Chapter 1217: Then and Now
Chapter 1217: Then and Now
Kuro rolled his eyes. He had expected the World Government to publish a newspaper like this.
It was only natural—after becoming an Admiral, there were certain duties he had to fulfill, and eliminating the Four Emperors had always been on his agenda.
Ever since he’d targeted that old man who escaped from Impel Down, his philosophy had remained unchanged: deal with threats decisively, and eventually, no one would dare trouble him.
The effect had been surprisingly effective. He hadn’t encountered a single reckless old man seeking trouble in ages.
Especially after this latest resolution of the Four Emperors, ambitious pirates would likely shift their focus elsewhere instead of targeting him.
This newspaper? No big deal.
More importantly, he’d grown numb to such matters.
Events of this scale no longer stirred his emotions.
Setting the newspaper aside, Kuro exhaled a puff of smoke and asked, “So, what’s the higher-ups’ take on this?”
“You’ll have to ask the Five Elders directly. We only know the general idea,” Crane replied, her gaze steady. “I know you’re reluctant—after all, it’s an entire nation—but refusal isn’t an option. Kuro, remember, the Navy serves the World Government. Cipher Pol lacks suitable candidates to control Wano Country. Only you can handle this.”
Sakazuki nodded. “Establishing a base at G-3 Fortress effectively opens a gateway into the New World.”
Kuro frowned. “Can’t someone else take this? What about Yi Xiao Brother? I recall he’s familiar with Wano Country’s region. Send him instead! I’ve already had my fill of Wano—after that brutal battle, I’m still recovering from serious injuries. I need rest.”
“This is a direct command. You’re the one they trust to get the job done. Perhaps this time, we’ll eradicate all pirates in one stroke!”
At this, Sakazuki’s fist clenched so tightly it turned red, sending smoke wafting from the table.
Kuro’s eye twitched. Honestly, he wondered how many tables Sakazuki had destroyed since becoming Fleet Admiral. Every time he returned, the office desk was miraculously intact.
“No other options? I could guard another area—like the Grand Line’s first half?” Kuro pressed, unwilling to give up.
“Kuro!” Sakazuki’s expression hardened. “At this critical juncture, stop trying to run!”
…
“Stop running!”
Meanwhile, deep within Usopp Ura’s prison, a bearded man in a navy hooded cloak bellowed at the bound giant in the cell—Kas had come to confront Kemuri.
This facility housed prisoners from the Beasts Pirates and Wano Country’s samurai, all detained after the war to prevent unrest. High-ranking officers like Kemuri were isolated, restrained with Seastone to nullify their powers. The incarceration period had been short, and with Kas overseeing matters, there’d been no accidents.
Kas’s first move was to persuade Jin—Abel—to surrender.
After analyzing intelligence on the Beasts Pirates, Kas had zeroed in on this man.
A member of the ancient Moon Tribe, Abel had been born on the Red Line. Even a scrap of information about his people fetched a 100,000,000 Beri bounty. Persecuted by the World Government, he’d met Kaido in an experimentation lab.
Such a man couldn’t possibly be content being a pirate. He was a prime candidate for recruitment.
Jin’s mask had long shattered in battle, revealing his striking, bronze-skinned face. Glaring at Kas, he snapped, “Run? I simply refuse to collaborate with the Navy! You executed Kaido-sama. You’re my enemy!”
…
Kuro retorted, unconvinced.
It wasn’t unreasonable. After all, who’d want to govern a nation they’d just conquered? Establishing a Marine base there had already stirred chaos.
He could kill pirates all day, but governing? That was a bridge too far.
Returning to safer waters would be ideal. Compared to the New World’s chaos, even the Grand Line’s first half or the World Government’s New World territories felt far more secure.
Sakazuki’s voice turned stern. “You’ve spent too long with Borsalino, clinging to this complacent mindset. Kuro, the World Government bestowed the title ‘Navyhero’—proposed by the Elders themselves. This title isn’t just for the world to see, but for you to embrace. You ended the Four Emperors Era. You deserve this honor. Don’t dwell on whether you’ve inherited Garp’s legacy. The Navy’s future rests on your shoulders!”
…
“Abel, no—listen! Have you truly forgotten your original purpose after serving under Kaido for so many years? You were never merely his subordinate—you carried his ideals within you. Don’t delude yourself into thinking ‘changing the world’ was Kaido’s sole privilege. Don’t believe only he had the power to rebuild this rotten system. Are you clinging to resentment over your loss? Is this prison sentence nothing more than defeat’s bitter price to you?”
Kas’s tone sharpened. “Victory grants everything—that’s true. But defeat doesn’t mean losing all. Do you think serving Kaido means you must never bow before the Navy? A grave mistake! Bowing to true Justice is no disgrace!”
A flicker of complexity crossed Jin’s gaze. Yes, he’d wanted to change the world—to end the discrimination against his race, hunted like beasts across the Grand Line. No one truly accepted them. A mere tip about their existence fetched 100,000,000 Beri, making them perpetual targets.
Why else had he always worn a mask, even among the Beasts Pirates in Wano Country?
He’d followed Kaido because Kaido sought to change this world—and he’d believed Kaido had the strength to do it.
Lowering his head, Abel’s voice turned bitter. “Hmph. What can you Navy do? You’re just the World Government’s lapdogs. Talk of ‘true Justice’—you’ll change nothing.”
“Precisely!” Kas roared. “Because you believe change is impossible, we must act urgently! The future isn’t someone else’s burden—it’s ours to shape. This Grand Line needs no saviors, no kings or emperors. Only us!”
…
“Read this again!”
Sakazuki slammed the ‘Navyhero’ newspaper onto the table. “Kuro! Your ideals must rise beyond Borsalino’s. You must change this world—eliminate this wicked order! With you leading, we’ll end the Grand Line’s chaos forever!”
…
“Read this!”
Kas thrust the Justicefaith manifesto nearly into Abel’s face.
“Abel! Your purpose isn’t to follow Kaido—it’s to change this world, to purge its wickedness! With you by our side, we’ll end the Grand Line’s chaos forever!”
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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