One Piece : From Slave to Fleet Admiral

However, by the seventh use of Healing Prayer, Katakuri opposite him gradually toned down the intensity of his Conqueror's Haki.

The reason was simple.

The reporter team led by Morgans had almost entirely been knocked out by the Haki.

The pirates behind Katakuri and the Marines behind Jake had also mostly collapsed to the ground.

Only a few core members from both sides remained standing.

To prevent the reporters from possibly using equipment or Den Den Mushi to record the events before passing out, Katakuri specifically scanned the area with his Observation Haki.

Only after ensuring there were no issues did he speak to Jake before him.

"No one else will know about this conversation now. You can tell me exactly what you mean."

Watching Katakuri's actions, Galette was bewildered.

Her mind was still reeling from the Conqueror's Haki clash, but she mustered her strength to ask.

"Brother Katakuri, what do you mean? Did you already reach some agreement with him?"

Using his ability to create a sturdy mochi cane, Katakuri handed it to Galette to help steady her before slowly explaining.

"Yesterday, that Marine in front of us sent me a letter. I didn't let you see the contents not because I don't trust you, but because I didn't trust the sender. If he had written false information in the letter, you might have taken reckless actions. I didn't want you to bear that risk, Galette. As your brother, all risks should be mine to bear."

At this point, Katakuri paused slightly, then looked at Galette, whose tears had already begun to flow, and continued softly.

"But even so, I must apologize to you. I'm sorry, Galette, for keeping so much from you and making you suffer through this unnecessary fright."

Seeing Katakuri apologize to her, Galette was so moved she could barely speak through her sobs.

"It's okay, Brother Katakuri! I've caused you to worry too much! I should be the one apologizing to you!"

Hearing Galette's words, a faint blush appeared on Katakuri's cheeks, though he quickly suppressed it.

He deeply cherished his family and receiving their gratitude always made him feel bashful and shy.

"We'll talk more about this after we return safely. Now, Marine Jake, can you tell me everything you have in mind?"

Looking at Katakuri before him, Jake nodded.

He first smiled at T-Bone and Monet behind him, signaling them not to be nervous, then turned back to face Katakuri and replied with a smile.

"First of all, thank you very much for this cooperation and perfectly fulfilling everything you promised in that letter. Given such sincerity from you, Katakuri, it would be unreasonable for us to continue being ungrateful. Let me explain everything step by step."

"The most important issue, and the direct trigger of this conflict, is the fire at the warehouse in Gourmet Town. Presumably, you entered the scene of the fire and saw the situation at the time. Do you think that fire was an accident?"

Hearing Jake's question, Katakuri answered softly.

"Naturally, it was no accident. When I arrived, there were several corpses on the ground. Although they had been burned to charcoal, their lungs showed no traces of smoke inhalation. This proves these people were killed long before the fire started."

"Moreover, the way the mountain path was blocked was also strange—clearly not a normal rockslide. Rocks of that size, if they had fallen from the mountaintop, would have left clear marks.

But after I inspected the area, there wasn't the slightest trace—not even a single bent blade of grass. It's obvious that the boulder was thrown there deliberately and achieving something like that would have been impossible for the villagers alone. Therefore, a third party must have been involved."

"Initially, I suspected this might have been orchestrated by you Marines—an attempt to provoke conflict between us and Gourmet Town. By inciting us to massacre the town in anger, you could then step in, either during or after the incident, to justify declaring war on our pirate crew. In fact, I even assumed that Totto Land would already be swarming with Marine spies."

"And, if I'm not mistaken, that Marine warship anchored outside the island must currently have at least one Vice Admiral or higher-level combatant aboard. They're likely stationed there as a contingency in case I were to take any unexpected actions. Am I right?"

Listening to Katakuri's words, Jake's gaze flickered with surprise and admiration.

Truly worthy of being Big Mom Pirates' commander.

Though his line of reasoning had some flaws, the fundamental logic was impeccable—at least the conclusion was correct.

Jake nodded and said.

"You're absolutely right. There is indeed a combatant of Vice Admiral rank or higher on our warship. If you had shown any unwillingness to cooperate, believe me, none of you would have left here alive today."

At this point, Galette could no longer hold back.

A vein pulsed faintly on her smooth forehead as she raised her voice and roared at Jake.

"What the hell gives you Marines the right to act so arrogant?! If Big Brother Katakuri holds off your so-called elite fighter, I alone can slaughter every last one of you!"

Upon hearing this, Jake merely smiled without saying a word.

A chilling aura erupted from Monet, instantly sweeping across the entire area.

A thin layer of frost immediately enveloped the leaves and flowers.

Katakuri's voice rang out at that moment.

"You can't, Galette. Just dealing with that female Marine with Logia abilities alone is uncertain for you. Step behind me."

"But... alright, Brother Katakuri."

As Galette slowly moved behind Katakuri, Jake's voice finally spoke up again.

"However, what I just described would only happen if you refuse to cooperate with us. Clearly, we're working together quite well now, so I'll reveal the truth about the fire to everyone."

As he spoke, Jake pulled out the special projection Den Den Mushi Franky had given him from his pocket.