"To facilitate the execution of future tasks, I hope to obtain a certain degree of amnesty, or even the qualification to recruit Navy soldiers…"
"So that these people can work with me in intelligence operations without having to worry about repercussions."
Kyle's idea was quite simple.
He had an admiral for an uncle, so he didn't have much to worry about.
But the crew members he would recruit in the future couldn't go on living their lives branded as pirates.
At the very least, he had to give them some official status!
"..."
Hearing Kyle's request, Sengoku paused in thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement.
"That's reasonable. It's a very practical issue—you have my approval."
"If their contribution to the Navy is significant enough, I might even grant them military ranks."
"I'll discuss with Vice Admiral Tsuru how to account for your team's merits."
"In that case, that's great."
Kyle responded with a smile.
He wasn't surprised by Sengoku's response.
Anyone who'd watched the anime knew that the line between pirates and the Navy in the One Piece world was very flexible.
With the right approach, even pirates could become marines.
Seizing the momentum, Kyle began to make his second request.
"There's one more thing, Fleet Admiral."
"Running a pirate crew requires funding, but we're not real pirates—we won't rob innocent civilians."
"So, I request your approval: if we uncover evidence of the corruption I previously mentioned at certain Navy bases…"
"Allow me to plunder those bases to fund the pirate crew!"
"That way, we can both replenish our finances and enhance the reputation of the Dusk Pirate Crew, gaining more clout in the underworld!"
With his gold-devouring system, Kyle had a massive hunger for money.
Directly asking the Navy for money came with limitations, so he planned to take initiative.
After all, it was embezzled money—he believed Sengoku wouldn't refuse.
As expected, Sengoku agreed after only a brief hesitation.
This was no small privilege.
After all, no one could claim to be spotless forever.
But Kyle had an admiral uncle as backing.
"Thank you for your trust, Fleet Admiral."
"I have one final request…"
Kyle then turned his gaze toward the dazed Tashigi and smiled slightly.
"Remember the naval officer I kidnapped in Loguetown? I'm currently being pursued by Captain Smoker because of that."
"In fact, this was all part of my plan."
Of course, it wasn't.
If possible, Kyle would've preferred to quietly kidnap Tashigi.
But since things had come to this, he decided to roll with it.
"The thing is…"
"The Dusk Pirate Crew, being a pirate group, can only probe and punish, but further investigation and follow-up still need proper personnel."
"So, I deliberately provoked Captain Smoker, giving him a reason to pursue me at sea."
"This way, if I discover anything, I can let Captain Smoker handle the arrests and searches in the name of Navy Headquarters!"
"Captain Smoker is powerful and devoted to justice, but he's too proud."
"This will be a good opportunity for him to see what the East Blue Navy is really like under his watch…"
"I'm sure this journey will be unforgettable for him."
"Smoker, huh? I didn't expect you to think things through this thoroughly."
Sengoku spoke in a serious tone:
"When I sent him to East Blue, it was precisely to help him change his ways."
"He definitely needs to go out and experience the real world."
"To think things through this completely—you're clearly cut out for this job, Kyle."
"Thank you for your praise."
Kyle chuckled, then added casually:
"Oh, right, Fleet Admiral."
"Speaking of Loguetown, that kidnapped officer is right beside me. But now, she knows my true identity…"
"So I thought, why not let her become a member of the Dusk Pirate Crew and assist me in intelligence work—would that be acceptable?"
The grand plan Kyle had been setting up all along was finally unveiled.
This was the one way Tashigi couldn't possibly say no:
Get the Fleet Admiral himself to order her to join the pirates.
"She knows your identity already?"
Sengoku sounded doubtful, unsure why someone as sharp as Kyle would make such a rookie mistake.
But what was done was done.
Letting someone who knew Kyle's real identity go free was dangerous.
Even if that person was a marine.
Sengoku gave the order: "Let that officer take the call."
"Okay."
Kyle gave a sly grin and handed the receiver over.
"Tashigi, the Fleet Admiral wants a word with you."
"Hello."
From the receiver came Sengoku's greeting.
Still in a daze, Tashigi's pupils contracted sharply.
She hadn't expected the Fleet Admiral himself to suddenly talk to her.
She scrambled to her feet and saluted toward the Den Den Mushi.
"G-Good day, Fleet Admiral!"
"Hmm?"
Hearing a girl's voice, Sengoku was briefly surprised.
But then a glimmer of gossip flickered in his eyes.
This Kyle kid... don't tell me…
The old gossip-loving part of him suddenly came alive~!
Sengoku cleared his throat and said into the receiver:
"You heard my conversation with Kyle, didn't you?"
"I-I did…"
Tashigi replied timidly.
"Good."
Sengoku nodded and asked:
"In that case, are you willing to join the Navy's intelligence unit and assist Kyle with his mission?"
"I…"
Still confused, Tashigi hesitated.
And just then, Kyle lightly coughed, leaned close to her ear, and whispered:
"Intelligence work demands strict secrecy. Now that you know who I am… if you refuse…"
"It'll be very difficult for us to proceed…"
He gave her a threatening look, then pulled back and smiled warmly.
But in Tashigi's eyes, that smile looked like a devil's grin!
Though Kyle didn't say much, Tashigi's mind couldn't help conjuring up images of being tied up and tormented if she refused.
Cold sweat broke out on her forehead instantly.
With a slight sob in her voice, she said:
"I… I'm willing!"
"Welcome aboard, Corporal Tashigi—or rather…"
"Pirate Tashigi!"
After ending the call with Sengoku, Kyle extended his hand to the pitiful Tashigi, officially welcoming the swordswoman he had successfully tricked into joining him.
The confused girl stood frozen for a moment before slowly accepting the reality and reaching out to shake Kyle's hand.
"P-Pleased to work with you, Captain Kyle."
"Heh heh."
Having successfully recruited his first crew member, Kyle immediately opened his system backpack and focused his mind on Rukia's character card.
In the next second, an exciting notification popped up:
[A suitable crew member has been detected. Load character card—Rukia Kuchiki?]
Below were the options: [Yes] and [No]
Clearly, Tashigi had passed the system's requirements and could now be equipped with the template.
But Kyle didn't rush to load the character card just yet.
After shaking hands with Tashigi, he brought her up to the deck.
At that moment, the sun was just rising, and the sea ebbed and flowed.
Under the morning light, golden waves shimmered across the ocean.
The salty sea breeze blew gently.
Kyle and Tashigi—man and woman, alone on a ship.
Looking out at the vast sea, Kyle turned his back to her like a seasoned veteran and said:
"Tashigi, now that you've joined my Dusk Pirate Crew, from this moment on, we're family!"
"According to pirate tradition, we'd usually throw a welcome party for you."
"But given our current circumstances, the celebration will have to be postponed."
"U-Uh… I don't mind. Really, it's okay not to have a party…"
I'd be happy about some votes!