https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-908-What-Should-We-Do-With-Them-/13540134/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-910-When-Wrath-is-Due-Wrath-Shall-Be-Shown-When-Rest-is-Needed-Rest-Shall-Be-Taken/13540136/
Chapter 909: The Escort Team for You is Top-Tier
Chapter 909: The Escort Team for You is Top-Tier
Strong men!
Absolutely top-tier strong men!
Taylor couldn’t help but think—Joe Rudolph had always been his idea of the strongest. But when he saw this sky-being, even without displaying any techniques, Taylor instinctively felt this was an overwhelmingly powerful presence. Someone he couldn’t handle… someone even Joe Rudolph might not be able to handle!
The figure above landed lightly on the ground, smoothing their hair.
“Golden Lion.”
Joe Rudolph twitched his lips, forcing himself forward with a deep bow. “Please forgive him. Taylor’s still young—he often says things without thinking.”
The newcomer was none other than Kuro, who had flown here at full speed, worried Blackbeard might arrive first. But upon arrival, he’d overheard the argument below.
Kuro gave Joe Rudolph a brief glance without speaking, then gestured toward the Base Commander beside them.
“Vice Admiral.” The Base Commander approached.
“What’s the situation?” Kuro asked. “Why won’t you let them in?”
“This group might be injured, but they’re still unidentified threats. Even though they captured a ferocious fugitive, they’re pirates by nature. The Navy allowing them on-site medical treatment is already a courtesy because of their capture of Pizarro,” the Base Commander replied.
“Heard that?” Kuro looked down at the cowering Joe Rudolph, then swept his gaze over the two Half-fishmen before settling on the prone Taylor. “That’s the reason. Enough for you? If not, I’ll add more.”
He pulled out a cigar, lit it, and exhaled a swirling cloud of smoke. The smoke came alive, surging toward Taylor’s head like a sentient fog, sealing his mouth and nose.
“Cough! Cough cough!!”
Taylor thrashed violently, desperately trying to expel the smoke, but even covering his mouth and nose did nothing. He could force it away with strength, but under Kuro’s amused gaze, he suddenly hesitated. All he could do was claw at his throat, struggling to clear the smoke.
As Taylor’s face turned bright red and purplish, Kuro finally flicked his hand, dispersing the smoke.
“Next time, watch your mouth. Whoever you are, whatever your status, show the Navy basic respect.”
With that, he ignored Taylor and fixed Joe Rudolph with a stare. “And you—stop with that fake smile. I’ve seen too many of those. Be genuinely joyful when you’re happy, furious when you’re angry. What’s the point of wearing that false mask? It makes you look pathetic. Even if you’re strong, it makes you look pathetic.”
Joe Rudolph lifted his head, the smile frozen on his face slowly crumbling as his lips drooped.
Kuro snorted coldly before turning toward the chains-bound giant.
“Long time no see, Pizarro. Honestly, I didn’t expect you to survive Aokiji’s Ice Age last time. Lucky fellow.”
“Hahaha-mew! Kuro, you’ve really risen to prominence-mew!” Pizarro laughed, though his grin now lacked its earlier arrogance.
This wasn’t just anyone. Though he’d lost to Joe Rudolph, Pizarro held no particular respect for him. As Kuro said—this fake-appearing fellow, no matter how strong, was ultimately nothing special.
But Kuro was different.
This was a Grand Line legendary figure, a terrifyingly powerful man.
Back then, they’d barely survived at sea partly thanks to sheer luck.
“Honestly, I’m surprised Blackbeard Pirates fell into my hands. Aren’t you supposed to be lurking in groups?” Kuro bit his cigar. “Joe Rudolph catching a lone one is rare. Marshall D. Teach usually moves his entire fleet. So what’s this—a single captain captured?”
Pizarro paused, giving him a strange look, his jagged teeth bared in a grotesque grin. “You don’t know-mew?”
“Know what?” Kuro asked.
“Hahaha-mew! You really don’t know-mew?”
Pizarro stared like he’d discovered a new continent. “You’re a Navy higher-up, and you don’t know? Impressive-mew!”
Kuro’s expression darkened as he gripped his hilt. “Want a taste of old times, Pizarro?”
“Hahaha-mew! Don’t get angry, Kuro. Let’s talk.”
Pizarro’s eyes gleamed. “I’ll tell you what you don’t know—just let me go. Capturing me forces you into a war with Marshall D. Teach. The Navy’s not ready for that, are they?”
“You’re bargaining with news I’d learn anyway?” Kuro raised an eyebrow. “What, has New World’s Four Emperors’ service addled your mind? And the Navy’s always ready—we don’t ‘not be ready.’ My arrival is a signal. Plus, do you really think Marshall D. Teach will come save you? How much will he sacrifice for you? You’ve known him for ages—don’t you understand his heart?”
Pizarro’s forehead broke into sweat.
“And don’t think he can save you. You fell into my hands. Unlike others, you should know that. I won’t care what secrets you hold or what the higher-ups think.”
He patted his scabbard. “If things exceed my expectations, I’ll kill you instantly, Pizarro. Don’t test me—accept your fate.”
Pizarro knew this well—hence the attempt to bargain.
Unlike other Navy men, Kuro rarely took prisoners. If captured, he might not even survive to reach Impel Down.
But Kuro wasn’t serious—how could he know if Marshall D. Teach would come? That bastard was calculating, a gambler.
Yi Xiao’s brother gambled only on minor matters, but Marshall D. Teach gambled his very life. That made Kuro cautious.
From the moment Pizarro was captured, Kuro prepared thoroughly. This man couldn’t die now—he’d summoned Gramps and Yi Xiao. But Pizarro’s life was no longer the point. Marshall D. Teach cared only for the influence this triggered. If it served his interests, he might wage war.
Regardless, preparation was key.
Kuro grinned around his cigar. “Celebrate, Pizarro. The escort team for you is top-tier. I’ve summoned Gramps, and the new Admiral Vegapunk’s here too. Along with multiple Vice Admirals—Pizarro, this should be the most glorious moment of your life.”
Gramps and Vegapunk—two Admirals present. No enemy could threaten them now.
(End of Chapter)
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