In the Victoria Kingdom, there was an organization called the "Thousand-Year Dragon Bounty Hunter Guild," named after a mythical creature known as the Thousand-Year Dragon, said to have a lifespan of a thousand years. According to legend, consuming the meat of a Thousand-Year Dragon and grinding its bones into powder could grant immortality. However, this remained a legend, as no one had ever discovered a Thousand-Year Dragon since the guild's establishment.
Kuro was one of the guild's key figures, gathering intelligence and selling it to bounty hunters. Four years ago, a noble named Antonio had rescued Kuro from starvation during a harsh winter. At that time, Kuro had been expelled from his previous master's household due to his youthful arrogance and had ended up on the streets. Antonio promised Kuro that if he worked diligently, he could re-enter the noble estate as a butler and live a respectable life.
But four years had passed, and despite his outstanding performance, Kuro still found himself mingling with the rough-and-tumble pirates in the guild. Kuro despised these people—they were dirty, arrogant, and repulsive.
Initially, Kuro suspected he was merely a tool for Antonio, who was extracting every bit of value from him. But he gradually realized that Antonio didn't seem to be living comfortably. It felt like an influential figure was lurking behind the scenes, capable of crushing Antonio at any moment. However, various clues suggested that this person was not the local Marine "Admiral" Nelson Roy. So who could it be?
Not knowing who he was truly serving left Kuro with an unsettling feeling. He wanted to escape, but the ever-watchful eyes around him deterred him. Until today, the appearance of a Marine major from the headquarters finally allowed him to break free from his fate—by using someone else to eliminate his enemies.
A 16-year-old Marine prodigy from the headquarters, this was a powerful and formidable blade.
In the dimly lit bar, Kuro sat alone at the counter, swirling a glass of red wine. Despite being only 16, like Hailan, Kuro had a height of 1.8 meters and a handsome face. Coupled with his round-framed glasses, he looked like a brooding young man, which made him particularly appealing to the ladies.
"Mmm... this wine is quite strong... it's making me a bit dizzy..."
A provocatively dressed woman with a seductive figure wandered over to Kuro, pretending to be drunk, and stumbled towards him. Silently...
"Ah!"
She uttered a timid cry as she fell to the ground with a thud, not touching the hem of Kuro's clothes.
"Sorry, I have a cleanliness issue," said Kuro, who, despite his young age, was already a savvy veteran. He knew exactly what kind of work this woman was involved in.
"Hmph, boring."
The woman glanced resentfully at Kuro before swiftly moving away to find another target.
Clap, clap, clap...
A slow clap sounded, and Kuro turned to see Captain Hill.
"Impressive. Your movements were so seamless, even I couldn't detect any flaws."
Captain Hill knew Kuro had used a technique similar to the Marine's "Soru." The fact that Kuro had developed it to such a level on his talent marked him as a prodigy.
"So, what's your purpose for inviting me here?"
In a secluded private room, Captain Hill got straight to the point.
"Being caught between pirates and corrupt Marines isn't easy, is it, Captain Hill..." Kuro pushed his glasses up with his palm—a habit that Hill could never understand.
"Kuro, what are you getting at?"
"This time, with the headquarters sending a major, I think we should seize this opportunity to take down Captain Roy and Sam's Grand Fleet."
Captain Hill narrowed his eyes. "Aren't you afraid I'll sell you out?"
"Do you think I'm stupid enough to discuss this with someone who'd sell me out?"
Kuro smiled. "If you would sell me out over this, it shows your vision is limited. Missing such a great opportunity means you'll remain where you are for life."
Captain Hill rhythmically tapped his finger on the table. "And what's your motive? Even if we take them down, what's in it for you?"
"Freedom."
"Freedom? Hahaha..."
Captain Hill laughed. "They say Mr. Kuro is a gentleman, but someone like you seeking something as intangible as freedom? I don't buy it."
Kuro's eyes turned cold. "But my current life is neither free nor respectable. To achieve the life I want, I must first gain my freedom. Do you understand?"
Hill wasn't opposed to toppling the three giants over his head, but he had concerns. "Are you sure this Hailan can win this game?"
"If you're not lying to me."
"A Marine admiral's son, the top new recruit of the Marines, you can't even imagine the power these monsters from the Grand Line possess!"
Kuro had once sailed to the Grand Line as a child and witnessed firsthand the terrifying strength of those monsters. This profoundly ingrained memory had made him give up leaving East Blue, choosing instead to settle down in a corner and live peacefully.
"Captain Hill, this gentleman Mr. Kuro is right. You've underestimated the strength of the Marines from the headquarters."
"Who's there?!"
Hill and Kuro sprang to their feet, Hill's chair toppling over from the sudden movement. They looked toward the source of the voice and saw a figure sitting on the windowsill of an arch window near the ceiling.
Hailan laughed as he jumped down from the windowsill. "You didn't even realize you were being followed, did you?"
"Captain Hill, I told you before I wasn't using the Marine's Six Powers. Why didn't you believe me?"
Since leaving the Marine base, Hill had used "Soru" to take numerous detours, ensuring no one followed him before coming to the bar to meet Kuro. Now, he felt like a clown, his careful calculations rendered laughable.
"Don't bother running!"
Kuro attempted to slip away but was easily intercepted by Hailan.
"You've only just begun to grasp Soru, haven't you? If you don't have any other tricks, you'd better sit down quietly."
Hailan pressed a hand on each of their shoulders, forcing Captain Hill and Kuro back into their seats.
"Don't worry, I just want to discuss your 'use someone else to eliminate your enemies' plan."
"If you follow my instructions, I don't mind lending you the blade."