How could that be possible? The king isn't that kind of person!
Hogback, who had been standing to the side, interrupted loudly. He had personally met the king and held a favorable impression of him — he simply couldn't believe that the king would be involved in such matters.
Buggy glanced at him but didn't say much. The level of trust between them hadn't yet developed, and Hogback had technically been coerced into joining the crew. It wasn't surprising that he didn't believe Buggy. The others also ignored his outburst.
Realizing his surroundings, Hogback began to regret his impulsive comment. As Buggy's eyes swept past him, he felt a chill run down his spine and quietly shuffled off to a corner.
Buggy didn't spare him another glance and turned his attention back to the ongoing discussion among the crew.
"Captain, is this true? The king of an entire nation involved in human trafficking?
And now he's inviting us to a banquet — doesn't that sound like a trap?"
Kuro asked with visible concern. Going up against a king — especially one backed by a kingdom — made him nervous.
"So what? If they plan to move against us, we're not letting them off the hook either."
Lafitte, face dark with fury, spoke with grim determination. Though he was also a citizen of the Illusia Kingdom, he held no respect for a king who would do something so vile.
He believed Buggy's words — everything Buggy had said was logical, backed by sound reasoning. There was no grudge between Buggy and the king, so there was no reason for him to fabricate a story. And if it was true that the king was complicit in the trafficking of his citizens, then Lafitte could barely stop himself from plunging his cane-sword into the man's chest.
"Calm down," said Daddy, trying to keep Lafitte in check.
"This isn't just any enemy we're talking about — this is a nation.
And not just any nation — a member state of the World Government.
Their hidden strength is not to be underestimated. We must not take them lightly, or we'll end up dead in a ditch."
Buggy nodded.
"Daddy is right. We must be extra cautious when facing any enemy, especially one tied to the World Government. They're not to be taken lightly."
Caution was essential. Even though Buggy had full confidence in his survival, he couldn't say the same for his crew. One careless mistake could get them killed.
"Understood, Captain." ×3
"Cousin, what are we being careful for? I'll just slice them all up for you!"
Weevil hadn't followed the conversation. He only knew that his cousin had enemies, and his solution was to hit them with a sword until the problem was gone.
Weevil has been removed from the group chat.
No one took Weevil's comment seriously — they all knew how he was. Still, everyone kept Buggy and Daddy's warning in mind. They were now dealing with a World Government nation, and the stakes had never been higher.
Seeing the crew's reactions, Buggy was pleased. No one had suggested backing out — even Kuro, though anxious, never mentioned running away.
"So, who's coming with me to the banquet tonight?"
Buggy still needed to ask. This mission could be dangerous — perhaps even deadly — so he wanted to respect everyone's personal choice.
He glanced at Hogback. Honestly, Buggy had no idea how to deal with him. Hogback probably wouldn't want to go — and even if he did, Buggy wouldn't allow it. With his lack of combat ability, he'd only be a burden and would need someone to protect him, lowering the crew's overall strength.
But leaving him on the ship wasn't ideal either — there was a good chance he'd try to run away.
After a moment of thought, Buggy spoke:
"Hogback, you're staying here. But let me be clear:
If you run, even if I have to go to the ends of the sea, I will find you — and next time we meet, it'll be your death sentence."
This warning was necessary. With Hogback's cowardly and selfish nature — and no meaningful ties to the crew — there was no doubt in Buggy's mind that he'd try to flee.
Buggy didn't want to go hunting for a new ship's doctor, and this threat was very real — if Hogback fled, he would be considered a traitor. For the sake of discipline and respect aboard his ship, such traitors would not be allowed to live.
"Understood, Captain..."
Hogback answered nervously. He had been thinking about escaping, but after Buggy's threat, he decided it wasn't worth the risk.
"Cousin! I want to go!"
Weevil was the first to respond, completely unfazed by the mention of danger. Since his cousin was going, so was he.
"Captain, I'm going too."
Lafitte was next. His hatred for the king burned so hot it overrode any fear. He wanted answers.
"I'm in, too," said Daddy.
He knew the risks, but his bond with Buggy was the strongest. Buggy had helped his family, and now Daddy wouldn't let him face danger alone.
"Captain... I'll go too."
Kuro was the last to speak. He was the youngest and least powerful, and he understood the risks better than anyone. Even if Buggy tried to protect him, there was no guarantee of survival. But when he saw that everyone was going — and remembered everything Buggy had taught him — he made his decision.
"Hahaha, good!
What's a little danger to us? We'll go together, and we'll crush them.
We'll come back safe and sound!"
Buggy was very pleased with the response. Even the weakest among them — Kuro — hadn't backed down. That meant a lot. If a crew retreated every time danger loomed, what was the point of sailing? You might as well go home and become a farmer. And even farming has its risks.
"At tonight's banquet, do not eat or drink anything.
If they plan to harm us, they'll tamper with the food.
Also, stay alert for sneak attacks, ambushes, or unexpected events.
If we encounter enemies and find ourselves overwhelmed, help each other or retreat.
Don't fight to the death unless necessary."
This warning was critical. Overlooking any of these points could get them captured or killed without a chance to fight back.
Everyone nodded and took Buggy's words seriously — even Weevil nodded along, though the blank look on his face told Buggy he didn't understand a word.
Buggy made a mental note to keep Weevil directly behind him during the event.
After the final instructions were given, the crew went off to prepare for what could be a fateful night.