Chapter 75: Response from all Sides
As the world buzzed with the aftershock of Dave's defiance, major players across the seas were beginning to stir. On the Grand Line, Whitebeard himself watched as his men discussed the news, their admiration for Dave's audacity obvious. Even the old man himself couldn't help but crack a grin at the thought of someone finally rattling the arrogant Celestial Dragons. He was all too familiar with the suffocating grip they held over the world and knew well the hatred people harbored against them.
On the Revolutionary Army's side, Dragon sat in contemplation. He'd seen many attempts to challenge the World Government, but this was different. Dave hadn't just fought Marines; he had humiliated the Celestial Dragons, challenging the legitimacy of their so-called "divine" status before the entire world. To Dragon, Dave's actions represented more than just a pirate's defiance; they were a spark, a beacon that could rally more people under the revolutionary cause. He looked at the map spread across his desk, a subtle smile forming as he considered what Dave's actions meant for his own mission to dismantle the World Government.
Even the Gorosei, the ruling council of the World Government, had been forced into intense deliberation. For centuries, they'd dealt with insurrections and rebellions, but none had struck at the heart of their power like this. To see the symbol of the World Government—the untouchable Celestial Dragons—brought so low was an insult that couldn't be ignored. In a rare show of urgency, the Gorosei summoned their forces, knowing that the people's perception of the Celestial Dragons' invincibility was beginning to erode. They could feel the pulse of defiance spreading, and they would not allow it to continue unchecked. Orders were given to the Marines to intensify their hold on key regions and crush any trace of pirate sympathies.
The atmosphere within Mary Geoise's grand council chamber was tense, the air thick with fury as Saint Marcus Mars clenched the newspaper tightly in his gloved hand. His gaze was as sharp as daggers, seething at the bold image on the front page. "We need to deal with Morgans immediately," he hissed, his voice low and venomous. "It was bad enough that we were humiliated, but now the entire world knows the Celestial Dragons were disgraced."
Saint Jargacis Staun, standing nearby, nodded, his face flushed with indignation. "This outrage has to be silenced," he added, his tone barely masking his rage. "The Hellprince Pirate has struck not just at us, but at the very idea of our divinity."
Seated across the chamber, the Five Elders—the highest council of the World Government—watched with grim expressions. They each held copies of the offending newspaper, and the crackling tension suggested that they were wrestling with a mixture of fury and caution. The elder with the long mustache, his voice calm but layered with barely contained anger, finally broke the silence. "This threat is no longer something we can ignore," he said, his eyes cold. "Dave and his crew have crossed a line that few would even dare to approach."
The bald elder with the sword clenched his fist, the veins on his hand bulging with restrained violence. "This disrespect must be met with a show of force," he spat. "The Hellprince has emboldened the people, inspired them to defy us. This… Morgans has aided him by spreading this insubordination."
Another elder, the one with the long white hair, nodded solemnly. "The stability of our rule relies on the perception of our supremacy. If the masses begin to believe we can be challenged… well, we can't allow even the possibility of such thinking to take root."
The elder with glasses adjusted them, scanning the pages with a shrewd eye. "We should consider every option," he said, his tone far colder than usual. "Not just punishment for the pirates and Morgans, but for anyone who dares celebrate this mockery. Perhaps some… 'correction' is needed among the citizens to reinforce our place in their minds."
The final elder, cloaked in shadows, spoke softly yet with deadly intent. "We will issue orders to the Admirals and CP0 to redouble their efforts. Morgans will be hunted like the vermin he is, and every crew that dares to mention this Hellprince as an inspiration will be brought to heel." His eyes narrowed. "And if necessary, we will take the fight to him ourselves."
The room fell silent, the weight of their decision heavy. Each of the Celestial Dragons and the Five Elders knew that this was no longer about punishing one man. This was about safeguarding the very foundation of their world, and they would go to any length to protect it.
Saint Marcus Mars sneered, a wicked gleam in his eye. "If he wants a war, then we shall deliver him one… and remind the world why we are gods."
At Marine Headquarters, the atmosphere was no less tense. Fleet Admiral Sengoku sat at the head of the table, his face grim as he looked over the gathering of top brass. Akainu was present, his arm still in a cast from the encounter with Dave, his expression smoldering with barely restrained rage. Beside him sat Aokiji, his gaze distant and contemplative, while Kizaru lounged lazily but with a sharp, calculating gleam in his eyes.
"We can't ignore what's happened," Sengoku began, his voice weary yet resolute. "The Celestial Dragons have demanded action, and we're expected to deliver retribution, not only on Dave but on anyone who stands by him."
Akainu gritted his teeth, slamming his fist onto the table, shaking the room. "He's made a mockery of us—of justice. We should hunt him down with every available resource, every last man."
Tsuru raised an eyebrow, casting a sidelong glance at the furious Admiral. "And turn the world against us?" she questioned calmly. "Dave's actions have made him a symbol, especially to those who despise the Celestial Dragons. If we handle this recklessly, it could spark rebellion on every sea."
Sengoku frowned, nodding reluctantly. "That's exactly the risk we face. Dave's attack on the Celestial Dragons is already stirring up rumors and sympathy among pirates and civilians alike. Any move we make will have to be swift, calculated—and decisive."
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