One Piece: My Uncle Is Kizaru

"The naval forces have issues?"

"What makes you say that?"

The atmosphere on the other end of the Den Den Mushi suddenly became tense.

Inside the captain's cabin, Kyle took a moment to organize his thoughts before speaking.

"First, according to my investigations, the East Blue hasn't produced any outstanding naval soldiers in nearly a decade!"

"Although the East Blue has always been known as the weakest sea, I refuse to believe that a region that birthed the Pirate King Roger and Vice Admiral Garp could truly be 'weak'!"

"The pirate forces are weak because, during the execution of Pirate King Roger, the navy went to great lengths to eradicate the pirate foundations in the East Blue."

"Since then, it's been rare to see any notable pirate figures emerge from the East Blue."

"But!"

Kyle's tone suddenly shifted, introducing a dramatic turn.

His voice lowered, making it seem like he was about to deliver some heavy news.

"Twenty years ago, the navy only targeted pirate forces. So why is it that now, even talented naval recruits are hard to come by!?"

"....."

Silence came from the other end of the Den Den Mushi.

But if you listened closely, you could hear the increasingly heavy breathing amidst the silence.

"Continue..."

The Den Den Mushi, mimicking Fleet Admiral Sengoku's expression, now looked serious.

Clearly, Kyle's words had made him realize the severity of the situation.

This issue was far more serious than any mysterious arms-dealing organization.

Seeing that Sengoku's emotions had been sufficiently stirred, Kyle got straight to the point, speaking in a low voice:

"I suspect that someone is deliberately cutting off the paths of young people who genuinely want to contribute to the navy and the people!"

"After arriving in the East Blue, I started thinking..."

"The cannonballs being sold in the East Blue's pirate circles can't be priced too high."

"Those selling the cannonballs aren't running a charity; they're not doing it for free."

"So... just how powerful can these cannonballs be!?"

"The navy's new warships are now equipped with the latest military materials from the research division. Even a sea king's attack can't scratch them."

"Logically, the warships in the East Blue, while not on par with the top-tier ones, shouldn't be as weak as ordinary civilian ships."

"Could it be that the scientists in the navy's research division, working day and night, have produced results inferior to some unknown figure in the East Blue!?"

"That's clearly impossible!"

"So I believe the problem lies in the intelligence you provided..."

Kyle paused, then explained:

"Of course, I'm not saying your intelligence is wrong, but it's clear that the person who reported the situation didn't conduct a thorough investigation."

"I believe the powerful cannonballs are real, and the damaged warship is real, but the damaged warship might not be what we think it is!"

Sengoku pondered for a moment:

"Are you saying someone used the funds meant for navy warships to buy civilian ships and pocketed the difference?"

"Exactly, Fleet Admiral."

Kyle spoke gravely:

"The subsidy for a standard navy warship is often 3-5 times that of a civilian ship."

"And the difference is enough to tempt people into taking risks."

"For the past 20 years, the East Blue navy hasn't needed to constantly upgrade weapons or build more ships to suppress pirates, unlike other regions."

"Yet the subsidies they receive are similar to those in other regions."

"Over time, it's natural for someone to eye those surplus funds."

"Human nature is greedy!"

"The East Blue has been peaceful for 20 years, and the navy has suppressed pirates for 20 years!"

"Without the threat of pirates, those in charge of military power and authority have instead become the new threat!"

"Considering that collusion between officials and bandits has existed since ancient times..."

"It's even possible that some navy personnel have teamed up with pirates to oppress civilians, deceiving their superiors and becoming local tyrants!"

"At the same time, to prevent their actions from being discovered, they would frame those truly talented and responsible naval soldiers."

"After all, the casualty rates in the East Blue navy aren't much lower than in other regions."

"....."

"....."

After listening to Kyle's report, Sengoku fell silent.

Some things weren't beyond his consideration, but he hadn't expected the situation to be this severe.

This was a universal truth, applicable in any world.

Of course, what surprised him even more was...

Kyle, who had just arrived in the East Blue, could deduce so much from just a few pieces of intelligence.

Originally, he had only valued Kyle's background, believing him to be someone trustworthy...

But he hadn't expected Kyle to deliver such a significant revelation.

Sengoku took the initiative to ask, "What do you think we should do next?"

Kyle dragged out his words, pretending to think.

"At the moment, I don't have a clear target."

"After all, this is all just speculation for now."

"But I plan to use the name of the Twilight Pirates to test a few naval bases in the East Blue."

"The commotion I caused in Roguetown should have already spread my name across the East Blue."

"No one will doubt my identity as a pirate."

"From the way these naval bases treat pirates, we can see who is genuinely doing their job and who is just muddling along."

"I can't think of a more suitable method than this!"

At Navy Headquarters, Fleet Admiral Sengoku nodded in agreement.

"Yes, that's a good approach."

Then he slammed his fist on the table and said to the Den Den Mushi:

"Alright, it's decided then!"

"Agent Kyle, your previous mission is temporarily canceled. From now on, you will investigate the corruption and embezzlement within the East Blue navy!"

"If you need anything, feel free to ask. Navy Headquarters will always be your strongest support!"

"With your assurance, I feel much more at ease."

Kyle grinned, then hesitated for a moment before feigning concern:

"But speaking of support, I do have a small request."

"Speak freely!"

Sitting in his admiral's chair, Sengoku waved his hand.

Since he had recognized Kyle as a promising talent, he naturally wouldn't be stingy.

Soon, Kyle made his request:

"I need your special permission!"

"Since I'm posing as a pirate, the Twilight Pirates will inevitably recruit people who want to become pirates or are already pirates..."

"To facilitate the execution of future missions, I hope to be granted some level of pardoning authority, or even the right to recruit navy soldiers..."

"This way, these people can work with me on intelligence missions without worrying about the consequences."

Kyle's idea was simple.

With an admiral as his uncle, he didn't have to worry too much.

But his future crewmates couldn't live their entire lives under the identity of pirates.

They needed to be officially enlisted!

"....."

Hearing Kyle's request, Sengoku pondered for a moment before nodding in agreement.

"Alright, that's a practical issue. I approve your request."

"If their contributions to the navy are significant enough, I might even grant them some military ranks!"

"Later, I'll discuss with Vice Admiral Tsuru how to calculate your merits."

"That would be great."

Kyle smiled in response.

He wasn't surprised by Sengoku's answer.

Having watched the anime, he knew that in the world of pirates, the line between navy and pirate was quite flexible.

With the right methods, a pirate could become a navy soldier.

Pressing his advantage, Kyle made his second request.

"One more thing, Fleet Admiral."

"Running a pirate crew requires funds, but since we're not real pirates, we can't rob civilians."

"So I hope you can authorize that if we discover any naval bases engaging in the activities I mentioned earlier..."

"Allow us to raid those naval bases to replenish the pirate crew's funds!"

"This way, we can both fund the crew and boost the reputation of the Twilight Pirates, giving us more influence in the underground world!"

With a system that devoured money, Kyle's desire for wealth was immense.

Asking the navy directly for funds would be too restrictive, so he decided to take the initiative.

Since the money was embezzled anyway, he was confident Sengoku wouldn't refuse.

Sure enough, after only a brief hesitation, Sengoku agreed to Kyle's second request.

This was no small authority.

After all, no one could guarantee they would remain incorruptible forever.

But fortunately, Kyle had an admiral uncle to vouch for him.

"Thank you for your trust, Fleet Admiral."

"I have one last request..."

Kyle finally turned his gaze to Tashigi, who was sitting across from him, completely stunned, and smiled.

"Earlier, I kidnapped a navy officer in Roguetown, and now I'm being pursued by Captain Smoker of Roguetown."

"Actually, this is also part of my plan."

Of course, this wasn't part of his plan.

If possible, Kyle would have preferred to quietly kidnap Tashigi.

But since things had come to this, he had to make the best of it.

"Here's the thing..."

"The Twilight Pirates are, after all, a pirate crew. We can only test and punish, but the follow-up investigations and organizational work will require manpower."

"So I deliberately provoked Captain Smoker, giving him a reason to pursue me at sea."

"This way, if I uncover anything during my investigations, I can have Captain Smoker step in and, under the navy's authority, conduct searches and arrests of those involved in corruption and bribery!"

"Captain Smoker is strong and justice-oriented, but he's also too proud."

"This is a good opportunity to show him the true state of the East Blue navy under his watch..."

"I'm sure this journey will leave a lasting impression on him."

"Smoker? I didn't expect you to think so far ahead."

Sengoku's voice was grave:

"When I sent him to the East Blue, it was to help him work on his flaws."

"He does need to get out and see the world."

"You've thought this through very thoroughly. It seems you're well-suited for this job, Kyle."

"Thank you for your praise."

Kyle chuckled, then casually brought up:

"Oh, by the way, Fleet Admiral."

"Speaking of Roguetown, the navy officer I kidnapped is right here with me, and she already knows my identity..."

"So I was thinking, why not have her join the Twilight Pirates and work with me on intelligence missions? What do you think?"

The long-winded plan had finally reached its conclusion.

This was Kyle's strategy to make Tashigi join the pirate crew without any possibility of refusal!

Using the Fleet Admiral's own words to order her to become a pirate.

"She already knows your identity?"

Sengoku sounded puzzled, unable to understand why the usually sharp Kyle would make such a rookie mistake.

But since things had come to this, there was nothing more to say.

Letting someone who knew Kyle's true identity roam free was undoubtedly dangerous.

Even if that person was a navy soldier!

Sengoku ordered, "Let that soldier take the call..."

"Alright."

Kyle smirked and handed the receiver over.

"Tashigi, the Fleet Admiral wants to speak with you."

"Hello."

Suddenly, Fleet Admiral Sengoku's voice came through the receiver.

The still-dazed Tashigi's pupils constricted.

In her confusion, she hadn't expected the Fleet Admiral to suddenly speak to her.

She quickly stood up in a panic and saluted the Den Den Mushi.

"Y-Yes! Fleet Admiral!"

"Hmm?"

Hearing a girl's voice from the Den Den Mushi, Sengoku was momentarily stunned.

But then, as if realizing something, a glint of curiosity flashed in his eyes.

This kid Kyle, could it be...?

My gossipy heart is starting to race~!

Sengoku coughed lightly and spoke into the receiver:

"You heard the conversation between Kyle and me earlier, right?"

"Y-Yes, I did..."

Tashigi answered timidly.

"Good."

Sengoku nodded and asked:

"In that case, would you be willing to join the navy's intelligence agency and assist Kyle in his mission?"

"I..."

The bewildered Tashigi hadn't fully processed what was happening and hesitated.

At that moment, Kyle suddenly coughed lightly, leaned in close to her ear, and whispered:

"Intelligence work is highly confidential. Now that you know my identity, if you refuse..."

"Our future operations will be very difficult..."

After giving her a threatening look, Kyle slowly straightened up, wearing a kind smile.

But to Tashigi, that smile looked more like the grin of a devil!

Although Kyle hadn't said much, Tashigi's mind involuntarily conjured up images of herself being tied up and tormented by Kyle if she refused.

Instantly, a cold sweat broke out on her forehead.

She choked back a sob and said with a hint of tears:

"I... I agree!

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