"By the way, Marco... about what Teach said regarding Squard... is it true?" Vista's question caused an imdiate hush to fall over the room.
Even Marco felt a pang of distress. After a mont of heavy silence, he nodded slowly. So truths simply couldn't be hidden forever.
"It's likely true. There's been no word of him since the war ended. Others have confird he wasn't among those who died on the battlefield, but there's no report of his crew successfully retreating either. Knowing Squard's personality... after what happened, it's very possible he sought out Teach alone."
"This..." The Whitebeard Commanders' faces darkened. They felt a complicated grief for Squard. He had made a grave mistake, but that was a family matter—neither they nor Pops held a grudge against him. To think he died at the hands of Blackbeard...
"We'll keep this to ourselves for now. Protecting our territory is our current mission! Teach... we'll leave him to Ace for the future." Marco waved his hand. This era was truly a trial for them. Given Pops' foresight, he likely anticipated this, which is why he entrusted Marco with the Acting Captaincy—to hold the line.
anwhile, Drake and his crew could finally see an island on the horizon. It was the stronghold of the Dark Clan: the isolated island of Moka City.
Moka City was a small nation, but the Dark Clan held absolute power here. The royal family was nothing but a figurehead; the Clan was a super-underground organization known for being lawless and ruthless.
"The most prosperous part of Moka City is known as the Dark Zone. That's where the headquarters is located," Bell explained to the group aboard the Magic Protector.
"The Dark Clan has two leaders. One is my sister, Kim Bernice, and the other is the true boss, Hansen D. York!" A look of pure loathing crossed Bell's face at the ntion of York.
"My sister is currently imprisoned by York. He's obsessed with her beauty and has always wanted to claim her for himself. But she despises him."
"Truly, thank you all... for coming to save her. I really—" Bell's voice cracked with emotion, but Drake cut him off with a smile.
"Stop saying that. From the mont you joined the Dragon Flag Pirates, your business beca everyone's business. Besides, she's your sister."
Drake continued, "Alright, we have the gist. Let's figure out the most efficient and secure way to get her out. Bell, tell us about the power distribution and the layout of the city."
"Exactly, Bell. We're your comrades; there's no way we'd stand by," Ann added with a gentle smile, her eyes filled with maternal affection for the young boy. She was moved by the weight the child had been carrying.
"Mmm!" Bell nodded firmly and began detailing the Clan's strength.
The Dark Clan had a decent reputation in this sector of the sea. Their leader, York, had a bounty of 340 million Berries. His sister, Bernice, had a terrifying bounty of 300 million Berries. Drake knew that anyone who could reach that level in the underworld was no pushover.
Below the two leaders were the executives, split into Middle and Junior ranks. Middle executives were people with strength similar to Scheit, with bounties above 50 million. Scheit, with his 200 million bounty, was actually one of the top figures and had been Bernice's right-hand man. Aside from Scheit, there were five other Middle executives, though only two of them had bounties exceeding 100 million.
Drake nodded. To his current self, the Dark Clan was a relatively small force.
"Since we know the players, let's talk strategy."
As the group fell into thought, Locke looked up, looking as if he wanted to say sothing.
"Locke, if you have sothing on your mind, speak up. We're all family here," Drake encouraged.
"Right," Locke nodded. "Based on what Bell said, only the few people with bounties over 100 million are worth our attention. The rest aren't a threat."
Having spent a few days together, Locke had co to deeply respect Drake. Seeing the boy's resolve at Marineford—risking everything for his brothers—and his bravery in holding the line against an Admiral alone was enough to win anyone over. Even without seeing it, Locke knew how dangerous an Admiral was.
Clang... bang!
Suddenly, the sound of sothing falling echoed through the room. The group turned to see the fat lackey and Scheit hovering guiltily in a corner near a knocked-over mop. Hearing the Dragon Flag Pirates talk about the "all-powerful" Dark Clan as if they were insignificant pests had nearly given them a heart attack.
Scheit was no longer the half-dead wreck he was a few days ago. Ann had treated him with standard dicine, and he was back on his feet—a testant to the freakish recovery speed of people in the One Piece world.
"Ah! Sorry! Please continue, we're just... uh... mopping the floor!" This ti, even Scheit chid in with the fat man. In the last few days, Scheit had mastered the art of survival: Cowardice. He realized that if an Admiral couldn't take these people down, the Dark Clan stood zero chance.
"We'll split up," Locke suggested. "Ann and I will search for where Bell's sister is being held. Kenshin and Bell, you head to the house where Bell and his sister used to live. It's possible she escaped on her own—a woman with a 300 million bounty isn't easily kept in a cage."
"That's a good point!" Bell's eyes lit up.
Locke then looked at Drake. "To be safe, our Captain should go straight for York. That way, even if they have hostages, we hold their leader. It'll keep them in check."
Drake grinned. "Sounds like a plan."
Shortly after, the Dragon Flag Pirates officially made landfall at Moka City.
Drake waved the others off. "I'll take these two clowns with . You guys get moving."
With the miserable-looking Scheit and the fat lackey in tow, Drake began walking toward the center of the city.
You have arrived at Moka City! With the crew split up to maximize efficiency, you are heading straight for the boss. As a senior "Brother-Protector," are you ready to show York what happens when you ss with a comrade's family?
User Comments
0 comments from readers