Chapter 30 - Drake

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Chapter 30 - Drake

Branch Office

"So that's the situation, Captain Drake."

Jennifer looked at Drake, who was lounging casually on the sofa with his legs crossed, and the others. She detailed the critical intelligence concerning the Kingdom of Prince.

Drake held a steaming cup of coffee, blew on the rising white steam, and took a sip. Only then did he slowly speak, "So, the palace guards have essentially been replaced by pirates. All supporters of the second prince, Gruss, have been subdued by Ilia. Gruss himself is missing, possibly imprisoned or already killed by Ilia. If it's the latter, then our mission might be doomed to failure."

"Yes, if Gruss is already dead, even capturing Ilia will ultimately result in the World Government ordering us to return him. The Kingdom of Prince has only these two heirs; the World Government won't care whether the North Blue turns into a pirate nation."

Jennifer sighed, "So, the success of this operation hinges on Gruss being alive. As long as the legitimate heir is alive, even if Ilia is captured by the Marines, the World Government won't continue to pressure us."

"Then this mission needs to be divided into two parts."

The girl sitting next to Drake, who had a strikingly attractive figure, a sweet face, and was wearing a floral miniskirt, licked her shiny red lips. She stared intently at Rosha, who was standing beside Jennifer, and raised two fingers.

"First, we go to the palace and confirm Gruss's status. If he's alive, we need to protect him and ideally rescue him."

"Second, we capture Prince Ilia."

Rosha felt a bit uneasy under the gaze of the lovely girl. Her voice matched her appearance—soft and sweet, with a hint of vulnerability that tugged at one's heartstrings.

Jennifer had introduced her as Peacock, Drake's lieutenant, with the rank of Major. Rosha, however, knew more than Jennifer. From the One Piece manga he had read, he knew that Peacock was the granddaughter of Vice Admiral Tsuru and a Paramecia-type Whip-Whip Fruit user.

She could command anything she whipped, including people and buildings. This ability was extraordinary.

Perhaps because of this power, this already beautiful girl had a hint of masochistic tendencies, with a voice and expression full of allure that made men feel an instinctive urge to protect her.

For some reason, Rosha felt there was another meaning behind her gaze.

Drake put down his coffee and continued from where Peacock left off.

"The second part of the mission depends on Gruss being alive. If we confirm he's dead, we withdraw from the palace immediately. Additionally, I believe there's a third part to the mission: uncovering the mastermind behind Ilia's attempt to establish a pirate nation."

"Mastermind?"

Jennifer was taken aback, not understanding his meaning.

Drake scanned the room and spoke in a low voice, "Yes, a mastermind. Establishing a nation of pirates is not simple; it can't be done just with money. Pirates are inherently unruly and would not easily submit to someone's rule."

"The Happo Navy in the West Blue is different; they are a family-based pirate group, with a lineage spanning centuries. They are united internally, unlike the scattered and disorganized pirates of the North Blue."

"To make these wild pirates obey Ilia, there must be a more powerful force manipulating things behind the scenes."

"You make a valid point," Jennifer nodded repeatedly, contemplating something. "Could it be Gecko Moria?"

"Seven Warlords of the Sea, Gecko Moria? How could he be involved?" Drake frowned at the mention.

The Seven Warlords were no small fry. Each one was a renowned and powerful pirate.

They had significant influence over the seas and immense personal strength, so the World Government allied with them instead of targeting them.

"The Insect Pirates are currently assisting Ilia. Mig Jons is a Supernova who returned to the North Blue from the Grand Line. It's said he had contact with Gecko Moria and has become one of his key subordinates."

"Mig Jons?"

Drake frowned, glancing at Peacock.

Peacock shifted her gaze from Rosha's face, touched the long whip at her waist, and spoke with a light laugh, "Captain of the Insect Pirates, Mig Jons, a Zoan-type Bug-Bug Fruit, Model: Sandworm user, with a bounty of 130 million Berries. He has several subordinates with bounties exceeding 50 million Berries each. He's known for being violent and arrogant."

"A pirate with a bounty over 100 million? This mission won't be easy."

Drake stood up, looking at Rosha standing next to Jennifer.

"This is the Ensign Jennifer mentioned over the Den Den Mushi, right? He looks a bit young."

Rosha stepped forward and saluted.

"177th Branch, Ensign Rosha, reporting to Captain Drake and Major Peacock."

In 1516, Drake was already 26 years old and held the rank of Marine Headquarters Major. He was considered a promising new generation of Marines.

"Captain Drake, Rosha might be young, but he has considerable strength."

Jennifer started to vouch for Rosha, but Drake interrupted with a raised hand.

"Strength isn't the issue. We just need a local guide. If it comes to a fight, we can handle it ourselves."

Drake was indifferent to Jennifer's endorsement of the silver-haired youth. In his view, if Rosha were truly that capable, he wouldn't still be an Ensign.

As for Jennifer's comment about his strength, Drake saw it as her trying to give Rosha a chance to gain some experience, which would help with his future promotions.

Although SWORD was an external unit, its internal positions and ranks could still be promoted with enough merit, similar to the Marine Headquarters.

Seeing Drake's skepticism, Jennifer felt anxious. But Rosha didn't mind.

He gave Jennifer a slight shake of his head.

"Then let's not delay any further. We should head out now. It'll take some time to reach the island where the palace is located. Jennifer, continue gathering intelligence. If you find anything important, contact me immediately."

Drake finished speaking and headed towards the door.

Rosha suddenly called out to him.

"Captain Drake, I have a suggestion on how we can discreetly enter the pirate-blocked Prince City."

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For every 100 stones I'll post 5 chapters

To read 15 advanced chapters visit my patreon: patreon.com/Hiddenfanfics