One Piece: Starting in God Valley as a Slave

A pile of half-dead Ohara scholars lay sprawled across the ground. Borsalino stood nearby, counting their numbers. When Carl arrived, Borsalino walked over and asked,

"Alright, Carl, I've delivered them as promised. What's next? Should we inform Fleet Admiral Kong first?"

Carl shook his head with a smile. Setting Olvia down gently, he pulled out a Den Den Mushi from his pocket. The snail had an aged and weathered appearance.

Before Borsalino could ask who Carl intended to call, Carl had already awakened the snail. It rang a couple of times before an elderly voice responded.

"Saint Carl, what is it you need?"

Hearing this voice, everyone present, except for Kuma, widened their eyes in shock. Their gazes were filled with disbelief.

Borsalino felt his heart pounding in his chest. He recognized the speaker immediately—it was Saint Saturn, one of the Five Elders!

Though Borsalino and Kuma often loitered around Dr. Vegapunk's lab, occasionally sneaking off on their own adventures, they had encountered Saturn a few times. Even the briefest encounter with someone of such status was unforgettable.

The Five Elders! Carl had direct access to one of them! And what's more, Saturn had addressed him as "Saint Carl"!

Saint!

That single word struck Borsalino like a thunderclap, leaving him reeling. He had always known Carl had connections, but the extent of them was unimaginable.

Or perhaps… Carl himself was the so-called "background"!

A sudden realization struck Borsalino like a bolt from the blue. Could it be that the higher-ups had always turned a blind eye to his and Kuma's escapades precisely because of Carl's influence?

Does this mean I'm the one with connections?!

Meanwhile, Olvia stared at Carl's profile with a mixture of shock and trembling fear.

"Saint Carl? Are… are you a Celestial Dragon?" she asked hesitantly.

Carl didn't answer her. Instead, he spoke into the Den Den Mushi.

"Saint Saturn, the Ohara scholars have been captured by Borsalino and Kuma. I've had them delivered to Marineford."

He glanced at Borsalino as he spoke, and the latter quickly understood—it was Carl's way of giving them credit.

Borsalino opened his mouth, about to speak, but Carl gestured for him to remain silent. Saturn's voice then came through.

"Those two? Hmph, I didn't expect them to be so efficient. Especially Borsalino… I've always thought the Glint-Glint Fruit was wasted on him."

"..." Borsalino was speechless. Well, it was clear now. Their ability to slack off without consequences had been entirely due to Carl's immense connections.

Carl chuckled lightly and interjected, "Let's not put it that way. Borsalino is quite reliable."

"Very well. I understand," Saturn replied.

The subtle acknowledgment from Saturn meant one thing: Borsalino and Kuma would be riding this wave of merit to greater heights.

Carl shifted the topic. "Saint Saturn, how does the World Government plan to handle the matter of Ohara?"

"Naturally, we can't let them off easily. Their actions are a direct affront to our authority. Not only the scholars, but every so-called intellectual on that island must be judged!"

Before Carl could respond, Olvia rushed forward, shouting passionately, "No! The people of Ohara are innocent! Don't harm them!"

Carl gave her a sidelong glance before signaling to Kuma. Kuma teleported behind Olvia and knocked her unconscious with a light tap.

Saturn, hearing the commotion, asked, "Was that someone from Ohara?"

"Yes," Carl replied. "Her name is Olvia."

"Ah, so it's her. This woman is a primary offender. There's no need for a trial. Saint Carl, if it's convenient, you may execute her on the spot."

"Let's not. She once helped me in the past. I'll spare her life and take her into my custody."

"Oh? A lucky one, indeed. Very well, she's yours to handle. However, the matter of Ohara must be addressed with the utmost severity. I've discussed this with the others, and we're unanimous: enact the Buster Call on Ohara."

At the mention of the Buster Call, even Kuma's eyes narrowed, and Borsalino's expression grew solemn as he turned to Carl.

Carl glanced at the unconscious Olvia on the ground and said in a calm tone, "Understood."

Ending the call, Carl retrieved a golden Den Den Mushi from his pocket—the special device used to initiate a Buster Call. Only Fleet Admirals and Admirals were authorized to carry one.

Seeing it, Borsalino couldn't help but ask, "Saint Carl… are you going to activate the Buster Call yourself?"

Carl raised an eyebrow. "Borsalino, what did you just call me? Kuma has known my identity for a while now, but he doesn't address me as Saint Carl, does he?"

"Well… your identity is pretty terrifying..."

"There's no need for formality between us. I just want you to understand: the World Government won't punish me over someone like Olvia. They wouldn't dare. Rest assured."

"Fair enough. Still, about the Buster Call… Carl, I suggest letting Fleet Admiral Kong initiate it. It's his role, after all."

"Oh? Why do you say that?"

Borsalino leaned in, lowering his voice. "Wiping out an entire island is a bit too ruthless, don't you think? It might tarnish your reputation. And besides, Fleet Admiral Kong is still the leader of the Navy. We should give him the respect he's due. As for his reputation, he has the experience to withstand it."

Kuma nodded quietly in agreement.

Carl, considering Borsalino's words, returned the golden Den Den Mushi to his pocket and looked at him seriously.

"Borsalino, I think you have the makings of a Fleet Admiral!"

What should have been a high compliment left Borsalino alarmed. He waved his hands in protest.

"No way! I don't want to be Fleet Admiral—it's too much work!"

Carl smirked but let the topic drop. Instead, he said, "I'll go report to Fleet Admiral Kong now. Borsalino, notify Sakazuki and have him return to Marineford immediately."

"Now? Are you calling him back to participate in the Buster Call?"

"Exactly. It'll be a significant achievement for him."

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+185 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg