Chapter 42: Germa Detector IV**

Eventually, the two sides agreed on the next course of action.

Reiju couldn’t defy her father's will, so she wouldn’t be able to assist during the entire process.

If she wanted to save her brother, she could only rely on the help of the Black Cat Pirates. As an exchange, she promised to repair the goggles for them as soon as possible.

For Germa, which possessed cutting-edge technology, this task was a simple favor. That very night, the newly repaired goggles were delivered to Kiba.

The new item couldn’t even be called goggles anymore; it looked more like a specialized detection instrument.

*Name*: Germa Detector IV

*Grade*: Superior

*Category*: Accessory

*Durability*: 50/50

*Attribute Enhancement*: Perception +2, Spirit +1

*Usage Requirements*: Perception 14, Spirit 12

*Equipment Effect*: Information Detection

*Place of Origin*: Edge Runners in Cyberpunk

*Equipment Evaluation*: It can clearly tell you when it's time to run.

*Information Detection (Active Skill)*: Consumes 2 points of spirit to sense the strengths and weaknesses of the enemy.

The attribute enhancements had improved slightly, even the description of the active skill had changed, and the equipment evaluation was quite intriguing.

Driven by curiosity, Kiba quietly used the Information Detection on the woman in front of him, resulting in completely different data than before.

*[Vinsmoke Reiju (Poison Pink)]*

*[Attack Tendency: High]*

*[Attribute Tendency: Spirit]*

*[Traits: Exoskeleton, Toxin Absorption]*

*[Threat Assessment: Extremely Dangerous]*

The first line displays the character's name and title, which is a basic requirement and something the police goggles could do before.

As for the attack tendency, it likely represents the target's potential attitude.

With her brother’s safety still unsecured, Reiju might attack at any time. If the mission failed, both sides would immediately become enemies, hence why the attack tendency was marked as "High."

Attribute tendency should indicate the target's most prominent attribute, without showing specific values, only letting you know what type of powerhouse your opponent is.

Obviously, the technology in the world of pirates is completely different from Cyberpunk. The former focuses more on "intuitive" calculations, similar to how strong fighters use Observation Haki to sense an opponent's strength.

You don't need so many values; a slight sense will tell you if the opponent is strong.

Aside from the issues mentioned above, the most significant change after the equipment upgrade was the addition of traits and threat level assessment.

Threat assessment is easy to understand; it compares the auras of both sides to see if the enemy is someone you can defeat.

It doesn't represent the outcome of a battle; it's merely used to measure the attribute comparison between the enemy and the user, giving the user a rough understanding of the enemy's strength.

The real treasure here is the trait section. The previous goggles only served a display function, while the upgraded version can clearly query specific information.

*Exoskeleton*: Through modifications to the "lineage factor," it grants a superhuman physique, with Constitution +5, and doubles defense.

*Toxin Absorption*: Freely manipulates toxins, able to release or absorb them, possessing a special anti-toxin constitution.

These are two great traits. Combined, they make Reiju tough and tricky, definitely a master of tormenting opponents.

If possible, Kiba didn’t want to become enemies with such a strong opponent. The Grand Line and the Four Seas are completely different worlds; there’s no comparison between the two.

“Thank you.” He nodded at her, watching as the massive sea fortress slowly departed.

Kiba knew that he would soon face pursuit from Germa 66, the colossal force that once dominated the North Blue.

Reiju’s condition was for him to escort her brother to a specific sea area where she had arranged for people to help Sanji escape.

Before that, it would take about two days of sailing, and whether they could reach the destination safely would depend on the strength of the Black Cat Pirates.

“Quick, get on the ship, everyone,” Kiba commanded the people below.

To keep everyone else quiet, Reiju specifically sent 18 genetically modified soldiers as a gift to thank the Black Cat Pirates.

These guys had excellent combat skills, their attributes were slightly inferior to elite pirates, but they could still be considered a formidable force.

Zango, who had received the benefit, naturally had no reason to refuse. The hypnotist captain particularly liked this group of robot-like loyal soldiers.

Swinging his hypnotic ring in his hand, Kiba chuckled to himself, “Once this hidden mission is over, I can deal with that pirate admiral. By then, the East Blue will belong to the Black Cat Pirates.”

With such a large force, even if the Navy’s reincarnators were numerous, Kiba was confident he could eliminate the enemies one by one.

This wasn’t about strength anymore; the forces on both sides were not comparable, and the power of one or two individuals wouldn’t make any difference.

“I hope Runa doesn’t disappoint me.”

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It was late at night, and Kiba finally managed to get a good night's sleep.

But when he woke up the next day, a heavily armed sailing ship suddenly appeared on the horizon.

"The enemy is here." Kiba's heart tightened as he silently ordered everyone to prepare for battle.

The enemy ship was moving quickly. Before the pirates could gather on the deck, the large ship arrived beside the Black Cat.

Three strong soldiers jumped over. The leader had an intimidating presence, so much so that even Captain Zango subconsciously held his breath. This intense aura was something he had only felt from Captain Kuro before. It was no surprise that these soldiers were from Germa; each one of them was terrifying.

“No, the other soldiers aren’t as scary,” Kiba thought, his eyes scanning around. He realized only the man leading them was special.

He used his information perception ability, and his suspicion was confirmed.

[Gary (Cyborg Type II Special)]

[Attack Tendency: High]

[Attribute Tendency: Strength, Agility]

[Characteristic: Genetic Modification]

[Threat Assessment: Extremely Dangerous]

Sure enough, this guy was highly threatening, and Kiba needed to confirm just how dangerous he was.

The muscular man stopped not far from the group, crossed his arms over his chest, and spoke in a monotone voice like a robot, “Hand over the prince of Germa, and you will receive a generous reward.”

As he spoke, the other soldiers brought over three large bags filled with dazzling gold.

This was considered a reward for the Black Cat Pirates because finding Sanji was a long-standing mission, guaranteed by the World Government.

After glancing at the bags of gold on the ground, Kiba clapped his hands with a smile, “As expected of Germa, always generous. Bring out our prince.”

With the first mate's command, a disheveled Sanji was quickly escorted to the deck.

Upon seeing him, all the soldiers, including Cyborg Gary, knelt down to show their respect.

Although Sanji was not well-regarded within the family, he was still a Vinsmoke prince. To these brainwashed soldiers, he was like a master.

Even without direct control, the soldiers would never harm a Vinsmoke.

This gave Kiba some room for imagination.

“You damned bastard!” Sanji shouted in anger. He surprisingly broke free from his chains and delivered a powerful kick to Cyborg Gary.

With his curly eyebrows furrowed, Sanji was furious. He hated everything related to that family; otherwise, he wouldn’t have chosen to team up with that jerk named Jason.

Initially, Sanji didn’t want to fight, but when he accidentally learned about the deal between his sister and the man, he changed his mind after some thought.

He might not care about others, but Reiju was the kindest person to him. With Sanji's gentle nature, he couldn’t possibly abandon her.

Besides, Kiba was fanning the flames, saying things like, “If you escape, Reiju will definitely come back and will surely be punished by your father.”

Those words left Sanji feeling dizzy and confused, and he reluctantly agreed to join forces with him.

After a few consecutive moves, Sanji forced Cyborg Gary back, seeming to have the upper hand. But in reality, the difference in their strength was apparent.

The man had taken several kicks, yet after just a few steps back, he managed to neutralize the force, showing that such attacks hardly hurt him.

Moreover, Cyborg Gary's advantages were strength and agility, not defense. This inadvertently highlighted his power even more.

"Young Master Sanji, you shouldn’t attack me." Gary lowered his head, a crazed look slowly spreading across his eyes.

He indeed couldn’t kill a Vinsmoke, but there was no problem with breaking his limbs.

Gary’s orders were to bring Sanji back. He had the authority to handle any form of resistance, including defiance from the young master himself.

Like a beast pouncing on its prey, Gary lunged at Sanji and delivered a heavy punch to the young master’s chest. Kiba clearly saw the dazed look in Sanji’s eyes.

He was nearly knocked unconscious by that single punch.

“Huh?” Gary was puzzled. He realized the young master’s strength might be a bit more than he had expected. This punch should have killed him.

But no matter, if one punch wasn’t enough, a second one would do.

Bang!

As the gunshot rang out, Gary suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest. Before he could react, a blinding white light temporarily robbed him of his vision.

A shot of holy light saved Sanji, signaling the official start of this ambush.

In the distance, the pirates climbed up the ropes onto the enemy ship, and a close-quarter battle broke out instantly.

Leading the charge, Captain Zango was determined to finish the enemy in the shortest time possible.

His hypnotism was a powerful tool for subduing weak opponents, easily causing large-scale sleep effects, which was perfect for such an attack where the enemy was outnumbered.

As for the formidable Cyborg Gary, he would have to be dealt with by the people below.

"Paul!"

The loyal subordinate drew his demon blade, ready to strike a deadly blow, but was intercepted by two slightly weaker cyborgs.

“What a hassle.” Kiba didn’t hesitate to activate his giant summoning; he didn’t want to personally experience the enemy’s cannon punches.

As for the remaining elite soldier, he could leave it to those two useless fools, Sam and Budge.

(End of chapter)

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