One Piece: A Guide for Ordinary Players

Robert understood immediately. Yes, those agents in the CP department only earn a few cents a month. Is it worth offending the Five Elders?

Stussy changed the subject: "Dr. Vegapunk is like a father to me. I owe you a huge favor for saving him."

"If you want to take back Fishman Island, it's not enough to just buy it with your status as the King of Black Gold, but adding my status as a member of CP0 should make it no problem."

"I will mediate and, once Karina buys the operating rights of Fishman Island in Dufield's name, I will find a way to get the navy to withdraw and replace them with a group of the most incompetent CP agents."

"In that case, whatever arrangements you want to make on Fishman Island, you should be able to keep them from the World Government's eyes and ears."

Robert did not refuse: "Then I'll leave it to Miss Stussy, especially Karina's safety. Please take good care of her."

Karina interrupted, "It's quite touching to show concern about safety once, but emphasizing it several times seems a bit deliberate."

Robert smiled to ease the awkwardness: "Then I'll wait for the two ladies to help me take back Fishman Island. I wish you every success."

Karina hung up the phone on her own initiative. Robert was already quite confident in her abilities, and with the addition of Stusey, a seasoned female spy, both of them were experts at using their brains to get things done, so Robert had even less to worry about.

Fishman Island is indeed very important to Robert's plan. He originally intended to wait until the world's attention was focused on Elbaf before launching a massive attack to take Fishman Island. However, now that there is an easier way, Robert is no longer in a hurry.

During the Eghad incident, Robert only mobilized Karina, Caesar Courland, and Darrow to help; the other members of the Thunder Department each had their own tasks.

So when the war ended, Robert didn't gather everyone together for a debriefing meeting. He just called the Indian and asked him to coordinate with Caesar Courland to provide logistical support for all of Punk Hazard's research projects.

With everything arranged, Robert finally had some free time, something he hadn't had in a long time.

Master once again protected Uta as they sang in the newly reclaimed territory to spread their faith, while the others in the Thunder Department also performed their respective duties.

Not only did Luffy and his crew escape from Egerhard safely, they also managed to steal the dragon that Atlas had been using as a punching bag and the ancient robot Emmet from the island.

Sailing on the Giant Warrior Pirates' ship, they will surely arrive safely at Elbaf. Moreover, thanks to Robert's intervention, even the knot containing Joy Boy's Conqueror's Haki stored in Emmett's body was preserved and not used.

Robert was really bored for a while before they arrived in Elbaf and triggered new events.

Robert was completely relaxed, both physically and mentally, but that didn't mean everyone else could feel the same way.

The World Government was the first to be affected. After emerging from the Flower Palace, Saint Garin went straight to the Five Elders' office and sat down in the seat that originally belonged to Saint Satan.

The other four Elders knew they had failed in their duties, so none of them dared to question the commander of the Knights of God who had just come out of Im's room.

Garin Sheng didn't stand on ceremony with the other four at all:

"From today onwards, I will assume the position of the God of Scientific Defense. Lord Im's first task for me is—"

"We've cracked a blueprint for the Eternal Flame Fusion Fusion Reactor, which was secretly sent by CP7 agents before Vegapunk's betrayal!"

Chapter 4 Super Cross!

The other four people present frowned, their eyes filled with a sense of seriousness.

"This is Lord Im's order. Do any of you doubt my words?"

Saint Vauchiri took the lead in stating, "We certainly believe that Saint Garin would not falsely convey Lord Im's decree, but... this Eternal Flame..."

With a solemn expression, Garin said, "That traitor Vegapunk has been researching forbidden knowledge. As all of you on the same planet know, that hundred-year history not only includes races and countries that cannot be mentioned, but also the advanced technology that country possesses."

"According to the agents who previously infiltrated Egerhard, Vegapunk has likely developed the Eternal Flame, which he calls the Mother Flame."

"Furthermore, we have confirmed that Vegapunk has been colluding with rebel forces, first the Revolutionary Army, and then the notorious pirate Robert D. Neru."

"Based on the super weapons that Robert has used several times before, we have reason to suspect that the Mother Spark that Vegapunk developed has fallen into the hands of pirates."

"During the World Conference, Robert and the Revolutionary Army wreaked havoc in Mary Geoise and loudly declared war on us. I'm afraid that the Revolutionary Army, as his ally, has also obtained this so-called Mother Spark."

"Everyone knows the power of that thing. We must develop the Eternal Flame as soon as possible, otherwise..."

Garin didn't spell it out too bluntly, but everyone understood what he meant: the Mother Spark was a powerful energy source, and Robert had clearly demonstrated that he possessed weapons that matched this level of energy.

If pirates and the Revolutionary Army were to acquire weapons capable of annihilating an island with a single shot, while the World Government lacked equivalent power, then they could expect to be overthrown.

Nasujuro, the financial god of war, nodded and said, "We can't have this kind of power that even pirates have. I'll do my best to allocate the funds needed."

Maz Saint, who had just been instantly killed by Robert, gritted his teeth and said, "Who do we need to arrest to take charge of this research?"

Garin counted on his fingers and said, "I have already chosen the specific people in charge. After Kaido was defeated, some of the Beast Pirates disappeared, but a large part of them were gathered by Queen the Plague in an attempt to make a comeback."

"I have already dispatched the Navy to wipe out the remnants of the Beasts Pirates. Queen will be captured and brought back to study the Eternal Flame for us. As for the others, they will be executed on the spot."

"Oh right, what about Germa 66? Their influence in the North Blue was squeezed out by the Donquixote Family, so they chose to join the Big Mom Pirates. Now Charlotte Linlin's fate is unknown. Let's capture Vinsmoke Judge too."

"The original MADS organization had four main leaders. Vegapunk is dead, and Caesar Clown is in the Raibu. Let the remaining two be in charge of this research."

Maz Saint nodded: "Now that Vegapunk is dead, I will send people all over the world to search for the Brain-Brain Fruit."

Garin clapped his hands and said, "Fellow Stars, you should all know how much trouble it would cause Lord Im if we, as his contractors, were to die. So I think it is necessary for me to give you all some advice."

"Don't leave Mary Geoise unless absolutely necessary."

"This is Lord Im's will."

-----------------

Since the start of the World Conference, even people in remote corners of the world have been able to sense the unpredictable and turbulent nature of the world, with a sense of impending doom.

These days, world economic news is selling out every day. Many newspaper delivery birds have to return to the printing plant to get new newspapers shortly after they fly out because the newspapers are sold out.

So many things have happened on the high seas that it's almost overwhelming.

Since Whitebeard died in Marineford two years ago, one of the Four Emperors' positions has been vacant, since the Whitebeard Pirates without Whitebeard are no longer worthy of the Four Emperors' position.

Two years later, the Whitebeard Pirates had just chosen a successor and were showing signs of returning to the throne of the Four Emperors when, unexpectedly, two kings, Kaido and Charlotte Linlin, fell one after another.

Two years ago, the Four Emperors became the Three Emperors. Now that Robert has just filled the position, two seats have become vacant, resulting in a situation where two emperors stand side by side.

In times like these, the World Government is the most anxious. When the Four Emperors gather, they will check and balance each other, and none of them can become too powerful.

However, if there is only one dominant pirate crew left at sea, like Rocks back in the day, then they would truly have the strength to challenge the World Government.

Therefore, it took Robert two full years to ascend to the throne of the Four Emperors, while only a few days after Kaido and Charlotte Linlin were defeated, the Navy was in a hurry to put two other pirate crews on the throne of the Four Emperors in order to counterbalance the Raibu and the Red-Haired Pirates.

The first to be hit was the Cross Guild, composed of several former Shichibukai!

When people saw the list of members of this newly formed pirate crew in the newspaper, everyone was shocked, because this team did not even need the Navy's recognition; their strength alone was enough to qualify them for the position of one of the Four Emperors.

The Cross Society originated from Bucky Express, so the first one on the list is the Ugly Emperor - Thousand-Tails Dao Transformation Bucky!

Over the years, Buggy the Clown has accomplished quite a few major feats in the name of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. First, he gained global fame through his mercenary business, then he boldly confronted Robert and seized Dressrosa, a territory that everyone envies, from him. Now, he has taken advantage of the Big Mom Pirates' expedition to occupy Whole Cake Island.

Furthermore, given that he and Shanks were both members of Roger's pirate crew, his ascension to the position of Yonko is truly well-deserved!

Following closely behind is the strongest fighter among the former Seven Warlords of the Sea—Hawkeye Dracule Mihawk!

This world's number one swordsman has a record of fighting Shanks, one of the Four Emperors, for many days without a clear winner. With him in charge of the Cross Guild, this newly formed team instantly gained the fighting power of a Four Emperor.

Next up is Crocodile, the undisputed master strategist of the high seas!

This Logia-type Devil Fruit user is not only extremely powerful in combat, but also recognized as being among the top tier in terms of intelligence and ability to manage large organizations at sea.

Fourth on the list is Boa Hancock, the current Empress of Amazon Lily!

It is said that in order to invite the world's most beautiful woman to join their crew, the Blackbeard Pirates and the Cross Society fought a great battle on Amazon Lily. No one knows the final outcome, but now that the Empress has appeared on the Cross Society's list, it is likely that Blackbeard lost that battle.

Although the Empress's joining the Crusaders did not implicate Amazon Lily, no one is naive enough to believe that Amazon Lily is truly unrelated to the Crusaders!

At the very end of the list of key personnel, there was one more person: the master of the terrifying 3D sailboat—Moonlight Moria!

This powerful figure, who was removed from the Seven Warlords of the Sea for unknown reasons two years ago, has not shown his face for a long time. Unexpectedly, he has returned two years later and joined this super pirate force composed entirely of former Seven Warlords of the Sea!

Five top-tier fighters lost their legal right to plunder due to the resolution passed at the World Conference to abolish the Seven Warlords of the Sea policy. They formed the Cross Guild with the ultimate goal of retaliating against the World Government for betraying them!

So the most magical scene in the world happened: the Cross Guild, which is hated by everyone, actually rebelled against the Heavenly Gang!

They're issuing arrest warrants for the Navy!

Chapter 5 The Four Emperors' Situation is Settled

The Crusades set up a bounty for the navy from top to bottom, promising that as long as someone could bring them their head and claim the reward, the Crusades would never investigate the specific cause of death, would only pay the full reward, and would include the person who claimed the reward in the team.

In light of their blatant provocation, the Navy immediately issued a statement declaring the Crusaders' threat level to be the highest!

Once this threat level is set to the highest level, it basically means that the Navy acknowledges this group as being at the level of one of the Four Emperors.

The whole world was stunned by this incredibly fast pace. Never before in history had a group risen to the highest position among pirates so soon after its formation.

Even Robert's so-called Thunder Department was actually evolved from the Whitebeard Pirates. Before he announced the establishment of the Thunder Department, he was already only one step away from becoming one of the Four Emperors.

The World Government and the Navy seem to have given up entirely. Since they've already acknowledged another Yonko crew, they might as well recognize the last Yonko crew as well.

Two years ago, Straw Hat Luffy participated in the Enies Lobby invasion, the Impel Down prison break, and the Whitebeard Pirates' invasion of Marineford. After setting sail again, he has committed a series of major crimes!

First, they sheltered 100,000 rebels from the Ryugu Kingdom who were plotting a rebellion, forming the so-called Straw Hat Grand Fleet.

After arriving in the New World, he led his fleet to raid Whole Cake Island, the stronghold of the Big Mom Pirates, and later defeated Kaido, one of the Four Emperors, at Onigashima, the stronghold of the Beasts Pirates!

Riding on the immense power of defeating two Yonko, Kaido and Charlotte Linlin, Straw Hat Luffy brazenly colluded with Robert to invade the World Government's top-secret research base, resulting in the deaths of nearly a thousand scientists on the island and the complete destruction of research facilities!

Based on all the above-mentioned crimes, the World Government has determined that the Straw Hat Pirates pose the highest level of threat!

The final choice for the Four Emperors has been made!

Upon seeing this news, Kid nearly ground his teeth to powder, his mind filled with the words Robert had spoken to him before they left Wano Country.

Robert once told him that Buggy would become the next Yonko, and if he didn't work hard, Luffy would be the first to seize the last Yonko spot!

At the time, Kidd didn't believe a word of it. He looked down on Bucky and thought he was just a charlatan. He wouldn't be surprised if a dog became one of the Four Emperors, but Bucky was definitely not going to be one.

As for Luffy, they defeated Kaido and Charlotte Linlin together. Although Luffy did contribute the most and deserves the most credit, the Navy's bounty posters seemed to treat them all equally, setting them all at around 30 billion.

Since the Navy has put them on the same starting line, Kid believes he has no reason to lose to Luffy, since he was the first to choose the path to the end of the Grand Line!

Unexpectedly, only a few days have passed, and Luffy and Robert have accomplished such a great feat, robbing Eghardt, a place they had never even heard of, and leaping to the throne of one of the Four Emperors!

Kidd's chest heaved with anger, and his good friend Kira couldn't help but step forward and say, "Don't be discouraged, Kidd. As long as we find the last Road Poneglyph first, we will be the ultimate winners."

"What are the Four Emperors? Once we get the One Piece, we'll be the Pirate Kings!"

Kidd gritted his teeth and said, "I'm definitely going to become the Pirate King, but I'll also fight for the title of one of the Four Emperors!"

Kira smiled wryly and said, "Don't act rashly. The Four Emperors' positions are already taken, so there's no point in fighting for them anymore."

Kidd ignored Killer's advice: "Robert is too involved with us. I won't compete with him. Luffy saved us once in Wano Country, so we can't attack him either."

"That Cross Society has taken over the world of Tales of the Universe. We can't just turn around and go back to the entrance to the New World to fight them."

"That leaves only one target to choose from!"