Damn it—this kid's Conqueror's Haki has become even more overbearing. Without an absolutely firm will, it's impossible to stay conscious in front of him. Cold sweat rolled down Sengoku's forehead.
This time, to escort the Five Elders to Sabaody Archipelago, the Navy had deliberately selected elite forces.
Moreover, when he arranged the encirclement and security around this villa, Sengoku had made special selections. Every single Marine stationed here was at least a commissioned officer, lieutenant and above, with many even holding the rank of lieutenant commander.
Yet even so, there were still very few who could withstand Rosinante's Conqueror's Haki.
"Brat, don't just casually release your Haki and knock so many people unconscious. Do you expect this old man to take care of them?" Kong said coldly.
"Let them lie there for a while. This place is perfectly safe anyway—unless the talks break down and we start fighting," Rosinante said calmly as he sheathed his long sword. Still, he was polite enough to withdraw his Conqueror's Haki.
"From now on, no one will doubt your strength. You truly can't be underestimated, brat. To possess such power at your age—even I have never seen anything like it. You were worth this trip. However, even so, we cannot allow you to plunder the wealth of the entire world," the kimono-clad Five Elder with the sword said.
"Don't put it like that. This isn't just my affair. You're beneficiaries as well. As beneficiaries, is it really appropriate for you to say that? Besides, isn't the reason Nightless City achieved such results precisely because the World Government you rule cannot provide people with a sense of security? That's why a city protected by the Four Emperors is so highly sought after," Rosinante said mockingly.
"The World Government indeed has many shortcomings. But the root cause lies in the rampant lawlessness of pirates—and that includes you and the other Four Emperor crews. You are the true culprits. Don't put the cart before the horse, Rosinante," the long-haired, long-bearded Five Elder said.
"The truth of the matter—everyone knows it in their hearts. In my view, you should be grateful that there are so many pirates on the seas. They're the ones who saved the World Government. Otherwise, a government this rotten would have been overthrown long ago," Rosinante replied calmly.
"Rosinante, it's not your place to point fingers at the World Government," the sword-bearing Five Elder said.
"Heh, I'm just kindly reminding you, that's all. Please, there's no reason to keep our guests standing at the door. I've prepared some excellent tea for you," Rosinante said with a courteous gesture.
The two Five Elders exchanged a glance, then slowly followed Rosinante inside. Kong and the others entered as well.
Under Rosinante's guidance, everyone arrived at the villa's main living room.
The moment they stepped inside, whether it was Fleet Admiral Kong, Admiral Sengoku, or the two Five Elders, their expressions all grew heavy.
Seated calmly in the living room were three figures.
Whitebeard Edward Newgate, Big Mom Charlotte Linlin, and Kaido of the Beasts—three Emperors whose names alone struck fear into the seas—were sitting there with complete composure.
When the Five Elders, Kong, and Sengoku entered, none of them stood up. Each merely displayed their own distinctive smiles—calm smiles, feral grins, smiles filled with ill intent.
"This truly is an honor, to encounter the great Emperors of the sea here—especially you, Edward Newgate, the world's strongest man. It is a privilege to meet you. Your strength has always been something we pay close attention to," the long-haired, long-bearded Five Elder said.
His tone and manner were refined and gentlemanly, yet his words carried a clear attempt at sowing discord—deliberately elevating Whitebeard to drive a wedge between the other two Emperors.
"Gurararara, the Five Elders are the rare sight here. I never imagined that pirates like us would meet the Five Elders under such circumstances. I always thought it'd be a fight to the death the moment we met," Whitebeard replied.
Whitebeard showed no weakness either, bluntly pointing out the reality of pirates versus the World Government.
"Mamamamama, who would've thought there'd come a day when pirates, the Navy, and the World Government would sit down for negotiations?" Big Mom laughed.
As the ruler of a nation, even if her intellect wasn't exceptional, she still possessed a certain level of political instinct.
"Actually, there's nothing surprising about it. With your strength and influence, you can no longer be treated as ordinary pirates," the long-haired, long-bearded Five Elder said.
"Then let's begin. Though this place is a bit cramped. The guards should withdraw outside. Joker, help me see them off," Rosinante said.
"Heh heh heh, this way please, everyone," Doflamingo said, making an inviting gesture.
"Sengoku, Garp, and Tsuru stay," Kong said calmly.
At Kong's words, the Five Elders nodded in agreement.
With Kong, Sengoku, and Garp present alongside the two Five Elders, the World Government's side possessed enough strength to suppress Rosinante and the others.
And negotiations weren't decided by brute force alone—Tsuru needed to remain.
With the Five Elders' approval, the others gradually withdrew.
Sakazuki clenched his fists, his face dark, but in the end, he still left the living room.
Soon, the Five Elders and the rest took their seats, and the atmosphere within the small living room grew heavy and oppressive.
Sengoku's mood was equally grave.
Within this small living room was gathered the highest authority of pirates, the Navy, and even the World Government itself.
"Then… let us begin."