Chapter 260: The Return of the Acting Monkey

Kizaru almost choked twice on Adrian's short sentence.

First, there was that inexplicable, malicious nickname—let's not even talk about that for now.

But the second part, coming from the mouth of White Ghost, just sounded so strange.

For all the years I've been in the Navy, have I ever not worked hard, earning my pay diligently and with integrity?

The last time I managed to get some paid leave, it was only because of the severe injuries caused by your bizarre abilities!

Seeing Kizaru remain silent for a long time, Adrian gestured to Tommy to lead the people away.

Then, as if greeting an old friend he hadn't seen in years, Adrian smiled and spoke to Kizaru.

"Vice Admiral Kizaru, long time no see! Now that you're in the West Blue, did the Navy Headquarters make sure you're getting paid?"

An odd glint flashed in Kizaru's eyes beneath his sunglasses.

"Well, speaking of that, the Navy's pay is quite good…"

The middle-aged "acting monkey" spoke in his peculiar, perverted tone, dragging out his words.

"White Ghost, are you interested in joining the Navy?"

Adrian squinted slightly.

"Can I still join the Navy?"

While responding casually, Adrian was also calculating quickly in his mind.

This old acting monkey can't possibly have forgotten what happened at the Sabaody Archipelago.

Moreover, the Demon-Slaying Order incident in Ohara earlier this year was so sensational.

Kizaru must know that he alone cannot stop me!

Even with the speed of the Pika Pika no Mi, he's no match for me in a direct confrontation!

So, it's likely he has backup!

Who could it be…

Who from Navy Headquarters could be deployed freely…

"Of course you can~"

Kizaru didn't pay attention to the small West Blue gang gradually leaving.

Though he was a Vice Admiral of Navy Headquarters, Kizaru had his own sense of justice.

For these gang members ruling a small area in the West Blue, he would just turn a blind eye, depending on his mood.

Moreover.

Before heading to the West Blue, Kizaru had carefully reviewed the Razor Gang's information.

He knew very well that this gang wasn't composed of vile scum.

In fact, most of the time, the Razor Gang acted as local enforcers under the guise of a gang, more dedicated than even the branch Navy!

Kizaru suppressed irrelevant thoughts and continued to stall.

"Even a gang leader—"

Adrian interrupted, "I'm not a gang member; I'm just a 'Pirate'."

"Okay, though you're a very scary pirate~"

Kizaru smoothly adjusted his tone to a perverted one.

"But even pirates can join the Navy!"

That's true.

The vast Navy is filled with people from various backgrounds.

Not only those recruited through world conscription.

There are also reformed pirates.

And even young Celestial Dragons expelled from Mary Geoise!

For example, in the original story.

Tina recruited Jango as a subordinate.

Jango, the captain of the Black Cat Pirates with a bounty of 9 million Berries, was a notable figure in the East Blue.

Though before Tina recruited him, he had already been acquitted by the highest judge of the Navy Headquarters' court…

Seeing that White Ghost was still interested in talking, Kizaru intended to share more examples of reformed pirates to continue stalling.

But then he heard White Ghost suddenly say.

"The Fleet Admiral won't move, so which Admiral came with you to the West Blue? Sengoku, Garp, or Zephyr, who's been training recruits for ten years?"

"As the current Admiral, Sengoku wouldn't easily go on an external mission; Zephyr has been disheartened by family matters and hasn't taken action for over a decade…"

"So, it's Monkey D. Garp, right?"

Kizaru's pupils shrank slightly under his sunglasses, and he let out a dry laugh.

"Hehehe… what are you talking about, White Ghost? Throwing around names like Headquarters Admirals, isn't that a bit too scary?"

"Seems like my guess is pretty close!"

Adrian watched Kizaru's poor acting and secretly scoffed.

"Looks like there's no more time to delay~"

Kizaru crossed his arms abruptly, his thumbs and middle fingers forming a gesture. At the same time, a cross-shaped burst of bright yellow light appeared where his fingers touched.

"Yasakani no Magatama!"

A red light flashed in Adrian's eyes as he activated his future-sight Haki.

In the next moment, he transformed into a ghostly shadow, weaving through the rainstorm of light bullets without being hit once.

"Such terrifying progress… You've already learned to infuse Armament Haki into your fruit abilities like Sakazuki?"

Adrian calmly navigated through the bombardment of Yasakani no Magatama and spoke lightly.

"Against an opponent of your level, I have to force myself to improve, or I'll be left behind by the times~"

Kizaru replied seriously.

At the same time, a faint yellow glow appeared on his body, ready to turn into light at any moment.

"Then… let's test my new ability on you!"

Adrian slowly floated into the air, spreading his arms, his eyes narrowing.

In the next instant.

A powerful, overwhelming pressure erupted from Adrian's body.

The sky and earth seemed to lose color!

Terrifyingly intense white spiritual pressure continuously emanated from Adrian, shaking the spirits and minds of all living beings around Otefi Island.

Even the Razor Gang members, now sailing away, felt the immense pressure clearly.

Some with weaker wills had already fainted, losing consciousness.

And Kizaru, standing right in front of Adrian, was even more affected!

"What the hell is this? Conqueror's Haki? Doesn't seem like it!"

Kizaru's forehead broke out in a sweat, feeling the weight of a thousand-pound boulder press down on him.

"Admiral Sengoku, can I really stall long enough for Vice Admiral Garp to arrive?"

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