One piece: Black Cat

"Among those you neutralized were marines," Bege said, his voice carrying casual menace as he gestured toward the chained prisoners.

"Those traitors?" I replied, my tone carefully neutral despite the churning in my stomach.

"Exactly. They're the list-makers and transporters for this operation." Bege's explanation continued as if the dozens of shackled marines were mere cargo rather than human beings.

The conversation between gangster and pirate proceeded with chilling indifference to the suffering around us. Both outlaws operated outside society's rules, but their humanity, or lack thereof, varied drastically.

As a pirate captain, I knew of Capone's potential future significance, but I couldn't blindly trust the current version standing before me. His cold calculation set every instinct on edge.

"The list-maker is someone deeply embedded within Navy personnel management," Bege continued, his eyes gleaming with predatory satisfaction. "He identifies individuals who match the Celestial Dragons' specific requirements and compiles detailed catalogs."

"So you're creating a menu for a human auction house, not a restaurant?" The bitter comparison left a metallic taste in my mouth.

"Precisely." Bege's grin widened at my understanding.

The stench of fear and despair hung heavy in the underground chamber. Rust from the chains mixed with the acrid smell of unwashed bodies and terror-induced sweat. The muffled sounds of desperate struggles against bonds created a symphony of hopelessness.

"Then the marines selected from that menu are sent on missions, training exercises, or..." Bege paused dramatically, savoring each word like fine wine. "They encounter accidents. Mysterious, unfortunate, fatal accidents."

My frown deepened as the full scope of their operation became clear. "And the marines who 'die' in these accidents get shipped here?"

"The Red Line bandits you destroyed were part of this network," Bege revealed with obvious amusement. "I suspected they were orchestrating the accidents when I heard their name being borrowed for operations."

"That explains why their bounty was so inflated despite their pathetic strength..."

"The Red Line bandits were essentially outcasts abandoned by Mariejois who somehow managed to survive on the wrong side of the mountain," Bege explained. "Which makes me curious—why would you choose to eliminate them and make your name known in such a dramatic fashion?"

"I crossed the Red Line to get there. Scaling that cliff was quite an accomplishment in itself."

"Climbing must have been exhausting..."

"What alternative route exists?"

"I ran up the mountain face."

"That doesn't make any sense!" Bege's composure cracked momentarily at the absurdity.

Ignoring his outburst, I turned my attention back to the imprisoned marines. Despite myself, I was surprised by the demographics—numerous young women among the captives. Though considering the Celestial Dragons' appetites, perhaps it shouldn't have been shocking.

"What other reason would there be for transporting marines like this?" I asked, though I already suspected the answer.

"I had considered the possibility that some individuals who'd been collaborating with the Family but betrayed them at the last moment might have been captured for settlement purposes," I added thoughtfully.

"...I see. That's certainly plausible. You really are perceptive," Bege acknowledged with grudging respect.

"Though I have to admit, I'm surprised this operation hasn't leaked until now. The Celestial Dragons aren't exactly known for their discretion."

Bege's laughter was sharp and bitter. "Pirates clearly don't understand the system. There are strict rules governing this trade."

"I suppose they can't simply discard their purchases when bored..."

"Correct. They can only keep slaves on their private estates. And when they tire of them..." Bege's expression twisted into something truly nasty. "They must dispose of them permanently. That's the rule."

His voice dropped to a whisper that somehow carried more menace than shouting. "They don't simply kill them quickly. Bodies are disposed of so thoroughly that not only their naval uniforms—proof of their former status—but even their bones vanish without trace. Some customers even make spectacles of their deaths for entertainment."

The chained marines' faces had gone ashen as they listened to their fate being discussed. Even through their gags, desperate attempts to scream were clearly visible as they struggled frantically against their bonds.

"And you provide... material evidence of these proceedings?" The words felt like acid in my mouth.

"Yes. New acquisitions are forced to witness punishment spectacles. This ensures their general obedience, regardless of how humiliating their subsequent orders might be."

The temperature in the chamber seemed to drop several degrees. Each marine hung in their chains like broken dolls, the fight slowly draining from their eyes as hopelessness set in.

"What's your ultimate goal in all this?" I asked, though I dreaded the answer.

"I'm a gangster—money, obviously." Bege's cold gaze swept over the marines, counting profits rather than seeing people.

"I intend to seize control of this entire distribution network. Those spineless fools upstairs could only manage to capture rookies or desk marines, but I'm different. When I can't arrange convenient accidents for listed targets, I'll demonstrate how to acquire those who weren't on any official roster."

"Is there really demand for strong marine slaves?" The question felt surreal leaving my lips.

"As long as you can pay premium prices, you can obtain what others cannot—or dare not—acquire easily. The most powerful Celestial Dragons will always emerge as buyers. Even knowing the risks, their greed overcomes their caution."

I rubbed my forehead in disgust, completely convinced of the operation's horrific scope.

"First, I want to sell off this current batch, and through those transactions, I'd like to establish solid connections with the distribution routes and key players involved."

The young marines were struggling with renewed desperation now, frantically searching for any possible escape as their fate crystallized before them.

"How about it, 'Stealth Foot'? Why don't you try taking a piece of this profitable venture? We could split the earnings fifty-fifty."

Tears streaming down her face, one of the female marines attempted to cry out through her gag—a single, desperate plea for salvation.

"Capone Bege."

"Yes?"

I moved, my decision crystallizing with perfect clarity.

"Thank you for the invitation."

Bege's eyebrows twitched with anticipation.

"But I'm sorry—I'll have to decline your generous offer."

"Choose your words carefully, pirate." His voice carried a dangerous edge.

I adjusted my suit jacket with deliberate casualness, meeting his gaze directly.

"You're planning to sabotage this entire operation, aren't you?"

"That's exactly right."

The chamber fell silent except for the clanking of chains and muffled sobs of relief from the prisoners.

I might be running a bit late for my next appointment, but this takes priority.