Chapter 92: Strange Morgant
Chapter 92: Strange Morgant
The pirates on stage wore grim expressions, exchanging uneasy glances. The captain stammered, "We... we're pirates here to raid your kingdom! Surrender and die!" His voice trembled, and his reluctant demeanor made him seem less like an actor than someone forced onto the stage by invisible strings.
"Come forth, you vile pirates!" cried the Prince of Pleasure, striking a dramatic pose as he unsheathed his slender rapier. The duel commenced, but the pirates moved clumsily, their blades swinging as though slowed by invisible chains. The prince danced gracefully among them, each metallic clash ringing unnaturally loud across the square, amplified as if by stage effects.
This was pure theater.
Could this so-called "play" really have been performed in East Blue for so long? Could people genuinely idolize this?
Kuro exhaled a smoke ring, shaking his head in bemusement.
The Prince of Pleasure twirled through the pirate ranks like a dancer in an endless waltz. The pirates collapsed in unison, their expressions feigning exhaustion despite their physical strength clearly intact.
A narrator's voice boomed:
"The Prince has defeated the pirates attacking Morgant! Yet this kind-hearted prince executes only the ringleader, sparing the rest!"
Sheathing his rapier, the Prince dramatically drew a flintlock pistol, aiming at the pirate captain. "Oh pirates! My compassion cannot bear witness to death, yet I must satisfy my people! Captain, surrender your life to appease my nation!"
Before the captain could react, the Prince fired.
Bang!!
The gunshot echoed with a crimson spray from the captain's forehead. The pirate collapsed in shock as Kuro and his companions' eyes widened.
"Kuro", Lida muttered.
"Mr. Kuro", Klah clarified, "that was a real gun. That captain just got executed."
"Yeah, I saw", Kuro replied, clicking his tongue against his cigar.
Kingdom authorities executing captured pirates - their own business. But the crowd's reaction? No panic, no surprise. Just blank acceptance. Did they think it fake?
One surviving pirate stood, face livid, raising his weapon toward the Prince. The narrator interrupted:
"The merciful prince spares the rest! These pirates, captivated by his kindness and charm, pledge their loyalty! The prince accepts their redemption, granting them life's first taste of true happiness!"
The pirate's rage melted into sudden joy. Lowering his weapon, he stood beside the Prince like a servant. Others followed, their scowls instantly transforming to blissful smiles.
"And so", the narrator concluded, "the Prince of Pleasure conquered the pirates! They surrendered their plundered treasures, funding the transformation of impoverished Morgant into a famed city of leisure!"
The painted backdrop shifted - golden rice fields withered into opulent structures rising from barren earth.
"The sorrowful found happiness! The desperate discovered hope! The prince's dream has been realized!"
Turning toward the crowd, the Prince bowed with a smile.
"Ahhh! Your Highness!" screamed a noblewoman, "I want to join Morgant! I want to find happiness here!" Similar cries erupted from many others, their faces enraptured.
Behind Kuro, Navy officers roared cheers, their expressions dreamy. Kuro remained expressionless, exhaling smoke.
"Ohoho! Officer Kuro", Siva turned with a grin, "what did you think of our prince's play?"
"The Prince of Pleasure truly lives up to his reputation!" a sergeant declared, "What a wondrous happy kingdom! I'll retire here someday!"
"I'll settle my family here!" added a corporal, "They'll find such happiness!"
Kuro nodded, "Fine play. If I settled here someday, that'd be pleasant."
"Honored to hear that!" Siva beamed, "Shall we continue exploring, or rest?"
Lighting a new cigar, Kuro nudged Lida. Instantly, Lida tugged his sleeve, "Kuro, I'm tired. Let's rest."
"Very well", Kuro agreed.
"Honored to guide you", Siva bowed, leading them down Commercial Street to accommodations.
"Today's journey was pleasant. If Navy officers wish to explore tomorrow, I'll await you at the entrance!" Siva bowed again at the hotel.
"Thank you for today's hospitality", Kuro said.
"Service to guests knows no status!" Siva laughed, departing.
Kuro entered the hotel with a satisfied smile, securing three rooms. Once in his room, his expression darkened. Soon, Lida and Klah arrived.
"What's going on?" Kuro puffed his cigar, inspecting the windowless room with only ventilation grates.
"The Navy still follows orders, guarding outside", Klah adjusted his glasses, "But... they keep discussing Morgant and the Prince."
Lida munched chips on the sofa, "They're infected! Thought this might be some nice place, but it's just a fool abusing his power!"
Kuro exhaled smoke, "Forcing willpower changes? That's criminal!"
Devil Fruit user.
Since those pirates' sudden smiles on stage, Kuro had sensed something. The overwhelming urge to stay here, the mental fog - he resisted, as did Lida and Klah. But their subordinates? Fully compromised.
"Worse - they infected Navy personnel!" Combining this with that emotionally shattered little girl earlier...
"This Morgant... it's very strange."
(End of Chapter)
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