Chapter 90: The Man Who Can Walk Fifty Meters Without Leaving the Runway

"Didn't expect you to be such a money-grubber..."

Gao Wen’s lip twitched.

In fact.

Through this name, he had already confirmed that the man on the line was none other than the captain of the third ship under Blackbeard’s crew in the original story.

Yin Yue—Fan Aoka.

In terms of sniping ability alone, Fan Aoka was unquestionably at the pinnacle of the pyramid.

This was clearly evident in the later battle against Krieg.

Although the main force in that battle was the former Marine Admiral Aokiji, what truly stunned everyone was Fan Aoka’s one-shot, one-biscuit-man routine.

Remember, those things could withstand attacks from Luffy’s Gear Fourth.

In other words.

The destructive power Fan Aoka displayed in that battle was equivalent to one shot, one Marine vice-admiral—even now, Gao Wen, if he saw it, would run as far as he could.

Judging from this, Fan Aoka’s combat potential was at least Silver-tier, possibly even Gold.

Gao Wen couldn’t claim he wasn’t tempted; recruiting an outstanding sniper had always been part of his plan, and Fan Aoka qualified on every level.

"Hey, don’t die."

"Ara ara~"

Fan Aoka gave a bitter smile:

"That’s a tough request."

"But if the payment’s good enough, I might just—!"

Gao Wen’s eyelid twitched:

"Then you might as well die."

"Hey hey hey, saying that to a wounded man? That’s way too cruel!"

Fan Aoka’s voice visibly dropped, and as he tried to say more, his face flushed red and he coughed out a large mouthful of blood.

Gak!

He couldn’t help but look at his chest—two crossed claw marks had nearly split him open.

Not just the surface flesh and muscle, but even his ribs and internal organs were damaged; he was already at his last breath.

"Is this my fate? How utterly ugly..."

As he spoke, Fan Aoka felt a wave of dizziness—symptoms of excessive blood loss.

With his last strength, he warned:

"They got what they wanted and left. Even this storm couldn’t stop them—they’re probably planning to cross the Red Line and enter the Grand Line."

"By the way, one of them—no, both of them—are Zoan-type users."

"Strong."

"I’ve never seen pirates this strong in the East Blue."

"If you go after them, be prepared."

Gao Wen’s lips curled into a cruel smile as he glanced at the Kensei on the table:

"Perfect. I’ve just realized I’m terrifyingly strong myself."

"Also, if you’re short on money, I can point you to a way to earn some—assuming you survive."

Fan Aoka instantly perked up:

"If you’re talking about this, I’m wide awake."

Gao Wen was momentarily speechless. He ignored Fan Aoka’s calls and hung up, turning his attention to the incident.

His expression grew darker.

"Looks like my name still isn’t loud enough. Even random dogs and cats on the Grand Line dare touch what’s mine."

"Tired of living!"

The words landed.

Gao Wen snatched up the Kensei from the table, pushed open the door, and walked toward the harbor.

At the same moment.

News of the attack on Crow Harbor spread across Parra Island. At first, people were stunned, then flooded with fury.

"How long has it been since anyone dared attack us since the captain’s name became known?"

"Given the captain’s nature, even if he chases them into the Grand Line, he’ll slaughter them all!"

"This time, the captain’s blade will run red again!"

"But just how strong is the captain now?"

"Who can say?"

…

Amid the clamor, Keluo and the other officers stood silently at the harbor’s center, waiting for Gao Wen’s orders.

To them now, Crow Harbor was unquestionably their territory; for pirates, such an act went far beyond provocation.

This was war!

A war that must be settled in blood!

As silence fell, distant footsteps hurried closer…

Tap!

Tap!

Tap!

Everyone turned to see a tall figure striding toward them.

Gao Wen passed Keluo and the others, stepped forward, and reached out to touch the pirate flagpole.

The round-shield skull flag flapped violently in the wind, the air thick with deadly intent.

Gao Wen turned to face them and spoke in a low voice:

"Now I can tell you plainly."

"Crow Harbor is the escape route I chose for my crewmates."

"Those who’ve lost their fighting ability, those who’ve been held back by illness—they can live there, even live comfortably."

"But now, someone’s touched our cake. Can you accept that?"

A roar erupted from the crowd like a tidal wave.

"No!"

"No!"

"No!"

…

The crowd surged, voices thundering.

In fact, over the past period, as cooperation between the pirate crew and Crow Harbor deepened,

their quality of life had visibly improved.

More and more people realized that Crow Harbor was the escape route Gao Wen had chosen for those who could no longer keep pace.

Though unspoken, they all carried this gratitude deep within.

Attacking Crow Harbor wasn’t just an assault on their livelihood—it was a destruction of Gao Wen’s hard-won effort.

In this era, not even the Marines or nobles would go this far for their subordinates.

"Captain, let me go! Even if I die on the battlefield, I’ll tear a piece of flesh from those bastards!"

One pirate’s eyes were bloodshot; those beside him refused to yield:

"I’ll go! I’m stronger than him!"

"How dare they destroy the captain’s work, cut off our escape?"

"Damn bastards!"

…

Emotions grew fiercer; their eyes burned with pure hatred.

Keluo scanned the crowd, memories of past events flashing through his mind.

From Zan Gao to the Cat Brothers, then to Akin, Zoro, Sanji—Gao Wen seemed to possess a magic that made his companions willingly submit to him.

Even myself…

Damn it!

I’m supposed to overthrow this guy and become captain!

Keluo shook his head sharply, banishing the unwelcome thought—only to draw an odd look from Akin.

"What?"

"Nothing. Just thinking about how to chop up those bastards!"

Akin turned away, silently gripping his iron cane; Zoro did the same.

Seeing the pre-battle mobilization was complete, Gao Wen began issuing orders:

"Zoro, you—never mind. Akin, take a ship to Crow Harbor. Maintain order and prevent other factions from striking."

"Yes!"

Akin replied.

Zoro frowned:

“Hey, hey, hey, Captain, what do you mean ‘forget it’?”

Gao Wen glanced at him and said coolly:

“A man who can’t even stay on the track for fifty meters shouldn’t think about leading a team alone.”

(End of Chapter)