What Sage did was intolerable in the eyes of the World Government—killing kings, killing the Heavenly Celestial Dragons, robbing without any scruples. Even now, with territory, he's forcing the kings of allied nations to compromise.
But in the eyes of the Five Elders, he is a part of world balance.
No matter what he does, as long as he doesn't shake the foundation, no one really cares. Not to mention he's unified the first half of the New World in plain sight now. Even if he becomes the only Sea Emperor in the New World, so what?
The Vinsmoke Clan had conquered the North Sea long ago.
Ultimately, it's part of history and doesn't disrupt stability.
Of course, it's also because Sage is strong enough that dealing with him would require an unbearable cost, which is why it's been dragged out until now.
However, if he's really seeking death, it's not impossible to bear some cost.
Even if it means they'd all have to descend to the ground for a very unseemly battle.
"Buster Call?"
Vegapunk suddenly spoke: "Do you intend to destroy this island?! Saturn, this is the crystallization of technology! Destroying it would set world technology back at least a hundred years!"
"We're not interested in progress, Vegapunk. We're only interested in balance and stability."
Saturn looked at Vegapunk, "I'm a scientist too, whether there's progress or not makes no difference to people on the sea."
"Hahaha, just as I expected, you're that kind of people."
Sage laughed heartily, "Hey! Old man, the World Government won't use you, but I can. I don't need you to make any powerful weapons. If you can improve people's lives, O'hara is at your disposal!"
"To me, those are the steps to elevate my desires! Come with me, and I'll take you back to O'hara! It's just an island, and when you're with me, I'll let you use my Royal City!"
"O'hara... the World Desire City?"
Hearing this, Vegapunk actually seriously began to ponder.
He is an extremely intelligent man. Although somewhat emotional, he is also rational, so he isn't too hesitant.
Since Egghead can't be saved, and the World Government is determined to eliminate him, changing location isn't out of the question either.
The Disaster Pirates are powerful enough to allow him to conduct research peacefully, but...
"If that's the case, a lot of people will die."
Vegapunk pursed his lips and shook his head, saying: "If lives on the sea are lost just because of my personal reasons, that would be too..."
"Don't be naive!"
Sage interrupted his speech with a shout, and from his aerial position, he pointed at Saturn with a vicious grin:
"When isn't death happening on the sea? What can you do? Do you think your death will let people on the sea live? You're not qualified! Look at them, look at these people. Just like us, for the sake of ruling, they can easily destroy an island, satisfying the whims of the Heavenly Celestial Dragons while expanding the World Government's sphere can create countless 'Divine Valleys.' Whether you live or die, the sea is filled with death!"
"So, why not make use of your strengths and leave something for the world?"
Sage raised his thumb, pointing at himself, "Like me, everyone knows the lifespan of normal humans is about a century, those who are formidable may live a century more, but in the end, they'll die. But before I die, I can leave my mark on this world according to my will! That won't be erased; my spirit will continue to exist in the hearts of everyone within my territory!"
"In a certain sense..."
Sage looked at Saturn, "I can live longer than you!"
Willpower can be passed down, more enticing than the inheritance of lifespan.
What Sage is doing now, isn't that also a kind of will being transmitted?
Liberation?
Exploitation?
He's not very interested in these topics he uses, but merely ensuring a stable and lasting win-win result while maximizing his own interests.
A win-win that can be passed down the ages!
"Is that so..."
Vegapunk was taken aback for a moment, then shook his head and smiled faintly.
He had studied the Disaster, or rather, the Sea Emperors.
In addition to delving into history and the inevitability of the Pirates' emergence, it was also to understand what exactly these Great Pirates want.
Including Roger.
That Pirate King wanted the simplest adventure. With his ability to 'Listen to the Voice of All Things,' he left the key to revealing the world at his life's end.
Rocks wanted world domination.
Afterwards, Whitebeard was a more straightforward pirate, due to his youthful experiences, he simply wanted a safe, fulfilling, loving, and safe paradise where his family wouldn't be bullied.
Big Mom wanted to create a multiracial republic, a nation where people could sit at the same table and eat equally.
Kaido was dissatisfied with the aristocratic sanctity by birthright, wanting to overthrow the nobility through force and war, and re-establish status through battles.
As for Red Hair... seems more like a mission of some sort.
Marshall D. Teach inherited Rocks' ambition; the current Cross Guild is gathered for a common goal.
As for the Disaster...
Everything he's done in O'hara is actually praiseworthy; despite being merely a Pirate, the nation he created let people live and work in peace and inspired great vitality on the sea.
Irrespective of technology, only focusing on the people's hearts.
Needless to say, those who work under him know that their work must be compensated fairly, they should have vacations, and enjoy life.
Those conducting business under his jurisdiction also know to pay taxes honestly, and responsibly treat those who generate profit for him!
Even if Sage dies an untimely death someday, eventually, someone with the same willpower and decent strength will stand up and create another Disaster Pirates, and another O'hara!
He indeed left the world with something different...
Such a transparent Pirate could only come from the Scholars' Island.
"Sigh..."
Vegapunk sighed, making up his mind, and tapped the apple cover on his head, "Originally, I thought once I died, this matter could be made public. I feel the world needs the truth. I want them to know everything. Now, whether I live or die, it doesn't matter. Egghead can't be preserved."
The tap seemed to activate a switch, causing a huge screen apparition above the clouds to display a recording.
"Hello everyone."
In the recording, Vegapunk greeted with a smile, "Anyway, if this video comes out, either I'm dead or something else has happened, resulting not being good. I'm Vegapunk, a scientist, and I'm here to introduce you all to the world we currently live in and the history of the sea..."
"This video will be broadcasted via the naval bases around the world. Those with Radio Snails can watch the visual broadcast, and those without, can just listen to the broadcast."
"Vegapunk!"
Saturn shouted loudly: "What do you intend to do!"
"Just want to let the people know the truth; you don't have to fear it. I do not intend to deny your legitimacy. In fact, orderly systems like yours shouldn't fear this at all. The World Government has contributed to the sea. To me, justice and evil are not important; what's important is the truth..."
Following Vegapunk's words, the recording visibly accelerated.
Perhaps because he was still alive, some buildup was unnecessary, directly moving forward to the narratives.
"Firstly, I don't believe there is anyone on the sea to be called 'good' or 'evil,' because it has no meaning. Everybody has stances, and each individual has a personal goal deemed just, so it's not about good or evil, perhaps everyone has their own reasons."
"What I want to say is... here's the conclusion, this world is going to submerge into the sea!"
"Vegapunk!!"
Saturn's eyes widened, black smoke spread all around him, and near him, four identical enormous black pentagrams also materialized, condensed large black shadows within.
"Oh?"
Sage stepped on a black cloud beneath him, watching the gradually appearing figures with interest, and said: "All five of the same... you Five Elders have come out."