Tsuru received her transfer order from HQ half a month after the White Wolf Pirates had gone to sea.

"An undercover mission?"

"Yes. According to HQ's assessment, you're the most suitable new recruit for this assignment. Of course, if you're unwilling, we won't force you."

Unlike most Navy operations that were given as direct orders, Portman Nissen, a seasoned veteran, knew that undercover missions were different. The mental strain on a Navy agent going undercover was immense, and forcing someone unwilling could backfire.

"May I ask which pirate crew I'm to infiltrate?"

"You may, but think carefully first."

Nissen stared solemnly at the girl before him. "This mission is top secret. Once you know the target, there's no turning back."

Tsuru didn't hesitate for long. She nodded firmly.

"I understand. I'm willing to take this mission."

"Oh? You're not going to ask who you're infiltrating?"

"For someone like you, Chief of Staff Nissen, to personally brief someone like me—it can only mean one crew."

"Hah! Just as I thought—you're sharp."

Laughing heartily, Nissen placed a dossier in front of her, his tone turning serious.

"That's right. I want you to infiltrate the most dangerous pirate crew on the seas—led by the so-called 'White King' Magnus!"

Tsuru straightened her posture upon hearing that. The confirmation only steeled her resolve.

"He killed Admiral Jōma, allied with the Elbaf giants, and slaughtered numerous Navy officers. Magnus' crimes are too numerous to count."

"And yet, despite his crimes, we lack the strength to capture him."

"Even if we wiped out his entire crew, as long as Magnus is alive, his vengeance would be unbearable."

Tsuru asked, "Even if all the admirals joined forces, wouldn't that be enough?"

Nissen chuckled at her naivety, shaking his head.

"If the admirals acted together, yes, perhaps. But Magnus isn't a fool. He'd never confront such strength head-on."

"That's not just true for him—most pirates are the same. Catching a pirate crew at sea is harder than you think."

"Only when we know their position and set a trap in advance can we succeed."

"This is why I need you to infiltrate the White Wolf Pirates—to monitor their movements. If you can earn Magnus' trust, we may one day bring him to justice and avenge our fallen comrades."

His words were sincere. Nissen knew that young Navy soldiers were often driven by justice, and he came in person because this mission demanded it.

"Don't worry. Very few people know about this operation. I'll make sure you're inserted into Magnus' crew through a legitimate route."

"If you succeed, you'll be a Navy hero. That alone would ensure your rise through the ranks."

The Navy was highly hierarchical. Without strength, connections, or extraordinary merit, advancement was slow.

Even learning basic skills like Rokushiki (Six Powers) usually required being at least a Corporal—and that could take over a decade.

This was why most Navy elites were older. Without luck or connections, even getting access to techniques like Rokushiki happened past age thirty.

"Remember, the Navy will always have your back. Believe in yourself—you can do this."

"Yes, sir!"

Seeing her formal salute, Nissen nodded in satisfaction.

"Now, here's how it'll go. Soon someone will come escort you. Your background remains unchanged, but your Navy records will be erased. Only Fleet Admiral Zō Yama, Admiral Kong, and I will know."

"From now on, you're a slave captured by a slaver ship and auctioned at Sabaody Archipelago. A merchant convoy bound for Sphinx will purchase you."

"Your task is to escape after arrival and join the local army established by the White Wolf Pirates."

Nissen and Zō Yama had agreed that joining the main crew directly was unlikely—but through the militia stationed on Sphinx, the odds improved.

One of the White Wolf's veterans, Roya the Schemer, was once a slave himself. That would earn Tsuru some sympathy.

If she performed well in the militia trained by Flame Ed, she might even be recommended by both Ed and Roya.

After all, the White Wolf's current ship doctor, Buckingham Stussy, joined thanks to the recommendation of their former doctor, the Witch Kureha.

Of course, an evaluation period would follow. But this plan was long-term from the start.

The only real risk—was betrayal.

Still, both Tsuru and Zephyr had family. That created an invisible safety net.

After Nissen left, Tsuru sat alone in the strategy room, awaiting her new fate.

"Sorry, Sengoku, Garp... looks like I'm going ahead without you."

Among her fellow recruits, she was closest to Garp and Sengoku—both loudmouths constantly declaring they'd capture Magnus.

Because they shared the same conviction, Tsuru got along well with them.

But she understood clearly: the fight against the White Wolf Pirates was not something greenhorns could participate in.

Just seeing Magnus might take them decades.

But now—

She was about to face him through a different kind of battle.

"Going undercover in the most dangerous pirate crew on the seas..."

Tsuru took a deep breath.

"Bring it on!"

(Time skip: 2 months later)

The new year of Sea Circle Calendar 1463 had passed quietly.

Their voyage remained mostly uneventful. After all, once that pirate flag was hoisted, no sane pirate or Marine dared to provoke Magnus' ship.

In the first month of the new year, the White Wolf Pirates reached the starting point of the New World.

(End of Chapter)

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