https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1191-I-Want-to-Talk-to-You-About-Justice/13541613/
Chapter 1192: The Greatest Wicked
Chapter 1192: The Greatest Wicked
Not long after Kuro had set off toward Wano Country, three Capital Ships were sailing through the sea area near Dressrosa’s sphere of influence.
The sky here was gloomy, rain slashing down in sheets. Without any shelter, the wind whipped the sea into towering waves that crashed against the warships’ hulls.
The three warships formed a triangular formation. On the deck of the lead Capital Ship, a man in a navy-hooded cloak lowered his telescope, revealing a stern face and a thick beard. "We’re almost there", he said.
Beside him, another man with a neatly trimmed mustache stared ahead, nodding slowly. "Riku Riku Kingdom—our destination. Perfect timing for a scouting mission on Dressrosa’s behalf. Let’s gather intel."
"First priority: deal with the pirates. That’s our duty", the bearded man said gravely.
"You’re right", the mustached man agreed.
These two were none other than Dougleg·Kas and Brownehart·Wilbur.
They had been on patrol in Dressrosa when they received a report: a massive pirate invasion was unfolding in the distant Riku Riku Kingdom. Conveniently close, they diverted course immediately.
As the shadowy decision-makers of Dressrosa, they also had an obligation to scout for their next territorial expansion—a reconnaissance mission, in other words.
The situation in Riku Riku naturally caught their attention.
This region lay just beyond Dressrosa’s borders—a non-member state. Its territory consisted of an archipelago, though aside from the main island, the others were small and scattered, barely inhabited. The main island itself resembled a giant hammer, long and narrow like the handle, with the head forming the southern expanse.
"Riku Riku’s not a bad nation", Wilbur remarked. "Thriving agriculture, famous for its premium corn and bananas. The ruling King and nobility treat civilians well, providing ample food and resources. But their vulnerability to pirate raids stems from their non-member status. If they’re willing, the King might accept our doctrine and become part of Dressrosa’s ‘Debang’ system."
They already had intelligence on this kingdom. It was wealthy, its citizens prosperous—though the land was owned by nobles who distributed generous rewards. Yet pirate invasions were relentless, occurring frequently. This time, according to reports, the scale was even larger than usual.
A nation like this was a prime target for Dressrosa’s influence. Even if negotiations failed, it wasn’t their top priority to conquer. Assisting it was a convenient byproduct of their mission.
After all, they were the Navy.
Wilbur’s gaze pierced the storm as the three warships surged forward, breaking through the rain curtain. The hammer-shaped island came into view. "We’ve arrived."
Kas signaled, and a Dougleg Navy officer rushed over, presenting a Transponder Snail with a crisp salute.
Kas lifted the receiver, his voice firm. "All units, prepare for combat."
The three warships fell silent, but inside, every sailor drew their weapons simultaneously—a silent, resolute force of overwhelming might.
Each Capital Ship carried up to 1,000 personnel, though their standard capacity was 800.
Inheriting Kuro’s leadership principles, Kas and Wilbur had organized their forces to the maximum capacity. They had 3,000 men thanks to Vinsmoke’s cloning technology—engineered soldiers who served equally well as Navy or Dressrosan troops. With such numbers, they could strike any target.
As the warships neared the hammer-shaped island, flames flickered across parts of the main island despite the rain.
Wilbur frowned, lifting his receiver. "Two o’clock—pirate ship spotted! Cannon fire and landing preparations!"
Through the storm, a pirate vessel had indeed anchored at that direction.
The warships pivoted swiftly. The lead ship’s main cannon extended, while the other two swung sideways, unleashing volleys from their broadside cannons.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Cannonballs tore through the rain, obliterating the pirate ship in a hail of explosions.
"Land!"
At Wilbur’s command, the warships veered toward the shallow shore near the wreckage. Dougleg Navy troops swarmed ashore like a tidal wave, converging on the burning pirate vessel.
The ship wasn’t empty—two pirates had survived the initial blast, leaping from the wreckage before being encircled by the Navy.
A bandana-wearing pirate snarled in disbelief, "The Navy?! How are you here?!"
The other, missing an arm from the blast, stared wide-eyed at Kas and Wilbur approaching at the head of their forces. "It’s ‘Colossal Shield’ and ‘Big Gun’! What are you doing here?! This isn’t even Dressrosa, let alone a World Government member state!"
They were infamous in the New World.
"Not a member state?" Kas stepped forward, lowering his gaze. "Does that mean the Navy has no duty to stop wickedness? Wickedness exists everywhere, and it must be dealt with—regardless of where it festers."
He raised his hand to order the execution when the one-armed pirate screamed, "Wait! I’ll talk! I’ll tell you everything! Don’t kill me!"
Wilbur halted Kas with a raised hand. "Hold on, Kas. Let’s hear what they have to say."
Kas frowned. "What’s there to say? Pirates die."
The one-armed pirate wailed, "I’m not a pirate! Neither of us are! We’re citizens of Riku Riku Kingdom—we were ordered by the nobles to raid here!"
The words stunned both commanders. Wilbur grabbed the man’s collar, yanking him up. "What?! You’re not pirates?!"
"We were Kingdom soldiers! The nobles selected us to become ‘pirates’! Those ships are just camouflaged—fake flags! The officers promised us ten percent of the loot!"
Wilbur’s fury erupted. He slammed his fist into the man’s face, driving him into the mud. Snatching his saber, he ran the bandana-wearing pirate through in one motion.
His face flushed crimson, veins bulging, Wilbur roared, "Wicked cowards who rule through lies!!"
They had encountered countless nations—killing nobles who taxed citizens into madness, sold their own people into slavery, or treated lives as pawns. But none compared to the despicability of this kingdom’s system.
The nobility maintained a facade of benevolence, letting pirates terrorize the people. When the civilians suffered, the nobles would offer "comfort", giving false hope as they mercilessly plundered the populace. It was a cycle—like farming crops. The people would rebuild, only to be stripped again.
They would live forever in this farmland.
Rain poured over Wilbur as a chill gripped his heart.
Kas stood silently over the corpses, his voice heavy.
"This… is the greatest wickedness."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
