Pirates: Usurping a Kingdom Is Surprisingly Easy

As this small Goa fleet crossed the Calm Belt and returned to the East Blue, the 8 nations of the Goa Empire rejoiced. Emperor Kael's voyage across the 4 seas had completely established the Goa Empire's reputation and attracted 3 powerful Marquises. Now, the entire world was spreading the Goa Empire's renown as "One Emperor, Three Marquises."

Moreover, the fearsome reputation of "One Emperor, Three Marquises" had accelerated Bartolomeo and his crew's conquest of the East Blue's underworld. A large number of the Allied Nations' underworld forces surrendered upon hearing the news. With the help of the Clone Soldiers, the Barto Club had essentially subjugated the East Blue's underworld forces.

The 4 underworld Barons—Bartolomeo, Eldoraggo, Desire, and Gambia—led freed warriors like Bear King, Jango, and the Nyaban Brothers, as well as former pirate slaves like Krieg, Gin, and Pell. They had virtually no enemies in the East Blue.

Not to mention underworld forces, even pirates and mountain bandits had to give them a wide berth and flee at the mere sight of them. Even Buggy the Clown, now known as the strongest pirate in the East Blue, would turn and run when encountering the Barto Club's fleet.

Under the prestige of "One Emperor, Three Marquises," even the West Blue's mafia, with the enhancement of Clone Soldiers and advanced weaponry, smoothly completed their final consolidation, officially achieving the unification of the West Blue's gangs. The pillars of Kano Country and Wano Country, the West Blue's "Twin Heroes," had to give some respect to the underworld gangs. After all, those great names knew that Capone Bege stood behind the gangs, and the Goa Empire stood behind Bege!

Upon learning that Kael was returning to the East Blue, not only was Empress Sally preparing a welcoming party, but even the Barto Club, who had hastily subjugated the East Blue's underworld forces, immediately rushed to the Goa Imperial Capital to prepare for an audience with their Emperor. Zeff and the chefs of the Baratie Sea Restaurant, summoned by Empress Sally, had already entered the palace to prepare a grand feast.

At the Goa Empire's imperial giant port, countless warships and merchant ships were anchored. Many ships even hung colorful ribbons, presenting a scene of prosperity and renewal. There were also a large number of Germa snail warships stationed in the nearby waters, guarding the Goa Imperial Capital with imposing momentum.

"Ahahaha, see that! This is the great Goa Empire!" Bartolomeo, the Barto Club's leader, Imperial Baron, and "East Blue Hero," grinned widely at the underworld bosses from various countries behind him, revealing a set of sharp fangs. "Become Emperor Kael's blade, and the glory of the Goa Empire will shine upon us!"

"Damn Baron Eric the Cyclone, they got off easy!" Imperial Baron Eldoraggo had received no shortage of boastful Transponder Snail calls from Eric these past few days. Now, Baron Eric's name, after appearing in Morgans' World Economic Journal, was already that of a world-renowned minor celebrity, while Eldoraggo's name only circulated in the East Blue.

"The strong individuals around His Majesty are growing in number, and we cannot fall behind," Desire, the Barto Club's leader and Imperial Baron, felt immense pressure. She hadn't even had a chance to display her brilliance before Emperor Kael and was about to become a marginalized figure. She was unwilling! She wanted to become stronger and become an outstanding woman in His Majesty's eyes. She wanted to board the Exile Emperor and set sail with Emperor Kael. The East Blue and the Barto Club could no longer contain her ambitions.

As for Baron Gambia, who had the least presence, he was quite self-aware, knowing that he was already very fortunate to have stumbled upon a Baron title. He would only focus on how to manage the Barto Club well, integrate the East Blue underworld, and serve His Majesty diligently.

"Alas, it will become increasingly difficult to become a Baron in the future," Bear King sighed, feeling that he had already missed the best time. If he had only known better then, he shouldn't have been so arrogant and conceited, which led to him becoming a pirate slave. Even though he regained his freedom through battle later, he now lacked the confidence to become an Imperial Baron.

Jango and the Nyaban Brothers were in the same boat, but fortunately, they had already secured positions as minor leaders in the Barto Club, and even had a squad leader identity in the Goa Royal Guard. Even if they couldn't become Imperial Barons, they could still do quite well for themselves. As for Krieg, Gin, and Pell, these pirate slaves who still wore slave collars around their necks, they now only hoped that Kael would restore their freedom, considering their efforts in spearheading the unification of the East Blue's underworld. Only by shedding their slave status could they continue to climb higher.

The newly submitted underworld bosses from various countries were grateful that they had surrendered promptly, avoiding being eliminated by the Barto Club's ruthless madmen, and successfully hitched a ride on the Goa Empire's big coattails. From now on, they would be part of the East Blue's strongest gang, the Barto Club, and also underworld pawns under Emperor Kael. They, too, wanted to enjoy a share of the Goa Empire's glory.

Even the kings of the dozen or so Allied Nations who had intermarried with Kael came to join the excitement, bringing their queens and princes, standing behind their daughters. Now, these Goa imperial consorts had higher status than their own fathers. But these kings not only didn't feel a loss of face, they felt that their investment had paid off.

Their puffed-up chests and arrogant demeanor were even more pronounced than those of other Allied Nations in the East Blue. They were the Exiled Emperor's cheap fathers-in-law; what were those kings of non-Allied Nations? If their daughters gained favor and whispered a word into Kael's ear, it could make those Allied Nations suffer the consequences. This East Blue Overlord was a true overlord! In the future, the Goa Empire would be the absolute big brother in the East Blue, and these intermarried kingdoms would be the second core layer, enjoying the Goa Empire's preferential protection and business dealings. As for those non-intermarried kingdoms, they could just make do with the leftovers.

2 warships and 1 snail warship returned to the Goa sea area.

"We're finally back!" Nami and the other women stood at the bow, shouting excitedly. This was their homeland, their nation.

"What a joyful atmosphere," Fujitora's Observation Haki had already sensed the warmth and happiness of the Goa citizens from afar. This was a tranquility and kindness he had never felt in the West Blue or the Grand Line. It was indeed the most beautiful country in the Sea of Peace.

"The underworlds of the West Blue and East Blue have been unified. It seems our South Blue also needs to be unified!" These days, Ryokugyu had also been listening to Bege's communication with the West Blue gangs and Eric's and Eldoraggo's bragging, learning about the unification of the 2 seas' underworlds.

"Alas, if His Majesty were willing to release my father, unifying the North Blue underworld would be even smoother," Reiju sighed. Her vexing father and 3 heartless brothers made her helpless. Fortunately, she now had a beloved man and a kind, normal younger brother.

"Zoro, when we return to Shimotsuki Village, our teacher will surely be very happy to see the famous swords we possess," White-haired Saga nudged Zoro with his elbow. As the saying goes, returning home rich without showing it is like wearing brocade in the dark. He wanted to go back and share their joy with his teacher and junior disciples.