"GAAH—!"
The raven perched on Karl's shoulder stared at the sizzling Water-Water Meat, letting out a chilling screech.
Its blood-red eyes screamed one clear message: Buy it. Now.
Even the Bull turned its head, drooling.
Karl—who had just pocketed five million Berries—waved his hand grandly at the stall.
"I'll take all of it."
The slightly plump lady owner's eyes lit up at once.
"Y-Yes, Marine sir! One moment—I'll pack everything right away!"
Eating Water-Water Meat, sipping a specialty drink, and admiring the city's unique scenery, Karl couldn't help but sigh.
This is Marine life—simple, unpretentious… and boring.
"Galley-La Company…"
Seeing the shipyard's name, Karl paused in thought.
Looks like Iceburg hasn't unified the shipyards yet. That means CP9 shouldn't be lurking here either.
Buru buru—
"It's me. Karl."
"Colonel, pirates have landed on Scrap Island, but they're not the Flame Pirates."
"Who are they?"
"Based on the flag—it's the White Wolf Pirates.
Captain White Wolf Wolf, bounty 43.5 million Berries."
"I'm on my way. Keep eyes on them."
"Yes, sir!"
Karl patted the raven on his shoulder and spoke softly.
"Your turn."
The raven nodded, leaping into the air. Its body expanded rapidly, growing until it was as large as a buffalo.
Karl nodded in satisfaction, kicked off with Moonwalk, and landed smoothly on the raven's back.
"Move out."
"GAAH—!"
Raven carried Karl across the skies of Water 7, reaching Scrap Island in no time.
Scrap Island
"That's Water 7, boss? Damn, it's fancy. This place has gotta be loaded, right?"
Captain Wolf smacked the subordinate's head impatiently.
"Idiot. We're here to replace the ship, not to cause trouble."
"If the Marines show up, how are we supposed to escape with this junk boat?"
"R-Right! Boss is wise!"
Wolf nodded in satisfaction and signaled his men to disembark, preparing to enter Water 7 quietly.
"Boss! What's that in the sky?"
"A black… eagle?"
Wolf shielded his eyes and squinted upward.
"Wrong. Someone's on it—
All hands, on guard!"
"GAAH—!"
As Raven descended, Karl leapt off from thirty meters up, landing with a heavy thud in front of the pirates.
"Captain White Wolf Wolf—bounty 43.5 million Berries.
Vice-captain Black Wolf Duff—bounty 18 million."
"I'm here in the name of the Marines."
"You're surrounded. Surrender peacefully."
Wolf's heart skipped a beat. He scanned the area—scrap and wreckage everywhere.
No Marines. None at all.
"Boss, there's nobody else—he's bluffing!"
"Damn Marine—kill him!"
The pirates raised their guns and fired without hesitation.
Bang bang bang—!
Clink clink clink—
Karl didn't even bother dodging. Armament Haki coated his entire body, stopping the bullets cold.
"W-What the hell is that… bullets didn't work?!"
Wolf stared in shock. Having never heard of Haki, he assumed Karl was a Devil Fruit user like himself.
The other pirates were equally stunned.
If even guns couldn't hurt him…
Just how strong is this guy?
"So rude," Karl said calmly.
He raised his right hand. Raven landed upon it, instantly transforming into a jet-black longsword, its wing-shaped guard looking eerily alive.
"Ready to die, pirates?"
With a single horizontal swing—
A massive golden flying slash surged forward.
Wolf instinctively threw himself flat.
The rest weren't so lucky.
Screams rang out as pirates were cut clean in half, along with the ship behind them.
The upper section slid into the sea with a thunderous splash.
"No—! My men!!"
Wolf howled in despair, staring at Karl in sheer horror.
If not for instinct born of countless hunts, he would already be dead.
"Oh? Not bad for a captain," Karl said lightly.
"You've got some reflexes. Aren't you a Devil Fruit user? Let's see it."
"Don't look down on me, Marine!"
"You'll pay for that!"
"AWOO—!"
Wolf transformed into a massive white dire wolf, green eyes devoid of emotion.
"I'll eat your flesh, drink your blood—
For my brothers! Die!!"
Karl smiled.
His figure vanished.
The next instant—he appeared before Wolf, blade flashing.
"AAAAH—!!"
Wolf collapsed to his knees, howling in agony.
Both forelegs lay severed at his sides.
"I'm Karl," he said calmly.
"Marine Headquarters Colonel."
"You are under arrest."
Just a standard Zoan user.
Against Karl, he never stood a chance.
Raven truly lived up to expectations—
In Karl's eyes, it was no worse than a Supreme Grade blade.
"Buru buru— The pirates are dealt with. Come collect them."
Finishing the call, Karl gazed at the blue sea and casually swung a few more flying slashes, curious how far they would travel.
Watching them vanish beyond sight, he shook his head.
Too far. No way to measure.
Soon, Marines stationed nearby arrived.
Even those who had seen the fight through binoculars grimaced as they stepped onto the island.
Blood everywhere. Severed limbs scattered about.
Some looked at Karl with a trace of fear.
The Colonel seemed approachable—but against pirates, he was utterly merciless.
"S-Sir… you did all this?"
Karl shrugged.
"Who else would? Take that one alive—he's a Devil Fruit user. Sea-stone cuffs."
"Yes, sir!"
Nelson straightened instantly and ordered the men to restrain Wolf.
"Sir, what about the ship and the bodies?"
Karl patted Nelson on the shoulder.
"You're a grown Marine now. Learn to handle things yourself."
With that, he strutted back toward Water 7.
Music on. Dance continues.
Nelson froze—then felt his blood boil with excitement.
The Colonel trusts me… I won't let him down!
"You—dump the bodies into the sea!"
"You—salvage anything valuable before the ship sinks!"
"Yes, Adjutant Nelson!"
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