Chapter 103: Fighting The Five Elders
In the special prison room, Kong sat directly opposite Chiba, Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro sat on one side holding a famous knife, and Lucci stood nearby.
Today, Lucci possessed Admiral-level combat power, and Kong's strength had definitely surpassed that of an Admiral. As for Ethanbaron, his strength was unfathomable.
Chiba glanced at the three and smiled. "Master Commander, Lord Ethanbaron, why the sudden visit to Marineford? No notice given, so I couldn't prepare a proper welcome."
Kong spoke sternly, "Monkey D. Chiba, you know why we're here. Speak honestly, and perhaps leniency will be considered."
"Huh? Honesty? Weren't you here to appoint me as the Naval Headquarters Marshal?" Chiba feigned confusion.
"Monkey D. Chiba, you killed Sakazuki, an Admiral of Headquarters. You've committed a severe crime, and you think you can be the Marshal? That's wishful thinking."
"I killed Sakazuki? Who's spreading such lies?" Chiba exclaimed, shattering the table with a slap.
"Monkey D. Chiba, control yourself!" Kong shouted.
"Apologies, I got carried away. I've given my all for the Marines these past years. Developed Armament Haki training, Qi training, energy potions, foundation pills, and updated Marine Six Styles. My contributions are evident."
"I never aspired to be an Admiral. My dream was to be a Vice Admiral, focusing on scientific research. But Marshal Sengoku saw potential in me and promoted me."
"During the Summit War, I defeated Marco and Jozu with a single punch and vanquished the Blackbeard Pirates. The Marines were saved from the red-haired pirates, so Sengoku nominated me for Marshal."
"I never wanted the position, but Sengoku, Aokiji, and others recommended me. I didn't want to disappoint them, so I agreed to run."
"But I was told to compete with Sakazuki for the position. Sakazuki told me if he lost, he'd never return to the Marines."
"I thought he was joking. We battled at sea, and I barely won. Sakazuki left. I don't know where he went."
Chiba's demeanor shifted to anger. "I don't know who's accusing me of murder, but if I find them, I'll destroy them."
Kong squinted, studying Chiba. "So, you claim you didn't kill Sakazuki, and he's hiding in shame?"
"I'm not sure. I'm also puzzled by his absence. Sakazuki is a Marine Admiral. He wouldn't abandon the Marines over a loss. He's not that fragile."
"Do you think he's alive or dead? If alive, where might he be?" Kong pressed, watching Chiba closely.
Chiba met Kong's gaze without hesitation. "Master Commander, your question's flawed. Sakazuki is powerful. I've fought him; I know his strength. Few could kill him."
"He's made enemies over the years. Who could poison, ambush, or besiege him? Consider who might have motives. If you were in their shoes, how would you kill Sakazuki?"
"Sakazuki's strength makes him immune to ordinary plots. If I were them..." Kong paused, realizing Chiba's tactic. "I'm questioning you! Answer truthfully!"
Chiba grinned. "Master Commander, I'm helping analyze the case. Identifying how the killer struck could reveal the true culprit."
Kong retorted, "Monkey D. Chiba, we suspect you killed Sakazuki. Can you prove your innocence?"
Chiba replied confidently, "Master Commander, shouldn't you provide evidence if you accuse me?"
Kong sneered, "We've got evidence. Many researchers testified about your poor relationship with Sakazuki. They claim you vowed to kill him before leaving Marineford."
Chiba rubbed his forehead. "Master Commander, those are lies. Sure, I said I'd kill him, but it was in the heat of an argument. How can that be used as evidence?"
Kong stated coldly, "It reveals your true intent."
Chiba suddenly declared, "You old fools, I wish I could kill you all."
"What did you say?" Kong was shocked, staring at Chiba in disbelief.
Chiba calmed. "Master Commander, I said I'd kill you all."
"Monkey D. Chiba, are you insane?" Kong wondered if Chiba had lost his mind.
Chiba explained, "Master Commander, you thought my words insane. It was just a figure of speech, like when I said I'd kill Sakazuki. It was said in passing, not meant seriously. Sakazuki's absence doesn't mean he's dead."
Kong was speechless, turning to Ethanbaron, who shifted the topic. "I hear you prefer research. Return to Mariejois with me, and I'll provide the best facilities and resources."
Chiba feigned excitement. "That sounds wonderful."
"But you can't be Marine Marshal," Ethanbaron added.
"As I said, I prefer research over the marshal position."
Ethanbaron nodded. "When can you leave?"
Chiba replied, "I need time to gather my research materials from the Marines."
"No problem. Lucci, assist Chiba with his transfer to Mariejois."
"Yes," Lucci nodded.
Just then, a CP member whispered to Lucci, who quickly reported to Ethanbaron and Kong, "Commander, Lord Ethanbaron, Hina and Peacock betrayed the Marines, rescuing Koby, Bellumebo, Apu, and two masters, taking all materials and elixirs from Chiba's lab."
"What?" Kong was furious. "Monkey D. Chiba, are you planning to defect?"
Chiba feigned innocence. "Commander-in-Chief, I've been under your watch. Their actions have nothing to do with me."
"You still deny it? Is Hina your wife?"
"Yes," Chiba nodded.
"And Peacock, your lover?"
"Well, if you insist, though we're not deeply involved," Chiba replied sincerely.
"Who cares about your involvement? Their betrayal implicates you. Beru Mebo and Koby are your apprentices, and Apu your subordinate. You've conspired with pirates."
"Master Commander, don't jump to conclusions. They're my fiancée, lover, and apprentices, but their actions don't make me a traitor."
"Consider this: you're the Commander-in-Chief, and Colonel Mouse is corrupt. Does that make you corrupt too?"
"Truth is, one person is responsible for their actions. Colonel Mouse's betrayal reflects on him, not you. Hina and the others defecting doesn't mean I'm a traitor."
"If you judge based on association, you're being unfair."
Kong was speechless. Inside the Marines, many were like Colonel Mouse, some former subordinates of Kong. Using Chiba's logic, Kong could face repercussions.
Kong, out-argued, turned to Ethanbaron, who said, "I'll provide new data and equipment for what Hina took. Now, come to Mariejois."
To Ethanbaron, Hina, Peacock, and Koby were insignificant compared to Chiba. His mission was to bring Chiba to Mariejois to research life-extending potions and immortality medicine for the Celestial Dragons.
Chiba shook his head. "I'm afraid not."
Ethanbaron narrowed his eyes, voice cold. "Why?"
"Lord Ethanbaron, my research room holds years of work. Without it, further research is impossible, especially on life potions."
"Those materials were unique. Without them, replicating results is unlikely."
"Please retrieve them for me."
Chiba knew the Five Elders wanted life potions, expecting them to pursue Hina and the others.
Hina's group, skilled in the Black Water True Method and True Dragon, were formidable at sea. Only powerful figures like Rayleigh or Garp, who didn't eat Devil Fruits, could challenge them.
Ethanbaron ordered, "Kong, retrieve them for me."
Chiba's heart sank. The bald man understood him and the situation well.
Chiba glanced at Lucci, suspecting him of informing Ethanbaron about Koby's ability to swim despite eating a Devil Fruit.
Lucci remained impassive, ignoring Chiba's gaze.
Kong departed, using Moonwalk to board a Marine battleship, chasing after Hina.
In the prison room, Ethanbaron addressed Chiba, "Kong's gone. Now, come with me."
Chiba shook his head, smiling. "No, I need to see my materials returned first."
Ethanbaron frowned. "You never intended to leave with me, did you?"
"Oh?" Chiba's smile widened, relieved by Kong's absence. "Why do you say that?"
"You stalled to send Kong away. Do you think you can leave with just me and Lucci here?"
Ethanbaron's eyes were sharp.
Chiba chuckled. "The Five Elders are formidable, but why did you let Kong leave if you knew? Do you think just you can stop me?"
"Hehe..."
Ethanbaron laughed, gripping his famous knife, eyes fixed on Chiba. "Chiba, you underestimate the Five Elders. Do you see us as powerless nobles?"
Chiba's expression grew serious. "Am I wrong?"
Ethanbaron smiled. "The Five Elders are underestimated. Do you think status alone maintains order?"
"True power is the foundation of control."
With those words, Ethanbaron moved swiftly, a shadow darting toward Chiba's chest.
[•———•——•———•]
𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙟𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙮. 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚!
𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼:
⭐ • 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺 𝗡𝗴𝗼 [𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀 𝗼𝗻 $𝟭𝟬 𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗿]
⭐ • 𝙅𝙘𝟭𝟮𝟬𝟮 [𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀 𝗼𝗻 $𝟱 𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗿]
⭐ • 𝘼𝙝𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙟𝙖𝙝 [𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀 𝗼𝗻 $𝟱 𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗿]
⭐ • 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗯 𝗠𝗼𝗲𝗲 [𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀 𝗼𝗻 $𝟱 𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗿]
𝗔𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘂𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸:
✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟭𝟴𝟱+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.
✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁-𝗢𝘂𝘁: 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙖 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩!
𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝘂𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗺𝘆 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝘀 𝗺𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆. 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗲𝘁, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝘀!
👉 𝙅𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙣𝙤𝙬: 𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣.𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧
💬 𝘼𝙡𝙨𝙤 𝘼𝙫𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚: 𝙈𝙮 𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙩! 𝙐𝙣𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙛𝙤𝙧 $30—𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 10% 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩! 𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙙𝙚: 𝗚𝗢𝗗𝗢𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥.
𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙂𝙋𝙏 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙮 𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙩, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙛𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙀𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣-𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙮, 𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙣𝙪𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙡. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙡 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙨, 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙣𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚!
👉 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽: 𝙋𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣.𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧/𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙥