Mock let out a long, complaining sigh from the Den Den Mushi projection. "This idiot really knows how to make trouble, doesn't he, Boss?"
Whether Ace was actually making trouble or not, Dante couldn't say. But even after that last incident, Teach still dared to hang out with them?
Curiosity colored Dante's voice. "Did you run into the three Marine Admirals again?"
"Not this time. Just a few more Marine commanders." On the projection, Mock scratched his head. "We went to look for Mohji and Cabaji, didn't we? As for Richie, the lion hadn't run off. He was still on the ship."
Just as Dante had guessed, Teach flinched the moment he heard Ace's words on the Moby Dick. Why had he tried to stop the Whitebeard Pirates? Wasn't it precisely to avoid grouping up with Mock? And now he had to go with Ace again? Wasn't that worse than dealing with the whole crew?
Seeing the Whitebeard crew lost in thought, Teach didn't dare hesitate. He forced an awkward smile, lamenting that although he really wanted to go, he had a mission with Thatch next and probably wouldn't have time.
However, the understanding Thatch chimed in, stating it was just a small mission and it would be fine if he went with the other brothers instead. The rest of the crew immediately offered to help Teach carry out his duty, insisting they absolutely could not interrupt his chance to repay his debt.
The Whitebeard Pirates always repaid their debts. Especially to their own brothers.
Under everyone's gaze, Teach's eyes brimmed with tears of gratitude, though he wanted nothing more than to kill them all. But what could he do? He couldn't exactly say he didn't want to repay a debt. If he said that, could he still survive on this ship?
He could only console himself. 'We're just going to find his crewmates. Nothing will happen.' He, Marshall D. Teach, couldn't possibly be that unlucky. After all, his dream wasn't over yet.
Ultimately, under the watchful eyes of the crew and Whitebeard himself, the three set off on their journey once more.
Under Mock's lead, the trio arrived at an island. However, upon investigation, they discovered this island fell under the jurisdiction of the Marine G-1 Branch. Although it was some distance from the heavily guarded headquarters, a massive conscription drive was underway, making this island a key recruitment point. The Marines had deployed heavy forces there.
Of course, this wasn't just to prevent pirates from causing trouble. It was also because a former crewmate of the Pirate King and a former friend of the current Emperor, Red Hair Shanks, the man of the hour, Rear Admiral Buggy, was on the island.
Word had it that quite a few Marine officers were up there, and even a Marine Admiral had been dispatched to oversee the operation. Perhaps it was to monitor Buggy, or perhaps to put on a show for him. Regardless, from a pirate's perspective, this was not an island they could set foot on, let alone as major wanted criminals.
Even Mock thought so. Teach had suggested coming back another time.
Alas, a tiny accident occurred. That's right, it was Ace again.
Upon hearing Buggy's name, Ace clenched his fists in anger but quickly regained his calm. Hearing Teach's words, he righteously declared his disagreement.
"It's too dangerous up there. I still don't recommend going ashore," Teach said, his tone serious as he looked at the distant port. "How would Mock's two crewmates end up here? I figure we're looking in the wrong place. How about we search somewhere else? We should just run."
"Shut up, Teach! How can you say something like that?" Ace reprimanded, stepping forward. "Back at the public execution, it was so dangerous, yet Mock didn't give up on saving you. Now you want Mock to give up on his own crewmates? We haven't even gone up to investigate. How do you know they aren't up there? Besides, I know Mock would never abandon his nakama. Are you planning to run off by yourself?"
Silence reigned over the small boat. The waves lapped gently against the hull.
Teach cursed mentally. Mock felt a headache coming on.
In the end, what could they do? Could they just not go ashore? Mock had to maintain his image as the Overlord of the East Blue, and Teach had to keep up his facade of the dutiful son and good brother. They had no choice but to bite the bullet and land on the island.
Hearing Mock's words, Dante fell silent again. This Ace was truly as stubborn as ever.
He leaned back in his chair and asked, "So, you were discovered after landing on the island?"
"Not quite. We actually managed to sneak into the town at first." Mock scratched his head again, looking utterly exhausted. "But Teach suddenly suggested splitting up."
And the accident happened right after that.
He suggested they split up. Their main reason for coming ashore was to find Mock's two crew members, and the three of them moving together was far too conspicuous. Splitting up would save a great deal of time and do a better job of concealing their identities in the bustling port town.
More importantly, even if he didn't look for them, those two wouldn't notice.
Teach had already decided that once they landed, he would find a quiet place and hide. When the time was almost up, he would just come out and say he hadn't found anyone. They weren't his crew members anyway, so what did it matter to him?
He absolutely couldn't say that out loud. Following that public execution, and with him still lacking the Dark-Dark Fruit, he didn't dare leave the Whitebeard Pirates so easily.
His suggestion gained the agreement of Ace and Mock.
"Then it's decided." Teach rejoiced inwardly, but he kept a strict expression. "But whether we find them or not, we all have to come back here before sunset. Even though Mock's crew members are our brothers, in my heart, Mock, Ace, and Pops... you are the brothers who matter most to me."
A trace of deep affection surfaced on his honest face.
"I absolutely do not want to see any of you in danger."
The honest guy, Ace, froze for a moment, warmth flooding his chest. He nodded firmly. Looking at Teach, with a faint smile he pulled his orange hat lower. "Don't worry, we absolutely won't get into trouble."
As for Mock, he slapped his chest with dominating force. "That's right, we're all brothers."
After hiding the ship in a secluded cove and stepping onto the island, the three of them split up.
Hearing Mock recount the brotherly bond between the three of them, Dante gave a perfunctory nod. "So after you split up, was Teach discovered?"
"Not exactly, Boss." An embarrassed smile appeared on Mock's face. "Just a tiny accident happened."
"Get to the point. What accident exactly?"
"Man, this thing..." Mock sighed, his tone edged with resignation. "If I talk about it, it's my fault."
"You reported to the Marine Admiral that Teach was here?"
"Impossible! How could I do such a thing and sell out a brother?" Mock looked at Dante with utter grievance. "Boss, how could you insult my innocence for no reason?"
"Get to the point."
"Um... it's just that Teach found out Boss Kuzan is our backer."
Dante stared at the snail, completely baffled. Robin and Viola, who had leaned in to watch the drama, exchanged equally confused glances. Under their stares, Mock started telling his story again.
After agreeing to return before sunset, the three of them began their respective actions. Teach walked in one direction, Ace walked in another, and Mock took a third path.
Mock had truly come to find his two crew members. After all, how could he, the Cool East Blue Overlord, not even have a single subordinate? Based on an analysis of the current situation, Buggy was on the island, so his men definitely came looking for Buggy. As long as he found Buggy, or found his two crew members, they could leave.
Of course, if he couldn't find them, that was fine too. Looking next time would be the same. After hearing about the heavy Marine presence, especially after experiencing getting caught once, he was nervous. If he got caught again, would he really have the luck to be sent back to the East Blue?
Being careful was definitely the right move. He slipped stealthily into the island's town, deciding that if anything went wrong, he would turn invisible and bolt immediately.
Everything went smoothly. Even though Mock's face had been exposed after everything that happened, given the sea's universally severe face blindness, as long as he disguised himself a little and didn't announce himself, the average Marine wouldn't recognize him.
Just as Mock was walking cautiously down a cobblestone street, an unexpected incident occurred.
"Mock, what are you doing here?"
A cold voice came from behind him. Mock jumped, thinking his tracks had been discovered. He was about to turn invisible and bolt when the voice shifted, snapping with irritation.
"Why are you running? Speak. What are you doing here?" There was an edge to the tone now. "What is your boss planning this time?"
The familiar drawl made Mock stop in his tracks. He turned his head to look at the lazy figure standing in the alleyway shadows. He patted his chest, let out a breath, and whined, "It's Boss Kuzan. You almost scared me to death."
"The great East Blue Overlord is actually this cowardly?" Kuzan remarked flatly. He frowned, the chill in the air deepening slightly. "What are you doing here?"
"One of my crewmates ran off." Mock didn't hide it. "So, I came here to find him."
"By yourself?"
"Oh, Ace and Teach are here too."
Kuzan stared at Mock in disbelief. Was it really okay for this bastard to just blurt that out? Seeming to realize something, he frowned again. "Those two crewmates of yours? That Red Nose's former crewmates?"
"Yes." Mock nodded quickly. "They seem to be looking for Red Nose."
"Seriously. Can't even handle your own crewmates." Kuzan rubbed his forehead in frustration. "By the way, tell your boss not to cause any trouble for a while. One thing after another has me practically worked to death."
The Marines disadvantage had been exposed. They couldn't keep going on like this.
"Lay low for a while."
"Understood. I'll report it to the boss once I get back. Um..." Mock gave an embarrassed smile. "Can I leave now? Don't worry, we'll be out of here before sunset."
"Make sure you aren't spotted, and don't cause any trouble."
"Yes, Boss Kuzan."
"Alright, hurry up and..."
Hearing Mock's earnest tone, Kuzan didn't give him a hard time. He stretched lazily, about to pretend he hadn't noticed the pirate coming ashore so he could leave.
Before he could finish, Kuzan's expression shifted. He snapped his head around, glaring at a corner. Frost crept along the stone wall as he asked coldly, "Who there?"
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