Buggy? Shanks?

In short, Based on their assessment of Austin's current threat and potential capabilities, They even set aside their reservations about "Austin potentially having reached Laugh Tale."

After all, if Austin's destruction were allowed to continue, the World Government's control over the seas would undoubtedly enter a very dangerous phase, And at that time, Lord Imu...

Considering this consequence, the Five Elders lost all semblance of their former authority and arrogance in front of their subordinates and the Marines. Cold sweat trickled down their faces, their pupils trembling uncontrollably.

Therefore, during their conversation with Austin, they did not display any condescending attitude.

They were seasoned politicians, Understanding that dignity was the most useless thing in the world.

"So, have you considered it?"

They quietly awaited Austin's answer.

"A clean slate, and legal piracy? That sounds like a tempting offer, so...

I refuse."

Austin's face held a faint smile, but he suddenly changed tack.

"What!?!?"

Feeling tricked, the Five Elders frowned, exchanging glances.

Whether out of self-interest or for the dignity of the World Government, this was the answer they least wanted to hear.

Anger and displeasure flickered in their eyes.

After a long silence, Saint Warcury's chilling voice slowly came through the Den Den Mushi again, "Dotol Austin, you must understand, even if we can't do anything to you, your businesses and friends on Sabaody Archipelago, they live under the government's watchful eye..."

The temptation failed, Now they resorted to threats.

They couldn't do anything to Austin, but through intelligence gathered by their spy agencies, they knew that Sammy and others on Sabaody Archipelago had a significant relationship with Austin.

If they could leverage these bonds, Even the strongest person would be at their mercy.

Just like Roger, Whitebeard, and others, all of whom were people who valued loyalty and friendship.

Looking at their future actions, the World Government indeed often used this tactic, just as they used Ace to lure out Whitebeard.

And from the intelligence, Austin's feelings for those women in the red-light district, if they could...

"Sure, kill them if you want."

Austin's sudden words interrupted their thoughts.

What?

Saint Warcury's expression froze.

Some of the Five Elders beside him looked as if they had expected this.

In front of them, the Den Den Mushi still had a smiling face, but whether it was their illusion or not, there seemed to be a faint chill.

"Those people in the red-light district are merely my tools for making money, do as you please.

But if you make me unhappy, I will uproot every Marine branch in the New World, then hijack the Celestial Gold, and afterward, destroy the affiliated nations..."

Austin's expression didn't change much, still wearing a faint smile.

His tone was as relaxed as if he were talking about eating or drinking, But the content of his words made the Five Elders' hearts collectively seize.

Useless...

Such emotional blackmail would have no effect on Austin whatsoever...

They quickly reached this conclusion.

The negotiation had reached a stalemate.

However, Austin's next words seemed to be the final fig leaf covering their repeatedly slapped faces.

"Actually, you don't need to make me your number one enemy,"

Austin shook his head helplessly. These scheming old men were truly boring, only knowing a few tricks.

He didn't want to waste any more time; the execution was about to begin.

"I have no interest in overthrowing the World Government, nor am I interested in Lord Imu, Joy Boy, the Void Century, or the 'D.' I do most things out of whim and for fun."

"Although this uncertainty might seem like a threat to you, but..."

"As long as the World Government gives me face, I'm willing to give you face too."

"Click."

The Den Den Mushi was hung up.

On the other end, within the Chamber of Power, After hearing the explosive ending, the Five Elders fell into a long silence, their eyes filled with an unshakeable solemnity.

"Dotol Austin... Where did he hear all this? Did Roger tell him?"

"Not necessarily, it's possible it was on the Final Island..."

"A troublesome guy. It seems we'll have trouble with him from now on."

"However, he doesn't show any obvious hostility. Perhaps we can use him sometimes. We can make appropriate concessions in some matters in the future."

"Seconded."

"Seconded."

The Five Elders discussed amongst themselves, finally deciding on the World Government's attitude towards Austin:

--Appropriate tolerance and concessions.

This was the smartest approach these politicians could think of at the moment.

"Hey, Austin, over here! Where did you just go?" Shanks and Buggy had already pushed their way to the front. Seeing Austin arrive late, they waved to him.

"Nowhere, just made a phone call."

"Don't wander off, Captain Roger is about to come out!"

The three stood firm at the front.

As time ticked by, the execution time drew closer.

During this period, Austin also saw many familiar faces.

Moria, with his sharp teeth and fangs, looking like a demon. He hadn't yet become the Pirate King's fattest otaku, but was instead ambitiously aiming to become the Pirate King.

Though, in Austin's opinion, he was overestimating himself.

Monkey D. Dragon, the King of Cold Sweat, standing in the distance wearing a green cloak. His face didn't yet bear the marks of Garp's Supreme Great Drag.

The still young, fair-skinned boy Hawk Eyes, the future World's Greatest Swordsman, Mihawk.

Doflamingo, who should have been present, was confined due to being lectured by Austin and was unable to attend.

And then there was...

Hmm?

At this moment, Austin noticed a figure that seemed somewhat familiar.

But he wasn't entirely sure.

The slicked-back hair, the scar across his face, the coat he wore – these features matched someone perfectly.

But...

Who are you, beautiful lady?

Standing not far from him, the woman with a smoking hot body, Austin could barely recognize her.

Could this really be my old friend Crocodile?

Her sexy, hot body, her ice-cold face, the scar didn't detract from her beauty but instead gave off a vibe of a Queen of the Underworld.

So it's true.

Crocodile really had Ivankov perform that kind of surgery...

The moment he saw Crocodile, Austin's inner desire for mischief reawakened.

What if Ivankov hadn't operated on Crocodile?

Crocodile?

Or perhaps, have him operate on someone else...

Austin was shocked by the sheer craziness of the idea that popped into his head.

"Hey, Austin, what are you spacing out about?" Austin felt himself being pushed twice and instinctively looked at his two good buddies.

Buggy?

Shanks?