The Shichibukai, the Four Emperors, and the Marines.
This was the balance of power in the eyes of the World Government.
Once that balance developed a problem, cracks—and even holes—that could not be ignored would appear.
The World Government had always taken this matter extremely seriously, and would never allow this stable balance of power to suffer any problems, lest it bring an unforeseeable shock to the world.
Now that news of Moria's death had spread, the World Government would undoubtedly resolve the succession of the new Shichibukai with thunderous speed.
This was the inevitable course of events, and it was also something Maud and Lafitte could foresee.
Maud clearly remembered that in the original story, Lafitte had gone alone to the Shichibukai meeting at Mary Geoise, then recommended Blackbeard on the spot to succeed to the position of Shichibukai.
However, the person who had brought Sand Crocodile Crocodile down back then had not been the Blackbeard Pirates.
That was the difference between Maud now and Blackbeard back then.
Killing Shichibukai Moria, then going to the meeting and proposing to succeed to the position of Shichibukai.
Such an act carried a hint of provocation, to say the least.
Therefore, even with the original storyline as a reference, Maud could not guarantee Lafitte's safety.
He was somewhat worried.
However, Lafitte, who had accepted this mission, was not worried about his own safety at all. Instead, he was extremely excited.
An hour passed.
The dining table in the main hall of the castle was covered with nourishing dishes Jaya had specially prepared.
Everyone in the crew took their seats around the long table.
With the Heart Pirates gone, the atmosphere at the table was noticeably quieter.
Beli was unusually lacking in appetite.
Whenever they ate in the past, he and Bepo would