Chapter 76: The Usurpation Begins

"Then… let's take this island."

Ozz's words were spoken with such offhanded calm, as if he were merely suggesting a meal or a stroll, yet they sent a ripple of unreality through the townsfolk.

They stared at the boy they had watched grow up now a man who could steer the fate of an entire nation with a casual sentence. Their hearts surged with emotion, tinged with awe.

Among them, a few girls who had grown up alongside Ozz exchanged hushed whispers, their eyes shining as they took in his tall, handsome figure and undeniable strength.

"I always thought he was really handsome when we were kids…"

"Yeah? Yuli, did you forget how you gave him that little handkerchief once, and he used it as toilet paper because he ran out?"

"..."

As the townspeople chatted excitedly, one voice cut through the cheer. Old Zeek frowned, concern etched into every line of his weathered face.

"You do know, don't you, brat? The king of this country is backed by the World Government."

"You're still young you don't understand. The World Government has roots going back eight hundred years. Even someone as powerful as Captain Rocks…" He trailed off with a shake of his head. "It's a giant beast you don't want to mess with."

"Ozz, listen to me. Don't act recklessly."

As Old Zeek rambled on, clearly worried Ozz would go charging in headfirst, the young man merely smiled.

"Relax, old man."

"The World Government's foundation might be deep… but I'm not stupid enough to take them on head-on. If I want to leave, there's no place in this world that can hold me."

"Besides," Ozz added with a glint in his eye, "they owe me a favor. A little kingdom in the New World? I doubt they'll raise a fuss."

Old Zeek blinked, momentarily speechless.

The World Government owes him a favor?

He knew Ozz had gotten strong how could he not? But how strong was still a mystery. Maybe on par with those old captains?

Still, even they would have been overwhelmed by a squad of those Government "Knights."

"Eh… you'll see for yourself tomorrow. It's getting late let's get some rest first." Ozz shrugged.

Despite their excitement and curiosity, the gathered villagers knew better than to pry further. They began dispersing with tactful nods, while Old Zeek led Ozz and Mihawk back toward his house.

As they walked, Zeek glanced discreetly at the quiet, sharp-featured youth beside them the one with the massive sword on his back. His look was almost too refined, and Zeek couldn't help himself.

He nudged Ozz in the leg and whispered, "So… this one of your crew?"

"My crew?"

Ozz paused, rubbing his chin. "Not exactly. I haven't officially started my pirate crew yet. You could say he's more of a companion."

"Oh! I get it. Like Captain Shiki's right-hand man, huh?"

That last line immediately cleared up Zeek's suspicions.

He'd had some… doubts. After all, the kid was so well-groomed and clean, he feared Ozz had brought home some strange… interest.

But no anyone who could emit that kind of devastating sword aura was no joke.

Thank heavens it wasn't some weird granddaughter-in-law or whatever…

If this boy was anything like Captain Shiki's second, then sure being Ozz's vice-captain wasn't too far-fetched.

Zeek, an early and lifelong "Ozz fanboy," had always held the boy in ridiculously high regard he saw him as the next Rocks D. Xebec.

That's why, when he first read the note saying Ozz had been taken by Roger, he'd almost burst a blood vessel.

From then on, he developed a habit just like Ozz's reading the paper religiously, scanning for news on the Roger Pirates.

Always looking for Ozz's name. Or maybe even a bounty.

When Roger got captured a couple of years ago, Zeek had been thrilled. He thought, Finally! The brat can come home.

But two years passed without a word.

Which is why he'd kept grumbling that Ozz had "forgotten his roots!"

"How long are you staying this time, brat?" Zeek asked, his hunched back and hands clasped behind him as he shot Ozz a sideways glance. It was a casual question on the surface, but his hands were clenched tight.

"Hmm… a few months, probably. Got some things to take care of afterward."

"I see… busy, huh? That's good. It's good to stay busy." Zeek nodded, pretending not to mind.

He never really expected Ozz to stay long anyway. A man of his caliber belonged out on the seas, boldly carving his legend.

What he didn't know was…

Ozz's "business" wasn't what he imagined. Ozz didn't care for conquering territory or recruiting lackeys like a proper pirate.

Besides fighting the Marines, Ozz hadn't done a single "pirate thing" seriously.

The next morning.

Old Zeek stepped out in high spirits, wearing a set of old battle clothes from his days as a fighter. They were a little big on him now, but he still wore them with pride.

Inside, Ozz sensed him with Observation Haki and couldn't help but chuckle.

He dressed quickly and appeared in the courtyard.

"Don't you think you're overdoing it a little? It's not that big a deal."

"You brat! This is my first battle since retirement!" Zeek barked with pride.

"Do what you want. It'll be over in a flash anyway." Ozz shrugged, heading to the kitchen where Mihawk was already plating breakfast.

Outside, a small crowd of townsfolk had gathered by the door. Old Zeek flung it open with gusto.

They knew what was about to happen.

And naturally, they were worried.

"Are you sure about this, old mayor? We're talking about the royal army and the World Government!"

"Pah! No problem at all." Zeek laughed heartily.

"Ozz… is strong."

"Still no news?"

Inside the gilded palace, a group of aristocrats and ministers whispered nervously among themselves.

Atop the dais, a young man wearing a crown sat on the throne, his voice sharp as he questioned his guard.

"Nothing, Your Majesty. Count Huka disappeared after last night's mission no contact since."

"Useless!!" the young king snarled, rising to his feet.

"The World Government's envoys will be arriving any moment now, and we haven't even gathered the Heavenly Tribute!"

"If we must then just squeeze the outer districts again!"

"Report!!!"

A soldier burst into the hall, breathless.

"Enemies at the gates!!"

"Nani!?" The young king's face twisted in disbelief as he stormed down from the throne. "What did you just say?!"

But before the soldier could even speak, his face went pale. His mouth opened and closed, but no sound came out.

"What the..?"

The king followed the soldier's horrified gaze and froze.

There, lounging casually on his throne, sat a man in black.

One leg crossed over the other.

One hand supporting his chin.

The other pointed at him in the shape of a gun.

Grinning.

"Bang."

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