Nagato in One Piece - Chapter 24

As per Law’s provided coordinates, Nagato arrived at the desolate island between Puda and Geboa three days later.

“Black Forest Island” Puda and “Marine Amusement Park” Geboa were both summer islands with hot, rainy climates. Puda was renowned for its vast forests of black ironwood trees, making it a famous shipbuilding island, while Geboa was known for its numerous lakes and rivers, creating a massive water park that attracted tourists from nearby islands.

Law’s choice of meeting location between these two islands wasn’t without reason. The weather systems of Puda and Geboa were unique, with little variation between the two, creating a windless sea area between them. Sailing ships would be stranded without wind, but this did not concern Law’s submarine.

Nagato, unaware of Law’s escape contingency, arrived at the island by flying. Alongside him were the seven CP9 agents.

“Incredible ability, Mr. Nagato,” Kalifa remarked, expressing the group’s amazement as Nagato transported them from the spring island of Saint Poplar on the fourth route of the Grand Line to the small island on the third route. Even the usually composed Kaku couldn’t hide his astonishment.

Except for Lucci and Jabra, who either showed no emotion or were openly defiant, the other four agents looked at Nagato with a newfound respect. As elite agents, they understood the significance of Nagato’s abilities, realizing the strategic advantage of someone who could fly and bypass the complex weather of the Grand Line.

Nagato, aware of their thoughts, welcomed their growing recognition and loyalty. Demonstrating his power would help solidify their allegiance.

“The island you mentioned, I’m here now. On the eastern white sand beach,” Nagato spoke into the Den Den Mushi, contacting Law. “Eight people.”

“Ah, I see you,” Law replied.

CP9 quickly looked around but saw nothing. Scanning the sea, Nagato noticed a small glint—a periscope aimed at him.

Suddenly, a shadow flashed, and a figure appeared among them. CP9 barely had time to react before the newcomer swung a sheathed sword at Nagato from behind.

With a swift move, Nagato caught the sword with his bare hand and turned to face the attacker. “Is this your greeting, Law?”

Law had attacked with a sheathed sword, not to harm but to test Nagato’s strength. Hearing Nagato call him out, Lucci, Kaku, and Jabra halted their attacks.

Holding his sword in a defensive stance, Law smirked, “I wanted to see if you could back up your bold claims.”

“Oh? And what did you conclude?” Kumadori asked, swaying dramatically.

“My strength only tells me who doesn’t qualify,” Law replied, his tone mocking as he looked at the group. “At least, I don’t have to kill you here.”

Law’s test confirmed his suspicion that Nagato was stronger, implying that if Nagato had been weaker, he would have killed them all immediately to keep his secrets.

“Alright,” Nagato interjected, preventing the meeting from turning into a confrontation. Let’s discuss business and law.”

“I’m listening,” Law said seriously.

“Finally,” Jabra muttered, eager to hear the plan.

“It’s time to reveal our objective,” Nagato turned to CP9, causing the agents to tense up. “The target of the plan is Dressrosa.”

“What?”

“Are you insane?!”

“No chance, chababa…”

The mention of Dressrosa shocked CP9. Kumadori’s hair ceased its constant motion, Fukurou jumped in alarm, and Kalifa raised her hands defensively.

“Mr. Nagato,” Lucci said, his face darkening. “If this isn’t a joke, we’re withdrawing. Going against a Warlord of the Sea is impossible.”

Seeing this reaction, Law looked skeptical, “What’s this? Your allies don’t even know your plan and are ready to abandon ship. Are you sure about this?”

“Don’t worry, this is why I wanted to meet,” Nagato replied calmly. “I need you to extract their hearts, Law.”

“!!!”

Both CP9 and Law were stunned.

The seven agents quickly distanced themselves from Nagato, standing ready. Lucci asked, “What do you mean by this, Mr. Nagato?”

Nagato explained, also addressing Law, “It’s simple. CP9, I can’t fully trust you yet.”

Hearing Nagato reveal their identities, Law relaxed slightly, understanding the dynamic between Nagato and CP9. Nagato continued, “For the plan against Dressrosa, there can’t be any mistakes. I need to ensure your loyalty.”

Nagato wasn’t joking. Just hearing about Dressrosa made CP9 think of defecting. If they learned the full plan, they could easily betray Nagato to Doflamingo or the World Government, regaining their status in CP9.

Under these circumstances, Law was the key to binding CP9 to Nagato’s plan. “The Ope Ope no Mi can remove hearts without harming the person. Holding the hearts means holding their lives.”

CP9’s expressions grew darker as Nagato concluded, “Until the mission is over, you will hand over your hearts, everyone.”

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