Epilogue
Otherwise.
Fighting and running simultaneously, even if they manage to catch up to Totto Land's stronghold, they'll not only be surrounded but also face further attacks.
It might even trigger a chain reaction among the New World Pirates crews. The Whitebeard Pirates, for example, would not agree, even though they have frequent conflicts with the Big Mom Pirates.
Although Pirates are generally not highly educated, they still understand the principle of mutual dependence.
Once the balance of power among the Three Emperors is disrupted and the balance of power on the high seas is broken, there will be no place for Pirates in the New World!
Watching Big Mom flee in a disheveled state, Atlas turned and flew towards Broccoli Island. With Big Mom gone, this trip to Broccoli Island was now over.
At the dilapidated port, Smoker and Kyros, along with some naval personnel, were on board a newly returned warship, busily coordinating personnel.
"Brother Atlas, how is it?"
As Atlas slowly landed on the warship, Smoker went to greet him.
Although he didn't see Big Mom, the occasional loud noises coming from afar suggested that someone was fighting Atlas.
"It's alright, but Big Mom got away."
Atlas waved his hand. "However, Katakuri somehow got information that Akainu was coming here, so he retreated in advance."
When did the Charlotte Family's intelligence network become so powerful?
According to his calculations, even if Smoker called Sengoku for help in time while he was fighting Big Mom, it would still be difficult to save Sengoku.
However, this was only limited to internal communications within the Navy; it would be impossible for outsiders to detect Akainu's movements in less than a week.
"Akainu Vice Admiral?"
Smoker was taken aback. Although he had called Sengoku to explain the situation, Sengoku had not told him which Vice Admiral had come to his aid.
"Well, let's not dwell on this. Let's help Andrew stabilize the country first."
Atlas patted Smoker heavily on the shoulder and said casually.
"That..."
"Should we call Akainu and Vice Admiral him return? Since Big Mom has already retreated, there's no need for them to come here anymore."
Smoker slowly pulled a cigar from his pocket, put the mouthpiece in his mouth, and looked puzzled.
"There's no need. They'll probably be here soon. I'll explain to them myself then."
Atlas waved his hand in refusal, but a bold idea suddenly popped into his mind.
Perhaps...
Can we shift the blame to the World Government?
"I'll go change my clothes first. You guys can clean up this mess. Don't keep the rest of the Pirates around, or I'll have to make another trip to Impel Down."
After saying that, Atlas turned and walked towards his Bedroom on the warship.
After all, every battle would damage a piece of clothing, so he usually kept several sets on the warship for easy changing; he didn't want to run around shirtless.
Doesn't a dignified naval Candidate Admiral care about his image?
Blue Blue~
Suddenly, a Den Den Mushi (Den Den Mushi) rang nearby.
A navy officer burst out of the communications room, carrying a Den Den Mushi) and shouted, "Vice Admiral, it's Sengoku Admiral on the phone!"
Atlas scratched his head, looked down at his slightly disheveled upper body, and muttered impatiently.
"That old man from the Sengoku really knows how to pick his moments to make phone calls!"
Click--!!
Despite his complaints, Atlas still picked up the microphone without hesitation.
He didn't want to be lectured on the Sengoku for half a day.
"Hello? This is Atlas."
"Atlas Big Mom has retreated?"
A deep, authoritative voice came from the Sengoku.
"That's right, but..."
Atlas paused for a moment, then said, "I heard that Katakuri apparently got information about Akainu from a woman Stussy, so he retreated ahead of schedule."
Atlas didn't care whether Sengoku believed him or not, and started spouting nonsense with his eyes closed. After all, he couldn't possibly go all the way to Totto Land to confront Katakuri, could he?
As for Stussy, Atlas only had a vague impression of her; she seemed to be an agent of the World Government's Cipher Pol and had a good relationship with Big Mom. So, he could only let her take the blame.
"Stussy? Queen of the Pleasure District?"
Sengoku was taken aback. As an active-duty Marine Admiral, he naturally possessed certain privileges that Atlas and his group did not have, and he was somewhat aware of some of the World Government's secret operations.
If he remembers correctly...
Is Stussy an undercover agent sent by the World Government to infiltrate the Underworld?
"Yes, I heard it very clearly."
Atlas nodded, completely ignoring the confused look Smoker gave him.
He was gambling that Sengoku knew Stussy's true identity.
Even if no one knew, her identity would eventually be exposed.
And by then, Atlas's words today will become an inescapable thorn in Sengoku's side!
"Alright, I understand. You'll stay in the Chris Kingdom for a while to prevent other Pirates from sweeping back."
Sengoku's voice remained calm and steady, his tone completely unwavering, but inwardly, a raging storm was brewing within him.
First, Kaido!
And then it's Charlotte Linlin again!
What does the World Government take the Navy's Justice for?!
Snap!
After hanging up the phone, Atlas handed the Den Den Mushi to the Navy officer next to him and then walked casually towards his Bedroom.
Although Sengoku's tone was calm just now, he knew...
Generally speaking, the calmer the water surface, the higher the underwater danger level. Sengoku was probably furious by this point.
Right after the call ended.
With the help of the navy, the reconstruction of the Chris Kingdom has proceeded in an orderly manner.
Epilogue of Chapter 221
Broccoli Island, the Chris Kingdom.
A day has passed since Atlas defeated Big Mom. Atlas and his navy have been sweeping through every corner of the island again and again, and all the Pirates in the kingdom have been wiped out.
With Atlas's Observation Haki capable of reaching the entire island, no Pirates could escape the search.
Although his Observation Haki doesn't possess the special ability to sense others' malice like Issho's, he still has the most basic ability to detect life force.
With the orderly command of the new King Andrew and the assistance of the navy, the reconstruction of the kingdom was proceeding rapidly.
Atlas was also able to easily move heavy objects or collapsed houses using the power of the Chicken Talisman.
The damage to the kingdom's buildings was not too severe, thanks to Atlas's deliberate control over the aftermath of the war; otherwise, the cost of post-war reconstruction alone would have been enough to bankrupt this already impoverished nation.
In short, everything is moving in a positive direction.
With nothing to do, Atlas wandered aimlessly down the street.
It's different from when we first arrived on the island.
The streets were filled with ordinary people, their faces beaming with excitement, each carrying some tools as they began to repair some houses.
Everywhere was bustling with activity.
Upon seeing Atlas enter, many people unconsciously put down what they were doing and greeted him warmly. Some even wanted to introduce their daughters to him.
"Vice Admiral White Hou, thank you so much for saving this country!!"
"Lieutenant Vice Admiral, our Chris Kingdom will forever remember your kindness!"
"Your Vice Admiral Lieutenant General, we have some eggs at home. Let me take them to you so you can have a different flavor."
"Yes, Lieutenant Vice Admiral, are you married? My daughter..."
To them, Atlas was their savior who saved them from dire straits, and at this moment, they could only express their humble gratitude in the simplest way.
Faced with the ever-growing crowd, Atlas forced an awkward yet polite smile, waved to everyone, and fled in disarray, inwardly lamenting that he couldn't handle it.
The uncle who said he wanted to introduce his daughter was practically shoving her into his arms!
The key point is, his daughter is only a few years old!
Whew~
Shaking off the enthusiastic crowds and leaving the streets of the commoners' district, Atlas went straight to the Royal Palace.
Andrew had changed into fine clothes and was leaning on a scepter that seemed disproportionate to his size. His appearance had changed dramatically, and his expression was now more composed.
After all, he was someone who received an aristocratic education from childhood, and now he bears the heavy responsibility of being the king of a country. Even if he is not calm inside, he has to pretend to be like this.
"Mr. Atlas, thank you for saving this country!!"
Seeing Atlas step through the Royal Palace gates, Andrew bent his knees, wanting to give Atlas a big wall slam.
"Hey? You're the king of World Government Member States. It's not appropriate for a mere navy officer like me to kneel down."
Seeing this, Atlas quickly helped her up, even joking, "If someone sees this and complains, I'll be in big trouble."
"Oh? I'm so sorry, I didn't consider your perspective!"
Andrew, whose body was forcibly straightened, immediately turned red in the face and apologized repeatedly.
"Alright, just kidding. But you should still be more careful in public in the future, after all, you represent the face of the Chris Kingdom."
Atlas said earnestly.
Although Andrew is still young, as the king of the Chris Kingdom, maturity and composure will be a necessary mask for him in the future.
"Okay, thank you for your guidance."
Andrew answered loudly again, without the slightest hint of the arrogance befitting a king.
"So, Mr. White Hou, are you here to leave the Chris Kingdom?"
"No, I'll stay on Broccoli Island for a few more days until word gets out. Otherwise, the Pirates who were attracted by Pizarro will probably swarm here."
Atlas shook his head in rejection.
Pizarro has been occupying the Chris Kingdom for some time now, and his reputation for wanting to build Pirate Nation has spread. Many Pirates are still unaware of what's happening on this island, and in the next few days, there's a high probability that some foolish Pirates will come over.
He decided to stay there and solve the problem once and for all.
Thump thump thump--!!
Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps sounded outside the Royal Palace hall. A navy man rushed in, looking flustered.
"Reporting to Vice Admiral Excellency, Akainu Vice Admiral arrived at the port!"
Atlas was taken aback.
So fast? He thought it would take several more days.
"Alright, I understand. I'll head to the port now, Your Majesty Andrew!"
After waving to Andrew and expressing his apology, Atlas turned and flew towards the port.
At the port, a warship bearing the inscription 'G-7' was moored next to Atlas's warship.
On the ship.
Sakazuki stood on the deck, watching the bustling figures in the harbor, and couldn't help but clench his fist and slam it heavily against the railing.
"Looks like Charlotte Linlin has already been chased away. We were too late after all, damn it!!"