The Terror of the Pirates

Only a handful of people in the entire Navy Headquarters could walk into Garp's room without knocking.

Crane, with her gray hair and wrinkled face, was one of them.

She entered the room and closed the door behind her.

Garp quickly flipped the newspaper over and pressed it onto the table, his expression almost screaming that nothing was wrong.

Despite Garp's swift movements, Crane caught a glimpse of the picture and name in the headline.

"Portgas D. Ace, the newest pirate to emerge recently, carrying the 'D' name. What's his relationship to you?"

Crane walked over to the table and looked at Garp with a critical eye.

"Crane..."

Garp smiled awkwardly, but in his haste, he didn't know how to respond.

The secret about Ace's birth was something he didn't even dare to let the World Government know, and now he had inadvertently let Crane notice.

It was as if nothing could be hidden under her scrutinizing gaze.

"Do you eat donuts?"

Garp picked up a donut from his plate and lamely changed the subject.

Crane didn't even glance at the donut and calmly said, "If you don't want to talk about it, I won't press further."

"Haha!"

Garp sighed in relief and casually dropped the donut into his mouth.

Looking at the carefree Garp, Crane shook her head helplessly and got to the point.

"There's news from Gion."

"Huh?!"

Garp's face straightened. He swallowed the donut in a few bites and sat up straight. "About the 'Trick Gun'?"

"Yes."

Crane nodded. "According to the informant, it's still not the right time, but there's a very clear opportunity."

"Go on."

Garp's expression grew solemn as he waited for the details.

"There's one more chip to add to the plan to deal with Trick Gun. This new chip isn't insignificant—it's valuable enough for Trick Gun to personally intervene and protect."

"Hmm..."

Garp rubbed his chin, deep in thought.

Crane continued in a flat tone, "However, whether the time is ripe remains to be seen. You've waited for so many years; a little longer won't hurt. Don't rush."

"I understand."

Garp said, his brows furrowed.

Crane looked at Garp, who was rarely serious.

"You could inform the World Government about this matter. Even if you don't reveal your personal stake, it would at least provide you with significant assistance."

"Forget it. This is my personal vendetta, after all. Even if Trick Gun is... notorious, he's just an old pirate who's been retired for years."

Garp shook his head and said in a deep voice, "From the Navy's perspective, it's not worth wasting resources on him. Among the remnants of his crew, Trick Gun is the only one who's still a threat."

Crane nodded gently. "From my personal stance, I also wish to settle Trick Gun. Even if he's withdrawn from the seas... What's more, there's a possibility that the new 'chip' could become his personal disciple."

Garp picked up another donut and took a bite, saying seriously, "That wouldn't be a bad thing."

Crane replied lightly, "If it can be dealt with in time, it's not a bad thing given the current state of affairs. But if a second 'Trick Gun' emerges, it won't just be you and I who'll have a headache."

"Of course!"

Garp's aura intensified.

Crane added, "There's one counterpoint that concerns me."

"What?"

"That new chip seems to have a penchant for killing pirates..."

"Huh???"

Garp looked at Crane uncertainly.

"Don't look at me like that. The information is limited, and even I can't analyze the motive or reason."

"Okay."

"Also, the Revolutionary Army is somewhat involved with that island, likely aiming to free the slaves there."

"Oh."

Hearing about the Revolutionary Army, Garp's tense body relaxed slightly, his reaction noticeably cold.

Crane was well aware of the obscure relationship between Garp and the Revolutionary Army, so she wasn't surprised by his reaction.

"At that time, perhaps a change will occur."

"..."

Garp remained silent.

Thor's Weapon Shop

Alex gripped Dark Raven tightly and practiced his swordplay around the store, alternating between stabs and slashes.

After warming up, he turned to Sunny at the counter and asked, "Well?"

Sunny silently averted her gaze, unwilling to comment on the mediocre display.

"..."

Alex then turned to Bailey at the counter.

Driven by the desire to survive, Bailey praised with a clear conscience, "Sharp! Great technique!"

Alex smiled slightly.

He was self-aware, but if tonight's hunt went well, his proficiency with the blade would undoubtedly improve.

Sheathing Dark Raven, Alex walked to the counter and said, "Sunny, help me estimate how much Dark Raven is worth."

Sunny took the blade, examined it for a moment, and commented, "Average quality. The price is around 600,000 to 800,000 berries. If you put it in the store, you could price it at 1.2 million."

"Not bad. At least it's not a loss."

Alex was satisfied and put Dark Raven away. Of course, he had no intention of selling it.

As a novice swordsman, having such a blade was already a good start.

When he became more skilled in the future, he'd look for a faster blade.

If he could obtain the Weapon Fruit, he could also use the stylish [Bio Blade].

"By the way, don't ever tell Saul about this."

"..."

Sunny remained silent.

Alex assumed her silence meant agreement and went upstairs to hide Dark Raven properly.

Sunny watched Alex's departing back and muttered to herself, "I didn't promise."

In his room, Alex looked around the sparse space and struggled to find a suitable hiding spot for the blade.

After some thought, he decided to stash it under the quilt.

With Dark Raven hidden, Alex didn't rush downstairs. Instead, he summoned the Hunter's Notebook and recorded the information about Kazet and the others.

[Sydney Kazet]

Animal-based Yak Fruit Ability.

Stance 1: Black Hoof – A short, concentrated strike using hardened hooves.

Stance 2: Savage Blast – A headbutt using a hardened horn.

Stance 3: Double Strike – Simultaneous strikes targeting the throat and abdomen.

[Tyler Gabaldon]

Mastery of the Blade.

Jutsu 1: Cracking Chop – A high-speed, five-step chop converging on a single point.

Jutsu 2: Jidou – A chop targeting the knee to establish dominance.

[Andy Wells]

Mastery of the Gun.

After recording the key details, Alex withdrew the Hunter's Notebook.

When documenting intelligence, brevity was key. There was no need to waste pages on unnecessary details.

"The bounty posters are convenient. Even the surnames are listed. Otherwise, missing surnames would mean missing crucial information."

"Now, all that's left is to wait patiently until midnight."

This was the most detailed prey intelligence Alex had gathered so far.

Thinking of the potential gains, Alex couldn't help but look forward to tonight's hunt.

He couldn't wait for the feeling of fulfillment that came with gripping the hilt of his blade to become clearer.

He had a basic plan for the road ahead:

If possible, use firearms for long-range combat first, then draw the blade for close-quarters combat...

The day passed uneventfully, and night fell.

Patiently waiting until after eleven o'clock, Alex put on his equipment and, after some thought, decided to bring Dark Raven along.

Quietly leaving the weapon store, Alex blended into the night.