Chapter 162 - - 162 Paul is too young_1

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“It brings luck to you, not to me.”

Eddie agreed to join Duge’s ranks, but firmly refused to change his name.

After all,

Duge’s Fish Era seemed like a conspiracy from any angle.

Although they were still temporarily ignorant of the problem, it was definitely not wrong to refuse first.

Moreover, everyone present was a wily old fox, who, through prior events, had already judged Duge’s character; he would not kill innocents. That might be due to his youth and lack of experience, but kindness is a pirate’s greatest weakness.

However, Duge was the greatest salesman, and nobody could walk away from him unscathed.

So,

at his suggestion, the Sea Beast Enke took Antonio, Eddie, and others on a thrilling whitewater rush adventure.

Then,

both men agreed to change their names.

Because when Enke’s two tentacles formed a heart shape while guiding them through the waves, it was truly exhilarating.

They even almost kissed each other…

Paul indeed would not kill anyone, but his character was so disagreeable that they couldn’t stand being tormented by him either!

And,

they had overestimated their own prestige among their subordinates.

When Enke caught them playing in the water, not a single one of their crew took initiative to fire at the Avenger.

But when it came to naming, both men were sly.

Eddie added the name of a freshwater fish to his, and Antonio not only inserted a fish name in the middle but it wasn’t even a real fish name, it was something he made up, just containing the character for fish.

As a result,

after changing their names,

Duge simply shook hands with them and congratulated them, completely oblivious to the trick.

Of course, nothing happened, and the two men unconsciously relaxed, feeling that their little schemes had worked.

…

“That’s settled then, Commodore Antonio, I will lead an attack on Mahamadu next. I’ll give you advance notice of the attack time, hoping the navy will deploy in time to support me,” Duge holding out a glass of rum to Antonio with a smile, “Of course, if I don’t hear about the Royal Navy setting sail, I’ll turn my forces around to attack the navy headquarters. It’s all the same to me, whether I become King of the Pirates or King of the Navy. Plus, I hear that Admiral Mikaro has a Destiny Sea Map in his possession.”

“I haven’t heard of such a thing…” Antonio hesitated for a moment, frowning as he said, “Captain Paul, don’t speak nonsense. Moreover, the Navy will cooperate; we have long wanted to eradicate the pirates lurking in the Four Seas. You can’t possibly win against the Navy headquarters. The Sea Beast Enke isn’t invincible; after all, it can’t come ashore…”

“I certainly trust the Commodore’s word; I was just speaking off the cuff. However, having a powerful shark stir up war among the fish schools that weakens their strength is ultimately a good thing for the Navy, isn’t it?” Duge chuckled, raising his glass to Antonio and draining it, “Just think about it, isn’t that so?”

A smile involuntarily appeared on Antonio’s face, but quickly, the unfortunate events that occurred because of Black Magic Hand’s last smile before death invaded his thoughts.

He hastily restrained his smile.

Nonetheless, Duge’s words still struck a chord with him.

…

“It’s absolutely true that Admiral Mikaro has a Destiny Sea Map in his possession,” Duge poured himself another drink, saying it with conviction.

Though there were some minor dangers, after muddying the waters of Herd Island, he indeed became the biggest beneficiary.

Having tasted success, Duge did not mind stirring the waters of the world even murkier.

There were still over 500 candidates in the simulation field. They would not come out until it became so turbid that they couldn’t survive. They would lay low, dragging it out until the last moment of the main mission to then come out and reap heads.

Too hesitating.

Duge had no time to play house with them in the simulation field.

The longer the delay, the greater the risk.

Moreover, ending the simulation early, if he had a chance to start another, would mean he could gain two more skills, right?

“Captain Paul, let’s not spread baseless rumors,” Antonio gestured dismissively. He of course knew the trouble it would bring Admiral Mikaro if the news about the Destiny Sea Map spread, so he said so.

“It’s true,” Duge smiled, pointing to Marsha Hewitt, “Don’t forget, the witch is with me.”

Under the black cloak, Marsha Hewitt holding the crystal ball, shuddered involuntarily, privately lamenting that the witch’s reputation was completely ruined by him. One day, if she left Paul, she probably wouldn’t have anyone come to her for fortune-telling anymore!

“Hmm, I know this is true now,” Antonio said with a sudden irritation, “Captain Paul, is there anything else? If not, I think I should leave.”

“There is one more thing,” Duge looked around and beckoned to Vito, “Vito, come here.”

Vito came out reluctantly.

Although he had made up his mind to change his strategy, being low-key had become his instinct. Being in the spotlight made him uncomfortable, feeling as if everyone’s gaze was focused on him.

“…” Antonio frowned as he looked at Vito.

“We need a messenger between us,” Duge said with a smile, pushing Vito forward, “Vito is my most capable assistant, and I think he would be the best choice to act as our messenger.”

Vito looked astounded.

What’s going on?

First, you told me to go to Mahamadu, then to Safra, and now you’re pushing me to Antonio, do you even have a plan?

Besides, what’s the use of me being in the navy?

Every action in the navy has to follow orders, how can they possibly seek out the Destiny Sea Map?

No, that’s not right!

Following orders precisely can make my advanced skills even more effective!

The royal navy is the perfect path for my growth…

But still.

Under the fluorescent lights, being taken away by Antonio, that would mean he’d be exposed very quickly, right?

Vito sighed inwardly, alas, Paul really wasn’t a good partner; he was too impulsive, and moreover, he didn’t discuss anything with him. Clearly, if they’d discussed it, they could have come up with a better strategy.

What’s the rush?

The battle is over.

What’s wrong with making Antonio wait?

“No problem,” Antonio said, after glancing at the uncomfortable Vito, agreeing quickly.

He just wanted to end this damned negotiation, take a bath, change his clothes, and report the situation at sea to Admiral Mikaro as soon as possible, to see how he would deal with this damned Paul. This naval battle involved too many issues.

The young man called Vito hadn’t managed his expressions well, exposing that Paul had thought of his inclusion on the spot.

It made sense.

With Laurent Swann’s sudden appearance, it was impossible for Paul to have made detailed preparations in advance. A young man with only a single ship a few days ago, how thorough could his considerations be?

Impulsive and reckless, that was the normal behavior to expect.

Maybe he could use Paul and this Vito to completely dismantle the so-called King of the Four Seas…

After seeing the bashful and uncomfortable Vito, Antonio’s thoughts suddenly cleared.

Indeed.

Paul was just a little guy who had stumbled upon good fortune.

All that stuff about appending the suffix ‘fish’ to his name was just him overthinking it.

Dealing with Paul would definitely be easier than dealing with Mahamadu’s band of old foxes.

And this Vito, he should be easy to control as well. With a generous offer of money and women, perhaps with just a few words, he could be won over to the navy.

…

On the other hand.

Eddie also sighed.

Compared to Mahamadu, Paul was far inferior. His actions were spur-of-the-moment without considering the consequences.

Such a guy, even if he stumbled upon a mountain of gold, would end up penniless again.

This so-called Fish Era might really be his wishful thinking, him overthinking it.

Once he had Paul under control, it was time to find a way to contact Mahamadu and discuss how to deal with Paul.

Only Mahamadu was worthy of becoming the King of the East Sea.

Killing Paul and taking the Ocean Horn, Mahamadu could become the Pirate King. Only someone more capable could make better use of a powerful weapon like the Sea Beast Enke.

Until Antonio left, no one brought up the matter of examinees, keywords, attributes, etc., as if everyone had just ignored it.

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