Chapter 110

In the New World waters, the Haiyun fleet.

After Kizaru left, Rossy donned a black feathered cloak and stepped onto the deck, where the howling sea wind tussled his neatly styled golden hair.

The turbulent sea mirrored the turmoil stirring within Rossy’s heart.

The Marines… still cling to Jiaoxing psychology.

Only Kizaru sees clearly: the Admiral and that band of Rexue officers have been misled by the last two Imbō Requisitions.

They believe the target won’t kill Marines.

A man like Barzab Seven must have some unknown reason for acting this way.

Is it because of Admiral Garp?

As Zhanguo ’s adopted son, Rossy had once overheard his father grumbling about the complex friendship—both rival and ally—between the Marine hero Garp and the Pirate King Roger.

And Barzab Seven was a former member of Roger’s crew, so naturally he knew Admiral Garp—then—

Is he trying to spare Admiral Garp undue hardship?

Or does he have a larger scheme?

After a moment’s thought, Rossy prepared to return to the cabin and report to his father, when a boy his own age sidled up beside him.

“Bro, lend me a light.”

Rossy was just craving a smoke; the two turned their backs to the sea wind and lit cigarettes, puffing clouds into the air.

“Bro, what’s your name?”

“Rossy. Yours?”

The boy, with pink hair and horns sprouting from his head, wore golden hoop earrings and grinned as he extended his hand.

“I’m Fuzi Fu. Rossy, are you here to join Barzab Seven too?”

Rossy’s gaze sharpened slightly.

“Too? So are you?”

Fuzi Fu chuckled.

“Not just us two—most who snuck aboard are small-time pirates seeking to join. Real big-time pirates usually operate alone.”

He’d approached specifically to lower the risk of exposure; arriving at Hive Island together was far better than drawing attention as a lone stranger.

“Those two middle ships are slaves—gifts from the Haiyun King to Barzab Seven.”

Fuzi Fu shared trivial intelligence, trying to draw closer to Rossy—

The little golden-haired kid smoked at such a young age; clearly a born pirate. This fake had to blend in with the real thing and learn pirate ways fast.

Rossy was weighing the same thing—

The little pink-haired, smoking, earring-wearing brat was practically a born pirate’s holy vessel. This fake had to blend in with the real thing and learn pirate ways fast.

“They say Barzab Seven has extremely high standards—I’m afraid I won’t impress him.”

Still, Admiral Zhanguo had already prepared Rossy’s letter of introduction.

Fuzi Fu nodded in deep agreement.

That’s why Satan Saint granted him an Ancient Species Devil Fruit and made the location of a rare Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit his ticket aboard.

After all, the Morning Star Pirates are universally recognized as the most exclusive Imperial pirate crew.

Think about it—who’s been invited aboard?

The great swordsmen Mihawk and Tenghu, especially the great pirate Golden Lion himself, joining with his own resources.

“Keep at it. I believe you can make it.”

With mutual intent, the two quickly bonded into surface brothers who shared everything.

On another cargo ship’s cabin, Vegapunk finally found time to report to Doflamingo.

Hearing the news, the Den Den Mushi’s expression turned sly.

“Fufufufu~”

“Don’t worry. I’ve arranged to meet Barzab Seven next month in the North Blue. Until I tell you to withdraw, act as you see fit.”

“By the way—can you confirm you’ll be accepted?”

To Doflamingo, Admiral Zhanguo ’s maneuver was a tremendous surprise—he’d been searching for a way to connect with the Emperor of the Sea.

The North Blue suits the Donquixote Family fine, but the latter half of the Grand Line offers even greater horizons.

Vegapunk hesitated.

“Master, I have little confidence.”

“You know—Barzab Seven has impossibly high standards. Despite the vast Donghai , not a single person has impressed him. I’ll likely be rejected.”

Compared to Mihawk, Tenghu, and Golden Lion, I’m nothing.

Admiral Zhanguo is truly stingy—he won’t even provide a letter of introduction for his undercover agent, and tells me to “fully utilize my initiative.”

Initiative my ass.

If initiative alone could make you Admiral, would you be Zhanguo ?

I, Vegapunk, am more than capable!

Doflamingo paused, then replied.

“Here’s what I’ll do—I’ll prepare a Devil Fruit in Furefons of the North Blue. Use it as your letter of introduction. Barzab Seven won’t refuse.”

Doflamingo knew: Barzab Seven cares only for Devil Fruits—otherwise he wouldn’t have agreed to travel to the North Blue.

Hearing this, Vegapunk’s eyes filled with tears.

“Master, loyalty!!!”

Only his own master thinks so thoroughly—he truly treats Vegapunk like family, unlike the stingy Admiral Zhanguo who only dangles empty promises.

Empty promises are bad enough, but even the bowl isn’t given—clearly, he never intended for me to eat.

“Alright. I await your good news.”

“Yes, Master.”

After hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Vegapunk wiped his tears.

A warmth and relief filled him—but the thought of navigating between three factions instantly drained most of his good mood.

“Master… the Marines… the Emperor of the Sea…”

Vegapunk knew: the moment the fleet reached Hive Island, his acting skills would be put to the test.

Seven days later.

The cargo fleet slowed abruptly; the massive skull-shaped structure of Hive Island came into view. As the merchant team disembarked for handover, the pirates hidden among them lined up in a dense crowd.

Rain Shili, clad in a military overcoat, sword Lei Yu strapped to his waist, surveyed the crowd of pirates.

The Captain’s order: don’t let any cow or horse slip through—especially those with dreams.

A cow or horse with dreams is a good cow or horse.

At the center of Hive Island, a skull-shaped structure rebuilt with Rejinmetall, its two enormous eye sockets converted into the Captain’s office and the officers’ office.

Inside the Captain’s office.

Seven was meeting the former members of the Flying Sky Pirates, gathered by Golden Lion.

Golden Lion sat on a sofa, puffing smoke.

“Captain, handle them as you see fit. They’ve followed me for years—they still have some combat value.”

Of the former Flying Sky Pirates—or rather, the men Golden Lion brought back—only one and a half impressed Seven; the rest were low-tier pirates.

One: the chemist Andigo, who studied aggressive creatures and IQ drugs (the one who walked like he was farting and never spoke).

The other half: Electric Duck Billy.

“Andigo.”

The pale-faced, clown-like Andigo snapped to attention and saluted: “Captain!”

Seven made his assignment.

“You’ll lead the Second Division, primarily responsible for R&D. I’ll provide funding, personnel, and facilities as soon as possible.”

“Yes, Captain.”

Andigo exhaled in relief—for a mad scientist like him, having funding and facilities was nothing short of paradise.

Personnel didn’t matter.

The rest of the former Flying Sky Pirates were assigned to Tenghu and Shili; as for Electric Duck Billy—he was naturally claimed first by the Captain.

Watching Seven toy with Electric Duck Billy, Golden Lion’s eyes burned with fiercer battlelust.

The last time he lost, Golden Lion later concluded three reasons—

First: Barzab Seven played dirty, three great swordsmen ganged up on one.

Second: the helm on his head severely hindered his reaction.

Third: he’d lost both legs.

Now, he, Golden Lion, was the Complete Lion, restored to his peak—he must fight Barzab Seven again to prove himself.

“Captain.”

“It’s time for another duel.”