Chapter 52 - CHAPTER 52 - Checkmate and Counterplay

"It's quite simple—Shichibukai Crocodile clashed with Bam in Wine City. Rear Admiral Harry and Captain Luka attempted to mediate but were defeated and killed by the Shichibukai." "If this report reaches Marine Headquarters, do you really think they'll let you keep your Warlord title?" Moris said, making no move to attack. He had no reason to kill Crocodile—in fact, he owed him thanks. "Marines died, and the only witnesses can confirm I fought Bam," Rosen pondered. "With your informants in the Marines, you're likely the highest-ranking officer left. Even if there are some inconsistencies, once the report reaches Marine Headquarters or the World Government, things will go as you wish." Moris smirked. "Exactly. So, you should leave now. This situation will hold up under scrutiny, and even if you try to clear your name, it'll be nearly impossible. Thousands saw the chaos tonight." "Still, my offer stands—if Marine pursuit gets too troublesome, join me. The Bounty Guild has its ways of keeping people hidden." He took another long swig of his drink. Rosen narrowed his eyes. "Why do all this? Just to eliminate rivals? I could understand targeting Bam, but even the Marines? That doesn't fit a bounty hunter's profile." Moris chuckled. "I want Wine City to have only one voice—mine. The Marines were an obstacle, and this was a convenient opportunity. My original plan was much harder to execute, but thanks to your timely arrival, things worked out perfectly. I should be thanking you, Crocodile—you're my lucky star." He raised his flask in a mock toast. Even if Harry and Luka are dead, do you think Marine Headquarters won't send someone else? At most, they'll conduct an investigation. Now that two uncontrollable officers are gone, the ones taking over will naturally be our people, right, Captain Lori? We spent quite a bit of money on this. Looks like Crocodile is a little interested in our Bounty Guild as well. Moris looked at Crocodile meaningfully. At first, he had valued Crocodile quite a bit. But a man who possesses Conqueror's Haki is unlikely to be willing to serve under another. Still, if he were really being hunted by the Marines, he might change his mind. If Crocodile joined, the Bounty Guild would become even stronger and grow at an unprecedented speed. That was why Moris was willing to answer Crocodile's questions. "I'm just curious. After all, you did trick me, and the outcome wasn't exactly in my favor," Rosen said with a faint smile. From what he could tell, Moris was extremely strong. If he had faced him before getting injured, he might not have stood a chance—perhaps the result would have been even worse. "Hahaha! Do you want to fight me? That wouldn't be a wise decision. In your current state, you're nowhere near my level. You'd be better off saving your strength to deal with the Marines." Moris laughed, completely unconcerned. Rosen didn't argue. Anyone could see that this was true. But was there any need to fight? No. There was no need at all. Because in the end, he would be the one laughing last. "Thanks for your honesty, Lord Moris." Rosen smiled. He didn't come here just to chat. "What do you mean?" Moris noticed something off about Rosen's expression. Logically speaking, someone about to be stripped of their Shichibukai title should be anxious. They would be facing endless pursuit. Yet, Rosen didn't seem angry at him at all. That wasn't the look of a man in desperation. Why was he so calm? Did I miss something? Moris was meticulous and calculating. He had many spies planted within the Marines. He had great ambitions and grand plans. For someone like him, logic and reason always came first. Right now, the most rational move for Crocodile should be to flee as soon as possible. If Moris's men reported this to Marine Headquarters, they would surely send a powerful force to hunt Crocodile down. Looking back, no Shichibukai had ever left their position without severe consequences. Gecko Moria was deemed too weak by the World Government, stripped of his title during the Summit War, and nearly killed. Crocodile himself lost to Straw Hat Luffy, was stripped of his title, and sent to Impel Down. Jinbei refused to fight against Whitebeard, was thrown into Level 6 of Impel Down. Even Blackbeard, after abandoning his Shichibukai status and gaining the Quake-Quake Fruit, was hunted by Akainu. Losing the Shichibukai title was always disastrous. For someone who had already become a Shichibukai, being stripped of the title meant chaos and endless pursuit. Even Crocodile couldn't possibly ignore that. So why was he so composed? Wait... He's talking too much. It's like he's trying to get information from me. But what's the point? Even if I told him everything, the Marines would never trust him. Unless— Unless a Marine officer was listening in. Harry... is he still alive?! Moris's expression darkened. "Let me ask you something," Rosen said suddenly. "Your Bounty Guild—what exactly is its purpose?" With Moris's strength, he should be able to live freely in the Grand Line. As long as he avoided admirals, top-tier Shichibukai, and Yonko commanders, he could have had an easy life. But instead, he was building an organization. "Trying to pry information out of me?" Moris narrowed his eyes. "No, Harry isn't here, Crocodile. What are you scheming?" Something wasn't right. Moris tensed, preparing to capture Crocodile on the spot. He hadn't planned to do so, as it would be more trouble than it was worth. But Crocodile's attitude made him uneasy. Rosen saw Moris's stance shift and acted first. "Noticed something, did you?" "Then congratulations, Lord Moris." "From today on, you are no longer a bounty hunter. You are a pirate." "And the one facing endless pursuit... is not me. It's you." Rosen smirked and pulled out a Den Den Mushi—which had been transmitting their entire conversation. Moris's face turned pale. No way. When did he set this up? Could he have known in advance that I would act tonight? Impossible. I only just decided to make my move. Even I didn't know until moments ago. How could he have predicted this?! "Hello? Vice Admiral, are you listening?" "Take note of every word." "The Marine officers weren't killed by me—I simply didn't make it in time to save them." "I did my best, and I managed to get some useful information out of him. The rest is up to you..." Rosen's grin widened. Moris stood there, frozen. So did Robin, Daz Bones, and the others. This wasn't some brilliant masterstroke. But it was completely unexpected. When did he plan this?! Did he come up with this right after his fight with Bam? He couldn't have foreseen everything like this... could he? Nobody had even considered that Rosen still had a Den Den Mushi active—let alone that it had been recording everything. "Everything has been documented," a heavy voice came from the Den Den Mushi. The one speaking was Vice Admiral Mole. But Rosen didn't know that beside him stood an Admiral—Kizaru. "Hmm~ bounty hunters these days are quite terrifying," Kizaru said lazily. "And the number of corrupt officers within the Marines has been growing these past years..." "Seems we'll need to clean house a little." "Since when could promotions be bought with money?" The death of Marine officers was bad enough. But for it to be broadcast like this, live to Marine Headquarters? Moris was now on the Marines' hit list. Even Harry's death was instinctively pinned on him—after all, a Marine killing another Marine was too hard to believe. But Moris? After tonight's events, he was far more suspicious. "Crocodile!" Moris clenched his fist, shattering his liquor bottle. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that the Marines had been listening the whole time. He hadn't just failed. He had walked straight into disaster. And all because of one simple phone call. (End of Chapter) ========================================================= DROP THEM POWER STONES PLEASE SUPPORT ME ON P@TREON IF YOU'D LIKE ACCESS ON ADVANCED CHAPTERS PAT REON . COM / TurdTranslations (Just remove the space).