Chapter 143: Gathering Intel and Infiltrating the Noble's Manor
Ryuunosuke arrived at the familiar spot—the Blackmail Bar.
"Captain Ryuunosuke, leader of the Dragon Hunter Pirates?"
"What brings you here today?"
Shakky looked up from her drink, her lips curling into a teasing smile as he walked in. But behind that smile was genuine curiosity.
What's he doing here all of a sudden?
"Miss Shakky," Ryuunosuke said straight to the point, "I need intel. Specifically—how many slaves are currently on Sabaody Archipelago, the exact whereabouts of the Celestial Dragons, and the current Navy deployment in this area."
Shakky blinked, stunned for a second.
This guy wasn't beating around the bush—he'd gone straight for the sensitive topics: slaves, Celestial Dragons, and Navy forces.
None of it was small-time stuff.
"My information doesn't come cheap," she replied coolly. "And what exactly are you planning to do with this kind of intel?"
After all, she didn't want this place turning into a war zone. Her info trade thrived on Sabaody because she stayed neutral, even kept tabs on the Celestial Dragons' movements before they happened. She was a reliable source for both sides—traders and slaves alike.
"To clean up some trash," Ryuunosuke said with a grin. "They attacked me once already. I'm not letting that slide."
His smile was casual, but his words? Deadly.
Shakky's face tightened slightly.
He wasn't just making a threat—he was making a promise.
But she wasn't someone easily intimidated. Still, she knew when to make a deal.
"Thirty million Berries," she said, sliding over a small stack of documents.
Ryuunosuke nodded and took the papers. He quickly scanned the files, eyes flicking over the locations of Celestial Dragons and the current slave markets.
The Navy stationed here wasn't led by a captain—it was a vice admiral. No wonder the defenses were tight. With Sabaody being a high-traffic zone for nobles and underworld dealings, a strong presence made sense.
"Thanks, Sister Shakky," Ryuunosuke said after digesting the information. "Oh, and Uncle Rayleigh won't be back for a while. He's hanging out with my crew."
"So, don't bother digging into us during that time," he added. "If there's anything you want to know, just ask. I'll tell you straight. But I'd appreciate it if you didn't go leaking it to others."
She'd been planning to investigate the Dragon Hunter Pirates herself. But now? This little brat read her like a book.
No wonder he'd made such a name for himself in such a short time.
"You sure are full of surprises." She narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. "Fine. I won't poke around... but I'm curious."
"How strong are the Dragon Hunter Pirates now?"
"Hmm..." Ryuunosuke smirked. "We've got somewhere between one to two thousand members now. About a dozen top-tier fighters—guys who can go toe-to-toe with a Rear Admiral, even a Vice Admiral."
"As for me?" He chuckled. "Let's just say I'm not exactly weak."
One to two thousand pirates?
And over a dozen capable of going head-to-head with top Navy officers?
The Dragon Hunter Pirates hadn't even been around two years. This was insane. In her latest intel, they'd only had a few hundred people, even counting the odd-job crews.
They'd been hiding their strength all along.
"I'll get going then," Ryuunosuke said, standing up. "Still got work to do."
"Wait," Shakky called out softly. "Just one thing..."
"You're strong, but don't get cocky. You're not ready to go up against the World Government and the full force of the Navy. Keep building. That's the smart move."
Even she wasn't sure why she offered that advice. Normally, once a deal was done, she didn't say another word.
Ryuunosuke gave her a nod of respect. "Thanks."
And just like that, he vanished—quietly, quickly, like a shadow slipping out of sight.
Shakky sat back and lit a cigarette. Then she pulled out a pen and paper, jotting down every word Ryuunosuke had said. She began cross-checking it with the info she had on the Dragon Hunter Pirates.
First Division: Captain Najena, members Susanoo and Akame.
Second Division: Captain Chrollo, and hundreds of unknowns.
Miscellaneous Divisions...
The more she looked, the more gaps she found. On paper, only a few names stood out.
Yeah... these guys were seriously under the radar.
Shakky exhaled smoke and muttered, "Rayleigh, what are you thinking? Why did you decide to back a crew ?"
Meanwhile, across the island...
Conrad rolled up to the sprawling estate of Zirusjude Bede Pisos, one of the archipelago's great nobles. It was late at night.
"Halt! Who goes there?"
A small army of guards stepped in front of the carriage, alert and ready.
Conrad didn't flinch. "I'm Conrad. Here to deliver some goods to Lord Pisos."
He pulled back the carriage curtain, revealing several scantily-clad women huddled inside.
The guards' expressions changed instantly—eyes wide, grins forming.
Like master, like dog.
They were as perverted as Pisos himself.
But when they realized the women were for Pisos, they restrained themselves, though barely.
Still, an evil smirk crept up on their faces. Everyone knew Pisos didn't keep his "toys" for long. After a few days, they'd get tossed to the guards to play with.
The thought of that completely erased any sense of caution. No one questioned the delivery, no one asked for documents.
They let Conrad and his "cargo" right in.
Led by two guards, Conrad made his way deep into the manor.
The scale of the place stunned him.
It was massive—almost the size of a tribal village back on Zou Island. The buildings were crafted with wealth and luxury in mind—elegant, excessive, and outrageous.
He couldn't help but compare this estate to the slums he'd passed on the way from the docks.
So much poverty. So many shanties...
The difference was maddening.
The nobles lived like kings while people starved in the streets.
His eyes narrowed slightly, and a quiet fire burned in his chest.
Soon, he'd find out what this Pisos bastard was really like.
The Dragon Hunter Pirates would make their next move.
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