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...
The atmosphere on the coast was strangely tense.
Noir, like he was practicing some bizarre martial art, had been holding two swords aloft for almost an entire day. His arms were aching, but the Marines hadn't made a single move.
After surrounding him and informing Sengoku, the Marine guard hadn't relaxed; in fact, they'd tightened their perimeter.
Even that old fox, Kizaru, was constantly watching him, keeping one eye open even while supposedly napping.
Noir was so frustrated he wanted to scream. He was almost tempted to transform into light and bolt.
The Devil Fruits copied by his Talent System replicated the user's proficiency level as well. So, aside from practical experience, Noir's Pika Pika no Mi abilities were on par with Kizaru's.
The difference was that while Kizaru had pushed his powers to the absolute limit, leaving a sliver of room for improvement, Noir had no room to grow at all…
In short, if he could shake off Kizaru, no one in the Marines could stop him.
So, Noir wasn't worried about Kizaru calling for reinforcements. In his nearly a year at sea, he hadn't mastered many skills, but escaping? He was a pro.
Noir summoned his crew from The Underworld. Lucci, seeing Noir's stiff posture, couldn't help but chuckle. "Captain, what are you doing?"
Noir's lips twitched. "Less talk, more action. Cover for me; don't give Kizaru an opening."
Lucci shrugged and tightened his grip on the Celestial Dragon he was holding hostage. Wyper held his sword against Z's throat.
Noir, finally able to lower his arms, gratefully accepted a coat from Robin. "What's the situation?"
Robin knew what Noir was thinking. He had plenty of ways to escape, but he was clearly waiting for an opportunity to gain something.
As expected, Noir crouched on the deck, looking at the Marines stationed on the shore with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I'm thinking of using Z to get something out of the Marines."
Robin looked at him, unimpressed. "What do you want? We're not exactly short on money."
After the Heavenly Tribute heist, the Underworld Pirates had amassed a considerable fortune, more than enough for each member's leisure and, most importantly, their training.
Noir nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "There's something the Marines have that I've got my eye on…"
Robin raised an eyebrow. "What could the Marines have that would interest you?"
"A humanoid weapon of war. They're called Pacifistas. Have you heard of them?"
Noir looked at Robin, who shook her head. "No, never heard of them..."
Lucci shook his head as well. "I haven't heard of them either. Even in CP9, that kind of information wouldn't reach my level."
Noir scratched his head. What's going on? Has Bartholomew Kuma not been modified by Vegapunk yet?
Even if not, it should be about time. The Pacifistas should be making their appearance soon...
Technological advancement in the One Piece world was incredibly polarized.
The average Marine used flintlock pistols that could only fire a few shots, warships were equipped with standard cannons, and the general population lived with relatively basic technology.
Yet, there was this one guy, Vegapunk, five hundred years ahead of everyone else, churning out all sorts of crazy inventions.
Pacifistas were one thing. Franky's self-modifications, the Germa 66 raid suits, all examples of cutting-edge technology.
The blueprints for the Iron Man suit that Noir had acquired would also be a good way to mass-produce combat power if he could get them manufactured.
But if the Pacifistas didn't exist yet, Noir had no examples or experience to draw upon.
A mischievous idea began to form in Noir's mind. Instead of stealing a Pacifista, it might be more practical to kidnap a highly intelligent scientist.
Vegapunk was too heavily guarded by the Government. Even with Z as a bargaining chip, it was unlikely they would hand him over.
As for other scientists…
Besides Vegapunk, there were two other potential candidates: Vinsmoke Judge and Caesar Clown. Both were brilliant minds, worth considering.
But in that case, what exactly should he demand from the Marines...?
As Noir pondered his options, the representatives from Marine Headquarters finally arrived.
Several tall, mysterious figures in white suits and masks appeared at the Marine barricade, their gazes fixed on Noir.
Kizaru raised an eyebrow at the newcomers. It wasn't Marines sent by the Fleet Admiral, but CP0, dispatched directly by the Government.
Had Sengoku yielded to the Government?
Kizaru launched a small boat, carrying the masked CP0 agent in the lead, towards Noir's ship.
Noir watched as Kizaru and the masked figure approached. He walked to the front of the ship, where Lucci and Wyper stood guard, his hands in his pockets, his gaze cold and unwavering. Robin stood beside him, like a glamorous secretary.
The masked CP0 agent, observing Noir's fearless demeanor, felt a sense of unease.
CP0 hated dealing with people who disregarded the authority of the World Government.
Noir, looking at the agent, smiled. "It seems you've made your decision."
"Is it one life, or negotiation?"
The masked agent inwardly sighed in relief. At least Devil Noir wasn't a hothead intent on killing someone.
As long as he wanted something in return, there was room for discussion.
Maintaining a composed demeanor, the agent replied, "The latter, Mr. Devil Noir."
Noir chuckled and flicked his wrist, sending out ice particles that formed two rows of chairs on the sea's surface.
Both sides sat facing each other, the scene resembling a high-stakes negotiation after a world war.
Noir rested his chin on his hand and spoke first. "The Marines have been relentlessly hunting me for ages. Can't we just call a truce?"
Beneath the CP0 mask, the agent's lips twitched. You've kidnapped Celestial Dragons and caused widespread chaos. Do you really not know why the Government is after you?!
Noir had taken Celestial Dragons hostage as a shield, repeatedly thwarting the Government's attempts at retaliation, leaving them frustrated and bewildered.
Faced with an elusive and ruthless opponent who disregarded their threats, the Government had little choice but to negotiate.
Composing himself, the agent said in a serious tone, "Mr. Devil Noir, we request the release of all the Celestial Dragons, as well as the Marines, including Z."
"In return, we are prepared to offer you satisfactory compensation."
They've already come up with terms? What could they possibly offer to ransom Z and the others…?
Noir, intrigued, leaned forward. "Tell me. I might just be satisfied."
The agent produced a dark, gold-embossed invitation and presented it to Noir. "The Government invites you, Mr. Devil Noir, to join the Seven Warlords of the Sea, taking the position left vacant by Gecko Moria."
Noir stared at the invitation, dumbfounded. He'd burned down Mary Geoise, killed several Celestial Dragons, and antagonized the Marines for months, and now they were inviting him to become a Warlord?
The thought was absurd. Can they really tolerate all of that? Are they insane?
Kizaru had reported to Sengoku, but it was CP0 handling the negotiation. Had Sengoku backed down?
That seemed unlikely…
Noir studied the masked agent, a nagging suspicion growing in his mind. This feels like a trap set by Sengoku…
...
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