Imperial Tomb, Documents

"You are CP0?"

In the spacious reception room of the royal palace, a steaming cup of black tea sat on the coffee table. Mike stood at Rody's side while Rody lounged on the sofa, both arms draped over the backrest. He scrutinized the two CP0 agents before him—one tall, one short, both wearing masks, snow-white suits, and capes—and asked casually.

"Yes, Mr. Rody. We are CP0 agents directly under the Five Elders, the World Government's highest authorities."

"We have come on the Five Elders' orders to extend an invitation for you to become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea," the taller CP0 agent said.

"Mm. We'll discuss the Seven Warlords later. Come on, make your move."

"Let me see how capable you CP0 agents directly under the Five Elders really are." As he spoke, killing intent blended with cursed energy and Haki poured from Rody toward the two CP0 agents.

How can it be... such overwhelming killing intent and malice? The intelligence had long stated that Rody the Slayer was cold-blooded, ruthless, cruel, and bloodthirsty...

But as a CP0 agent, I've killed plenty of people myself and seen no shortage of savage murderers. Yet no one's killing intent had ever compared to the Slayer's. Simply directing it at me made my limbs go stiff, as though the Grim Reaper were holding a scythe to my neck.

Beneath his white robe, the tall CP0 agent's body stiffened rigidly. He knew that if he truly attacked Rody, he would likely be separated from his head in an instant and become one of the countless nameless dead beneath the Slayer's blade.

Fortunately, the shorter CP0 agent spoke at that moment. "Lord Rody, please do not make things difficult for us. We are merely insignificant weaklings within CP0. We truly cannot be compared to someone as powerful as you, who killed Crocodile."

"Oh? Since you know you're weak, why are you so tall and standing so straight? Are you looking down on me?" As he spoke, Rody raised a hand and slashed it forward at the tall CP0 agent.

"No, I wasn't..."

The tall CP0 agent hurriedly tried to bow as he spoke, but before he could finish his sentence, before his body had even properly moved, Rody's slash cleaved him in two.

Glancing at his companion's upper body lying on the floor, the short CP0 agent felt somewhat fortunate. He had not expected his short stature to save his life.

As a CP0 agent, the short Viges could naturally tell at once whether the Slayer had killed his companion to make an example of him or the Five Elders.

What a savage fellow, killing so wantonly.

However, if he became one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, then with his immense strength and brutal temperament, he should be able to intimidate the ever-increasing number of pirates on the seas and better uphold the rule of the Celestial Dragons.

Viges had no thought of avenging his companion. He also knew that he was not much stronger than his companion. If he truly attacked Rody, he would merely be throwing his life away.

Moreover, as a CP0 agent, his very existence was meant to preserve the rule of the World Nobles, the Celestial Dragons. If his companion's death could secure the Slayer's position among the Seven Warlords of the Sea, intimidate pirates across the seas, and benefit the Celestial Dragons' rule, then his companion's death would be worthwhile.

"Alright, tell me."

"What terms are those old geezers of the Five Elders offering to make me one of the Seven Warlords?" Rody casually asked, stroking his chin.

"Certainly, Lord Rody. Please take a look."

"The World Government sincerely invites you to become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea and fill the vacancy left by Crocodile's death. This is the official document inviting you to become a Seven Warlord. It details the basic rights and requirements of the position. Please review it first." As he spoke, Viges took out a paper contract from inside his white coat and held it out to Rody with both hands.

Rody did not take the contract. Instead, he picked up the black tea on the table and took a sip. Mike, standing nearby, accepted the Seven Warlords contract from Viges and quietly read its contents aloud to Rody.

"Lord Rody, these are the rights and requirements of the Seven Warlords. First, the World Government will proactively revoke the bounties on you and your subordinates.

Second, you may legally plunder any fleet belonging to nations that are not affiliated with the World Government, though you must turn over a portion of the proceeds.

Third, after joining the Seven Warlords, you may act freely under ordinary circumstances, and the Government will not interfere in any way. However, you must accept mandatory summonses from the World Government.

Fourth... Fifth... Seventeenth..."

"Lord Rody, those are the rights and obligations of the Seven Warlords of the Sea." Mike lowered the contract and spoke softly to Rody.

"Tch. There really are quite a few benefits to becoming a Seven Warlord." Rody remarked, then looked at Viges. "Is that all? Is there anything else?"

"Lord Rody, you may also make one request of the World Government," Viges replied respectfully.

Being allowed to make one request of the World Government was a privilege none of the other Seven Warlords possessed. Aside from Rody's great strength, another important reason he had been offered this term was his bloodthirsty nature.

In the World Government's view, once Rody became a Seven Warlord, his brutal and murderous temperament would make him even more effective than the others at intimidating pirates.

"I want you to provide me with a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit. That is my condition," Rody told Viges.

"Lord Rody, I do not have the authority to decide that. Mythical Zoan Devil Fruits are extremely rare. I must report this to my superiors." This condition was beyond Viges's authority.

"Fine. Since you can't decide, hurry up and report it." After Viges left, Rody drained the black tea in his cup in one gulp, then headed deeper into the palace to find King Cobra, who was eating breakfast.

Royal Capital Mausoleum of the Tomb of the Kings

"You brought me into the mausoleum without asking a single question. I thought that, as the king of this country, you would fight to the death to stop me!" In the passageway of the mausoleum, Rody curiously asked Cobra, who was leading the way ahead.

"Since Lord Rody directly asked me to bring you to the royal mausoleum, you must already know what is recorded within. And Alabasta lacks the strength to stop you, Lord Rody. Why should I waste my effort and bring unnecessary trouble upon my country?" Cobra explained with a bitter smile.

"You see things quite clearly. But I already knew the location of Pluton recorded on the mausoleum's stone tablet."

"Since Lord Rody already knew, then why..."

Rody ignored Cobra's question and instead turned to look down the passage behind them.

"Come out!"