The Genshin Traveler in the World of Pirates

Bukar looked at Chaton, his disdain unconcealed.

"Tsk... so ugly."

Chaton still wore a smile.

"Of course... my appearance is nothing compared to that of a Celestial Dragon."

Bukar pointed a gun at Chaton's head.

"Just now, what was that little shrimp trying to do? He seemed rather defiant. Are you going to defend him?"

Chaton laughed.

"Not at all. To be honest, this little brother of mine is a disciple of Marshal Sengoku. He's had facial paralysis since childhood, so he always looks defiant. He actually wanted to apologize to you, didn't you, Kong?"

Kong didn't speak. His lowered eyes were bloodshot.

Chaton chuckled.

"Haha, see? He's been intimidated by your imposing presence. He's still just a child, hahaha. I'll take him to apologize to you, and I'll make sure to discipline him properly from now on."

Bukar lowered his gun.

"Oh? Sengoku's disciple?"

"Yes. As you know, Sengoku is the most capable subordinate of the Celestial Dragons, responsible for training officers. Though he's still young, he might achieve great things in the future."

"Hmph, no wonder a Marine Vice Admiral would protect him."

"Not at all, how dare I claim to protect anyone in your presence."

Chaton's attitude seemed to please Bukar.

"Although you're ugly, you're quite good at talking... Fine. Have him kneel before me, and we'll let this go. It'll teach him a lesson. When you meet noble Celestial Dragons, you must show proper respect."

Chaton was truly in a difficult position. He knew Kong's temper, and forcing him to kneel would be harder than killing him.

"This..."

Kong reached out and patted Chaton's hand.

"It's only right. I offended the noble lord."

Chaton's expression changed.

"Kong... you..."

Kong raised his head, his eyes and face devoid of anger. He took a step forward and knelt before Bukar without hesitation.

"Thump."

The corners of Bukar's mouth nearly reached his ears. Sengoku's disciple or not, he was kneeling before him. In his eyes, it was as if Sengoku himself had knelt. His warped sense of vanity was immensely satisfied.

"Lord Bukar, I was too arrogant and offended you. I hope you'll forgive my transgression."

Bukar laughed, tears and snot streaming down his face. For the first time, he resembled the Celestial Dragons from the comics.

"Hahahaha, I forgive you! Hahahaha, Sengoku's disciple? Hahahaha, get lost, get lost! I'm in a good mood today! Go catch ten more children for me! Hahahaha!"

He swaggered away with his entourage, leading his slaves with an air of entitlement.

Chaton looked at Kong kneeling on the ground, his eyes filled with unspoken sorrow.

"This kid... he's in trouble..."

The Summit War hadn't happened yet, and the concept of Admiral candidates hadn't been introduced. But without a doubt, Chaton was among the top tier of Vice Admirals, excluding the freakish exceptions like Garp.

While Chaton often gave off an unreliable vibe, his strength and experience couldn't be denied.

Kong kneeling before a Celestial Dragon wasn't unusual; countless people had done so, even kings of various countries.

However, those who knelt had surrendered internally; they possessed a servile nature.

But Chaton sensed that Kong's kneeling lacked any trace of subservience. This meant his heart hadn't submitted. Someone who defied the Celestial Dragons yet knelt before them was displaying restraint. When the time came, that restraint might unleash a devastating wave.

The last person to do something similar, though now deceased, had dealt the Celestial Dragons their most severe blow. His name: Fisher Tiger.

"Hey, Kong!"

After Bukar left, Kong stood up, lightly brushing off his trousers.

"Thanks, Kaji-nii." (Kaji-nii is a way of addressing Chaton, adding a respectful familial term)

Chaton's name was Kaji. Regardless, Chaton had at least stepped in for him, a kindness he wouldn't forget.

Chaton looked into Kong's eyes.

"You... stay sharp."

Kong smiled.

"I feel clearer than ever. As a Marine, kneeling before a Celestial Dragon is only natural. Isn't that right?"

Chaton's expression grew serious.

"Think carefully. I have things to do, I'm leaving. Remember, don't do anything reckless."

Chaton felt uneasy; it was the premonition of a seasoned warrior, but he couldn't articulate it. He needed to contact Sengoku and report what had just happened.

After Chaton left, Kong turned towards the tallest building in Bukar City—Bukar's mansion.

"Whew..."

A fresh mountain breeze blew gently, and Kong removed his cape.

"The wind's picking up..."

Marineford, Sengoku's office.

He was still waiting for news from the East Blue about the location of the Revolutionary Army base, but instead, he received a call.

Chaton reported everything, and Sengoku rubbed his temples.

"Rest assured, Kong isn't that kind of person. That kid thinks too much, he won't do anything reckless. Besides, he's been by my side since he was young, I know what cards he holds. His patrol fleet won't betray the Marines. Don't worry about it."

Chaton was still uneasy.

"But... he knelt."

"Knelt? Ugh... when will the Celestial Dragons ever do anything right... It's not a big deal. It's a test of his character. I'll find a way to mitigate the impact. If there's nothing else, I'll hang up. I'm still waiting for news about the Revolutionary Army."

"Then... okay."

Chaton hung up the phone, muttering to himself.

"I was overthinking... The Marshal said so, so I should focus on my job..."

He then pulled out a photo of a beautiful woman in a pink dress and a Vice Admiral's cape, his eyes filled with hearts.

"Gioonn-chan~! If you'd seen me bravely saving Kong today, would you fall in love with me~?!"

Meanwhile, Sengoku had just hung up when his Den Den Mushi rang again.

"Is this never-ending?!"

Sengoku angrily answered the call.

"Who?!"

This time, it was Kong's voice, and the Den Den Mushi even mimicked Kong's signature small, shrimp-like build and golden pupils.

"Old man, I have intel."

"Kong? What intel?"

"The Revolutionary Army is planning a surprise attack on Bukar City today. They have a Logia-type user with teleportation abilities, and they may have already infiltrated the Red Line disguised as slaves."

"What?! Is this information confirmed?!"

"Yes, it was in Loguetown. Paimon went to look for a snack street and overheard it by chance."

"Paimon? She's with you?"

"No, it's too dangerous. I sent her away on a pirate hunter's ship by sea. I'm in Bukar City now, but my abilities are limited... I haven't found anything unusual, so I'm asking for your help in devising a countermeasure."

Sengoku pondered.

"This is indeed significant intelligence... By the way, you... you've been wronged."

Kong's voice was clear and cheerful.

"You know about it? Hahaha, Kaji-nii really is a blabbermouth. But it's not really a grievance. It's nothing significant, after all, it was a Celestial Dragon. But I can't forget my duty as a Marine, can I? Please think of a plan. I'll patrol Bukar City again. Those CP1 agents won't listen to me, so I can only ask you."