Harden glared at 'Golden Lion' Shiki through bloodshot eyes. "What did you just say? What are you planning to do to the East Blue?"
"I said that East Blue you're so proud of will soon cease to exist," Shiki replied with a cold sneer, proceeding to reveal his plan for the region's destruction.
This scheme was hardly a secret on Merveille Island. Nearly everyone—even the indigenous people Shiki had enslaved—knew that his so-called "Sea of Strategy" referred specifically to the East Blue.
Harden's mind flashed unbidden to the image of Koby clutching a signed book tightly against his chest. His features contorted with rage as he glared at Shiki. "You're delusional. William will stop you."
He then shifted his burning gaze toward Kuro. "You treacherous bastard! Didn't you hear him? He's going to destroy the East Blue, and you stand there unmoved? Willing to be his f***ing lapdog?!"
Shiki's lips curled into a satisfied grin, evidently pleased with Harden's reaction. He glanced at the impassive Kuro before turning back to Harden. "Kuro possesses more intelligence than you. You believe yourself the valiant defender of your homeland? In truth, he's the one taking practical action for his birthplace. He's informed me of everything this pirate upstart you call Morgan William has accomplished."
Taking a deep draw from his cigar, Shiki exhaled contemplatively before offering his assessment with condescending authority. "I'll grant that the boy shows some promise. Compared to the worthless rabble flooding the seas in this pathetic era, he demonstrates a measure of cunning and tactical skill. Nevertheless, he remains hopelessly outmatched against a true pirate."
Leaning closer, Shiki's tone shifted to one of calculated persuasion. "If saving the East Blue is your desire, join my ranks. Isn't it natural to spare a comrade's homeland?" Finally revealing his true purpose, he continued, "Kuro tells me you serve as William's right hand—a man commanding unparalleled respect within his organization. That's precisely why I've preserved your life. Join me, and should this William prove uncooperative, I'll eliminate him. You'll then become my representative, consolidating his forces under my banner and ruling the East Blue with absolute authority. What say you?"
Harden's bloodshot eyes darted between Shiki and Kuro—who instinctively adjusted his glasses—before he lowered his head in silence.
"Stubborn fool!" Shiki spat contemptuously, pivoting sharply to depart.
Kuro followed closely in his wake. As they exited the cell, Kuro cast a backward glance, momentarily meeting Harden's gaze as the captive raised his head. Their exchange was brief but laden with complex emotions.
Within William's organization, no formal designation existed for a "second-in-command" or "right-hand man." While outsiders might remain ignorant of this fact, high-ranking members like Harden and Kuro understood the reality perfectly.
Strictly speaking, Harden could be considered a veteran within William's pirate contingent, but he merely commanded the maritime faction of William's vastly more complex power structure—a linguistic sleight of hand designed to mislead Shiki and the other surrendered expedition members.
William's influence extended far beyond his pirate crew. He controlled a sophisticated network of interconnected organizations: the Four Seas Trading Company, the Flash Gold Bank, the Royal Guard, the civilian militia, the Chamberlain's Office, the Strategic Planning Department, the National Security Bureau, the Commercial Intelligence Division, and even a specialized chemical warfare unit within the Weapons Development Department.
Among William's senior leadership—including Harden and Kuro—none would dare claim the ability to unify these diverse factions in William's absence. Who could ensure Sherlock's continued selfless dedication to regional management? Who possessed the authority to humble the brilliant yet arrogant Dampier? Who could effectively command the ruthlessly efficient Gin? And whose martial prowess could subjugate the equally defiant Edmond?
Harden was no fool. From Shiki's statements, someone had clearly exaggerated his importance, convincing the Golden Lion to spare his life rather than execute him immediately.
That someone was almost certainly Kuro.
Yet Harden remained uncertain how to respond to this apparent intervention, unable to discern Kuro's true intentions. Was he operating as a deep-cover agent? Or had he experienced an uncharacteristic moment of compassion?
Among William's lieutenants, Sherlock, Dampier, and Kuro unquestionably possessed the most formidable intellects. Sherlock excelled in commerce and wealth generation. Dampier not only developed William's advanced weaponry but also contributed to grand strategic planning, identifying and addressing critical vulnerabilities. Kuro, meanwhile, specialized in intricate schemes and covert operations. The National Security Bureau had evolved from nothing into a formidable institution under his guidance, developing so effectively that many of William's senior officials found themselves perpetually uncomfortable, harboring deep reservations about both Kuro and his shadowy organization.
Harden couldn't begin to fathom the machinations of such a mind. Thus, he chose silence.
Meanwhile, Shiki and Kuro departed from the prison complex, heading toward the laboratory.
Shiki's extraordinary trust in the newly defected Kuro stemmed from a simple reality: Kuro had voluntarily disclosed virtually everything he knew about William and his extensive network.
Kuro had meticulously detailed William's operations: how he leveraged the Flash Gold Bank's financial mechanisms to expand his sphere of influence and control additional pirate crews; how he fostered multiple domestic shipyards while dispatching students to Water 7 on the Grand Line to study advanced naval architecture; how he developed biochemical weapons while establishing comprehensive educational systems to cultivate future talent; how he accumulated vast wealth through militarily-enforced trade monopolies; and how he systematically corrupted local Marine officers through exclusive clubs and sophisticated bribery schemes, deceiving both superiors and subordinates alike.
As William's former intelligence chief, Kuro possessed intimate knowledge of virtually all William's operations. Before Shiki could even begin a formal interrogation, Kuro had approached him voluntarily, divulging information with remarkable thoroughness and precision.
This forthright disclosure had earned Kuro an unprecedented level of trust and favor from Shiki, elevating his credibility and influence above those of Krieg and the other surrendered expedition members.
Through Kuro's revelations, Shiki came to understand that the steam-powered vessels represented merely the beginning of William's innovations. His interest quickly expanded beyond the ships to encompass both the East Blue region and, more specifically, the comprehensive infrastructure William had established there.
Had it been 'Whitebeard' Edward Newgate, he might have dismissed William's achievements entirely, his heart yearning solely for family bonds. Similarly, had it been Pirate King Roger, he likely would have shown equal disinterest, his soul craving only the thrill of adventure and discovery.
This fundamental difference existed because neither man was truly driven by ambition.
Shiki, however, represented something altogether different. From the moment he first embraced the pirate's life, he had dreamed incessantly of dominating all five seas and ruling the world with absolute authority.
Lions are inherently social predators. Beyond the alpha male that leads the pride stands a cohesive group that follows his command.
What meaning does the title "King of Beasts" hold for a solitary lion? How could such a creature hope to rule the vast savannah—or the boundless ocean?
Kuro had successfully redirected Shiki's focus from the wholesale destruction of the East Blue to its strategic acquisition. Shiki now contemplated seizing everything William had painstakingly constructed, supplanting him entirely, and establishing his headquarters within the East Blue. Through the sophisticated systems already in place, he could rapidly acquire additional personnel, funding, and resources, accelerating his experimental timeline while developing more advanced steam-powered technologies to further strengthen his imperial ambitions.
This strategic calculus explained why Shiki had spared Harden's life and attempted once more to recruit him. Shiki intended to inherit William's entire East Blue infrastructure and simply take his place.
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