HTP: Ch. 57

The lower deck of Moby Dick reeked of salty seawater and rust.

Itachi tossed a newspaper to Charlos, who had gone from a Celestial Dragon to a prisoner.

"Unfortunately, the negotiations have broken down. It seems you're going to die."

Charlos didn't even notice the newspaper thrown at him. His obese body collapsed to the ground as he bawled uncontrollably, "No! I'm still so young! I really don't want to die! I'll agree to whatever conditions you want! I have a lot of money, my father has even more money! Please don't kill me!"

If it weren't for the bars between them, he probably would have latched onto Itachi's leg, begging for mercy.

At this reaction, Itachi could only sigh and say helplessly, "Just read the newspaper."

As a trained ninja, he had instinctively used psychological tactics, but apparently, they were meaningless against this unexpectedly simple-minded Celestial Dragon. In this case, being direct was more effective. The World Government placed immense importance on the Celestial Dragons, and up until today had been in negotiations with the Whitebeard Pirates.

But in the end, the talks collapsed.

One side said, "As long as Ace is untouched, everything is negotiable."

The other side said, "If Ace is executed, then we'll talk."

In the end, they parted on bad terms.

And when today's newspaper came out, "Admiral of the Marines Speaks: Whitebeard Pirates Forge Celestial Dragon Identity, What a Joke," it meant the government had completely abandoned this Celestial Dragon.

Their resolve to execute Ace and end the Pirate Era was stronger than anyone had imagined.

Itachi, being from another world and simply a Konoha ninja here on assignment, made no comment on right or wrong. Since it was now war, that meant any method could be used.

Charlos ignored everything Itachi had said, wailing with snot and spit flying everywhere.

"Read the newspaper."

Charlos forced himself to stop crying, trembling as he picked up the newspaper. After reading it, he wanted to cry even more, I really am a Celestial Dragon… How could the Marines be this evil? If he had held onto any hope before, it was now gone. He was plunged into darkness.

Despair completely devoured him.

"I'll speak, and you'll remember."

Charlos flinched all over and couldn't help but nod.

"You are Saint Charlos. Your father is Saint Rosward. Your sister is Shalria."

Of course I know who I am, who my father is… Charlos thought bitterly.

"You are a true World Noble, not some imposter like the Marines claim. You will proclaim to the world: Every three years, the Celestial Dragons destroy an innocent nation for their slave-hunting games. What justice are the Marines even defending? You will represent your family and declare to the world: On the Empty Throne inside Pangaea Castle, someone named Imu has already taken a seat. Everything the World Government says is a lie. Got it?"

"…N-No, I didn't…" Charlos felt like the world was spinning.

"If you want to live, then burn it into your memory."

---

Itachi walked out of the lower deck. Marco was already waiting outside. Clearly, this was a joint operation between them.

During their time together, despite the difference in their styles, he had almost become the unofficial strategist of the Whitebeard Pirates.

"Your intel… it's downright chilling," Marco said, hands in his pockets as he walked alongside Itachi.

Even he had been shaken by the conversation in the prison cell just now.

He continued, "This kind of thing would be one of the deepest, darkest secrets in our world."

Itachi didn't stop walking, his voice calm. "The intelligence came from our Hokage. But to be honest, even I find his current methods unfamiliar."

Having said that much, he added, "Maybe your Ace will surprise you too."

The mission had been commissioned by Ace to the Third Hokage. So, how had Ace managed to contact the Hokage?

Clearly, he too might have undergone some unknown transformation, similar to the Third Hokage.

That was his analysis.

"Hahaha, now that's what I like to hear." Marco burst into laughter. "You should stay with us after this is over. Having a strategist in the Whitebeard Pirates would be so damn cool!"

He once again invited Itachi to join, and while the sea breeze was pleasant, the parties were lively, and the rum delicious...

As a loyal confidant of the Hokage, there was no way he could say yes. He simply ignored the topic and headed up the stairs.

Marco clicked his tongue. The two of them stepped onto the deck, where the sea breeze carried the atmosphere of the feast toward them, the laughter of the crew, the clinking of mugs, the aroma of roasted meat, so different from the oppressive air in the lower deck.

He switched to a more practical topic. "Will this actually work?"

Itachi replied, "It's a blow to their morale. If we can make the enemy question the point of fighting, our resistance will face far less pushback."

That made sense. The Marines had its fair share of idealistic fools.

"You've gotta be the smartest guy in your ninja village."

Itachi responded modestly, "Not at all. The true strategists in Konoha have always been from the Nara clan."

"Think that Celestial Dragon will do what we told him to?"

Itachi calmly said, "I don't know. But before the battle, I'll use genjutsu to strengthen his survival instinct."

Marco clicked his tongue again in amazement. Ninjas sure are sneaky.

"I've got to visit your world someday."

"You're welcome anytime."

"Come on then, back to the party. One last feast before we go retrieve Ace!"

"Right."

---

At the banquet, Whitebeard laughed heartily. He looked down at his children with a trace of affection, rejecting the nurse's advice as he drained a massive bowl of liquor.

"Gurararara! You think a little illness is gonna make me quit drinking?!"

Just then, Marco and Itachi appeared at the edge of the deck.

"Oh—! Our strategist is back!" Izou was the first to raise a toast, and a very drunk Vista staggered over and threw an arm around Itachi's shoulder.

A bottle of rum was shoved into Itachi's hand, and he skillfully clinked glasses with everyone.

Marco crossed his arms and commented, "You're really getting used to our lifestyle, hahaha."

Clearly, he still hadn't given up on trying to poach the Hokage's trusted ally.

Loyal as ever, Itachi ignored him and approached Whitebeard to relay the plan and confirm final steps with the helmsman. After all, once they executed this plan, the Whitebeard Pirates would become the number one target of the World Government. But at this point, there was no turning back.

Whitebeard scoffed, "You think they'd let us off the hook even if we didn't do this?"

The Whitebeard Pirates had always been bold and brash, because they had the strength to back it up. And now, the only reason the Marines set them up was because they believed Whitebeard no longer had that strength.