Koushirou let out a soft sigh. "Although I don't know what you've been hiding from all these years, Father. Kuina really likes you. You should come back to visit her more often."
Looking toward Kuina's room, Kouzaburou nodded with a faint voice. "Hm…"
* * *
North Blue, Shogai Island.
This was the island that Dragon had visited in the past. It was also the final stop of Lorca and Robin's journey through the North Blue.
Everything here seemed out of place compared to the martial and hostile lands of the sea around it. There was no scheming or backstabbing. Instead, it was a place where people once persecuted by the Celestial Dragons had gathered together for warmth and survival.
Golden ginkgo leaves drifted through the air, making the entire island feel like another world.
Inside a small restaurant, on the second floor, Robin sat by the window watching the people below. She sighed softly and murmured, "This place feels like paradise. It looks so beautiful and peaceful. If only no one here had gone through such tragic pasts…"
Along the way, she had learned about each person's suffering. The cruelty of the Celestial Dragons sent a chill deep into her heart.
'How can humans be so merciless?' she thought.
Across the table, Lorca spoke in his usual calm tone, "Why burden yourself with sorrow? Most people in this world can't control their own fates. You can't, and neither can I. These tragedies have already happened. They cannot be undone. But the future… that's something we can still change."
He leaned back slightly and continued, "This world is rotten. One day, there will be a fire so great it will burn all the filth away until nothing remains."
Robin stared at him, dazed by the conviction in his voice.
"A revolution…" she whispered.
Lorca gave a small laugh, not answering. But inside, a name echoed in his heart.
Sakazuki…
* * *
Grand Line, First Half.
On the deck of a massive warship, Borsalino lay back in a beach chair, lazily soaking in the sunlight.
The ship was moving at a near standstill, drifting slowly as though no one had any urgency. Several officers even sat along the railing, lines cast into the sea, fishing without a care.
Purururu~ Purururu~ Purururu~
The Den Den Mushi on the table beside Borsalino rang loudly, interrupting his nap. He groaned, reached out, and picked it up.
"Hello~" he drawled.
The rigid voice of Strawberry came through, "Vice Admiral Borsalino. We've tracked the Sun Pirates. Should we engage?"
Borsalino replied with all the energy of a man half-asleep, "How troublesome~ keep watching them~ don't attack recklessly. Those fish-men are strong like monsters, you know~ if we lose one more warship, I'll have no choice but to act myself~ this is supposed to be a vacation mission~"
* * *
On the other side, Strawberry was left speechless. "Uh… understood."
He hung up and sighed helplessly, unable to hide his frustration.
Working under a vice admiral like this… when will he ever get promoted?
His mind drifted back to the days when he had served under Admiral Sakazuki. Things had been simple then. Orders were sharp, decisive. No dragging things out. No half-hearted answers.
Turning to his men, Strawberry ordered, "Tell the surveillance squad to pull back a bit. Don't provoke the Sun Pirates. Wait for Vice Admiral Borsalino's orders."
The soldier standing at attention saluted sharply. "Yes, sir!"
* * *
Grand Line, First Half. Yaksto Island, Port.
A warship approached the harbor, towing several pirate ships completely encased in ice.
Once docked, the marines disembarked in formation, rushing to the frozen ships and smashing the ice to search for loot.
On deck, Kuzan lay in his own beach chair, a blindfold over his eyes, snoring peacefully.
His deputy came forward and gently woke him. "Vice Admiral, there are two pirate ships anchored at the harbor. Should we deal with them?"
The mention of pirates stirred him awake, though sluggishly. He rubbed his face, checked his watch, and asked, "Did they plunder anything?"
The deputy glanced at the ships in question. The pirates were scrambling to load supplies, but not attacking anyone.
"Uh… no, not yet."
Kuzan didn't respond. He simply stared at his watch.
"Vice Admiral?" the deputy asked, confused.
Half a minute later, Kuzan finally spoke.
"Alright. My shift's over." He waved his hand dismissively. "Since they didn't plunder, let them go. Don't disturb my sleep."
And with that, he dropped back down and fell asleep instantly.
The deputy opened his mouth as if to protest, but just sighed in the end. 'Vice Admiral Kuzan is getting lazier every year…'
* * *
Holy Land of Mariejois.
The Five Elders sat together with rare heaviness in their expressions.
"That fruit has reappeared. Send someone to retrieve it." Nusjuro was the first to speak.
Mars frowned. "Just send a CP9 team. It's a useless effort anyway. For eight hundred years, the World Government has tried to recover that fruit. Yet it has never fallen into our hands, as if it had a will of its own."
He shifted the topic. "Our priority should be stabilizing the chaos in the Grand Line."
Nusjuro narrowed his eyes. "Let it be chaotic. Cutting down a bunch of worthless fools is no loss. And they dare to bring complaints against the government? There are plenty of nations eager to join. No matter what, the Heavenly Tribute must not be reduced. Handle the aftermath carefully. This cannot set a precedent."
The others thought for a moment, then nodded one by one.
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
Unlike the Four Blues, which were being temporarily suppressed under Sakazuki's watch, the Grand Line's people were broader in vision, wilder at heart.
Countless young men and women had chosen to set sail as pirates. Born in the Grand Line, they had natural advantages, and compared to the inexperienced pirates of the Four Blues, they were far stronger.
Several nations had already been overrun. While none had been member states, the trend was obvious. At this pace, it was only a matter of time.
With so many young people leaving to become pirates, productivity in the Grand Line's allied nations had plummeted. Yet the Heavenly Tribute owed to the World Government had not decreased. The burden grew unbearable.
Desperate, many nations pleaded for reduced taxes, warning that they faced certain ruin if things continued.
Some were already at the brink of collapse.
* * *
Grand Line, Enies Lobby.
Inside CP9 headquarters, Spandine summoned one of their strongest current agents, Who's Who.
The man strode in with an arrogant smirk etched across his face.
Spandine smiled faintly. "Who's Who, sit down. This time, I called you because the mission comes directly from the Five Elders themselves. After much consideration, I believe only you are suited for it. Only you can accomplish it."
Who's Who was taken aback, but when he heard it was the will of the Elders, he straightened in his chair, thinking, 'If I perform well, maybe this will be my chance to get promoted…'
His fierce expression revealed his restless ambition. He was not content to be a mere weapon forever.
Moments later, he pushed open the office door and left without hesitation.
As he stepped out, another CP9 agent, a white-haired man, was just about to enter. He caught a glimpse of Who's Who's barely contained excitement, then looked inside at Spandine's satisfied grin.
The agent shook his head, sighing inwardly.
"Tch… still so young," he muttered. "Always wearing that face, desperate to climb higher. He probably won't come back from this mission. The last time the boss smiled like that was when he set up the former CP9 chief…"
**
**
**
Thank you for reading! If you'd like access to extra chapters and want to support my work, you can visit my P@treon:
P@treon/SilverShark769
Vote with Power Stones for Bonus Chapters!
Your support means a lot, thank you!