On the deck, several messenger soldiers hurriedly scrambled out of the smoke, their faces red and purple.
"Phew, phew, phew... Finally, I can breathe fresh air!" said one of them.
"Yes! Major Smoker's ability is just awful! I just thought I was going to suffocate!" his comrade agreed.
Private A nodded in agreement: "That thing is too ruthless. Pirates who encounter Major Smoker are out of luck!"
"Ruthless?"
Karl, who was standing behind Private A, frowned slightly. How can marines be so ruthless towards pirates?
This young man is clearly out of his mind!
Privates A and B turned around and swallowed hard: "C-Captain Karl."
Karl glared at them and coldly said, "Nelson, notify all officers and soldiers of the Navy to gather, I have something to say!"
Nelson, standing behind him, shouted: "Yes, sir!"
Ten minutes later, Karl sat on a bench, with Smoker and Ain standing to his left and right, like left and right guards.
"Nelson, There is a mistake," Karl said. "Just now, when Major Smoker was experimenting with his abilities, I heard someone say that it's too ruthless to treat pirates like that?" This is the biggest joke I've ever heard in my life!
"Let me ask you, what are pirates?" Karl continued.
The artilleryman Karl pointed at flinched and answered in a shaky voice, "Villains who kill, burn, loot, and commit all kinds of evil."
"Yes, that's what pirates are, so no matter what method our fleet uses to deal with pirates, it's not excessive."
"Do you know how I was promoted from a private messenger to a branch captain before I got the Devil Fruit?" Karl asked.
The soldiers shook their heads, even Ain and Smoker showed interest. They really didn't know much about Karl's past.
"There is only one answer: a lot of military merits! How do you get military merits? By killing pirates!" Karl exclaimed. "But... do you know how I handle pirates?"
The marines exchanged glances and hesitantly said, "Do you use a cannon?"
"Use a knife?" — "Nonsense! Captain Karl's physical abilities are so strong that he must fight with his fists!" some of the attendees shouted.
Karl shook his head in disagreement: "You're right, but that's just a method. If we really want to deal with pirates, we must fight like pirates!"
"If you can catch the enemy by surprise, don't fight them head-on!"
"If you can trick and deceive, there's no need to be honest and open!"
"If you can attack in a group, don't fight alone!"
"Shoot if you have a cannon, never use close combat weapons!"
"If you can use close combat weapons, don't fight with your bare hands!"
"If you're allowed to kill, don't just stun or maim them!"
"If you can stun or maim them, don't just inflict serious injuries!"
"If you can inflict serious injuries, don't just cause minor injuries!"
...
Of course, what Karl said applies only to ordinary pirates; at least the third point isn't very applicable to truly strong ones.
However, they were all ordinary marines with average abilities. Remembering what Karl said was enough to handle most small pirate groups.
"In short, you must use any means necessary, focus only on the effect, and attack and destroy the enemy without regard for the consequences, so they 'come standing and leave lying down!'"
"Since pity for the enemy will make you bleed!" Karl declared fiercely.
Hearing this, Ain nodded thoughtfully, and Smoker discovered a new world again, with the confusion in his heart instantly dissipating.
Yes, do we really need to talk about morals when dealing with pirates? No, dead pirates are good pirates!
"Rear Admiral is right!" "Yes, this is exactly how pirates treat us, so why can't we do the same to them?" nodded and agreed the marines.
The Marines seemed to shake off some kind of chains, and immediately wanted to kill a few pirates to lift their spirits.
At this moment, they also recalled the scene when Karl dealt with the pirates. It was no longer just brutal—it was downright wild.
When you encounter Rear admiral Karl, you'll either be cut in half or lose your limbs. Those without arms and legs are still considered capable; otherwise, living is a luxury.
Seeing this, Karl nodded with relief. His words were bound to have some impact.
"Remember what I told you today: you are the Navy! Kindness and mercy are not meant for pirates! Do you understand?" Karl said coldly.
"Understood!" the soldiers responded in unison.
"Dismissed!" commanded Karl.
The Navy officers and soldiers left in groups or individually, but the discussions continued.
"You're right, Karl, that's how we should treat pirates! I find that I'm starting to like you more and more, hahaha!" Smoker cheerfully slapped Karl on the shoulder, right now ready to swear brotherhood and become a sworn brother.
"Don't slack! Develop your abilities! Otherwise, you will never defeat me!" Karl said.
Smoker smirked, quickly went to a deserted place, and began practicing. He was testing a new smoke entrapment array.
"Ain, I need to tell you something. After you send Hancock back to Amazon Lily, we will head straight to the Impel Down Prison. I need to escort the convoy to the New World."
"When the time comes, you will be responsible for returning the warship to Marineford and will wait for me there," Karl said.
Ain frowned slightly, "I want to go with you!" Ain said.
"I'm not discussing this with you, I'm informing you. It's just one or two days. You'll get a break. Isn't that great?" Karl replied.
Ian bit her lower lip and reluctantly responded, "But… I…"
Compared to any rest, she wants to be near Karl. As Sister Gion said, feelings need to be cultivated gradually.
These days, Hancock was always guarding him, and she didn't have an opportunity to talk to Karl.
Today, Hancock was supposed to disembark from the ship, and they wouldn't see each other for a long time. How could she miss such a good opportunity?
But she was defeated by Karl's stern look and could only agree.
In the lounge.
"I just heard that there was quite a lively atmosphere outside. What happened?" Hancock asked.
Karl smiled slightly, kissed Hancock on the cheek, and answered, "Nothing special, just some Navy business."
After a moment of closeness with Hancock, Karl suddenly heard the system's voice:
"Ding ~ Congratulations to the host, you've gathered 1,000 women with payment, you will receive the achievement reward: [Heart Igniter]."
[Heart Igniter]: For every woman you love, your physical strength increases by 0.005%, and your physical recovery rate increases by 0.001%.
"Since the data is too large, the system is compiling..."
Karl: ...
"Statistics completed, current bonus — physical strength: +23.726%, physical recovery rate: +47.452%"
Looking at this bonus, Karl was silent. Loving 47,452 women, for heaven's sake, am I such a scoundrel?
Impossible! Even if I have such an intention, my body can't handle it!
Even if he did have an indestructible liver, he didn't have the time!
Wait, isn't it because he's been dubbed the most handsome man in the world by the newspaper? Just like before his rebirth, it's normal to have a few hundred million fans.
Damn! If the entertainment industry in the world of One Piece wasn't so underdeveloped, Karl would want to train for a year and then debut!
"Darling, what's wrong?" Hancock asked.
Karl smiled tensely: "Nothing, everything's fine."
The next day. Amazon Lily.
"Everyone, look, is that Rear Admiral Karl's warship?"
"Yes, it is! Wonderful! Lady Empress is returning!"
The female warriors standing at the port of Amazon Lily excitedly chatted with each other, waiting for the ship to come closer.
"It looks like your people have been waiting for a long time!" said Karl.
Hancock reluctantly held Karl's hand, looking at the approaching Amazon Lily through the window with a sad face.
Even though she was mentally prepared, when this moment arrived, it was still difficult for her to say goodbye.
"Darling, can you stay one more day? I'm ready!" said Hancock.
Looking at Hancock's blushing face, Karl's lips curved slightly: "Well, then stay one more night."
Night, in the bedroom.
Karl looked at the enchanting Hancock in front of him and involuntarily swallowed.
Her black hair was like lacquer, her skin like cream, curves and lines, alluring and captivating.
"Darling... Mm~"
Everything is clear (hidden content, please purchase to unlock) …
The next day, Karl opened his eyes and yawned. He suddenly felt weak and quickly fired a Holy Light Shot at himself and the sleeping Hancock.
As for last night, uh, Karl can only say that the bed was large and soft, but the water leakage was serious. Fortunately, Karl is very skilled at unclogging pipes.
"Hmm~ Darling, you're awake..." Hancock naturally snuggled up to Karl, resting her ear on his chest and feeling the strong beat of his heart.
They embraced and exchanged sweet words until the Den Den Mushi rang.
"Blu blu blu ~"
Karl glanced at Hancock, sighed deeply, and hung up.
"The last billion times!" — said Karl.
…
An hour later, Karl got dressed, put on his justice armband, kissed Hancock on the forehead, and turned away.
When he reached the door, he suddenly stopped, turned to look at Hancock, and gently said, "I'll visit you more often..."
Hancock, sleeping soundly, seemed to hear these words and mumbled in her sleep, "I'll be waiting for you..."
The port of Amazon Lily.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk ~ You're quite the secret keeper! If Ian hadn't told me, I would never have guessed you're involved with the most beautiful woman in the world!" said Smoker.
Karl looked at the gossiping Smoker with dissatisfaction, "So what? You're 27 and haven't even held a girl's hand?"
Smoker fell silent, his face reddening, then said, "Nonsense, my mom doesn't count? !"
Karl looked at Smoker with disdain, "Tsk, tsk, tsk ~ virgin!"
"What! Don't slander me!" shouted Smoker.
Karl ignored Smoker and turned to Nelson, "Let's head to Impel down!"