Even after hearing that Kaito had singled him out, Saint Roswald shook his head frantically, terror etched across his face.
He shouted into the phone bug, "Sengoku! Did you hear that? He's going to kill me! Send reinforcements immediately! Quickly, send someone!"
Kaito snatched the phone bug from Saint Roswald's hand, his tone indifferent. "Sengoku, do you have an opinion on how this should be resolved?"
Sengoku murmured from the device, "Let Kizaru and the others withdraw, and we'll offer satisfactory compensation."
"We're not lacking funds. I'll give you two options," Kaito said, his voice chilling to the bone. "One: hand over the scum Celestial Dragons. Two: At my discretion."
He paused, letting his words sink in. "It was I who personally struck and destroyed all your Marine branches in the New World. Do not doubt my words—I have the strength. Kizaru cannot stop me."
Kizaru's heart sank. He could only wait while his superiors deliberated. But the conditions Kaito set were ruthless, unforgiving. Celestial Dragons on one hand, years of Marine work wasted on the other—it was a true dilemma.
"I know this choice is difficult," Kaito continued, his gaze piercing. "I'll give you five minutes. If you don't answer by then, I will assume you've chosen the first option."
Sengoku remained silent.
"I'll give you an answer in five minutes," he finally said, disconnecting the phone bug.
Kaito, unhurried, glanced at the trembling Saint Roswald nearby and shook his head with mild amusement.
"Sasaki, keep track of the time. If Sengoku doesn't respond, arrest him and execute him publicly. Let everyone witness the consequences of challenging the Thunder Pirates."
"Yes, Boss Kaito!" Sasaki grinned, eyes glinting at Saint Roswald's panic. The Celestial Dragon's fear was a rare sight, and Sasaki relished it.
At the Marine Headquarters, Sengoku immediately contacted the Five Elders.
"Lord Five Elders! Sengoku here! I have an urgent matter to report," he said solemnly.
"Speak," one elder replied curtly, phone bug in hand.
Sengoku detailed everything that had transpired in the New World.
"I don't know which option to take, so I seek your guidance," he finished.
"No need to overthink. The New World's defenses were costly, but a single Saint Roswald is not worth hesitation. Choose the first option. Recall Kizaru. Publicly announce that Saint Roswald was killed by the Thunder Pirates. Advise Celestial Dragons to avoid the New World," the elder instructed.
"Understood," Sengoku said, hanging up and immediately contacting Kizaru. Kaito had given them five minutes—time enough for the Marines to adjust.
Back near the battle, Saint Roswald trembled, like a wild dog sensing fresh prey. "Sengoku! How! How could you abandon me?"
"Saint Roswald," Kizaru replied flatly, snatching the phone bug from Roswald's hands. "Return to G5 base for defense immediately."
"I understand, Marshal Sengoku," Kizaru confirmed, then vanished in a golden streak, leaving Saint Roswald fuming and helpless.
"Kizaru! How dare you leave me! And Sengoku! You! You!" Roswald screamed, eyes wild.
"Sasaki, handle it," Kaito ordered.
"Yes, Boss Kaito," Sasaki replied grimly, approaching Saint Roswald. Moments later, he returned with the Celestial Dragon's head, bloodied.
"Take it to Morgans. He knows what to do," Kaito instructed.
"Boss Kaito, aren't you returning?" Sasaki asked, puzzled.
Kaito's mind was already on larger matters. "Golden City? One of the underground world's emperors. Its master controls 20% of the Berries circulation in the entire underground world. Both Marine and underworld respect him. His influence spreads globally, even the Six Kings of the underworld are secondary to him."
"Understood," King muttered. "No wonder this one's tough to handle."
"Yes. He is close to the world's nobles. Many frequent his entertainment city. Even Boss Kaido once considered confronting him but gave up. For now, arrange things first. Everyone is busy. Once things settle, take them to enjoy themselves. Subdue him completely."
"Gold Fruit ability! With him, our pirate group has inexhaustible funds," Sasaki noted, eyes gleaming.
The crescent moon hung high, stars glittering like diamonds in the sky. Returning to their hall, Sasaki and the others found Katakuri and his men gathered, chatting and laughing. Kaito's eyes lit up. Their surrender was confirmed.
"Captain, you're back!" someone called, bowing sharply.
"Indeed," Kaito nodded, smiling. Turning to Katakuri and the others, he said, "Think carefully before deciding."
"I hope your promises are true!" Katakuri said solemnly.
"Of course! Join us. Here, we are family, and there's no deception," Kaito assured.
"Then we join!" Katakuri declared.
"Good. Let me clarify something. Many of you are married, but this pirate group values strength above all. Relationships are secondary. Charlotte Linlin's tactics do not apply here. I am the boss, I decide. Strength is the priority."
Those behind them, including married couples, looked astonished.
"Captain Kaito? Really?" one asked excitedly.
"Yes, truly. Anyone disagreeing may speak now, otherwise, I decide."
"Now!" Kaito clapped his hands, smiling. "Let us welcome the new members like Katakuri. Tonight's banquet celebrates our union. Drink well, and don't leave until you've honored it!"
"Oh!" The crowd cheered in excitement.