Chapter 129 Crocodile's Arrival
The next day.
The morning light is rising and the first ray of sunlight breaks through the sky.
There was mist rising from the sea, and everything seemed exceptionally peaceful.
As usual, the navy passing through the port would close their eyes and enjoy the sunshine for a while.
Just as the sailors raised their heads,
Just as I closed my eyes and prepared to enjoy this rare tranquility.
They felt that it suddenly got dark in front of them.
What broke the tranquility was a huge pirate ship.
His figure slowly appeared in the sight of Marine Headquarters Marinford.
The ship's hull cut through the waves, splashing layers of white foam, which sparkled silver under the reflection of the morning sun.
At the bow, a man in a black coat stood upright, looking majestic.
He held a cigar in his mouth, and as he took a deep breath and slowly exhaled the smoke, the embers of the cigar flickered in the morning breeze.
His eyes revealed a sharpness and depth that should not be underestimated.
It's as if he has already accurately foreseen the future, that's the confidence and composure that only the strong have.
After seeing the pirate ship in front of them clearly, the navy officers couldn't help but become alert.
Although the other party was invited by the world government.
But we can’t help but be on guard.
"Hey!"
"Pirate."
"You will need to stay in the port for a while now."
"We need to consult with the higher-ups."
"You can only enter the Navy Headquarters after our request is approved."
In front of the port, a vice admiral from the Navy Headquarters was giving instructions on what to do in the direction of the pirate ship.
"So troublesome!"
"We were invited by the World Government!"
"Why should we follow your navy's rules!"
The pirate behind Crocodile showed his yellow teeth and drooled.
They are pirates.
He is still a pirate who has obtained privileges.
These navy can't do anything to them,
The pirates are as arrogant as they can be and don't take the navy seriously at all.
The surrounding navy secretly clenched their fists.
They all glared at the pirates in front of them.
But they also know,
They really have no way to deal with these pirates.
......
At the same time, in the Admiral's office at the Navy Headquarters.
In a busy atmosphere,
A messenger hurried in, stood at attention, and reported to the Admiral behind the desk:
"Report!"
The urgent voice suddenly cut off all other sounds in the room.
All eyes instantly focused on the communicator.
After receiving permission, the Navy continued to report:
"Crocodile, who came to accept the position of Shichibukai, has arrived at the port!"
This news was like a stone thrown into the air, causing a thousand waves.
Marshal Gang Gukong, who was originally immersed in a pile of documents, paused slightly and put down the document he was processing.
He slowly raised his head, his deep eyes looking out the window.
There was a hint of complexity in his eyes.
outside the window,
The view of the port is in full view.
But his sight seemed to cross the distance,
The man who went straight to the bow - Crocodile.
The quiet atmosphere in the office was suddenly broken.
“Batta, atta…”
All that could be heard was the sound of leather shoes rubbing against the floor, and every step seemed to indicate the owner's urgency and anxiety.
The figure at the door was getting closer and closer, until the figure of Admiral Sengoku appeared clearly in front of everyone.
His face was solemn, with subtle worry hidden between his brows. His voice was deep and powerful as he got to the point.
"Shouldn't Crocodile be asked to come back in a week to accept the appointment?"
There was surprise and confusion in his words.
"Why did he suddenly come to Marinford?"
Zhan Guo's eyes were as sharp as an eagle, scanning every corner of the room, as if looking for the answer.
At this moment, his mind quickly filtered out various possibilities, and he knew in his heart that "there is no gain without pain".
Obviously, Crocodile's sudden arrival was not without purpose, but had other meanings.
Sengoku knew very well that he had to be on guard against ambitious pirates.
He deduced that the other party must have an important purpose, so he needed to go to the Marine Headquarters in advance to obtain the status of Shichibukai.
"Pirates always do this."
Steel Bone Sora sighed faintly,
In this world, the behavior of pirates is always full of variables and unknowns.
"Let's leave them in the harbor for a while."
Gang Gukong's gaze shifted toward the window.
Crocodile's ship was moored there, and the pirate flag fluttering in the wind seemed to be telling of the unknown purpose and possible storm.
"They will endure this." Ganggukong said lightly.
"Let Jinan go over there."
His voice echoed in the room, calm and soothing.
If the other party is allowed to enter the Marine Headquarters directly, it will be unknown which side will have the dominant power next.
The Navy must have absolute say.
Let Crocodile know that they are pirates.
Even if they become Shichibukai, they are nothing more than pirates who listen to the world government.
......
In a quiet residence at the Navy Headquarters.
The curtains swayed gently, and the sunlight shone through the thin cloth onto the ground, creating mottled light and shadows.
The atmosphere inside is in sharp contrast to the hustle and bustle outside, and everything seems exceptionally peaceful.
"It feels a lot more lively today than yesterday."
Shanks' voice broke the silence in the room.
He stood in front of the window, his hands on the windowsill, observing the outside world curiously.
The bustling crowds of navy figures were reflected in his eyes. These people coming and going seemed to have different purposes and impatient moods.
"Strange, this isn't usually the case..."
There was a hint of doubt in Amatsuki's voice as she walked over to Shanks and also looked out at the street.
Since she came to the Navy Headquarters, except for holidays.
This is the first time I've encountered such an unusually busy day as today. Even the air seems to be filled with an unusual sense of urgency.
Jinan, Daxiong and others sat quietly aside.
His expression remained calm, as if everything happening outside had nothing to do with him.
Suddenly, he closed his eyes gently, raised the corners of his mouth slightly, and his observation Haki spread in the air like ripples.
He quietly sensed the running crowd in his mind, trying to capture their purpose and emotions.
After a moment, the protagonist opened his eyes. There was no trace of surprise in his eyes, as if he had already expected this scene.
He said calmly, "Pirates have arrived at the Marine Headquarters."
The footsteps outside became more hurried, and a tense atmosphere was faintly emanating from the bustle.
In an instant, the air in the room became solemn. Several pairs of eyes stared at each other with different lights, and an atmosphere of surprise spread in everyone's heart.
"Pirates!?"
The word echoed around the room as quickly as static.
The same expression unconsciously appeared on everyone's face: surprise, worry, and curiosity.
Marinford, the naval fortress, exudes authority and seriousness. Such a solemn place was actually shattered by a pirate so boldly.
Afterwards, Jin An explained the visitor to the others.
"Crocodale."
"He should be here to accept the title of Shichibukai..."
As he narrated, his brows furrowed slightly, adding a bit of uncertainty to this sudden event.
As a mid- to high-ranking officer in the navy, he was not surprised by the arrival of pirates.
His expression was calm as usual, and he had already grasped the situation.
Big Bear nodded in understanding, and without a wave of emotion, he expressed his understanding:
"Yes, pirates only come here when the Shichibukai are appointed."
As he spoke, his fingers tapped lightly on the table, each click clear and rhythmic.
The world government has actually allowed new pirates to join the navy's camp.
I don’t know if it’s a good thing or a bad thing.
However, it is not the place for the navy to have a say in the decisions made by the world government.
...
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