"Luo Lan, how do you even know all this?"
After hearing everything that had happened a year ago, Hina's expression twisted into one of disbelief.
It was just too...
Even if it was all true, how could Luo Lan possibly know any of it?
"The Intelligence Division dug it up not long ago!"
"Intelligence Division?"
"Yeah! At least in the East Blue, our 157th Branch's Intelligence Division is top-tier, okay?"
Luo Lan puffed up proudly, speaking with absolute seriousness.
Thank goodness Ian wasn't here—otherwise he'd be ripping Luo Lan apart with sarcastic remarks.
No...
Our Intelligence Division isn't that good.
And we definitely didn't know a thing about this Kuro business!
Captain, are you just using me as your scapegoat again?
"I still don't understand something," Hina said with a frown. "If Morgan was so useless, and Kuro was only promoted to Ensign after that incident..."
"Then how on earth did he climb from Ensign all the way up to Colonel in less than a year?"
"That's five full ranks! Five!"
Exactly. That was the biggest question.
Before the Kuro incident, he was barely a Third-Class Seaman.
Even with a special promotion to Ensign, how could he have reached Cwptain in under a year?
That kind of advancement required an overwhelming amount of military merit…
"Honestly, I don't understand that either," Luo Lan replied, shaking his head.
According to the original source, Morgan kept earning major achievements and climbed the ranks rapidly.
But honestly, that explanation didn't make much sense.
The guy's basic strength was mediocre at best.
How could a weak Marine earn so much merit? What, by sweet-talking pirates into surrendering?
"There's something even you don't know? Now I'm shocked!"
"I really don't. But I do have a theory. Want to hear it?"
"Of course!"
Hina's curiosity piqued. If even Luo Lan had to guess, then this must be something serious.
"If I were Kuro, and knowing that Syrup Village was under the jurisdiction of the 153rd Branch, and I had Jango's hypnosis ability…"
"Trust me—I would have squeezed every last drop of value out of Morgan."
"First, I'd implant a hypnotic suggestion in him to become obsessed with gaining strength and taking over the 153rd Branch. Then I'd add another—a subconscious belief that he is the king of that branch."
"This way, even if something in my plan goes wrong later, I can always use leverage to control Morgan and make him cooperate."
"After all, isn't Kuro himself Morgan's biggest secret?"
Hiss…
Hina took a sharp breath.
Thank goodness…
Thank goodness this guy is on our side!
But now that Luo Lan said it like that, it did sound plausible. Maybe Kuro really had planned that far ahead.
Smart people…
The smarter they are, the more dangerous they become!
"Understood. I'll handle the follow-up on this case," Hina said. "As for the three people you wanted—they're still recovering in the 153rd Branch. How about we swing by Syrup Village first, then collect them on the way back?"
Luo Lan nodded in agreement. He had no objections.
---
Grand Line — Marine Headquarters, Marineford
In the office of the Fleet Admiral.
Knock knock knock…
"Come in!"
"Fleet Admiral!"
A Marine holding a folder stepped into the room.
"What is it?"
"This is a report just received from Captain Hina. It was originally meant for Vice Admiral Val, but since he's been dismissed…"
"Mm. Leave it on my desk."
"Yes, Admiral Sengoku!"
The Marine saluted sharply, stepped forward, placed the file on the desk, and exited.
"Hina went out to the 157th Branch. What could possibly be going on now?"
Once the Marine had left, Sengoku opened the file and began reading.
A few minutes later—
BANG!!!
A thunderous crash erupted from within the office.
The Marine outside jumped in fright.
Inside, Sengoku was fuming, his face dark with fury.
"The mess with the 16th Branch isn't even cleaned up yet, and now the 153rd is involved too?"
"Kuro… I remember him. Tsuru warned me back then—said he was far too smart and could pose a future threat to the Navy. She wanted to send someone from Headquarters to handle him."
"But then he got captured by a random Marine from the 153rd Branch. I thought Tsuru was just being paranoid..."
"But now—now it's clear…"
"We were all deceived!"
Sengoku grabbed the Den Den Mushi and slammed it down.
Purupurupuru… click!
"This is Sengoku!"
"Send a direct order to Hina—she now has full authority to deal with Kuro. I want him brought in alive, and if not…"
"Then I want his corpse!"
"Also, isn't Garp on vacation in East Blue? Have him swing by the 153rd Branch and bring Morgan back with him!"
Sengoku didn't even give the person on the other end a chance to speak—he issued his orders and hung up at once.
---
Syrup Village — Shoreline
Kuro stood quietly, dressed in his black butler uniform.
He lifted his right hand and adjusted his glasses with practiced elegance.
It had been over half a year since he dealt with Kaya's parents.
If not for the suspicious timing—three family members dying within a single year—he would've long since ended Kaya's life, without anyone ever suspecting a thing.
Still, caution was paramount. Waiting two or three more years would be the smarter move.
As for the 153rd Branch, his plans had gone perfectly.
Soon, Morgan would take complete control, wielding absolute fear over his subordinates…
And then, everything would fall into place.
A quiet, peaceful life—respected and undisturbed…
It was just within reach.
"Klahadore!!"
A weak voice suddenly called from behind him.
The girl's voice sounded frail, as if she barely had the strength to stand.
Kuro turned slowly.
The cold, calculating expression from before vanished.
In its place was the gentle, caring face of a loyal servant.
"Miss Kaya, your health is fragile. You shouldn't be out here!"
"Klahadore, here!"
Kaya held something behind her back, then brought it forward—a beautifully wrapped gift box.
"Miss Kaya, this is…"
"Did you forget? Today's your birthday!"
"My... birthday? Miss Kaya..."
Kuro's eyes shimmered, as if touched.
"Come on, let's go back. I had Merry prepare a special dinner—cough… cough cough!"
Mid-sentence, Kaya broke into a violent coughing fit.
Kuro immediately turned and carried her on his back, heading toward the village.
But what Kaya couldn't see…
Was the twisted, sinister expression that had returned to Kuro's face.
---
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