Karl weighed the newly-acquired passive.
Pretty niche. Not bad, but not amazing either.
If it applied to forests or cities, the boost would be absurd. But deserts? There aren't that many desert regions across the seas, and aside from Arabasta Kingdom, it wouldn't see much use. Still—free power is free power.
He waved dismissively at Crocodile.
"Don't get so worked up. You should count yourself lucky. I didn't come here to pick a fight—if I had, you wouldn't be standing right now."
Crocodile's lips curled into a vicious smile.
"Oh? Big talk for a 'Marine Hero.' You think I'm afraid of you?"
A whirl of sand formed in his palm, spiraling dangerously.
Karl glanced at it once, then spoke coolly:
"The one coming for you isn't me. It's the World Government. I just came to give you a heads-up. Someone will be in touch soon."
In the same breath, Karl drew Raven and thrust. The strike was so fast that Crocodile barely registered it. Before he could even counter, the blade had already been withdrawn.
Karl stepped past him. Behind Crocodile, the wall suddenly collapsed—leaving a clean, human-shaped hole.
Standing in the opening, Karl looked back.
"Nice power. But… tch."
Then he left.
Only then did Crocodile realize his back was soaked in cold sweat, beads of it dripping down his jaw.
"Damn Marines… One day I'll—"
Brrruu… Brrruu…
He glanced at the desk. That Den Den Mushi… it was them.
He picked it up.
"This is Crocodile. What do you want?"
"We've spoken to Karl. He claims everything in Arabasta is your doing. Is that true?"
"Hah. You believe everything he says? Or are you fishing for a reason to strip my title?"
"Relax. We just want a favor…"
As the call went on, Crocodile's expression grew darker.
The royal family of Arabasta… descendants of the founders of the World Government? He'd never heard that before. No wonder the Marines appeared as soon as his plan began.
"What does any of that have to do with me?"
"Whether you're behind the rebellion or not doesn't matter. Our request is simple—make things more chaotic. Put pressure on King Cobra."
"And if I refuse?"
"Crocodile, the position of Warlord isn't exclusive to you. Think carefully."
Click.
Crocodile stared at the Den Den Mushi in silence.
So that's what this was. He was being used as a pawn.
"Guhahaha… hahaha…"
System Notification
Series Mission "Allies Don't Fight Allies (5/7)" Completed.
Reward: Desert Affinity acquired.
With the new trait, Karl immediately felt the change. The heat no longer affected him, and the stat increase—though situational—was very noticeable.
Five percent is huge at my level.
He sighed. "If only it were permanent everywhere."
If only someone like Kuzan were a Warlord—maybe he could unlock an "Arctic Affinity" too.
Back in Tamarisk Port, things went smoothly: board the ship, set sail, return to headquarters.
But on the way, Karl received an unexpected call.
Monkey D. Dragon was finally ready to release the Holy Light Shells and Holy Healing Shells to the public. He invited Karl to attend the auction at the Sabaody Archipelago the next evening.
Karl checked the schedule. Returning to headquarters would take a day anyway—he could disembark at Sabaody along the way.
One Day Later — Sabaody Archipelago
"You all return to HQ for now," Karl told the crew. "I've got business here."
"Understood, sir. Enjoy your time—uh… take care."
Karl nodded and headed straight into the lawless zone.
Compared to his last visit, the place was noticeably more run-down. With the disappearance of so many wealthy patrons, business had clearly taken a hit.
"Sir! Looking to buy a slave? Buy one, get one free! Limited-time deal!"
Karl rubbed his chin.
Right—he was wearing a mask.
"Oh? Slaves not selling well now?"
The peddler sighed.
"Ever since that 'God' Enel attacked Mary Geoise, demand plummeted. The nobles aren't buying anymore!"
"Demand's down?"
"Way down! Back then we couldn't keep up with orders. Now? They eat, they drink, they cost money. Please, sir—help a poor merchant out!"
Karl almost laughed. Losing a few Celestial Dragons caused that big of a shift?
It made sense though. The impact of the attack on Mary Geoise ran deeper than anyone expected. Even the Heavenly Tribute had changed—less money to pamper nobles, more allocated to Marine budgets. No wonder Sengoku had been in such a good mood recently.
And all the underground industries tied to the Celestial Dragons—rare goods, trafficking, contraband—had nearly been cut in half. Even the auctions on Island 1 were struggling.
No buyers. Less harm. Karl's earlier words were proving true.
He drew Raikiri and placed the blade lightly against the man's neck. Then he removed his mask.
"I am Vice Admiral Karl of Marine Headquarters. You are under arrest for human trafficking."
The man froze.
"But… you do have a chance to make up for it."
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