One Piece: Gawain The Knight Of The Sun

Kuro raised an eyebrow, a slight smile forming. "Knew you were too tough to die. But what's with him…?"

He glanced at Gin on Gawain's shoulder, frowning. The ferocity of that fight still lingered, especially Gin's all-in resolve to win, which even Kuro respected.

If Kuro hadn't realized his true heart, the outcome might've been uncertain.

"You know who he is. Saving even an enemy? Gawain, too much mercy won't carry you through the Grand Line or New World."

Gawain gently set Gin down, summoning the ship's doctor to treat his wounds and poison, then turned to Kuro. "He's a pitiful guy."

"Besides, who wouldn't want a crewmate who'd risk their life for their captain, trading one life for another?"

"But with wounds like that, surviving's up to fate."

Kuro paused, then said, "As long as you've thought it through."

"If he wakes up wanting revenge for Krieg, I'll handle him. But you…"

"What?"

"Nothing."

Gawain glanced at Kuro, mentally probing:

[Name: Kuro]

[Potential: Silver]

[Rating: Bronze – Realized true self, awakened Haki, refined techniques!]

As expected.

Kuro's awakened Observation Haki matched Gawain's potential, his combat strength now Bronze. Once healed, he'd jump a tier.

No wonder he was practically radiating confidence, bold enough to challenge the captain publicly.

Gawain smirked inwardly. No problem. A few beatings will fix that.

Can't crush his spirit completely, though, or he'll give up…

With a plan in mind, Gawain set Kuro aside and turned to Gaza. "The Marine fleet's here. We—"

Rapid footsteps interrupted him from outside the manor.

Smoker's Marines approached, carrying an oppressive air of an impending storm.

A guard rushed in, panicked. "Lord Gaza, the Marines have surrounded us! Led by a white-haired man who looks dangerous. What do we do?"

Gaza frowned. "This shouldn't be happening. They dare act without a warrant?"

Molly glanced at Gawain's crew, her face serious. "Princess, we must be cautious. If they force their way in…"

"Don't panic. I'll handle it," Gaza said, patting Molly's shoulder and nodding to Gawain before heading to the door.

"Wait," Gawain interjected. "That guy's reckless. To prevent him from targeting you directly, I'll stay close."

He knew Smoker's style well—a man who'd defy superiors and skip promotion ceremonies wouldn't care for Marine regulations.

If Smoker got hold of Gaza, they'd be at his mercy.

"Alright," Gaza agreed, having Gawain don guard armor to conceal his face. He handed Wado Ichimonji to Kuro, grabbed a standard sword, and followed her.

…

Creak!

The manor doors opened.

Smoker's stern face confronted Gaza, backed by armed Marines radiating tension.

Gaza swallowed hard. "What can I do for you, Marine?"

Smoker, expressionless, said, "We're hunting a pirate crew. We've searched the entire city—only this manor remains."

"There are no pirates here," Gaza replied, shaking her head. "Look elsewhere."

Smoker's brow furrowed.

They'd scoured every corner of the island without a trace of Gawain's crew. A group of dozens couldn't vanish. Gaza's attitude only confirmed his suspicions—they were here.

His tone hardened. "Don't make this difficult…"

Click!

The Marines raised their rifles, barrels encircling them.

Gaza, calming, stared coldly at Smoker. "So this is Marine justice? Fleeing from pirates, then pointing guns at civilians? Or extorting wealth under the guise of building bases?!"

"I…" Smoker faltered, cursing corrupt Marines inwardly but pressing on. "I'll report those incidents to Headquarters and deal with the culprits."

"But now," he said, "you'd better understand what you're doing and the price you'll pay."

He drew his jutte, his gaze icy. "Don't force my hand!"

His fierce aura pressed down like a mountain.

Gaza felt goosebumps, her legs weakening, nearly collapsing.

A strong hand steadied her shoulder, dispelling the pressure.

Gawain stepped forward, shielding Gaza, and said coldly, "Do you know what you're doing?"

"Without a warrant, even Marines can't barge into a World Government ally's manor. That's the agreement."

"Are you defying it?"

"If necessary," Smoker replied, unwavering.

As time passed, he grew certain that letting Knight Gawain escape would make capturing him later nearly impossible.

"Even if I lose this uniform, catching him makes it worth it."

"And…" Smoker frowned at the guard, sensing a dangerous aura.

If such a person existed here, how could Krieg's crew invade so easily?

Unless…

"Who are you?!"

Gawain gripped his sword, ready to fight.

Gaza cut in, "Just a manor guard."

"No guard has eyes like that," Smoker said, his voice sharp. "Who are you—!"

A small stone flew into his view.

Smoker crushed it, turning to see a tearful girl and a crowd of angry port residents.

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