The pirate captains gazed fervently at the ten figures on the high platform, wishing desperately that they could be one of them.
Caesar had just stated that as long as one could prove their strength—reaching the level of a Navy Admiral—they could assume the position of Vice-Chairman.
And once becoming a Vice-Chairman, they would gain the qualification to be elected as Chairman!
None of the pirates present were fools.
They could clearly foresee that an organization like the Pirate Council would inevitably become a colossal force in the New World—and even the entire world.
In the future, it could stand as one of the three great powers alongside the World Government and the Revolutionary Army, transforming into the third major faction!
Even more!
If the pirates were to unite tightly under an unprecedented leader, there was a chance the Pirate Council could evolve into a stable political regime!
When Shanks and the others, who still harbored some sense of shame, stood on the high platform and saw the burning ambition in the eyes of the pirate captains below, they were all deeply shaken.
Only then did Shanks, Rayleigh, and the others gradually realize just how significant the council Caesar intended to establish truly was.
The position of Chairman—its authority, its status, its influence—would completely surpass that of the Pirate King, achieving true overwhelming dominance!
It could be said that the Pirate Chairman would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army, and the Five Elders of the World Government, becoming one of the most powerful figures in the world!
A fierce light suddenly flashed in Shanks' eyes.
He felt that he could make a slight effort to contend for the position of Chairman.
Before this, he had treated Caesar's council as nothing more than a ploy to win people over, not taking it seriously.
"Caes—" Shanks cleared his throat, about to ask Caesar whether he could start canvassing votes or give a campaign speech.
But Teach, who had been observing him closely from the side, abruptly cut him off.
With a loud laugh, Teach spread his arms wide and addressed the pirates below.
"Zehahaha! I, Blackbeard, really want to sit in that Chairman's seat and see how it feels. Why don't you all just vote for me?"
Shanks froze, then nearly burst out laughing.
Is this how you campaign?
Who the hell would take you seriously?!
Sure enough, just as Shanks expected, most of the pirate captains below remained silent, while some troublemakers openly snorted in disdain.
Fortunately, Teach's status and reputation kept them from outright mocking him—otherwise, he might have been torn apart by the crowd.
"Zehahaha! For those who vote for me, I'll give each of you 100 million Berries as thanks. I also promise that you'll never be hunted by the Blackbeard Pirates, and you can freely conduct business with my forces—tax-free!"
Teach continued, completely unfazed.
At these words, not only did the pirate captains below grow tempted, but even the seasoned veterans on the platform widened their eyes.
Holy shit, you can do that?!
This is outright bribery!
But then again… this is pirates we're talking about.
Their methods are refreshingly straightforward.
Shanks glanced at the restless pirates, then raised an eyebrow at Teach.
"Teach, there are quite a few people here. Do you even have that much money?"
Teach curled his lips in disdain and gave Shanks a contemptuous glance before snorting, "What? You think as one of the Four Emperors with thousands of subordinate forces under my command, I can't even scrape together a few hundred billion berries? Shanks, don't tell me you don't even have that much money."
"Ahem... just a few hundred billion berries, no big deal, haha, it was a pocket change for me," Shanks laughed heartily.
Beside him, Beckman looked at him as if he were an idiot, rolling his eyes.
'Even if you sold your underwear, you wouldn't scrape together a few hundred billion.'
'If you had that kind of money, would I still be using disposable firearms?'
Meanwhile, Caesar unconsciously licked his lips, suddenly thinking that as a parent, it wouldn't be unreasonable to ask his son for some living expenses, right?
'How the hell is Teach this rich?'
Ganzui cleared his throat and muttered under his breath, "Caesar, shouldn't we try to rally some votes? I think this Pirate Council Leader position sounds pretty good. If you don't want it, you could let me have a taste of being the boss."
Caesar glanced at Ganzui, who looked much younger but still had the same sleazy demeanor, and scoffed.
"Yeah, it's great. Once you become the Council Leader, both the World Government and the Revolutionary Army will have their eyes on you. The Marine Admirals will hunt you down with everything they've got if they get the chance. If you really want it, I can put in a word. I think my influence might just make it happen."
Ganzui's face immediately fell, and he forced an awkward smile, waving his hands hastily.
"Uh, hehe, I was just joking. The Council Leader position should go to one of you captains. I'm just an old man—what qualifications do I have? Hahaha..."
Linlin nudged Caesar with her elbow and whispered, "Caesar, aren't you going to try for votes? Teach is already offering to hand out money."
Caesar shook his head again, inwardly sneering.
Teach?
Forget it.
The pirate captains below wouldn't make a deal with the devil.
Sure, Teach might be rich and his offer might be tempting.
But his reputation is too rotten.
Caesar figured the pirates would sooner vote for Shanks than Teach.
Beckman, with his sharp intellect, knew exactly what the Council Leader position entailed.
Without even consulting Shanks, he immediately spoke up.
"Everyone, I hope you'll consider my captain—Red Hair Shanks. The strength of our Red Hair Pirates is undeniable. What's more, the newly crowned Emperor Buggy recently led his entire crew of over to join our ranks. If you choose Shanks, you'll gain the friendship of the Red Hair Pirates, and the seas of the New World will be open to you."
As soon as Beckman finished speaking, the pirates were stunned.
Crocodile raised an eyebrow and said slowly, "So.... Buggy has already merged with Red Hair's forces. That means the Red Hair Pirates' numbers must exceed a hundred thousand now, huh? And with those old-timers from the Roger Pirates probably backing Shanks too... Seems like the strongest crew here isn't the Beast God Pirates—it's Red Hair."
"Fufufufu, Red Hair's luck is just too good. First the Buggy Pirates join him, then the remnants of Roger's crew lend their support. What a winner in life."
Doflamingo crossed his legs, lounging lazily in his massive seat, looking utterly at ease.
"Aren't you worried at all?" Crocodile asked suspiciously.
"Fufufufu, what should I worry about? The first chairman can only be Caesar. No one else is qualified for the position, nor will anyone be elected," Doflamingo said casually.
Crocodile frowned slightly and asked in surprise, "Why do you say that?"
Doflamingo smirked. "Because only Captain Caesar can shoulder this position. The Pirate Council was his idea. If you don't elect him, can the Pirate Council even function?"
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