Chapter 194: The Five Elders Negotiate with the Game Merchant
The Revolutionary Army leader, who had been tense the entire time, finally let out a breath of relief.
What mattered to him wasn't just the eligibility for a single prize draw—
but the attitude the Game Merchant held toward the World Government and the Five Elders. If negotiations were to take place, the Revolutionary Army would likely have to keep hiding and running.
But now, he was certain. He was willing to stake the future of the Revolutionary Army entirely on the Reincarnation Game.
"Denied?"
Within the noble faction, the expressions of the high-ranking nobles and kings momentarily froze.
Such a blunt, face-slapping rejection in front of the entire world—even the spectators felt chills down their backs.
They feared the enraged Five Elders would unleash a Buster Call and bathe the East Blue's islands in blood.
However—
Upon second thought, perhaps this was merely part of the back-and-forth of high-level negotiations between the Game Merchant and the Five Elders.
This was a common tactic among noble factions—testing boundaries, probing for weaknesses, slowly edging toward each side's bottom line until final demands were revealed.
"Mr. Fang Yi."
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn called him by name. His voice carried no anger, only calm as he continued,
"You said you come from another world, and so are unfamiliar with the foundation the World Government has built over 800 years of rule. For that reason, I can forgive your refusal."
In the deep vaults of Pangaea Castle,
a new Celestial Dragon family, the Saint Gielbon Innes, had mysteriously appeared in the records—claiming lineage to Buggy, now a recognized World Noble from the East Blue.
That fact alone was enough to demonstrate the Game Merchant's eerie and mysterious abilities.
He had somehow altered the records in Pangaea Castle without anyone noticing—
even implanting vague, fragmented memories of it in their minds.
Toy-Toy Fruit, Ghost-Ghost Fruit…
The Five Elders, with eight centuries of accumulated knowledge, knew of many Devil Fruits capable of warping thought. But this—this was something else.
They were now inclined to believe the Game Merchant truly came from another world—
and wielded powers completely distinct from Devil Fruits, yet oddly similar in effect.
And because his powers weren't Devil Fruits, they couldn't be countered by Haki—hence his unrestrained behavior in this world.
But that alone—
Even Joy Boy, who once threatened the world, had ultimately fallen to the World Government, sinking with the ancient continent to the ocean floor.
A mysterious outsider had no right to demand the World Government kneel.
"This is the World Government's show of goodwill."
The Five Elders feared no one, but neither did they wish to make a reckless enemy.
Someone with mysterious powers like Fang Yi was harder to deal with than a brute force type. Strategic, evasive—infinitely more troublesome.
And according to their evaluations,
his strength likely approached that of Joy Boy.
"The Revolutionary leader secured the first kill!"
"The Five Elders are negotiating with the Game Merchant—asking to revoke his reward?"
Morgans trembled with excitement,
furiously attaching the developing photos to his messenger albatrosses to send back to the World News HQ.
Soon, the world would be flooded with headlines.
Even in isolated Wano, tens of thousands of newspapers would be smuggled in.
"Even the Five Elders and the World Government have to lower themselves now?"
Dragon was surprised.
Back when he was still a Marine, he'd witnessed the cruelty firsthand—
and had reported it to both HQ and the Government in hopes of sparking reform.
He didn't even have the qualifications to be summoned.
He chuckled bitterly.
He really had been too weak back then.
No matter which path one chose, power was everything.
Without it, dreams were just sand—scattered by a breeze.
"No forgiveness needed."
Fang Yi smiled as always, shaking his head slightly.
"From the moment I arrived in this world, I had already seen through every secret this sea holds."
"Including the World Government."
Negotiation was only possible between equals.
The Five Elders' so-called goodwill and overtures?
Fang Yi had no interest in them.
"So you intend to side with the Revolutionary Army? Even if it means becoming the second pirate in history to oppose the entire world?"
Saturn's voice grew heavier, laced with anger and veiled threat.
The Five Elders had shown rare goodwill—and Fang Yi had spit in their faces.
It was blasphemy against the descendants of the world's creators.
"Could it be… that the world will rise again against its rulers, as it did in the age of Gol D. Roger?"
"Truly a thrilling era."
To most, it seemed Saturn was comparing Fang Yi to the Pirate King, Roger.
But in truth—
Even Roger's capture only warranted the deployment of a few Marine Admirals.
What Saturn referred to was not Roger—
but Joy Boy,
the one who had nearly overturned the world, only to be slain by the combined might of twenty kingdoms.
The World Government's true power had not been seen for 800 years.
If Fang Yi truly understood the secrets of this world,
then he should know how terrifying the Government could be.
"Lord Saturn."
Fang Yi remained unfazed, speaking lazily,
"Perhaps I was too casual. And that caused you and the Government to develop some unfortunate misconceptions."
The pirate world was vast.
It had sunken ancient continents.
Ancient weapons capable of global catastrophe.
Devil Fruits that granted people their deepest desires.
Fish-Man Island, 10,000 meters beneath the sea.
Sky Islands…
Even fruits that touched fragments of time itself.
Because of all this,
the people of this world had become desensitized—
any mystery or unknown was simply chalked up to Devil Fruits or ancient relics.
They lacked true reverence for power.
"Fang Yi, the World Government has ruled this sea for eight centuries. We've crushed countless rebels and pretenders."
Saturn's tone had grown cold, clearly irritated by Fang Yi's indifference.
"Marine Admirals. Elite CP agents. The Holy Knights. Us, the Five Elders. The Neo-Pacifistas. And yes—even the Ancient Weapons…"
"I admit, you are powerful."
"But the World Government was founded by the creators of this world. We welcome guests from beyond—but only if they don't cross the line."
"Whether you want a Warlord title, or to build your own kingdom across the Four Seas and the Grand Line… we can accommodate."
Saturn's voice echoed across the globe,
broadcast intentionally.
This had been discussed among the Five Elders.
In chaotic times, one must flex their strength to keep potential rebels and pirates in check.
"The Government has Ancient Weapons?"
Within the Island of Death, Crocodile smirked, letting out a dry laugh.
His eyes revealed deep unease.
He wasn't shocked—the Government having Ancient Weapons made sense.
It was the reason he'd never tried to seize them directly.
He'd rather search for the Poneglyphs and bide his time.
First came the threats, then came the bait…
Fang Yi chuckled.
Even now, the Five Elders thought they were negotiating.
They assumed his rejections and silence were just leverage to gain better terms.
But all of their so-called "offers" relied on one condition:
That the Game Merchant would submit to the Government.
If Fang Yi accepted,
the whole pirate world would see him as a Government lackey.
Clearly—
he'd been too polite, and caused a bit of a misunderstanding.
Since the Government had shown their strength,
then it was time for him to respond… just a little.
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