https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-237-Who-Would-Daren-t-Welcome-the-Navy-/13536597/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-239-Black-Long-Straight-with-Lace-Trim/13536599/
Chapter 238: So Short
Chapter 238: So Short
Inside the massive fortress on the hillside, Gardi pushed open the door and stepped into a pitch-black expanse. This place seemed untouched by sunlight, the air thick with gloom.
Only the echoing footsteps revealed the vastness of the chamber.
Gardi knelt on one knee after a few steps forward, his left hand pressing against his chest in salute. "Master, I've encountered an exceptional blade."
Before him, a staircase stretched upward, its top faintly outlining a throne.
When Gardi's voice reverberated through the hall, the silhouette finally spoke with a terse question.
"A blade?"
"Yes, Master."
Gardi bowed lower. "It's a Black Blade—Quick Blade Twenty-One. The sword once wielded by Ryuma, the Greatest Swordsman of Wano Country. With this blade, you could forge even stronger warriors."
"Why then do you return empty-handed?" The upper voice rumbled, deep and cold.
"Master, the blade is currently in the possession of a Navy officer. I deemed it unwise to act openly, but I've dispatched the Straight Cutters. Soon, that sword will belong to you."
Clang!
The moment he finished speaking, an object was flung from above, striking the floor with a sharp metallic ring.
It was a straight sword, but its blade was riddled with cracks.
Gardi's expression flickered. He stared at the broken weapon, his head lowering further. "Master, I shall bring back their heads."
No further response came from above. Across the vast chamber, footsteps echoed.
Step… step… step…
The rhythmic sound seemed to pound in Gardi's chest, sweat beading on his brow as his face turned ashen. He finally saw a pair of feet materialize before him.
"Stand."
The command rang out.
Gardi obeyed, though his head remained bowed, eyes fixed on the ground.
"Look at me."
Gardi inhaled sharply, closed his eyes, then lifted his head with sudden resolve. His eyes flew open—
"Master! Master! I truly cannot see you!" Gardi cried, panic rising.
The darkness shifted strangely, revealing the grand hall. Golden carpets draped the staircase leading to the throne—but no one occupied it.
Gardi's entire body trembled. That composed, scholarly face now twisted in terror.
No one. The feet he’d seen earlier had vanished as if they’d never existed.
"Look down, you fool!"
Snap!
A foot suddenly kicked his shin. Gardi glanced down, spotting a short, stout man glaring at him with clenched teeth.
For Gardi, standing at three meters tall, this man barely reached his calf—so short he could be ignored unless one looked down.
"So short!" Gardi exclaimed, hands covering his face, mouth forming a perfect 'O' of shock.
"Enough, Gardi!"
The stout man kicked him again, then stepped back, folding his arms as he paced.
"Egg?"
Gardi blurted out randomly.
The stout man froze, realization dawning. His temple throbbed. "Gardi! Do you want to die?!"
"Forgive me, mighty Master!" Gardi wiped a tear. "I just can't help feeling heartbroken that my Master is so short! So incredibly short! Though you're wise and glorious, bringing peace and prosperity to Moe Island… but—seriously, how short are you?!"
A roar erupted: "Stop talking about my height!"
"Yes, Master."
Gardi straightened his face, then suddenly snorted, "Egg."
The stout man rolled his eyes in exasperation but chose to ignore it.
"Just retrieve the blade. I'd rather avoid trouble with the Navy—not that I fear them, but discretion is better for now."
"As you command, Master. Your expectations fuel my resolve!"
Gardi bowed deeply, beginning his exit, then hesitated.
The stout man eyed him. "Gardi, say one more word about my height, and I'll throw you back into the lab for re-experimentation!"
"It's not that, Master—"
Gardi turned, his expression suddenly grave. "The Navy is approaching this way."
"Oh?"
The stout man paused, then chuckled. "Did the Straight Cutters' oddities draw their attention? Expected—those defective models can maintain order, but they're clumsy. It's only natural they'd raise suspicion."
"Let them come. I could use fresh material. Let the Navy witness firsthand—true peace isn't forged by Pacifista. Vegapunk isn't the brightest mind; I am!"
"Only I understand—humans are the most abundant resource. The fusion of man and weapon creates the ultimate power!"
"Hahahahaha!"
The stout man bared his teeth in a wild grin, his hand clenching midair. The sword at Gardi's waist trembled violently.
Gardi knelt again, voice firm. "Indeed, Master. Your creations are supreme!"
…
Down the hill, a procession advanced slowly. A Navy officer retrieved a Transponder Snail, nodding as he listened, then hung up and hurried forward, catching up to Kuro at the head of the group.
"Got information?" Kuro glanced upward.
"Yes, Commander."
Ensign reported. "According to nearby bases, this island's ruler—Moe Island Lord Bonaparte Poropa—has governed here for twenty years. Before him, the previous Lord was a tyrant. Moe Island suffered pirate infestations, chaotic citizens, worse than Magu Town."
"Poropa liberated the people, defeated the former Lord, and somehow became the new Moe Island Lord, ruling until today."
Kuro's eyes widened. "Hmph, sounds like a capable administrator. All the more reason to meet him. Anything else?"
"Recently, Moe Island divided into upper and lower districts. We're in the lower district—open for repairs and trade. The upper district is sealed, off-limits. Intelligence says Bonaparte Poropa maintains strong ties with the World Government. Commander, if we intrude rashly, won't that—" Ensign hesitated.
Kuro slanted a look. "Is this an allied nation?"
"No."
"Then it's settled. Not being an allied nation means it's outside World Government jurisdiction. Besides, I'm just here for a visit—to understand the locals' lifestyle. If he governs so well, surely he won't refuse a meeting?"
With his connections to the World Government, yet not an allied nation, combined with those bizarre weapon slaves—
Even if Kuro wished to avoid trouble, he'd still investigate thoroughly. Otherwise, that lingering shred of conscience would haunt his sleep.
(End of Chapter)
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