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

"This is Gecko Moria? I didn't expect you to bring him here. You must have too much time on your hands.

Not only that, but you also brought nearly a thousand pirates with you. I don't even have enough cells in my prison for all of them!"

G-8 Branch.

Kuzan lounged lazily on a deck chair, though a hint of surprise flickered in his gaze.

He had known Karl planned to visit the G-8 Branch to see him, but he hadn't anticipated that Karl would bring such a substantial "gift" upon arrival.

If all these pirates were imprisoned, the military merits alone would be enough to promote a Marine from Lieutenant Commander to Captain.

And the crown jewel of this "gift package" was undoubtedly Gecko Moria.

This guy had once fought Kaido in the New World and survived.

That alone demonstrated his exceptional ability to escape death.

In this era, where bounty inflation hadn't yet taken hold, Moria's strength was enough to make him a notable figure on the seas.

"Stop complaining. This is my gift to you—a belated apology, if you will.

If you don't want it, I wouldn't mind taking the credit for myself.

But if you continue wasting your time here, I'm afraid your promotion to admiral might never come."

[TL/N: For clarifications, the "Three Monsters" Kuzan, Borsalino, and Sakazuki are still at Vice Admiral at this moment. I think I made some mistakes translating some of the previous chapters mentioning the ranks of Kuzan, Borsalino, and Sakazuki as Admiral.]

Karl's tone carried a hint of guilt.

After all, Kuzan had been punished because of him. Now that he had this opportunity, Karl wanted to make it up to him.

"Sigh, what a bother," Kuzan muttered, removing his eye mask as he stood and stretched.

"Enel, take these pirates and imprison them. Detain those with bounties, and release the ones without.

Don't forget to take a full headcount. Even those you release must be registered. If I find even one missing person, you'd better prepare to be my sparring partner."

"Yes, sir! I'll handle it immediately and ensure there are no mistakes!"

Enel responded crisply, saluting in a single smooth motion.

Despite his usual arrogance, it was clear from his expression that he feared Kuzan.

However, his gaze toward Karl was still filled with respect and admiration.

Clearly, Karl's prior "training" had left a lasting impression.

Even after being separated for over a year, Enel still held Karl in high regard.

"It seems your training has been quite effective. Even someone as rebellious as Enel is afraid of you," Kuzan remarked, patting Karl's shoulder.

"You're the real deal. Look at Enel; he still respects you.

When he first got here, his arrogance was sky-high. If I hadn't taken him down a few times, he wouldn't have learned to tone it down."

"When I first met him, he was just as arrogant," Karl laughed.

The two exchanged compliments before joking about Enel, their laughter filling the air.

Meanwhile, Moria had already been shackled with Sea Prism Stone cuffs and was being led to the prison.

But Perona clung to him, crying and pleading for his release.

Without a bounty on her head, Perona wasn't officially considered a pirate.

She was far too young—barely five years old.

Faced with such a young, innocent girl, none of the Marines present had the heart to act harshly.

Some of them even approached Karl and Kuzan, pleading on Perona's behalf and asking them to let her stay.

These Marines, enamored by the adorable child, were clearly being swayed by her tears.

Karl found their behavior disgraceful but eventually relented and interceded for Perona.

Kuzan didn't mind, considering her harmless and even suggesting that they could train her as a Marine and guide her moral compass.

Enel was assigned the task of mentoring her.

Though he lacked Capone Bege's charisma, he still had Karl's political materials.

As long as he followed the teachings step by step, Perona's worldview could be shaped over time.

Thus, Karl single-handedly dismantled Moria's pirate crew.

The future "disgrace of the Warlords of the Sea" hadn't even begun his new journey before it was prematurely cut short.

As for the pirates captured by Moria, over two-thirds carried bounties.

Most had turned to piracy for profit, though a small number were driven by desperation.

Karl and Kuzan ensured those who fell into the latter category received care and wouldn't spend their lives in Impel Down.

But the most heinous offenders? Kuzan had already contacted Sengoku, and within days, they would join Moria in Impel Down.

Karl spent a night at the G-8 Branch catching up with Kuzan.

By morning, he resumed his journey.

Shortly after leaving the G-8 Branch, Karl encountered a familiar figure.

The man recognized him as well.

"Karl, Captain of the Marines? It's been a while," the man said.

He had sharp, hawk-like eyes and drew his blade, ready for combat.

But Karl wasn't in the mood to fight.

"Mihawk, why so impatient?

Let me be blunt. With your current temperament, you'll never become the World's Strongest Swordsman."

Speaking as someone more experienced, Karl advised Mihawk to calm down and avoid unnecessary fights.

Mihawk raised an eyebrow, feeling insulted, but after some thought, realized there was truth in Karl's words. Reluctantly, he sheathed his weapon.

"That's better. You wouldn't have won anyway, so why waste your energy?"

Karl's words, casual as they were, grated on Mihawk's nerves.

"Your mouth is as unpleasant as ever."

"Don't get me wrong; I'm just being honest.

Right now, you're no match for me.

But I see great potential in you. Last night, I even noticed from the stars that you're destined to become the World's Strongest Swordsman!"

Karl's tone was sincere, and his gaze earnest, but Mihawk found his words unbearably condescending.

"Hmph! You're insufferable. I admit I'm not your match now, but mark my words—I'll surpass you one day!"

With that, Mihawk turned to leave, his small boat at the ready.

But Karl stopped him.

"Wait! I was just about to visit a great swordsman in the East Blue.

He's recently opened a dojo. Interested in joining me?"

"A great swordsman? Stronger than you?"

"If we're talking about pure swordsmanship, then yes, he surpasses me!"

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