To be honest, even if Karl really destroyed the Kingdom of Olt, he wouldn't feel much about it.
There were countless kingdoms in this world. Destroying one or two meant little.
He wasn't some saint.
But for the sake of his reputation, Karl preferred a subtler approach.
A perfect trick:
Hide the truth in plain sight, while secretly achieving the objective.
That way—
The mission would be completed.
The Five Elders would have nothing to complain about.
So how would he do it?
Simple.
Use their own plan against them.
The Five Elders claimed the Revolutionary Army was behind the Kingdom of Olt.
Then Karl would go find the Revolutionaries.
Whether the accusation was true or not no longer mattered.
Contacting an Old Friend
Buru buru—
"Mosimoshi~"
The familiar lazy tone came from the Den Den Mushi.
Borsalino.
"Old man, it's me," Karl said.
"I need to ask you something."
"Oh? Asking me, are you? What do you want to know?"
Karl glanced around and lowered his voice.
"Do you have a way to contact Bartholomew Kuma? I need to talk to him."
Silence filled the line for several seconds.
Then Borsalino replied:
"Nope."
"But if you want to find him, go to Punk Hazard."
"He's been there lately… being researched."
Karl blinked.
"Being researched? Like you?"
"A new project from Vegapunk."
"The Pacifista."
"You've heard of it, right?"
"Still in early development."
Karl instantly understood.
If anyone knew Kuma's location—
It would be Kizaru or Vegapunk.
"Punk Hazard, huh? Got it."
"I'll head there now."
"Good timing," Borsalino replied lazily.
"I'm going there too."
"I'll wait for you."
Punk Hazard – One Hour Later
Borsalino looked up at the sky, wrinkles forming on his forehead.
"Took you long enough."
"Gaa!"
Karl jumped down from Raven's back and waved.
"Long time no see, Admiral."
"Oh my~"
"You're the famous White Crow Vice Admiral now."
Karl shrugged.
Typical Borsalino sarcasm.
Ignore it.
Borsalino sighed.
"The last time you came here, you were my aide."
"Now you're already a Vice Admiral… no…"
"A Admiral candidate."
"Time flies."
Karl smirked.
"When did you become sentimental, Admiral?"
"I'm old…"
Inside the Laboratory
"Perfect timing, Borsalino!"
A mechanical voice rang out.
It was Dr. Pythagoras, one of Vegapunk's satellites.
"Ah—Karl, right?"
Karl nodded politely.
"Yes, Doctor."
"Your memory is impressive."
"Of course!" the robot laughed.
"Did you come to see me?"
"No."
"I came to speak with Bartholomew Kuma."
Pythagoras frowned.
"Fine, but make it quick."
"I need both Kuma and Borsalino for the next experiment."
He waved casually.
"Kuma, go with Karl."
"Borsalino, come here."
A Warlord of the Sea and a Marine Admiral were ordered around like lab assistants.
Neither complained.
Meeting Kuma
Borsalino pouted.
"I'm off. Talk to him if you need something."
Then he disappeared into the lab.
Kuma turned toward Karl.
His massive body towered nearly seven meters tall.
Yet his voice was surprisingly gentle.
"What do you need, Karl?"
Karl observed him carefully.
Black coat with a target symbol.
White pants with brown spots.
Bear-ear hat.
Gloves hiding the Nikyu Nikyu no Mi paw pads.
A Bible always in hand.
The contrast between his reputation as "The Tyrant" and his calm demeanor was striking.
Karl glanced around.
Too many researchers.
"Not a good place to talk."
"Let's go somewhere… private."
Kuma paused.
Then slowly removed his gloves.
Revealing the pink paw pads.
He asked quietly:
"If you were to travel…"
"Where would you like to go?"
Karl blinked.
"…Laugh Tale?"
Kuma: …
Pop.
Karl vanished.
The Remote Island
When Karl regained his senses—
He was standing on a barren island.
No signs of life.
For a moment he wondered—
Did Kuma actually send me to Laugh Tale?
Then he noticed ships on the horizon.
Nope.
Just some random island.
Still—
The Nikyu Nikyu no Mi was terrifying.
Karl's respect for Kuma instantly rose.
Only those who experienced its power firsthand could truly understand it.
Kuma appeared nearby.
"Speak."
"What do you want?"
Karl smiled calmly.
"I'm not here for you."
"You're just the middleman."
"The person I want to meet is…"
He paused.
Then said the name.
"Monkey D. Dragon."
Kuma's expression changed for the first time.
His posture immediately became defensive.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Karl waved dismissively.
"Relax."
"I knew you were a Revolutionary spy the moment you joined the Seven Warlords."
"Your goal is to get close to Vegapunk."
"Earn his trust."
"And eventually bring him to the Revolutionary side."
Kuma stared silently.
"If I wanted to expose you," Karl continued,
"You would've been discovered long ago."
"You would never have gotten near Vegapunk."
"So relax."
"We're not enemies."
"I have no hostility toward the Revolutionary Army."
Kuma remained silent.
But his mind was racing.
This Marine…
Was completely different.
Could he actually support the Revolutionaries?
Karl shrugged.
"Since you won't speak…"
"I'll continue."
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