Chapter 63: Rockwell’s Decision

"Okay, okay, okay! Please wait a moment!" The stocky captain nodded frantically, then bolted into the cabin, yelling, "Chef! Get out here and start cooking—NOW!"

His face was a mask of misery.

"Why am I so unlucky? I just kidnapped a bunch of scholars from the last island, planning to sell them for some cash... and now I run into a big-time pirate?!"

Captain Rockwell felt utterly defeated, but he didn't dare resist. He knew his limits—if he tried anything, he'd probably be feeding the fish in the next second.

Marineford – Naval Headquarters

Marshal Kong stood with his arms folded, deep in thought, waiting patiently for the battle report.

In his mind, the operation's success was practically guaranteed.

The strategy was solid—

Kizaru, the fastest man in the Navy, would surround and restrain Asa, preventing him from escaping. Vice Admiral Tsuru's presence would put Asa under psychological pressure, keeping him from fighting at full strength. Syd Nass, an elite CP0 agent with masterful combat skills, would take him head-on. Once Asa was caught, Tsuru would "wash" away his rebellious thoughts.

Flawless.

The plan was meticulously crafted by Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Chief of Staff Tsuru, and Lieutenant General Kong Ming.

If they couldn't capture Asa, they had one last option—eliminate him on the spot to prevent future disasters.

Because Asa was far too young.

According to intelligence, he was only sixteen years old—yet he had already defeated two highly-trained CP0 agents with just his Devil Fruit abilities and physical combat skills.

If left unchecked…

What kind of monster would he become in the future?

Kong didn't even want to imagine it.

That's why he was so invested in this operation, waiting anxiously for the Den Den Mushi to ring.

"Tch." He exhaled in frustration.

"There aren't even many promising new recruits in the Navy this year, yet more and more pirates keep emerging."

It was a shame—someone as talented as Asa had chosen to oppose the World Government instead of joining the Marines.

"Freedom, freedom... to hell with your uncle's 'freedom'!"

The very concept irritated Kong to no end.

If everyone chased "freedom," it would destroy the world's order.

Without rules, there would be nothing but chaos.

"Selfish pirates! Do none of them ever think about the consequences?!"

The more he thought about it, the darker his expression became.

But he knew the truth—no matter how much the Navy fought against piracy, it would never fully disappear.

The only thing they could do was continue reinforcing the idea that pirates were dangerous criminals, making sure the world never forgot it.

Just then—

"Brrr! Brrr! Brrr!"

The Den Den Mushi rang.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Kong immediately picked up the receiver.

"Moshi Moshi? This is Marshal Kong!"

"Marshal Kong, this is Tsuru."

From a warship near Ergo, the City of Wine, Vice Admiral Tsuru spoke in her usual calm tone.

Kong's expression sharpened.

"Lieutenant General Tsuru, what's the status of the operation? Did you capture Asa?"

There was a brief pause.

Then—

"You won't like this answer."

Kong's heart sank.

"We couldn't stop Hibole D. Asa from escaping. Despite the three of us working together, we couldn't put him under any real threat."

"WHAT?!"

Kong's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Even with both Tsuru and Kizaru there, he STILL managed to run?!"

How was he supposed to deal with this?!

If all their planning had failed, then what else could they do?

Would they have to beg the World Government to send someone with spatial abilities to catch him?!

"The plan was perfect, but..." Tsuru continued. "We made an underestimation—Asa's abilities are far beyond what intelligence suggested. He has already learned Armament Haki."

"WHAT?!" Kong clenched his fists.

"That wasn't in the reports! He was only supposed to have the Rumble-Rumble Fruit!"

"According to Kizaru, Asa also possesses a special ability—one that can manipulate light propagation. This must be the advanced development of his Thunder Fruit.

Because of that, Kizaru's lasers couldn't hit him at all."

"Hoo..."

Kong took two deep breaths, forcing himself to calm down.

"Return to headquarters immediately. We need to reassess our approach for capturing Asa.

If he's heading for the New World, he must pass through the Sabaody Archipelago."

Meanwhile, on Rockwell's Ship...

Asa sat lazily on the deck, waiting for the pirate chef to finish preparing his meal.

Rockwell must have pressured the kitchen staff, because within minutes, the first plate of meat was served.

"Very good, well done!" Asa nodded in satisfaction.

For all his short stature, Rockwell knew how to get things done. He was quick-witted, a man who understood how to read the room—unlike Asa, who preferred to rebel against everything.

He devoured the meat in one breath, while the kitchen continued churning out dish after dish.

After more than an hour, the two exhausted chefs in the kitchen finally collapsed, barely able to stand.

Meanwhile, Asa patted his full belly, satisfied.

Rockwell, however, looked miserable.

"When you're a pirate, food storage is crucial. You always keep the warehouse full in case of emergencies."

But now—

Asa had eaten two-thirds of their supplies.

That meant they needed to dock at the next island ASAP or risk starving.

"Rockwell, your ship's course... you're heading for Carnival City, right?"

Asa lazily crossed his legs, picking his teeth with a toothpick.

"Are you following this magnetic path to Sabaody Archipelago for coating? Planning to set sail for the New World?"

Rockwell nodded enthusiastically.

"To be honest, Mr. Asa, that's exactly my plan! The New World may be a pirate's graveyard, but as pirates, we have to dream!"

His eyes burned with determination.

Asa chuckled, impressed.

"You've got the right mindset... but I'd advise you to wait a few more years before going."

His tone grew serious.

"Right now, the New World is about to enter its most chaotic era.

Next year... Roger is going to become Pirate King.

And when that happens... the seas will turn into absolute hell."

Rockwell hesitated, but then his face lit up with hope.

"Mr. Asa, you're a big pirate—surely you'll build your own empire in the New World!

Why not take me with you?"

Asa's eyes turned ice-cold.

"Why would I?"

Rockwell froze, suddenly panicked.

Desperately, he blurted out—

"I—I captured some slaves! Scholars from O'Hara in the West Blue! They're valuable—they can be sold for a fortune!"

Asa's expression darkened.

"Money? You think I care about that?"

His gaze sharpened.

"On these seas, power is the only thing that matters. Rockwell…

You're nothing but an ant.""

(End of Chapter)

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