Chapter 65: The Name of the Knight

The Krieg Pirates dominate the East Sea, boasting the largest scale, the widest territory, the most advanced organization, the richest resources, and the strongest combat power among all pirate crews in the region. Since its founding, Captain Krieg has always adhered to the advanced management philosophy of "miracles are built, armies are raised in waves," relentlessly forging ahead and expanding his influence.

After years of development, the fleet now possesses more than fifty large warships, over five thousand professional fighters, excellent equipment, abundant resources, and a promising future.

Upon hearing Garen's goal, Nami's first reaction was:

"Are you insane?"

"That's the East Sea overlord, 'Admiral' Krieg, with five thousand subordinates!"

Krieg's notorious reputation is known to all, young and old, throughout the East Sea. Even after witnessing Garen's formidable strength—dispatching fishmen with a single stroke—Nami still would not let Garen risk challenging Krieg's fearsome name.

Because the sheer number of Krieg Pirates was simply overwhelming.

"You heard me right." Garen replied with utmost seriousness, "He's exactly the 'African Admiral' I'm after!"

In the face of true strength, countless minions are meaningless. In the original story, Admiral Krieg's misfortune was legendary; upon entering the Grand Line, he was single-handedly destroyed by Hawkeye Mihawk. While Garen wasn't on Hawkeye's level, his abilities made him uniquely suited to face large numbers.

Rather than fear, Garen was actually delighted by the prospect of so many foes.

"Five thousand—there are five thousand of them!" Nami, agitated, strode forward, grabbing Garen's collar and shouting, "There are only three of us!"

"No, not three." Garen corrected her calmly. "Only I can fight."

"And you still want to go!" Nami, furious, increased her grip, but she couldn't budge Garen's towering frame.

"Of course." Garen paused, then spoke with solemn conviction:

"A pirate crew of a few dozen, like Arlong's, can bring misery to twenty villages."

"Krieg, with five thousand under his command, must cause harm far greater than Arlong. How can I stand idly by?"

"You..." Nami slowly released her hold on Garen's collar, her gaze turning odd. "There you go again—saying these grand, noble things."

"Whether they're just words doesn't matter," Garen replied candidly, "What matters is whether I act."

"So, will you navigate?"

After a moment's silence, Nami sighed softly, "If you want to throw your life away, so be it!"

"I'll guide you!"

Meanwhile, Wallace, reading his own feature report in the newspaper—"East Sea Knight Defeats Arlong Pirates"—smiled knowingly:

The saga of the righteous knight had gained new material.

...........................................................

With a series of feature reports published, Garen—who within ten days had defeated the Iron Blade, Clown, and Arlong pirate crews, and collaborated with the Marine Headquarters Colonel to cleanse Rogue Town's corrupt navy—had become a household name as the righteous knight of the East Sea.

Yet outside the East Sea, Garen was only marginally recognized, riding the coattails of the sensational news "Buggy the Pirate King's Crew Member Reforms," with just a few brief mentions in the margins of articles.

After all, the media knew well the flowery, exaggerated style of their East Sea peers; they would never reproduce such over-the-top praise in the Grand Line's newspapers.

Even so, Garen, admired by Marine Hero Garp and suspected to be a genius swordsman, left a faint impression in the minds of many notable figures.

New World, Red-Haired Pirates.

"Pff—"

Red-haired Shanks glanced at the newspaper, and instantly sprayed out the wine he'd yet to swallow.

Fortunately, those before him were not ordinary people who'd be drenched in wine. The man with sharp, amber, eagle-like eyes merely leaned aside, easily evading the Yonko's "sudden attack."

He was Shanks's friend, frequent sparring partner in swordsmanship, Hawkeye Mihawk.

"What did you see?" Mihawk, somewhat helpless, waved away the lingering wine mist, then curiously asked his old friend, whose expression had changed dramatically.

Shanks's face was peculiar. After staring at the paper for quite some time, he said vaguely:

"An old friend of mine... has actually joined the Marines..."

Mihawk, intrigued, took the newspaper and examined it closely.

It featured what resembled an official Marine propaganda article, lavishly praising former Pirate King crew member Buggy's enlightenment and devotion to justice, while also extolling the legitimacy of the Marines and the World Government.

Yet Mihawk detected something odd.

"He was defeated by an obscure swordsman from the East Sea?" Mihawk finished reading, astonished. "This is your friend?"

"Hahaha..." Shanks laughed helplessly. "He truly is my dear friend—once a trainee under Captain Roger alongside me."

"But ever since he ate the Devil Fruit, his strength has stagnated."

He scratched his head sheepishly. "Honestly, I bear some responsibility for that..."

Mihawk asked no more, instead turning his attention to the article's margin.

"Are you interested in that so-called 'Straight Path Swordsman'?"

Following Mihawk's gaze, Shanks asked with curiosity, "Someone like you—surely wouldn't believe in such legends, would you?"

Mihawk put down the newspaper and smiled faintly. "I don't believe in such mystical swordsmanship, of course."

"But if this young man has gained Garp's favor through his sword skills and has earned the title of 'Straight Path Swordsman,' then he must be extraordinary."

Mihawk deliberately stroked the cross hanging at his neck, interest glinting in his eyes. "Perhaps, when bored in the future, I'll seek him out myself."

.................................................

East Sea. A medium-sized ship without any flag.

"The righteous knight of the East Sea?"

A beautiful young woman, her long blue hair tied simply into a ponytail, sat at a small table on deck, her eyes fixed on the article about Garen, the righteous knight.

"Is there really such a powerful, compassionate knight of justice?"

Burdened with the fate of her homeland, she was moved by the inspiring news, a hint of hope and longing shining in her eyes.

For those trapped in darkness, such a knight is the very embodiment of hope.

"Why are you so excited?"

Seated beside her, a blue-haired woman with a wild afro scoffed, "A righteous knight... you really believe such nonsense?"

"S-sorry, Miss Doublefinger!"

The young woman hurriedly set the paper aside, deliberately adopting an exaggeratedly fierce expression.

"I was just shocked that such a fool exists in the East Sea."

She was no ordinary girl, but Princess Nefertari Vivi of the Kingdom of Alabasta.

Yet at this moment, she had just joined the secret criminal organization Baroque Works as an intern agent.

The blue-haired afro woman before her was Vivi's current superior—Baroque Works' second-ranked female agent, Thorn Fruit user, Miss Doublefinger.

To convincingly play the role of a criminal organization agent, Vivi struggled to conceal her true nature, adopting a cold, detached demeanor and explaining her earlier slip:

"I'm just worried... if this foolish knight interferes with our mission in the East Sea, what will we do?"

"No need to worry."

A colder voice sounded from behind—a bald man.

He was Miss Doublefinger's partner, one of Baroque Works' top assassins, Fast Slash Fruit user, Mr. 1.

Mr. 1's expression was utterly indifferent as he spoke coldly:

"Such newsworthy figures have already been investigated by Baroque Works."

"He's not as strong as the papers claim—just a competent swordsman, nothing more."

"Many have witnessed this; it's not hard to verify."

Vivi quickly smiled and said, "Of course... with your abilities, Mr. 1, no swordsman could pose a threat."

"Hahaha..." Miss Doublefinger let out a sharp laugh.

"We're not afraid of that knight, but if you meet him alone..."

"Alone?"

Vivi sensed trouble, her face paling. "Isn't this mission to be led by you and Mr. 1?"

"Of course not."

Miss Doublefinger cast a disdainful glance at Vivi. "For a deal with a third-rate East Sea pirate crew, do we need both myself and Mr. 1?"

"We're here for more lucrative business."

"Th-then..."

Vivi grew flustered.

She was only an intern agent, relying on decent skills to infiltrate Baroque Works, but she had no experience undertaking criminal operations alone.

"After a bit more sailing, Mr. 1 and I will part ways with you. You'll have to complete the mission alone."

Miss Doublefinger smiled wickedly. "Don't worry—Baroque Works is behind you!"

"If you fail and die, we'll clean up the mess."

Vivi's face darkened considerably.

Miss Doublefinger, pleased, took her tea and left, leaving Vivi at the table, her thoughts in turmoil.

"Don't overthink it."

Mr. 1, usually silent and intimidating, spoke up for once:

"If you want intermediate agent status and a code name, you must be able to carry out missions on your own."

"Don't fail, intern."

"Yes!"

Vivi nodded firmly, finally feeling a little steadier.

Her gaze lingered unconsciously on the news article about the East Sea knight, and strange thoughts began to stir in her heart:

If she truly encountered this righteous knight, what would happen?