Chapter 27: Monsters of the Rhode Pirates
"Rear Admiral Bastille, I'm sorry, I couldn't stop him…"
Several defeated navy officers from the encounter with the Rhode Pirates were gathered in a circle. Except for Colonel Barrow, who was only slightly injured and stood stiffly, the others disregarded their appearances and sat casually on gravel and wooden crates.
"What are you talking about? I was defeated by the other party. Even [Shark Slash], the sword that has been with me for so many years, was taken away."
Bastille's head was wrapped in several layers of gauze.
Shortly after the Rhode Pirates departed, he had been found by navy soldiers amidst the ruins and promptly received medical attention.
People in the pirate world were resilient, and Bastille, who had risen to the rank of Rear Admiral, was certainly no weakling. Although he had been directly knocked unconscious by Rhode's punch, after timely treatment, his basic mobility had been restored.
"This group is definitely not ordinary pirates. I have a hunch they will soon cause significant trouble."
In his extensive naval career, Bastille had never encountered pirates like these.
They were just starting out, yet they dared to directly challenge a Shichibukai, and they possessed such formidable strength.
"Has the basic information about them been compiled?"
"Through the survivors of the Donquixote Family and other witnesses in the town, we've roughly pieced together their relevant details."
Barrow flipped through the information sheets in his hands.
"This red-haired boy is their captain, his name is Rhode. He doesn't appear to be a Devil Fruit user."
Looking at the photo of Rhode displayed by Barrow, Bastille felt a dull throbbing in his head.
He didn't know which genius had taken the photo. The angle was perfect, capturing the exact moment he was knocked backward by Rhode. You could even see half the back of his head.
This is a scary kid. He had learned [Shave] just by observing it and had used it dozens of times in their subsequent battle. Both his learning ability and physical prowess were exceptional. An absolute monster.
Not to mention, this monster possessed the power to defeat a Rear Admiral of the Navy Headquarters with a single punch.
"The long-haired one is called Neru. He may be related to Rhode. Both have red hair and blue eyes. His marksmanship is terrifying!"
Barrow himself considered himself proficient in marksmanship, but he felt utterly outmatched by his opponent.
Looking at the photo of Neru holding a black gun and aiming, Drake felt a phantom pain in his chest.
Zoan-type Devil Fruit users possessed extraordinary resilience, let alone those of the Ancient Zoan variety.
However, Neru's damage to him had been internal, which was why his recovery was so slow. Even now, he could still feel pain in his chest when breathing.
"His Kenbunshoku Haki is incredibly advanced!"
Bastille added.
At least his knowledge and experience were completely inferior to the other party's.
Judging from Colonel Drake's description, the other party's Kenbunshoku Haki might have been cultivated to an extremely profound level, which was highly unusual.
Haki itself was a power involving willpower. It was only just beginning to become prominent in the North Blue. How could someone who had seemingly just started their piratical career develop such potent Haki?
Without dwelling further on Neru's abilities, Barrow continued to flip through the information.
"The man wearing the spotted hat is called Trafalgar Law. According to eyewitness accounts, he seems to have some connection to the Donquixote Family.
It's worth noting that he single-handedly killed the leader of the Donquixote Family and the Pamu Pamu no Mi user, Gladius."
"Moreover, he is also a Devil Fruit user. Based on the currently available information, he can transfer any object within the range of his ability."
"He actually handled it alone…"
Bastille was stunned for a moment, feeling his headache intensify.
Why didn't there seem to be a single ordinary one among them? Why were so many little monsters suddenly appearing in the North Blue?
"As for this one, I had heard information about her before, Catwoman Nia."
The photo was a candid shot. Fortunately, the background wasn't Hina, but Edorad Manudo, a reserve officer of the Donquixote Family.
"A user with a Zoan-type Devil Fruit, the Neko Neko no Mi, Model: Black Cat. She's been active at sea for a while, having worked as a pirate hunter and freelance mercenary before. I don't know when she joined their group."
Hina touched her shoulder, looking unwilling.
The other party was likely around the same age as her, maybe even younger. In a one-on-one battle, she had actually lost.
"In addition, there was a polar bear and two other sailors on their ship, who weren't captured in the photo."
Closing the file in his hand, Barrow looked at Bastille.
"This is already a major headache. Take the time to relay this information to headquarters. Please urge headquarters to pay close attention to this group and issue a bounty order for them as soon as possible."
"Understood!"
······
New World, Dressrosa
King's Heights
A tall man wearing a pink feathered coat was reclining on a beach chair, listening to the laughter emanating from the pool nearby, a somewhat sinister smile playing on his lips.
He was the king of Dressrosa, an ŌkaShichibukai, the underworld broker, Donquixote Doflamingo.
"Na na na, Doffy, guess what news I just received?"
An unshaven, slovenly-looking man approached, leaning close to Doflamingo and whispering in his ear.
"You're too close, Trebol."
Doflamingo sat up, looking at his top executive.
"It must be something very important for you to come and tell me in person."
"Behehehe~"
With a string of mucus dangling from his nose, Trebol unconsciously leaned closer to Doflamingo again.
"It was news that Gladius sent back."
"Gladius? He should be in the North Blue during this period."
"Yes, yes, only in the North Blue could such a situation be found."
Trebol grinned.
"He found Law and said he was going to beat him half to death and bring him back."
"Law!"
Hearing the name uttered by Trebol, Doflamingo's expression shifted slightly, then the corners of his mouth curved upwards, revealing an unrestrained smile.
"Fuffuffuffu~~"
"It's been a long time since I heard his name, Law!"
"Behehehe~~"
Hearing Doflamingo's laughter, Trebol also chuckled.
"Young Master, this is terrible news!"
At that moment, a girl in a maid outfit rushed over, shouting, a torn piece of paper clutched in her hand. Behind her trailed a large man in a yellow jacket. Both were terrified, and Baby-5 even had tears welling up in the corners of her eyes.
"Baby-5, Buffalo, what's wrong with you two?"
Looking at the two with terrified faces, Doflamingo's smile vanished abruptly.
Could it be that some ignorant fool tricked Baby-5 again?
"Vivre Card…"
Running closer, holding the torn piece of paper out to Doflamingo, Baby-5's voice trembled with tears.
"Gladius's Life Card is burning!"