*Chapter 283: The Strong Set the Rules*

"This thing was made in Dressrosa, so naturally, Dressrosa has the right to distribute it," Raijin declared. "To avoid it becoming too common, I plan to limit its distribution."

Following the future power structure of the Four Emperors, Raijin decided to allocate one share to each of the four pirate crews. This meant that within each crew, one person would attain immortality.

This would keep the balance of power on the seas stable, and even if trouble arose, it wouldn’t affect Dressrosa. Dressrosa would only sell the item—whoever could obtain it would depend on their abilities.

"Unless you can kill the other pirate crews, you have no right to this item," Raijin continued. "The seas have always been about survival of the fittest, and this thing is meant for the strong. If anyone truly desires longer life, they can serve one of these pirate crews. Dressrosa won’t stop them."

Kaido then spoke up with a menacing expression, "And what about mine? I’ve already got a share with Linlin. You’re not telling me I came here for nothing, are you?"

Raijin spread his hands. "That was a reward for your help, free of charge. Who drinks it is not my concern."

Turning to the other pirate captains, Raijin smiled, "I know you all desire immortality, but if I simply handed it out, it would lose its value. Dressrosa doesn’t make foolish decisions. If you want it, you’ll have to fight for it. This sea has always been ruled by the strong."

Several dozen pirate captains were present, and while many might return empty-handed, Raijin's strategy was clear—let them fight amongst themselves.

"In Dressrosa’s arena today, we’ll release a demon to fight. This will give you a taste of its power. I’ll even reveal its weaknesses for free. That’s Dressrosa’s stance—neutral, not favoring anyone."

Raijin smiled as he made his position clear. In the past, Dressrosa wouldn’t have had the strength to remain neutral, but now, under Raijin’s leadership, the nation had shown its might.

The strong made the rules in this world, and Dressrosa was now powerful enough to set them—unless someone destroyed Dressrosa. But with figures like Black Arm Zephyr, Garp, and other unknown strong fighters, that seemed unlikely.

Kaido, noticing the ambition in the eyes of the others, grinned. "Heh, interesting! Fine, then."

Big Mom, known as Charlotte Linlin, laughed. "If this item were everywhere, it’d be worthless. But you’re making me face so many challengers... shouldn't you sweeten the deal? Like... your Dressrosa pastry shops?"

Raijin nodded. "You can eat for free in Dressrosa during your stay. But only you—everyone else has to pay."

Linlin, satisfied, licked her lips. "Hahaha! I like you, boy!"

Someone else asked, "What about the remaining shares, Raijin?"

"One goes to the Whitebeard Pirates, and the last to the Red-Haired Pirates," Raijin replied. "You all respect Whitebeard’s strength, right? And as for the Red-Haired Pirates, well, their captain went from a cabin boy on the Pirate King’s ship to a pirate worth over a billion berries. If you want long life, go and take it from them."

Raijin’s bloodthirsty smile made the crowd uneasy, but no one could deny the power of the four pirate crews—Beasts, Big Mom, Whitebeard, and Red-Haired. They had earned their dominance through strength, and now, the Red-Haired Pirates seemed to be the new target for everyone’s ambitions.

Sengoku, observing in silence, realized Raijin's plan: to set up these pirate crews as targets and make them fight off challengers. He admired the strategy but doubted that the ragtag challengers had the power to bring down the likes of Whitebeard or Kaido.

Raijin turned to the representatives from the underworld, suggesting they choose a single representative to compete for the item. They, too, would soon be fighting over it.

"Sengoku-san, let's discuss things privately," Raijin said as they moved to a separate office. There, Raijin laid out his terms for the World Government: "Dressrosa is neutral, so we’re not asking for much—just pay for what you want. Three shares will be available for fifty billion berries each. Fair, isn’t it?"

As Nico Robin entered with tea, Sengoku ignored her presence. The former admiral knew Robin’s history but decided it wasn’t his business to interfere. After all, Garp and Zephyr surely knew of her presence, and even Kizaru and Aokiji had likely turned a blind eye.

Sengoku asked bluntly, "What’s your real game here? The seas are chaotic enough since Roger’s era. Now you’re stirring things up even more."

Raijin shook his head. "No, I’m balancing things out. The Big Three—Whitebeard, Kaido, and Linlin—have been untouchable for too long. By shifting attention to them, we can weaken the strongest pirates and prevent further chaos. Sure, there’ll be some unrest in the New World, but it’s better to focus the chaos there."

Sengoku considered Raijin’s words. The idea of weakening the most powerful pirates by turning others against them wasn’t without merit. But was it really going to work?

Raijin smiled and took a light sip of tea.

"Stirring the waters a bit is the only way out for Dressrosa."

It would keep the World Government from constantly trying to plant spies here.

As it stood, Raijin already had too many toy workers under him.

"We should discuss these things next time. You shouldn't be making decisions on your own."

Sengoku exhaled, finally speaking.

His tone left Raijin feeling dazed for a moment.

It was almost like he was seeing a scene from Konoha.

But the daze passed quickly when Sengoku pulled out some money.

Raijin took the opportunity to bring out a basic replenishment potion created by Tamayo.

This time, he would consider it a gift, but next time, the World Government would have to pay for it.

"You don’t have a version without side effects, do you?"

Sengoku asked, receiving the well-preserved potions from the box.

"Nope!" Raijin shook his head.

"That’s good! Hopefully, there will never be a version without side effects."

Sengoku nodded thoughtfully, saying no more.

In his mind, it would be best if such things never appeared on the seas.

Now that they had, it was best they never exist without side effects.

If a monster immune to sunlight with unlimited regenerative powers emerged, it would be worse than Kaido.

At least Kaido could be killed with the side effects of his Devil Fruit.

But these guys? They only feared sunlight.

"By the way, Zephyr asked if a kid could join the Navy."

"He’s really young, but with extraordinary talent and a strong sense of justice."

"He’s kind to his own, but ruthless to his enemies."

"I think this kid would thrive better in the Navy. Keeping him in Dressrosa might limit his growth."

"You’re probably the best person to mentor him. After all, the Navy needs to train the next generation, right?"

Raijin suddenly remembered someone and introduced the boy to Sengoku.

He had chosen some highly talented people from the Demon Slayer Corps.

One kid, who always wore a wild boar mask, had caught Garp’s eye.

Garp really liked the boy’s reckless, headstrong personality.

And then there was Kyojuro Rengoku, a model of righteousness.

He’d be perfect for the Navy.

"Take me to see him, then!" Sengoku said after a moment of thought.

Talent was something you had to witness firsthand to recognize.

It couldn’t be based solely on Uchiha Raijin’s word.

After all, that bastard Zepyr wasn’t exactly a good person.

Raijin had Nico Robin lead Sengoku to the Ninja Academy.

Nico Robin guided Sengoku out of the palace.

"The sea has been calm for too long since we joined it. We need chaos to make things interesting."

"I’ve already selected the new Four Emperors."

"They certainly won’t give up their thrones without a fight."

Raijin casually crossed his legs on the table, gazing out over Dressrosa.

"After this chaos, will there finally be peace?" Kakashi asked, flipping a page in his book.

"Probably! That’s when Dressrosa will take the throne," Raijin nodded, his Mangekyo Sharingan radiating powerful chakra.

Kakashi wasn’t wrong!

But Raijin was more eager to see the Uchiha clan grow as quickly as possible.

The only issue was time.

Now, they just had to patiently wait for the Rinnegan to manifest.

"Sengoku’s left with that Demon Slayer Corps member," Kakashi suddenly said, lifting his head. His Observation Haki constantly kept tabs on everything happening in Dressrosa.

He easily noticed everyone’s actions.

"Let him take him. Sengoku seemed like he was ready to throw in the towel today."

"I think we should give him some encouragement, at least enough to keep him going for another five or six years."

Raijin sighed. Dressrosa wasn’t ready yet.

Once they were prepared, then Sengoku could retire.

It was too early for him to quit now.

They weren’t ready to take over the seas just yet.

"You really are an Uchiha," Kakashi nodded in approval.

Such an evil guy.

Only someone like him could come up with a plan to torment Sengoku like this.

"Should we have Kuzan take on a student as well?"

Kakashi asked thoughtfully.

He felt that relying on just a woman wasn’t enough to fully tie down Kuzan.

But if he had a student as well...

Maybe then things would be different.