One Piece: Signing In as a Pirate Begins with Roger's Execution

All the treasures of Golden Island were completely cleared out by Karl.

Among these treasures, the source of seastone raw materials was discovered, hidden deep within the hoard. However, there were only a handful of seastone fragments, barely weighing five kilograms in total.

After securing the treasure, Karl established the Buggy Treasure-Hunting Crew, using the treasure as bait to attract the attention of pirates.

To prevent the crew members from being recognized by Admiral Crete, Karl ensured that the members assigned to Buggy were unfamiliar faces, ones Crete had no chance of knowing.

The crew was composed of a mix of veterans and fresh recruits, but Karl guaranteed that none of them had any previous ties to Crete.

In a show of generosity, Karl assigned 200 personnel to Buggy, making it easier for the group to hunt for treasure and eliminate pirates.

With this setup, as long as they avoided a direct confrontation with Admiral Crete, the Buggy Treasure-Hunting Crew could operate with impunity in the East Blue, unthreatened by any significant opposition.

Even if a problem arose, Buggy only needed to call Karl through a Den Den Mushi, and Karl would swiftly handle it.

Under Karl's orchestration, it took less than half a month for the Buggy Treasure-Hunting Crew to become a sensational force in the East Blue.

Many flocked to join the group in hopes of striking it rich. Buggy welcomed all comers, but new recruits were only allowed to join the peripheral teams, while the core of the crew remained firmly under Navy control.

Thus, Buggy's group grew rapidly, threatening to disrupt Admiral Crete's dominion over the East Blue.

"Damn it! This is infuriating! Who are these Buggy Treasure-Hunters, and how did they rise to such prominence in just half a month? It's absurd!" Admiral Crete bellowed in frustration.

According to the news spreading far and wide, the Golden Dragon had been killed by Buggy.

This made Crete harbor a deep hatred for Buggy, though he refrained from acting rashly, as he couldn't determine Buggy's true strength or backing.

Having suffered devastating setbacks in the New World, Crete had become as cautious and cowardly as Gecko Moria, reluctant to take unnecessary risks.

"Admiral, I've gathered some intel. Garp recently left the East Blue. This is the perfect opportunity for us to make a comeback! As for the Buggy Treasure-Hunting Crew, why not use them as stepping stones for our return?"

The suggestion came from Kuro, who spoke with a sly smirk, his lips curling into a sinister grin.

Kuro was fully aware of Buggy's identity, and Karl had specifically instructed him to steer Admiral Crete's anger toward the treasure-hunting crew.

This would ensure that Crete, wary of the Navy's strength, would be lured into action against the seemingly easy target of Buggy's group.

With Kuro subtly nudging him along, it would be difficult for Crete not to take the bait.

"You make a good point. I've been lying low for months, and yet someone dares to plunder treasures on my turf? Outrageous! Notify everyone: if they encounter anyone from the Buggy Treasure-Hunting Crew, kill them on sight!"

"Understood. I'll pass along your orders immediately!"

"Wait. There's another matter regarding the Navy officer in Loguetown. We'll put that aside for now. Someone told me his background is unusual—apparently, he's the adopted son of Garp. Look into this thoroughly. If he has other powerful connections, report back immediately!

"We can't afford to be reckless if his background is legitimate. Even though I don't fear this Navy brat, his connections could pose a major threat."

"I'll investigate immediately!"

Hearing this, Kuro's heart skipped a beat.

He hadn't expected Admiral Crete to discover Karl's identity so soon.

This revelation stripped Karl of one of his greatest advantages.

Fortunately, Crete remained unaware of Karl's true strength. Otherwise, he might have fled already.

However, Kuro quickly deduced that Crete must still have spies within the Navy feeding him information.

The Marines in Loguetown were entirely loyal to Karl, so the leak had to come from another branch in the East Blue.

"Something wrong, Kuro? You haven't left yet," Crete asked, noticing Kuro lingering.

"It's nothing, Admiral. I've just been training too hard lately. My heart feels a bit strained."

Kuro adjusted his glasses and rubbed his chest, feigning heart pain.

"Kuro, you're my advisor. Focus on that role and leave the fighting to me. With me here, you're safe."

"I understand, Admiral."

Kuro nodded and left the room.

Crete's words confirmed his trust in Kuro, though they also hinted at his fear that Kuro might usurp his position.

Returning to his quarters, Kuro locked the door and called Karl using a Den Den Mushi.

"Lord Karl, I have urgent information to report…"

Meanwhile, at the Marine branch in Loguetown, Karl ended the call with Kuro.

"So, there are still Crete loyalists hidden within the Navy. It seems our earlier purges of the East Blue weren't as thorough as we thought.

"Whoever it is, they've infiltrated deep. But I know one thing for certain: there's no problem in Loguetown.

"This means the issue lies with another branch in the East Blue."

Karl sighed. "Looks like I'll need to visit these branches myself."

"Bellemere, prepare the ship. We're heading out to the other Marine bases!"

"Yes, sir!"

Over the course of a week, Karl visited most of the Marine branches in the East Blue. His presence left the branch commanders both honored and intimidated.

Though they all held the rank of Major, Karl's position in the Navy Headquarters granted him an automatic three-rank superiority. His reputation demanded respect.

During his visits, Karl deliberately spread word of his plans to take action against Admiral Crete, closely monitoring any reactions through Kuro.

If any branch was connected to Crete, they would surely reveal themselves.

However, Crete remained silent, suggesting no direct ties to the branches Karl had visited so far.

Just as Karl was about to inspect the final branch, Kuro relayed urgent news: Crete had already sent someone to target Buggy.

The attackers weren't members of Crete's pirate crew, but their identities remained unclear.

At the same time, Karl heard the rallying cries of Marines from the branch ahead.

"All personnel, listen up! The Buggy Treasure-Hunting Crew has gone too far. Eliminate them at once, for the sake of justice!"

"For justice!"

"For justice!"

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