What was supposed to be a temporary base on the uninhabited island had progressed into full-scale development by everyone, and was becoming our main headquarters.
The beasts Daz and Perona caught were butchered and made into dried meat or roasted, the Marine group fished in rivers and the sea with homemade rods, and Robin gathered fruits with her ability... Well, food-wise for living here, there didn't seem to be any problems.
The Marines who'd been somewhat malnourished were also recovering.
The sleeping quarters had started as simple shelters made from driftwood, branches, and leaves, but people skilled in carpentry and repairs among the Marines were gradually building houses.
Actually, one was already complete—the house for us executives (the kids). I'd suggested prioritizing injured and weakened people for housing, but this was the result.
Well, it's basically our house and storage combined.
"Now then, I've gathered you all here for a specific reason."
Frankly, development and cultivation plans were being proposed by the Marines to the point where talk of making fields had come up.
In other words... The Marine group probably realizes it too.
"It concerns our future actions, including how you Marines will proceed from here."
They are far from returning to their normal lives, the possibility of even going home is low.
Daz had his usual stone face. Robin, probably the kindest of us, looked anxiously at the Marines' faces.
Perona, stop that horo horo laughing. Read the room.
"As you've heard from your comrades who participated in discussions, returning you all to the surface is extremely dangerous right now. There's a high possibility you'd be recaptured by those involved."
One of the Marines—that girl who resembles Tashigi, apparently named Amis—nodded with a dark expression. She's effectively become their coordinator.
"Even if you report to some branch, there's no guarantee people involved in that incident haven't infiltrated there. They might plot to kidnap you again... or try to silence you."
Their enthusiasm for development and cultivation work on this island probably came partly from wanting to look away from this reality.
"But staying on this island forever won't break the deadlock. So I've decided to take a gamble."
I've thought about this a lot, but to safely get these people away from this shitshow of Marine slave trading born from machinations across various places, this is the fastest way.
"I'll infiltrate the West Blue Marine District Headquarters alone. I'll speak directly with senior officers to explain the situation and petition for protection of you all and your families."
Yeah, everyone's eyes are wide. Makes sense.
But for dangerous matters like this, going through the brass who probably aren't involved is the most reliable approach.
"For that, we'll need to sail the ship partway to the district headquarters. Please make as much preserved food as possible. We'll resupply at port towns along the way, but I want you to secure food until we reach them."
Setting aside living here, our food situation for sailing is pretty tight right now. And while we have plunder, I'd prefer to convert it to cash after securing the Marines' safety and making escape easier.
The money I can use now is about 100,000 berries and a bit more... Plus some items suitable for bartering. ...Yeah, considering our numbers, we'll barely manage resupply.
"Taking too much time makes it harder to predict how the involved Family members and Marines will move. I want to depart in at least a week."
Honestly, I'd like to leave the Marines and Robin behind for safety, but leaving Robin alone with just the Marines would be problematic.
"Everyone, please act with that in mind."
Daz nodded slightly, Perona laughed her horo horo, and Robin—who'd looked anxious when I discussed the raid before—was properly looking at me.
Good, seems fine--
"Wait, Captain Kuro!!"
"Even for you, this is far too reckless!!"
"If it means putting you in danger, we'll just turn ourselves in alone!"
...
Yeah, hold on a moment, Marines.
"You all had 'accidents' and are listed as missing."
"Even so, we're Marines! There are people who know our faces--"
"No good. Even if you try to petition the brass directly, given the chain of command, your story won't reach district headquarters leadership immediately. ...If I were in the position of whoever trapped you, I'd absolutely control that access point."
Making absolutely sure something isn't discovered means preventing information from reaching people who mustn't know. Besides, right now we can't say for certain that people who know your faces are allies.
"Moreover, the waters around district headquarters should be considered under surveillance. Approach carelessly and you'll be sunk without question. Even if you took a ship alone, they can pin whatever label they want on dead people. For example, 'despicable nameless pirates who stole the equipment of Marines who had accidents and disguised themselves as Marines'... or something."
Actually, now that I think about it, rumors like that might already be circulating. Focusing too much on concealment while neglecting information gathering was my mistake...
I'd considered infiltrating district headquarters, but given the lack of supplies for sailing straight there and the Marines' stamina issues, we absolutely had to rest once.
...Well, the biggest reason was that I still had massive damage from getting run over by Bege repeatedly, making long-distance Stealthy Step impossible, let alone infiltration.
--It really is my fault after all!!!
"I can forcibly run through the air from a distance to land. The possibility of enemy detection drops significantly, and escaping alone would be easy."
Really, training my legs to the extreme was for times like this.
"To truly stop this chain of events requires the Navy's power. And currently, we need to explain the situation directly to upper leadership without the enemy catching on. Only I can do that."
"But Captain, you're a pirate! Even if you succeed in infiltrating, there's no guarantee the branch commander and those around them will believe you! At least take one of us--"
"That would make landing and infiltration difficult. I've carried Daz and Perona while running before, but then I can't maintain altitude."
But as the Marine said, the biggest problem is whether they'll listen.
"I understand your concerns. I'd laugh if a pirate suddenly said something like this too."
For now, I need evidence that seems credible.
"It pains me to have you wear plundered items, but I'd like several of you to exchange clothes. Those uniforms and... right, have everyone sign some paper, and I'll use that as preliminary evidence. On top of that... well, you know."
"The words of a foolhardy pirate who infiltrated alone might just make them listen, right?"
"It's worth the risk."
–
"--Do you think the Marines accepted it?"
"They can't accept it that easily, Captain."
"Well, normally thinking, it's a suicide mission. Horo horo horo."
We managed to decide on a policy, but some weren't satisfied—several Marines protested tearfully. I did do this before though, with Perona.
...Ah, but that failed.
"But Captain-san, it really is dangerous, you know?"
"Well, that's true, but... There's no merit in showing up in force, and continuing to hide keeps increasing risk."
With the Ohara and Robin search matters, at least two future Headquarters Admirals should be in this sea right now... probably. Sakazuki the Mad Dog of Justice—was he a Vice Admiral now?—I can imagine how he'd move... well, I can imagine him erupting like a volcano, but I have no idea if he'd go along with the story. After agreeing, "Then die" is also possible.
Ideally, meeting Aokiji... Kuzan would be best
This is something I won't know until I go. But well, even if things go badly, worst case I just need to escape.
--The problem is what comes after that.
"Daz, could you talk with the Marines and gather information about shipbuilding companies or craftsmen who might take commissions?"
"Hm? I thought we were going to the East... oh, I see. No need to go back anymore."
Right, the seastone we left in East Blue—we obtained about twice that amount. With this, even a decent-sized ship could cross the Calm Belt like Navy ships if we make a dedicated hold in the bottom and line it with seastone.
I wanted to secure Jango first, but... in this situation, it might be better to expand our influence in the Grand Line first
If Robin helps with sailing using her ability, we could manage even with a modest ship.
"Yeah, building a ship will still be later, but just in case."
"After settling this matter--right?"
"Exactly. ...From here on, combat might continue. Maintain the ship and its equipment thoroughly. Perona and Robin--"
"Horo horo, help with that while watching the ship, right?"
"Right now there are valuables and seastone there, so just in case... right?"
"Right, it'll be boring but I'm counting on you. For suppression, reconnaissance, and emergency ship operation—your versatility is outstanding."
No really, up to about the first half of the Grand Line, Perona alone could seriously suppress most situations.
Robin hasn't learned combat, but just having many hands means infinite possibilities. Plus intelligence using eyes and ears, communication with mouths—she can contribute in various situations.
Yeah, combat-wise, we could enter the Grand Line right now.
"The carpenter Marines said they'd modify the cabins, so I don't mind."
"If there's leftover lumber, they said they'd make some furniture."
O-oh. Well, I've sworn those Marines to secrecy about Robin, and from their attitude they don't seem likely to talk, but be careful, okay?
Well, everything's after we finish getting the Marines out of the underworld.
–
"To think there'd be a cheeky pirate sneaking alone into a Marine base."
Five days later we set sail, and after roughly another half-month voyage, we arrived.
"My my, still so young yet quite a bold pirate. How old were you again?"
After resupplying several times at port towns along the way, we reached the approximate sea area.
"Fourteen. A fourteen-year-old big-shot rookie worth 65 million berries—'Silent Step' Kuro."
I departed for district headquarters carrying folded Marine uniforms entrusted to me by the Marines.
Hey, this is West Blue District Headquarters, you know? Understand? I didn't attack Marineford, okay?
"Vimiral ce Admiral Sakazuki, Vice Admiral Kuzan, and... if I'm not mistaken, Headquarters AdSengoku."
Isn't it a bit strange that future Navy top brass are all gathered and waiting?
"I've heard you walk the righteous path as proper Marines, so I've rushed here. If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to borrow your ears for a moment."
Sure, I'd anticipated maybe one of Kuzan or Sakazuki would be here, but having even Sengoku assembled is a bit harsh. On life.
Can someone please patch my life's difficulty setting? I'll pay any amount on installment.
"Don't get cocky, pirate bra--!"
Bowing doesn't help? I see. Well, that's future Akainu for you!
"Now now, we could at least hear him out. I'm curious about those neatly folded Marine uniforms too."
Could you please let me escape after hearing me out? ...No?
"--Fine, I'll hear you out, 'Silent Step' Kuro. What business did you have infiltrating to the deepest part of this district headquarters?"
Sakazuki-san, Sengoku-san said he'd listen, so please stop radiating genuine killing intent. My skin's tingling and if I let my guard down I feel like I'll lose consciousness.
Help me! Please help me!!
--
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