Chapter 983: Advantage is with me!
Chapter 983: Advantage is with me!
Kuro calmly observed the scholarly middle-aged man. From the moment the door opened and the man appeared, Kuro had sensed his strength wasn't weak.
But it had been hidden.
This person's power exceeded even the Headquarters Commander level. Then again, after so many years, it was natural his strength had grown.
Wait?
Did the Four Seas lack environments to cultivate strength?
Then how did he himself fit in?
As for hiding one's power to infiltrate as an undercover agent, there was nothing unusual about that.
"He's Ethan Kadi", Klah reminded, standing beside Kuro.
"That's right, Golden Lion Vice Admiral, I'm Ethan Kadi!" Ethan Kadi snapped to attention and gave a sharp salute.
"Hmph. Tell me, what's happening with the Longsword Pirate Crew? This pirate group that's remained in the South Sea for over a century suddenly decided to head to the Grand Line?" Kuro asked.
"I'm not sure either. It was the captain's decision."
Ethan Kadi shook his head. "The captain proposed it, and the crew voted. The majority agreed, so they decided to head to the Grand Line. This is the Longsword Pirate Crew's tradition—whenever there's a major operation requiring the entire crew, they always hold a vote. I only learned about this news recently, which is why I contacted you immediately."
Kuro nodded. "What about the Longsword Pirate Crew's setup? Are they really all pirates?"
"Yes, entirely pirates!"
Ethan Kadi continued, "The crew has twelve thousand members, all hardened pirates with blood on their hands. They're spread across thirty-six islands in the Star Islands, each governed by an executive officer. I'm one of them."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"The Star Islands are shrouded in fog during the day, making it impossible to see the island layouts clearly. Only at night can you see them properly. However, nighttime reduces cannon fire accuracy, making cannon attacks ineffective. During the day, we can't see anything at all. The Longsword Pirate Crew has specially designed visual equipment—for example, this device."
He rummaged in his pocket and pulled out an eye-mounted device resembling a portable telescope. "Only with this can you see through the fog. To eliminate the Longsword Pirate Crew, Golden Lion Vice Admiral, you won't succeed without adequate numbers. The islands are arranged in a circle, with the central island housing Captain Robert Henry. If you fail to eliminate all islands at once, he'll escape. Once 'Saber's Hilt' escapes, rebuilding the 'Blade Body' won't be difficult."
You're talking about them like they're Water Margin bandits!
Kuro rolled his eyes with a visible white rim. "It's not that dramatic. Just show us the way. We'll attack at night, and I'll personally handle it. After that, I'll go on vacation."
"P-Personally handle it?" Ethan Kadi didn't immediately grasp the meaning, his voice tinged with confusion. "With all due respect, Vice Admiral Golden Lion, even if you're strong, eliminating over twelve thousand men without alerting anyone using just this ship's Marines seems—"
"Don't assume Kuro is like ordinary people with your limited perspective."
Lida, sitting on the sofa munching snacks, interjected. "Kuro's strength is considerable."
Klah adjusted his glasses, his face briefly showing pride.
Indeed, Mr. Kuro was exceptionally powerful.
Kuro bit down on his cigar, exhaling a thick plume of smoke. "No problem. One versus twelve thousand—the advantage is with me."
"This..."
Seeing Kuro's confident demeanor, Ethan Kadi could only offer a strained smile. "If the Vice Admiral has decided, then I must comply."
"Good. Dismissed. Change your clothes too. After tonight, you won't need to be a pirate anymore. Of course, you should probably change your name as well. Undercover agents returning should adopt new identities for safety. Your ten-year undercover service merits are well-earned." Kuro waved his hand broadly.
"Understood. I'll take my leave first."
Ethan Kadi saluted again and exited the office. As he left, he paused momentarily in the corridor, staring blankly down the hallway. Suddenly, he scoffed contemptuously. "So arrogant."
He then strode down the corridor.
The Golden Lion resumed navigation, departing the small island. However, it didn't travel far. When the Marines on the observation deck spotted the white mist ahead, the ship halted.
Approaching further might alert those within the fog.
As day turned to night, stars and moon emerged, gradually dissipating the mist. Slowly, white glimmers appeared on the dark expanse of the Grand Line. These lights mirrored the stars above, making the Grand Line seem to sprout additional stars.
The Star Islands had revealed themselves.
"Is that the Star Islands?"
On deck, Kuro bit his cigar, watching the white lights materialize.
"Yes. That's the Star Islands."
Ethan Kadi casually adjusted his glasses. "Then proceed. Move in."
Kuro gave the order, and the Golden Lion surged forward.
Steam-powered ships naturally outpaced sail vessels, let alone the Golden Lion equipped with Vegapunk's technology. This ship was no slowpoke—when necessary, it could even utilize laser propulsion for bursts of speed.
As the Golden Lion rapidly approached, Ethan Kadi urgently warned, "Golden Lion Vice Admiral, won't you reconsider? The ship's massive profile will surely be spotted if we charge in recklessly. It'll alert the pirates!"
"Relax."
Kuro exhaled another smoke ring, glancing sideways. "By the way, why haven't you changed clothes? You're still wearing that hooded cloak?"
"There's nothing that fits." Ethan Kadi tightened the hooded cloak around his shoulders. He still wore his pirate attire—sleeveless shirt, rough belt, and loose pants. A longsword hung at his waist.
Kuro merely glanced at him, saying nothing. Such details weren't important.
The Golden Lion closed in rapidly. When Kuro could discern the islands' outlines within the white glow, he raised his hand.
"Halt!" Klah shouted, bringing the ship to a stop.
A night breeze stirred Kuro's hooded cloak and hair tips. He removed the cigar from his lips, flicking it into the sea.
Boom!
As the cigar hit the water, the Golden Lion suddenly shuddered violently, as if massive waves had struck.
Ethan Kadi instinctively looked down. The cigar floated silently in the sea, not even creating a ripple.
Where were these waves coming from?
Boom!!
Another violent tremor. Ethan Kadi's eyes widened, his mouth slackening. The sea ahead began churning, rising to heights beyond sight. Within his field of vision, nothing but towering waves blocked everything else.
It was as if the sea itself had risen to blot out the heavens and moon!
Kuro clenched his fist. "Lion's Might·Sea Whirl Hell!!"
What's the big deal about having many people?
Especially in the Grand Line, numbers meant nothing to Kuro.
Was the Star Islands larger than Totto Land?
He didn't need the Heavenly Treasure Vault. With just the Grand Line's seawater, he'd swallow this entire Star Islands!
Still, the words remained—advantage is with me!
(End of Chapter)
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