"Listen up! You pirates are the scum of society! You should know we've just been letting you go until now! What good is that piece of paper?! Huh!?" Spandine yelled.
"I might agree if Fleet Admiral Sengoku yelled those same words at me," Daz replied calmly. "How about it? The Den Den Mushi line is right here."
"...Y-you!"
This is getting nowhere...
Daz Bones calmly checked the situation, half-ignoring the threats from a man who wasn't even as scary as a regular 'Black Cat' crew member.
But he's not trying to use force, and he's not offering any real plan. A government official can't just be a simple messenger... or, I'd like to think so...
The Marines can't make a move either.
It makes sense. It seems this man has a lot of power, at least in name.
Even Daz could feel that.
...If he's stalling for time, he must be waiting for something... Is it the Captain? Or the Headquarters Admirals?
As Vice-Captain, Daz Bones often talked with Kuro, the Captain. They talked about their plans, and how to run and build up their territory.
Because of this, he is very good at thinking and making decisions, much better than you'd expect for his age.
He thought quietly, facing the official who was bright red and still shouting.
Of course, he was also watching for a surprise attack or another group.
The Captain said before that after the Marine slave incident, the Marines became a political enemy the government couldn't ignore. Is this also a part of that plan?
"First, the World Government says 'draft,' but what will they make them do, and where? Is there a real plan?" Daz asked.
"Huh!? Why would you pirates need to know that!"
...This is bad. I can't tell if he just won't tell me, or if he doesn't even know. If he's trying to be confusing, he's doing a good job.
Kuro, the Captain, always said that even with an enemy, if you're going to talk, you must choose words that they will understand. Daz was just now realizing how important that was.
"Vice-Captain."
While he was thinking, a girl in a modified suit appeared next to him without a sound.
"Hancock."
"I've put all the refugees on the ship, just in case. It's ready to leave by force if we need to."
"Thanks. Good work."
"What should I do?"
The officials were shocked by Hancock, who had appeared so quietly.
Daz figured they would know she was a Commander. Her suit was different from the regular soldiers and even the Elite Guard.
"What about the ship's defenses?"
"From the Elite Guard, Miakis and Amelia, two squads under their command, and 30 trainees were guarding it. I left half of my First Fleet soldiers with them. My sisters are in command there."
"....Good. Join the standoff here. The speed you just showed will be a good card to play."
"Understood."
Daz decided it was fine. The two women, who Mihawk said were good at defense, were there. Plus 80 trained soldiers. They wouldn't be beaten easily. And with Hancock's soldiers, there was no problem.
This could turn into a hard fight. Daz knew that Hancock was a trump card here. She was almost as fast as Kuro and could control a fight just as well as Perona.
—Wh-who is this kid... Reinforcements?
—How long has she been here...
—It's her, the kid from Kuja!
"...Are they really trying to fight us," Hancock sneered, "when they're this weak they get scared by something like this?"
"There are about ten people hiding their presence in the back," Daz warned her. "Don't let your guard down."
"I wasn't planning to... but it won't be a problem. They're here."
The government officials were already nervous because Hancock appeared. But then they got even louder.
"Daz, Hancock. Sorry to keep you waiting."
A single pirate was walking calmly, as if he were leading them. With him were two of the Marines' strongest fighters, the Headquarters Admirals, and a young female Marine.
–
"My, my," Kizaru drawled, "the government is really here acting all important."
"Oh dear, what is going on..." Kuzan muttered.
"Geh! Mr. Kuzan..."
Hey, both of you, stop saying things that sound like a challenge.
Hey, Miss Hina. Hina, stop pushing me.
What is it? You want me to say something?
"Sorry to keep you waiting. You are the one from the government, yes?"
Hina, don't kick me where they can't see.
What? I'm not allowed to be polite?
"O-oh... You're the one! The ridiculous pirate called Black Cat!" Spandine sputtered.
"Yes. ...By the way, what is your business here today? I heard something about you taking the non-allied citizens."
Now... how should I handle this?
Should I play it straight, or... maybe I should plant a little poison.
"That's right! An order came from the World Government today! We must quickly—"
"Quickly get a labor force," I finished for him. "Do not question the methods. Is that it?"
"Muhahahaha, that's right!"
He admitted it.
...Okay, I'll go with the poison.
"I see. So, you didn't actually get a specific order, did you?"
"...What?"
I thought he'd act like a thug, like he was doing with Daz. But he calmed down a bit as soon as he noticed the Admirals.
So he changes his attitude when two Admirals are watching.
So, he's weak to authority. He wants to move up, and he'll use people to do it. But he's afraid of people who are clearly way above him. In that case...
"Excuse me. Mister..."
"...Spandine."
Oops, I had the name right.
"Mr. Spandine. You are a man in a high position, yet you came all the way to the West Blue. You must be an important man, trusted by the Five Elders."
"O-oh," he preened.
With this type of person, you just need to praise them a little first.
"In that case, perhaps you were the one in charge of the Ohara incident?"
"Muhahaha! That's right! That island was destroyed on my orders! Burned to the ground, nothing left!"
Kuzan, stop looking so unhappy. You too, Hina.
This type of guy is a coward deep down. He's quick to run, and just as quick to sense the mood.
It's best to just be quiet and make your presence known, like Borsalino.
Mihawk, I'll give you credit for stepping in front of Robin.
I'll fight you one-on-one for days, you bastard.
"If that's the case, then you've already done your job," I said. "There's no need to provoke us or the Marines any further."
"What!?"
"Mister. Do you know the reason for the trouble between us, the 'Black Cat' crew, and the government?"
"...It's about that secret deal, right?"
"No, that's wrong."
That was the start of it, not the reason.
"It is because we are protecting Nico Robin... and the knowledge of Ohara."
--
Patreon.com/AHumanMadeMOFO to read 30+ chapter ahead!