CHAPTER 278 DIPLOMATIC MANEUVERING
In a temporary wooden hut on the coast of a New World island, Zephyr—who'd recently stirred considerable waves in the New World—was on a call.
"That's the situation," the man on the other end said with some frustration. "Currently engaging two emperors simultaneously... the pressure is somewhat excessive."
"I'll negotiate with Charlotte Linlin about currently occupied territories," the voice continued. "But going forward, Zephyr, please shift your focus toward Kaido's territory."
"This isn't compromising with pirates—just normal strategic choice."
As though comforting Zephyr, the man added this qualification.
"Don't talk like I'm some hot-headed fool, Brett," Zephyr snorted. "Since you've said so, I obviously know what to do. The World Government still watches us closely. Simultaneously warring with two emperors won't end well."
Brett on the other end exhaled with relief. He'd genuinely worried Zephyr might stubbornly insist on his justice, refusing compromise, determined to clash with Charlotte Linlin to the bitter end.
"I have no issues here, but Brett—can you actually persuade Charlotte Linlin?" Zephyr asked with concern.
"Let's try," Brett smiled. "Don't worry too much. The World Government won't act rashly."
Brett remained quite confident on this point. Unless they could kill him in one strike, the Dyna Stone threat ensured government hesitation.
"Understood," Zephyr nodded. Then he'd begin expanding in another direction.
---
At Mariejois, in Pangaea Castle's central region, events in the New World left the Five Elders ecstatic.
"That fool Zephyr made the stupidest move—this is the perfect opportunity!" Saint Ju Peter laughed almost impatiently. "Now both Kaido and Charlotte Linlin will be furious!"
"Zephyr isn't the priority—using Zephyr to draw out Brett is!" Saint Saturn nodded repeatedly.
At least currently, Brett was the World Government's greatest enemy. His most troublesome aspect wasn't his formidable strength, nor even the Dyna Stones he controlled, but his location in the deep-sea Fish-Man Island, where the World Government simply couldn't reach him.
But circumstances had changed. The government confirmed Brett and Zephyr were indeed allies. If the alliance faced problems, Brett would naturally intervene, correct?
"Contact Kaido immediately. This time he shouldn't refuse cooperation!"
"And have him contact Charlotte Linlin! That woman must be angry now too! Time to make her abandon her alliance with Brett!"
The World Government brimmed with confidence.
---
"That bastard Zephyr has some nerve, daring to touch my territory!" On Whole Cake Island, Charlotte Linlin was indeed furious.
Though she didn't particularly care about those nations under her banner—lending them her flag was mostly for dessert tributes—that didn't mean she'd remain passive when her territory was violated.
"A government-hunted stray dog acting so boldly! Because he has that bastard Brett's support, he's become reckless!" Charlotte Linlin said coldly.
Below, Katakuri stood expressionless, silent. The scarf he'd worn around his neck had long since been discarded somewhere. Now he faced everyone with his original appearance openly.
Buru buru buru buru.
Suddenly, a transponder snail rang.
Katakuri's lowered eyelids lifted slightly, a faint light flickering in his eyes.
"Who is it?" Charlotte Linlin answered, her tone unpleasant.
"Is my timing bad, Big Mom?" the man on the other end chuckled lightly.
Charlotte Linlin paused, then her scarlet lips curled. "No, Brett—your call came at exactly the right time!"
"I was just about to ask what that bastard Zephyr means! Don't think I don't know your relationship with him!"
"Zephyr's actions were accidental. You know he was once a righteous Marine—seeing pirates attacking civilians, he couldn't stand by," Brett explained with a smile. "So he inadvertently touched your territory."
"Are you suggesting my territory needs his protection?" Charlotte Linlin roared.
"That's why I'm calling now. Zephyr asked me to tell you—he's very sorry."
Below, Katakuri's mouth twitched involuntarily. Would Zephyr actually apologize?
"I don't want to hear this nonsense! Tell Zephyr to get lost, or he'll regret it!" Charlotte Linlin scoffed.
"Don't be hasty. Consider it sponsoring Zephyr a foothold. How about hearing my terms, Big Mom?" Brett smiled. "Didn't you previously ask me to help improve your relations with the giant race?"
Charlotte Linlin's boiling fury suddenly froze. "Oh?"
Her life's greatest dream was building a fantastical nation where all races coexisted harmoniously. The giant race was indispensable to that vision.
"Prince Loki of Elbaf has reached marriageable age. So I thought—could I perhaps make an introduction?"
"Ma ma ma ma! Brett, you little brat! You've truly made an offer I cannot refuse!"
Charlotte Linlin laughed heartily.
---
Wano Country, Onigashima.
"Now is the perfect opportunity!" The white-robed, masked government agent had returned to this island, once again before the monster.
"You don't want to watch your territory get eroded either, Kaido."
"Wororororo," Kaido sneered. "The World Government seeking my cooperation—I'd love to see the Navy's faces when they learn this."
"That's irrelevant. The point is, whether Brett or Zephyr, both are currently our mutual enemies," the agent said seriously. "Without cooperation, neither side can adequately deal with them."
"If you agree, the warships, munitions, resources, and treasure we've promised will arrive in Wano immediately."
"Hmph." Kaido snorted coldly.
That bastard Brett stole his Road Poneglyph, freed his daughter, even possessed the same ability as him! How could he tolerate that man's existence?
So yes—cooperate!
"This time, that old hag Linlin shouldn't refuse!" Kaido confidently dialed.
"Cooperation? Don't joke, Kaido! Who do you think you are! Brett is my close partner!"
Kaido fell silent.
That old hag! Brett must have bought her off!
No matter. His strength combined with the World Government's was sufficient!
****
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