Chapter 74: Surprised!

A pair of polished black leather shoes stepped into the castle.

Kuro, tense with anticipation, unsheathed his weapon—ten razor-sharp blades known as the "Cat's Claw."

Using the reflection from the blades, he swiftly scanned the surroundings, ensuring everything was clear.

"All clear, you can come up!"

After confirming the area was safe, he signaled to a distant rooftop with a wave of his Cat's Claw.

Soon, a sleek, purple silhouette—a cat—descended from the sky, landing gracefully beside Kuro. Attached to it was a rope, with the exhausted hypnotist Jango from the other end.

The two quickly slipped into the castle.

"Let's find the treasure room first. Stay hidden; we can't afford to be discovered."

Kuro glanced at Purrloin and Zango before swiftly moving deeper into the palace.

Meanwhile, in the palace's rear chamber, King Wilson and Tobul were seated at a table. They were using a den-den mushi to communicate with the guard captain for updates, all while enjoying wine and snacks.

Two graceful maids, dressed in translucent silk, attended them.

"Lord Tobul, it's incredible how humans can train their bodies to be as strong as steel... Is everyone in your organization as powerful as you?" Wilson, no longer carrying the dignity of a king, stood up and respectfully toasted Tobul, more like a subordinate than a ruler.

Wilson had done too many terrible things. While he could usually pretend not to care about Tobul's presence, the fact that the assassin was still at large made him uneasy. He felt secure only with this powerful bodyguard around.

Tobul, noticing Wilson's anxiety, decided to humor him. He raised his glass, clearly enjoying Wilson's flattery, but a hint of disdain flickered in his eyes as he boasted, "Of course not."

"In CP3, many can master two techniques, but I, Tobul, am the only one who knows all six! Otherwise, why would Lord Derkaz trust me with such an important mission?"

Wilson nodded eagerly, adopting a fawning expression. But Tobul's bragging stirred a flicker of curiosity in Wilson. His eyes darted mischievously as he asked, "Lord Tobul, since you're so powerful, why don't you give us a demonstration?"

With that, he signaled to the maids flanking Tobul, who instantly understood. They pressed their soft bodies against Tobul, their perfume wafting around him as they whispered seductively:

"Yes, Lord Tobul, we'd love to see it too!"

"Lord Tobul, your body feels so strong. I can't stop touching it…"

"Alright then! I'll show you!" Tobul, his male ego fueled by the alcohol, grinned widely. He reached out to grope the maids breast before pulling out a musket from his waist. Standing up abruptly, he declared, "Watch closely, and don't blink!"

He aimed the musket at his chest, flashing a confident smile at Wilson.

In a burst of smoke and noise, Wilson sprang to his feet in shock, his heart racing. Although he'd been somewhat prepared, the sight of someone shooting themselves was still terrifying.

But on the other side of the table, Tobul's wild laughter rang out:

"Hahaha, you look so foolish!"

"With my [Iron Body], the world's strongest defense technique, what could possibly happen?"

Lowering the musket, Tobul beamed with pride.

Applause erupted from Wilson, who was thoroughly impressed.

"Amazing! Simply amazing!"

"I never imagined such powerful people existed! Lord Tobul, your presence alone leaves me, the king, in awe!"

Wilson's eyes sparkled with admiration. The stronger Tobul was, the safer Wilson felt. Encouraged by this display, Wilson, now in high spirits, continued, "Lord Tobul, didn't you say you have an even more powerful technique? Could you show us that as well?"

"Hm?" Tobul took a sip of wine and smiled. "You mean [Shave]?"

"Yes…but this place is too cramped. You wouldn't be able to perform it here."

Tobul, eager to showcase his abilities, nodded in agreement. Wilson clapped his hands with glee.

"No problem! We can head to the treasure room; there's plenty of space there for you to display your skills!"

"Alright!" Tobul grinned. "Let's go!"

…

With soft thuds, Nami and Carina released their hold, leaping from Butterfree's back and landing in the castle. Although they had assessed the area from the air, their expressions immediately grew wary upon touching the ground.

"Nami, stick to the plan..."

"Let's head to King Wilson's palace first and gather evidence of their slave trading."

After scanning the surroundings, Carina whispered to Nami.

Given their current strength, their options were limited, and enlisting outside help was their best bet. Nami and Carina intended to collect evidence of the king's abduction of his citizens and then spread the information to the army and the populace, sparking resistance against the Wilson royal family's evil deeds.

As they moved through the palace, Nami muttered to herself, "Celestial Dragons…"

In the pirate world, anyone who had read even a little history knew the significance of the "Celestial Dragons." These so-called "gods" were descendants of the twenty kings who had overthrown the great kingdom 800 years ago, saving the world in the process. They were the true rulers of this world.

But now, these rulers treated their subjects like livestock, behaving no better than the Arlong Pirates.

"First the pirates, then the navy, and now the Celestial Dragons. What's wrong with this world?"

Despite everything she had experienced, Nami still couldn't come to terms with how dark her world had become, especially after witnessing the peace of the Pokémon's dream world. 

This only strengthened her resolve. After resurrecting Bell-mère, she would work hard to trade and eventually take her family to a peaceful place where they could live a quiet life. 

Nami, disillusioned with the world, silently vowed to herself.

But just then...

A loud crash came from nearby.

BANG!

Suddenly, cracks formed on the castle wall beside Nami, as if struck by a giant hammer.

"What's happening?"

Nami and Carina froze, confusion etched on their faces.

Before they could fully process what was happening, another loud crash echoed from the wall.

A voice then rang out:

"You filthy beast, die!"

BOOM! 

With a tremendous force, the already cracked wall shattered.

"Nyaaro!"

With a sharp cry, a purple figure was flung through the wall, crashing into the wall behind Nami and Carina, leaving a gaping hole that revealed the scene on the other side.

Two men in suits stood facing each other, weapons drawn—one wielding spiked knuckles and the other the ten-bladed Cat's Claw.

Their eyes widened in surprise upon seeing Nami and Carina, clearly not expecting anyone to be on the other side of the wall.

Kuro was the first to recover. He quickly shouted, "Are you alright, Purrloin!?"

"Nyaa! (Do you think you can hurt me with that weak attack? You're far from it!)"

From the shattered wall behind Nami, Purrloin, who had been embedded in the wall, leaped out. Its fur was no longer as sleek as before, but its bright eyes were filled with determination as it glared at Kuro's opponent.

"Nyaaroo! (Let's keep fighting, you foolish idiot!!!)"

(End of this chapter)