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Ohara.
This West Blue island, which had recently drawn repeated attention from various World Government departments, was already close to crossing their bottom line.
“His prestige within the Marines is very high,” One Elder said in a deep voice.
“And that is precisely why we can still tolerate him for now.”
“But if…”
At this point, the five fell silent once again.
“Sooner or later, he will have to make a choice.”
After a long time, an ethereal voice echoed through the palace.
—
On the other side, in the South Blue.
The operation to trace Roger’s bloodline had encountered its greatest obstacle due to Kojin’s sudden, island-destroying action.
Yet the mission was not over. The Marines were still making their final efforts.
Meanwhile, when the Marines arrived at Baterilla Island, they saw the forbidden zone, blackened land flickering with lightning, and were shocked.
“This is practically a natural disaster!”
“You can’t imagine how shocking that scene was!”
“The entire island was destroyed; legend says only ancient weapons could do something like that!”
“Vice-Admiral Kojin was furious!”
Within the Marines, countless rumors spread. Some even cried out in awe, calling Kojin the Thunder God.
Not long after, Kojin’s squad returned to the temporary base.
Some people heard that on that day, Admiral Sengoku and Vice-Admiral Kojin seemed to have argued, but it quickly subsided.
The search for Roger’s bloodline continued after that.
However, even after extending the time by another month, there were still no new clues. And it was precisely then that a set of words spoken by Vice-Admiral Kojin began circulating within the Marines.
“To waste so much time, manpower, and resources over a piece of hearsay… Does a mere bloodline left behind by Roger really frighten you that much?”
“This is ridiculous!”
“If Roger truly left behind a bloodline and it has a huge impact in the future…”
“Then I will personally make a move and capture him!”
These forceful, resounding words struck straight to the heart. Almost immediately, they ignited fervor among countless Marine officers. Combined with his earlier words spoken to the world, they garnered a large following of young supporters.
“Vice-Admiral Kojin is right!”
“Even if that information is true and Roger did leave behind a bloodline, it’s nothing more than a fetus right now!”
“Are we Marines supposed to fear a child?”
In a very short time, this wave of opinion spread throughout the Marines. This made Sengoku, the leading figure of the South Blue, furrow his brows.
He could naturally tell that the recent shift in public opinion was strange, and he could easily identify where it originated.
But there was no longer any need.
On the second day, the World Government suddenly softened its stance.
Thus, the three-month-long operation targeting Roger’s bloodline was finally brought to a halt due to pressure from internal Marine opinion and special circumstances. This allowed the vast number of South Blue civilians to breathe a sigh of relief.
Even the large group of Headquarters Marines and officers who had come along showed expressions of relief.
As Marines, they had always been guided by justice and dreams. Yet, as the operation dragged on, it began to deviate from its original intent.
The order to execute innocent pregnant women, for example, made many officers shudder in fear.
“Is this the justice we seek?”
“How could Vice-Admiral Kojin, who speaks of equal justice, possibly carry out such an order?”
“Destroying Baterilla Island and evacuating innocent civilians was Vice-Admiral Kojin practicing his own moral code and silently resisting his superiors.”
“He truly is a great man!”
Although Kojin had violated orders, it had to be said that his reputation among the Marines continued to rise. His actions moved many sensitive young female officers to tears.
On the battleship whose bow was inlaid with a scepter, Kojin wore a thoughtful expression. He had naturally been paying close attention to the recent reactions within the Marines.
From the moment he defied the order to the recent shift in public opinion, the situation had grown increasingly favorable to him. His good name had spread far and wide.
Some had even given him a codename:
“Thunder God.”
A god who controlled lightning, Enel’s self-proclaimed divine title, had now been placed on Kojin’s head by the world.
“Although you’ve gained a good reputation within the Marines,
in the eyes of the World Government’s upper echelons, you’ve probably already become a thorn in their side.” Crocodile exhaled a puff of smoke and spoke in a low voice.
“So, what’s your next move?”
“Will you return to Headquarters and continue serving as Vice Admiral?”
“The Admiral’s seat is likely out of reach for you, at least for now.”
Bullet crossed his arms and smiled faintly.
He liked the methods this superior had used recently.
Facing the world and wiping out an island—those methods were undeniably effective. Though, in his eyes, they were still somewhat restrained and gentle. Considering the man’s faction, however, it was impressive nonetheless.
“This is basically a declaration of war against the World Government!”
“Sooner or later, he’ll walk down that road.”
“It’s actually getting my blood pumping.”
Bullet’s eyes flickered as anticipation rose in his heart.
The Marines might be an independent entity, but they were still controlled by the World Government. As a Marine, this reality was unavoidable.
He was curious to see what path this powerful man would ultimately choose.
But one thing was certain: Kojin was no Roger. The man harbored far more terrifying ambitions.
“What’s my next step?”
Hearing this, Kojin smiled.
He slowly turned his head and looked at the people beside him.
“Gentlemen,” he asked, “would any of you be interested in becoming Overlords and living a peaceful, harmonious life with me?”
Crocodile, Bullet, Evans, and the others were stunned.
—
Soon after, Kojin’s squad returned to headquarters.
The entire squad began training in Rokushiki. This powerful martial art, passed down within the Marines, was not widely taught, only true internal members were eligible to learn it.
In the blink of an eye, another five days passed.
On this day, sunlight shone brightly, and a gentle sea breeze blew the curtains of the Fleet Admiral’s office.
Kong gazed at the tall, strong young man before him. A complex light flickered briefly in his eyes before settling back into calm.
“Kojin. Your contributions to the Marines are beyond question. On this point, Headquarters is unanimously in agreement.”
Kong’s sudden declaration sent a jolt through Kojin’s heart, but he quickly grasped its implications.
Meanwhile, Kong continued to ponder, or rather, carefully organize his words. He wanted to use gentle language to soothe this outstanding Marine’s emotions, hoping to quell his impending anger and sense of injustice.
In truth, as a Marine, Kojin’s performance had not only met but exceeded expectations. His character, strength, and tactics were all admirable, earning the full approval of even Kong, the Fleet Admiral himself.
But…
Kong sighed inwardly, preparing to deliver the next part of his message.
Just then, Kojin cut in with a light smile.
“I’m requesting a transfer from Headquarters to the Four Seas region.”
(End of this chapter)
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