Chapter 75 / Chapter 76

"I was just thinking about how to use the Repel-Repel Fruit to repel every last weakness of the Copy-Copy Fruit."

Determination shone in Chris's eyes as he said gravely, "If I can do that, this Devil Fruit will be the strongest in the world."

"Then I'll be able to copy anyone's abilities and use them to their full potential."

"That will give me an even better chance of toppling the Celestial Dragons from their pedestal."

Hearing her beloved speak with such conviction, Hancock's heart blossomed with joy. Her beautiful eyes sparkled, and a sweet smile spread across her lovely face.

"You will, Chris. You'll definitely succeed. I believe there's nothing in this world that can stand in your way."

"You're so outstanding, so incredibly gifted. There's no reason you would fail."

Chris looked at Hancock and said calmly, "Let's put that aside for now. What do you plan to do next?"

At that question, Hancock fell silent instead of answering right away.

Chris was in no hurry either. With both hands still in his pockets, he watched her quietly and waited for her answer.

"Chris, I'm sorry. I was wrong."

After an unknown stretch of time, Hancock looked at him with lowered eyes, her stunning face filled with guilt.

"I used to act so high and mighty, looking down on everyone. I was arrogant beyond belief."

"Just as you said, I stayed in the Calm Belt without ever facing any danger. I knew nothing of the wider world and was content to remain that way."

"I was wrong. So completely, utterly wrong."

At that, she lifted her head slightly and said, deeply ashamed, "Chris, don't worry. I won't be like that anymore."

"I'll train hard and become stronger. I won't be so arrogant or look down on everyone like I used to."

Hancock's heartfelt apology changed Chris's impression of her once again.

Her decision to set sail and grow stronger had already given him a favorable impression of her.

Now, he felt all the more that Hancock truly was a wonderful person.

"Good."

Chris smiled faintly. "Honestly, you have enormous potential. Your talent is second to none."

"You wasted your time before, letting the years slip by. That's why you stagnated instead of becoming one of the strongest."

"But that's all in the past. The fact that you can say these things today means you already have the heart of someone truly strong."

Admiration shone in Chris's eyes as he encouraged her. "In just a few years, your name will undoubtedly be counted among the very strongest."

Come to think of it, this was the first time Chris had encouraged someone like this since arriving in this world.

How rare was that!

That alone showed just how pleased Chris was with Hancock's transformation.

"Oh, no. I'm not nearly as wonderful as you make me sound."

Seeing the admiration in Chris's eyes, Hancock instantly grew bashful. She covered her cheeks with her hands and murmured softly.

"You're so powerful. I can't be too weak, or how could I stay by your side?"

Then Hancock looked at Hancock and said with unwavering resolve, "Chris, don't worry. I'll train even harder and catch up to you."

Chris nodded and smiled. "You'll be heading into the New World next. That's the domain of the strong, and danger lurks everywhere."

"If you run into danger again, don't try to tough it out. Remember to call me."

Hancock hummed in agreement and nodded firmly, her brows curving as she smiled radiantly. "I will. You're my greatest source of support, after all."

"If I ever run into something I can't handle, I'll definitely contact you. Hehe!"

Chris wasted no more words. "All right. Carry on with your voyage. I'm leaving."

With that, he prepared to activate his ability and leave.

Just then, Hancock hurriedly asked, "Chris, can I call you often from now on?"

"Of course."

The moment the words left his mouth, Chris vanished without a trace.

Hearing his answer, Hancock clasped her hands tightly, her beautiful eyes sparkling and her face glowing with happiness.

"Chris, I'll call you every day from now on. Hehehe!"

After murmuring that to herself, she walked lightly and gracefully toward the island's outer edge...

(My dear readers, the Copy-Copy Fruit has flaws. That's unavoidable. Once Chris gets rid of those weaknesses, who will be able to stand against him? ︿(￣︶￣)︿.)

Chapter 75

East Blue, Navy Branch 16.

Knock, knock, knock...

"Captain, sir! I have urgent news to report!"

Outside the wooden door, a young man in his twenties knocked softly and spoke in a respectful tone.

"Come in..."

A shrill voice came from inside the room, unpleasant and grating.

With a creak, the young man pushed the door open and slowly walked in.

Inside the office, a middle-aged man lounged in a chair with his feet on the desk, drinking coffee.

He was the captain of Navy Branch 16 in the East Blue—Nezumi!

"Captain, sir, I just received a call. A powerful pirate crew has entered the East Blue."

The young man stood quietly and reported respectfully, "According to the reports from our men, Don Krieg, the leader of the East Blue's largest pirate crew..."

"He's been killed by them. His entire crew has been scattered. Some fled, and others died."

"What...?"

Captain Nezumi could no longer sit still. He pulled his feet off the desk and immediately stood, utterly shocked. "What did you just say? The Krieg Pirates were wiped out?"

"How is that possible? He had thousands of men and dozens of large ships! Who could wipe him out?"

"Did our men send in some nonsense report? Has anyone verified this?"

The young man lowered his head. Not daring to hesitate, he quickly explained.

"Captain, sir, we've already investigated. The report is accurate."

"The two groups met at the seafaring restaurant Baratie, and a battle broke out."

"The Krieg Pirates couldn't put up any resistance at all. They were wiped out."

The young man handed him a stack of papers and said humbly, "Captain, sir, this is the information on the other pirate crew. Please take a look."

Without the slightest hesitation, Captain Nezumi opened the report and began reading.

"Captain Chris, dressed in a black shirt and black trousers..."

Captain Nezumi skimmed through the pages, growing more shocked with every line as his expression kept shifting.

From First Mate Lafitte to the other division commanders, every one of them was immensely powerful—terrifyingly so.

Judging by the report, Don Krieg and his men had been like sheep, completely powerless to resist.

They had simply been slaughtered!

"Damn it, damn it..."

Captain Nezumi slammed the report onto the desk. Rage twisted his ratlike face as he cursed in his piercing voice.

"Where the hell did these damned pirates come from? Why did they have to come to the East Blue?"

"Those bastards! Why couldn't they go somewhere else? Why did they have to pick the East Blue?!"

"No, no. These people are too dangerous. I have to report this."

Fear spread across Captain Nezumi's face as he muttered to himself, "These are vicious, ruthless outlaws. I have to report them to headquarters and let the higher-ups handle it."

"Yes, yes. That's settled."

"All right, you may leave. I'll take care of this."

The young man acknowledged the order and quickly turned toward the door, not daring to say another word.

Captain Nezumi lived up to his name. He was despicable, unscrupulous, and terrified of dying...

The soldiers at the branch were all deeply afraid of him. They treated him with the utmost respect and never dared to speak out of turn.

Marine Headquarters, Marineford.

At that moment, many officers were seated in the conference room.

Suddenly, Brannew approached at a brisk pace, carrying a stack of documents.

"Sir Sengoku, a report has just come in from one of our branches. Please take a look."

He respectfully handed the documents to Sengoku, then stood quietly to one side.

Borsalino leaned back in his chair with his legs crossed and drawled in his peculiar tone, "Is it more shocking news? Please don't give this old man a fright."

Brannew looked at Kizaru and said humbly, "Branch 16 in the East Blue just reported that a powerful pirate crew has entered the East Blue."

"And they effortlessly wiped out the largest pirate crew in that sea in one fell swoop."

Garp quickly turned to Brannew. "Go on, give us the details. This old man is very interested."

"So there's finally some action in the weakest sea, the East Blue? Hahaha!"

Yamakaji looked at Garp with an exceedingly gentle smile and spoke.

"Come to think of it, the East Blue is your home. No wonder you're so interested."

Momonga nodded and smiled. "The East Blue really has been peaceful. There's hardly ever any unrest. It's the most stable of the Four Seas."

By then, Sengoku had finished reading the documents. He looked at Brannew and said solemnly, "Give everyone a report on the situation."

"Yes, sir!"

Brannew looked around at the assembled officers and began explaining in detail.

"This crew calls itself the Chris Pirates. Its captain is named Chris."

"The two sides clashed at Baratie, the most famous restaurant in the East Blue."

"Captain Chris didn't take part. His division commanders annihilated the opposing side in under three minutes."

"After receiving the report, we analyzed the information and discovered that their ship belonged to the White Ghost Pirates, the overlords of the North Blue."

"We believe it's highly likely that the White Ghost Pirates have been wiped out and their ship seized."

Brannew had a clear head and had memorized all the information. He quickly explained the situation, giving everyone present a thorough understanding of what had happened.

Once Brannew finished, Sengoku tapped the desk and said gravely, "Let's hear your thoughts. This group is worth discussing."

"Well, isn't that something!"

Garp threw his head back and laughed, saying loudly, "An interesting brat like that showed up in the East Blue? I'd love to head home right now and take a look! Hahaha!"

"Damn it, Garp! Stop shouting in the conference room!"

Sengoku shot him a fierce glare, his face full of anger as he scolded him.

(My dear readers, the picture above is Captain Nezumi. I was worried you might have forgotten him, so I specifically tracked down this picture. Well, since your author has worked so hard, could you please turn on automatic subscriptions? I'm counting on you all! ︿(￣︶￣)︿.)

Chapter 76