Why did that sound so passive-aggressive?
Chacher rolled his eyes but continued, "They're just suspicious right now. Headquarters doesn't have any concrete evidence. Remember, we're the Navy that upholds justice. How could we possibly do such a thing?"
Even so—
Nami only rolled her eyes in response. As a navigator, she had once charted routes aboard the Mok Ship. How could she not know what was really going on?
This guy was even trying to fool her!
"Ahem, ahem." Chacher cleared his throat twice, his expression as resolute as ever, even under Nami's skeptical gaze.
"Every bit of our military funding is applied for according to regulations. It's completely legitimate. It's just that the Mok Pirates are extremely dangerous, and the Navy's 16th Branch couldn't handle them. Asking for extra funds to purchase better equipment is perfectly normal—it's all for maintaining the peace of the seas!"
As for Garp, Chacher wasn't too concerned. That guy's reputation was even messier than his own. Besides, Chacher wasn't an actual pirate and hadn't done anything truly criminal.
If he needed to flee, he was confident that Garp, who was famously laid-back, wouldn't put in his full effort to catch him—just like he didn't when chasing the Axe-Hand Pirate.
And if things got truly desperate... well, running away was always an option.
After spending so much time building a foundation here, Chacher had plenty of ways to make an escape if it came to that.
It wasn't Garp that worried him, though. It was Smoker. That guy was a real headache. Smoker upheld the law with strict impartiality and an unyielding sense of justice. If he decided to catch someone, he'd give it everything he had.
Of course~
Chacher wasn't concerned about Smoker's current strength.
After all, catching him wouldn't be so easy. That said, Chacher didn't want to resort to becoming a fugitive pirate, constantly on the run. Besides...
Crossing his hands beneath his chin, Chacher's sharply defined face took on a serious expression. "I suspect the East Blue is about to produce another big name. The Mok Pirates... they're a ruthless crew of notorious pirates!"
As long as the Mok Pirates weren't caught, who could accuse him of colluding with pirates?
Speaking of which, Chacher suddenly pulled out the Den Den Mushi from his pocket. After dialing a number, he spoke with a stern tone, "Hello, is this Mok?"
"Boss!" A loud voice boomed from the other end. "I was just about to head to the Conomi Islands! Udo's on the ship, too, along with a few others I don't recognize. Are they new recruits of yours?"
The voice continued cheerfully, "I spotted them on the way, sailing a broken-down ship toward the Conomi Islands. I had them board my ship directly. Oh, by the way, boss, did you call for something?"
"…I had something earlier, but not anymore. I'm hanging up. And don't call me 'boss' again unless it's necessary."
"???"
What did the boss mean by that?
Before the baffled Mok on the other end could ask anything...
"Beep, beep, beep~"
The phone bug was immediately hung up.
Chacher: ...
He silently stared at the phone bug in his hand, then sighed deeply. "What a mess!"
...
A little time rewinds.
Before Chacher and the others had their meeting, in the waters near East Blue's 16th division.
A massive pirate ship was slowly sailing on the calm sea.
If anyone saw the fishbone pirate flag flying, they would recognize it as the notorious Mok Pirate Crew from East Blue, a crew that the Navy's 16th division had been chasing for years without success.
At this moment.
The ship seemed to be carrying some heavy cargo, with its noticeable draft on the deck.
"Ah-choo!"
A loud sneeze echoed.
"Boss." A small-time member of the Mok Pirate Crew curiously looked at the towering, nearly three-meter tall, bald giant rubbing his nose. He said, "Isn't that the 16th division ahead? Should we go check it out?"
However.
"Go check what?" Mok said, slapping the hand that was rubbing his nose onto the back of the guy's head. "Don't cause trouble for Boss Chacher. We'll head to Cocoyasi Town first to unload, then we can check on Boss Chacher!"
Mok, who had been personally trained by Chacher, knew his rules very well. Although it wouldn't be a problem to visit now, there was no need to cause trouble for Boss Chacher.
As soon as the words were out.
The small-time crew member, who had just been smacked on the back of his head, pouted in grievance but understood Mok's intention. However...
He pointed ahead and said, with a slight pout, "But there's a small boat coming out of the 16th division. Should we not care?"
"What small boat?" Upon hearing his little brother's words, Mok was taken aback. He looked up and glanced toward Branch 16.
Sure enough, he saw a small boat slowly sailing across the sea's horizon, and its direction seemed to be toward Cocoyasi Town.
"Coming from Branch 16?"
"Riding a small boat? Could there be something going on?"
Mok paused, scratched his bald head, and said, "We're all brothers, go ask if they've run into any trouble. If that small boat's heading toward Cocoyasi Town, the sun will probably set by the time they arrive!"
With a wave of his hand, he ordered, "Bring the ship closer and see if they need any help."