Chapter 26: Colonel Rat's Wrath
Though Nami had found Buggy's face familiar earlier, she hadn't connected the dots. After all, how could a pirate hunter like Ryu possibly keep a pirate by his side? Yet here he was!
"Why would you keep a pirate around?" Nami blurted out, unable to contain her curiosity.
"Because he's useful to me," Ryu replied calmly. "You've touched me before, right? Did you notice anything unusual about my body compared to a normal person's?"
"Unusual?"
At Ryu's words, Nami began recalling their earlier encounter.
"I remember your hand was icy cold—so cold it felt like touching a block of ice."
"Exactly. It's not just my hands; my entire body is like that. It's a hereditary condition in my family. To prevent it from worsening, I need to consume blood regularly. Only the blood of Devil Fruit users can treat my illness."
As soon as Ryu finished speaking, realization dawned on Nami. No wonder he kept someone like Buggy around. She never imagined Ryu suffered from such a condition—it seemed so unfair.
"Isn't there any other way? Do you really have to drink blood?"
"There's no other option. We've consulted countless doctors across the seas, but none could offer a cure."
After Ryu's explanation, Nami fell silent, deep in thought. Then, her eyes suddenly lit up with understanding.
So that's why he's heading to the Grand Line, she thought. He's searching for a cure while also hunting Devil Fruit users whose blood can sustain him. Most Devil Fruit users are pirates anyway—I won't feel sorry for them.
Watching Nami's enlightened expression, Ryu was momentarily baffled. What did she figure out? I didn't say anything specific!
"So, are we setting sail for the Grand Line now, Captain?" Nami asked eagerly.
"Not yet. We have one more target before that. But don't worry about it for now." Ryu paused, then handed her a Log Pose. "Here, this is for you."
"This is… a Permanent Log Pose!" Nami exclaimed, recognizing the valuable tool instantly.
"Correct. A skilled navigator like you needs proper tools. I hope you like the gift."
"I love it!" Nami nodded enthusiastically.
"It's late. Your quarters have been prepared. Get some rest."
"Alright."
Meanwhile, at Marine Branch 16 in East Blue, Colonel Rat was growing increasingly perplexed.
Today was the day Arlong's men were supposed to deliver their payment, but no one had shown up. Could Arlong be breaking their agreement?
Before long, a panicked Marine burst into his office. Seeing the soldier's disheveled state, Colonel Rat snapped irritably, "What's wrong with you? Pull yourself together! Act like a proper Marine!"
"Colonel! Arlong is dead!"
"What?!" Colonel Rat's face twisted in shock and fury. His cash cow was gone—just like that. Rage surged through him as he demanded, "Who did it?! Who killed Arlong?!"
"The Pirate Hunter, Ikano D. Ryu! He just turned in Arlong's head at another branch to claim the bounty!"
Upon hearing the name, Colonel Rat froze. "Ikano D. Ryu? Impossible! He doesn't operate anywhere near Arlong's territory. There's no way he'd come all this way!"
But the sergeant beside him interjected, "Colonel, it's entirely possible."
"Oh? Explain."
"Sir, he's the Demon of East Blue—the Grim Reaper of pirates. Both his parents died at the hands of pirates, so he harbors an intense hatred for them. Arlong was notorious for his crimes—it makes perfect sense that Ryu would target him."
The sergeant's reasoning hit home, and Colonel Rat's expression darkened further. Losing Arlong meant losing a significant source of income. How much money would he lose each month without that walking treasure chest?
The sergeant shared his grimace—clearly, they both stood to suffer financially.
"Colonel," the sergeant ventured cautiously, "if Arlong was killed by Ryu… what about Arlong's wealth?"
At this, Colonel Rat's eyes gleamed greedily. Of course! All of Arlong's riches must now belong to Ryu—and that wasn't a small fortune. If they could seize it, perhaps the loss wouldn't sting so badly.
An idea quickly formed in his mind. Turning to the Marine, he growled,
"Where are they now?"
"They likely just left Cocoyasi Village."
"Just left? Then we can still catch them."
"Round up the troops—we're going after them."
"But sir… they aren't pirates, are they?" the Marine asked hesitantly.
"Who says they aren't? Do you think your opinion matters? Here's the truth: Ikano D. Ryu ambushed our forces sent to eliminate Arlong. After our soldiers wiped out Arlong's crew, Ryu, driven by greed over the bounty, mercilessly slaughtered our men. Our mission now is justice!"
The Marine stared blankly, utterly confused. "When did we send forces to deal with Arlong?"
"I dispatched them secretly two days ago. Yesterday, we lost contact. Their last report mentioned being attacked by a 'demon.' At first, I wondered which demon it could be—but now I understand.
The 'demon' they spoke of was none other than the Demon of East Blue, Ikano D. Ryu! I'll report this directly to headquarters. For now, we move immediately!"
Though skeptical, the Marine found the story oddly convincing. Snapping to attention, he shouted, "Yes, sir!" before rushing off.
Beside him, the sergeant cast a sidelong glance at Colonel Rat. No wonder this scoundrel rose to colonel, he thought. The ease with which he fabricates lies is impressive. Such deceit comes naturally to him. Truly, when it comes to treachery, Colonel Rat is unmatched.