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Chapter 71: Merit Served on a Silver Platter
Chapter 71: Merit Served on a Silver Platter
Two days later, at sea.
Kuro pointed at a newspaper article and smirked at Lida. “See? It worked. Kas crushed a group of pirates and dubbed himself the ‘Relentless Justice.’ Not a word about me.”
The article featured a photo of Kas apprehending a band of pirates.
Kuro was thrilled—no mention of his name meant he could do as he pleased.
“When are we reaching Baratie?”
Lida, uninterested in the mustachioed lunatic, gazed at the endless sea and muttered.
“Soon enough. But no rush—we’ve got all the time in the world here in the East Blue. Right now, I’m as free as they come.”
Kuro lit a cigar and lounged back on his recliner.
Life had returned to normal—no promotions looming, no pressure from Headquarters.
Delightfully comfortable.
Beside him, Klah chuckled. This kind of life wasn’t bad at all.
...
As Kuro reveled in his blissful tranquility, a seabird soared across the Grand Line.
It was Buggy.
He had flown past Reverse Mountain, shifted into various bird forms during pit stops, and now scouted for his next target.
That Lucius Kro needed to be taught a lesson before Buggy resumed his voyage.
After arriving in the Grand Line, Buggy had sought a spot with significant influence but weak defenses.
A regular town? Not impactful enough.
Marine Headquarters? Too strong.
Somewhere influential yet vulnerable—a place where he could impersonate Kuro and unleash chaos.
“Hmm?”
Buggy dipped low, skirting a storm cloud, and spotted a peculiar island. Its futuristic architecture buzzed with advanced technology.
“This is it!”
A high-tech island meant high visibility. Wreaking havoc here would certainly inconvenience the Navy.
He dove, landing stealthily, then circled above.
Navy presence? Strong.
Perfect!
Heavy security meant this place mattered.
Buggy transformed into soft clay, reshaping into Kuro’s form. He glared at the towering structures ahead and grinned wickedly.
“Time for some fun.”
Wrrrreeeeonnn!
The moment he stepped forward, the island erupted in red alarms and piercing sirens.
“Intruder detected!”
“Locate and capture immediately!”
Marines scrambled into action, securing positions across the island.
“Hmm… more guards than expected.”
Buggy felt uneasy. The sheer number of Marines was shocking for a non-base.
But then again—more soldiers meant bigger chaos for Kuro.
Buggy thrived on this.
Wasn’t he known as the ‘Evil Impostor’ for nothing?
As soldiers swarmed, Buggy stretched his limbs and prepared to unleash hell.
“Hey, you.”
A voice boomed from behind, casting a looming shadow over him.
Buggy turned to face a hulking man—scarred face, clad in a red loincloth adorned with three tomoe and a paradise emblem. A massive double-headed axe rested on his shoulder, his three-meter frame towering over Buggy’s disguise.
“Haven’t seen you around. Who are you?”
“Me? You ask first. Who are you?”
Buggy replied coolly.
The loincloth-clad giant scoffed. “Nope. Ain’t telling you a thing, stranger. I’m the world’s strongest defensive powerhouse—and the tightest-lipped.”
“Just asking for a name. I’m Navy too, y’know.”
“I said—nope. I’m the world’s tightest-lipped, Sengoku!”
“…Then why’d you say it?”
“Huh?”
Sengoku blinked, flustered. “That was intentional. I didn’t answer your question. Now—identify yourself. You’re not registered here, Navy.”
“I’m Lucius Kro, Marine Headquarters Ensign. Here on duty.”
Buggy edged closer, hand forming a blade, ready to strike.
“Lucius Kro?”
Sengoku paused. “Oh, right! The old man’s been expecting you. Took you under his wing. Are you here to see him? He’s on the island. Though honestly, you seem weak.”
As he spoke, Buggy closed in, hand raised to strike.
“Who knows? Your ‘old man’ and I will reunite soon enough!”
A beam of light erupted beside him.
Buggy froze, cold sweat drenching his back.
“Huh? What are you doing here, Kuro? Thought you were on vacation in the East Blue.”
A tall figure emerged, hands in pockets, sunglasses tilted.
Buggy’s arm dropped.
“H-Huang… Lucius Kro?!”
Marine Headquarters Admiral. World Government’s ultimate weapon. Lucius Kro!
Why was he here?!
And Lucius Kro knew Kuro?!
“Kuro’s his subordinate?!”
Buggy’s face paled.
An Admiral’s presence meant mortal danger.
Lucius Kro tilted his head. “How did you find this place, Kuro?”
Stay calm. He doesn’t recognize me.
Buggy wiped his brow, forcing a grin. “Admiral Lucius Kro—”
A searing beam pierced his chest. Explosions erupted, hurling Buggy like a ragdoll. He spat blood, his body reverting to his true form.
“Meh. Never seen him before.”
Lucius Kro stepped from the smoke, eyes wide with mock surprise. “Scary! Someone who can mimic Kuro?”
“Surround him!”
Sengoku roared.
Marines swarmed, guns aimed.
“Who is he?”
Sengoku approached, scowling at Buggy.
A Marine identified him. “‘Evil Impostor’ Bak Arlo. 370 million bounty. Devil Fruit user of the Mimic Fruit—can copy others’ appearances. Survived a fight with Four Emperors’ Kaido. Intel said he was in the East Blue. Looks like bad intel.”
“East Blue?”
Lucius Kro cocked his head. “Ah, so he met Kuro? Scary! Escaping his blade?”
Finger raised, light gathered. “Normally, I’d arrest you… but you trespassed somewhere you shouldn’t. So—die, please.”
“I surrender!”
Buggy groveled. “I’m lost! Didn’t know where I was! Lucius Kro beat me and ordered me to surrender at Headquarters!”
Can’t die!
If Lucius Kro’s his superior, use him as an excuse!
It worked.
The beam dissipated.
Lucius Kro frowned. “Kuro made you surrender? Doesn’t sound like him.”
Buggy nodded frantically. “True! Would a pirate really surrender willingly? I was terrified of that guy!”
Lucius Kro withdrew, chuckling as Marines dragged Buggy away. He glanced at the sky, grinning.
“Scary indeed. Merit walks right into your hands.”
(End of Chapter)
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