#48 - Chapter 48 Reactions from all parties

The pirate ship slowly approached the ship laden with gold and jewels as indicated in the information.

Silence reigned on the ship, with only the sound of the sea breeze rustling through the sails. The pirates warily scanned their surroundings, vaguely sensing an ominous aura.

When they boarded the ship, the scene before them shocked them. Guards were lying all over the deck, but without any signs of a struggle, it seemed very strange, as if these people couldn't even resist before falling to the ground.

The pirates' expressions turned grave. They knew that something unusual had happened here.

They remained vigilant and continued deeper inside.

Deep in the ship's hold, they discovered a headless corpse. The cabin where the body lay was lavishly decorated, and any item taken from here would be enough to ensure a comfortable life.

But they couldn't rejoice; the corpse sent chills down their spines.

"We've been tricked," Koki's voice was cold and angry. "This isn't our target; someone set a trap."

The pirates exchanged glances, anger and helplessness intertwined in their hearts. They realized they had become pawns on someone else's chessboard, and their momentary greed had led them into this deadly trap.

But amidst their anger, a strong sense of revenge surged in the pirates' hearts. No one in this world doesn't hate the Celestial Dragons; they just don't dare to act.

And now, a Celestial Dragon had died before them, how could they not be excited?

While thrilled, they vowed never to let those treacherous enemies who framed them get away with it. They had to ensure that the culprit who made them take the blame would be buried without a trace!

Subsequently, the pirates recorded the situation on the ship and reported to the captain.

"Admiral, the ship does indeed have a lot of treasure," the pirate's face showed no excitement, only deep unease. "But there's also the corpse of a Celestial Dragon."

Golden Lion narrowed his hawkish eyes. "Celestial Dragon?"

Just like his epithet "Golden Lion", Shiki had long golden hair that reached the ground, like a lion's mane. In addition, his sideburns and beard were also golden, and his sideburns were very long, making him look like a lion.

"Yes, Admiral, it seems we've been set up," the man said resentfully.

"Jie hahaha hahaha! I didn't expect someone to dare scheme against me. It seems the fear I've instilled in this world isn't enough." Golden Lion laughed wildly, but his eyes were frighteningly cold.

"Take me to see that Celestial Dragon." He leaped from the bow of his ship and landed lightly on the Celestial Dragon's ship.

"..."

"I don't know what deep hatred there was, but this Celestial Dragon's death is truly tragic."

Even the pirates shook their heads at the Celestial Dragon's miserable state.

Among these pirates, some revealed smug smiles upon hearing this news. They realized they could use this incident to spread their name.

It was imaginable that this action would cause a global uproar, and they could use it to become famous overnight.

But these people didn't expect that this attack not only yielded a large amount of gold and jewels, but also challenged the authority of the World Government. Once targeted by the World Government, their days would not be easy.

......

At the same time.

Above the Red Line, in the Holy Land of Mary Geoise.

Mary Geoise is the Holy Land of the World Government, inhabited by the most esteemed Celestial Dragons in the world. Its walls are high into the clouds, its palaces are magnificent and grand, and its towering spires pierce the sky. Anyone who comes to this land will be shocked by the city's imposing presence.

However, the atmosphere in the Holy Land today was somewhat strange.

The Celestial Dragons in the streets and alleys of Mary Geoise received shocking news.

A ship laden with gold and jewels had been attacked, and a Celestial Dragon on board had been brutally murdered. All the guards on board were also killed.

This news spread rapidly throughout Mary Geoise, stirring up a huge uproar.

All of this was obvious. When their lives were threatened, their inner panic and fear would be infinitely amplified.

The Celestial Dragons were the privileged class of the World Government, they called themselves superior and never feared anyone.

However, at this moment, they felt a rare sense of fear and helplessness.

......

In the palaces of Mary Geoise, some Celestial Dragons looked serious, frequently exchanging glances. They realized that this attack was not just an ordinary act of piracy, but a serious challenge to their privileged status.

"We must respond to this incident, otherwise there will be more and more incidents targeting Celestial Dragons in the future!"

"What does the Five Elders decide on this matter?"

"Golden Lion's Flying Pirates are not easy to deal with. They fly in the air, and it's difficult for us to control their exact location."

Those with ulterior motives wanted to completely shatter their arrogance, and they did. The combination of various real-world problems put them in a passive position.

But they couldn't act according to the other party's wishes.

"Wait for the Five Elders' arrangements."

"......"

The Celestial Dragons of Mary Geoise felt an unprecedented fear.

And those pirates who participated in this incident were laughing wildly in the dark. They knew that this action would cause a sensation in the world, and they would become famous because of it.

......

Marineford.

In a peaceful atmosphere, Sengoku finally had some rest. He finally tore open a corner of the senbei in his desk.

"Buru buru... buru buru..."

Sengoku, with senbei between his fingers, frowned and looked at the senbei in his hand. After a battle between heaven and man, he finally chose to put it back.

"Hello... This is Sengoku."

"Fleet Admiral Kong, what's the matter?"

Kong sighed heavily. The World Government sent him the news of the Celestial Dragon's murder and asked him to act immediately.

He knew this order was inevitable. Although he personally didn't care about the life or death of the Celestial Dragons, as an organization under the World Government, he had to obey orders.

Sengoku heard Kong's sigh and had a hint of doubt and unease on his face.

"Sengoku, I received an order from above. A Celestial Dragon died near the Sabaody Archipelago. They want us to investigate this incident." Kong's voice was serious and heavy, revealing the pressure in his heart.

"What! A Celestial Dragon was killed?!"

Sengoku frowned slightly. He knew what this meant, and he understood Fleet Admiral Kong's situation, but facing the pressure from the World Government, he knew there was no use in escaping.

"Yes, Fleet Admiral, I understand, I will set off immediately to investigate." Sengoku's tone was firm. The impact of this incident was unfavorable to them, so they could only do their best.

Fleet Admiral Kong nodded and hung up the Den Den Mushi, secretly praying that everything would be resolved smoothly.

He knew that this investigation would be a journey full of challenges and dangers, but he also believed that with Sengoku's strength and ability, he would definitely be able to give an explanation to those above.

On the other side, Sengoku's face kept changing. He couldn't understand why Golden Lion would choose to attack a Celestial Dragon, and in the Sabaody Archipelago, such a place so close to Mary Geoise and Marineford.

...