Chapter 27: Chapter 26
Chapter 26: Rampant Pirates
Following the confrontation with this group of pirates, Bruch commandeered a warship and proceeded to the naval station located in this region.
Haikou Branch—
Bruch stood on the deck, his hands positioned in his trouser pockets, and his wine-colored eyes displayed an unresolved solemnity.
He gazed intently at the distant sea.
A feeling of restlessness enveloped him today, one that he could not alleviate regardless of his efforts.
"There is an issue with the Seventh Channel. "
Approximately an hour into their journey, another pirate vessel entered Bruch's line of sight and gradually approached their location.
The pirate ship was modest in size, green in color, and measured around ten meters in length, categorizing it as a small pirate ship.
"Could it be? Have I inadvertently entered a pirate's territory? "
Bruch lowered the telescope he had been using, his brow furrowed.
In a brief period, he encountered three separate waves of pirates.
Even in the New World, such frequency was unusual.
However, this only intensified his unease; something was definitely amiss.
"Adjutant, engage that pirate ship. "
The adjutant hurriedly rushed to the war room and directed the soldiers to load the cannonballs.
"Fire! "
The artillery discharged in unison, with over twenty cannons targeting the pirate ship simultaneously.
Boom boom boom!
The reverberation of explosions was heard, accompanied by the screams emanating from the pirate vessel.
The relatively small pirate ship was quickly obliterated by the gunfire, its remnants scattering across the ocean.
"Do these pirates not know how to resist? "
He observed a few surviving pirates clinging to floating wooden planks, panting heavily and glancing at the warship in terror.
Upon Bruch's command, the adjutant, along with several soldiers in a small boat, proceeded to apprehend the remaining pirates.
Four pirates were captured in total, and the adjutant forced them to kneel by kicking them on the knees one after another.
"Spare our lives! Please spare us, Lord Marine. "
As the soldiers brought forth a chair, Bruch seated himself and regarded the four pirates with a chilling gaze, inquiring:
"Why didn't you attempt to flee upon seeing the navy? "
This was the inquiry weighing most heavily on his mind, shared by the naval crew aboard the warship.
Typically, when encountering the navy, timid pirates would flee, while the more courageous might engage in a confrontation with the navy.
Yet these pirates behaved differently, remaining passive and even approaching the navy with intent, as though they were civilians rather than pirates.
Among the four captives, one pirate had notably long beard and narrow eyes. He was adorned with a purple turban and regarded Bruch with a menacing glare.
"Marine, do you understand the implications of your actions? Are you attempting to violate the regulations of this Seventh Channel? "
At that moment, the adjutant presented a wanted notice.
The green-haired pirates?
Is there another individual with the same name? Bruch examined the wanted poster he held, taken aback.
The captain possesses a beard and is a sharpshooter, with a bounty of 12 million beli.
Such a weakling.
Bruch smirked and subsequently handed the bounty notice to the adjutant.
He stood up and approached the bearded pirate.
He positioned the sword sheath of Kitetsu against his bearded neck, his gaze becoming somewhat frigid.
"What are you stating? "
The Bearded pirate sensed that his shoulders were on the verge of being crushed, particularly when meeting the marine captain's gaze, which conveyed the impression of facing the Grim Reaper.
A sudden fear overcame him. He quickly asserted:
"Master Marine, this was your agreement. Provided we do not cause any disturbances, we will be permitted to travel to the Grand Line from this location without issue. "
Having been intimidated by Bruch, he promptly disclosed all pertinent information.
It became evident that the head of the local navy branch had been replaced just a year prior.
Following his ascent, he made sweeping alterations to policies, imprisoning those who opposed him within branch jails, including the former branch chief.
Additionally, he instituted a new regulation.
This stipulated that all pirates could access the Grand Line via the Seventh Channel.
However, a substantial fee in berries was required.
This regulation has gained increasing traction within the South blue Sea pirate community, leading to a surge in the number of pirates in the area.
Ultimately, the sole route to the Grand Line remains free of naval interference.
Upon payment of the requisite berries, they may even receive support from the navy, further delighting the pirates.
Upon receiving this information, Bruch was nearly apoplectic with anger.
It made sense why those two pirate crews had appeared to view the navy as their savior.
So that was the case
"What is the name of that branch chief? "
Bruch inquired after re-sheathing his sword.
He pondered momentarily before responding, " Fisillo Disiel. "
Upon receiving the desired information, Bruch gestured for the adjutant to take the four individuals into custody.
After all, he is not a pirate responsible for numerous heinous acts.
It would be beneficial for him to be incarcerated for some reflection. He is not of the kind that revels in senseless violence.
Bruch produced his phone, contemplated briefly, and then dialed a number.
Brubru~
In the Fleet's office, the phone rang.
"Hello? "
Upon hearing the familiar voice on the line, Bruch inquired:
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, are you acquainted with the branch captain of the Seventh Channel, Fisillo Disiel? "
"What? Isn't the captain of the Seventh Channel Alec Donando? Who is this Fisillo Disiel? "
Bruch paused for a moment before terminating the call.
This Fisillo Disiel does not appear to be registered with headquarters, indicating that he is not a proper marine, perhaps he not even one.
Considering it from this perspective, the situation becomes increasingly perplexing.
Disregard that; arrive early at the marine branch of the Seventh Channel, and I will acquire all the necessary information.
As the sun begins to set.
They ultimately reached the Haikou branch, which was unlike the branches they typically encountered.
There were no sentinels stationed at this branch, and the entrance was barred. No individuals were visible.
Bruch advanced with a contingent of marines and opened the door.
He heard a cacophony of shouts emanating from within.
"Drink! "
"Force this little wretch to speak! "
"Hahaha! "
Veins bulged on his forehead, Bruch chose to remain silent.
As he approached the source of the noise, his footsteps grew increasingly pronounced.
The situation here may be more dire than he had anticipated.
Boom!
With a thunderous crash, the door was violently kicked open by Bruch, sending it several meters away.
Dust billowed into the air.
"Who is it? "
"Are you not aware that this is Marine territory? Are you seeking trouble? "
A few unruly soldiers clad in navy uniforms staggered forward, clearly intoxicated.
As the smoke cleared, Bruch and his group came into view.
The soldiers examined their attire, noting that they were of the same navy, and then looked at Bruch's rank.
A hint of mockery quickly appeared.
"Kid, you will be accused of impersonating a marine officer. "
At this moment, Bruch was overwhelmed by a surge of irritation. He moved forward and forcefully kicked the marines aside.
After landing and rolling over several times, they lay unconscious and motionless.
Upon gaining a clearer view of the conditions inside, his anger intensified.
***
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