Magnus had expected the World Government to one day stir a storm in Wano. What he had not expected was that the storm would begin elsewhere.
"Eleven member nations have jointly petitioned to withdraw from the World Government. They seek our protection. In exchange, they offer yearly tribute—half the value of their Heavenly Tribute—as a protection fee."
Even Magnus was stunned.
The Heavenly Tribute was no small sum for any nation. Even halved, it still meant at least five hundred million berries annually. Two nations together could already match the bounty on his head. Eleven nations promising yearly payments? A fortune beyond measure.
And the reason was simple. They could no longer pay the Tribute.
For the White Wolves, five hundred million was a windfall. For the member nations, it was an unbearable weight.
Small states bled themselves dry. Like Sphinx—its agreement had been ten billion berries per year. Impossible. Magnus had never paid it, and had already broken with the Government. Most countries turned to sending goods instead: animals, plants, women, slaves. A slow death, disguised as loyalty.
Magnus gathered his crew. This was too important. He wanted their voices heard, to shape them into more than pawns.
Ripley's eyes shone. "Of course we accept! This is billions—steady, every year!"
Newgate scowled. "It's too risky. The Marines could strike these nations at once, and we'll be left scrambling. Why risk our necks for money?"
Magnus turned to the newer recruits. "Don't belittle yourselves. You're not green anymore. Six months of battle has sharpened you. Even in the New World, you'd stand tall."
Shiki laughed. "Accept them! If we turn away allies who beg to join us, then what's the White Wolves worth?"
Newgate snapped his name. Magnus only chuckled. Both were right, in their own ways.
Then Zefa spoke, quietly. "Why would nations choose us? Why leave the Government?"
He was still a Marine at heart, even after a year with no contact. To him, the World Government and Marines were justice. How could nations turn to pirates?
Tsuru answered, voice cold. "Because of the slaves."
The White Wolves had freed fifty thousand on Sabaody and in Mariejois. Many left to return home, carrying truth with them. Among them had been missing princesses and queens. The scandal burned hotter than fire. How had royal daughters become slaves of the Celestial Dragons?
Now, with Magnus defying the Government openly, that truth had found its moment.
Tsuru's words shook Zefa. He thought of Marines who died for civilians, of comrades who stood for justice. Could pirates really do better? His heart twisted with doubt.
Magnus asked her directly, "And you, Tsuru? What do you say?"
She knew he had already decided. To reject these nations would be cowardice. But she still warned, "If we take them, we will face retaliation. Not maybe. Certainly."
Magnus nodded, pleased. "Exactly. They're all in the New World. Within reach. With our strength, we can shield them."
He had deeper plans. Tribute money would fund his "new navy" under Rona's command. And with the fishmen of Fishman Street… soldiers born of the sea, ten times stronger than humans, perfect for naval cavalry. Thousands of them could strike across the New World in days.
Strength decides wars. Top fighters tilt battles, yes—but there were only so many Admirals in the world. With elites locked in stalemate, the outcome would fall to soldiers. And Magnus meant to have the best.
He looked at Newgate. "What's wrong? Afraid?"
Newgate's face burned red. "I'm not afraid!"
"Good. Then we fight. Caution won't make us stronger. We take their challenge. We win."
Ripley, Tsuru, Stussy, Toki—all in quiet agreement. Stussy thought only of her comforts, Toki believed Magnus's will was destiny.
So it was decided. The next day, Magnus announced their departure.
Shogun Sukiyaki wept with relief. He had feared they would never leave. Yet in truth, they had harmed nothing. They fought samurai, then trained. No plunder, no oppression. Wano's peace had even improved. Still, his pride smoldered. Magnus treated his refusal to open the nation as nothing. Not rejection, not anger—simply indifference.
To Sukiyaki, it felt like being ignored by a man too high to notice him. It stung worse than defeat.
Magnus had no time for sulking shoguns. Eleven nations clamored to pay him. Why waste effort on Wano? Real wealth came from tribute.
Meanwhile, atop the Red Line, Mariejois still lay scarred from his invasion. The Celestial Dragons lived duller lives without their countless slaves.
From the Empty Throne, a cold voice fell. Five elders bowed, kneeling.
"The situation is known," they intoned.
"Then you know—this is betrayal. To pay pirates is to spit on us."
"Traitors deserve no mercy!"
"Should we unleash a Buster Call?"
"No. Too obvious."
"Then send the Seven Warlords. Let them slaughter these nations as their pledge of loyalty."
"And the White Wolf, Magnus?"
"Unknown. One of his crew was spotted in Magra Kingdom. CP0's Grindelwald pursues him."
"If he is caught, perhaps the rest will be drawn out."
The elders muttered, unafraid. Magnus's raid had been a fluke, they told themselves. They had been distracted at the World Summit. Next time would be different.
The figure upon the throne spoke, voice sharp as winter.
"I will send the Holy Knights. The number of member nations must not dwindle further."
"Yes, my lord!"
They did not see the shadow's eyes narrow, dark with hate.
"White Wolf Magnus…"
(End of Chapter)
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