An X-shaped wound split across Jack's chest, blood pouring steadily from the lower intersection of the gash.
"GRAAAAH!!!"
After a furious roar, Jack's self-healing ability surged dramatically. The wound began to slowly close—but before it could fully heal, he charged straight at Karl again.
Clang! Clang!
Weapons collided repeatedly.
Wounded, Jack seemed enraged—but he hadn't lost his mind. On the contrary, relying on his terrifying physique, he fought Karl back and forth with surprising composure.
He fought smartly.
Minor hits? He tanked them.
Killing blows? Dodged if possible.
If he couldn't dodge—he protected his vitals at all costs.
At that moment, Karl finally confirmed something.
Jack wasn't stupid.
He was just young and arrogant.
After all, the guy was only in his twenties—already a core officer of an Emperor-level pirate crew. Anyone in his position would be cocky.
Still, objectively speaking, Jack's strength had clear flaws.
His Haki mastery was mediocre—mostly defensive.
His Observation Haki was practically nonexistent.
His only true advantage was durability.
If it were Charlotte Katakuri, taking several slashes would have already crippled his combat power.
But Jack had already eaten over twenty cuts—and was still charging around like a mad beast.
Low attack.
High HP.
High defense.
High regeneration.
That was Jack.
"Elbaf Spear · Ikoku Sovereignty!"
A massive purple flying slash tore through Jack's body. Blood sprayed like rain as Jack was forced to his knees, glaring at Karl with unwilling eyes.
"Looks like you're going back to prison again," Karl said lightly.
"Think Kaido will come save you this time?"
Jack's eyes burned with defiance. Enduring the pain, he forced himself upright, towering over Karl with his height advantage.
"Who do you think you are?"
"You think you can capture me?"
"Hah! Keep dreaming—die!!!"
Jack swung his long blade in a reckless charge.
Karl sneered and sidestepped easily, dodging the suicidal attack.
Then—
Karl froze.
Splash.
Jack leapt straight into the sea, sending water spraying everywhere. A faint mist of blood spread across the surface—
and then Jack vanished.
Karl: ???
…Did that count as escaping?
"What happened?"
"Where's Jack?"
Karl pointed at the water helplessly.
"There. He jumped into the sea."
Ain stared at the waves, then at Karl, disbelief written all over her face.
"But—he's a Devil Fruit user! Did he just… commit suicide?"
"Don't forget," Karl said calmly,
"He's a fish-man. Even if he can't swim, the sea won't kill him."
"Then what now?" Ain asked.
"Do we just let him escape?"
Karl rubbed his chin.
As the 'Father of the Sea', he could jump in and drag Jack out…
Nope. Too troublesome.
Exposing his trump card just to capture Jack wasn't worth it.
"Tell Nelson to bring the ships over," Karl decided.
"We'll wait here for one hour."
"Understood."
Soon, the two Marine warships sealed off the surrounding waters.
But an hour passed—
and Jack never resurfaced.
"…Forget it," Karl sighed.
"Let's go. Getting to G-10 Base takes priority."
Only after the Marine warships sailed far away did Jack slowly emerge from the water, swimming toward his ship.
"Damn Marines…" he growled.
"They stole all the money I worked so hard to get!"
Alone, Jack couldn't possibly sail back to Onigashima.
So…
"Boss, I've informed them…"
Jack didn't know how long he'd been lying on the ship before help finally arrived.
Judging by the flag—
It was Queen's ship.
"You're really useless," Queen mocked.
"Can't even deal with a Marine Vice Admiral?"
Jack didn't dare act tough in front of Queen. He lowered his head obediently.
"Queen-bro… that guy was really strong."
"Yeah, yeah. Save it," Queen waved him off.
"Get back. Kaido's waiting."
New World · G-10 Base
G-10 Base was located on Milram Island.
Civilian population: ~3,000
Marines stationed: ~1,500
Warships: 15 (17 including Karl's)
Overall defensive strength was solid. Ordinary pirates wouldn't dare attack Milram Island lightly.
After presenting his credentials, Karl officially assumed command as Base Commander of G-10.
"I'm Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Karl," he said calmly.
"First day here, still getting to know everyone—introduce yourselves."
The Marine officers before him snapped to attention and introduced themselves one by one.
Afterward, Karl nodded.
"Good. Very spirited."
"Let me introduce someone—this is Colonel Ain, user of the Return-Return Fruit."
"If I'm not present, her orders carry the same authority as mine."
"Yes, sir!"
"One more thing," Karl asked.
"Any pirate activity around Milram Island recently?"
"No, sir!" the officers replied in unison.
Karl stroked his chin and immediately issued an order.
"Deploy patrols to the surrounding seas immediately. From now on, daily patrols. No suspicious individuals slip through."
"Yes, sir!"
Once they left, Ain asked curiously,
"Why the patrols if there aren't pirates?"
Karl replied calmly,
"Training. Keeping them busy maintains combat readiness."
"I ran the North Blue Branch 108 the same way."
Ain nodded, half understanding.
"So what about us?" she asked with a grin.
"Just wait here for pirates to come knocking?"
"Not exactly," Karl said.
"If HQ sends orders, we move. If pirates threaten Dressrosa or the Lulusia Kingdom, we respond."
Ain suddenly laughed.
"That actually suits you—you love slacking off."
Karl's face changed instantly.
"Hey, watch your words!"
"When it comes to fighting pirates, I never slack off. Jack just now—didn't I beat him so badly he had to run?"
"And I regularly help you train your body, don't pretend you haven't noticed!"
Ain rolled her eyes.
"Then what about your Hancock? G-10 is so far from Amazon Lily…"
"That's not something you need to worry about."
"I seriously don't know what Sister Hancock sees in you," Ain snorted.
"You shameless womanizer."
Karl smiled faintly.
"And you? Do you see anything in me?"
Ain looked him up and down, lifted his chin boldly, playing the role of a domineering big sister.
"I do… unfortunately."
She shook her head.
Karl suddenly pulled her into his arms and whispered into her ear,
"You won't be able to escape."
"W-What are you doing…?" Ain's voice trembled slightly, eyes misty—half expectant, half resisting.
Karl leaned in, inhaled lightly—then froze.
"…Did you use my laundry detergent?"
"GO DIE!!!" 😤
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