Branch Chief's Office.
"This is how it is, Captain Drake."
Jennifer was clearly explaining to Drake and the others, who were casually sitting on the sofa, about some crucial information related to the Kingdom of Prince.
Drake held a steaming cup of coffee, blowing away the white vapor before taking a sip. Then, he slowly said, "So, the castle guards have been almost completely replaced by pirates. All supporters of Prince Second Grus have been controlled by Illya. Grus himself is missing, possibly imprisoned or maybe even killed by Illya. If it's the latter, our mission might face failure."
"Yes. If Grus is dead, capturing Illya won't help us, and the World Government will order us to return him. The Kingdom of Prince only has two heirs, and the World Government won't care if the North Sea becomes a pirate nation."
Jennifer sighed and said, "So, the success of this operation depends on Grus being alive. As long as the legitimate heir of the kingdom is still alive, the World Government won't press us even if we capture Illya."
"So, the mission will be divided into two parts."
The attractive girl in the short floral dress sitting next to Drake licked her glossy lips and stared at Rorschach beside Jennifer, raising two fingers.
"First, we go to the castle and confirm Grus's life. If he is alive, we try to protect him, preferably rescue him."
"Second, capture Prince Illya."
Rorschach felt uneasy under the beautiful girl's gaze.
Her voice was soft and charming, making people feel the need to protect her.
Jennifer had introduced him to this girl. Her name was Peacock and she was Drake's deputy with the rank of major.
But Rorschach knew more. In the "One Piece" manga, Peacock was the granddaughter of Vice Admiral Tsuru and had the ability to use the "Whip-Whip Fruit," which allowed her to control everything she touched with her whip.
Her ability made her stand out among many and gave her a strong personality.
Rorschach felt that Peacock's gaze held hidden meanings.
Drake put down his coffee cup and continued.
"The second part of the mission depends on Grus being alive. If we confirm his death, we retreat immediately. There is also a third task, which is to find out who is the mastermind behind Illya's attempt to turn the North Sea into a pirate nation."
"A mastermind?" Jennifer was puzzled.
Drake looked at the people in the room and said in a deep voice: "Yes, a mastermind. Establishing a pirate nation is not an easy task. Pirates are not the type to submit easily."
"The Eight Treasures Water Army in the West is different. They are a family and have been passed down through generations. They are united, unlike the scattered pirates of the North Sea."
"To make these wolves willingly obey Illya's orders, there must be a stronger force behind him."
"You're right." Jennifer nodded and after some thought, she said, "Could it be Moria of the Moonlight?"
"One of the Seven Warlords of the Sea? How could he be involved?" Drake asked, frowning.
The Seven Warlords are powerful pirates with great influence and have been invited by the World Government to form an alliance.
"The Giant Bug Pirates are now helping Illya. Mig Jones, one of the rising stars, has connections with Moria of the Moonlight."
"Mig Jones?"
Drake looked at Peacock, who was touching her whip and smiling: "Captain of the Giant Bug Pirates, Mig Jones, an Animal Fruit user with the ability to transform into a sandworm. His bounty is 130 million berries."
"A pirate with a bounty over a 100 million? It seems this mission won't be easy."
Drake stood up and looked at Rorschach beside Jennifer.
"Is this Rorschach you mentioned in the phone call? He looks young."
Rorschach took two steps forward and saluted.
"Branch 177, Lieutenant Rorschach, reporting to Major Drake and Major Peacock."
In 1516, Drake was already 26 years old and had risen to the rank of major.
"Captain Drake, Rorschach is young, but his strength is considerable."
Jennifer tried to explain but was cut off by Drake's hand.
"Strength doesn't matter. We just need a local guide. In case of combat, we can handle it."
Drake thought Jennifer was just trying to get Rorschach involved in the mission to give him a chance for promotion.
"Captain Jennifer, we need to depart now. We should reach the island before nightfall. Keep me updated with any new information."
Drake turned towards the door, but Rorschach stopped him.
"Captain Drake, I have a suggestion on how to enter the blockaded city of Prince without attracting attention."
────────────────────────────────────
"If you want an early access join my patreon:- patreon.com/BaDwYGaMeR"