Chapter 143: long-lost twin brother—Akira
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"Has anything major happened in the world recently?"
While gently stroking the smooth back of his Empress, Kitaro reflected on his fortune. Having a woman like her felt like a blessing—her perfect beauty and flawless figure provided him with unmatched satisfaction.
Amazon Lily wasn't particularly large, and with her status as Empress, Hancock hardly needed to manage day-to-day affairs anymore. She had essentially become Kitaro's dedicated secretary.
When there was work, she acted as his secretary. When there wasn't—well, she'd still find ways to "keep busy."
Resting her lovely face on Kitaro's chest, Hancock replied, "Actually, there are two major events. The first: Marine heroes Garp and Fleet Admiral Sengoku have both resigned from their posts."
Kitaro chuckled, not the least bit surprised. "After how chaotic things got, someone had to take the fall. Those two are well past their prime anyway. It's the perfect opportunity to quietly step back and work behind the scenes."
"Oh, and there's this."
Hancock handed him a newspaper. The entire front page had been bought out by the World Government, the headline screaming boldly:
THE GOVERNMENT GLOBAL RECRUITMENT!!!
Seeing those four massive words, Kitaro raised an eyebrow in intrigue. From what he remembered, this sort of mass recruitment only happened a year later, after Akainu became Fleet Admiral.
Why had it started so soon?
Taking a closer look at the article, the reason became clear.
The destruction of Marineford had shaken the World Government's foundation. Pirates across the globe had grown bolder, wreaking havoc on allied nations. With significant personnel losses in the navy, a recruitment drive was inevitable to replenish their ranks.
But there was a deeper issue—Kitaro himself.
Kitaro's overwhelming power had caused the World Government to feel a genuine existential threat. To counter his Uchiha Security Company and its growing influence, they needed more powerful fighters, incentivizing recruits with promises of wealth and high ranks.
"A global recruitment, huh…"
Kitaro stroked his chin thoughtfully, his mind churning with ideas.
"What are you scheming now?" Hancock pouted, immediately recognizing the familiar glint in his eyes. Whenever he wore that look, mischief—or chaos—was sure to follow.
"What if I joined their recruitment?" Kitaro said casually.
"What did you just say?!"
Hancock shot upright, stunned by his absurd suggestion. Joining the World Government's recruitment drive? The man with the highest bounty in 800 years? They'd capture him on sight!
"Relax. Obviously, I wouldn't go as myself. I'd take on another identity."
"Another identity?"
"Say… as Akira, my long-lost twin brother."
As he spoke, Kitaro's hair shifted from black to silver, his demeanor transforming. Though his face remained the same, his aura became entirely different.
Hancock blinked in astonishment. "How did you do that?"
"It's just one of my abilities. I can alter my appearance, scent—anything visually detectable. Want to see something even more amazing?"
Poof!
In an instant, Kitaro transformed into a perfect replica of Hancock herself.
Hancock gasped. Standing before her was an exact copy of herself, down to the smallest detail.
"This is a transformation technique," Kitaro explained, mimicking Hancock's voice with uncanny precision. "It's a basic jutsu that every Uchiha shinobi learns. Of course, how convincing it is depends on the user's skill. And given how well I know you—every detail of you…"
Hancock flushed deeply.
Poof!
Kitaro returned to his original form.
"That said, the technique has its limits. It's maintained using chakra, and any disruption—like being attacked—will cancel the transformation."
"Still, it's incredible," Hancock admitted. "This technique could easily infiltrate enemy factions and gather intelligence."
"Exactly. That's its primary purpose."
"But what's your plan in joining their recruitment drive?"
Kitaro smirked. "I want to become a Marine Admiral."
Hancock's jaw dropped. An Admiral? The world's most wanted man infiltrating the highest ranks of the Marines? The audacity was almost too much to process.
Yet, after a moment, she found the idea thrilling. The thought of Kitaro climbing the Marine hierarchy and the reactions of others once they uncovered the truth—it was tantalizing.
"And once I'm Admiral, I'll work my way to Fleet Admiral, gaining control of the entire navy. What do you think?"
Hancock could hardly breathe. If Kitaro succeeded, he'd not only destabilize the World Government but also bring the Tenryubito to their knees.
The thought sent a rush of excitement through her, her cheeks flushing red.
Drawn by her impassioned gaze, Kitaro couldn't resist. The "battle" resumed in full force.
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Amazon Lily Dungeon
Footsteps echoed in the dimly lit corridor.
"Lord Kitaro!"
The guard stationed outside saluted as Kitaro approached.
"Leave us."
"Understood, sir!"
As the guard left, Kitaro stepped into the cell. The sound of clinking chains filled the air.
A figure raised his head, his gaze meeting Kitaro's.
"You're here."
"Of course. How are you finding your accommodations, Crocodile?"
"Save your breath," Crocodile spat. "I'll never bow to you."
Kitaro smirked. "Submission? You misunderstand me. I'm a skeptic by nature. Whether it's surrender or loyalty, I trust neither. When I want something, I take it by force."
Walking closer, Kitaro grabbed Crocodile's jaw, forcing it open. He nicked his own finger, letting drops of blood fall into Crocodile's mouth.
.
.
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