Settsetse! The Pirate Nemesis

"My home isn't here, where should I be? Huh?!"

Tina asked in a slightly annoyed tone, which startled Lieutenant Zell, who froze on the spot, unsure of what to do.

Swallowing hard, Lieutenant Zell cursed the mafia bastards for giving him the wrong address while saying with a hint of obsequiousness, "Um, we're here to arrest Sett... Didn't we come to the wrong place?"

Just as Lieutenant Zell was speaking, Sett, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, emerged from a side door. His bare upper body was incredibly muscular, covered with numerous scars, large and small, scattered like stars. They gleamed in the sunlight, like Michelangelo's David. He was less a person and more a walking work of art.

"What's wrong? Did someone call me... Oh my god~~"

As he spoke, Sett yawned, still feeling sleepy, and unconsciously draped his arm over Tina's shoulder. Tina shook it off slightly in annoyance, but seeing Sett's still-sleepy appearance, she felt a bit irritated and helpless.

He immediately turned to Lieutenant Zell, gritting his teeth, and said, "You've come to the right place! He is Sett, arrest him! He'd better be shot immediately!!"

"Ah, this..."

Looking at the two people in front of him: Sett, with sleepy eyes and a drowsy face, and Lieutenant Colonel Tina, the branch manager, whose face was full of disgust but who didn't make any further moves...

Swallowing hard, Lieutenant Zell didn't harbor any resentment towards Witt for giving him the wrong address... he was more inclined to just shoot Witt.

It's like a traffic cop issuing a ticket to his bureau chief's private car on his first day of work. Even if he's doing his duty, it's impossible for the bureau chief not to have any ulterior motives.

Especially since Lieutenant Zell's actions didn't even qualify as dutiful service... he actually accepted bribes from the Mafia and acted on his own...

Take Sett away? Are you kidding me? Our branch manager's behavior is clearly that of a couple having a lovers' quarrel. Even if everything's fine now, what if Sett tries to influence them later… Their lack of cooperation is one thing, but Tina is the branch manager, and that's another matter entirely!

Standing behind him are admirals, all the naval officers of the Black Arm Zephyr faction!

42. It's just around the corner.

Although Tina felt that she was being deceived and kept in the dark while staying in the West Sea Navy branch, and that she couldn't make any useful achievements.

However, this was also Tina's own feeling. Ultimately, the West Blue had already established its own unique system of dividing interests long before Tina arrived. It could be said that no matter who came, the West Blue would remain in its current state—because it was rotten to the core from the very beginning. Unless someone could break through the World Government's control as well, even the Marine Admirals would have no choice but to accept it...

Zell was completely bewildered. How did he, a mere second lieutenant, get involved in his superior's love life?

The Pirate King Roger is dead, and internal strife has erupted within the Navy. Due to the Ohara massacre, Admiral Sengoku has gained the trust of the Five Elders. Garp, as a Navy hero, enjoys widespread fame among the people. However, the largest faction within the Navy belongs to Admiral Zephyr… As a Navy instructor, more than half of the Navy's elite officers and officers are his personally trained disciples.

Although Zefa himself has no interest in power, one thing is certain: even without Zefa's leadership, the trainees who graduated from his tutelage would help each other. Just like Tina, she may not have enough seniority now, but in another ten years or so, her promotion to major general or even lieutenant general would be a sure thing.

In comparison, he had toiled half his life just to become a second lieutenant. Was he really going to ruin his career over a few measly coins from the mafia?

Damn it! I already said I was going to find Sett, what am I going to do now?!

Zell didn't want to be dismissed and investigated because of Sett's pillow talk... It was only because no evidence had been found against him yet. If something were found, given Tina's style of doing things, she would at least clean up the entire Navy branch. At that point, his other colleagues, unable to retaliate against Tina, would definitely turn their anger towards him!

Thinking and thinking, Zell suddenly slapped his forehead and said, "Hey, what are you saying, sir! Execution is just too scary!"

"Scary?" Upon hearing this, Tina curled her lip and said with a snort, "I wish you would shoot this bastard..."

"Hey, we've built our friendship through fighting, is it really that fragile?" Sett yawned again, still half asleep.

Zell, standing to the side, was so frightened that he didn't dare to say a word.

With a soft hum, perhaps realizing something was amiss, Tina shook Sett's arm off and said, "The young lady is still cooking, Zell, what do you need to say?"

Miss...you already have a daughter?!

Zell was shocked. Little did he know, the girl Tina was referring to was Robin. The title of "Devil's Child" was far too infamous in the West Blue, and naturally, it couldn't be mentioned in front of so many Marines. So, she simply used a name Sett could understand—naive and oblivious to the consequences this would have.

He opened his mouth, took a deep breath, and tried to appear more composed. Then he said stiffly;

"Arresting people? That's a joke, all a joke..."

Upon hearing this, Tina raised an eyebrow, a hint of doubt in her eyes; "Then what are you doing here?"

His eyes darted around, perhaps driven by a strong will to survive, and Lieutenant Zell quickly recalled the various events that had occurred in the naval branch recently, before saying:

"The main reason is that Mr. Sett recently brought the Walker family's octopus-man Nogana to justice, right? Our forensic doctor checked and it was indeed Nogana, so I'm here to inform Mr. Sett that he can come and collect the selected person when he has time."

As he said this, Lieutenant Zell secretly praised his own quick wit: "Forty-five million, it's not good to keep it all in our naval branch, is it?"

"That's true..."

Upon hearing this, Tina, who was standing to the side, nodded in agreement.

"But why so fast this time? I remember it usually takes at least half a month for the branch to confirm identities and issue a report, right?"

"It's probably because the number of criminals this time is different," Lieutenant Zell said confidently. "For heinous criminals like Nogana who traffics people, our Antuo Island Naval Branch is united in our hatred and determined to fight against evil to the death!"

"Oh, oh, oh! What a fine soldier of the people!" Upon hearing this, Sett, who was standing to the side, also clapped his hands in agreement.

Are you kidding? Someone comes to give you money first thing in the morning, are you going to refuse it with a long face? ...Why not take something for free? Sett loves getting things for free!

Upon hearing Sett's words, Lieutenant Zell beamed with pride. Having gained this lord's favor, wasn't the position of lieutenant just around the corner?

Thinking this, and gazing at Sett's robust physique, Zell revealed a hint of excitement—it was indeed just around the corner, he had to work hard! Otherwise, how would he have the chance to whisper sweet nothings in her ear!

...So, is this the type of man that Branch Manager Tina likes?

Just as Lieutenant Zell was still thinking, the Mafia members appeared on the street.

43. Siblings join forces

Witt's mood today can be described as ridiculously good.

The arrangements have been made, and the members of the naval branch have appeared in the designated area as planned. My next task is to wait for the opportune moment to step in and extricate myself. I need to show the fearless Sett that the sea isn't just about swords and shadows; it's also a place of human relationships and complexities.

The Capone family has been operating in the West Blue for nearly a century, generation after generation, until now, with Capone Bege's territory expanding rapidly and his influence reaching unprecedented heights. And yet, because of Sett, their reputation is starting to be questioned?

But it doesn't matter. No matter how much those guys question it now, they'll take Sett seriously once he submits to the Capone family... A combatant with at least the rank of Navy Captain, or even Rear Admiral. That's enough to intimidate a bunch of petty thugs in the West Blue.

And now, Vittor is already considering how he should descend from the heavens to rescue Sett and let Sett know what the true laws of this great sea are.

The true law on the high seas is—living off one's wife.

As the group of mafia members emerged from the other end of the road, Lieutenant Zell silently prayed that they would realize something was wrong and simply turn around and leave.

Unfortunately, Witt hadn't guessed what Lieutenant Zell was thinking. On the contrary, from Witt's perspective, Tina's slender figure was perfectly concealed by Sett's broad frame. Coupled with Sett's sleepy expression, at first glance, it seemed less like indifference and more like annoyance and disgust.

A surge of joy welled up within him. Under Lieutenant Zell's murderous gaze, Witt coughed lightly and addressed the doctor. Then, with practiced ease, he reached out his large hands and placed them on Lieutenant Zell's shoulders.

"Brother Zell? Long time no see! I haven't seen you come over for drinks lately!"

Lieutenant Zell stared intently at Witt, while Witt inwardly chuckled—look at him, he's really putting on an act! Anyone who didn't know better would think he hated him terribly!

But this is for the best. The more he hates himself, the greater the shock he will have on Sett when Zell gives up. It will let Sett know that in the West Blue, the Capone family's executives are the kings of the underworld.

"What? Did my boxer offend you? How about letting him go? Just to save face for me~"

As Vittor spoke, he was completely unaware that he had already been tainted by the unspeakable taboo of the One Piece world: the Face Fruit.

And so, divine punishment descended! First and foremost, it was Werther, who had committed the sin of pride!!!

"Mmm~~!!"

Upon hearing Vittor's words, Tina, who had been feeling somewhat bored, stroked her chin and uttered a meaningful sound—a naval branch lieutenant and a mafia executive have connections? This was exactly what Tina wanted to hear.

Upon seeing Vittor, Sett, standing beside Tina, also touched his chin in unison. Both had pink hair, Sett's being a slightly darker shade than Lieutenant Tina's. Making such a gesture simultaneously, if Lieutenant Zell hadn't known they already had a daughter, he would probably have mistaken these two pink-haired individuals for siblings.

Lieutenant Zell had a deep misunderstanding.

Upon hearing Tina's meaningful hum, he turned around and discovered the graceful woman hidden beside Sett—especially her pale pink hair, which was only slightly lighter than Sett's.

For a moment, Witt was also stunned—back when Sett first appeared at the casino, the Capone family had already determined that Sett might have some connection with Tina. And now, the two of them stood side by side, both with pink hair, living together, their mannerisms and expressions similar and intimate…

These two are siblings?!

Vittor's heart skipped a beat. If that were the case, then Tina's cover-up of Sett and Robin, the demon son, would make sense!

It's not that Witt is deliberately creating distance here; it's just that they're completely in cahoots with the officials and the bandits!

Whether looking at their physique or other characteristics, Sett and Tina are remarkably similar. If we're really going to compare, Sett's darker hair color can be explained by the fact that Sett was born first and therefore had more pigment – ​​just like in a litter of puppies, some will always be darker and some lighter!

Sett, Tina...it's confirmed! Even their names are so similar! If you're related, why didn't you say so sooner?!

Vittor cursed inwardly—though Tina herself was unaware, Tina was like an empress dowager in the West Blue. While she might not be able to control much, her status was unparalleled. Offending Tina might not get you into trouble with her alone, but behind her was a whole band of naval officers led by Black Arm Zephyr!

Thinking this, before Witt could say anything more, Colonel Zell raised his fist and punched Witt's cheek, which was still swollen from Sett's beating the day before.

"I'm Lieutenant Zell! How dare you, a member of the mafia, try to establish a connection with me!" Zell roared. "I am sworn to death with evil!!!"

44. Design uniforms

Watching the Mafia and the Navy fight their way further and further away, Tina scratched her head, somewhat bewildered.

"Neuropathy……"

In response, Sett stroked his chin and said, "More than that, I feel they might have misunderstood something."

"What misunderstanding?" Hearing Sett's words, Tina completely failed to grasp the seriousness of the situation. Turning away, she tidied her hair as she said, "They're just roommates... but honestly, having a friend like you is really embarrassing. Back in my day, Tina..."

Lost in memories and reflections, Tina headed to her room to freshen up, eat, and go to work. Hearing Tina's complaints, Sett wasn't angry. In fact, he raised an eyebrow in a completely different way.

After staring at Tina for a while and realizing that she wasn't lying, Sett didn't say much more, but he was a little expectant—he really wanted to see what Tina would think when she heard those rumors while working at the Navy branch.

It's a pity I'm going to meet my newly recruited underling today, so I won't get to see his famous face. It's kind of a shame.

Men should prioritize their careers. What's that saying again? Money gives a man courage, and a true man cannot be without power for a single day.

After dinner, Sett praised Robin's cooking skills, saying they were getting better and better. Then Sett put on the jacket with the thick fur collar and hand warmers. He then strode off, drove the car he had just picked up from the store the day before, and headed to the casino.

It’s different in the past.

Even in the mornings, the casinos are usually packed with people, sweating profusely. But today is different. They arrived at the casino entrance early, all dressed in suits and black ties. Pad's face was filled with tension—as Seti had instructed before leaving yesterday, they had to be lined up neatly at the casino entrance the next day. And they had to look energetic, not their usual nonchalant selves.

The quality of the henchmen was a matter of the boss's reputation, and Pad was well aware of this. Therefore, he specifically used the Iron Hammer Gang's previous funds to rent such a sharp suit. Not only Pad, but all sixty-odd other members of the Iron Hammer Gang… no, now they should be called the Skull Crusher Gang, also changed into suits.

Unfortunately, people in this world usually have some genetic issues; they're either square or round. So, apart from a very few individuals, the vast majority of people, even when wearing a suit, still look rather oddly shaped.

They vividly demonstrate that a person's appearance has little to do with their clothes.

Fortunately, although they were ugly, they possessed a powerful and intimidating presence. Standing in the center of them, even a passerby would appear to be a hidden master.

Parking in the middle of the road, he saw Sett arrive and without saying a word, Pad ran over and respectfully opened the car door.

pat!

A long leg stretched out and landed on the ground with a dull thud.

Stepping out of the car, Sett glanced around, raising an eyebrow upon spotting the gang members. Then, glancing at Pad's suit, his face immediately fell.

"I told you to dress smartly, and this is the result?!"