Finding capable subordinates, then becoming a hands-off boss, really did feel wonderful.
Thinking of the stunned expressions Crocodile and Reiju had worn, Cyrus's face revealed a faint smile.
After handing the matter over, Cyrus naturally became very relaxed.
After all, he had brought them in to work for him.
Cyrus felt no burden at all.
He left Hunter Guild Headquarters directly.
As for what would happen after he went to Mary Geoise next, even Cyrus himself could not predict it.
Although, according to his thoughts, a massive conflict should not break out at this time.
After all, his side was not ready yet.
But sometimes plans could not keep up with changes. If he truly had no choice but to act when the time came, he would not show mercy.
Perhaps, at that time, it would become the true beginning of an all-out war.
…
Sabaody Archipelago was still the same as ever.
Aside from the areas that had vanished, the other regions had returned to their former appearance.
The only difference was that the lawless area of Sabaody Archipelago had now become a region controlled by the Hunter Guild.
It seemed the Marines and the World Government had tacitly accepted this situation as well.
Even so, pirates could still be seen landing in various areas.
This was true even in the region controlled by the Hunter Guild.
"A temporary compromise, then."
With only a slight sweep of his Observation Haki, Cyrus understood why Crocodile had done this.
Any pirate capable of reaching Sabaody Archipelago had at least some ability.
Completely blocking them off was impossible.
After all, as the only normal entrance into the New World, the vast majority of pirates who wanted to reach the New World had to pass through this place.
Of course, there might also be some pirates who would try to storm the Red Line and enter the New World through Mary Geoise.
But the chance of success was far too slim.
Or rather, Crocodile had turned this place into a location where all sides could coexist peacefully.
Pirates and Pirate Hunters both needed supplies, and this was the best place for that.
"Hm?"
As Cyrus was thinking about this place's special situation, his Observation Haki suddenly spotted a familiar face.
"This guy entered the Grand Line this early?"
Cyrus was somewhat surprised.
The former Fire Tank Pirates.
The group led by Capone Bege from the West Blue.
However, the bodies and clothing of these people all bore the mark of a rose and flame.
That represented their membership in the Hunter Guild.
"This guy…"
Cyrus smiled, then stepped toward the tavern where Capone Bege and his group were.
If one asked who had the greatest fame on the sea right now, Cyrus was absolutely one of the strongest contenders.
There were very few people who could compete with Cyrus in that regard.
Although Cyrus's photo had been published several times in the World Economy News Paper, those who had truly seen Cyrus in person still could not immediately recognize him.
"This place should have originally been Area 3."
Area 3 had been affected not long ago during Cyrus's clash with the Marine Admirals, and more than half of it had sunk into the sea.
However, the remaining region had not been wasted.
The various buildings that had been destroyed last time had already been repaired.
As places people of the sea were bound to visit, taverns were naturally among the first to be rebuilt, and business was quite good.
Of course, the Hunter Guild mark hanging outside the tavern was probably also one of the reasons it could establish itself here.
Inside the tavern.
"Godfather, are we really going into the New World? The situation there isn't very good right now."
Capone Bege's subordinate, the negotiator and gunman Vito, spoke.
Capone Bege, who was drinking heavily and eating meat, raised his head when he heard this.
"Since we've gone out to sea, naturally we should see the scenery of the New World. There are quite a few pirates in Paradise, but compared with the New World, they seem somewhat lacking."
Around several nearby tables in the tavern sat people with unfamiliar faces.
However, the malice on them and their strange appearances had already proven their identities.
Pirates.
And every one of them had a rather strong aura.
Of course, these people were paying attention to Capone Bege, and Capone Bege was also paying attention to them.
Compared with the original story, Capone Bege's group was much stronger now.
After all, Amazon Lily had indeed sent people to join the Guild.
They personally guided those within the Guild who had contributed enough in cultivating Haki, and there were also certain master swordsmen who taught swordsmanship and the like.
In Capone Bege's eyes, these pirates were walking contribution points.
Unfortunately, he could not make a move here. He could only wait until these pirates left Sabaody Archipelago before acting.
At the tavern entrance, a figure walked in slowly with an extremely relaxed bearing.
That figure attracted quite a bit of attention. Many people even had some confusion in their eyes, because after seeing Cyrus, they felt he looked somewhat familiar.
But Capone Bege, who had a cigar between his teeth, turned his head and froze when he saw Cyrus. Then he abruptly stood up.
His sudden movement overturned the table in front of him.
The wine bottles and roasted meat on the table fell onto the floor with a loud crash.
As if that sound were a signal, everyone instinctively stood and assumed guarded stances.
Were these people about to make a move?
That was what the pirates in the tavern thought.
"Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be in Totto Land?"
Capone Bege slowly spoke, his voice dry as he asked the question.
Even with his steel will, he was trembling somewhat at this moment.
Cyrus's sudden appearance was something Capone Bege had never imagined.
After all, in his view, someone of Cyrus's status had countless matters to handle every day. There was no way he would have time to come here for a drink.
"Chair… Chairman?"
The others did not recognize him, but as a member of the Hunter Guild, the tavern owner recognized Cyrus.
Nothing else needed to be said. Many people had joined the Guild precisely because of Cyrus.
But the moment the tavern owner spoke, the entire tavern instantly became so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.
Chairman?
"Flame Demon Cyrus?"
One pirate spoke with his eyes wide, almost bulging out of their sockets, which was enough to show the shock in his heart.
Only then did the others react, and they fell into shock as well.
After sweeping his gaze around, Cyrus sat down on the other side of Capone Bege's table.
"Don't be nervous. Sit. I'm only stopping by briefly. I'll be leaving soon."
Cyrus smiled as he spoke.
"It's hard not to be nervous."
Capone Bege bit down on his cigar, his tone serious.
"You're the godfather of the West Blue underworld."
"Godfather of the underworld? Compared with your identity, that means nothing."
Capone Bege immediately shook his head.
"That's true."
Hearing this, Cyrus nodded as though it were only natural.
"That is simply the truth. Besides, I never expected that after our meeting back then, your strength and fame would grow so quickly."
Capone Bege stared at Cyrus, his heart filled with emotion and shock.
After not seeing Cyrus again following the West Blue, Capone Bege had even felt that the things Cyrus had done seemed somewhat unreal.
But now that he was seeing Cyrus with his own eyes, that faint yet enormous pressure made his scalp go numb.
Just standing in front of Cyrus made a person subconsciously minimize every movement. Even their breathing would be instinctively held back.
This was the oppressive presence of Cyrus's own strength.
"Although not much time has passed, a few things did happen, and my strength also grew a little."
As Cyrus spoke, he turned his head and looked toward the surrounding pirates.
At this moment, those pirates were all frozen like wooden chickens, not daring to move.
"Speaking of which, I still owe you a promise."
Cyrus looked at Capone Bege and spoke, taking the initiative to mention the promise from back then.
"Finding Robin was truly a simple matter for me. There's no need for that promise."
If Cyrus had been weak, Capone Bege would naturally have kept that promise in mind.
But Cyrus's promise?
Anyone could imagine how much value it held.
That investment back then had truly produced an unbelievable return.
However, Capone Bege, who knew how to handle people, directly declared the promise void.
"There's no need for that. To me, it's all a small matter."
Cyrus waved his hand.
"I really don't have any other thoughts right now."
Capone Bege thought for a moment.
Considering there were still many pirates around them, even if he did have ideas, he could not possibly say them now.
"Fine. Then I'll remember it for now."
"Speaking of which, you and your subordinates all joined the Hunter Guild? I thought that with your style, you would take control of one of the branches."
Cyrus smiled as he spoke.
"I considered it, but in the end, I still decided to go into the New World and make a name for myself. Otherwise, I'd definitely regret it later."
Capone Bege explained.
"The New World isn't easy to make a name in. Especially for people like you."