That day, inside the reception hall, Creed met with a merchant named Fette.
Fette was a wealthy trader, famous across the region, with chain stores on many islands—rumored to be the richest man in these seas. Originally, Allent had been assigned to host him, but Fette demanded to meet Creed directly.
Creed disliked the man—his words were evasive, always circling. Only when Creed snapped at him did he finally state his purpose.
"As long as Lord Creed is in a good mood, I will offer you one hundred million Berries each month… as a token of respect. Furthermore, each year I will provide at least five high-quality virgins—including beauties even from the World Government itself…"
Fette's fawning words dripped with obsequiousness, though inside he marveled at Creed's youth. The Sword Dragon Pirates' annihilation at his hands had already spread across the sea, leaving other pirate crews shaken. Many fled under cover of night, others reached out to Fette, hoping he could bribe this terrifying Marine.
"One hundred million a month? That's twelve billion a year. My Marine base barely gets a few million monthly in funding. How generous of you," Creed said lightly, as though considering.
Hope flickered in Fette's eyes. If he could buy Creed, his fortune would continue unchecked.
Allent frowned in the background. Money would not tempt Creed—he was Garp's grandson. But women… Creed was only fifteen, brimming with youthful blood. That concerned him. He considered killing Fette afterward.
But—
"Allent. Seize him. Interrogate this traitor who consorts with pirates."
Without hesitation, Creed gave the order. Allent pounced like a wolf.
"My lord, mercy! They forced me! My family is hostage! I am innocent, I swear!" Fette screamed as he was dragged away.
When the traitor was secured, Creed summoned his officers.
It was time for a great purge.
Sword Dragon's dominance had driven back multiple Marine attempts before, leaving this region a vacuum. Now countless small pirate crews squatted on nearby islands, turning them into dens of debauchery, enslaving the locals.
The call to arms filled the G-K branch with fire. Fujitora, Allent, every officer—blood surged in their veins.
"This operation will be split into two teams for efficiency," Creed declared. "I lead one with Aiven. Vice Commander Issho leads the other with Allent. Half an hour to prepare. Then—strike!"
"Yes, sir!" The response thundered with killing intent.
That day became known among the people as The Day of Clear Skies. Every year thereafter, they commemorated the "sun" who drove away the darkness—Creed.
As the Marines swept outward, pirate crews fell in droves. Only a few fled to spread Creed's dreaded name. In the New World, upstart pirates had two paths to fame: challenge the Marines or kneel to a Yonko. The weakened, restricted G-5 Marines were the usual prey. But Creed's G-K branch was another beast entirely.
Soon, hungry eyes fixed on his base. G-5 sent warnings, but Creed ignored them. With his SSS+ power and Fujitora at his side, only Yonko crews mattered. The rest? Mere training fodder.
East of G-K base, ten miles out, two fleets clashed. Marines versus pirates.
The pirates' ships were shattered, their men crying out in despair.
"Your captain has already surrendered!" Allent roared, pointing.
A fat giant of a pirate and a handful of followers fled on a fast boat.
Creed's voice rang across the sea. "I came to show you that one man can change this world!"
"Oh?" Fujitora drew his blade-cane. "Gravity—Fierce Tiger!"
Purple energy wrapped him as his slash roared forth. A spectral tiger of gravity ripped across the waves.
Boom!!
A hurricane-force shockwave swallowed the pirates. Their craft was hurled skyward, bodies shredded by invisible blades.
"Vice Commander!" the Marines cheered.
The pirates broke, throwing down their arms in surrender.
On the flagship, Creed rose at last, clapping with approval. In days of battle, his branch had grown disciplined, united—and now respected Fujitora absolutely.
With that, Creed could finally leave them behind.
The base was secure. The island safe. Now, it was time.
To journey into the New World.
To sharpen his blade further.
To prepare for chaos.
(End of Chapter)
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