"Admiral Aokiji! Incoming transmission from Commodore Taki! Mission successful, sir!"
"...So the Commodore and his men pulled it off. Good."
Kuzan, who had been overseeing the overall command at Mogwa, let out a relieved sigh.
"Seems the Government didn't stick their nose where it doesn't belong this time."
"Yes sir! The Commodore reports that thanks to his subordinates' efforts and the Black Cat's command, we only had minor injuries with no casualties on our side."
"If I report that, Sengoku's probably going to sigh again."
In the midst of his already busy schedule, information about the Black Cat likely crossed his desk every single day.
(And Garp's probably sitting there laughing it up, which would make Sengoku even more irritated.)
Kuzan, Admiral Aokiji, glanced at the simple booklet on his desk—a bundle of miscellaneous papers bound together with string.
In one corner of the cover was the now-familiar three-clawed cat mark, and in the center, written in equally familiar neat handwriting: "Anticipated Emergency Situations and Response Examples (※These are only examples, so feel free to add your own thoughts)."
"I should probably submit this to headquarters too."
"...The Black Cat said you're free to do as you see fit."
"He probably doesn't think it's particularly important, but Sengoku's been showing interest in Kuro's paperwork."
What had initially been nothing more than an empty castle serving as a temporary command post now had all the basic furnishings like tables and filing cabinets, a proper management system for medical supplies and food, and thanks to Kuro's suggestion to bring in printing equipment, the work necessary to move the troops had become much more efficient.
"'An excellent commander can fully operate a unit, but what fully operates an army is rational organizational structure and logistics.' Honestly, that guy's terrifying."
"To be frank, I wouldn't want to cross swords with the Black Cat. Not emotionally, and not as a military force."
"Any Marine who understands Kuro would feel the same way."
The most obvious example was the casualty rates when working alongside the Black Cat—a topic that frequently came up in discussions among the officers.
Simply put, whenever the Black Cat, especially his personal guard, was present at a scene, there were noticeably fewer injuries.
Officers who knew the numbers and soldiers who felt it firsthand both understood this. It wasn't uncommon for soldiers to feel relieved upon hearing the Black Cat was coming.
Through this turmoil in the West Blue, the Black Cat had earned not only fear, but the trust and respect of the Marines.
"How are the reinforcements from headquarters doing?"
"The soldiers are gradually recovering, and they seem to be engaging in casual conversation with the Marines and Black Cat personnel who are caring for them. However, the surviving officers remain tight-lipped."
"Even when asked about their destination?"
"Yes, they keep their mouths shut."
Kuzan couldn't help but let out a deep sigh.
The officer standing beside him making the report reminded him of Fleet Admiral Sengoku back at headquarters.
"When I asked about the exact location where they were attacked by Golden Lion, they really hemmed and hawed, so I thought something was off. Looks like I was right."
They had been attacked in waters that they shouldn't have passed through if they had gone straight from Red Port to Mogwa.
"Should we assume their destination was indeed Mopuchi, the Black Cat's stronghold?"
At the officer's words as he studied the sea chart, Kuzan nodded. "Probably."
Both Kuzan and the officer had a general idea of their true purpose.
Most likely, they had intended to use this chaos as an opportunity to burn down his territory and weaken his forces.
"There's no way Sengoku, who approved the ceasefire agreement, would give such orders. We should assume the Government bypassed Sengoku with some strange interference."
Kuzan glanced at the cover of the trouble response manual Kuro had left behind.
Divided mainly into three chapters covering pirates, civilians, and member nations, this collection of possible conflicts Kuro had conceived and their causes and response examples—with deliberately large spacing and blank pages inserted so Kuzan and others could add to it later—contained only a single line about dealing with Government troubles.
Unlike the others, without listing possible causes or other details, it simply said:
"Never take the bait when provoked. Stay calm, contact the Fleet Admiral, and buy time."
That was all.
Actually, there were traces below it of attempts to write various reasons or explanations, but they had all been blotted out with black ink.
Rather than crossing them out with lines, he had deliberately covered them with lots of ink, meaning he probably thought it would be problematic if people saw them and erased it.
(Provocation, huh.)
A pirate who had used the brilliant tactics that Tsuru praised after hearing the reports to face the elusive pirate alliance had judged something as such.
"Kuro's coming back soon, right?"
"No, since securing that stronghold should slow the pirates' movements for a while, he said he'd return to Mopuchi once to check on the royal family and the people."
"Makes me reconsider what the words 'pirate' and 'noble' even mean."
"This is troubling. I'd really like to talk with you directly right now, Kuro."
***
"Kuro, thank goodness you've returned safely. I heard about your exploits from Hancock and the personal guard members who returned in shifts."
"I apologize for leaving this land unattended for so long, Princess. The operation was successful, and while we cannot let our guard down, we have eliminated those who were at the core of the pirates' organized activities. This should help stabilize the situation somewhat."
In the royal castle of Mopuchi after so long, in the audience chamber that had become even more magnificent thanks to Hancock and the others' hard work repairing it while we were away, the Princess sat on her throne wearing a splendid dress that anyone would recognize as befitting royalty.
This kind of work really is more suited to Hancock.
From the defense team's reports, I only knew the information from written documents, but apparently she had worked with the female members of Bege's crew, discussing various matters while managing to procure fabric and cloth without interfering with the reconstruction plans.
Yeah, even from my perspective, that shows good sense.
"I heard that Mopuchi itself was attacked by pirates several times. I received reports that there was no direct damage."
"Yes, Hancock, Perona, and the personal guard and other soldiers worked very hard. After each attack, I always made sure to visit the barracks and town, and everyone seemed very calm, which was quite reassuring."
No discrepancy from the reports.
"Now then, Kuro, I have a request for you."
"Yes, anything you wish."
How unusual for the Princess to ask something of me.
Could this be because the recent pirate troubles have made her trust me more?
"Yes. As I mentioned, the people didn't seem overly anxious, but after such a long period of tension combined with the large-scale harvest work after so long, I believe everyone has accumulated considerable stress."
"Yes, I feel the same way."
"Therefore, even though the timing may be delayed, I would like to hold a festival-like celebration as a holiday to help heal the people's hearts."
Oh, excellent.
If the royal family suggests it first, we can act while maintaining the royal family's dignity.
I was worried about pirates taking too much of a leading role, so this is really helpful.
"Understood, Your Highness. I will immediately begin planning once I confirm our supplies and available resources. However, I have one request for Your Highness."
"What would that be?"
"Mopuchi's major cities are gradually beginning their reconstruction, and our naval defense network has become quite solid."
"Yes."
A slight look of suspicion—or rather anxiety—crosses the Princess's face.
Well, requests from pirates would be scary.
"At this time, would you consider visiting Luchu Island for a morale visit?"
"Oh my!"
It's mostly elderly people with hardly any young folks, like a countryside island, but perhaps because of that, there are many who fondly remember the old kingdom.
If the Princess showed her face, combined with the festival, I think it would restore quite a bit of vitality.
"How thoughtless of me... The people of Luchu have also endured such difficult times..."
"Yes. They have finally overcome an era of unreasonable violence and exploitation. If possible, I would like the people of that island to feel that there is hope in their future lives, not just in the harvest and festivals."
"Yes, I understand, Kuro. I leave the timing and arrangements entirely to you. If my presence can be the people's hope, please use me however you see fit."
Isn't that a bit heavy?!
"...Yes. I shall strive not to disappoint Your Highness's expectations."
***
After finishing the audience with the Princess for the first time in a while, the training ground I visited—which I'd given the fancy name of "drill field" but was really just an exercise area—was currently...
"To think I could face such a man! Kuro! Kuro! Your path is truly... interesting!"
"Hahaha! I'd heard of your reputation as a Marine Hunter, but to think there's a swordsman who's refined his skills to this level at such a young age! This is quite tough for an old man like me."
"You say that while deflecting my sword perfectly!"
A tempest of slashing attacks was raging.
Hmm... no good. With that exchange, I'd have my stance broken after deflecting four moves and get my belly sliced open.
Actually, are they both really holding back right now?
They probably are. The soldiers have gotten used to it and are just continuing their work a little distance away.
...
Our soldiers have developed some serious nerves over the past few days.
Well, if you're exposed to blade hurricanes daily, you'd get used to it. You would.
But before that...
"Well, it seems your superior has arrived. How about we end this with a single strike from each of us?"
"...Sounds good. I'll challenge you with everything I have right now."
The person over there playing with Mihawk—which is already pretty crazy.
Isn't there an absolutely terrifying person over there?
"Here I come, Dark King!!"
Wow... the sky's split in two...
I'm sorry Princess, Queen Mother.
I'll have to apologize later.
"Well now, that was a good match. It's been since Roger passed that I've worked up a sweat with my sword like this."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it, Dark King Silvers Rayleigh."
"A young man like you doesn't need to be so formal or bow your head when using such a title. Just Rayleigh is fine."
"...Then, Rayleigh."
"Hahaha! Hancock told me about you, but you really aren't like a pirate at all!"
After that, Mihawk left with a pleasant smile, saying he was going to take a bath.
Daz took Robin to the supply management department to prepare for the festival, and Perona went to Luchu Island with Catharine from the personal guard. Apparently the church ruins there are to her liking.
"Right? Well, having seen many pirates now, I prefer your way of being."
And Hancock is here.
Seeing the sky split, she immediately ran around explaining and following up with the Princess and nearby people, giving instructions to her sisters.
I'm sorry... I'm really sorry...
You have no idea how much you've helped me and Daz.
Please forgive me for carelessly letting two monsters play around.
"Still, you were planning to go to the Grand Line too?"
"Well, I am a pirate."
"No, sorry. You have more of a merchant's atmosphere... I thought your goal was to build influence in the West Blue."
Hmm, on the surface it's just gratitude for protecting Hancock, but I'm being evaluated somehow?
"I am certainly expanding my sphere of influence. But that's more like preparation for heading to the Grand Line."
"Oh, preparation."
That's exactly right.
Developing this place is largely motivated by wanting to arrange and manufacture ships, establish production systems, and enter the Grand Line with as many supplies as possible.
"Since my subordinates joined for the reasons they did, I want to cross over with as little plundering as possible. Though I wonder if that's appropriate for a pirate..."
"That's entirely your freedom. Pirates are those who advance as they wish to advance."
Therefore, the Dark King paused his words once.
"What I'm curious about is your destination on that voyage."
Destination?
"Let me ask directly. Do you intend to claim One Piece?"
"No."
"I'm certain that my role is to pass the baton to someone worthy of obtaining One Piece."
I mean, thinking normally, I can't become foolish enough to fit the Laugh Tale story.
When I answered that, Rayleigh stared at me with his mouth agape.
...Huh? Not convinced?
"By the way, I just received word that my ally has arrived. A meeting to decide our next moves is about to begin..."
"Would you like to observe?"
***
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