One Piece : From Slave to Fleet Admiral

The projection Den Den Mushi didn't have particularly expressive features—it just stared blankly at the people before it.

With a "Bruru Bruru" sound, footage of the fire that night appeared on an electronic screen in Monet's hand.

In the footage, the figures of Machvise and Pica appeared strikingly clear amidst the flames and through the night-vision capabilities of the surveillance Den Den Mushi.

To further deepen Katakuri's disdain for the Donquixote Family, Jake deliberately chose to highlight the part of their conversation concerning the Emperor Crews!

In the footage, Machvise asked Pica.

"Pica, both of us were mobilized this time and we even involved an Emperor Crew—all for some brat. Was it really worth it, Young Master decision?"

"We just need to carry out whatever the Young Master decides. Besides, no one noticed our actions this time. And it's just the weakest of them all—the Big Mom Pirates. Even if they find out it was us, what can that fat hag possibly do?"

"Pfft—HAHAHA! True enough. The Young Master is the man who will ultimately become the Pirate King. Anyone who stands in his way is nothing more than a puppet or a pawn on our path to victory—even the Emperor Crews are no exception! Look, that fool Katakuri is heading this way!"

Watching the footage, Katakuri's expression darkened visibly.

Veins bulged like coiling pythons beneath his skin as his voice, thick with suppressed fury, rang out.

"Which faction do those two bastards belong to?!"

In response to Katakuri's question, Jake smiled and answered.

"The Donquixote Family, currently stationed at the northern scrapyard of the country of Flevance. They're captain is none other than—Donquixote Doflamingo!"

"Was that 'brat' they mentioned referring to you?"

Hearing this, Jake didn't answer directly.

Instead, he replied with an indifferent expression, "I don't know the answer to that question, but what I can show you is the truth. Everything was caused by the Donquixote Family. They burned the food in the warehouse and wanted to use your hands to clash with the Marines to achieve their hidden agenda."

Upon hearing this, a peculiar smile appeared on Katakuri's face.

He suppressed the previous ferocity in his expression and simply stared at Jake before asking.

"Can you deliver on what you promised? To be more precise, can you guarantee there will be black truffle cake on the ship at the reef 700 meters north of the town by 7 pm. tonight?"

"I can stake my life on it—you'll definitely get it."

Katakuri sheathed his weapon without another word and turned to leave.

Galette, watching Katakuri about to walk away, wore a puzzled expression and asked.

"Brother, are we just leaving like this? Those two bastards in the footage clearly targetting that Marine named Jake! We were dragged into this! Why should we take all the blame while boosting that brat's reputation?!"

Katakuri merely glanced at her coolly, his pace unwavering.

White liquid-like substance flowed from his body, sweeping up all the unconscious pirates as he replied emotionlessly.

"Galette, the reason is simple. We're pirates. Even after Mama became one of the Four Emperors, we're still just high-ranking pirates. Right now, we have no leverage to negotiate with the government or Marines. Being able to leave safely with the black truffle cake while only losing some reputation is already enough. We've shouldered plenty of infamy—what's a little more?"

"But—Brother Katakuri, I still—"

"Galette! Enough with your stubbornness! Take all these guys and leave. If you stay here any longer, you'll die!"

Hearing Katakuri's slightly angry tone, Galette lowered her head, clenched her teeth, then turned to glare at Jake and roared.

"Damn Marine! Sooner or later, we'll make you pay for this with interest!"

Jake simply smiled in response to Galette's words, then called out to Katakuri's retreating back.

"You're taking this loss pretty well—are you really okay with that?"

"There's no 'okay' or not. The cake matters more than anything. Mama's affairs are our top priority."

Jake nodded, then added.

"My Den Den Mushi number is 37739771. Keep a close eye on news about Flevance in the coming days. If possible, I think you'd be very interested in the underground world's rising star—Joker. Or rather, what pirate would refuse his wealth?"

Katakuri turned his head slightly, his scarf loosening to reveal his menacing mouth as he looked towards Jake's direction.

"I've got it. In return, is there anything else you need me to do?"

Jake smiled brightly.

He took a camera from Monet and then said.

"Let's take a few photos. After all, just letting you leave like this without any real losses would seem too fake. Also, your ship will be attacked soon, but only in non-critical areas. I hope you can accept that. Trust me, what I'll give you later will be far more valuable than a ship."

Katakuri stopped in his tracks, raising his trident, his tone grave as he said.

"I won't be responsible if you get injured during the photoshoot!"

"Wouldn't have it any other way!"

Half an hour later, Galette looked at Katakuri beside her with a hint of complaint in her voice.

"Brother, why do we have to look like we've been defeated by the marines in the photos?"

"Galette, you're complaining too much. Right now, you're the only conscious one on this ship. Hoist the sails—their attack is coming. Also, don't tell Mama about this. Other than you and me, I don't want anyone else to know."

Galette nodded.

As the sails were raised, Kizaru stood in mid-air, a dazzling golden light forming in his hand.

Stirring up trouble while reaping rewards—this was the kind of thing he loved most.

"Yasakani no Magatama!"

Countless glowing orbs streaked past, leaving numerous holes in Katakuri's ship, making its exterior look utterly devastated.