Chapter 17 - Chapter 18 (1/2)

”You think we'll find anything here? To me, this just seems like a big waste of time. Those damn pirates are being crowned emperors by the public and here we are chasing some old man that we know nothing about.” Strawberry said with annoyance to Momonga that was standing at the front of the marines warship next to his own.

”It's not our job to say what's more important. And don't forget this old man you're referring to knocked out Sakazuki with a single punch.” Momonga answered back with a neutral tone. He knew better than to question his orders.

”When you become an admiral, then you can start telling them what you think is important.” Momonga and strawberry watched the island carefully. They were some of the strongest above Rear admirals that the marines could afford to send here without losing manpower against the New world pirates.

”There's movement. Momonga you seeing that?” Strawberry and Momonga were both watching an old man walk out from the jungle and stopping at the spot where their ships would eventually dock.

”Is that him? He is not dressed like the reports said, but everything else fits. The moustache and the height. I believe we found our target.” Strawberry said, but Momonga didn't answer him.

”Let's go. He obviously knew we would come. Let's go have a chat.” Momonga disappeared from the spot and Strawberry followed. They were not that far from the island, so both of them stepped onto the island with Soru quickly after disappearing from the ships.

”Welcome to my island gentlemen. To what do I owe the pleasure?” Ginrei said and smiled at the duo that appeared before him.

”We are on orders to investigate you and your pirate group. I don't suppose you would be so kind as to let us cuff you right here?” Momonga said while he had one hand on his sword.

”That wouldn't be very fun, now would it,” Ginrei said and lost his smile. He went back to a neutral look while standing in a relaxed posture.

”Mind explaining what the Gotei 13 really is? Any chance that you can work with the marines?” Strawberry took a shot in the dark with that question.

”That would probably not help your image, now would it.”

”And why is that?” Strawberry pressed while almost drawing his sword. The aura Ginrei was naturally releasing was almost too much for him to handle.

”I am the 5th Pirate emperor of the New World,” Ginrei said with a smile, this one is a lot more evil-looking than the last.

”Are you serious. You think you have the strength to declare yourself an emperor just like that?!” Strawberry was outraged because of this old man standing before him.

”I would think so!” Ginrei said and took a single step forward.

The duo was about to draw their swords when they heard something explode behind them. Both of them looked back and saw Momonga's warship cut in half from the front to the back. Strawberry suddenly felt a heavy killing intent looming over his head and looked back to find the old man missing.

”Never take your eye of the enemy.”

”WHA...” A sword appeared a cut the head of Strawberry before he could finish saying his ”what”.