Chapter 19: Chapter 18: Target: Kuro
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"Not good!"
"The pirates are coming!"
"Everyone, run for your lives!"
On the main road of the village, Usopp shouted in terror, hoping to alert the villagers.
However, his repeated deceptions had long since eroded their trust.
"Usopp is lying again!"
"Isn't that guy bored?"
"Ignore him; it's time to work."
The villagers remained unfazed, prioritizing their farm work over playing the "pirates
are coming" game. Usopp stood in the center of the village, feeling the disdainful
gazes around him, as if he had been abandoned by the world.
"Why won't anyone run away?"
"The pirates are really here!"
"Why won't you believe me!"
Usopp stared blankly, unable to comprehend the villagers' cold reactions, and he
didn't think it was his fault. His usual pranks were meant to bring some joy to this dull
village; it was a good thing.
"Damn it!"
Usopp angrily ran towards the mansion at the edge of the village. Loya had said he
was going to find a marine named Fullbody.
Minutes later, Fullbody rushed to the battlefield, relieved to see Loya yawning in
boredom while tied up with the pirates.
Loya raised an eyebrow, somewhat displeased. "You sure took your time."
"I didn't waste a second!"
Fullbody was exasperated; he had rushed over as soon as he heard the news, fearing
Loya wouldn't be able to handle it alone.
It seemed he had worried for nothing.
"You handle them."
Loya stood up and walked over to a nearby shaded area, gently picking up the sleeping
Miss Kaya.
"I'll take Miss Kaya back first. By the way, you should check the coast; these pirates
may have accomplices."
"Don't worry, I understand."
Fullbody gave an OK gesture.
There were only three pirates, clearly here for reconnaissance. They might have
accomplices and could potentially be backed by a bigger fish.
With enough manpower to send out scouts, they would need at least 50 people. There
were very few pirate crews in these waters with that kind of strength.
As night fell...
At the Sirob Manor's dungeon...
Three pirates were tied to a rack, disheveled and covered in bloodstains from obvious
torture.
Loya emerged from the shadows next to Fullbody, his gaze towards the pirates devoid
of any sympathy.
Although he had never fought pirates before, news of fallen comrades came too
frequently.
Pirates were not worthy of sympathy!
"What did you find out during the interrogation?"
"They're members of the Black Cat Pirates."
"As expected."
The result was not surprising. The Black Cat Pirates were the only dominant force in
these waters. Their captain Kuro was quite different from ordinary pirates; he was
known for his cunning strategies to plunder wealth.
If they did anything, they did it big!
Every time the Black Cat Pirates moved out, they swept away countless treasures and
then lay low for a long time before repeating the cycle.
They understood the importance of intelligence well; months ago, they had severely
weakened 153 branches through information gathering.
Fullbody looked worried. "The Black Cat Pirates are about to move!"
Sending scouts was a signal for plunder.
When money runs out and supplies are exhausted, even pure slaughter could serve as
justification for pirate raids.
Loya's expression darkened. Miss Kaya was about to go on a trip, and now during this
time frame, the Black Cat Pirates were planning their move; it would be troublesome if
they crossed paths.
"Is there any other intelligence?"
"No, just know the meeting point."
Fullbody shook his head.
Kuro was clever; to prevent exposure of his whereabouts, he arranged a meeting point
so that even if scouts were caught, the navy wouldn't be able to find him.
Loya fell into deep thought.
Going through the motions and waiting for promotion took too long; even given ten
years, he couldn't reach a colonel's position in the navy.
To rise quickly, capturing pirates would be the best way to earn merit!
And the Black Cat Pirates were indeed the biggest catch in this pond. If he could
capture Captain Kuro—even just assisting from the sidelines—promotion and pay
raises would be guaranteed.
This was an opportunity!
Loya's mind raced as he quickly made up his mind: "Fullbody, I have a plan to take
down Kuro!"
To execute his plan successfully required Fullbody's assistance along with all branch
forces and help from Kaya's father; relying solely on himself wouldn't defeat Kuro.
He needed leverage!
After hearing Loya's plan, Fullbody wore an expression that said "I've read enough
books; you can't fool me," almost writing disbelief on his face.
"This plan... can it really work?"
"It has to work!"
Loya's gaze was cold and determined.
Since he wanted to do it, he would put all his effort into it.
"Time waits for no one; you will escort them back to headquarters tomorrow morning
immediately and report everything to Colonel Rod. I will go persuade Mr. Sirob."
"Understood!"
Fullbody nodded vigorously.
It was his first time seeing Loya so committed to something; it seemed like he hadn't
even considered failure as an option.
The plan was indeed outrageous with little chance of success; if they failed, they
wouldn't be able to bear the responsibility.
But for some reason, seeing Loya's unwavering demeanor made him believe it could
work; he wanted to trust this dear friend.
Let's do it!
If Colonel Rod refused to cooperate... then damn it! He would jump off the
headquarters tower rooftop!
Early next morning, Fullbody escorted the pirates away while Loya found Kaya's father
and informed him about the arrival of pirates.
Loya spoke gravely with an air of intimidation: "Mr. Sirob, if nothing goes wrong,
Captain Kuro of the Black Cat Pirates is targeting you and your family!"
"Kuro!"
Mr. Sirob's already pale face turned even whiter.
As a notorious pirate with a bounty exceeding 15 million Berries, "Kuro" was a name
known by all. He particularly enjoyed robbing wealthy individuals' fortunes.
Being targeted by Kuro was undoubtedly a nightmare; even Colonel Rod had been
defeated by Kuro—who else could protect them?
Panic ensued as physical symptoms manifested.
"Cough cough—cough cough!"
Mr. Sirob coughed violently for a long time before dropping his blood-stained
handkerchief and weakly asking: "Does Colonel Rod know about this?"
"I've already notified Colonel Rod!"
Loya responded immediately while glancing at the bloodied handkerchief with a sigh
inwardly.
Without external help, both his future father-in-law and mother-in-law would pass
away from illness in three or four years.
To save them required more than ordinary means; with Mr. Sirob's wealth, they could
hire world-class doctors easily.
Only special methods could help—like utilizing Devil Fruit powers.
Loya reined in his emotions as flames seemed to burn in his eyes.
"Rest assured, Mr. Sirob!"
"Our 153rd branch has been pursuing the Black Cat Pirates all along. Now that we
know their intentions, we will do everything possible to protect you and your family's
safety."
"In order to eradicate the Black Cat Pirates, there's something else that requires your
assistance!"
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