Chapter 73: The East Sea is destroyed! The battle is extremely tense! (Ch 73)

Ten days later, a grand banquet quietly began in a magnificent palace.

Many dignitaries dressed in neat suits and shiny leather shoes were either kneeling or sitting, like stars dotted on the vast grounds of the palace.

Among them, some lowered their heads in deep thought, their furrowed brows seemed to reveal their inner plans and decisions; others whispered, their eyes flashing with curiosity and uneasiness about the unknown challenges.

In the center of the palace, a display screen made of pure gold stands out, with ever-changing light and shadow flowing on it, quietly waiting for the arrival of a critical moment.

“You heard that this great man of ours just destroyed the Buggy Pirates a few days ago!”

A middle-aged man in a gorgeous uniform whispered to the person next to him, his eyes full of awe and wonder.

“Is this true or false?”

The people around him couldn’t help but widen their eyes when they heard this, with disbelief written all over their faces:

“Isn’t that the new Shichibukai who has been in the limelight recently? This news is too explosive!”

“Humph, the world of pirates is all about the survival of the fittest. Although the Buggy Pirates were once glorious, they were ultimately unable to withstand that person’s powerful strength.”

The middle-aged man shook his head, with a hint of emotion in his tone.

Just as everyone was talking, the display screen suddenly lit up, illuminating the entire palace as if it were daytime.

Then, the light and shadow on the display screen began to condense, and a clear picture came into view – it was a small island near the East China Sea Windmill Village. The sea breeze was blowing, the sun was shining, and the windmills on the island were turning slowly, like a quiet and peaceful pastoral painting.

However, in this silence, a deafening noise suddenly sounded, like a bolt from the blue, instantly tearing this beautiful picture apart.

The camera zoomed in quickly, and countless huge beasts of various shapes surged out from all directions. Some of them were covered in iron armor, like giant steel beasts;

Some have horns, like ancient mythical beasts; others are covered in flames, like a legion of demons crawling out of hell.

These beasts instantly shrouded the island in terror. The villagers were terrified and fled in all directions. Cries and shouts for help came one after another, forming a heartbreaking and tragic picture.

“What kind of monster is this?”

“As expected of Boss Shiki, he’s really ruthless!”

There was a lot of discussion in the palace, mixed with shock and fear.

Although these guests from all corners of the pirate world have long been accustomed to violence and chaos, the sudden catastrophic scene before them still makes them feel unprecedented shock and fear.

“All the brothers are here!”

A deep and powerful voice suddenly sounded, interrupting all conversation.

Everyone looked up and saw an old man in a gorgeous robe and with blond hair slowly walking onto the high platform in the center of the banquet hall:

“The appetizers have been served. Next, it’s time for the highlight of the evening.”

He raised his hand gently, signaling everyone to be quiet:

“Desolo, you can send it now.”

Just as he finished speaking, a man in gorgeous clothes and with a gloomy face walked out from the side door of the banquet hall.

He snapped his fingers lightly, and several scantily clad waiters of young age filed in like a stream. They held large bowls made of pure gold, which were filled with crystal clear gems and gold coins that exuded an attractive luster.

These brilliant lights instantly illuminated the entire banquet hall, dazzling the eyes of the guests present and causing an irrepressible greed and desire to surge in their hearts.

“Everyone gathered here today is an important figure in the underground world.”

The old man stood on the high platform, his eyes like torches, scanning the people below:

“Among you, there are notorious pirate captains, skilled bounty hunters, black market trading tycoons, and secret supporters of the government. But no matter who you are, after tonight, you are all partners in the same boat.”

“Tonight, I’m going to present you with an opportunity that’s never been seen before.”

The old man continued, his voice carrying an indescribable temptation.

“An opportunity to break free from our current constraints and create a whole new world together.”

He smiled lightly and gestured. The huge display screen lit up again and was divided into nine parts, each showing a different picture.

Some are desolate ruins where giant beasts roam rampant; some are mysterious islands full of dangers; and some are deep underwater caves where undercurrents surge.

However, all these images have one thing in common – at the centre of each is a scene of a gigantic beast wreaking havoc.

They were either destroying ancient buildings or chasing innocent creatures. The panic and despair in the pictures seemed to overflow the screen, deeply affecting everyone present.

“As you all know, the East Sea is the weakest of the five oceans. There are no great men whose death would be a pity, but the wealth and secrets within are enough to drive the whole world crazy.”

“It won’t be long before these treasures and secrets will be like unclaimed property, waiting for you to pick them up.”

“But before that,” the old man changed the subject and his tone became serious:

“You must first swear allegiance to me and become my loyal allies.”

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the banquet hall suddenly became subtle.

The guests looked at each other, each with their own thoughts. Although they were all attracted by the wealth and secrets offered by the old man, being loyal to him meant giving up their freedom and independence and becoming a pawn in his hands.

“Loyalty to you?” A burly pirate leader with a hideous scar on his face sneered.

“All of us have worked our way up in the underworld. Why should we listen to you?”

“Of course, it’s everyone’s freedom to join or not.”

The old man smiled and said, “The door is at the back, open to you at any time!”

“Humph, even if we, the Black Rose Pirates, are fighting alone, we will never bow to anyone!”

A tall, sharp-eyed woman stood up:

“Shiki, you have great ambitions, but if you want us pirates who are used to freedom to become your subordinates, I’m afraid you are not qualified enough.”

“Well said!” Another bounty hunter in a black windbreaker with a stern face slammed the table and stood up. His voice was like thunder, shaking the entire banquet hall slightly.

“We seek freedom and adventure, not to be someone’s vassal!”

“Yes! We don’t want to be tied down!”

At once, several guests stood up and left their seats. However, just before they were about to step out of the door, countless sharp blades pierced through their bodies like ghosts, and blood bloomed like red lotus, staining the luxurious carpet red.

The banquet hall suddenly fell into silence, with only the guests’ terrified gasps to be heard.

“Dover, what should we do?”

In the corner of the room, Torrebol, who had already changed into a purple suit, looked as pale as paper: “Could it be that we really have to…”

“咈咈咈咈咈~”

“What are you panicking about?”

Doflamingo glanced at Desolo who was laughing arrogantly, and a sneer appeared on the corner of his mouth:

“The best is yet to come.”

Before he finished speaking, the door suddenly exploded, and a powerful aura accompanied by a deafening roar swept across the entire banquet hall.

Everyone turned around in astonishment, only to see several figures in black suits and sunglasses pouring in from the exploded door. The red nose on the face of the leader was particularly eye-catching.

“How can such a luxurious party be without us! Shiki!!”