Chapter 784: Curse's Golden Ship
Chapter 784: Curse's Golden Ship
After concluding the investigation in Kolf Kingdom, Navy Vice Admiral Golden Lion received official approval to enter the World Government as a member state representative and attend the World Meeting.
While most pirates on the kingdom had been eliminated by Kuro, the remaining ones posed little threat to the surviving soldiers. To avoid complications, Kuro still ordered Klah to cleanse the remaining rebellious pirates.
Three days later, Kuro finally departed, accompanied by Ajitan—who had grown restless during his three-day stay at the palace—aboard the Golden Lion, heading toward Mariejois.
"Holy Land", Ajitan murmured, leaning against the railing on Golden Lion's deck, gazing at the endless expanse of the Grand Line ahead. "What will it be like?"
Everyone in the Grand Line was curious about the legendary Holy Land of Mariejois, especially kings like him who yearned to see the mythical capital of the World Government. Yet as non-member states, they had never had the chance. Today, their dream would finally come true.
"Mariejois?" Kuro, puffing lazily on a cigar, smirked. "Don't expect much. It's not that impressive."
Mariejois held no allure for him. Once he delivered Ajitan, his mission would end. As for what demands or policies Ajitan would propose at the World Government, that was his own concern. A king should understand his responsibilities. Otherwise, his first World Meeting would amount to nothing more than a superficial appearance.
"Vice Admiral Golden Lion", Ajitan asked directly, "could you share some insights about the World Meeting? It’s my first time attending, and I’m unfamiliar with many things."
Kuro hesitated, appearing conflicted. Just as Ajitan leaned in, ears alert for some secret revelation, Kuro exhaled a puff of smoke and shrugged.
"Me? I don’t know anything."
He truly didn’t. Having spent only two years in the Grand Line after leaving East Blue, he’d gone unnoticed during the previous World Meeting and was now on his first escort mission for one of its attendees.
As for Lucci and the others—Shalria’s involvement would likely cause more trouble than help.
"The Meetings are just power struggles and backstabbing", Kuro finally said. "They’re about setting new rules and carving out new interests, with big nations pulling the strings on smaller ones. If you want to fight for gains, find a backer. That’s my only advice."
This was his sole takeaway from the World Meetings. Without a backer, Ajitan’s only recourse would be his member state’s right to request Navy protection. Given Kolf Kingdom’s current state, Ajitan would certainly welcome a Navy presence. Without it, pirates could strike while the kingdom was vulnerable, and the Navy’s response might arrive too late. Establishing a naval base on designated territory would expand the World Government’s control—a move the Government wouldn’t pass up.
"A backer", Ajitan said bitterly. "I’m a newcomer. Where would I find a backer? And those big nations..."
Small states could easily become pawns for larger ones. Ajitan knew his limits—if he miscalculated, his nation might be sold out before he realized it. As for finding a major power that genuinely had his interests at heart…
What leverage did he have?
Meanwhile, in a sea area near Golden Lion’s route, an observation mirror rose from the water, trained on the gleaming Golden Ship. Below the surface, a submarine-like vessel connected to the device.
Inside, a pirate in ragged attire shouted excitedly, "Captain! A Golden Ship ahead! I’d bet my life—it’s real Gold!"
His outburst drew the captain, who wore a worn captain’s hat.
"Gold?!" The captain shoved the pirate aside, peering through the mirror. The vast, shining Golden Ship loomed ahead, its golden hull and statue—crafted entirely from real gold—gleaming under the light.
"Real gold!" he gasped.
A veteran pirate, he recognized the unmistakable sheen of pure gold. The hull’s lacquer and the beastly figurehead were no painted imitations—they were solid gold.
"This ship…" He laughed, "is a treasure trove!"
"Member state’s ship!" he declared. "The Navy wouldn’t have a warship like this. We’ll take it!"
"Launch torpedoes!" he ordered. "My men, prepare to seize the ship!"
The crew erupted in cheers.
"Golden Ship?" A first mate in a finer coat approached, puzzled. "Captain, let me see."
"Of course!" The captain stepped aside, grinning. This first mate had recently joined from Paradise, proving his worth in ambushes and escapes. He’d even designed this submersible vessel.
The first mate peered through the mirror. The ship’s golden hull bore fortress-like turrets, with a dragon-lion statue at its rear, exhaling smoke from its jaws.
"That’s…" His eyes widened in horror. "Captain, call off the attack! That’s the Curse’s Golden Ship! No one who’s crossed it has ever survived!"
The captain scoffed. "I know it’s a Golden Ship! What’s your point?"
"The gold isn’t gold—it’s forged from pirates’ souls!" the first mate cried. "It’s cursed! The Navy’s grudge spirits lure fools to their deaths. Those who chase its riches are doomed!"
Back in Paradise, legends warned of a golden ship whose treasure was stained with blood. No pirate had ever returned with its riches.
The first mate had narrowly escaped joining a doomed coalition against it. Now, face-to-face with the myth, he trembled.
"Hah!" the captain laughed. "We’re in the New World now! Superstitions don’t scare us. If we feared ghosts, we’d still be in Paradise!"
He signaled. With a whoosh, torpedoes shot from the sub, aiming to cripple the Golden Ship’s hull.
Above, Klah suddenly frowned, his eyes flashing red. He scanned the water. "Mr. Kuro…"
Kuro turned, gaze sharpening. With a flick of his finger, a water spire erupted from the sea, intercepting the torpedoes mid-air.
"Torpedoes?" Kuro mused, eyes narrowing. "Interesting… this submersible trick."
His Observation Haki spread, locating the hidden pirate sub.
"Playing hide-and-seek underwater? How cute."
With a clenched fist, he summoned a whirlpool. Steel fragments erupted from the vortex, mixed with shredded pirate flags, before vanishing into the depths. He didn’t even bother watching.
Pirate subs weren’t rare, but those hiding like rats beneath the waves? They had no place challenging him here.
The water spire dissipated, torpedoes splashing harmlessly.
"Keep sailing", Kuro said, brushing off the attack like dust.
(End of Chapter)
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