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Chapter 168: I Have No Interest in Swords
Chapter 168: I Have No Interest in Swords
6:00 AM.
Six hours remained until Ace’s execution.
The crescent-shaped bay and the entire island were surrounded by fifty warships.
Within the bay plaza, a massive force of Navy soldiers was gathering. Branch Commanders from the Four Seas and Navy officers ranked at least Headquarters Ensign crowded the square in dense, endless waves.
The number exceeded ten thousand—no, it was past one hundred thousand.
The Navy assembled at Marineford alone numbered one hundred thousand!
Some soldiers ran back and forth, transporting weapons and ammunition. Tension gripped the entire plaza.
"Tashigi, be careful. This time is different from before. One mistake, and you’ll die."
Smoker, chewing on a cigar, spoke to Tashigi beside him.
Tashigi clutched her sword and nodded solemnly. "I understand, Mr. Smoker!"
Smoker exhaled a puff of smoke, gazing at the sea of Navy soldiers stretching beyond sight. "I’ve never seen a scene like this before…"
"If you’re going to marvel, at least think about killing more pirates", Tina interjected, approaching with Fenbodi and Zangao.
"Ah, Miss Tina", Tashigi greeted. "Long time no see."
"Long time, Tashigi. Still helping your useless superior? Why not transfer to my unit?" Tina smirked.
"Enough empty talk, Tina", Smoker cut in, glancing around. "By the way, where’s Kuro?"
"Haven’t arrived yet", Tina replied, scanning the crowd but spotting no sign of Kuro.
Most of the key figures hadn’t appeared yet—famous Vice Admirals, the Seven Warlords of the Sea, the Three Admirals, and the Fleet Admiral.
After all, preparations had begun at 3:00 AM. Transporting weapons and setting up were handled by these Navy soldiers.
"They’re here."
Smoker suddenly pointed ahead.
Through the crowd walked several colossal figures radiating danger. Navy soldiers nearby swallowed hard, their throats audibly clicking in fear.
Leading the group was Donquixote Doflamingo, his hands in his pockets, striding arrogantly. Behind him came Bartolomeo Bear, cradling a book, followed by the ‘Snake Princess’ Boa Hancock, Gecko Moria, and the World’s Greatest Swordsman, ‘Hawk-Eye’ Mihawk.
The Seven Warlords of the Sea had arrived!
"Fuahahaha! What a lively scene."
Doflamingo cackled. "So many Navy soldiers… it almost makes me shiver with fear."
"Pirates", Snickered Smoker from afar. "You mean this trash is participating in the battle?"
"Don’t say that, Smoker. The Seven Warlords were summoned by the World Government. They’ll help relieve some pressure", Tina lit a cigarette, adding, "Che, I don’t expect much from them."
Smoker watched them approach the crescent-shaped port’s forefront. "Seems like two are missing."
Only five Warlords had arrived.
"Hear that ‘Sea Hero’ Jinbe refused to fight Whitebeard and got imprisoned in Impel Down. As for the other, I’m not sure", Tina said, then turned sharply. "Ah, Kuro!"
Three figures approached—Kuro in a golden dress uniform with a Navy hooded cloak, his left hand resting on the hilt of Autumn Water, two swords swaying at his belt. Behind him were Lida and Klah, similarly clad in dress uniforms and cloaks.
"Mr. Kuro!" Tashigi tightened her grip on her sword, greeting them.
"You’re early", Kuro said. "Slept enough? If not, you’ll lack energy later—no, forget that, you’ll need energy for battle."
"You think everyone’s as lazy as you?" Smoker retorted, eyeing Lida and Klah. "Looks like promotions for you two."
"That’s right! I’m a major now!" Lida giggled, pointing at herself. "And Kuro’s a commander!"
"I knew it!" Tashigi beamed. "Someone like Mr. Kuro could never stay hidden—he’ll surely shine brilliantly at Headquarters!"
Kuro rolled his eyes.
Shut up already.
Why keep prying into my business? Did I offend you?
"Speaking of which, you switched to three swords now, Kuro", Smoker noted, eyeing his waist.
"Ornaments, just ornaments", Kuro shrugged off.
"Zoro? Wait, that’s—"
Tashigi suddenly gasped, pulling out her notebook and flipping pages frantically. "No mistake, absolutely none!"
"Something wrong, Tashigi?" Smoker turned.
"Mr. Smoker, the sword at Mr. Kuro’s waist should be Autumn Water—one of the Quick Blade Twenty-One Forged, the Black Blade Autumn Water. No doubt about it!"
Tashigi declared confidently. "That’s definitely Autumn Water. As for those two short broadswords… I recognize them, but their scabbards are different. They vanished twenty years ago."
She stared at Kuro. "Mr. Kuro, are those Sakujū and Kigō?"
Your eyes are way too sharp!
Kuro instinctively replied, "Dunno. Picked them up randomly. I have no interest in swords."
Right, this guy’s useless at everything else, but spotting swords? Unmatched. Tashigi was truly a sword fanatic.
"Sakujū, Kigō?" Smoker frowned. "What are those?"
"They’re said to be the legendary swords of the great pirate ‘Red-Haired’ Shanks, right? But how could that be? Unless…" Tashigi forced a laugh. "Surely Mr. Kuro didn’t meet Shanks? Haha!"
"Shanks…" Tina murmured. "Tina knows him. The only one to escape Impel Down."
"Mr. Kuro, can I take a closer look? That Zoro…" Tashigi pleaded eagerly.
"Tashigi, mind the situation. There’s no time for sword gazing now", Smoker interrupted.
"You’re right… my apologies", Tashigi adjusted her glasses.
"Next time, next time", Kuro brushed off, laughing.
If she examined them, she’d recognize the blades. He had no intention of revealing these swords here—better yet, he planned to avoid drawing them entirely, relying on unarmed combat techniques instead.
Thud!
Thud!
Suddenly, the plaza trembled with heavy footsteps.
Kuro turned to see several giants striding behind the Seven Warlords, lining up in formation.
"The Giant Vice Admirals", Tina noted.
From Elbaf, giants had joined the Navy since the first one arrived sixty to seventy years ago. Though few, they were all elite.
Giants were the world’s most naturally gifted race. Their immense size meant immense strength—often solving most problems.
As the Giant Vice Admirals arrived, other Vice Admirals gathered. Finally, three figures descended to the platform below the execution stage, seating themselves in three chairs.
In the center: ‘Akainu’ Sakazuki.
To Akainu’s right: ‘Lucius Kro’ Borsalino.
To the left: ‘Kuzan’ Kuzan.
The Navy’s highest combat force—the Admirals—had arrived.
Only two remained…
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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