Chapter 257: Kirito Becomes a Celestial Dragon Guard!
When Miss Bakkin saw the elite warriors standing before her, a flicker of surprise flashed across her face.
Three hundred specially enhanced fighters.
If they attacked the Buggy Pirates head-on, there was no doubt in her mind—they'd wipe the floor with them.
So why, of all things, was the World Government going through the trouble of having her handle it?
Her expression twisted in disbelief as she turned to one of the Five Elders.
"… Why aren't you doing this yourselves?" she asked bluntly. "With monsters like these, hell—you could send a dog in and still crush the Buggy Pirates."
She wasn't just being sarcastic. The implication was clear: she felt she was being played.
"They don't think for themselves," one of the Five Elders, St. Saturn, said calmly. "They need a commander—someone experienced and tactful enough to mobilize them efficiently."
He gave her a knowing look.
"And in that regard… who could be more qualified than you, Miss Bakin?"
Then, his expression darkened slightly. "As for why the others haven't stepped in—there's a more strategic reason. We cannot afford to let any of the remaining Shichibukai join the Dragon Hunter Pirates."
At that, Bakin's hostility cooled slightly.
So that was it. With the World Government on the back foot, it made sense they'd resort to caution and precision. Any mistake now could result in a devastating shift in power.
"I understand." She gave a short nod, her expression returning to neutral. Then, without another word, she turned and led Weevil and the three hundred elite combatants out of the hall, heading toward the sea.
As she and her troops left, another of the Five Elders—Mars—stepped up beside St. Saturn.
"Are you sure about this?" Mars asked quietly. "Even if she can control those genetic warriors… she's not going to seriously damage the Dragon Hunter Pirates."
"She won't," St. Saturn admitted. "But that's not the point."
He turned, looking out a nearby window toward the sea.
"I never intended for her to succeed."
Mars narrowed his eyes. "Then what is the point?"
"Simple. This is just the first phase. If the research we've conducted is effective… then soon, it won't matter how many pirates come knocking on our door."
There was a quiet confidence in St. Saturn voice, and though Mars didn't know the details, he could tell—St. Saturn was certain about something big.
"Master Imu's slumber is nearly at an end," St. Saturn added. "If all goes well, he will awaken before the Dragon Hunters even reach Marijoa."
He paused for a moment.
"And when he does… we'll finally be able to show him what we've been working on. No more reacting. It's time the world government made its move."
With those final words, St. Saturn turned and vanished, sword in hand.
Mars remained behind, his brow furrowed in thought. There were too many variables, and even among the Five Elders, unity was a fragile thing.
Everyone had their own schemes.
"Lord Mars," came a voice from behind.
One of the Celestial Guard soldiers, dressed in the formal black and gold of the Tenryuubito's elite, approached and bowed.
"If we just stand idle, we may lose more ground..."
Mars raised a hand to silence him.
"Relax. St. Saturn isn't the only one with cards to play."
He narrowed his eyes.
"What's the progress on the operation I assigned to you?"
"It's proceeding well," the guard—Yuu, Captain of the Celestial Guard—replied with a confident nod. "We've discovered some promising individuals. One in particular stands out."
"Oh?" Mars tilted his head.
"There's a black-clad swordsman wielding two blades," Yuu said. "His strength is... exceptional. At the very least, he's already reached the level of the former Shichibukai."
"What's more—he's evolving."
"Evolving?"
"Yes. Since the beginning of the trials, his strength has been increasing steadily. His growth rate is astonishing. It's as if every battle unlocks more of his potential."
Mars narrowed his eyes, intrigued.
"And his background?"
"He's an orphan. No known affiliations. No history. He came to the selection site aboard a merchant vessel. He used to be a bounty hunter, and we've confirmed that with independent sources."
Mars leaned back thoughtfully. "In the world of pirates, being a nobody is nothing unusual."
He turned fully toward Yuu.
"What's his name?"
"Kazuto," Tan Ge replied slowly. "Though he also goes by Kirito."
"Kirito…" Mars repeated. "Interesting. Alright—if you trust his capabilities, assign him as the captain of the selection unit. If he's unworthy, he'll be replaced soon enough."
"Yes, sir."
"I'm heading back now. The rest is up to you."
With that, Mars left the chamber, his mind already focused on the next political storm brewing behind the scenes. The world nobles were growing restless. The Dragon Hunters had ignited a fire across the seas, and unless the World Government struck back decisively, the flames would reach Marijoa.
Yuu boarded his ship immediately, heading to the training site where the final stages of selection were underway.
And there he was.
"Kirigaya Kazuto," he said under his breath, stepping off the ship.
Kirito stood on the open training grounds, twin blades in hand, executing a relentless flow of sword strikes. Each motion was smoother, faster, more refined than the last time Yuu had seen him.
Kirito paused when he noticed Yuu's arrival, sheathing his swords and approaching with a calm, polite smile.
"Examiner," he said respectfully.
His demeanor was impeccable—cool-headed, respectful, charismatic. And yet beneath that smile... Yuu couldn't shake the feeling there was something more.
Dangerous, even.
"I've reported your performance to the Five Elders," Yuu said. "Effective immediately, you've been appointed captain of the current selection unit."
He smiled. "Congratulations, Captain Kirigaya Kazuto."
Kirito's eyes widened slightly, feigning surprise.
"Captain...?" he echoed. "I… I'll do my best. I won't let you down."
He bowed lightly.
So easy, Kirito thought inwardly. That was almost too easy.
He reached into his coat, pulling out a sealed command order marked with a dragon insignia—the Dragon Hunt Order.
He pressed his thumb against it.
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