Drift Of The Multiverse: [Marvel] [Resident Evil] [DC] [Bleach] [DB] Chapter 133

Swann was a highly competent colonial administrator, fully dedicated to his responsibilities, and strongly supportive of eliminating pirates.

The issue now was Ethan's unknown identity, Norrington wouldn't know how to handle it.

"Technically, there's nothing wrong with eliminating a pirate," Swann said. "The problem is, this particular pirate isn't easy to deal with."

As soone well-versed in the state of the Caribbean, Swann was aware of which pirates were the most troubleso. Naturally, he also understood the situation regarding the Black Pearl.

"Because of the Black Pearl's speed, even when its whereabouts are known, it's difficult to catch."

Ethan shook his head.

"I have a way to find the Black Pearl, and I don't even need Port Royal's navy to handle it. All I need is a ship. Of course, if you're willing to provide so sailors, that would be even better."

"Just one ship?"

Swann didn't understand how a single vessel could accomplish anything.

To deal with a pirate ship as fast as the Black Pearl, they would typically need either a warship capable of matching its speed or multiple ships setting up an ambush.

But Ethan was only asking for a single, ordinary ship?

"A ship to take near the Black Pearl, nothing more. Port Royal's navy won't have to do anything beyond that."

Ethan's words were true, but he deliberately phrased them in a way that would mislead Swann.

What he really ant was that he could handle the rest on his own.

However, given Swann's position, it was easy for him to assu that Ethan had other forces at his disposal—perhaps even Royal Navy reinforcents coming to the Caribbean.

"So, the Port Royal navy wouldn't even have to engage the Black Pearl's pirates?"

"That's right."

"Then, in the end..."

Swann's concern was obvious, how would the credit be distributed?

Would the navy of Port Royal simply be taking a casual trip at sea?

Deploying a warship wasn't a simple matter.

Beyond the risk of leaving Port Royal's coastal defenses weakened, there was the sheer cost of supplies required for such an operation.

"I only need the Black Pearl—I don't care about the pirates themselves."

For Swann and Norrington, the pirates were more valuable than the ship itself.

By giving up the biggest prize, Ethan was making it easier to secure their cooperation.

"If that's the case, there shouldn't be any issues."

Swann considered it carefully.

If Ethan was telling the truth, all they had to do was send a warship out to sea—yet in return, they would receive significant credit.

There was no downside.

In fact, Norrington, being a young and ambitious officer, would likely be thrilled at the prospect of eliminating pirates.

However, as a cautious commander, he would need to go over every detail before taking action.

In the original tiline, after Elizabeth was kidnapped by Barbossa, Will Turner had grown impatient with Norrington's slow response and decided to work with Jack to rescue her himself.

This ti, before Ethan had even finished his dinner at the Governor's mansion, he was summoned to Norrington's office.

"Jas Norrington," the man introduced himself, extending a handshake. "This is our second eting."

"Yes. I forgot to congratulate you last ti."

"Thank you."

Norrington maintained a perfect gentlemanly deanor, showing no condescension despite Ethan's unknown status and youth.

Considering his portrayal in the original story, he truly was a good man.

Swann had wanted him as a son-in-law and clearly, the Governor had good judgnt.

After exchanging brief pleasantries, Norrington got straight to the point.

"You only need one warship?"

"One is enough."

Swann had already relayed most of the details, so there was no need to confirm them again.

Norrington simply needed to determine whether the operation was worthwhile.

"With all due respect, the Black Pearl is the fastest ship in these waters. The only vessel in Port Royal capable of pursuing it is the Interceptor. Are you requesting the Interceptor?"

"No. As long as I can see the Black Pearl within visual range, I don't even need to get close. Any ship will do, it doesn't have to be the Interceptor."

Swann had already ntioned this request, but to a military man like Norrington, it seed highly unusual.

Ethan's requirents didn't make sense.

Yet, Ethan wasn't offering any further explanation, which only frustrated Norrington.

"Let's set aside how you plan to handle the pirates for now."

Norrington leaned forward slightly.

"First, I need confirmation—without it, I can't justify sending a warship into open waters to chase a pirate ship whose location is completely unknown."

It was a fair demand.

If Ethan couldn't provide an answer, his plan to involve the Royal Navy would fall apart completely.

"I've found soone."

Ethan carefully chose his words to make the situation as clear as possible.

"He has special ans to track the Black Pearl."

"A person?"

Norrington imdiately assud Ethan had either hired an informant or found a pirate familiar with the Black Pearl's movents.

Given the circumstances, those were the most reasonable possibilities.

"A pirate?"

"Yes." Ethan nodded.

"The Black Pearl's original captain. He was betrayed by his first mate and marooned on an island. That first mate is now Captain Barbossa of the Black Pearl."

Norrington nodded slowly.

The information seed credible.

A forr captain would certainly know his ship's movents.

And pirates were notorious for seeking revenge, so it wasn't hard to believe that this one would be willing to cooperate with the Royal Navy to strike back at his betrayer.

The only issue was that Norrington would have to allow a pirate aboard his warship.

That part wasn't ideal.

Still, the Royal Navy had long maintained a complicated relationship with pirates.

As a Commodore, Norrington naturally held a strong disdain for them but if a pirate could be useful, he wouldn't refuse outright.

"I need to et this man."

"No problem."

At this point, they had essentially reached an agreent.

As long as Jack Sparrow didn't do anything outrageous to offend everyone, Norrington sending a warship to help find the Black Pearl was practically settled.

Ethan could have taken the opportunity to rest, but not wanting to waste ti, he went straight to find Jack Sparrow instead.

It wasn't difficult.

Predictably, he found Jack at the tavern closest to the docks.

"Judging by your expression, I'd say you've taken care of everything."

Jack sat in a corner where he had a clear view of the entire tavern. His position was strategic—not too far from the back door, allowing for a quick escape if trouble arose.

"Mostly settled. Tomorrow, you'll be coming with sowhere. After that, we can set sail."

Jack raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"I figured you'd get the gold coin easily enough. But how did you solve the issue of the ship?"

He had spent the day at the docks, surveying the available vessels.

There were no ships for sale, no new ships being launched, he had even begun to think that stealing a Royal Navy warship might be his only option.

"The Royal Navy is helping us."

Ethan glanced at the glass in Jack's hand and quickly abandoned any thought of having dinner here.

His disgusted expression wasn't subtle, and Jack caught it imdiately.

Combined with what Ethan had just said, Jack grew more and more convinced, this guy had to be an aristocrat.

"I'm curious," Jack mused.

He wasn't interested in how Ethan had convinced the Royal Navy. Nor did he care about Ethan's likely noble status.

What truly intrigued him was Ethan's real goal.

"Why are you after Blackbeard?"

At first, Jack had assud Ethan was simply looking to take down Blackbeard for prestige.

But now, he wasn't so sure.

Blackbeard was formidable, yes—but in the end, he was still just a pirate. He wouldn't dare openly challenge the full might of the Royal Navy.

The Black Pearl and Queen Anne's Revenge were both infamous ships, but if they went head-to-head with a fleet of British warships, it would be a death sentence.

And considering the Royal Navy's intelligence network, Ethan didn't necessarily need Jack's help to track Blackbeard down.

"I have an interest in so of the black magic Blackbeard has mastered."

Jack nodded—it made sense.

Ethan possessed magical abilities, so it wasn't surprising that he would be drawn to similar powers.

The odd part was that his target happened to be a pirate.

And since this wasn't just about capturing and executing pirates, it made sense that Ethan wasn't relying on the Royal Navy for this particular pursuit.

There were still unanswered questions, but Jack decided not to press further.

As long as he could reclaim the Black Pearl, why should he care about Ethan's reasons for hunting Blackbeard?

"But..."

"What?"

"You really think the Royal Navy is going to let on board their ship?"

Ethan smirked, finding Jack's discomfort rather amusing.

"That's why you and I are eting the top military officer here tomorrow—Jas Norrington."

Jack's expression instantly soured.

As a pirate, he had a natural aversion to the navy.

And this wasn't just any navy officer, it was an admiral.

"Can't I just... not go?"

"If you don't, Norrington might cancel the entire operation."

Ethan paused, then added as if it had just occurred to him:

"Oh, by the way—part of the deal is that the pirates aboard the Black Pearl will be handed over to the Royal Navy as their prize."

Jack's face darkened further.

He was essentially leading the navy straight to his fellow pirates.

At this rate, he might as well wear a sign that said traitor.

(To be continued.)