บท 56: CHAPTER 56
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CHAPTER 56
The atmosphere grew tense as a man with glasses and slicked-back black hair emerged from the back room. Accompanying him was the burly bouncer who had initially ushered them inside. The man gave a curt nod, acknowledging Kreegan's presence.
"Apologies for my associate's roughness," the bespectacled man began, eyes cold but professional. "Now, how may we assist you today?"
Kreegan met his gaze unflinchingly. "I have a list. I need intel on them."
The man took a moment, studying Kreegan's expression, and then retreated to the back room without a word.
Kreegan claimed a table, casually propping his feet up and leaning back. The dimly lit room held an aura of suspense. Kuina, puzzled, leaned closer to him and whispered,
"I still don't get it. Why do they seem so fearful of you?"
He smirked. "Well, they deal in information. It would be bad business for them not to know what happens to those who cross me."
"But they're just brokers, aren't they?" Kuina persisted.
"They aren't pirates or murderers. Why should they be scared?"
Kreegan chuckled softly, "They might not be pirates, but fear can be a powerful ally. In their eyes, I'm the guy who only delivers his bounties in a sack. It's better they think of me as unpredictable."
As understanding dawned on Kuina's face, the man returned, a sheaf of papers in his grasp.
"This intel you're after—it's sensitive. It'll cost you."
Kreegan raised an eyebrow. "How much are we talking?"
"5 million," came the flat response.
Kreegan frowned, "That's a steep price. What's the scoop?"
The broker took a deep breath. "Clockwork Island. It's been under the thumb of the Trump pirates for two years."
Kreegan's eyes darkened. Holding an island for two years meant only one thing: The Marines were complacent, or worse, collaborators.
"Who's the Marine Captain overseeing that sector?" He ventured though he had a sinking feeling he already knew the answer.
The man's lips curled into a smirk. "Captain Nezumi."
Kreegan's suspicions were confirmed. "So, not just Arlong. He's in bed with anyone who can foot his bill."
As he prepared to wrap up the conversation and depart, a stray thought flitted through his mind. "One more thing. There are three youngsters under Curly Dadan's care. Know anything about them?"
The broker's eyes lit up with recognition. "Ah, yes. The Trio is making waves around here. Ace, Sabo, and Luffy. They took on the remnants of the Bluejam Pirates a year ago. Especially that Ace, quite the firebrand. Rumor has it he even took down their new captain. But we haven't seen Ace since then."
Kreegan's thoughts raced. He had eliminated the top tiers of the Bluejam Pirates, but the rest of the crew endured, it seemed. Fate sure has a peculiar way of tying up loose ends, he mused, his lips curving into a transient smirk. The Trio still heads a bout with Bluejam pirates, even though he killed most of them. To Kreegan, it looked like the Fate was trying to correct the river flow of time. The game between destiny and Kreegan's intentions was still very much afoot.
...
Kreegan and Kuina strolled back to the Tora One; their arms weighed down by the various items Kuina had insisted they purchase. Lex was already on board, impatiently pacing the deck.
"Find them?" Lex questioned, eyes narrowed.
Kreegan nodded. "We did, but confronting them might put us at odds with some unwanted pests."
Lex's confusion was evident. "What are you talking about?"
Kreegan relayed the information he had gathered about the marine connection, causing Lex to slam his fist against a nearby table, seething, "The Marines! They're nothing but a colossal den of corruption. They can't even keep their own in check!"
Leafing through the details he'd received from the broker, Kreegan was once again dumbstruck by the diverse nature of this world. While much of East Blue seemed stuck in the Middle Ages, Clockwork Island buzzed with a unique energy reminiscent of a steampunk metropolis. Mechanized factories and electricity were commonplace. He paused, rubbing his temples. The world was a heady mix of old and new, but he decided not to overanalyze. Sometimes, it's easier to just ride the wave.
Lex, breaking Kreegan's reverie, asked, "So what's the plan? Take down this Trump crew and then set our sights on Arlong?"
Kreegan smirked, "Exactly. And if Captain Nezumi decides to interfere, well, I have a little something in mind for him."
...
Two weeks later, the shores of Clockwork Island appeared on the horizon. Moored around the island were approximately twenty formidable ships. As Kreegan assessed his crew's abilities, he was confident. Kuina, a rank white 3, and Lex, a formidable gray 4, were both powerhouses. Their strength was unquestionable, and with the power they now wielded, it was tempting to simply plunge into battle without a strategy.
Yet, he was cautious. "We should be able to handle their ordinary soldiers. But be wary of the elites. If things get hairy, we make a hasty exit."
Lex pridefully said,
"Remember, not even the marine warship can catch up to Tora One."
As they neared the island, five ships moved to intercept them. Atop the grandest ship's prow, a striking blonde woman lounged in a bath, her voice dripping with arrogance as she challenged, "And who might you be? Are you unaware of whose territory you're trespassing?"
Kreegan grinned defiantly, "Frankly, we don't give a damn."
He recognized her from the wanted posters, and the recognition spurred him into a playful taunt. The woman, Honey Queen, wasn't amused. As a vein bulged on her forehead, a rotund man, Boojack, vaulted over her to confront the intruders.
"Care to solve a riddle? It goes-"
Kreegan, rolling his eyes, interrupted,
"Skip the games. Are we going to fight or do you plan to bore us to death with your chatter?"
Honey Queen smirked, her demeanor dripping with condescension, "Ara, ara, Boojack. Seems like they're begging for a lesson."
With a snap of her fingers, a sea of men emerged from the surrounding ships, locking their sights on Tora One.
The battle lines were drawn. The four intercepting ships, two flanking either side of Tora One, hurled grappling hooks in an attempt to board. The stage was set for a confrontation neither side would soon forget.
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