Splitting it fifty-fifty was already a significant reduction. Ochoku and Silver Axe had no intention of letting their treasure shrink any further, so they flatly rejected Big Mom's proposal.
Clearly, Shiki had a similar idea. But his appetite was even bigger. He wanted it all!
"That's right, there are too many people splitting the loot. But if you're willing to leave quietly, I don't mind giving you these coins here." Shiki laughed, speaking with a contemptuous tone.
The number of coins was indeed considerable, but in the eyes of Big Mom and the others, they amounted to nothing.
They had spent so much effort and time getting here. The value of the ruined ancient guardians alone far exceeded these coins.
How could they possibly just take this and leave?
Not to mention Shiki was telling them to split it three ways.
Big Mom sneered, her gaze shifting to Ochoku and Silver Axe.
"This guy is just as obnoxious as ever. How about the three of us team up first and take him out?"
"We can figure out the split later. What do you say?"
Hearing this, Ochoku and Silver Axe both nodded.
Taking Shiki out first was beneficial to their plan. Then the two of them could join forces to deal with Big Mom as well, and Captain John's treasure would naturally fall into their hands.
The three of them subtly surrounded Shiki without making it obvious.
John stood off to the side with a cold expression, as though it had nothing to do with him.
Every single one of these people was rotten to the core. In his eyes, watching them tear each other apart was quite the entertaining show.
'Go ahead and fight amongst yourselves. You'll all die here anyway.'
He thought to himself, growing increasingly pleased.
Truly good brothers on the same ship. Even in death, they'd die together, neat and tidy.
However...
His gaze shifted outward. Quite a few people had already broken through the ancient guardians' blockade and were continuously catching up.
World, who had been taught a lesson by Shiki earlier, was among them.
But this group hadn't even caught up to Shiki and the others before they started clashing among themselves halfway. The main conflict actually stemmed from the Marines.
The Marines led by Zephyr had changed their earlier stance, becoming aggressive. After entering the cavern, they immediately began apprehending pirates.
This move actually deviated from their original plan, but Zephyr was simply following orders.
After becoming an Admiral, he discovered that this glamorous position wasn't as great as he'd imagined. Orders from the World Government left him with no choice but to comply.
"Damned Marines, they finally couldn't hold back anymore?"
"Momo Momo: Hundred-Fold Impact!" World charged forward violently, leveraging his own powerful physique which already carried tremendous destructive force. After amplifying it a hundredfold, it became even more terrifying!
Many people worried that he might actually pierce straight through the island!
But this concern was clearly unnecessary, because a black arm had already shot out, intercepting him!
Zephyr's arm was as sturdy and powerful as a resilient tree trunk. He swung his arm horizontally, directly smashing it into World's face, intercepting his charge.
However, World's momentum still carried Zephyr along, and the two of them slammed into one of the cavern walls, creating a massive crater.
But Zephyr, covered in Armament Haki, wasn't seriously harmed. Instead, it was World himself who felt a bit dazed.
After pulling himself from the shattered rock, Zephyr immediately launched a counterattack against World. The Marines under his command also began attacking the other pirates.
Though calling them Marines was a bit of a stretch, since a considerable number of World Government agents were mixed in among them.
These people had little interest in ordinary pirates. They had come to complete their mission.
As a result, Shutenmaru and his group became the targets of these agents' assault.
"White suits. World Government, as expected."
Shutenmaru's expression turned ugly. He had already activated his Oni form, fighting several agents single-handedly.
Garo and the others also engaged those people in combat, though their efforts were somewhat half-hearted.
"Captain, there are too many of them." After knocking one person back, Garo naturally moved to Shutenmaru's side, pressing his back against his.
It wasn't just him. Catarra, Chris, and Rosca also gathered around with grave expressions.
Garo looked at Shutenmaru's back and gave Catarra a signal with his eyes. Catarra immediately aimed his blade at Shutenmaru. At the same time, he kept talking to lower Shutenmaru's guard.
"These World Government bastards seem to be coming after us specifically."
As the blade nearly pierced through Shutenmaru's back, Garo's breathing grew slightly rapid. He knew Shutenmaru wouldn't die immediately from this, so he was already prepared to strike the moment Catarra succeeded.
He wasn't the only one. Chris had already partially transformed into her beast form, and Rosca's paper swords were at the ready.
Garo held his breath and roared, "Now!"
The four people surrounding Shutenmaru struck at almost the exact same moment.
"Schk—"
The sound of a blade piercing flesh rang out.
Garo dropped to his knees. His remaining arm had been severed by Catarra, his chest had been gouged open by Chris's claws, and several paper swords had pierced through his back, pinning him to the ground.
He stared in disbelief at his so-called comrades.
"How regrettable. I actually thought you were quite useful." Shutenmaru turned around, looking not at all surprised by the situation, only expressing regret.
"You... bastards..."
"Sorry, Garo. We've already betrayed the World Government. We're now servants of Lord Mikado, the Great Elder."
Rosca brushed a strand of red hair from her ear and delivered the final blow to Garo with an expressionless face.
Then she fished out a small Den Den Mushi from inside Garo's clothing. After glancing at Shutenmaru and receiving his command, she found a secluded spot and made the call.
"Purupurupuru..."
"Purupurupuru..."
"Kacha..."
"This is the World Government. What do you have to report?" An aged voice came from the other end of the Den Den Mushi.
"Report: The assassination mission against the Asura Demon has failed."
"Garo has been killed. The three of us have not had our covers blown for now."
The other end fell silent after hearing the report.
Rosca then asked, "What are our next orders? Should we continue the mission?"
"No need. Since you haven't been discovered, stay in Inazuma for now and keep your identities hidden." With that, the World Government hung up.
Rosca smiled, stuffing the Den Den Mushi into a large crevice.
[
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