Translator: PapaSmurf0700
While the Priest and Dragon plotted a new world order, the friends of the Straw Hat Pirates were being put through a crucible of their own. Undercurrents surged across the seas, and the World Government, desperate to gain leverage, unleashed its hounds on those left behind.
Shimotsuki Village — In front of the Isshin Dojo
"Master Koshiro is incredible!"
"He really is the one who taught Zoro!"
"Those men came here to capture our master, all because of Zoro!"
"But Master Koshiro is way stronger! He took them all down with a single sword stroke!"
A chorus of excited shouts erupted from the young trainees. Moments before, their master had effortlessly dispatched a squad of cloaked government agents with a flawless slash, a technique that seemed to cut the very air.
Listening to his disciples, a weary smile touched Koshiro's lips. He looked at the groaning figures on the ground.
"So, the World Government has finally been forced to brand me a criminal," he murmured to himself. He gazed toward the sea, his thoughts on his wayward student. "Zoro, you reckless boy. You haven't changed at all. Always making others worry."
Syrup Village — The Grand Villa
"I trust you understand the gravity of the situation."
In Kaya's lavish home, two strangers who identified themselves as members of the Revolutionary Army addressed her, Merry, and the three former Usopp Pirates.
"To threaten the Straw Hats, the World Government will not hesitate to target you. We are here to offer you protection and get you to safety."
"That's despicable!" Onion shouted, his small fists clenched.
"They want to use us against Captain Usopp? Are they really that scared?" Pepper added, his face red with anger.
"We can't be a burden to Captain Usopp," Carrot sniffled, wiping his nose.
Listening to the indignant children, Merry turned to Kaya, his expression grave. "Miss Kaya, we..."
Before the loyal butler could finish, Kaya's voice cut through the room, clear and resolute.
"Pack your things, Merry," she commanded. "Usopp and his friends are trying to change the world. We can't afford to fall behind."
The Drum Kingdom
Dr. Kureha scoffed with utter disdain at the unconscious agents foaming at the mouth on her castle floor.
"You're a century too early to lay a hand on me, you whelps," she grumbled, taking a swig of rum.
Nearby, Dalton, in his powerful bison form, pulled several more agents from the cratered wall where he had slammed them. "This makes things difficult, Doctor," he said, his breath heavy. "The Drum Kingdom is a member of the World Government. Our position is now compromised."
Kureha snorted. "I've been sick of those pampered fools for a long time," she retorted. "If my idiot son wants to pick a fight with them, the least I can do is lend him a hand." She looked at Dalton, a shrewd glint in her eyes. "Those people who visited before… they called themselves the Revolutionary Army, didn't they?"
The Sea Restaurant, Baratie
"The Revolutionary Army? Chef Zeff, why would we join them?" Patty, the brawny cook, looked confused. "Even if the World Government is targeting us because of that love-sick idiot Sanji, the Baratie is mobile. We can sail anywhere. We don't need to join anyone."
"And if we did," another cook chimed in, "would we still be able to fulfill this restaurant's purpose?"
Zeff stroked his long, braided mustache, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Of course, we could," he said, his voice a low rumble. "After what that boy and his crew have done, this ocean is no longer the same. From what I understand, the Revolutionaries are about to make some massive changes of their own after this war is over."
He slammed his peg leg on the deck for emphasis. "My dream has always been to feed anyone who's hungry on this sea. That will never change, no matter whose flag we fly."
Cocoyasi Village
"They dared to come here?! To capture us to threaten Nami and her friends?! The audacity!"
"That's right! Where the hell were the Marines and the World Government when Arlong had his boot on our necks?"
"Is there even a question? For Nami's sake, and for the Straw Hats, we'll join! Let's show the world what Cocoyasi is made of!"
"YEAH! JOIN THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMY!"
The entire village roared in unison. Watching them, Nojiko couldn't help but smile. The fear she had harbored—that the villagers would hesitate—had vanished.
Genzo, the pinwheel-wearing sheriff, stood beside her. He seemed to read her mind. "Don't underestimate these people, Nojiko," he said, his voice filled with pride. "For Nami, they would go to war with the world."
The City of Water, Water 7
"FOR BROTHER FRANKY!"
With that unified battle cry, the entire Franky Family—the most "notorious" gang in Water 7—piled onto two giant Bull-class sea creatures and set sail, officially pledging their loyalty to the Revolutionary Army for the sake of their boss.
Meanwhile, at the pinnacle of the city, a quiet but critical conversation was taking place in the main office of the Galley-La Company.
"Although you have not shown a close public relationship with Franky, the World Government's intelligence network will not overlook your connection."
The speaker was a young girl who looked no older than ten, perched behind a large desk and reviewing documents. She was Jasmine, the genius girl Iceburg had hired as his new secretary after Kalifa's departure. Her cute appearance was a stark contrast to her mature, all-business demeanor.
"In summary," she continued, adjusting her glasses, "the Galley-La Company, and by extension all of Water 7, needs to choose a new partner. We must make a decision before the World Government makes one for us."
She finished and stood silently, waiting for the silent man in the mayor's chair. Iceburg remained still for a long time before finally speaking.
"Galley-La is a shipyard," he said slowly. "Our shipwrights are strong, but we cannot fight the World Government. However, we are the best in the world. As long as they need warships, they won't move against us openly. Not yet."
He looked up, meeting his young secretary's gaze. "But you are right. We need an exit strategy before that day comes." He took a deep breath. "Contact the Revolutionary Army. I wish to speak with their leadership."
"Of course, boss," Jasmine said, quickly noting it down. "By the way, you have a mayoral speech in the square at 3 p.m. this afternoon, followed by a meeting with the mayor of Saint Poplar two hours later..."
As she listed his schedule, Iceburg crossed his arms, leaned back, and declared with practiced defiance, "I refuse."
It was his habit. Kalifa would have simply nodded and canceled everything. Unfortunately for him, Jasmine was not Kalifa.
Thwack!
A small, high-heeled shoe connected squarely with Iceburg's head. As he yelped in pain, Jasmine's calm, unwavering voice filled the office.
"I have told you many times, boss. Please do not be so willful. Every one of these activities benefits the development and prosperity of Water 7."
There was a long, pained silence.
Finally, a deeply aggrieved voice muttered, "...Fine."