When Crocodile spoke, his tone had clearly shifted.
At this point, even he could not comprehend the sheer power behind Don's strike.
The Red Line.
Since it's called a continent, its width is unimaginably vast.
Yet now, a massive, perfectly straight canyon cut right through it.
"People can actually pass through it now?"
Don was genuinely surprised.
According to his own expectations, that slash should have melted part of the Red Line, and the liquefied material should've collected at the bottom of the gorge.
And besides—his attack had been aimed upward.
He hadn't directed much of the force downward toward the sea.
Even if the Red Line was split open, the bottom of the gorge should still be far above sea level.
For strong fighters, climbing that height was nothing.
But ships? That was another question entirely.
Curious, he asked directly.
"That part…"
Crocodile's tone grew strange.
"You're not wrong, President. The gorge is high. But the aftershock of your slash left countless hairline cracks all across the Red Line. Tiny to the continent—but more than wide enough for ships to pass."
"If that's the case, the cracks must be completely random."
Don rubbed his chin.
"People have already tested them. Someone successfully crossed and came back. There aren't just one or two routes—there are many."
Crocodile paused, then added:
"And there's one more thing you might find… interesting."
"Now you're learning to keep me in suspense?" Don replied dryly.
"That huge canyon I mentioned—before the Marines could send warships to blockade it, the pirates who had gathered at Sabaody clashed with them. Of course, the scale wasn't quite as big as when you take action."
"The Marines retreated?"
That surprised Don.
The newspapers said nothing about this.
"Yes. Both sides took losses. Kizaru and Akainu stepped in to push the pirates back. But a few monsters among the pirates rallied the rest and are preparing a second assault.
The Marines probably evaluated their losses and chose not to continue the blockade."
There was clear schadenfreude in Crocodile's voice.
"I see."
Don nodded.
His earlier actions weren't small.
The blow dealt to the World Government and the Marines must have been enormous.
The Marines might not care about losing soldiers…
But their invincible image had been shattered.
That was the real damage.
With the blockade gone, pirates would only become more rampant.
Don didn't hang up. He considered the situation.
He hated the World Government
and the Marines weren't much better.
But he had to admit:
For the average person, the Marines keeping pirates in check was a good thing.
If that's the case…
"Crocodile."
Don suddenly spoke.
"President!"
Crocodile answered immediately.
"Contact Morgans. Spread the news that the Hunter Association is now recruiting Pirate Hunters. Not just in Paradise—the Association will open branches in all four seas.
Anyone who joins can exchange pirate-hunting achievements for rewards.
Swordsmanship training, Haki training methods… even Devil Fruits.
But you'll prepare the logistics for those yourself."
"Understood!"
It was a difficult undertaking
but this was exactly why Don hired Crocodile.
With Don as President, the Hunter Association was now the center of the world's attention.
And where there is attention, there is profit.
The rewards Don listed were nothing compared to the enormous interests their organization now controlled.
"Handle it quickly. And when speaking to the outside world—tell them I'm a Pirate Hunter."
"…Understood."
Crocodile felt a chill.
That tone carried killing intent.
The call ended.
Don set the Den Den Mushi down, his expression firm.
At his level, every action carried massive consequences.
He had enjoyed unleashing himself…
but the aftermath was messy.
He had to take responsibility for what he'd done.
Having made up his mind, his gaze softened.
He picked up the transponder snail again.
"Robin and Isshō should be leaving Fish-Man Island by now."
He called Robin.
The snail rang for a while.
"Don?"
"Yeah, it's me."
"That's wonderful—you're safe!"
Her relief was obvious.
Don chuckled.
"You have so little faith in your President? It's just the Marines and the World Government. Nothing but minor obstacles for me."
"Trust is trust, and worry is worry. So—where are you now?"
"Punk Hazard."
"Huh? That's not on any normal route."
"I know. When a News Coo arrives, let it guide you. Those birds are the true living maps."
"Understood."
She nodded.
"Come quickly. I'll be waiting for you—both of you."
"Hahaha, President still remembers an old man like me."
Isshō's voice entered with a light laugh.
"Of course, Isshō-san. But be prepared—we'll be getting much busier. I'll be going harder on pirates from now on."
The two on the other end fell silent briefly.
They understood the meaning behind his words.
This world was not black and white.
Even though it was fantasy, it felt like a real world.
Don had been influenced by it.
Changed by it.
"Then it suits this old man perfectly."
Isshō's solemn voice returned.
"We'll hurry."
"So will I," Robin added.
"I'll be waiting."
Don hung up, leaning back slightly as a glint flashed in his eyes.
While he handled his affairs
Caesar trembled elsewhere.
A terrifying figure had descended upon him…
END OF CHAPTER
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