a carefree laugh, the other side proactively hung up the phone.
Wang Zhi took a deep breath, his eyes filled with a complicated gleam.
What a disgusting brat!
He completely disregarded him!
What does he take me for? A dog to be summoned and dismissed at will?
Should I just take this opportunity to cooperate with the World Government and get rid of this brat Roa?
However, this thought didn't last long in Wang Zhi's mind. He soon sighed wearily.
If Roa was so easily fooled, how could he have been so arrogant for so long?
Above all else, that brat's intelligence network is terrifyingly strong.
He was fully aware of the highly classified secret that the World Government was trying to recruit him.
Since that was the case, it seemed there were no other options.
Wang Zhi didn't hesitate, immediately calling Silver Axe and John. The three close friends discussed it carefully and finally decided to do as Roa instructed.
At least for now, Roa showed no intention of harming them, even after learning of their collusion with the World Government.
But the World Government was different.
If they successfully dealt with Roa, would they still be valuable to the World Government?
Both sides are bastards, but comparatively, Roa was slightly better.
Besides, there might genuinely be a chance for both sides to suffer heavy losses.
So, Wang Zhi dialed the number left by the CP0 agent.
His request soon reached the ears of the Five Elders.
"This guy is quite eager, wanting to move against Roa and his crew so quickly?"
In the Room of Power in Pangea Castle, the Five Elders' office, Saturn sneered. "Makes sense. What kind of camaraderie exists among pirates? Deception and plotting are the norm."
"Wang Zhi's demand is that we must present a significant temptation at a suitable time, enough to attract Roa and the others."
The long-bearded Mars said calmly. "The problem is what kind of opportunity won't arouse the suspicion of Roa and his crew, and what kind of lure will truly attract them."
In the spacious office, the five individuals who held the world's highest authority were silent.
Roa was undoubtedly a very cunning person. Even with Wang Zhi's help, fooling them would not be an easy task.
At this moment, Topman Warcury, who was stroking his golden mustache, suddenly spoke, "How about another God Valley?"
"God Valley?"
Shepherd Ju Peter's voice instantly rose. "You mean—"
Warcury said, "Let's hold the Celestial Dragons' Hunting Competition again after all this time!"
The other four Five Elders' eyes lit up instantly.
Since the God Valley Incident nine years ago, the triennial Celestial Dragon Hunting Competition hadn't been held twice.
After all, too many people died in that incident.
Even the arrogant Celestial Dragons couldn't help but become a little jumpy.
But now, if they were to hold a Hunting Competition like the one at God Valley, wouldn't that be the best opportunity?
"As long as we prepare tempting enough prizes and leak the news, those guys are bound to be interested!" Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro nodded with satisfaction. "That is indeed a good idea! That Roa is even more crazy than Rocks! Rocks dared to attack God Valley; he might just dare to act again!"
"And we have a very reasonable excuse to hold this year's Hunting Competition!" Warcury continued. "We suffered great humiliation in Loguetown, so the God's Knights need more fresh forces. We'll use this tournament to select talented individuals from among the Celestial Dragons!"
"I agree!" Mars also nodded. "We truly can't think of a better way."
"Agreed," Saturn nodded, deeply convinced. "Let's do it then!"
"Good!" Ju Peter looked at his four colleagues. "Since we want to lure Roa and his crew over, we need to offer prizes that are valuable enough!"
"Each family should contribute some of their treasured possessions. Although it's only to lure Roa and his crew, this Hunting Competition must also be realistic enough."
"Naturally!" The other four Five Elders nodded solemnly.
They absolutely couldn't disappoint Lord Imu again. Otherwise, they dare not imagine what their fate would be.
"However, there is still one problem," Mars thought of something and spoke seriously. "Even if we attract Roa and his crew, securing them requires the help of Wang Zhi and the others."
"But, how do we ensure that Wang Zhi's group is truly on our side?"
Although both sides had promised to cooperate, such a promise was worthless in itself.
The Five Elders fell back into hesitation.
Unlike Harald, who had the maximum weakness of having a kingdom, pirates are inherently untrustworthy.
Although they held a weakness over Wang Zhi, they certainly couldn't place complete trust in these pirates.
How could they ensure that Wang Zhi's group was truly on their side?
The Five Elders were at a loss for a moment.
But at that very moment, a voice suddenly echoed in their minds.
"Utterly useless. Since that is the case, Imu will personally move."
"Lord Imu!"
The five old men instantly fell into a kneeling row, which seemed to be their reflex action.
Lord Imu was listening in on their discussion?
Shepherd Ju Peter trembled and quickly said, "Lord Imu, how can we let you move personally? We will come up with a solution very soon!"
"Nonsense."
That Lord's voice suddenly became impatient. The pain they had experienced many times before descended upon the Five Elders again. The five instantly shook like sieves but dared not utter a sound.
"Roa... they must die. Imu will not allow any more blunders."
"Yes!!" The five could only tremble, heavily knocking their foreheads on the floor.
Since Lord Imu had already spoken, what else could they say?
They could only obey.
However, that Roa, has he truly earned Lord Imu's hatred to this extent?
Makes sense. He is the only great sinner in eight hundred years who has made Lord Imu suffer a loss!
They say Roa is petty, but in reality, Lord Imu is hardly forgiving.
"The closest ally to Wang Zhi is that one named John, correct?"
"Yes, Lord Imu!"
City of Calamity.
Roa, of course, had no idea about the conversation happening in Mary Geoise.
He only knew that shortly after, he received a return call from Wang Zhi.
"It's done!"
Wang Zhi's voice carried a hint of cheerful laughter. "Roa, guess how the World Government plans to lure you guys over?"
"That fast?" Roa couldn't help but be surprised. "Could it be that the World Government had a plan ready a long time ago?"
"Old Man Wang Zhi, stop playing coy. Tell me, what's the World Government going to do?"
"Hahahaha! Hey! Roa! Can you believe it? They're actually planning to have another God Valley Incident!" Wang Zhi suddenly burst into laughter. "A new Celestial Dragon Hunting Competition is about to start, and they say they'll prepare incredibly generous prizes for the winners!"
"Ah?" Roa was genuinely startled.
And then.
"Hahahahaha!" Roa also burst into loud laughter.
He had tried to hold it in, but something this funny simply couldn't be contained anymore.
"No way! Something like that is actually happening! Nine years ago at God Valley, they got rid of the Captain, and this time, they want to use the same method to wipe us all out? Seriously, aren't they underestimating people a bit?"
Using the same move twice? They were truly looking down on them!
"In short, that's the situation. The World Government should be busy preparing the Hunting Competition right now," Wang Zhi said. "Roa, what are you planning to do?"
"Something so interesting, of course, needs to be shared with everyone immediately." Roa said with a smile.
"You can leak this matter, but..." Wang Zhi's voice carried some hesitation.
"Don't worry, Old Man Wang Zhi. You did very well; I'm satisfied. So, of course, I won't reveal that matter to Old Man Shiki." Roa said.
If Old Man Shiki were to find out that his previous defeat against the Roger Pirates was largely due to Wang Zhi's scheming, he would definitely chop Wang Zhi into pieces immediately.
"That's good." Wang Zhi breathed a sigh of relief.
Then.
Roa quickly started a group call, bringing all his allies together.
"Roa! Mama-mama!" Charlotte Linlin's voice was the first to emerge. "Are you finally going to fulfill your previous promise? You said 'soon,' but you've kept this old woman waiting!"
"Hahahaha, my apologies, Auntie Linlin," Roa apologized with a smile. "I was a bit busy recently and couldn't get around to it."
He had gone to the moon and was completely out of contact with the Blue Sea during that time, so he couldn't fulfill the promise of introducing Auntie Linlin to Harald.
However.
"Now is the time!" Roa said. "I contacted everyone because of something very interesting, and Harald will be joining in on it, so this is the perfect opportunity to introduce him to you."
"You brat!" Charlotte Linlin snorted. "You mean if this old woman doesn't participate in your activity, I won't get to see Harald, right?"
She was starting to suspect that Roa had made that promise just for this moment!
"Hahahaha! How could that be?" Roa just laughed. "It would just be delayed a bit, until I have time."
"Hmph!" Charlotte Linlin snorted.
"So Roa, what is it this time?" Kaido's voice carried some anticipation. "Woggygygy! Whatever it is that made you contact everyone can't be boring!"
"Well, I'll let Old Man Wang Zhi explain this one." Roa said with a smile.
"Wang Zhi?" Shiki's voice sounded. "What's going on?"
"The World Government hates you all and can't find your whereabouts, so they contacted me," Wang Zhi said concisely. "They hoped I would defect and help them eliminate you."
"What?" Kaido's voice suddenly rose. "That's true? So, you betrayed our alliance?"
"If Old Man Wang Zhi had really betrayed us, this call wouldn't be happening," Roa chuckled. "Old Man Wang Zhi told me about this immediately."
"I can vouch for that," Silver Axe interjected. "He told us too."
"Hmph," Shiki coldly laughed in response. "Whether you revealed it willingly or were forced to confess after being discovered, you know yourselves."
"Hahahaha, we're all allies; don't be so harsh, Old Man Shiki!" Roa laughed. "The situation is this: Old Man Wang Zhi is pretending to have reached an agreement with the government. He will now 'help' the World Government deal with us."
"The World Government plans to hold a new Celestial Dragon Hunting Competition, just like God Valley, using massive prizes to lure us there! Isn't that interesting?"
"So, a Second God Valley!" Kaido's voice was filled with excitement. "Interesting! I definitely can't miss something this interesting!"
"So Roa, you mean Harald will also be involved in this operation?" Charlotte Linlin was still very interested in giants.
"That's right. The World Government tried to recruit Harald too, but he prefers to help me." Roa said nonchalantly.
As for why he prefers to help me, don't ask.
"But Roa," Shiki spoke flatly. "Even if Wang Zhi and Harald double-cross them, the World Government will surely come out in full force this time."
"That's right," then Redfield's voice chimed in. "Even if all of us combine our strength, going head-to-head with them might not be easy. Don't forget that monster of a woman."
"Well, I didn't say we were going to participate in that competition."
Roa's voice was full of amusement. "How about causing some destruction in Mary Geoise? Throwing a few islands or a pile of meteors down from the sky. The Celestial Dragons, who have resided at the world's peak for eight hundred years, should probably face some hardship, shouldn't they?"
The God's Knights and the Five Elders simply cannot be killed, so fighting them is pure self-annoyance.
To truly hurt the World Government, they must cause tangible destruction.
"The World Government has made their move; if we don't respond, aren't we just being looked down upon?"
"Besides, this operation will make us even more united. After this, the government shouldn't want to recruit any of us anymore, right?"
"Oh?"
The voices of the others instantly became meaningful.
Indeed, that way, no one could betray them again, right?
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