Chapter 98: The Meeting

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The Sabaody Archipelago is located near the Marine Headquarters, so Noir and his crew had to proceed with caution as they sailed toward it.

Before they even reached the shore, they could see the beautiful bubble islands in the distance. Though called an archipelago, the Sabaody Islands were actually formed by the roots of the world's largest mangrove tree, the "Yarukiman Mangrove." The roots of this massive tree protruded above the sea, leading people to call it an island.

The famous bubbles of Sabaody were actually tree resin secreted from the roots during respiration. 

As the ship docked, Wyper gazed at the countless floating bubbles and marveled, "This is truly beautiful..."

There were bubble cars, a bubble Ferris wheel, and even houses built on bubbles...

Conis excitedly grabbed Kalifa's hand, with her little fox trailing behind them like a hyperactive puppy, and called out to Robin, "Robin! Look at all these things made of bubbles!"

Enel, standing majestically atop a tree, couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. A place as beautiful as this must be wonderful to rule over…

Kalifa, still not entirely used to Conis's familiarity, nevertheless followed along. Conis, undeterred, continued to call out to Robin, "Robin! Let's go shopping!"

Robin nodded and then held out her hand to Noir beside her, smiling sweetly, "Can you give me some money?"

It looked just like a wife asking for pocket money before heading out...

The wealthy captain, Noir, waved his hand generously, handing each of the three women a backpack full of money.

Enel jumped up and said, "I want some too!"

Once again, Noir, being lavish, handed out a large sum of money.

The four men each held a single 100-Berry note in their hands, lost in deep thought.

Wyper nudged Enel with his elbow and asked, "Isn't 100 Berries only worth some cotton candy in the Blue Sea?"

Enel, with the air of someone more experienced, patted Wyper on the shoulder and said earnestly, "You don't understand. In the Blue Sea, 100 Berries is actually a lot!"

Wyper: I don't shop much, but are you trying to fool me?

Lucci and Blueno exchanged looks, clearly thinking Enel was an idiot.

What on earth has this guy gone through?

After getting rid of the four men by giving them money, Noir clapped his hands, planning to head over to the coating factory and maybe find Ace as well.

But suddenly, Noir's pocket started vibrating…

Under the curious gazes of the others, Noir calmly pulled out a Den Den Mushi from his pocket and said, "Moshi moshi?"

A soft voice came from the other side of the Den Den Mushi, saying, "Mr. Noir, since you've arrived, could you come and discuss the details with us?"

It was that girl from the Revolutionary Army… What was her name again? Lissy or something.

Was her intel really that good? How did she know Noir had just arrived?

Looking at the Den Den Mushi that had now taken on a gentle female face, Noir responded, "Sure, where should we meet?"

"The 16th Grove in the lawless area of the Sabaody Archipelago. Someone will be there to pick you up."

Noir replied, "Alright, see you soon."

After hanging up, Robin turned to Noir and said, "I'll go with you."

Noir nodded and then thought for a moment before calling out to Lucci and Blueno, "You two, stop fooling around. Come with me."

Lucci, who was unaware of Noir's collaboration with the Revolutionary Army, was a bit confused but figured having something to do was better than wandering around with just 100 Berries.

With three of his crew members, Noir headed off to meet the Revolutionary Army, while the remaining four went off to explore the islands.

Hopefully, they wouldn't cause too much trouble… right?

The Sabaody Archipelago was composed of 79 trees, each with its own town and facilities. The group was heading to Grove 16.

Groves 1 to 29 were part of the lawless area, where various mafia forces were entangled, and people from all walks of life mixed together. Fighting and killing were common.

What was more alarming was that, since the actual rulers of the archipelago were the Celestial Dragons, activities like human trafficking and slave auctions were all condoned.

And this was right next to Marine Headquarters…

Noir sighed. Being affiliated with the World Government, or more specifically, the Celestial Dragons, the Marines could never truly stand for justice.

These acts of evil, as Noir saw them, were things the Marines could only turn a blind eye to or even help cover up.

What would have happened if he had chosen to join the Marines?

Lost in his thoughts, Noir didn't realize they had already arrived at Grove 16.

In the chaotic area, Noir looked up and immediately spotted a large man.

This was the guy who, through sheer physical strength, could hold his own against a transformed Wyper in his pteranodon form. His name was… Oga, right?

Despite his size, Oga's eyes were innocent, and when he saw Noir and the others, he opened his mouth and spoke in a naive voice, "Please follow me."

What a pure voice… Noir couldn't help but ask, "How old are you?"

Oga scratched his head, counting on his fingers before answering, "I'm twelve!"

"Hiss..."

Noir sucked in a breath of cold air, thinking in shock: The Revolutionary Army employs child labor?

No, this "child labor" looks stronger than I am…

The "small" child Oga led Noir and his group through several twists and turns before bringing them to a small cabin.

As soon as they entered, the silver-haired beauty Cretin came out, extending her hand with a smile, "Welcome, Mr. Noir."

Noir cautiously glanced at Cretin's hand, and seeing that she was wearing white gloves,

he felt relieved enough to shake it.

Cretin was a user of the Soft-Soft Fruit, and her ability was something Noir was very wary of, definitely a top-tier fruit when it came to restraining men!

Cretin welcomed the four of them inside, where a few other members of the Revolutionary Army were already seated. Robin sat beside Noir, while Lucci and Blueno stood like sentinels behind them.

With his bodyguards and secretary by his side, Noir felt a bit more confident as he spoke.

Looking at the unfamiliar faces around him, Noir asked, "Is it just us, trying to hijack the Heavenly Tribute?"

Cretin shook her head and explained, "Our small team will infiltrate the fleet transporting the Heavenly Tribute. We're only here to provide support."

"The real work will be done by the Revolutionary Army members outside who will engage directly. Of course, you might also need to lend a hand."

It was a relief to speak with someone so polite.

Noir nodded in satisfaction and asked, "So, what exactly do you need me to do?"

When it came to business, Cretin's expression grew serious as she said, "The ships in the Heavenly Tribute fleet are guarded not only by elite forces from various nations but also by government agents, making it difficult for us to infiltrate."

"We hope to rely on your ability to penetrate the selected ship and replace the entire crew with members of the Revolutionary Army, thereby infiltrating the fleet."

Noir drummed his fingers on the table, frowning. "Won't replacing an entire crew raise suspicions?"

Cretin smiled slightly and said, "Actually, we already have someone on that chosen ship. She will handle the identity arrangements."

Noir was taken aback. What's the point of infiltration if you've already got someone inside?

Seeing his confusion, Cretin continued:

"We could only manage to insert one person, and she couldn't bring any weapons, so she can only assist and support us."

"Moreover, the ship is officially led by government officials, so large-scale actions are impossible."

Noir understood now and nodded.

The infiltrator would support Cretin and her team from the inside, who would then create opportunities for the Revolutionary Army outside to take action.

Did it really need to be this complicated just for a heist?

Noir suddenly remembered the time back in the East Blue. With just one ship, a Green Blade, and Nami's keen sense of smell, Noir hijacked an entire pirate fleet!

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