One piece: Black Cat

"He's only fourteen years old. I thought we could use his safety as bait to lure him to our side, exploit his talent for our advantage, but..." The voice trailed off in the dimly lit chamber.

"Kuro the Shadow... what a terrifying man has emerged."

"By Saint Jalmack, what a waste of potential."

After the naval officers concluded their discussions and departed, five men remained seated around the polished mahogany table. The air hung thick with cigar smoke and unspoken tension.

"What are your thoughts?" asked the eldest, his weathered fingers drumming against the table's surface.

"He needs to be eliminated immediately. The longer we wait, the more uncontrollable he becomes."

"But what of the Navy? Will they hesitate to kill that man?"

"If it were mere hesitation, that would be manageable. At worst, they might eliminate him and conceal both him and his crew within Navy ranks. After all, most of his crew are former Marines who were destined for slavery. It's entirely plausible."

"How ironic that the man who warned us of dangers has become our greatest threat."

The men sighed collectively, their gazes fixed on a wanted poster displaying a bespectacled pirate with unnaturally sharp eyes for someone barely fourteen.

"What about Cipher Pol?"

"Currently occupied with separate matters. Zero is handling the same. Recently, an increasing number of countries have exhibited suspicious behavior, requiring investigation..."

"Most of these nations are impoverished, struggling to pay their Heavenly Tribute. What harm can starving insects inflict?"

"Still, there's strength in numbers. We must investigate thoroughly."

The old man gripping the ornate longsword released a weary sigh. "Everyone's simply enduring it, aren't they? He's a man who speaks uncomfortable truths."

None of them saw the figure in the photograph as merely a child.

"How did he even cross the Red Line in the first place?"

"Regarding that incident, there were reports of someone sprinting along the Red Line's cliffs in the East Blue. Initially dismissed as idle gossip, but it aligns with 'Sleepwalker' sightings just before his appearance."

"Is that verified?"

"Marines who engaged him directly reported his leg strength was extraordinary."

"Not only cunning but physically capable. Most troublesome... And now he's become the protector of Ohara's orphaned children."

"Given his character, he'll never abandon Nico Robin, no matter the circumstances."

The largest man, the only one standing, lifted the wanted poster and began speaking in measured tones.

"At minimum, he doesn't appear to be someone who would attempt to reshape the world single-handedly. Naturally, certain provocations might turn him against the government, but currently he displays no deep-seated hatred toward the Celestial Dragons."

"So we should simply observe?"

"We have no choice but to gather intelligence. As an emerging power, he's also highly mobile. That man will certainly exploit this advantage to remain hidden."

"Exercise extreme caution. This individual will undoubtedly prove to be our most formidable adversary."

•°•

One month had passed since the conflict between the West Blue branch headquarters and the "Barefooter" ended.

As investigations into the Marine slavery scandal progressed, more Marines faced execution, keeping Marineford headquarters busy with protection and damage control efforts.

"What are you working on, Tsuru? More paperwork?"

"Garp, you should handle your own paperwork instead of dumping it all on your subordinates again."

"Buwahahaha! If I did it myself, it'd be filled with corrections and become twice the work!"

"Really, you're impossible..."

"So, what's the situation?"

"These are the battle records between those pirates and the branch headquarters. We've finally mapped each ship's movements."

The legendary Marine's eyebrow quirked at the mention of pirates, his expression brightening noticeably.

"Kuro! Buwahahaha! Another fascinating pirate has emerged!"

"You're far too carefree."

"Perhaps. But after hearing that man's words, I've been reflecting as well."

"How is Zephyr handling this?"

Many had witnessed Kuro's confrontation with the Five Elders, heavyweights like Commander-in-Chief Kong, Sengoku, and Garp, plus Sakazuki and Kuzan who worked directly with Kuro during the incident, and Zephyr, the instructor who trained countless Marines and was most enraged by the scandal.

"For now, he's decided to remain in the Navy. Kuzan and Borsalino worked hard to convince him."

"That's fortunate. We're implementing new systems soon. Losing more personnel would cripple the organization."

"He's still uncertain. That's simply how he is. He'll reconsider once he sees what happens to the returning Marines."

Both their expressions darkened at his words, having witnessed the returning Marines firsthand.

Physical injuries alone would have been bearable.

Some had lost limbs or suffered complete paralysis, while others bore horrific burns and festering wounds. Even those appearing physically intact stared blankly ahead, refusing eye contact with anyone.

Conversely, some maintained forced smiles despite their terrible physical condition, their bodies trembling uncontrollably.

"Honestly, regarding the pirate Kuro, I can't bring myself to order his defeat. So many young people suffered unspeakable horrors, and he was the one who risked everything to fight back."

"That's not your burden alone... I'm certain it's complicated for Sengoku, who will soon become the next Fleet Admiral."

If those arrested had been mere civilians, how far would the Marines have gone?

How deeply did you empathize with the imprisoned victims' suffering?

Not a single Marine present that day remained unmoved by the pirate's questions.

Neither Kuzan nor Sakazuki could respond, only clenching their fists until blood seeped through their fingers.

Kong, who became Marshal and Commander-in-Chief of the entire military, felt so frustrated and inadequate that tears streamed down his weathered face.

"If Zephyr had left the Navy, he might have joined Kuro's crew."

"Yes, it's possible. Not only does he have the courage to confront the Five Elders directly... his way of life is simply inspiring."

Although a gag order was imposed, rumors had already spread throughout the ranks.

The tale of the slaves and the young pirate who rescued them was quietly becoming legend within the Navy.

"Vice Admiral Garp! Vice Admiral Garp!? Hey, Garp!!"

"There you are. It's that energetic young woman, isn't it?"

"Ah, right, I did promise."

The veteran Marine laughed heartily while Tsuru sighed, just as the door burst open.

"Come on! You promised to accompany my training, so why are you here?! Hina is indignant, truly indignant!"

"Buwahahaha! Sorry, sorry, I forgot completely."

"My apologies, Hina. That's simply how he is."

The newcomer was a young Marine woman who still retained traces of youthful innocence.

"We worked hard to reserve the training grounds! Please!"

"You're dedicated. Garp should learn from your example."

"Oh dear, my ears are burning. Hina, if you don't relax those shoulders, I'll be uncomfortable around here."

"Don't lead honest recruits astray, Garp."

Tsuru quickly organized her documents and stood.

Since the opportunity presented itself, she decided to observe the new recruits' training.

"By the way, Hina, you've always been serious, but lately you've been training with exceptional intensity. Has something happened?"

Despite being a legendary Marine, this veteran was notoriously reckless. Perhaps their outrageousness contributed to their legendary status, but Tsuru began worrying whether they were suitable for training new recruits.

Meanwhile, Hina's expression darkened slightly as she muttered under her breath.

"The man Hina wants to catch is getting ahead of me..."

•°•

"Captain Kuro, camp is established."

"Good, so our relocation is complete for now."

The Marines we released would likely face interrogation, and if they talked, our actions there would become known. Over the past month, we'd been raiding mafia ships and bases to acquire funds and supplies while searching for a new uninhabited island to serve as our base.

We'd prepared sleeping accommodations and hidden our ship within a convenient cave carved into the cliff face.

Perhaps I could practice my kicking techniques to expand the cave further. If successful, we could create a proper hiding place for our vessel.

"Everyone, could you gather for a moment?"

When I called out, those who had finished setting up tents and starting fires assembled around me.

Well, we're pirates, so formal military formations aren't necessary, right?

"We've become pirates in both name and reality... and we even have our own flag."

Perona and Robin had been sketching design ideas in the dirt with branches, while Amis, surprisingly talented at drawing, chuckled as she completed work on our flag.

Remarkable. When I checked midway through, they'd already created about sixty different designs.

"From now on, we'll face conflicts with the mafia, other pirates, the Navy, and government officials. We must survive these turbulent times."

Everyone, including Daz, nodded solemnly.

Yes, we're prepared for what lies ahead.

Honestly, I feel relieved about that commitment...

"Many powerful enemies will emerge. Everyone, myself included, must grow stronger to survive."

The former Marines appeared nervous, perhaps doubting their own abilities.

At minimum, they'd successfully defended our ship from that siege under Daz's command, proving they're stronger than many mediocre Marines.

"But there's something equally important."

"Everyone, stay true to yourselves."

Confusion flickered across their faces.

Well, that's understandable—

"We'll be using force to resolve situations from now on. I have no intention of forcing anyone to commit heinous acts, and I plan to proceed in ways that prevent such outcomes. I want to live according to my beliefs about what's right."

In the world of One Piece, if you let your guard down, you could easily become corrupted and head down a dark path...

Even though it seems like lighthearted humor in the SBS sections, I believe such corruption is actually quite common in this world.

"But there will be situations where we might be overwhelmed by the use of force. The more we do what we believe is right, the more likely we are to be consumed by it."

"Striking down what you consider wrong for the sake of doing right may seem righteous. But simultaneously, it becomes a source of pleasure."

To be honest, I enjoyed myself somewhat while beating down those human traffickers.

But when you're leading a group, you can't indulge in such behavior carelessly. If you do, it could spiral out of control.

"When we're consumed by that pleasure, we become monsters. And monsters, no matter how strong they are, will eventually be defeated by heroes."

I only read portions of it, but Big Mom exemplifies this in certain ways.

What appears correct on the surface becomes twisted when distorted by such pleasure.

In fact, I believe some aspects of the Navy exhibit similar characteristics.

Luffy and other named characters are truly remarkable because they do whatever they want without succumbing to corruption.

Even Law's crew claims to hate unnecessary killing.

"So let us remain strong. Let us observe many things, learn many things, worry about many things, and continue searching for our own path of righteousness."

"That's what I consider true strength."

I might die along the way and our group might disband, but if everyone here stays consistent with their principles... well, we won't meet a terrible end.

In some cases, we might even become allies to Luffy.

"I've said many things, but that's the essence of it. Let's worry together and enjoy ourselves together! While searching for the path we'll regret least!"

After all, we're pirates and criminals! Ha ha ha ha!

Since Robin is with us, I'm certain some genuine assassins will appear too! Ha ha ha ha ha!

It's not funny, but I have no choice but to laugh!!

"The flag we'll raise from now on represents the 'Black Cat Pirates'!"

Robin stood on tiptoe while Perona climbed onto a nearby rock, and together they unfurled our flag featuring a somewhat realistic black cat silhouette above three diagonal claw marks. Small exclamations of admiration rang out from the group.

I considered various options, but this felt most appropriate.

I thought about "Black Lion," but no matter how many times I considered it, the name didn't quite fit our image.

"Captain!"

"What is it, Toya?"

Toya, one of our few male crew members and currently our helmsman, was a beautiful young man who could easily be mistaken for a girl at first glance. We're about the same age, fifteen, making conversation comfortable.

Toya raised his hand, so I encouraged him to speak.

Honestly, our pirate crew maintains surprising discipline despite being pirates. It can't be helped, given they're all former Marines.

"I was wondering... aren't cats a bit too cute to be called pirates?"

"Yes, isn't that charm wonderful?"

When I said that, everyone burst into laughter.

Ah, exactly. This is what piracy should be about. We must find joy in it.

"Everyone, eat and drink as much as you want today! Sing and make noise!"

"The Black Cat Pirates! Raising our flag!!"

***

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