"Bad news! A World Government cargo ship has been attacked!"
A World Government ship—under attack?
Rosinante's eyes met those of Turkey and Water Duck. The duo immediately turned to him and declared in unison, "Boss Blue Eagle, no need to look at us—we've got your back no matter what you decide!"
"Let's move. We'll check it out."
Rosinante didn't hesitate. A leader should stand with his crew, but when it comes down to critical moments, he must act with decisive resolve.
The three confirmed the ship's location and raced toward the coast. As they arrived, they looked up to see two pirate ships blocking a vessel flying the World Government's flag.
The two pirate ships had already latched onto the transport vessel, gangplanks lowered and connected. A horde of pirate grunts brandished their weapons, charging wildly onto the government ship.
"Get 'em, boys! Kill those government dogs and steal their cargo! Kill 'em all!"
"YEAH—CHARGE!"
The pirates roared and surged forward. But just as they reached the halfway point, a sharp voice rang out from the government ship:
"Tempest Kick Slash!"
SWISH!
A massive slicing shockwave of compressed air surged forth. In an instant, the first wave of pirates who stepped onto the deck were flung back like ragdolls. A moment later, a group of black-clad agents emerged onto the scene.
"Hey! Boss Blue Eagle, those are CP9 agents!" Turkey said, eyes wide.
Rosinante turned to him. "How can you tell?"
Turkey explained, "My parents work logistics for the World Government. They handle uniforms for various departments. I used to play in their storage warehouses all the time, so I've gotten pretty familiar with their outfit styles. That black suit is CP9's standard. The other CP divisions use different colors—like CP0, their uniforms are white."
Rosinante gave a subtle nod. "So that's how it is. Learned something new."
And that also explained the use of Tempest Kick—no surprise there. After all, the Navy's Six Powers techniques weren't exclusive to the Marines; they were core combat training for Cipher Pol as well.
The CP9 agents' dramatic entrance temporarily stunned the two pirate crews. At that moment, a man in a pinstriped black uniform stepped forward through the agents, holding a loudspeaker Transponder Snail.
"Oi oi~ what idiot pirates have the guts to intercept a cargo vessel belonging to Lord Spandine? I suggest you scram—now, unless you're eager to be treated as anti-government insurgents and executed on the spot. Bunch of damn fools!"
Spandine spat the words with contempt. Rosinante, upon hearing the name, paused—just slightly.
As a diehard fan of the sea, there was no way he wouldn't know that name.
In the original storyline, the CP9 commander who wore a leather mask and had a measly Power Level of only 9 was a worthless coward named Spandam. And his father was this very man—Spandine.
Twenty years ago, Spandine had already been serving as CP9's chief. He was the one who received authorization for the Golden Transponder Snail—the trigger for the Buster Call—from then-Admiral Sengoku. It was Spandine who unleashed the Buster Call on Robin's homeland: Ohara.
"Didn't expect to run into this bastard here…"
Rosinante muttered under his breath as he continued watching the scene unfold.
No sooner had Spandine finished speaking than a shoop! A pebble shot from the deck of one of the pirate ships, flying fast as a bullet, aimed directly at Spandine's head.
The man's strength was just as pathetic as his son's. Caught completely off guard, Spandine froze like a deer in headlights. Fortunately, a CP9 agent dashed in, grabbed Spandine out of harm's way, and took the hit himself.
"Iron Body!"
CLANG!
The pebble struck like metal on steel. But before anyone could react—
BOOM!
The stone exploded like a miniature bomb, shaking the air with a thunderous blast.
BOOOOM!
The CP9 agent, clearly unaware of the hidden danger, was blown sky-high. He coughed blood midair and crashed to the deck, grievously wounded.
"Yo~ Hahaha! Some idiot actually tried to tank my flying pebble? Classic."
"Hmph. These smug government dogs always think they're invincible. Guess they won't remember our names until they get their asses handed to them."
As their voices rang out, two men stepped onto the deck from the pirate ships.
One wore a long robe with the character for "stone" boldly printed on it. The other looked like a wild tribesman, wielding a gleaming steel spear.
At the sight of them, one of the CP9 agents—broad and muscular—scowled deeply.
"Them?! Why is it them?!"
"You know those guys, Gomray?" Spandine, still rattled from the explosion, turned to his subordinate in panic. He had thought that invoking the name of the World Government would scare the pirates off. But these two weren't backing down in the slightest—they didn't even flinch. Now, Spandine was truly terrified.
All he could do was cling to his only hope: Gomray, the actual combat specialist of CP9.
Gomray glanced at his superior and replied, "The man in the stone-marked robe is Bemira, captain of the Flying Stone Pirates. He's eaten the Bomb-Bomb Fruit, and can detonate both himself and any inanimate object he touches. Incredibly destructive. Current bounty: 55 million."
"The other guy—dressed like a caveman—is Wildman Taro, captain of the Spear Pirates. A brutal close-combat specialist who fights with a steel spear. Bounty: 50 million."
"They're both serious trouble."
"W-What?! Then what do we do?! Gomray, we're counting on you! How many of them can you handle?!"
Spandine stared at him with desperate hope.
Gomray's face darkened. "One. Barely."
"WHAT?! You mean we're all gonna DIE?!"
Tears welled up in Spandine's eyes.
Why the hell did this happen?! It was supposed to be a simple escort mission! Now they were facing pirates this dangerous?
I haven't even become CP9's chief yet!
I already greased the wheels with Central, they promised me the promotion if I completed this mission. I poured half my savings into that bribe!
Am I really gonna die here, like this?!
Spandine nearly broke down in sobs. This couldn't be happening, he was so close to climbing the ladder…
Just then—
"Watch out! The enemy's coming aboard!" Gomray shouted.
"Spear Style: Flying Thrust!"
SWISH!
Wildman Taro was the first to strike. With a roar, he hurled his spear like a javelin, hurling it straight toward Spandine.
He had already identified his target. The coward in command had named himself first—obviously the biggest fish.
If he didn't kill him first, who else would he kill?
(End of Chapter)
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