The group exchanged bewildered glances, surprised to find such a story behind it all.
It's not fair to say that Crocodile the Sand is too stupid. After all, few people can resist the allure of Ancient Weapon. Moreover, the involvement of the Navy and Ohara, which was destroyed in the Buster Call, undoubtedly adds credibility to this information.
"Strange. Given the World Government's domineering nature, there's no need for them to entrust you with uncovering Alabasta's secrets." Robin frowned. Having witnessed the destruction of Ohara, she knew the World Government's domineering style.
"Hmph, how would I know?" Crocodile the Sand was extremely annoyed. Being questioned by Roy was one thing, given his inferior skills. But who was Robin? Just yesterday she was my subordinate, and she dared to speak to me like that?
"No, because the royal family's status is too sensitive. Pirates can interfere in Alabasta's affairs, the Shichibukai can interfere, and the Navy can interfere, but the World Government cannot interfere."
Although the Nefertari Family is considered traitors and heretics among the Celestial Dragons, the nature of the situation would be completely different if the World Government intervened.
After all, the World Government is essentially an organization that manages the world on behalf of the Celestial Dragons; perhaps "butler" would be a more accurate description. Even the most vicious conflicts between masters are acceptable, but if a butler intervenes, it will incur the wrath of the other masters.
Today it's Nefertari, this dilapidated royal family; who knows if the Celestial Dragons will be next?
Anyway, the World Government" has no shortage of time. Even a nobody like Iceberg could have CP9 infiltrate his side for five years. Now, setting a trap to get Crocodile to help them achieve their goal is naturally not a problem.
However, others had some doubts, since the fact that the Nefertari Royal Family almost became Celestial Dragons was a secret known even within the World Government.
"I told you so, didn't I? Mr. CP0, who was hiding to the side." Roy suddenly turned his gaze to a void on the left, his eyes flashing and the void crackling with electricity, instantly forcing the person in the shadows to come out.
The space shifted, the light seemed to fold, and then a colorful chameleon appeared before everyone's eyes, quickly transforming into human form and wearing a strange mask.
Everyone was shocked; the enemy was almost upon them, yet none of them had noticed.
"Captain Roy's Observation Haki is indeed as powerful as the legends say." He first praised, avoiding the question about Roy, and then bowed apologetically, "Actually, everyone, there's no need to be nervous. My strength is not great; only my stealth ability is barely noticeable."
That being said, no one let their guard down. Admittedly, his ability to fight head-on might not be strong, but his intelligence-gathering and assassination skills were definitely not weak.
If Roy hadn't been proficient in Observation Haki, he could have easily killed everyone by planting a few high-energy bombs if he had harbored malicious intentions.
After all, CP0, known as the strongest intelligence organization, doesn't rely entirely on its powerful combat capabilities; its unpredictable and mysterious abilities are its trump card.
"Your actions are much faster than the Navy's. Could it be that you have CP0's spies all over the Grand Line?" Roy said with great interest.
"CP1-CP8 are the World Government's publicly known intelligence agencies. As far as I know, above them, there is also the World Government's secret intelligence agency, CP9. But, Captain, what exactly is CP0 that you're talking about?" After hearing Roy mention CP0 twice, Robin finally couldn't help but ask.
"Knowing about CP9 shows you're well-informed. Even I only learned about CP0 after becoming Shichibukai. These guys are the highest level of CP1-CP9, the World's Strongest." Crocodile the Sand answered for Roy, even he was very wary of CP0.
"I didn't expect even Mr. Crocodile, one of the Shichibukai, to be defeated? Although we both belong to the World Government, unfortunately, I am not capable of rescuing you with my strength." The CP0 member's tone was flat, like a rigid machine.
"Idiot, who needs your help? Humph, you should worry about yourself first."
CP0 was not surprised by Crocodile the Sand's reaction, and continued, "After receiving the information from the Marine Headquarters, the Five Elders also found Captain Roy's existence very troublesome, which is why they sent me to make initial contact."
"Heh, to be of such concern to the highest leader of the World Government,' shouldn't I say I'm extremely honored?" Roy shrugged indifferently, his words completely devoid of respect.
CP0 remained silent about Roy's disrespect, simply pulling out a small, white, anti-eavesdropping Den Den Mushi from his pocket. "Regarding Captain Roy's request, the Five Elders will speak with you personally. If you are ready, you can take the Den Den Mushi from me at any time."
Looking at the small Den Den Mushi, everyone's expressions were complicated, and their hearts were slightly uneasy. Even for this group of lawless pirates, it was difficult to remain calm when they learned that they would be able to communicate with the Five Elders.
This is normal. Even in the past, when information was highly developed, people would be too excited to speak if they had the opportunity to communicate with a leader.
To everyone's surprise, Roy took the Den Den Mushi from CP0 without the slightest hesitation. When the "Bru-Bru" sound rang out, he was still a little dazed, and even his outstretched hand froze in mid-air, forgetting to retract it.
If he were to remove his mask, his previously calm and composed face would now be completely bewildered. This was the first time he had ever seen someone who showed no fear whatsoever of supreme authority.
After a moment of reflection, he bowed and silently withdrew, no longer able to participate in the ensuing conversation.
For Roy, the World Government' is his ultimate goal, so naturally he will not be afraid of his imagined enemy.
Of course, he would never reveal this ambition, after all, declaring war on the World Government and directly attacking the Marine Headquarters are completely different things.
This unassuming power, whose reputation on the Grand Line is even less than that of the Marine Headquarters, is the most terrifying force in the Pirate World, possessing incredibly deep foundations.
For eight hundred years, they have stood at the top of the world, watching the changing times and the rise and fall of dynasties. Apart from the Revolutionary Army's ideology which made them feel a little troubled, no enemy could shake their foundation.
More importantly, the World Government" has no principles or bottom line of its own, and this kind of enemy is the most terrifying.
If there are still most people in the Marine Headquarters who can uphold the ideal of Absolute Justice, then the World Government is purely a violent institution that maintains the rule of the Celestial Dragons.
Therefore, Roy would absolutely not want to wake up this sleeping monster unless absolutely necessary.
Of course, Roy was also aware of his own limitations. As long as it didn't shake the foundations of their rule like the Revolutionary Army did, the World Government would be happy to have some peace and quiet. After all, maintaining a balance was something they excelled at.