Chương 194: Chapter 194: Sabaody Archipelago: Setting Off to the Next Destination
A Marine nervously approached Admiral Kizaru, his expression tense as he said, "Admiral, normally just a minor injury to a Tenryuubito would prompt the deployment of a Navy Admiral. But now... one of them is dead. What do we do? If we can't catch the culprit, the World Government will definitely hold us accountable..."
Kizaru had initially thought this mission on Sabaody would be a breeze—something he could just coast through. But things took a sudden turn, and to his surprise, all sorts of chaos seemed to find him.
"Hmm… yes, this is indeed troublesome." Kizaru rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his voice slow as he asked, "Were there any eyewitnesses to the Tenryuubito's death?"
"Yes, Admiral. Several residents of Sabaody claim they saw it happen, but they've all gone home now, and we can't confirm exactly who witnessed the event," the Marine replied.
Kizaru continued, "What about the person who reported it?"
The Marine shook his head helplessly. "The person who made the report was wearing a mask. They left immediately after reporting the incident, and even if we search now, we might not be able to find them."
Kizaru glanced around the area but found no surveillance snails. Without witnesses or evidence, and without clear proof that the perpetrator was a pirate, he couldn't just arrest anyone at random. After all, there was a chance he might make a mistake, and wrongfully accusing an innocent person wouldn't look good.
Still, a Tenryuubito was dead, and not giving the World Government a proper explanation would definitely lead to big problems.
Just as Kizaru was contemplating how to handle this mess, a Marine came jogging toward him from a distance.
"Admiral Kizaru, we've found a witness!" the Marine announced, panting slightly. "A barbecue shop owner from the 43rd Mangrove District, who wishes to remain anonymous, told us that the ones who killed the Tenryuubito's bodyguards were a man called the Thunder God. And the one who killed the Tenryuubito was a boy who looked to be in his teens, wielding two swords."
Kizaru blinked. "..."
Meanwhile, at the shipyard…
Takumi, Enel, and Kaku had returned to the ship.
After exchanging brief farewells with the shipwrights at the yard, Enel began charging the ship with electricity as Takumi instructed.
Before long, the ship lifted into the air, soaring away from the shipyard, leaving behind the astonished gazes of those watching from below.
Takumi activated the system's navigation and set the course for Amazon Lily—the Isle of Women. Once he gave Enel directions, he settled on the ship's deck, fishing rod in hand, ready to relax and fish, just like always.
Enel, seeing Takumi act like nothing had happened, hesitated for a while before he couldn't hold back his curiosity. "They say causing trouble with the Tenryuubito will bring an Admiral. But what happens if you kill one?"
"It'll be a real pain—massive trouble," Kaku answered for Takumi. "The Tenryuubito are world nobles, protected by the World Government. Once they confirm who killed the Tenryuubito, the World Government will hunt that person down."
"Uh…" Enel froze for a moment. He glanced at Takumi, who was acting like this wasn't his problem at all, and said with a grim expression, "I don't know much about this World Government, but the Navy's under their control, right? You… you hate trouble, don't you? You could've avoided this whole mess by handing me over. No one needed to die..."
Takumi, clearly annoyed, shot back, "Do I need your permission to kill someone?"
"N-no, that's not what I meant…" Enel chuckled awkwardly. "It's just… ever since we came down from Skypiea, I've never seen you kill anyone. I just don't quite get it..."
After a moment of silence, Takumi asked him bluntly, "Would you rather have become the Tenryuubito's slave?"
Enel hesitated before shaking his head. "No."
"Then get back to doing your job and steer the ship. I'm trying to fish here, so keep quiet."
Enel blinked in surprise, suddenly understanding the situation.
His previous doubts disappeared, and his mood lifted. He turned to Kaku with a grin. "Hey, Long-Nose, I'm starving. Go cook something."
Kaku sighed. "..."
"Name's Kaku… And killing a Tenryuubito isn't some small thing. What's our plan now?" Kaku asked.
"Hah!" Enel scoffed. "You're such a coward. What's there to be afraid of? If anyone comes after us, I'll strike them down with the Thunder God's wrath!"
"You're really fearless now, huh?" Kaku chuckled. "But what if it's someone as strong as an Admiral?"
"If we can't handle it, the captain will," Enel said confidently. "I used to think I was just a useless freeloader on this ship, but now I see things clearly. Takumi's considered me one of his own for a while now, even if he's too shy to say it."
Takumi: "..."
"From now on, whatever concerns the captain, concerns me, the Thunder God Enel. And Long-Nose, since you're part of the crew, you better be prepared. If you ever betray us, I'll be the first to take you down."
Enel's words sent a chill through Kaku.
He was well aware of the difference in power between him and Enel.
Sure, Enel had smacked him around a few times, but never seriously. If Enel really tried, killing Kaku would be a piece of cake.
And if Enel followed a captain who could take out a Tenryuubito without hesitation, someone even Enel respected… well, Kaku had yet to see Takumi's full strength. This whole situation was turning into quite the headache.
Kaku forced a laugh. "Ahaha, you're joking, right? I boarded this ship knowing full well what I was getting into. Don't worry—I'll never betray you."
"Good." Enel huffed. "Now quit standing around and make dinner!"
Though Kaku was reluctant, he had no choice but to nod. "Fine, I'll get on it."
With that, he headed into the kitchen, where he started prepping ingredients, lighting the stove with practiced ease.
Meanwhile, the ship, guided by Enel, glided smoothly through the air.
Since it hovered above the water, unaffected by currents, the ship's course remained steady unless bad weather struck, making navigation relatively simple.
After a few moments, Kaku stuck his head out of the galley and called out to Takumi, who was still fishing. "Captain, where's our next stop?"
Without looking up from his fishing line, Takumi answered, "Amazon Lily."
Kaku's face stiffened. "Amazon Lily? You mean…"
"Yep," Takumi said, not missing a beat. "The land of the Kuja, ruled by Pirate Empress Boa Hancock."
************
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