Chapter 53: Kuma Enters My Web!

"That's quite the statement..."

Storm looked at Kuma with a friendly smile.

"After all, I'm not a demon.

"Before Jewelry Bonney heals her 'Azure Jade Scale' and grows healthy into adulthood.

"You, Bartholomew Kuma, need to become my most loyal subordinate.

"Pretty simple, right?"

This condition was indeed much simpler than Kuma had imagined!

The other party even included a stipulation about "Bonney surviving to adulthood."

Kuma didn't hesitate and directly agreed to Storm's request.

From that moment on.

Kuma had "sold himself" to Storm!

"Very well, then let's discuss the three plans I mentioned earlier."

With a thought, Storm conjured a mass of clay that floated into the air, shaping itself into a strangely formed blue planet.

Two large lines crossing the planet divided it into four sections.

These two "lines" were, in fact—the Red Line and the Grand Line!

"The three plans I mentioned before."

Storm pointed to the "North Sea" region of the blue planet.

"First is the [Op-Op Fruit]. The current user of this ability is named 'Trafalgar Law.' He is from the North Sea, and his exact location is currently unknown, but I know a way to draw him out;

"Secondly, there's Germa 66, or rather, the Vinsmoke family under Vinsmoke Judge's leadership.

"Vinsmoke Judge was once a member of the MADS organization, particularly skilled in genetic and cyborg technology; in these areas, he might rival Vegapunk!

"Lastly, there's Dr. Vegapunk, who is currently located on Punk Hazard Island at the forefront of the New World.

"Apart from these three, there are other doctors or ability users at sea who might know about the 'Azure Jade Scale' ailment and its treatment methods, such as Crocus from Reverse Mountain, or the witch from Magnet Island..."

Listening to Storm divulge a wealth of information without reservation, hope ignited within Kuma.

Previously, he had felt like a headless fly, wanting to save Bonney but unable to find a direction!

But now, numerous feasible methods lay before him; he just needed to verify them personally.

Storm elaborated on all the potential plans that could effectively treat the "Azure Jade Scale."

In conclusion, he once again mentioned that "world's greatest intellect."

"In my opinion, among these plans, the best option is to head to Punk Hazard Island!"

Storm said earnestly.

"Dr. Vegapunk is the one most likely to cure Bonney!"

"But Dragon—hmm."

Kuma paused suddenly, changing his tone.

"The World Government wouldn't allow anyone to casually approach Dr. Vegapunk, would they?"

"You're right, but this matter is not insurmountable."

Storm shook his head, speaking calmly.

"We just need to make a 'deal' with the World Government.

"Have you forgotten about those three Navy warships on the sea? Those ships are our 'bargaining chips'!"

Of course.

Aside from the "bargaining chips."

They also needed a "middleman."

Storm's mind flashed to his superior.

Admiral Aokiji, can you speed things up over there!?

...

"Moshi Moshi, this is Aokiji."

Aokiji held the Den Den Mushi, speaking to his rather troublesome subordinate.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku has already agreed to your proposal...

"Nani!? You want to meet Dr. Vegapunk now?"

"That's right!"

On the other end of the Den Den Mushi, Storm replied earnestly.

"Admiral Aokiji, meeting Dr. Vegapunk is a core condition of this deal."

"Storm, why do you always find ways to give me trouble?"

Aokiji rubbed his temples in frustration.

"Your current identity isn't even 'Navy.'

"And even if you were Navy, it would still be difficult to approach Dr. Vegapunk!"

"Well, but..."

Storm said softly.

"Those are three large warships..."

"You little brat!"

Aokiji couldn't help but scold.

"Why do you want to meet Dr. Vegapunk?"

"Because I want to treat my subordinate's daughter."

Storm answered without hesitation.

"That six-year-old girl is suffering from a very serious illness.

"If she isn't treated soon, she might not live past ten."

So it was to treat the little girl...

Aokiji's expression softened considerably.

But the next moment, he suddenly realized something.

"Wait! Subordinate? Where did you get a subordinate?!"

"Oh, I just recruited him; you know his name."

Storm said casually.

"Bartholomew Kuma."

"You! You!"

Aokiji stammered, unable to form a complete sentence.

Dragon's subordinate, the commander of the Revolutionary Army, the "Tyrant" known for his brutality...

Now he had actually become Storm's subordinate?!

"Don't be so surprised, Commander."

Storm calmly reassured him.

"I'm going to be a great pirate; it wouldn't make sense not to recruit a few subordinates!"

But your subordinate is Bartholomew Kuma!

Aokiji sighed, rubbing his forehead.

"Ah, Storm, your 'surprises' just keep getting bigger!"

"Thank you for the compliment."

"That's not a compliment!"

Aokiji said indignantly. "Even if you're a member of the SWORD Unit, you shouldn't act so recklessly!"

"Is that so?"

Storm countered with a question.

"Am I really more reckless than Vice Admiral Garp, who raised Monkey D. Dragon?"

Aokiji was momentarily speechless.

Garp and Dragon...

As the "Hero of the Navy," Garp had actually raised the "world's most notorious criminal," Dragon...

From any angle, this was a tremendous challenge to "justice!"

Aokiji had no idea.

The actions of the "Hero of the Navy" were far more outrageous than he could imagine.

Just having a "Revolutionary Army leader" was enough to leave Aokiji speechless.

What if you added a "Pirate King's son"?

And then added a "Sun God's grandson"?

One could only say.

The Monkey family, each generation stronger than the last!

"...I will report your desire to meet Dr. Vegapunk to Fleet Admiral Sengoku."

Aokiji rationally chose to skip over the sensitive topic of Garp's family.

"Although your intentions are good, don't hold out too much hope..."

Storm smiled brightly, preemptively thanking him.

"Then thank you, Admiral Aokiji!"

"Hey! Didn't you hear what I just said—"

Aokiji was about to say something, but realized the call had been abruptly ended.

Storm had hung up on Aokiji several times.

This time, it was his turn to hang up on Aokiji! "That brat!"

Aokiji looked at the silent Den Den Mushi, feeling both amused and exasperated.

After pondering for a moment, he chose to dial another number.

"Moshi Moshi, Fleet Admiral Sengoku..."

...

Sorbet Kingdom.

Storm calmly stepped into the small chapel.

"How did it go?"

Kuma, who had been waiting anxiously, asked with concern.

"Did the World Government agree to our meeting with Dr. Vegapunk?"

After successfully recruiting Kuma, Storm had also revealed a certain extent of his own information.

He didn't disclose that he was a member of the SWORD Unit.

But he did inform Kuma that he had connections with the Navy's higher-ups.

Kuma understood that Storm had just left to negotiate with the Navy.

That's why he was so eager to ask.

"We're still in talks."

Storm shook his head, not giving a definitive answer.

"However, we must prepare thoroughly.

"I thought carefully and realized we can't put all our eggs in one basket.

"Apart from communicating with the Navy, we also need to make other preparations."

"What else do we need to do?"

Kuma asked, puzzled.

"Are we going to the East Blue to find Germa 66?"

"That's an option, but that's not what I meant."

Storm shook his head and asked.

"Do you know about the 'Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea' system?"

"Of course."

A hint of disgust flashed across Kuma's face.

"That's a group of pirates recognized by the World Government who can legally plunder."

"Exactly, but the Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea are also a group of pirates who can communicate directly with the World Government!"

Storm reminded him.

"If the Navy doesn't send news for a while, we can also try to reach out to the World Government through the pirates."

"Is that... possible?"

Generally speaking, Kuma was quite intelligent.

"Can we trust pirates?"

"Most pirates are not trustworthy!"

Storm immediately replied.

"However, you misunderstood my point.

"We can use the 'Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea' system to contact the World Government.

"But I'm not saying we should seek help from those who have already become 'Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea.'

"What I mean is, we can also become the Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea!"

In Storm's original plan, there was no goal of "becoming a Royal Warlord of the Sea."

But now that he had successfully recruited Kuma and needed to meet Dr. Vegapunk.

The "Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea" system established by the World Government.

Undoubtedly aligned very well with Storm's own interests.

He could even use the "Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea" system to seek out some special resources that were otherwise difficult to obtain.

There were countless valuable treasures on Punk Hazard Island...

Moreover, becoming a Royal Warlord of the Sea had another advantage.

As a "pirate," Storm wouldn't have to worry about being pursued by the Navy.

"Becoming a Royal Warlord of the Sea..."

Kuma showed hesitation.

"Isn't that very difficult?"

"I don't think it's difficult at all."

Storm said casually.

"The simplest way to become a Royal Warlord of the Sea.

"Is to defeat an existing Royal Warlord of the Sea!"

(End of Chapter)