~ If you're interested. you can read 40+ Advanced Chapters :story by becoming a patron.
patreon.com/NovelsWorld
---------------------------------------------------
"Among you is someone who has stolen an item of great importance to the World Government," Sengoku said, his voice low and dangerous. "So… all of you, come with me. I have a way to tell you apart. Don't worry—I won't wrongly accuse an innocent person."
His expression was grim. In the short time since Akainu's report, he had come up with a plan. Whether it would work, he wasn't sure—but it was the only lead they had.
First: the enemy was a Devil Fruit user.
That strange, inhuman ability left no other explanation.
But who was it?
One name came to mind—Gecko Moria. A rookie pirate who had just entered the Grand Line, rumored to possess the Shadow-Shadow Fruit.
Could it be him? …No. He only steals shadows. And Roger's already dead. This doesn't match his powers at all… Sengoku's thoughts moved quickly. The Shadow-Shadow Fruit can't disguise someone's appearance. So… is this an ability I've never heard of before?
The crowd of citizens—about three hundred people—was herded through the streets, their destination the coast.
Marines encircled the area in a tight ring.
"Major Lorna!"
"Yes?"
"You two—" Lorna pointed to a pair of Marines. "Gather a few men and check the records on everyone here. Especially what they were doing last night and the night before. Ask carefully."
"Yes, sir!"
"Now—everyone into the water! If you can swim, you pass and can leave. If you can't… you stay for further inspection."
Relief swept through most of the crowd. Swimming was nothing to worry about for ordinary people. But for those who couldn't—sweat began to bead on foreheads, legs trembling.
Those who sank like stones—just like Devil Fruit users robbed of their strength—were pulled out and held back for questioning.
Over two hundred passed the test and were released. The rest were kept for the next stage—Seastone cuffs, prolonged observation, and interrogation until they revealed where Roger's body had gone.
But none of this mattered to Alucard.
He wasn't a Devil Fruit user.
He was a vampire. And water? Water meant nothing to him.
As for questions about his whereabouts… his current body was that of a drunkard—often passed out on the streets overnight. His family was used to it.
"Eh? Isn't that Uncle Carmel?"
"Oh! Kuru! Damn pirates—today was too close!"
Alucard pulled from the man's memories instantly, answering in the tone expected.
"Yeah, yeah. I just came to see the Pirate King's execution and almost got myself killed. Anyway, I'd better go—if my mom finds out I was taken in, she'll be worried sick."
"Yeah, go on then."
"Right. See you, uncle."
And that's when Alucard felt it—danger, sharp and immediate.
He didn't move.
A moment later, Marines surged in from all sides, cutting down every last one of them.
Akainu strode forward, a bloodied blade in hand, glancing around before delivering finishing thrusts to those still breathing.
"I'm not letting any of you walk away. If word of this leaks, it will tarnish Marine honor! Toss them all into the sea. If anyone asks, we'll say we released them, and maybe pirates got to them. With so many pirates here, who can say who's responsible, eh?"
"Yes, sir!"
~ Push the story forward with your Power Stones
~ Every 400 PS = Bonus Chapter!
❁❁❁❁
~ If you're interested. you can read 40+ Advanced Chapters :
patreon.com/NovelsWorld