In any case, based on their assessment of Aus's current threat and potential abilities, they even set aside their concerns about "Aus possibly having reached Laugh Tale."
After all, if they let Aus run wild with his destruction, the World Government's control over the seas would enter extremely dangerous territory.
When that happens, Lord Imu...
Thinking of this consequence, the Five Elders lost all their usual dignity and arrogance displayed before subordinates and Marines. Cold sweat appeared on their faces, pupils trembling uncontrollably.
So in their conversation with Aus, they showed no condescension whatsoever.
They were seasoned politicians who understood that things like face were the most worthless commodities in the world.
"So, what's your decision?"
They quietly awaited Aus's answer.
"Wiping the slate clean, legal piracy? Sounds pretty tempting, so... I refuse."
Aus wore a faint smile but suddenly pulled a complete reversal.
"WHAT?!"
Feeling played, the Five Elders frowned deeply, exchanging glances. Whether for profit or the World Government's dignity, this was the last answer they wanted to hear.
Anger and displeasure flashed in their eyes.
After a long silence, Saint Warcury's icy voice came through the Den Den Mushi again.
"Doctor Aus, you should understand—even if we can't touch you, your businesses and friends on Sabaody Archipelago are living right under the government's nose..."
When bribery failed, they switched to threats.
They couldn't handle Aus, but intelligence gathered by their spy networks showed Sami and others on Sabaody had solid relationships with him.
If they could manipulate him through emotional bonds, even the strongest person would have to submit—just like Roger, Whitebeard, and others who valued relationships and loyalty.
Future events would prove the World Government loved this tactic, like using Ace to draw out Whitebeard.
And from intelligence about the feelings between Aus and those red-light district women, if they could...
"Go ahead. Kill whoever you want."
Aus's sudden words cut off their thoughts.
What?
Saint Warcury's face went rigid. Some of the other Five Elders looked like they'd expected this.
The Den Den Mushi before them still wore a smile, but whether it was their imagination, there seemed to be a hint of coldness.
"Those red-light district people are just my money-making tools. Do whatever. But if you piss me off, I'll rip up every Marine branch in the New World one by one, then hijack Heavenly Tribute, then destroy member nations..."
Aus's expression barely changed, still wearing that faint smile. His tone was as casual as discussing the weather, but the content made all Five Elders' hearts skip beats.
Useless...
This kind of emotional blackmail would never work on Aus...
They quickly reached this conclusion.
The negotiation hit a wall. But Aus's next words seemed to offer the final fig leaf for their repeatedly slapped faces.
"Actually, you don't need to make me your number one enemy."
Aus shook his head helplessly. These scheming old bastards were truly boring, recycling the same few tricks endlessly.
He didn't want to drag this out—the execution was about to start.
"I have zero interest in overthrowing the World Government, including Lord Imu, Joy Boy, the Void Century, and the 'D'—none of it interests me. Most of what I do comes from whim and amusement. Although this wild card factor might seem threatening to you... as long as the World Government gives me face, I'm happy to give you face too."
Click.
The Den Den Mushi went dead.
On the other end, in the Room of Authority, hearing this information-packed closing statement, all Five Elders fell silent for a long time, their eyes heavy with undispellable concern.
"Doctor Aus... where did he learn about these things? Did Roger tell him?"
"Not necessarily. Could've been on the final island..."
"Troublesome bastard. We're gonna have headaches."
"However, he shows no obvious hostility. Maybe he can sometimes be useful to us. We can make appropriate concessions on certain matters going forward."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
The Five Elders discussed among themselves, finally settling on the World Government's stance toward Aus: appropriate tolerance and concessions.
This was the smartest approach these politicians could devise for now.
"Hey, Aus, over here! Where'd you disappear to?" Shanks and Buggy had already pushed to the front row. Seeing Aus arriving fashionably late, they waved him over.
"Nothing much. Just took a call."
"Don't wander off anymore—Captain Roger's about to come out!"
The three took position in front of the platform.
As time ticked by, getting closer to execution time, Aus spotted plenty of familiar faces during this period.
Moria with his pointed fangs, looking like a demon—he hadn't yet become piracy's first shut-in, still ambitiously gunning to become Pirate King. Though in Aus's view, that was pretty delusional.
The Cold Sweat King in a green cloak, watching from a distance—Monkey D. Dragon, whose face didn't yet bear the marks of Garp's supreme slipper.
The still-young, clean-faced Hawkeye—future world's greatest swordsman, Dracule Mihawk.
Doflamingo, who should've appeared here, was still in solitary after getting schooled by Aus, unable to attend.
And then there was...
Hm?
Aus noticed a figure that seemed familiar, but he wasn't quite sure.
Slicked-back hair, horizontal scar across the face, wearing a coat—these features perfectly matched one person, but...
Beautiful lady, who are you?
Standing not far away, that woman with the killer figure—Aus almost didn't dare recognize her.
Is this really my fifty-fifty Crocodile?
Sexy, smoking-hot body, face cold as ice—that scar didn't ruin her beauty but gave off serious crime boss queen vibes.
So it was true. Crocodile really had gotten that kind of surgery from Ivankov...
The moment he spotted Crocodile, the chaos demon in Aus's heart awakened again.
What if Ivankov wasn't allowed to operate on Crocodile?
Crocodile-chan?
Or better yet, what if he made others undergo this surgery...
Aus was shocked by his own mischievous thoughts. Too insane.
"Hey, Aus, what are you spacing out about?" Aus felt someone push him twice and instinctively looked at his two best buddies.
Buggy?
Shanks?
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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