One Piece: Starting from Awakening the Cosmo at Marineford

Aaron pointed to the stool opposite him, gesturing for Bernard to sit down.

Bernard smiled apologetically, bowed slightly, and then sat down sideways.

"Tell me your original plan."

Bernard nodded: "Captain Phoenix, there aren't many paths to choose from in the New World. You have to choose between the Four Emperors and Beehive Island. Golden Lion recruiting now isn't a bad option. After all, he's from the same era as Whitebeard."

Our original plan was to infiltrate the Golden Lion's ranks, to find shelter under his protection and have a place to stay. This would prevent us from being hunted down by the Navy and the NEO Navy led by former Admiral Zephyr.

Aaron said, "Then why don't you choose to submit to the Four Emperors? Shiki is already old."

Bernard swallowed hard and said, "Captain Phoenix, only three of the Four Emperors remain. We're not on the same side as Shanks. Many of Kaido's subordinates are Zoan-type Devil Fruit users. As for Big Mom's crew, they're all his relatives. If we went, we'd only be the lowest-ranking underlings."

And then there's Blackbeard. Although his power is expanding rapidly, he's not yet a force to be reckoned with. Besides, the remnants of the Whitebeard Pirates will inevitably clash with him sooner or later. If we go and join him now, we'll quickly become cannon fodder.

"Now that Shiki the Golden Lion is holding a pirate tournament to recruit members, if we join him, we'll be on equal footing with other pirate crews, and our status won't be low."

Aaron smiled slightly: "Golden Lion has never given up his dream of becoming the king of the sea. More than 20 years ago, he was defeated in the Battle of Etwal by Roger, and then broke into the Marine Headquarters and was imprisoned for 20 years. His strength has not diminished much."

I believe he still covets the title of Pirate King. He, along with the three remaining Yonko, Blackbeard, and Wang Zhi, will inevitably have a battle sooner or later.

He's recruiting now in preparation for war. Aren't you afraid?

Bernard chuckled: "I'm afraid. Anyway, no matter which strongman we submit to, the final battle is inevitable. If we follow Shiki, at least the war will come a little later. Besides, Shiki is a strongman who competed with Roger and is from the same era as Whitebeard. He has the best chance of winning! Moreover, Shiki's forces are currently short-handed. If we join him, we can get a good position on a first-come, first-served basis."

Aaron stroked his two small mustaches: "What you said actually makes some sense! Now that you've said that, I've made up my mind to go and join the Golden Lion!"

Bernard quickly smiled obsequiously, "Captain, once Shiki becomes the Pirate King, with your strength, you'll definitely be highly valued. When Shiki becomes the Pirate King, we can at least occupy an island and become kings ourselves! We'll all become nobles!"

"Really? Hahahaha!"

Aaron laughed triumphantly, and Finbuddy laughed even more wildly beside him.

Yun Que pursed her lips, then slammed her hand on the table and burst into laughter.

At first, the lark was a little reserved, but after a few laughs, it finally became more cheerful.

The dozens of pirates around them, not understanding what was going on, also burst into laughter.

Bernard flattered, "Captain, how about we get a new pirate flag? A new crew, a new look!"

Aaron patted Bernard on the shoulder: "You've got some knowledge, kid. Okay, let's change the flag!"

Bernard rubbed his hands together: "Captain, what style do you want?"

Aaron said, "Draw a phoenix. A golden one will do."

Bernard said, "I'll have someone take care of it right away!"

Bernard beckoned to a pirate, and when the man came to him, he gave him a series of instructions.

The man went immediately.

Aaron then asked, "Bernard, how much money is left on the ship, and how long will the food and water last?"

Bernard looked troubled: "Captain, this old captain... that deadbeat, he led us for months, robbed two places, and we only have about 600 million Berries left. We also need to replenish our food and water."

Aaron had been hoping to make a small fortune, but upon hearing it was only 600 million Berries, he was immediately disappointed and said disdainfully, "That little bit of money?"

Bernard gave an awkward laugh: "There's nothing we can do. The Navy has been cracking down hard lately. Last time, we almost all got caught."

Aaron waved his hand: "Go tell your men, we're leaving for Lion Island tomorrow morning. I'm taking you guys to make money and gain fame!"

Bernard bowed and said, "Thank you, Captain!"

The next morning, Aaron, accompanied by Lark and Finbuddy, and Bernard and dozens of pirates, boarded a pirate ship at the dock.

On the mast, two underlings were hanging the new flag.

Once the flags were hung up and fluttering in the wind, Aaron felt a surge of inexplicable joy.

Aaron drew his sword and pointed it forward: "Scum! Set sail for Lion Island!"

"Oh!" The pirates cheered and scattered, pulling the mooring lines, weighing anchor, hoisting the sails, turning the rudder, and getting busy with their own tasks.

The pirate ship sailed southeast for two hours when it suddenly came into view of a body of water with many pieces of broken wood floating on the surface. A dozen sharks were swimming around, tearing at several floating corpses.

Bernard pointed to a black flag draped on a wooden plank and said, "Captain, this is the flag of the Bison Pirates. They arrived at the port with us a couple of days ago."

Aaron asked, "Do you think this was done by pirates or the Navy?"

Bernard shook his head: "Captain, I really don't know."

"Captain!" a pirate rushed over, pointing to the ship's side, "Captain, two submarines have surfaced, only a dozen meters away. Our cannons can't hit them!"

Aaron asked, "Did you see who they are?"

"No!"

Aaron narrowed his eyes and saw that there was another person on the deck.

This was a burly man in his forties, with a large beard, his hair tied in a ponytail, three-sectioned arms, and a black cloak draped over his back.

"Boss, it's the Longarm Tribe!" said Fombadi.

Hibari whispered, "It's Shuzo, the guerrilla captain of the NEO Navy. Before he left, he was an instructor in the recruit training department, a rear admiral at headquarters, and very strong."

Without warning, Shuzo had already moved, his figure swaying as he took down several pirates.

Bernard cried out anxiously, "Captain! He's killing our men!"

Aaron said calmly, "Let him kill him."

"what?"

Finbuddy yelled, "What? Aren't you going to help? Do you expect the captain to do it himself?"

"oh!"

Bernard drew his sword and charged forward.

Xiu Zuo's figure blurred: "Finger Gun!"

Bernard hadn't taken more than a few steps, and was just about to accelerate, when he was struck in the chest by Xiu Zuo's attack.

"Hmph!" Xiu Zuo sneered, slowly pulling out the finger that was stuck in Bernard's chest and flicking it.

"You're the captain? State your name!"

Aaron smiled slightly.

"My boss is Phoenix!" said Finnbjerg.