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Several days later, the Noitem remnants had all been safely relocated from Abrulet Island.
On the Blue sea, the magnificent Ark Maxim, its golden hull gleaming in the sunlight, steadily carried its crew toward their destination.
Noir sat at the bow of the ship, arms crossed over his chest, eyes closed in quiet contemplation.
Issho approached Noir, a note of concern in his voice. "Setting out this late, the Marines have likely made thorough preparations."
Noir chuckled, enjoying the cool sea breeze. "It doesn't matter. Even if Sengoku pulls out all the stops for this exchange, he won't gain an advantage over me."
Just then, a large figure descended from the sky. Wyper, resuming his human form after his aerial reconnaissance, landed on the deck. "I've confirmed it. The Marines are already on the island."
Enel, his Observation Haki extended to its maximum range, frowned. "There are a lot of voices and presences. A significant force."
A sardonic smile played on Noir's lips. "Just as I expected. Sengoku still hasn't given up."
Issho shook his head, a knowing smile on his face. "Unfortunately for him… He underestimates us."
Sengoku hadn't accounted for Enel's world-class Observation Haki range or Noir's intimate understanding of the government's tactics.
The exchange was set to take place on a remote, deserted island far from Abrulet Island—a Perfect location for a clandestine transaction.
As the Ark Maxim slowly approached the shore, Noir and his crew disembarked, immediately drawing the attention of several Marine observation teams hidden nearby.
These were just low-ranking scouts. The real question was, which high-ranking officers had the Marines dispatched?
It was unlikely that Fleet Admiral Sengoku would come personally. Kizaru was out of commission, but Aokiji and Akainu should have recovered by now.
Noir quickly walked to the center of the island. As expected, a large contingent of Marines had already surrounded the area.
Their eyes burned with hatred; their jaws clenched tight, barely suppressing their rage. They looked ready to tear Noir apart.
Well… that was to be expected.
He'd caused considerable trouble for the Admirals and the Fleet Admiral, kidnapped the beloved instructor Z, and, most importantly…
'That lecherous devil had taken Vice Admiral Momousagi and Ain hostage!'
'Unforgivable!'
Seeing their murderous glares, Noir grinned mischievously. He suddenly turned and made a silly face, shouting, "Boo!"
Several Marines nearly jumped out of their skins, instinctively reaching for their weapons. A few even had their swords half-drawn.
As their faces contorted with fury, Noir continued to push their buttons, dancing on the edge of inciting a full-blown conflict. Just as the Marines were about to lose control, a voice cut through the tension.
"Stand down. There's no need for conflict with Noir."
A seasoned voice commanded. Noir turned to see familiar faces.
Vice Admiral Tsuru, Garp—who had previously given Noir a thorough beating—and, most familiar of all…
"Well, well, well… if it isn't uncle Kizaru. Out for a stroll again?"
Noir's face lit up with a wide grin as he saw Kizaru. He jogged over, eager to chat.
Kizaru leaned against a large tree, a slightly disgruntled expression on his face. "Kuzan, that lazybones, is still feigning illness to avoid duty. So, the old man dragged me out here again…"
Noir burst out laughing, clapping Kizaru on the back. "What about Akainu? Why isn't he here?"
Kizaru scratched his head, then replied, "He's recovered. Sengoku sent him on a mission."
"Oh?" Noir's smile turned knowing, but he didn't elaborate.
Instead, he pulled a yellow lollipop from his pocket and offered it to Kizaru. "Care for one?"
Kizaru raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Sure."
"So sweet!"
"Yours is nothing special. Try my cookies. I always have them on duty…"
The two notorious slackers huddled together, sharing snacks, while Robin and Tsuru watched them with exasperated expressions.
Garp, intrigued, pulled out a bag of senbei crackers, hoping to join the snack party. However, a sharp glare from Tsuru made him quickly reconsider.
Tsuru cleared her throat and addressed Robin, who seemed the most reasonable of the group. "Have you brought the Celestial Dragons and the Marines?"
Robin nodded, glancing at Noir, who was still happily indulging in snacks.
A shiver ran down Noir's spine. He hurried back to his crew, then activated the Underworld powers, releasing the hostages from the mirror world.
Tsuru surveyed the group, noting their dazed and disoriented state. She frowned. "They're not in good condition."
Noir grinned and snapped his fingers. The hostages' consciousnesses snapped back into their bodies, thanks to Brook's control over souls.
The Celestial Dragons immediately began wailing and begging for mercy. The Marines, though pale, glared defiantly at the pirates.
Z, regaining his senses, quickly scanned the area for his students. Seeing Ain and the others unharmed, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Then, a familiar voice called out, "Z!"
He turned to see his old comrades, Tsuru and Garp, on the other side, their faces etched with worry.
Seeing them, Z straightened up, his voice strong. "Don't worry! I'm fine!"
Noir stepped in front of Z, blocking his view. He smiled. "Now's not the time for reunions, old timer."
Z's face darkened. "You scoundrel! What trickery are you up to now?!"
Noir crouched down, gripping Z's head, his voice a menacing whisper. "Trickery? I'm being perfectly upfront with you!"
"You know, I just sold you for a hefty price!"
Z's expression wavered, his voice trembling. "What… what are you talking about?"
Noir continued, deliberately goading him. "To ransom you, a defeated old man, and those other Marines, Sengoku coughed up 7 billion Berries per head!"
Z's jaw dropped in disbelief.
Because of his carelessness, he had fallen into Noir's trap, costing the Marines a fortune.
That money could have been used to train and equip so many young Marines…
Seeing Z on the verge of collapse, Tsuru's face hardened. "Shut up! Return our people immediately!"
Noir's expression turned cold. He remained unmoved. "If you're in such a hurry, bring the money."
Garp stepped forward angrily. "You punk! Hand them over first!"
Suddenly, as if a switch had been flipped, Noir's temper flared. He drew his sword and plunged it into Z's stomach!
Tsuru and Garp gasped in horror. Z cried out in pain, collapsing to his knees, blood splattering the ground.
Noir's blood-stained face emerged from the shadows, his expression devoid of emotion.
"Understand the situation. Don't try to bargain with me."
"Pay up."
...
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