(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 Chapters edited /INeedRest)
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Hearing Smoothie's thoughts, Katakuri pondered for a mont, then nodded his approval.
Nowadays, Charlotte Linlin was not as strict as before.
In fact, it could even be said that she loved her children dearly.
But as the de facto second-in-command, Katakuri couldn't just consider the imdiate situation.
So many brothers and sisters needed to survive, and the entire family needed to grow stronger.
Thus, these struggles for power and profit were still necessary.
Sending Princess Vivi to that person was indeed a simple and efficient solution.
"Who... who are you going to give to?" Vivi asked, trying to suppress her fear.
"Don't ask questions you shouldn't. You're just a prisoner," Katakuri reprimanded coldly.
"Don't be so harsh. We're going to need her help in the future," Smoothie said with a smile, trying to ease the tension.
She then turned to Vivi.
"He's a man of great stature and character. If you follow him, your status will surpass even that of the Celestial Dragons. Alabasta will also benefit greatly from your choice."
"You will understand these things after you spend so ti in Wano. I only ask for one thing from you in return... When the ti cos, don't forget OUR help."
Vivi was confused by Smoothie's words and didn't understand who she was referring to.
But Smoothie wouldn't elaborate further.
She planned to discuss the matter with Charlotte Linlin upon their return.
"Remove her shackles and treat the Princess well. As long as she doesn't leave this room, fulfill all her requests," Smoothie ordered the nearby pirates before leaving with Katakuri.
****
anwhile, Colt was unaware that soone was planning to send him a "gift" from thousands of miles away.
After picking up Robin and Nami, who had been escorted by the CP organization from Alabasta, Colt initially planned to visit another island to et so old friends.
However, a sudden piece of news disrupted his plans, forcing him to rush to a specific sea area without delay.
Aside from Luffy causing waves in the New World recently, the most shocking news was the defection of forr Marine Admiral "Black Arm" Zephyr.
He had established the NEO Marines, and many forr Marine elites had joined him.
The cause of this incident was unknown to the general public, but Colt understood it well.
It all started when the World Governnt announced that Edward Weevil would beco the new Shichibukai, replacing Bartholow Kuma.
Zephyr had lost an arm to Edward Weevil during a training exercise with Marine recruits, and the accompanying Marine trainees had been nearly wiped out.
Appointing Edward Weevil as a Shichibukai was the final straw for Zephyr, breaking the veteran Marine's heart and leading to his defection.
Colt believed Zephyr still had significant value. Not only was he an exceptional trainer of soldiers, but his prestige within the Marines was second only to Sengoku and Garp.
Having served as the chief instructor for over 20 years, Zephyr had students everywhere.
If Colt could recruit him, it would make future dealings with the Marines much easier.
With the intelligence provided by the CP organization and Doflamingo's network, Colt easily tracked Zephyr's location and set off to intercept him.
****
Zephyr's warship soon spotted Colt's approaching vessel.
"Teacher, that ship is heading straight for us," Ain reported to Zephyr, awaiting instructions.
"Another clueless pirate. Open fire," Zephyr ordered with a cold expression.
The forr "No-Kill Admiral" had once captured pirates without killing them.
But after his family was slaughtered by pirates seeking revenge, and with Edward Weevil becoming a Shichibukai, Zephyr beca disillusioned.
His ideals had darkened, and his ruthlessness now rivaled even Akainu's.
Ain sighed softly and relayed the order.
As soon as Colt's ship entered range, a barrage of cannon fire filled the sky.
Before Colt could react, Hinata leapt into the air.
"[Rotation]!"
A massive chakra shield deflected the cannonballs, so of which landed on Zephyr's warship, causing chaos.
"Nice job, Hinata."
"It seems my arrival isn't very welco," Colt remarked with a smirk.
"Nami, bring us closer!"
"On it!"
Like an arrow released from a bow, the ship surged forward.
By the ti they reached Zephyr's vessel, the forr Admiral was already waiting at the bow, his expression grim.
"God Killer, Kamiyo Colt. I never thought the World Governnt would fail to find you for two years, only for you to show up here."
Zephyr recognized Colt imdiately.
This was the man who had caused Sengoku to be scolded by the Five Elders for an entire month.
"Actually, they've known where I was all along. They just didn't tell you," Colt said, stepping forward and appearing in front of Zephyr in an instant.
His speed and technique startled Zephyr, who took a cautious step back, his chanical arm, the Battle Smasher, beginning to rotate.
Ain and Binz also assud fighting stances.
"I'm no longer a Marine. I don't want to get involved in the ss between you and the World Governnt," Zephyr said, his tone wary.
He had initially considered capturing Colt, but the young man's abilities made him hesitate.
"I heard you stole a lot of Dyna Stones and plan to wreak havoc in the New World. I ca to talk to you about that," Colt said, ignoring Zephyr's guarded deanor.
"With your current strength and resources, even with those stones, you won't make much of an impact."
"Why not work for instead? Help train so talented individuals. As for Edward Weevil, I can deliver him to you imdiately."
Zephyr's expression darkened.
"Who the hell are you? How do you know all this?"
The details about the Dyna Stones and Edward Weevil were closely guarded secrets.
The Marines had kept them under wraps to avoid losing credibility and influence.
"You'll find out when you join . So, what's your decision?" Colt asked with a smile.
"Don't even think about it! Zephyr-san would never ally with pirates!" Ain interjected angrily.
Those who followed Zephyr despised pirates above all else.
Even though they were now hunted by the World Governnt, they still saw pirates as scum.
"Oh, quite the tough talk," Colt said, chuckling as he looked at Ain.
"I'm not a pirate. Aside from killing a few Celestial Dragons, have I done anything a pirate would do?"
Ain was montarily speechless.
According to the information they had, Colt hadn't committed any typical pirate acts.
"Enough nonsense. I will never join you. Leave now, or don't bla for being ruthless," Zephyr said firmly.
Colt clicked his tongue.
'Why is it so hard to recruit soone? Naruto made it look so easy.'
'Looks like I'll have to fight after all.'
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