I, Kizaru, only came to the chat group after I became invincible

Chapter 397 Additional Funds

"Colonel Jack is truly brilliant!"

"In this way, we can not only eliminate the threat of pirates, but also project a positive image of upholding law and order to headquarters."

"Killing two birds with one stone!"

Just then, there was a knock on the office door.

"Come in."

Marcus said.

A staff member from the chamber of commerce walked in.

"Chairman, a man claiming to be former Marine Admiral Kizaru requests to see you."

"They said they were there to assist with the investigation."

Marcus and Jack were both stunned when they heard the news.

"Kizaru? Borsalino?"

Jack's expression turned somewhat grim.

How did he get here?

Marcus also seemed very nervous.

"I don't know either."

"But it's said he's with the Straw Hat Pirates."

Upon hearing this, Jack's face darkened even more.

If Borsalino is indeed present, their plans become complicated.

After all, Borsalino was a former admiral and still held considerable prestige within the navy.

If he reports the true situation here to headquarters, the consequences will be severe.

"Let him wait."

Jack said coldly.

"I need to think about how to handle this problem first."

"Perhaps we need to change our plans."

Marcus asked cautiously:

"Change the plan?"

A ruthless glint flashed in Jack's eyes.

"If Borsalino really intends to get involved, then we'll have no choice but to strike first."

"After all, it's normal to have some unexpected casualties during the process of eliminating pirates."

"Even a former admiral who obstructs military operations will be treated as a traitor."

Upon hearing Jack's words, Marcus gasped.

"You...you're going to attack Borsalino?"

"Isn't this too dangerous?"

Jack gave a cold laugh.

"Danger?"

"Do you know what the consequences will be if we let him report the truth to headquarters?"

"Rather than sitting and waiting to be killed, we should take the initiative."

"Moreover, as long as we control everyone present, we can make up stories at will."

"Then we'll say Borsalino colluded with pirates, attempting to overthrow the Navy's righteous actions."

"We were forced to take this action to uphold the honor of the Navy."

Marcus listened to Jack's plan with a mixture of excitement and fear.

If the plan succeeds, he will be able to permanently control Star Island.

But if it fails, the consequences will be unimaginable.

"I see."

Marcus finally nodded.

"So when do we begin?"

"tonight."

Jack said it with absolute certainty.

"Before they fully understand the situation, let's wipe them all out in one fell swoop."

"Remember, leave no survivors."

Outside the Chamber of Commerce building, Borsalino had overheard their entire conversation.

His face turned extremely gloomy.

I never imagined things would develop to this point.

Not only did the Navy's support turn into accompliceship, but they even planned to kill him and the Straw Hat Pirates.

This is no longer just a matter of corruption; it is utter betrayal.

"It seems we can only rely on ourselves."

Borsalino thought to himself.

He must return to the deserted island as soon as possible and tell the Straw Hat Pirates what happened.

Then they must respond by tonight.

Otherwise, not only will the civilians of Star Island be unable to be saved, but they themselves will also be in danger.

Borsalino quietly left the Chamber of Commerce building, then used his light-speed ability to quickly leave Star Island.

On his way back to the deserted island, he pondered his next move.

The situation is now very clear: normal channels are completely ineffective.

Colonel Jack and Marcus are in cahoots and can't possibly solve the problem.

Instead, they will use the navy's name to eliminate anyone who threatens their interests.

In this situation, perhaps only extraordinary measures can solve the problem.

But this means directly confronting corrupt naval officers, with potentially severe consequences.

However, Borsalino couldn't care less about that anymore.

Justice is justice, regardless of what uniform one wears.

If corruption and evil lurk beneath the naval uniform, then such a uniform does not deserve respect.

Borsalino soon returned to the deserted island.

The Straw Hat Pirates are waiting for news at their camp.

Upon seeing Borsalino return, Luffy immediately jumped up.

"So, what did Naval Headquarters say?"

Borsalino's face was grave.

"The situation is much worse than we imagined."

He told everyone everything he had seen and heard on Star Island.

After hearing Borsalino's account, everyone's faces turned very grim.

"What?!"

Luffy jumped up in anger.

"Those guys were actually doing this while wearing navy uniforms!"

"That's outrageous!"

Zoro's hand was already on the hilt of his sword.

"It seems we underestimated the extent of corruption."

"Even if the world government collapses, this cancer will still exist."

Nami gritted her teeth and said:
"So what do we do now?"

"If even the navy can't be trusted, what other way is there to help those civilians?"

Robin said thoughtfully:

"Perhaps we should contact the higher-ups at Navy Headquarters directly."

"After all, Colonel Jack is just a junior officer and cannot represent the entire navy."

Borsalino shook his head.

“It’s too late.”

"They plan to take action tonight and will control all communications on site."

"By then, even if we wanted to contact headquarters, we wouldn't be able to."

Sanji exhaled a smoke ring.

"Then there's only one way."

"We must resolve the problem before they take action."

Franky nodded as well.

"Exactly! Since the proper channels aren't working, we'll use our own methods!"

Although Brooke was afraid, she agreed.

"Although it's dangerous, we can't just stand by and watch the evildoers succeed."

Chopper also mustered up his courage and said:
"As a doctor, I cannot tolerate anyone obstructing the saving of patients!"

Seeing the determined expressions on his companions' faces, Luffy's eyes ignited with fighting spirit.

"Alright! Then let's show those bad guys that justice cannot be blinded by the color of uniforms!"

"No matter what they're wearing, a bad person is a bad person!"

Borsalino felt a surge of warmth as he looked at this group of young people full of a sense of justice.

Perhaps this is where the real hope lies.

It is not about relying on systems and authority, but on an inner sense of justice and the courage to act.

"Alright, let's make a plan."

Borsalino said.

"We must completely resolve the issue of Star Island before tonight."

"Not only must we rescue the civilians, but we must also expose the true colors of Jack and Marcus."

“Let Naval Headquarters know the real situation.” “First, we need to get in touch with Reid and his men.”

Nami unfolded the sea chart and pointed to several small bays around Starry Island.

"They should be hiding in one of these places."

"I'm going to find them!"

Luffy immediately stood up.

"no."

Borsalino shook his head.

"Jack's fleet is currently searching everywhere; any rash action on your part will expose your position."

"Let me go. I'm fast enough to avoid being spotted."

Zoro thought for a moment.

"Then what are we doing here? We can't just sit here and wait."

“We need to gather evidence.”

Robin said.

"To truly resolve this issue, Navy Headquarters must be informed of the truth about Jack and Marcus's collusion."

"Simply using force can only solve the problem temporarily; it cannot cure the root cause."

Borsalino nodded.

“Robin is right. I overheard their conversation in the Chamber of Commerce building, but that's not enough.”

"We need more concrete evidence, such as records of financial transactions, communication records, and so on."

"Then let's split into two groups!"

Luffy made the decision.

"Borsalino goes to find Red and the others, we'll go gather evidence!"

"Luffy, don't be impulsive."

Nami stopped Luffy.

"Infiltrating the Chamber of Commerce building to collect evidence is dangerous and requires careful planning."

"Furthermore, the Chamber of Commerce has definitely increased security now; we can't just force our way in."

Sanji flicked his cigarette ash.

"Then let's start from the outside."

"I can reach out to those merchants and ordinary people to learn more inside information."

"Sanji and I will go together."

"Chopper said."

"As a doctor, I can approach the victims under the guise of treating their illnesses."

"They might be willing to tell the doctor the truth."

Franky tapped his mechanical arm.

"I'm in charge of the technical aspects."

"If we can find the Chamber of Commerce's Den Den Mushi (snail communication system), we might be able to intercept some important information."

"Then I'll go investigate Jack's fleet."

Zoro said.

"Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated."

Although Brooke's voice trembled slightly, he still mustered his courage.

"I can use my agility to sneak into places that others can't."

Robin concluded by saying:
"I was responsible for reviewing publicly available files and records to look for any suspicious activity by the Marcus Chamber of Commerce over the years."

"Sometimes the best evidence is hidden in the most conspicuous place."

After hearing everyone's division of labor, Borsalino nodded in satisfaction.

"Very good, let's get started now."

"Remember, if you encounter danger, retreat immediately."

"Our goal is to save the islanders, not to send them to their deaths."

After saying that, Borsalino transformed into a golden ray of light and instantly disappeared into the night.

Meanwhile, the other members of the Straw Hat Pirates also set off on their own, beginning this battle between good and evil.

Borsalino used his light-speed ability to quickly locate the Black Flag Pirates' hideout.

Sure enough, they were hiding in a secluded bay in the northwest of Starry Island.

Upon seeing Borsalino's sudden appearance, the Black Flag Pirates crew immediately became alert.

"Don't be nervous, it's me."

Borsalino raised his hands to indicate that he was not hostile.

Red came out of the cabin and breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Borsalino.

"Mr. Borsalino, what's the situation? Has Naval Headquarters responded?"

Borsalino's face was grave.

There was a response, but not the kind we hoped for.

He told Reid in detail about Colonel Jack's collusion with Marcus.

After hearing this, Reid's face turned ashen.

"I see. No wonder Marcus has become increasingly arrogant over the years."

"With the navy's protection, he can certainly do whatever he wants."

"What do we do now?"

"The vice-captain of the Black Flag Pirates asked."

"If even the navy can't be trusted, who else can we rely on?"

"We can only rely on ourselves."

"I said firmly."

"Mr. Borsalino, what are the Straw Hat Pirates' plans?"

Borsalino told Red about Luffy and his crew's plan.

"We need your cooperation."

"The first step is to gather evidence to prove the collusion between Jack and Marcus."

"Then it's about protecting the civilians who dare to testify."

"Finally, armed confrontation should be used if necessary."

Red nodded without hesitation.

"We will fully cooperate!"

"We're willing to do anything for the islanders!"

"Alright, now we need a concrete action plan."

Borsalino unfolded a detailed map of Star Island.

"Based on my observations, Jack plans to act tonight."

"They will search our hideouts simultaneously, then eliminate us under the pretext of eradicating pirates."

"Therefore, we must act before them."

Red studied the map carefully.

"The Chamber of Commerce building is our primary target; the most crucial evidence should be located there."

"But it's definitely heavily guarded there now, and a direct assault wouldn't be a wise choice."

"I have an idea."

"That's what the Black Flag Pirates' navigator said."

"Although the Chamber of Commerce building is heavily guarded, its sewer system is rather old."

"When we were providing relief to the poor, we often used the sewers to transport supplies."

"I am very familiar with the terrain there."

Borsalino's eyes lit up.

"Very good! Then let's split into several groups."

"You guys sneak in through the sewers, I'll draw their attention from the front."

"This will both distract the enemy and ensure that someone can successfully infiltrate."

While they were making detailed plans, the Straw Hat Pirates members on Star Island were also taking their own actions.

Sanji and Chopper arrived in the slums, ostensibly to provide medical assistance to the victims.

"Uncle, your cough is quite severe."

Chopper carefully examines an old man's body.

"Is it caused by malnutrition?"

The old man sighed.

"Little doctor, to be honest, it's been a long time since any of us have had a decent meal."

"Ever since the Chamber of Commerce monopolized the grain trade, prices have been rising."

"We old folks and children often go hungry."

Sanji handed the old man some food.

"Uncle, do you know when the Chamber of Commerce started raising prices?"

Is there any special reason?

The old man accepted the food and nodded gratefully.

"It was about three years ago, when a naval fleet came."

"After Marcus met with that naval commander, he started drastically raising prices."

"They said it was to support the Navy's just cause and that additional funding was needed."

"But we all know that the money wasn't used for anything legitimate."

Chopper and Sanji exchanged a glance, both understanding.

It seems that Jack and Marcus's collusion has been going on for three years and is definitely not a spur-of-the-moment decision.

(End of this chapter)