Chapter 161: There aren't that many who play against the odds

Chapter 161: There aren't that many who play against the odds

Jabura emerged from the captain's room and glanced at the sky, clicking his tongue. "What's this all about?"

These agents had seen it all. They had been revolutionaries, royal guards, merchants, and bounty hunters, taking on any profession for the sake of their missions.

While they had never been pirates themselves, they were certainly no strangers to them, familiar with the typical pirate demeanor. But a pirate like Sag? Well, that was a first.

"Straighten your backs!"

"Stand still!"

"Put some muscle into those iron bars! Did you even eat today?!"

Bang, bang, bang!

Just as Jabura was reflecting on this, loud commands rang out from the deck. Akainu was drilling a group of pirates, divided into two teams. One group was engaging in basic exercises, similar to the training methods of new Marine recruits.

The other group stood rigidly, paired up and striking each other with iron bars, putting all their might into each blow as if aiming to shatter their partner's bones.

"What's this about? Are they being punished? It's rare to see such strict discipline among pirates," Jabura wondered aloud.

"Nope," came a child's voice from beside him.

Jabura looked down and saw a young boy with pitch-black eyes standing near the deck close to the first-floor building. "They're practicing the Six Styles under the guidance of Captain Akainu," the boy explained.

"The Six Styles?" Jabura now recalled that 'demon man' Akainu was a master of the Six Styles!

It was understandable that with all the shocks of the previous day, from Ohara to the knowledge of their CP9, he had overlooked this detail.

It wasn't unusual for a pirate to know the Six Styles. Out at sea, there were always individuals with exceptional talent who, through battles with Marines well-versed in the Six Styles, managed to grasp the essence of these techniques.

However, while mastering one of the Six Styles was common enough, mastering all of them was a remarkable feat. And now, not only had Akainu achieved this, but he also intended to teach them to his crew? Was it that easy to learn?

As a set of bodily techniques that surpassed the limits of human physical ability, mastering all Six Styles could even give one a fighting chance against Devil Fruit users. But the rigorousness of its training and the demands it placed on one's innate qualities meant that it wasn't something just anyone could master.

"What's the meaning of this? Hitting each other like that, are they trying to turn themselves into iron blocks?" Jabura narrowed his eyes.

"Yes," Las replied, his eyes sparkling with admiration as he watched the pirates being instructed by Akainu. "But Akainu-san says I'm still too young and my body is growing, so it's not suitable for me to undergo such intense training yet. He says when I'm older, I can learn too!"

"With such a rudimentary approach?" Jabura scoffed.

As a master of the Six Styles himself and a skilled practitioner within the CP9 organization, Jabura was well-versed in the most scientific methods of cultivation. And at a glance, he could tell that Akainu's current teaching was extremely basic.

It was a forceful way to enhance one's ability to withstand strikes, thus learning to control the flow of blood. While it was effective, it was also simplistic.

As a set of 'superhuman' bodily techniques, the Six Styles placed utmost importance on laying a solid foundation. And this foundation was not something that could be easily attained by pirates undergoing such clumsy training—otherwise, every new Marine recruit would be able to master them.

If one's basic physical qualities couldn't keep up, then there was no point in attempting to learn the Six Styles. This forceful striking method was so inefficient that Jabura found it painful to watch.

If he were the one leading the training, he could certainly employ more scientific methods to cultivate these pirates.

But why would he bother to teach them? They were just a bunch of pirates, and whether they lived or died had nothing to do with him.

"You little brat, don't follow their example, or you'll end up ruined," Jabura said, casting a sidelong glance at Las. Out of consideration for his young age, he offered a word of advice.

Back on their home island of Crown Hao, there were many children like Las who were part of the CP9 reserve force, so Jabura had a soft spot for kids like him.

Las shook his head. "If I don't learn, I won't be able to become stronger."

Las, at eight years old, was two years younger than Reneetie. While he wasn't a Devil Fruit user, he possessed excellent innate talent. Sag believed that when he grew up, he would undoubtedly be able to lead the Demon Man tribe. But for now, he was still a bit too young.

He wasn't even involved in their plundering; he merely stayed on the ship.

"I don't care about that. Whether you end up ruined or not is your problem," Jabura said, turning up his nose.

"Ruined?" Akainu, who had been instructing the pirates, turned around and gave Jabura a cold look. "I don't see it that way. Those who can persist are the ones worthy of becoming stronger. Captain Sag once said that the true method of practicing the Six Styles is cruel. Your idea of 'ruined' is still better than dying."

Jabura sneered. "The Six Styles are originally inhuman techniques. Those who can't withstand the test can choose to drop out. Cowards don't have the right to become 'superhumans.' Your training method is crude and gentle; it can only produce waste!"

"You can say whatever you like," Akainu said indifferently. "I'm the one training them now, and if you're not satisfied, you can train yourself."

"Hey, do you think you can goad me into anger and then get me to contribute the most suitable Six Styles cultivation method? I'm not that stupid!" Jabura laughed proudly.

Did they really take him for a fool? There was no way he'd fall for such provocation—he was an agent, after all!

"If you don't dare, then forget it.

"Akainu finished speaking and paid him no further mind, turning back to continue the training.

However, this attitude only served to irritate Jabura further.

This guy... He's a lot like that arrogant brat, Lucci!

"Who says I don't dare?! You, with your lower Doriki than mine, dare to look down on me? I, Jabra, possess the most profound Six Styles training method!" Jabura shouted as he placed his foot on the railing. "Beg me, and I, Lord Jabra, will impart this method to you!"

Akainu didn't even turn his head, acting as if he hadn't heard a word.

"Hey! Are you scared? If you are, just say so, and I, the great Jabra, will graciously forgive you!" Jabura yelled.

Akainu still paid him no mind.

"Damn it!"

A bulging vein appeared on Jabura's forehead. "I'll show you! I'll prove to you that even with a child, I can teach better than you!"

He leaped down from the second floor, glanced at Las, grabbed him by the collar, and lifted him up. "What nonsense is this about being too young for training? Lucci joined CP9 when he was only thirteen. Don't underestimate young ones; I'll use this kid to demonstrate that my training is better than yours!"

This little guy had an excellent physical constitution; just by looking at him, one could tell he was a natural-born master of bodily techniques.

Moreover, children were highly malleable.

As long as he instilled his ideas into them early on, who knew what they'd become—pirates or agents? Sag wanted to turn him into a pirate?

Well, he would train him to be an agent right here!

Then they'd see who lost out!

"Don't underestimate me!" Jabura glared menacingly.

Each member of CP9 had their own specialty.

Lucci was strong all-around; although Jabura was reluctant to admit it, it was the truth, and he had an impressive mission completion rate.

Kaku, that long-nosed idiot, excelled in swordsmanship and Rankyaku and was the youngest among them, skilled in analysis.

Blueno was average in most aspects, but he was a Devil Fruit ability user and had a deep understanding of movement.

Kumadori was adept at Finger Gun and Life Return and was also good at drawing attention.

Fukuro may have been a big-mouthed fool, but he was the best at stealth, and his Moon Walk was unparalleled.

Califa, that ugly fool, was the weakest, but she was a woman, skilled in management and planning.

And as for him, Jabra, he was the best at Tekkai. Additionally, he was excellent at training and instruction!

Among the current members of CP9, only he possessed this talent!

Jabra and Akainu's 'bet' didn't concern Sag much. He didn't think there was anything wrong with Jabra wanting to train Las after being irritated by Akainu.

He knew the true method of practicing the Six Styles.

The North Star Fist was a comprehensive martial arts style that explored the true limits of the human body. From the moment he learned the Six Styles, he understood the most effective way to train in them.

However, ordinary subordinates didn't have the qualifications. Forcing their growth would only result in them being completely ruined, so it was better to leave them in Akainu's hands. Those with strong aptitudes would naturally learn the Six Styles, and those with weaker aptitudes would still improve their physical constitutions through training.

Calling them expendable was indeed cruel, but that was the truth. After all, in prolonged battles, every slight advantage increased their chances of survival.

Whether it was basic training or practicing the Six Styles, the ultimate goal was to strengthen their willpower. Learning the Six Styles was beneficial, but not learning them didn't signify anything.

For Las and the Demon Man tribe, Sag had originally intended to teach them himself. But now, with Jabra taking over, it saved him the effort. It was fine for it to be at this level.

If Las learned it, it would mean that the entire Demon Man tribe would learn it.

As for whether an eight-year-old could learn it... Well, Jack had already been accompanying Kaido on his raids at that age.

It wasn't that remarkable.

Compared to that, he was more concerned about the transaction.

The Grim Reaper left the Carnival City and sailed forward. Sag didn't choose to follow the Sea Train tracks, as he knew that the Seven Waters Capital had begun to take precautions and would likely be able to guess his next destination. There would undoubtedly be Marine patrols along the way.

From the Eternal Pointer that Donquixote Doflamingo had given him, he selected a relatively nearby town worth raiding and decided to make a stop there to trade with Doflamingo.

This town was called 'Nassau West.' It was located on the second line of the Grand Line from left to right, and the island it belonged to was an Autumn Island, with produce and delicacies comparable to those of the Food Capital.

Boom!

Dark clouds gathered above the city, and a violent storm erupted. As a bolt of thunder cracked, a luxurious residence within the city ignited, and pirates carrying supplies and looted treasures strode arrogantly down the town's streets toward the port.

On the deck of the Grim Reaper, which was docked at the port, Sag looked through his telescope and clicked his tongue. "How did a downpour like this cause a fire? What do you think, Miotle?"

"Awooo!"

Miotle, holding an umbrella at the back, let out a meaningless low growl.

Lily: "..."

You're asking a mute question...

She stood beside Sag, her eyes rolling upward momentarily before she spoke. "There was probably an igniter inside. The underlings must have knocked it over during the looting, causing the fire."

"Hmm? Should we burn it?"

Renietie, leaning on the railing at the bow of the ship, turned her head and said, "Sag, I can do it!"

Sag rolled his eyes. "Don't be silly. It's a fine town. Why burn it down? I plan to come back and raid it again in the future. Just rob the rich, that's enough."

"Lord Sag."

Standing beside Miotle, who was holding an umbrella, was a man dressed as a merchant, wearing a round-topped hat. He rubbed his hands together and smiled, "Lord Sag's men are incredible. They robbed a whole town with ease, truly setting themselves apart from other pirates. May I ask when we will be making the trade?"

"What's the rush? We'll make the trade after we're done looting this town," Sag replied with a smile. "I'll gather twenty-five billion berries for you."

"Lord Sag, you are truly... unique." The merchant wiped a drop of water, either rain or sweat, from his face and smiled obsequiously.

This man was not one of Donquixote Doflamingo's men; he was an underling of 'Undercurrent' Umit, sent by Doflamingo to collect Sag's payment.

Sag would inform Doflamingo of the value of this payment, but whether or not it reached his hands was none of Sag's concern.

Once the money was invested, it was as good as Doflamingo's. Whether it encountered storms or was delivered by courier, whether it took three months or three years, had nothing to do with Sag. After all, with such a substantial sum invested, he expected a return.

However, as the leader of the underground world, Doflamingo did have a certain level of credibility, and no one dared to cheat him out of his money.

The merchant laughed a couple of times and stepped a little closer, saying, "Before he left, Lord Umit instructed me to convey his satisfaction with the Carnival City affair."

"Hmm?"

Sag's eyes flicked over to him, a chill in them, "What?"

Under that gaze, the merchant's body trembled, and he took two involuntary steps back, forcing a smile, "I mean, Lord Umit is very satisfied."

"Lily."

Pap!

The merchant fell to the ground at the sound of Lily's sword, a two-finger-wide mark now marring his face.

Sheathing her sword, Lily looked at him coldly, "Don't speak to us in that tone. Whether or not Umit is satisfied is none of our concern. This time it's the flat of my blade, but next time I'll take your head."

"S-Spare me!"

The merchant fell to his knees, trembling as he cried out, "Lord Umit said he would reward... no, he would offer Lord Sag an additional five billion berries as a token of gratitude!"

"That's more like it. Now we're talking."

Sag nodded, "Five billion berries... So, Link has handed the city over to the Undercurrent, has he?"

There were too many powerful figures and organizations involved in the Carnival City affair—noble tycoons, the World Government, the Navy, and the underground world. It was only sensible for Link to hand the matter over to his industry leader, Umit, to handle the pressure.

However, it had nothing to do with Sag.

Piracy was so much simpler—loot and leave, no strings attached.

No matter how powerful they were, one slash of the knife and they'd be dead, wouldn't they?

The pirates gradually returned to the ship, beginning to tally their spoils. The cash they'd acquired from this city amounted to over three billion berries, along with some gold and jewels. After dividing half of it among them, Sag instructed Akainu to take this merchant to his treasury and convert the accumulated gold and jewels, along with the cash, into a total of twenty-five billion berries for him to take away.

The treasury would need to be cleared out, of course; otherwise, how could they continue their plundering?

Excluding those items, Sag still had over one billion berries in hand, and with the additional five billion berries that Umit had promised, the total amount to be delivered to Doflamingo had now reached forty billion berries.

"With a 40% interest rate, that'll be sixteen billion berries in interest next year. In two years, it'll be at least thirty-two billion, plus my principal... Hehe."

Sag grinned, revealing his teeth, "Before entering the New World, it'd be best to have a hundred billion berries. That way, when I arrive, I'll have the capital to establish myself!"

Landlords always went through a phase of initial capital accumulation, and once that was achieved, it was time to begin their reign!

By then, he'd be eating from the finest tableware money could buy!

"Hey, owl, where are the Navy deployments now?" Sag asked as the owl returned from the port.

"Apart from the Seven Waters Capital, there are warships guarding the sea train tracks at every possible junction. How did you guess?" replied the owl.

Sag smiled confidently, "It would be strange if the Navy's movements could escape my notice. You guys are so rigid and stubborn; it's not hard to predict your actions."

He took planning very seriously! In fact, he was the Planning King!

"But, Sag, what if someone acts unpredictably?" Reneetie asked curiously.

Sag laughed, "Everything we do has a purpose. Capturing pirates is also a goal, so as long as we think from their perspective, we can guess what they're up to. Besides, how many people are there who play against the odds?"

Boom!!

A huge splash erupted beside the Grim Reaper, like a cannonball hitting the water.

On a rainy day... where did that cannonball come from? Sag's eyes instinctively turned towards the town, but there didn't seem to be any coastal defenses there.

"Sag!"

Lily, peering through her telescope in the direction of the cannonball, said in a solemn tone, "It's a warship under Captain Garp!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end