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Chapter 400: We're Not Compatible
Chapter 400: We're Not Compatible
Vegapunk Hazard was an island in the New World under the jurisdiction of the World Government. It lay not far from the Red Line.
The World Government’s influence in the New World was no myth—at least in regions near the Red Line, which fell squarely within their control. Moreover, before the New World’s gates stood the Seven Warlords of the Sea, acting as its sentinels.
This island had once served as a Navy research base and prison for certain World Government convicts. Three years ago, a catastrophic experiment by scientist Caesar Crocodile caused toxic gas leaks, turning the island into a dead zone that was eventually abandoned.
Now, massive warships encircled Vegapunk Hazard in a full blockade. The sheer number and scale of these capital ships could even outshine the Pacifista fleet.
On the decks of the nearest warships stood renowned Vice Admirals—Togeko, Doflamingo, Aokiji, Storbery, and Borsalino—their expressions grim. Whether hawks, doves, or moderates, all prominent Navy Vice Admirals were present, commanding their respective squadrons.
Closer still, several capital ships loomed. On one, Sengoku gripped the deck railing, his face dark with worry. Nearby, Garp stood silently with arms crossed, his usual joviality absent.
On another ship, Sakazuki sat on a deck chair, hands clasped beneath her chin, her face blank. Behind her stood a beauty in pink robes, her long, pale legs exposed, hair tied in a bun, a white-hilted katana at her waist.
On a third ship, a disheveled man in earth-yellow robes, a golden loincloth at his waist, a cigarette dangling from his lips, and a hooded cloak draped over his shoulders, shouted toward the woman:
"Hey, Zoro! Marry me!"
"I refuse."
The beauty replied coolly.
"Unforgivable! That’s the eighty-ninth time you’ve rejected me! When will you finally say yes?"
The man in yellow slumped in despair.
"Tatsumaki Vice Admiral’s failed again."
"Right. Every time he sees Momousagi Vice Admiral, he proposes."
A nearby Navy officer chuckled. "Maybe if Tatsumaki Vice Admiral flirted less during missions, he’d have a shot."
"Oooh, shocking", another ship’s officer drawled. Lucius Kro smirked at his companion. "Kaku, eighty-nine times already?"
"I’ll never give up, Lucius Kro Brother!" Kaku clenched his fist, reigniting his resolve. "Next time, I’ll definitely win her over!"
Speaking of which, Kaku glanced around, his eyes narrowing as he exhaled cigarette smoke. "Lucius Kro Brother, will your prized subordinate be joining us this time? I’ve never met him."
"You mean Kuro? Old man summoned him. He should be here soon", Lucius Kro replied, glancing behind him. "Oh—speaking of the devil. Over there."
He pointed toward the Grand Line horizon, where several warships were emerging.
"Finally here, huh?" Aokiji muttered, biting his cigar. "Took him long enough to wrap up business in the North Blue. Who knows what nonsense he’s been up to."
"I think he prioritizes missions", Togeko interjected. "Maybe something urgent delayed him."
Storbery nodded. "Agreed. Better safe than sorry."
Doflamingo shook his head. "Doubtful. Sounds more like laziness, typical of Admiral Lucius Kro."
"Ah, no need to argue", Borsalino chimed in, ever the mediator.
The warships closed in swiftly, joining the blockade around Vegapunk Hazard.
"Bringing quite the fleet", Kaku remarked. "Wait—those uniforms!"
He stared at the clone soldiers aboard the ships.
"Vinsmoke’s clones? Strange. Where did Kuro get them?" Sakazuki narrowed her eyes. "Why are they here?"
"Just a minor accident", a voice echoed from above.
Kuro descended onto Lucius Kro’s ship, landing with a shrug. "Let’s not dwell on it. Anyway, these clones are Navy now."
"Oooh?" Lucius Kro’s gaze drifted to the distant ships, settling on a figure. "So their willpower could bend this far? Scary stuff."
"Vinsmoke’s clones can’t defy their family’s orders", Zoro frowned. "Why join the Navy?"
"Later", Kuro cut in. "Not the time to discuss. But—" He smiled faintly. "A fine subordinate indeed, Kuro."
Sakazuki chuckled, then sighed. "At least this eases the pain a little, eh, Sengoku? Garp?"
"Old man doesn’t get it", Garp grinned at Kuro. "But I enjoyed your island. Let’s visit again, hahaha!"
"Enough", Sengoku barked, raising his arm. "No more stalling. Let’s begin!"
His voice rang out, drawing all eyes to the island.
Kuro squinted. "Wait—the island’s supposed to be toxic."
"Who knows? Maybe it cleared up", Lucius Kro said, staring inland. "But no matter. The time has come. The battle that decides the Navy’s future begins now."
Indeed, Vegapunk Hazard’s toxic haze had vanished. Yet something far more terrifying now stirred within.
At the island’s heart stood two figures. One wore a crimson dress uniform; the other, a white vest over a blue shirt. A breeze lifted their Navy cloaks as they faced each other.
Akainu’s eyes flickered. "Kuzan, why oppose old man so fiercely? The Navy must evolve. I alone can lead it forward."
"Ara ara, I just can’t stomach your methods", Kuzan scratched his head. "The Navy needs peace, not endless war."
"Is that all?" Akainu’s voice darkened.
Kuzan fell silent, then murmured, "I can’t forget Ohara. You went too far. Justice isn’t blind destruction. I won’t let you lead the Navy."
"Just this?" Akainu’s fist clenched, crimson energy erupting. "You’d abandon years of camaraderie for this?"
"This?" Kuzan exhaled a chilling aura, frost forming on his neck. "Exactly why we’ll never get along."
(End of Chapter)
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