Chapter 256: Crocodile Sets Sail
"This ability… not bad!"
Seeing the stats of the Egg-Stealing Dragon, Jiang Qize murmured.
Although its strength was only at Rear Admiral level, each mouse it birthed had 1% of its power—roughly equivalent to the strength of a Marine soldier.
That meant one Egg-Stealing Dragon could produce 600 mice per month, 7,200 mice per year.
If those mice could also reproduce, the numbers would grow exponentially.
"Can the mice you produce reproduce?" he asked the Egg-Stealing Dragon directly.
"Yes, Master," came the sharp response.
Jiang Qize's eyes lit up. A full mouse army could indeed be created.
"Good. When we reach the next island, I'll let you loose to reproduce freely."
"Yes, Master," it replied.
Under Camon's control, the Dragon Flame set sail toward the next island without a specific destination.
…
First Half of the Grand Line
"Boss! Marines ahead!"
Across the vast sea, a massive black warship was speeding toward them.
On the crow's nest, Celine held a book, but her gaze was fixed on the approaching naval vessel.
"Perfect timing. We also need to raise our bounty a bit—we can't lag behind too much," Crocodile said, stepping out from the cabin, his black coat fluttering despite the lack of wind, cigar in hand, eyes surveying everything with disdain.
"Boss, I'll handle them myself."
On the deck, a high-ranking agent, bare-chested, lean and nimble like a monkey, spoke up.
"Fine, go ahead."
Crocodile nodded, clearly acknowledging the agent's strength.
"Yes, Boss!"
A terrifying grin spread across Nongte's face, a glint of bloodlust in his eyes.
His weapons were a pair of spiked daggers.
Then, a pair of two-meter wings unfolded from his back.
Whirr!
He took flight, heading straight toward the Marine ship.
…
On the Marine Ship
A young Rear Admiral, wearing the standard white uniform with a flowing Justice Cape and curly red hair, observed the massive black ship in the distance.
Though the ship was enormous, he didn't recognize it as the ancient weapon Pluton—or even know what Pluton was.
"Rear Admiral Enjie, the pirates are approaching. Shall we fire?" his deputy asked, watching the airborne threat.
Enjie didn't feel concerned. The pirate crew's flag was unfamiliar—a new pirate crew. New crews rarely had much power.
"No need."
Enjie replied calmly.
"Yes, sir!"
The deputy stepped back.
Enjie then raised his hand, extending a single finger.
"Finger Gun: Gale!"
A blurred motion appeared as a sword-shaped energy slash, about one meter long, shot toward Nongte.
Nongte, grinning fiercely, saw the attack arrive instantly. Surprised, he twisted his body sharply.
Slash!
Careless, he was grazed on his wings, blood spraying out.
"Hmph…"
Nongte let out a low grunt, losing control as he fell toward the Marine ship.
The Marines were ready. Soldiers armed with swords and spears surrounded the landing point.
Biting his teeth, Nongte stabilized his body, folding his wings back, and slammed onto the deck.
Bang!
A loud crash echoed.
Crack, crack…
The Marines instantly formed a perimeter around his landing spot.