Chapter 915: A Winning Gamble
Chapter 915: A Winning Gamble
"Borsalino."
After everyone had left, Sakazuki gazed down from the upper balcony, his voice heavy. "The world’s growing more chaotic by the day."
"No kidding. Scary, isn’t it?" Lucius Kro stood beside him, arms crossed. "Old man should head to Wano Country. See what Kaido and Big·mom are plotting."
"Don’t rush", Sakazuki rumbled. "Wano Country’s got unknown forces. Those so-called ‘samurai’ still hold some reputation there."
"Oh? You mean ‘Oden’? I remember he was quite favored back in Roger and Whitebeard’s day", Lucius Kro mused.
Sakazuki nodded. "A land with someone like him? Nothing ordinary."
Lucius Kro smiled, turning to leave. "Regardless, Kaido’s occupation holds sway. I’ll go observe."
Sakazuki paused, glancing sharply at him. "First time hearing you say something twice. If you’re so eager, go ahead."
Lucius Kro shrugged, his smirk deepening, and vanished into the shadows.
---
At G-3 Fortress, the Seven Warlords of the Sea gathered after Kuro’s return.
In the meeting room, Crocodile bit his cigar, irritation evident. "Called us all here again, Kuro? You’ve been busy lately."
Dracule Mihawk lounged with crossed legs, his wide-brimmed hat tilted over his eyes. Boa Hancock coiled her snake into a makeshift seat rather than use a chair. Buggy shoveled food messily, crumbs scattered everywhere.
Crocodile’s gaze shifted to the newcomer. "And who’s this?"
The man rose, executing a flawless bow. "Joe Rudolph. Invited by Golden Lion to join this meeting."
"Joe Rudolph?" The name hung in the air. Dracule Mihawk tilted his hat, eyes narrowing.
"I’ve heard of you. A renowned ‘New World ground mouse.’" Crocodile sneered. "What’s he doing here? Haven’t heard any news about him joining the Seven Warlords."
"Imminent." Kuro, seated at the head, chewed his cigar. "He captured Pizarro. That’s qualification enough. Headquarters is finalizing his bounty and epithet. I’ll formally appoint him soon."
Joe Rudolph bowed again. "I look forward to your guidance."
"Guidance?" Crocodile scoffed. "We’re not in the same league. Focus on your own affairs. This bunch’s fractured worse than anyone. At least we don’t start fights on sight."
A truth indeed. The Warlords’ unity was a facade—each went their own way. The only saving grace? They didn’t openly clash.
"Despot King", Crocodile muttered, pausing. "Marshall D. Teach’s subordinate? Kuro, you gathered us to guard against Blackbeard? What’s your plan—start a Four Emperors war?"
Kuro rolled his eyes, a rare white glare. "Can’t I just reunite the Seven? Meet the new guy? Get some face time. Blackbeard’s got bigger problems coming. Why—"
"Kuro-san!!"
The door burst open. Klah sprinted in, pointing wildly outside.
Boom
The meeting hall shook violently. The ceiling cracked, dust raining down.
Buggy choked, swallowing food mixed with debris. "What the hell?!"
Boom
The ceiling shattered, boulders plunging. Crocodile’s sand shield surged upward, catching the rubble. But the tremors spread—walls cracked, groaned.
"Earthquake?!" Kuro’s eyes widened, then darkened. "No. Damn it! Feared this’d happen!"
Boom
A wall exploded outward. Kuro blasted through the gap, soaring into the sky, roaring, "Marshall D. Teach, you bastard!!"
Nearby, a fleet flew the Blackbeard Pirates’ three-skull Jolly Roger.
"Evil laugh!" A thunderous chuckle rolled from the flagship.
Marshall D. Teach grinned on deck. "Old man guessed right! He’s here!"
Daidon laughed, arms akimbo. "Fell for it!"
"Choice of fate", Van Augur murmured, sniper rifle raised.
"Evil Laugh!" Bass burst forward, fists smashing. "Let’s have a passionate brawl!"
The fortress shuddered. Marines scrambled outside. Through the broken wall, the Warlords spotted the ships.
"Blackbeard?" Dracule Mihawk straightened his hat, lips curving. "Fascinating."
"Luffy’s officer’s enemy. The one who captured Luffy", Boa Hancock whispered, biting her thumb.
Buggy’s eyes bulged. "Marshall D. Teach?! Why’s he here?!"
Old memories surfaced—Teach once dueled him and Red-Haired Shanks in Whitebeard’s crew. A freak who never slept.
Boom
Kuro hovered midair, face stormy. "You damned well were headed to Arabasta! Why attack me?!"
Teach laughed. "That place’s a ghost town. And now the Navy’s moving on Arabasta, leaving the New World empty. Gambled it right—would’ve destroyed this fortress for Pizarro if you’d gone. But you stayed? I win."
His grin turned lethal. "Blackbeard’s Laugh! You’ve got Pluton’s power—Float-Float Fruit! I’m taking it!"
Pluton? A mere weapon? He’d rather trust in strength.
Yes—support Kuro, force Pizarro’s secrets out. His plan worked. Now, no help for Kuro.
With his forces here, killing Kuro meant claiming the Float-Float Fruit. Strength unmatched.
(End of Chapter)
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