"I have a strange feeling that you just said something very dangerous…"
Kuzan considered Storm's words carefully and shook his head involuntarily.
To think that a single person could rival the pirate crews ruling the New World?
In recent decades, only Patrick Redfield, the Lone Red, had ever reached that level.
And even Patrick Redfield had ultimately been defeated by the Navy and imprisoned in Impel Down's Infinite Hell.
The power of the Four Emperors' crews was never just about the "Emperor" themselves.
Fame.
Territory.
Subordinates.
Resources.
Influence.
To be crowned one of the Four Emperors, all of it was required.
Otherwise, Shanks would not have needed years to firmly establish himself alongside Whitebeard, Kaido, and Big Mom.
Kuzan felt Storm's thinking was dangerous—
but he had no intention of stopping him.
Members of S.W.O.R.D were permitted to act independently, even against standard orders.
That rule had been set the moment S.W.O.R.D was founded.
Even Kuzan couldn't violate it casually.
Let's see how far this kid can really go…
"Still," Kuzan said slowly,
"looking for companions isn't wrong."
"Do you want me to introduce you to other members of S.W.O.R.D?"
"Other members of S.W.O.R.D?"
Storm was momentarily surprised—then refused outright.
"No need. If they're all like Peacock, they're far too weak."
"I want equals. Not babysitters."
Back then, Kuzan had thought sending Storm straight into the New World was sending him to his death.
Now Storm felt the same way about most of S.W.O.R.D.
Even X Drake, its future captain—
a Worst Generation pirate—
was still far from the top of the Beast Pirates.
Storm had no intention of training rookies.
Piracy wasn't a children's game.
Without destiny, power, or backing—
did people really think they could play at becoming legends?
"Still," Storm suddenly changed the subject,
"there is someone in S.W.O.R.D I admire."
Kuzan raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"I'd like you to release him."
"…Who?"
"Kuzan."
"…Huh?"
"The Navy's top combatant. Marine Headquarters Admiral. Ice-Ice Fruit user."
"Me?"
Kuzan froze.
"…Wait. You want me to infiltrate pirates with you?"
"That's right!"
Storm grinned.
"Admiral Kuzan, you're also a S.W.O.R.D member."
"Anyone in S.W.O.R.D should be prepared to sharpen themselves in darkness."
Kuzan opened his mouth—
then closed it.
Having a Marine Admiral serve under a pirate?
This kid really was trying to flip the world upside down.
"Ara ara~"
Kuzan rubbed his temples.
"That joke isn't funny."
"Do whatever you want out there."
"If things get dangerous, I'll contact you."
"Admiral Kuzan."
Storm stopped him.
"Are you really not considering becoming a pirate?"
"…Don't forget who you are."
Kuzan's voice turned serious.
"Even if we can't openly wear the cloak of justice—"
"—we're still Marines of justice."
"Justice?"
Storm scoffed.
"Justice for the World Government? For the Celestial Dragons?"
"I'm not interested in debating 'Marine justice.'"
He paused.
"Tell me something else."
"How big is my bounty?"
"…There isn't one."
Click.
Storm slammed down the Den Den Mushi.
"The World Government really is sloppy."
"They caused a disaster that big and won't even issue a bounty?"
Fame was the foundation of piracy.
Without it, recruitment would be difficult.
The cover-up ruined his original plan.
"…I'll have to rebuild my reputation manually."
The Blue-Eyes White Dragon flew on.
At dusk, it finally spotted a small island in the Calm Belt.
No people. No buildings.
"Looks like I'll be fending for myself."
Storm glanced at the sea.
The dragon opened its maw.
Clay shells detonated across the surface.
Rumble—
Sea Kings surged upward.
The dragon plunged into battle.
Moments later—
[Silver Trophies: Sea Kings] appeared.
Storm nodded.
"Fishing with explosions isn't bad."
Soon, the dragon dragged corpses ashore.
Storm drew his Iron Ore Saber.
He felt it—
the breath of the sea.
The breath of stone.
The breath of steel.
"So this is… Iron Cutting."
One swing.
A flaming slash tore through the air.
The Sea Kings were cleanly butchered.
Cooking followed.
Silver trophies fell.
A new four-star [Culinary Skill] appeared.
Aroma filled the island.
Storm then consumed his last Diamond Trophy.
[Endurance: ★★★★★★☆]
Hunger returned.
For two days, Storm trained, hunted, digested power.
Then he left.
After days of flight, he finally spotted a populated island.
The dragon descended.
Panic erupted.
Storm stopped a passerby.
"What island is this?"
"Beelzebub Island."
"…Never heard of it."
"Nearest major islands? Water Seven?"
"I've never heard of those…"
"…This isn't the Grand Line?"
"No, sir."
"This is the South Blue."
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