The auction bidding venue.
Crocodile raised his numbered placard.
"Bidder No. 8 offers 1.8 billion Berries !"
"Any higher bids?"
"Sold!"
Just as the atmosphere reached its peak, chaos erupted within the castle.
"The slaves have escaped!"
The room holding the nobles of the Koya Kingdom had been attacked. By the time the guards noticed, the nobles had already vanished without a trace.
The entire castle descended into turmoil.
"That idiot!"
Law hid inside a room, peering through the narrow door and window at the corridor outside. Pirates searching for the escaped prisoners were everywhere.
They'd been exposed!
The marine Koby, upon discovering the room where the hostages were held, had swiftly knocked out the guards and freed them.
But he hadn't found his comrades yet!
Koby's reckless actions had made Law's next steps ten times harder. Forget rescuing anyone—just avoiding detection would be a stroke of luck.
"Room!"
Veins bulged on Law's forehead as he activated his Room, enveloping the entire Skull Castle. The situation was dire. Even if he was discovered, he had to find his comrades as quickly as possible.
"Scan!"
Combining Observation Haki with his ability, he scanned every lifeform within the castle, quickly pinpointing his crew's locations.
"Transfer—"
"The energy signatures changed!"
Just as Law was about to relocate his crew, he realized the energy signatures from their positions had become chaotic, making it impossible to lock onto them.
Clearly, the enemy had noticed him!
Reception Hall.
Gurd exuded Haki, disrupting the energy signatures throughout the room. He could sense something passing through him moments earlier.
Likely the Operating Space.
"Quite an interesting ability."
Gurd chuckled, choosing to ignore the Heart Pirate Crew for now as he approached the three marines. His gaze settled on the woman in the center.
"Miss Kujaku, we meet again."
"Dammit!"
Kujaku gritted her teeth, instinctively squeezing her thighs together. Memories of her interrogation resurfaced, bringing both humiliation and an involuntary flush to her cheeks.
"So cold. I thought you might have missed me."
Gurd smirked.
Kujaku had left quite an impression on him. That night on the second floor of a certain tavern had been... memorable.
Most importantly, this girl was the granddaughter of the great strategist, Tsuru.
"Seems there's some trouble outside. I imagine your comrades are trying to rescue you. Pity you've fallen into my hands."
Gurd snapped his fingers.
"Chikara, collar them."
"Yes!"
Chikara produced metal collars and fastened them around the necks of Kujaku and the other two.
"These work just like slave collars. If you stray too far, they'll go boom."
"By the way, they also contain Sea-stone. Enough to suppress Devil Fruit abilities without sapping too much of your stamina. Ingenious, no?"
"Don't worry. I won't kill you, nor will I treat you like slaves."
Gurd grinned. "Truth be told, I'm rather fond of you—just like your SWORD captain, Drake."
"Drake!"
All three marines paled.
During the battle at Reverse Mountain, they had clashed with Drake. Despite their demands for answers, Drake had remained silent throughout.
They'd suspected it then. Now, hearing Gurd's words, they had confirmation—Drake had betrayed the Marines.
Kujaku refused to believe it.
"Why would the captain betray us?!"
"Why?!"
Gurd responded with playful amusement: "Because the Hoenn Government I established is more just than the hypocritical Marines!"
"The Hoenn Government upholds fairness and protects the interests of the majority, while you Marines are merely tools for the Celestial Dragons to maintain their rule. How can you even compare yourselves to us?"
"Are you satisfied with this answer?"
"..."
The three of them turned pale, unable to refute.
They were well aware of the Marines' corruption. One of the reasons they joined Sword was to change the Marines.
Kujaku's voice was hoarse.
"The Marines also uphold justice!"
"Miss Kujaku, your self-deception is quite adorable."
Gurd chuckled and reached out to pinch the woman's chin, shaking it left and right in a rather flirtatious manner.
Kujaku's face flushed with embarrassment, but her hands and feet were tied, leaving her unable to resist. In her frustration, she bit down on his hand.
"Ouch!"
"Hmm?"
Gurd looked at his bitten hand, his face darkening.
Is she a dog or something? Always biting.
"I haven't even washed my hands yet."
"Pah!"
Kujaku quickly let go, spitting repeatedly.
"Kehahaha."
Gurd laughed heartily.
"I believe you are just. The Marines are not without righteous individuals. Unfortunately, the Celestial Dragons are the root of all evil. By protecting them, the Marines are doomed to aid tyranny and stray from justice."
"You're no different! What right does an organization founded by Pirates have to judge justice?"
Kujaku glared at him angrily.
"You're right. I am a Pirate."
Gurd admitted frankly.
This little brat really needs a beating!
"I want to overthrow the rule of the Celestial Dragons, change this unjust world, ensure the people of Non-Allied Nations have human rights and aren't reduced to slavery, and make sure the lower classes don't starve to death."
And most importantly, make everyone pay him rent and taxes!
Gurd stared intently at Kujaku.
"Miss Kujaku, I'm doing everything I can to realize my ideals. The Hoenn Government is the result of my efforts!"
"Kuzan, Drake, Saul."
"It's precisely because of righteous individuals like you that Hoenn grows stronger every day. Justice stands on our side!"
"I can confidently say no one in this world has done better than me. If you want to deny me, bring forth your arguments."
Gurd crossed his legs and gestured invitingly.
"Go on, what brilliant insights do you have?"
"If you can convince me, I'll let you leave immediately—not just you, but your comrades and those nobles too. I can release them all."
"By the way, the King and nobles of the Koya Kingdom you're trying to rescue were smuggling weapons to Hachinosu Island. Their ship was also carrying slaves."
Debate.
Kujaku's face grew paler.
The other two were also speechless.
They wanted to refute but couldn't.
"Speechless? Tsk tsk, your justice is so weak. I thought Sword would have some unique perspectives, but it turns out you're just a bunch of hot-headed rabble."
Gurd shook his head with a laugh.
"Then again, you're still young. Can't expect you to make the right judgments. Blame those greedy higher-ups for sending you youngsters to the front lines."
"We have more guests arriving, so I won't waste more time on you. I'll have someone take you to Drake. Learn well from him."
"The times have changed. I truly hope young hot-blooded folks like you can open your eyes to see the world clearly!"
"Stay in Hoenn for half a year. If you still wish to return to the Marines by then, I'll have Drake release you."
"Chikara, escort them out."
"Yes, sir."
Gurd sat atop Bepo, sensing the arrival of guests. No doubt, it was none other than Trafalgar Law.
He'd been eavesdropping for quite a while.
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