One Piece: Talent Copy System!

Chapter 182: The Hostage Exchange

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Several days later, the Noitem remnants had all been safely relocated from Abrulet Island.

On the Blue sea, the magnificent Ark Maxim, its golden hull gleaming in the sunlight, steadily carried its crew toward their destination.

Noir sat at the bow of the ship, arms crossed over his chest, eyes closed in quiet contemplation.

Issho approached Noir, a note of concern in his voice. "Setting out this late, the Marines have likely made thorough preparations."

Noir chuckled, enjoying the cool sea breeze. "It doesn't matter. Even if Sengoku pulls out all the stops for this exchange, he won't gain an advantage over me."

Just then, a large figure descended from the sky. Wyper, resuming his human form after his aerial reconnaissance, landed on the deck. "I've confirmed it. The Marines are already on the island."

Enel, his Observation Haki extended to its maximum range, frowned. "There are a lot of voices and presences. A significant force."

A sardonic smile played on Noir's lips. "Just as I expected. Sengoku still hasn't given up."

Issho shook his head, a knowing smile on his face. "Unfortunately for him... He underestimates us."

Sengoku hadn't accounted for Enel's world-class Observation Haki range or Noir's intimate understanding of the government's tactics.

The exchange was set to take place on a remote, deserted island far from Abrulet Island—a Perfect location for a clandestine transaction.

As the Ark Maxim slowly approached the shore, Noir and his crew disembarked, immediately drawing the attention of several Marine observation teams hidden nearby.

These were just low-ranking scouts. The real question was, which high-ranking officers had the Marines dispatched?

It was unlikely that Fleet Admiral Sengoku would come personally. Kizaru was out of commission, but Aokiji and Akainu should have recovered by now.

Noir quickly walked to the center of the island. As expected, a large contingent of Marines had already surrounded the area.

Their eyes burned with hatred; their jaws clenched tight, barely suppressing their rage. They looked ready to tear Noir apart.

Well... that was to be expected.

He'd caused considerable trouble for the Admirals and the Fleet Admiral, kidnapped the beloved instructor Z, and, most importantly...

'That lecherous devil had taken Vice Admiral Momousagi and Ain hostage!'

'Unforgivable!'

Seeing their murderous glares, Noir grinned mischievously. He suddenly turned and made a silly face, shouting, "Boo!"

Several Marines nearly jumped out of their skins, instinctively reaching for their weapons. A few even had their swords half-drawn.

As their faces contorted with fury, Noir continued to push their buttons, dancing on the edge of inciting a full-blown conflict. Just as the Marines were about to lose control, a voice cut through the tension.

"Stand down. There's no need for conflict with Noir."

A seasoned voice commanded. Noir turned to see familiar faces.

Vice Admiral Tsuru, Garp—who had previously given Noir a thorough beating—and, most familiar of all...

"Well, well, well... if it isn't uncle Kizaru. Out for a stroll again?"