https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-109-Late-Three-Rivers-Commendation-Speech/13535921/
Chapter 108: [Heavenly Treasure Vault]
Chapter 108 [Heavenly Treasure Vault]
"You're both under Vice Admiral Garp, right? This pink-haired kid used to be a pirate? That's rare", Sengoku remarked.
"No way! I was forced into it. I originally wanted to join the Navy, but I got captured by pirates and had to stay on their ship temporarily", Koby explained.
Adjusting his glasses atop his forehead, he looked embarrassed. "Since I have Navigational Skills, they let me live. Later, thanks to a benefactor, I joined the Navy. I'll always be grateful to him! I believe he'll definitely become the Pirate King!"
"Hey, Koby!" Helmeppo interjected urgently.
"Ahhh—never mind!"
Realizing he'd slipped up, Koby quickly covered his mouth. Everyone present outranked them—the implications of associating with pirates weren't trivial.
Predictably, the room fell silent at his words.
"Luffy, that straw-hatted troublemaker..."
"Luffy, that brat!" Zangao growled, his face twisting with fury.
Though it was the past, Luffy had ruined his plans back then.
Lida, who'd been devouring his food, lifted his head. "The straw-hatted one? I remember him shouting he'd become the Pirate King in Loguetown's plaza. Think I saw him at Enies Lobby too."
"Luffy, that brat", Smoker muttered, smoke from his cigar obscuring his expression.
Tina joined the conversation. "Oh? That Luffy. I heard he caused chaos at Enies Lobby. His bounty's over 300 million. He's an extremely dangerous pirate."
She glanced at Smoker as she spoke. "Come to think of it, at Arabasta, you seemed awfully pleased when you didn't catch him, Smoker. Very... accidental."
"Did I? Don't remember", Smoker raised his glass, clinking it with Tina's. "Remembering every little thing makes you old, Tina."
"You bastard, Smoker."
Tina clinked glasses with him and downed her drink in one gulp.
Bang!
Fenbodi slammed his cup down, knocking back his drink. "Straw Hat Luffy! To think he's still out there! Even though following Commander Tina has been great, I'll never forgive that Straw Hat Luffy!"
"I understand completely", Kuro said, raising his glass toward Fenbodi. "Having your beautiful life ruined feels terrible. At least you faced a pirate—you could chase him down legally. Imagine if it were a colleague..."
He shot Smoker a pointed look, making the latter chuckle awkwardly.
Relaxed and tipsy, Kuro's face flushed with alcohol.
Sengoku asked curiously, "So many of you know Luffy, huh?"
He'd only seen wanted posters, never met the man himself.
Kuro smiled. "He's something special. Being Garp Lao Tou's grandson, it's no accident he does what he does."
"Eh? Luffy, that brat, is Vice Admiral Garp's grandson?!" Tashigi gasped.
"Didn't Smoker tell you?" Kuro smirked. "They both bear the name Monkey D., part of the D's Family. Naturally blood relatives."
"That's precisely why it's best left unsaid", Smoker muttered. "How can the Navy's hero have a pirate for a grandson?"
"Hahahaha! Garp old-timer would never care about that", Kuro laughed. "Let the world roll along its course. Our job's just to do ours right."
Changing the subject, he added, "Tina, I heard your famous technique is 'Blackgun Barrage'—you create black iron guns, right?"
Tina nodded, puzzled.
As a Devil Fruit user, her strength lay in command and naval warfare rather than combat prowess. Her black iron guns could pierce any ship.
"You see", Kuro continued, "I've become a major. Soon I'll command fleets, but personally I'm weak—just some unarmed combat techniques and mediocre swordsmanship. Additional tools would help. Could you spare some of those black guns?"
"Of course. How many do you want?"
"As many as you can make!" Kuro grinned. "I'll be at Headquarters for a while. When you're free, just keep making them for me."
Lida twitched his lips, muttering, "Another excuse to expand your [Heavenly Treasure Vault]."
"Eh?" Tina turned to him.
Kuro tapped Lida's head. "I'm a collector. I keep little trinkets I fancy in my storage room. Nothing special."
"Understood", Tina nodded. "I'll make some black guns for you tomorrow."
"Appreciate it! Let's drink!" Kuro raised his glass.
...
The banquet lasted deep into the night.
After rounds of drinks and courses of dishes, the bill arrived—tears threatening to spill for whoever paid.
Smoker braced himself. Sengoku remained indifferent.
"Nani? 30 Million Berries?!"
Smoker froze hearing the amount.
The restaurant wasn't cheap, but a single meal costing 30 million? Unheard of.
Still, excluding Lida, they were all heavy eaters.
Tina and Tashigi ate least—actually, Tashigi barely touched her food or drink. Tina drank plenty, though. Add Lida's bottomless appetite, and the price made sense.
"Yes, we've already rounded down for you", the waiter beamed like a chrysanthemum blooming.
What big spenders!
Indeed, when hooded figures dine, prices naturally soar.
Smoker glanced at Kuro. Kuro met his eyes, smirking.
You tricked me last time? Now it's my turn!
"Kuro, you bastard!" Smoker gritted his teeth. Even splitting costs, 15 million drained his recent pirate-bounty bonuses.
Sengoku stepped forward. "30 million? Just charge it to my unit later."
"Eh?"
Kuro blinked, surprised.
So casual, like it was 30 thousand berries.
"Captain Kuro, I really enjoyed tonight. Let's do this again soon", Sengoku shrugged.
A meal's just a meal. How expensive could it be?
Sengoku, the real deal—Science Division captain. Of course he was loaded.
At that moment, Kuro felt oddly defeated.
I, the mighty White Stripe of the Seas, bested by my own new recruit?
"Lida", he growled, "You're the least useful here!"
Lida, now in a petite, energy-conserving girl form, looked up at him, puzzled.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
