36 Chapter 34: CP0 (End)

"A woman?"

Indeed, beneath the mask was a woman, strikingly beautiful at that.

After a brief moment of surprise, Sakazuki regained his composure. The presence of formidable women wasn't uncommon in this world. However, discovering one within organisations like CP0 as a cadre did raise an eyebrow.

"Sakazuki, should you dare to end me, the higher-ups won't let you off."

Following the revelation of her identity, the woman admonished Sakazuki with a sharp tone.

Sakazuki sneered, retorting, "Do you truly believe such a threat holds sway over me at this juncture? Whether the higher-ups spare me is uncertain, but what I do know is, I won't spare you."

The woman retorted angrily, "I never anticipated traitors within the Marines. This casts doubt upon the integrity of the institution. If not for this altercation, that woman associated with Roger would've been apprehended."

Ironically, despite facing imminent danger, the woman's concerns still centred around capturing Roger's associate. The mindset of these spies truly diverged from the ordinary.

"Now, I offer you two options: either meet your demise by my hand or pledge allegiance to me."

The woman's countenance fluctuated. Her background wasn't ordinary; she hailed from nobility. Despite her modest prowess, joining CP0 elevated her to cadre status, hinting at prospects for further advancement.

Consequently, facing death or submission to a Marine was inconceivable. However, defiance would only ensure her demise, leaving her in a quandary.

"I grant you a minute to ponder. Should you fail to decide, I shall presume you've chosen the former."

Sakazuki offered her scant leeway, swiftly imposing an ultimatum.

The woman's visage tensed. After deliberation, confronted by Sakazuki's menacing glare, she acquiesced hastily, "I choose to pledge allegiance to you."

One might expect someone with her background to resist, yet the prospect of death was too grim to entertain.

Sakazuki didn't falter but pressed further, "Are you genuinely committed to serving me? Don't assume your deceit escapes my notice. Should you prove disloyal, your demise will be swift."

"Indeed, my loyalty is sincere." The woman gritted her teeth, suppressing her disdain.

"Very well."

Sakazuki raised his foot. Despite her struggles, the woman failed to rise. In that moment, Sakazuki's foot transformed into molten lava, piercing her body and extinguishing her life.

"You?"

The woman gazed incredulously at Sakazuki, blood spilling from her lips as her eyes dimmed rapidly.

"Why?"

Caught off guard, she made no attempt to resist, her heart consumed by magma, sealing her fate. With her final breath, she uttered her query.

"Because you failed to grasp the reality. Whether you were sincere or deceitful, I discerned the truth. Are you truly prepared to serve me? Only actions can confirm."

Having drawn a loyalty card from the system, he knew its efficacy was exclusive to his subordinates. Her pledge would have made her a part of his faction, validating the card. However, her subsequent failure revealed her true intentions.

With no inclination towards loyalty, Sakazuki harboured no hesitation, swiftly ending her life.

Unlike Portgas D. Rouge, spared due to her pregnancy, this woman, a World Government spy and adversary, warranted no clemency. Thus, her demise was swift and decisive.

Surveying her lifeless form, Sakazuki remarked stoically, "While others may question your loyalty, I do not. Were you truly committed, a single test would have sufficed."

He'd spared Portcas D. Rouge due to ethical constraints, but this woman's allegiance lay elsewhere, making her expendable.

Clearing the area of evidence, he carried the woman's corpse back to the manor.

"Resolved?"

Garp awaited his return, observing three additional corpses alongside Portcas D. Rouge's absence. In the span of his absence, escape proved impossible.

"Glad to see you've reached a decision. Are you prepared to let her go?"

"I'll eliminate anyone, except a pregnant woman—even if she's Roger's wife. Such actions contradict my sense of justice."

"Today, lad, you've earned my respect. I once deemed you rigid and obstinate."

Garp chuckled, noting Sakazuki's departure from convention.

"We can't leave any traces behind!" Sakazuki's tone grew stern.

"Understood."

Sakazuki continued, "The Roger Pirates attempted a rescue. CP0's demise was at their hands. Though we pursued vigorously, they eluded capture."

Garp's eyes gleamed. "You've devised a strategy swiftly. It was indeed the Roger Pirates who orchestrated the rescue. Despite our best efforts, they slipped through our grasp. This narrative suits our purpose perfectly. Well done, Sakazuki. I commend your intellect."

"Sakazuki, Vice Admiral, my assistance isn't without conditions."

Startled, Garp queried, "Assistance? How could you assist me? Why haven't you done so thus far?"

"Indeed."

Sakazuki's tone remained indifferent. "In that case, I shall report the events accordingly."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Crew members! If you liked my work support it with power stones to get a boost in Power rankings.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------