https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-802-That-Grand-Gesture-of-Yours-I-Simply-Cannot-Accept-It/13539285/
Chapter 801: Undercover Agent? Count Me In
Chapter 801: Undercover Agent? Count Me In
"Yes, they've come out."
Fen Ni bit her lip and glanced backward, reporting, "Including those we couldn't save, total casualties amount to five hundred and fifteen. Another one thousand and thirty-two are injured."
"Rein in the bodies first—we'll hold the funeral later."
Kuro coldly commanded, "Wait until I bring back Bartholomew and Festa's heads before holding the funeral. Klah, contact Headquarters and send craftsmen to repair this place."
"Understood, Vice Admiral Kuro." Klah adjusted his glasses and nodded solemnly.
"Bororo..."
Suddenly, Kuro's wrist communicator buzzed. He narrowed his eyes, flipped open his wristwatch cover, and answered the call.
"Kuro, I found them!" The Transponder Snail displayed Smoker's grumpy face.
"Found them? What's the address?" Kuro demanded.
"Not exactly—no sign of the island yet, but I located a pirate crew that received an invitation. You know how cautious Festa is about the Expo. We can't storm in recklessly."
Amidst the crackling static on Smoker's end, another voice shouted, "Hey! Grumpy Smoker and new recruit Qista, what are you two doing?!"
"Coming, coming!"
Tashigi's voice came through the Transponder Snail, followed by footsteps as she seemed to rush out.
Kuro raised an eyebrow. "What were you doing, Smoker?"
"Me? I'm working undercover", Smoker replied. "I infiltrated the invited pirate crew and plan to enter the Expo with them. I'll coordinate with you later."
Kuro crossed his arms. "No need. Where are you? I'll come to you now."
"What for?" Smoker frowned.
"Old Man's revenge waits for no one!" Kuro declared. "If you can be an undercover agent, why not me?"
"You too?!"
After a pause, Smoker sighed, "Alright, your presence would make things safer. I'm currently on Zatanosen Island gathering supplies."
"Stall them until I arrive!"
Kuro ended the call abruptly and turned to Klah. "Prepare coordinates for Zatanosen Island. You, Lida, and I are leaving immediately. The rest will stand by for further orders."
"Understood, Vice Admiral Kuro." Klah acknowledged.
Kuro's decision proved sound—he hadn't let rage cloud his judgment completely.
Bueno Festa—Klah had heard the name during his pirate days, along with rumors about the 'Pirate World Expo,' an irregular but recurring black-market event trading in goods, weapons, and intelligence. He'd assumed Festa dead long ago after his infamous ambush.
Now, Festa had not only survived but ambushed their branch. Infiltration was wise—Festa, as the rumors claimed, possessed extensive underground intelligence networks. The slightest disturbance would trigger his alertness.
Soon, Klah retrieved the coordinates. As a major branch directly subordinate to Headquarters, they maintained ample reserves. Kuro had even visited Zatanosen Island before—that Hot Spring Island.
While Klah retrieved the coordinates, Kuro gestured to Lida. "Come. Time to change."
Undercover work required shedding Marine uniforms. Moments later, Kuro emerged in his signature fur-lined open coat. Lida donned overalls while Klah merely removed his hooded cloak—his black dress uniform was already inconspicuous.
"Vice Admiral Kuro, here are the coordinates." Klah handed over the device.
Kuro checked the direction, snapped his fingers, and summoned two floating stone platforms. As Lida and Klah stepped aboard, he ascended, unleashing a shockwave that propelled him forward. The platforms trailed behind at matching speed.
"This speed..."
Gale-force winds whipped Klah's face, stealing his breath. Meanwhile, Lida calmly munched snacks from a pouch, unfazed.
"Iron Body!"
Klah gritted his teeth, tensing his muscles against the onslaught. Finally able to breathe, he glanced at Kuro's rapidly fading silhouette—a backview already impossible to trace.
Bartholomew might be formidable, but even he might not withstand Kuro's wrath.
...
Near Zatanosen Port, a shallow landing site held a pirate ship flying a crimson flag—a blood-red skull crowned with a captain's hat.
The King Pirate Crew—founded by a deposed tyrant king overthrown by the Revolutionary Army. Their captain, King Louis Xiv, bore a bounty exceeding two billion berries.
Smoker currently infiltrated this crew.
Inside the cabin, Smoker wore a hemp shirt with tight trousers and knee-high boots, casually chewing a cigar as he hung up the Transponder Snail.
"Smoker, sir—"
Tashigi burst into the cabin wearing a purple robe before Smoker silenced her with a glare.
"How many times must I repeat—my name's Grumos now! What does Qista want, Grumos?!"
"Er—yes, Grumos, sir. They need me to check the weather—should we depart now or risk storms?" Tashigi explained.
Tashigi's navigational skills proved invaluable—Grand Line crews always needed extra navigators. Smoker's combat prowess had already earned their trust.
Smoker exhaled smoke. "Tell them there's a storm. Delay departure."
"But there's no storm!" Tashigi protested.
"Kuro's coming", Smoker said grimly. "Festa ambushed G-3 Branch. Sakazuki's delegated full authority to Kuro—this means war. He's never tolerated failure. This incident likely shattered his pride."
Tashigi swallowed hard. "Vice Admiral Kuro... I can't imagine him angry."
"Neither have I", Smoker admitted. "But I hear he once stormed Big Mom's Totto Land alone, making her furious for weeks. Kuro's wrath isn't something to joke about."
Tashigi nodded. "Understood—I'll stall them."
With Vice Admiral Kuro joining, their plan just became significantly safer.
(End of Chapter)
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