After entering Hoenn Fortress, Cipher Pol 9 had no way back—their only choices were to join or die.
Gurd's gaze turned slightly cold.
"You could also pretend to agree and find an opportunity to escape later."
"No need!"
Lucci didn't hesitate.
There was only one thing he wanted.
Legal killing!
Now, they had nowhere else to go.
His initial thought had been to find a way to clear their names and return to the World Government. However, Spandam and his father—who had framed them—were both high-ranking government officials, making it nearly impossible to defeat them politically.
Now, there was a new option.
If the man before him could truly fulfill his needs, then serving him wasn't out of the question. If he failed to satisfy him, they could always leave later.
"We can serve you!"
"Good."
Gurd nodded and produced a list.
"This assassination list contains political figures from various affiliated nations in the North Sea. I need you to eliminate them within three months!"
"Ships, weapons, money—whatever you need, just ask. I'll arrange for logistics personnel to assist you."
"Cipher Pol 9, let me see your skills first!"
"No problem!"
Lucci took the list and turned to leave.
His comrades quickly followed.
Outside the office, logistics personnel had been waiting for some time and immediately guided them to their private quarters.
Only after all outsiders had left did the members of CP9 finally relax their tense nerves. When facing Gurd earlier, they had been absolutely certain he could easily kill them all.
That kind of aura couldn't be faked.
"Lucci."
The group looked at Lucci—or more accurately, they wanted to see the assassination list.
If the targets were innocent, they would struggle to accept it. Even when they had assassinated Iceberg, the boss of Water 7, it was because he was connected to the Dark King's blueprints.
As assassins, they represented the dark side of the World Government, upholding necessary evil—but not wanton evil.
"See for yourselves."
Lucci set down the list and walked alone to the window. His calm eyes shifted, revealing an uncontrollable thirst for slaughter.
The wildness within him was awakening!
During his five years of undercover work in Water 7, he had been suppressing his desires, his body growing stiff from the restraint.
The boring life was finally over!
"There are so many names!"
Kaku and the others examined the assassination list, their hearts pounding. There were at least a hundred names, all important figures from affiliated nations in the North Sea.
Moreover, behind each name were detailed records of their crimes—all of them deserving of death.
This eased their minds considerably.
"Let's move out!"
"Yeah!"
Without a moment's delay, after familiarizing themselves with the targets' details, Lucci immediately led his subordinates to carry out the mission.
Beyond the task itself, they also needed to investigate the specifics of the Hoenn Government—especially the Hoenn-affiliated nations.
They had to confirm whether it was worth serving.
Gurd stood by the window, watching the CP9 members depart.
Faith was an incredibly terrifying thing.
Even in the assassin business, faith was necessary. To make CP9 work for him, they first had to recognize the Hoenn Government's "justice." Otherwise, they would ultimately just become a disorganized mob.
Within the World Government and the Marines, there were plenty of people disillusioned with the Celestial Dragons' tyrannical rule, losing their faith and just coasting through life.
"Time to meet an old friend."
Gurd picked up a newspaper.
[Aokiji Resigns, Leaves the Marines!]
The World Government is conducting a large-scale military recruitment, and on his end, he also needs to replenish his forces, especially with truly powerful individuals.
Aokiji must be feeling quite lost right now!
Speed entered the office: "Gurd, we've received news from Oni Island. The Fallen Rear Admiral Drake, whom you've been keeping an eye on, has joined the Beasts Pirates. Along with him, the Magician Hawkins has also joined."
"Understood."
Gurd raised an eyebrow slightly.
Drake joining the Beasts Pirates wasn't surprising—they had already made arrangements back in Sabaody. As for Hawkins joining at this time...
Had he finally faced reality?
Among the Supernovas, there were clear distinctions in strength.
Straw Hat, Kid, and Law—these three stood far above the rest in both ambition and ability. The others simply couldn't measure up.
Hawkins, who placed great faith in fate, had likely divined that challenging the Beasts Pirates was hopeless and decided to surrender early.
After all, the Beasts Pirates were everywhere. Prolonged exposure could wear down one's resolve, gradually instilling fear until facing them became impossible.
"Aokiji, Drake..."
Gurd pondered for a moment, his eyes lighting up.
After the Summit War, the World Government would be even less inclined to engage in open conflict with him. Given his limited resources, he had no desire for war either.
What lay ahead was likely a cold war.
Politics, economy, military buildup...
The Hoenn Government's ruling philosophy needed to be firmly established to gain an ideological edge over the World Government, allowing them to attract talent and resources!
But before that, there was one more thing.
If the World Government could conduct large-scale recruitment, so could his Hoenn Government. The only issue was the lack of positive influence, making it difficult to attract righteous and powerful individuals.
But if they could showcase some exemplary figures as their banner—like Aokiji and mid-level officers such as Drake—they might just be able to poach talent from the World Government.
A fire ignited in Gurd's eyes: "Speed, summon Drake to see me immediately. Also, launch an investigation into Aokiji's whereabouts at once!"
"Understood!"
Meanwhile, on Sabaody Archipelago...
In a certain bar...
Two old men shared a farewell drink.
Instructor Zephyr sighed: "Kuzan, I never thought you'd leave the Marines one day. I heard Sakazuki was furious about it."
"Teacher Zephyr, I left precisely because I didn't want to serve under Sakazuki. Besides, I'm tired. I need a break."
Kuzan took a swig of sherry.
At the Marines' weakest moment, his departure would undoubtedly have a significant impact. But this was a decision he had contemplated for a long time.
Even if Sakazuki hadn't become Fleet Admiral, he would have made the same choice. The higher one climbed, the closer they got to the Holy Land.
He was truly weary of it all.
"Enough about me. Teacher Zephyr, are you still hunting Pirates?"
"Of course!"
Zephyr stroked his mechanical arm.
Three years ago, scientists had fitted him with a custom-made mechanical arm. Since then, he had formed the "Pirate Guerrilla Squad" to hunt down Pirates.
This was the last purpose of his life.
His ultimate goal was to capture the evil Pirate who had attacked the training ship and severed his arm.
"How wonderful, to do as you please."
Kuzan's eyes filled with envy.
"I wish I could live as freely as you and Teacher Garp."
"Haha, you're on your own now. You can do whatever you want from here on out. Live according to your heart."
Zephyr smiled warmly.
Among all his students, Kuzan was his favorite. He understood Kuzan's confusion and sincerely hoped he would find his own path.
"Live according to my heart, huh..."
Kuzan scratched his head vigorously.
After muddling through twenty years in a daze, he had almost forgotten his former passionate self who upheld "Blazing Justice."
He had no clue what to do next either.
Might as well go wherever the road takes him!
"Don't be so pathetic, it's embarrassing!"
Zephyr scolded with a laugh.
"Where do you plan to go next?"
"I think I'll take a trip to the New World. There's the least number of Marines there, and I don't want to get tangled up with them anymore."
Kuzan waved his hand and stood up to leave.
"Goodbye, Teacher Zephyr!"
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