Nagato in One Piece - Chapter 51
On this day, nine massive warships suddenly emerged from the sea and docked at the shores of Dressrosa.
The current king of this nation, the newly appointed Warlord of the Sea “Rokudou” Nagato, was already there waiting.
“Drop anchor!”
“Are they all docked properly?”
“No issues!”
“We’ve finally arrived!”
…
The sailors on the ships cheered and opened barrels of sake, celebrating their arrival.
The man leading this fleet hurried down from the leading warship and approached the King of Dressrosa, bowing deeply and shouting, “Apologies, Lord Nagato!”
Nagato placed his hands on the man’s shoulders and said, “Losing one ship is nothing. I underestimated the dangers of the Grand Line. Bringing nine ships here is already a great accomplishment, Hanks!”
“Yes!” Hanks lifted his head and said, “Thank you for your trust!”
Other members of CP9 also jumped off the ships and approached Nagato.
“Once the sailors disembark, load the ships with food and fresh water, then take them back out to sea, submerge them with a new coating, and keep them hidden until I give new orders,” Nagato instructed Taigu Leppant, the captain of the kingdom’s self-defense force, before turning to his subordinates. “Return to the palace.”
Hanks, Lucci, Kaku, Jabra, Blueno, Kumadori, Fukuro, and Kalifa joined Nagato’s entourage and returned to the kingdom.
Inside the palace, Nagato sat on the throne, flanked by his core subordinates:
Hanks, who was about to take charge of Dressrosa’s finances and potentially become Nagato’s Minister of the Interior. Having proven his loyalty, Nagato had removed the deadly seal he had placed on Hanks.
Joe, was originally a noble before becoming a pirate and the strategist for the Black Blade Fleet, known as “The Deceiver.” He posed the most significant threat to Hanks’ position.
Clay and Anderson, purely combat personnel with formidable strength, were respected even in the New World.
Kyros, deeply indebted to Nagato for his, his daughter’s, and his country’s rescue, was reinstated as the captain of the kingdom’s army. Nagato’s reuniting him with King Riku further cemented his loyalty.
Viola, who never gave up her affection for Nagato, took care of him daily and helped with meals and other needs. Nagato valued her abilities highly, particularly her power to monitor a 4,000-kilometer radius.
After fighting against Doflamingo, Lucci had become a strong force in the New World, safe from most threats unless facing true monsters. Nagato had fulfilled his promise to clear their names with the World Government, further solidifying CP9’s loyalty to him.
Kaku and Jabra, following closely behind Lucci, had awakened both Armament and Observation Haki, showing significant potential.
Despite their limited combat power, Blueno, Kumadori, Fukuro, and Kalifa were top-tier operatives expected to become Hanks’ bodyguards and assistants.
As for Law, he had no intention of staying after the battle with Doflamingo. Despite some dissatisfaction from CP9 and Joe, Nagato allowed him to leave.
In summary, Nagato’s main subordinates consisted of thirteen people, divided into three factions based on their backgrounds: the Riku Royal Family, the pirate faction, and CP9.
Hanks was a loyalist if he had to be categorized.
With everyone present, it was time to get down to business.
Nagato said, “With everyone here and the warships in place, the conditions for our operation are set.”
“For the next step,” Nagato announced, “we will take Whitebeard’s territory.”
!!!
The palace fell into complete silence.
In the dead quiet, everyone gaped, unable to make a sound.
Finally, after a long while, Joe cautiously said, “Your Majesty, isn’t this goal a bit too ambitious?”
Killing Doflamingo and defeating Jack the Drought, Nagato could challenge a Yonko without surprising them, but not now!
“It is indeed a bit hasty, but time waits for no one,” Nagato said, looking at Joe. “Coincidentally, the first task of our preparation needs you, Joe.”
Joe swallowed and said, “Please, give your instructions.”
“You must have considered rejoining the Black Blade Fleet,” Nagato said. “Forty-nine ships and thousands of New World pirates are exactly the combat power we need.”
“So, you mean…” Joe began to understand Nagato’s plan.
“As expected,” the king replied. “Use my name, choose anyone here to assist you, and bring the Black Blade Fleet under our command in time for the operation.”
Joe pondered for a moment before nodding. “No problem! With your name, I am confident I can persuade them, though the fleet admiral might not agree easily.”
Joe immediately asked for Lucci’s assistance.
“Lucci, I need him to assist me in this mission,” Joe said.
“Only him?” Nagato asked.
“Yes,” Joe affirmed. “A one-on-one victory is necessary to subdue Abrams. Lucci is the strongest here besides you, and I’m certain Abrams is no match for him!”
“Alright,” Nagato agreed with Joe’s proposal and turned to Lucci. “Lucci, help Joe recruit the Black Blade Fleet. Any issues?”
Lucci nodded in response but then said, “Commander, I must remind you, challenging Whitebeard now is premature.”
Despite Nagato being the King of Dressrosa, Lucci habitually called him commander, indicating his loyalty.
“I’ve acknowledged it’s a bit rushed,” Nagato said, looking at Lucci. “But like Sugar was to Doflamingo, the timing to seize Whitebeard’s territory is crucial.”
Lucci didn’t fully understand this, but he took it seriously after witnessing Nagato’s strategic moves against Doflamingo.
While Lucci and the others pondered, the sound of a transponder snail rang out.
“It seems just in time,” Nagato said, taking out the special transponder snail for the new Warlord of the Sea. “The time has come.”
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