Ascension (Part 1)

The entire world was set ablaze by Roger becoming the Pirate King, and on the insignificant Iron Island in the West Sea, an event was about to unfold that would change the island's power structure—marking the formal rise of a great powerhouse stepping into the world's view!

The day after Roger became Pirate King, in Carlos's private villa, his elite subordinates gathered—forty in total, carefully selected from over two hundred.

The forty Mafia elites huddled together, murmuring in low voices. They had come on Carlos's orders but had no idea what they were about to do.

"The Boss has arrived!" Noah walked out from the villa, his expression stern.

Hearing Noah's words, everyone immediately stopped their whispers, standing straight with eyes fixed forward.

Carlos strode out slowly from behind the villa, clad in a black-and-red suit, expressionless. Over half a year as Boss had forged his authority, and his formidable strength bred a confidence that created a unique aura, making everyone's hearts tighten!

"Boss!" The group, all in brown suits and brown cloaks, bowed at the waist.

A faint smile crossed Carlos's face. He took off his sunglasses and opened his eyes, revealing the crimson Three-Tomoe Sharingan, exuding a sinister, evil aura as if it had gathered all the darkness of human nature—immensely oppressive!

Everyone, including Noah, stared in shock at Lucifer Carlos, momentarily at a loss for words...

"Everyone here today was carefully chosen by me through Noah. Some of you are my old subordinates; others are newer ones I value."

"The reason I called you here is to discuss something that concerns all our fates..." Carlos said in a deep voice, pausing for a moment.

"I'm not one to beat around the bush, so I'll say it straight."

"With my true strength and my ambition, I'm no longer satisfied with just being a subordinate leader."

"I want to replace the Mike Family and become the new Boss of Iron Island's Mafia!"

"I've said my piece. Who supports? Who opposes?"

The villa's courtyard was dead silent. Anyone hearing this news would be stunned—except for Noah, who had been tipped off beforehand.

"I firmly support the Boss!" Noah raised his right arm in declaration, his face flushed with excitement.

"This..."

At this, Carlos's old subordinates stirred restlessly, but still couldn't make up their minds. This was a matter of risking their necks.

"Sorry, Boss Carlos, but I'm not getting involved in this. I'll pretend I never heard what you said."

A subordinate leader under his command stepped forward and spoke, then turned to leave. Two fighters under him also turned to follow.

"Don't rush off. Stay a little longer."

Carlos's cold voice rang out as his body shot forward like an arrow from a bow. The departing subordinate leader and the two fighters weren't fools—they had already guessed that leaving today wouldn't be easy—and they drew their rifles and pistols to resist.

But Carlos was faster than they anticipated. His large, knobby claws grabbed the guns, and with a burst of force, the two rifles snapped in half. He lifted his head, and with a sweep of his Three-Tomoe Sharingan, the three men froze, standing dumbly in place. Carlos turned back...

After Carlos turned, the three suddenly drew their close-combat knives and, without hesitation, stabbed toward each other's hearts—one stabbing another. Only when the cold blades pierced their hearts did they snap awake, falling to the ground in horror and despair, blood pooling beneath them. Soon, they were still...

"I called you here today not to force you to follow me, but anyone who disagrees will not be allowed to leave before my plan succeeds. Leaving rashly means only one path—death!"

"As for those who disagree, I won't force them, but after I succeed, they will be expelled from the Mafia."

"Fortune favors the bold. You are the strongest fighters under my command, which is why you get this chance to gamble. The others don't."

"Once I take power, you'll all be rewarded. I'll give you one more chance."

"Who supports? Who opposes?"

A chill ran through everyone's hearts, especially after witnessing the three men killing each other—a scene of pure terror!

"As I said, I support the Boss!"

"I believe the Boss will succeed. He's never failed since joining the Mafia."

"If the Boss wanted to do something this dangerous without full confidence, why would he bring it up?"

Noah, the perfect hype man, stepped forward again, rallying and stirring the crowd.

With both carrot and stick, and a bloody example laid before them, some finally cracked under the pressure, while others felt ambition surge. One by one, they voiced their support.

Once someone took the lead, it was easy. People are herd animals; only a rare few can hold their ground under environmental pressure.

Soon, everyone left pledged their support—better than Carlos had anticipated.

"Noah, record everyone's names and home addresses. Find an excuse to have the other brothers keep an eye on them."

"Yes, Boss!"

What a ruthless, venomous move—using their families as a warning, a threat.

The Mafia didn't spring from a rock; at least half of its members still had families.

"Don't blame your Boss for playing dirty. This is just insurance, to keep you from making mistakes."

"After all, what I'm about to do is of utmost importance. As long as you follow orders obediently, nothing will happen to you, and I'll compensate you afterward."

"Now, follow me to the back courtyard. I'll personally lay out my plan. Don't question it—just execute it faithfully."

Having come this far, there was no turning back. They could only follow Carlos down this dark path.

Two nights later, at the largest hotel in East City, Iron Island, on the top floor, Carlos stood outside a luxurious private box, greeting guests. The hallway was lined with Mafia members in matching brown suits.

Tonight, Carlos was playing host!

Before long, the distinguished guests arrived one by one—all big shots from the Mike Family: the new family head, Mike Klin; the two new leaders; the veteran leader; and Carlos's direct superior, the subordinate leader Carlton.

"Boss Mike, all you esteemed bosses, I've been waiting for you like I was waiting for the stars and the moon." Carlos said with a beaming smile.

"Hehehe, you really know how to talk, Carlton. This subordinate of yours is impressive." Mike Klin chuckled lightly.

Mike Klin stood about 1.8 meters tall, around thirty years old, slightly stout, with a neatly trimmed handlebar mustache, a cigar clamped between his teeth, a deep purple suit, a black-and-blue striped cape draped over his shoulders, and a black fedora on his head—he truly had that Mafia boss aura!

"Boss Mike flatters me."

"Carlos, we all took time out of our schedules today. Don't let us down with this treasure you said we'd be appraising."

"Otherwise, a punishment is unavoidable,"

Carlton was slightly shorter than Mike Klin, about the same age, and if not for the long scar on his forehead, his face would definitely be that of a handsome man. He wore a pure white suit, a blue cigarette holder between his lips, and spoke unhurriedly.

"Rest assured, would I, Carlos, dare to toy with all you bosses?"

"It's absolutely a rare treasure. I can't handle it alone, so I invited all you bosses here."

"I'll just take a little sip of the soup."

"All you bosses, don't just stand here—no need to tire yourselves out. Let's go inside, drink and talk."

Carlos vowed with conviction.

"Truly sensible. Boundless prospects ahead!"

Mike Klin turned back with a smile as he stepped into the luxurious private room. The others were also very satisfied with Carlos, praising him as they entered the room.

As Carlos followed them in, the doors of the private room slowly closed...