One piece: Black Cat

"This is it, pirate! Prepare yourself—"

Clang!

The marine's saber sliced through the air, aiming for its target, only to be caught bare-handed by the pirate's steel grip.

"What?! Devil Fruit abilities?! Besides Nico Robin and 'Nukeashi,' there are others with powers too?!"

"Foolish," Daz Bones replied with cold indifference.

The pirate didn't transform his body into blades, he simply turned his skin to steel and shoved with crushing force, sending the marine tumbling overboard into the churning sea below.

"Our captain never ate one of those disgusting fruits," Daz explained, his voice carrying over the clash of battle.

"They're supposed to taste awful. Kuro's got refined tastes in his own twisted way, I doubt he'd willingly consume something he knows tastes like garbage."

"...That makes sense."

Most of the soldiers who had boarded the deck lay scattered across the wooden planks or had been forced overboard into the unforgiving waves. The acrid smell of gunpowder mixed with the salt spray as Perona unleashed a squadron of translucent ghosts upon the next approaching vessel, instantly neutralizing the marines who were preparing to leap across.

—What are you all doing?! We need to retreat immediately, I'm pathetic for shouting orders at my lowly rank...

—I want to become nothing more than a stain on this deck...

—For someone like me to raise a sword against a child... I should just die.

Perona's Hollow-Hollow Fruit powers proved devastatingly effective for crowd control. Against marines of this caliber, her abilities posed little threat to her own safety while completely demoralizing the enemy forces.

"The new recruits are performing better than expected," Daz observed, parrying another attack with ease. "They're holding their own against these fast-moving marines, even though it's usually just the two of them working together."

"Of course they are. Even though it was only about a month of training, they practiced alongside both the captain and me."

Fighting against Daz, a man whose entire body could become a weapon of living steel, and Captain Kuro, whose supernatural speed made his attacks nearly impossible to predict, had given each crew member far more combat experience than they could have gained elsewhere.

"The real concern is with the Captain..." Daz's eyes narrowed as he scanned the battlefield. "Robin, how are things progressing on your end?"

Robin, who had quickly established herself as their information coordinator, sorting intelligence and serving as a communication relay using her Hana-Hana abilities during battles and raids, had her eyes closed, an unusual sight for someone typically so alert and observant.

This was proof that she had sprouted eyes elsewhere, though seeing her like this was rare. She had learned to keep her primary eyes closed when observing through Kuro's perspective, as his incredible speed had once left her dizzy and disoriented.

"Sorry, I'm occupied at the moment. The Captain requested that I use both my reconnaissance and search capabilities simultaneously."

"Searching for what?"

"That Den Den Mushi. Haven't we located it yet?"

Daz watched their ship's steady progress through the battle zone. The wind remained strong and favorable, their sails taut and catching every gust. It would take considerable time to reach the flagship where their Captain was currently engaged, but they had received clear orders to maintain course and rendezvous with him later if his business wasn't concluded by the time they passed.

"Perona, use your Special Hollow technique to capsize some of the surrounding vessels. With this wind, we should be able to manage it."

"The range decreases somewhat with Special Hollow," she replied, twirling a strand of pink hair around her finger.

"It will create obstacles for enemy ships attempting to reach the flagship where the Captain is stationed. Don't sink them completely, just disable them."

"Horohorohoro, leave it to me!"

As soon as the words left her lips, a massive translucent specter emerged from her palm, expanding like a balloon filling with air until it towered over the nearby vessels.

"Here we go, Navy dogs!"

—Captain! That enormous ghost is back!

—Gunners, target that Devil Fruit user! Even if you only manage to frighten her, do something!

Faint screams carried across the water, but neither Daz nor the others showed concern. The few bullets that miraculously found their mark at such an extreme distance passed harmlessly through Perona's intangible form, leaving only small scorch marks on the deck planks and railings behind her.

"Horohorohoro! Is that all you've got?"

"Don't think you can stop us that easily!"

—Incoming! Three cannon volleys in succession!

A direct hit would have caused catastrophic damage to their hull, but the explosions detonated several meters short of their target, creating a series of water spouts that caused the Navy vessel to list dangerously to one side.

•°•

"First priority: we must capture Nico Robin. Her continued existence represents nothing but a threat to world stability."

"Are you seriously ordering my subordinates to kill each other?! I want to resolve this situation through proper channels first!"

"Ultimately, if there's any possibility that Nico Robin, and Ohara's forbidden knowledge, might escape our grasp, we must eliminate that threat regardless of the cost."

"But—"

"The West Blue branch chief who's working so desperately to contain Nico Robin demonstrates far more righteousness as a Marine than those who hesitate."

"Damn it..."

The discussion had reached an impasse. The Navy demanded accountability from the government regarding the illegal sale and trafficking of Marines as slaves. Above all else, the World Government prioritized preventing any leak of Ohara's archaeological discoveries.

"Furthermore, we've received reports that some Marines have begun operating as pirates."

"If it weren't for that cursed deal, I'd still be serving as a proper Marine!"

At those words, both Zephyr and Garp clenched their fists until their knuckles turned white. When Sengoku and Tsuru noticed the rising tension, they instinctively moved to intervene, but a sharp knock interrupted the heated exchange.

"What's the meaning of this?!"

One of the Five Elders barked the question as a Marine burst through the door.

"My apologies! We've established contact with West Blue Branch Chief Mads via Den Den Mushi!"

Not only the Marines, but the Five Elders themselves reacted with visible surprise.

"Mads? Why is he only contacting us now?"

"Ah, no sir, it's not Branch Chief Mads who's communicating..."

"I am a pirate who calls himself 'Kuro the Cat Burglar'!"

Everyone present, including Sakazuki, who had been sitting motionless in his chair, and Kuzan, who stood beside him, looked startled and turned their attention to the Den Den Mushi the Marine had brought into the room.

•°•

I'm uncertain how this situation will unfold from here. I came this far hoping to provide information to Sengoku that might help ease the confusion somewhat, but I'm beginning to feel like giving up entirely.

"Robin, thank you for your assistance. I'll keep you informed of developments, so focus on protecting yourself."

No, you've really helped me tremendously...

If I had attempted this alone, I would have completely overlooked that safe hidden in such an obscure location.

No matter what I try, this idiot refuses to regain consciousness... I suppose I managed to rattle his brain quite effectively.

I thought I was being remarkably gentle with him.

"Understood, Captain. Please be careful, numerous naval vessels are approaching your position."

"I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine. There's no real threat here. Just make sure you stay safe."

Well, if the Marines' skill level is truly this pathetic... then there's genuinely no problem at all.

Unlike my encounters with Bege and Moria, there are no strange restrictions here, and I can even choose the battlefield to my advantage.

And—

The local branch chief sleeping at my feet, his face grotesquely swollen from my "questioning", still hasn't awakened despite my increasingly aggressive interrogation methods. What a weakling.

Well, I suspect he rose to his position through bribery and corruption rather than merit, but if someone of this caliber can reach a leadership role... yeah.

I'm certain the Marines stationed along the Grand Line wouldn't be nearly this incompetent, but I had been genuinely concerned about the quality of Marine forces in the Four Blues.

"Is that you, Cat Burglar?!"

As expected, Sengoku's voice emerged from the Den Den Mushi.

So he was indeed there.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, it's been quite some time. I understand you're extremely busy, but I'd like to inform you of our current situation first."

I could hear considerable commotion in the background. Since I suspected they were in Mariejois, it was likely some kind of military conference room or waiting area, where Kuzan and the others might also be present.

"You may have already heard, but due to the incident involving Nico Robin, the West Blue Marine Branch Chief has declared war on us, and we've entered into active hostilities."

"What about the captured Marines?!"

...Huh? He accepted Robin's presence that easily?

I had expected at least ten or twenty accusations to be hurled at me immediately.

"Before the battle commenced, they were placed under the protective custody of Vice admiral Momonga from Headquarters as civilians. I'll have him provide you with the details... I believe we should be able to communicate properly now."

As I spoke, I heard Sengoku release a long, relieved sigh. I could hear similar sounds of relief from others in the background as well.

"However..."

How can I possibly explain Amis and the others?

To be completely honest, I still can't fully accept it myself... "Marines claimed they would die for me, and now they're fighting their former comrades"?

Does fate demand that I die from shame?

Someone help me... please, just help me already...

"I apologize, but nearly twenty of those Marines are now under my command."

"I'm aware of that. I've heard reports from multiple sources. I was told that some personnel had become pirates..."

...What?

Even though he had heard this information, he seemed unaware that any Marines had been returned safely.

Judging by the reaction I heard from the background, this was likely news to them as well.

But did you already know that some Marines had turned to piracy?

...

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, I know it may seem presumptuous of me to welcome Nico Robin into my pirate crew and to engage in combat alongside her, but there's something I need to ask you."

I could see several ships approaching in the distance, so I wondered how much time we'd have to talk...

•°•

"—That's the complete situation. To be honest, I learned more from you than I had discovered independently."

Everyone in the room could hear the Den Den Mushi conversation clearly.

The Five Elders observed the exchange without saying a word.

Perhaps they were forming their own conclusions about this man called Kuro based on the conversation.

"...Our branch chief concealed the Den Den Mushi inside his personal safe. He even went so far as to place a signal-jamming Den Den Mushi beside it."

"...Do you believe the branch chief was connected to someone who wanted to suppress information about this situation?"

I phrased it deliberately to make the implication clear.

I could hear Garp and others grinding their teeth in frustration, but my words needed to have significant impact to help resolve this crisis.

This unconventional pirate had saved and protected Marines during the incident.

Even with the Nico Robin complication, he had earned a measure of trust from the Marines who understood the current circumstances.

Above all, you—

"No, it's the opposite."

More importantly, this man was far from barbaric or brutal—he projected an aura of intelligence and calculated thinking.

Yes, you'll understand.

"This incident... no, this entire situation stemming from the slavery crisis—I believe it represents an orchestrated attack on the World Government."

The word 'pirate' is the most effective way to capture attention in this situation.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, just as the Navy was unable to obtain accurate information about the situation on the ground, I suspect the government is also operating with incomplete intelligence. Not only do Marine movements appear compromised, but government responses seem unusually delayed."

Each of the Five Elders made subtle physical movements.

"...I've spoken with government officials, but they've never shown signs of genuine concern."

"They were likely trying to avoid displaying any weakness. The World Government, the world itself, has accumulated too many unresolved problems without addressing the underlying issues."

For a moment, I considered whether I should explain to the pirate on the other end of the Den Den Mushi exactly who was present in this room.

However, the Five Elders remained seated, as if encouraging him to continue.

"Due to the World Government's extensive history, they've become too accustomed to the possibility of rebellion against their authority. They understand their enemies all too well."

"Slavery, poverty, hunger, warfare, natural disasters, piracy, the seeds of rebellion exist everywhere, and their roots run impossibly deep. I can't help but feel genuine respect for the World Government's skill in continuing to suppress these threats while maintaining some semblance of global stability."

"But suppressing many means creating many enemies. In our daily existence, which revolves around preparing for such contingencies, these so-called 'Marine Slaves' created the perfect wedge to exploit."

"It's likely that both the government and the Navy have been manipulated to ensure they only receive the information someone wants them to have."

"The slavery issue must have infuriated the Navy and created distrust toward the government, while the government felt increasingly uneasy in response."

"Unease about the Navy organization breeds distrust, and as each side interprets the other's distrust, it grows into outright suspicion."

"In such circumstances, we're left with only fragmentary information. That alone is enough to stir up anxiety."

"Information that you piece together from such fragments inevitably carries a suspicious undertone."

"...There's no need to fool everyone. If just a few people with significant influence within the Navy and government become suspicious of each other, the enemy can achieve their objective."

"The enemy's goal is to ignite a fire within the government that will never be extinguished."

•°•

In reality, I believe it's unclear whether this incident will lead to genuine conflict between the Navy and the government.

The suspicion would be enormous, but it wasn't only the Celestial Dragons behind this conspiracy, there were traitors within the Marines as well.

Ultimately, using the evidence we've gathered, they would need to identify and recover the Marines who had been sold into slavery and reach some kind of resolution.

What the presumed mastermind (the future 41-year-old) accomplished was using manipulation to delay any solution while stirring up distrust between both parties.

"Cat Burglar."

"Yes?"

"Someone wants to speak with you directly. May I transfer the call?"

...

Someone wants to speak directly?

"Yes, I don't mind."

As I responded, I heard the sound of someone else taking the receiver.

Who could that be? Perhaps the Commander-in-Chief of the World Government forces... a position Kong would later assume.

Kong was... a Fleet Admiral at this time, I believe.

"I've heard your analysis. 'Kuro the Cat Burglar'... you're quite an intriguing individual."

"I apologize for my rudeness, but may I ask who I'm speaking with?"

"...That's understandable. You can't identify someone from voice alone."

"One of the Five Elders. You're familiar with us, I assume?"

...

"This is... my sincere apologies. I may not have recognized you immediately, but I certainly didn't intend any disrespect."

Wasn't Sengoku supposed to be at a Navy gathering?

"Excellent. There's just one question we want to ask you."

"Are you interested in becoming one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea?"

***

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[10 Advanced Chs][7 Chapters/week]